Are you dressed and ready?

Revelation 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
 
Are you dressed and ready for the Lord's return do you have your garments washed clean are you prepared?

Luke 12:40“Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.”

 

People who are dressed and ready are:

Not Hypocrites-One who puts on a mask and feigns himself to be what he is not; a dissembler in religion. Our Lord severely rebuked the scribes "and Pharisees for their hypocrisy (Matt. 6:2, 5, 16). "The" "hypocrite's hope shall perish" (Job 8:13). The Hebrew word here" "rendered "hypocrite" rather means the "godless" or "profane," as" "it is rendered in Jer. 23:11, i.e., polluted with crimes."

Job 8:13 So are the paths of all that forget God; and the hypocrite's hope shall perish:
Job 13:16 He also shall be my salvation: for an hypocrite shall not come before him.
Matthew 24:51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Not fearful -

Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Ecclesiasticus 2:12Woe be to fearful hearts, and faint hands, and the sinner that goeth two ways!

Not worried
Proverbs 12:25 - Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad
1 Peter 5:6-7 - Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

Not greedy
Luke 12:15 - And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
Proverbs 15:27 - He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.

Not Lazy-
Proverbs 12:24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
Proverbs 21:25 The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.

You must watch and work diligently and be obedient. Overcoming worry is done through trust perspective and prayer. A prepared person is ready to go at a moments notice. Are you ready to move in obedience now? Or do you have cares of this life to attend to first? Are you clothed and ready?


Hebrews 6:12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Isaiah 35:4 Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.
Psalms 132:9 Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy.
Isaiah 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.
1 Peter 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

Blunt or truthful vs critical

blunt 

saying what you think without trying to be polite or caring about other people’s feelings:

blunt criticism

 https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/blunt

Romans 2:1-3 ESV Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God?

Matthew 7:1-5 ESV“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.

Ephesians 4:32 ESV Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

 Philippians 2:13 ESV For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

1 John 2:15 ESV Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

  The world tells us that the truth is harsh and blunt. That it will attack you and make you feel bad. That isn't the Truth. The truth is, that when a person is trying to tell you something for your own good, out of love, it might hurt but their motives will shine through. So many people pride themselves on being blunt thinking that is the only way to be truthful. You can be honest and truthful with a person without being blunt.  Honesty will be appreciated, bluntness may just drive them away.

Romans 7:18 ESV For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.

Galatians 5:22-23 ESV But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

  Galatians 5:16 ESV But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

John 15:5 ESV I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

Further study

 https://biblicalcounselingcoalition.org/2014/10/16/overcoming-a-critical-spirit/
Do you criticize and pass judgment on others? Do you find yourself with a negative disposition, always finding fault with something or someone? Is it difficult for you to see the positive in a person or a situation because the negative is so glaring in your eye? Are you compelled to give your critical point of view for the good of all mankind?
If you answered yes to one of these questions, then you have a critical spirit and you are in danger. Not getting hit-by-a-truck-kind-of-danger, but an even more serious kind—and that is spiritual danger. A critical spirit is from the dark side. It is meant to hurt and destroy its object.
A critical spirit is a negative attitude of the heart that seeks to condemn, tear down, and destroy with words. In contrast, constructive criticism involves opinions that are meant to build up. A critical spirit creates blind spots in a person’s heart and mind causing them to believe they are being constructive. In reality, it is characterized as the ungodly.

4 Types of Critical Spirits

1. Gossiper

A gossiper is one who reveals secrets going about as a talebearer or scandal-monger. She has privileged information about people and proceeds to reveal that information to others with sinful motives without their knowledge or approval. Gossipers attempt to make themselves significant to the hearer by appearing to be the source of all knowledge.
The Bible’s Perspective
1 Timothy 5:13—“At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention.”
Proverbs 11:13—“He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy conceals a matter.”
Proverbs 20:19—“He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, therefore do not associate with a gossip.”

2. Slanderer

A slanderer is a person who makes false statements in order to damage a person’s reputation. She does not care about the truth or correcting an error. A slanderer creates error in order to inflict harm.
The Bible’s Perspective
Proverbs 10:18—“He who conceals hatred has lying lips, and he who spreads slander is a fool.”
Proverbs 16:28—“A perverse man spreads strife, and a slanderer separates intimate friends.”
1 Peter 2:1—“Therefore, putting aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.”

3. Judgmentalism

A judgmental person has an excessively critical point of view, characterized by a tendency to judge harshly. She lacks empathy for others’ viewpoint because she believes her point of view is the right one. She believes she has the ability to know others’ motives. She has the amazing skill to point out others’ mistakes while minimizing her own.
The Bible’s Perspective
Matthew 7:1-2—“Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.”
James 2:13—“For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.”

4. Complainer

A complainer is a person who is habitually negative about others and circumstances of life. They are characterized by discontentment and ingratitude.
The Bible’s Perspective
James 5:9—“Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.”
Philippians 2:14—“Do all things without grumbling or disputing.”

The Motives Behind a Critical Spirit

A critical spirit comes from within the heart of a person. Mark 7 tells us that sins such as evil thoughts, coveting, deceit, envy, and slander proceed from within a person. There are several factors that contribute to the development of a critical spirit.

1. Self-Factor

This includes jealousy or envy, vengeance, anger, hatred, and holding grudges for the purpose of personal gain by destroying the other person.

2. Fear-Factor

This involves feeling threatened by someone or feeling anxiety toward someone which produces a critical spirit as a way of self-protection.

3. Control-Factor

This is feeling out of control and using manipulation and shaming someone in order to gain control.

The Effects of a Critical Spirit

The effects of a critical spirit are damaging. In Matthew 22:37 and 39, God commands us to love Him with all of our hearts, with all our minds, and with all our souls and to love our neighbor as we already love ourselves. Harboring a critical disposition closes off our hearts, minds, and souls to loving God in any way. Our fellowship with the Lord is hindered. We will stop spending time with Him in reading the Bible and praying. We will avoid seeking wisdom from the Lord. As a result, our spiritual life will be put on the shelf.
A critical spirit displeases God and causes Him to judge that sin. Luke 6:37 says, “Do not judge, and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned.” God warns us in Matthew 7:2 that we will be judged the same way we judge others.
A critical spirit in action is the opposite of loving your neighbor as yourself. Relationships are broken when there’s gossip, slander, judgment, and slander. When we are critical toward others, we put ourselves in an authoritative position over them. This isolates a critical person from fellowship with others. People tend to separate themselves from harsh and critical authority.

Overcoming a Critical Spirit

Overcoming a critical spirit can be difficult because it develops into a life-dominating sin. It becomes a way of life. The way to rid ourselves of a critical heart is to put on love instead of hate, to build up instead of tearing down and to give grace instead of grief.

Love Instead of Hate

As stated before, God commands us to love Him and to love others. The simplest way to view this is to stop feeding the flesh and start feeding the spirit. The Bible is chalked full of all things we are to put off and all things we are to put on. 1 Peter 2 tells us to put off malice, envy, and slander and to pursue the pure milk of the word. We are to stop returning evil for evil or insult for insult but to give a blessing instead (1 Peter 3:9).

Building Up Instead of Tearing Down

A critical spirit naturally tears down, but as believers, we are called to edify others. In Romans, the apostle Paul instructs us on how to build up others. We are to focus on pleasing our neighbor (15:2) and pursuing things which make for peace (14:19). A person with a critical spirit must be renewed in the spirit of her mind as she seeks to do all things for edification (1 Corinthians 14:26).

Giving Grace Instead of Giving Grief

As believers, our words and our lives are to reflect God’s grace. We are to give grace to others instead of the grief that comes from a critical spirit. Ephesians 4:29 says, “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment so that it will give grace to those who hear.”
Our words are to be encouraging, uplifting and instructive even when it is corrective. We are to be “kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32).
Christians have no business possessing a critical spirit. We have not been given authority over the hearts of others. We know we have overcome a critical spirit when we are characterized by a forgiving spirit because we have been forgiven by God.

His Plan or Your Way?

Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Don't allow Satan to steal your FAITH!!!! You were put here for a purpose. You were born into this earth with a gift. Maybe you have allowed the cares of this life or distractions of this world to make you forget what that gift is. Its time to clear away the clutter and get back to the basics! When David had already been anointed king over Israel he was still in the sheep folds practicing his harp. He didn't yet look like a king but was doing the training necessary to rule.   He was positioned and ready to receive instruction.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: 

Isaiah 14:24“The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand

Romans 8:28“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

 Romans 12:1-21 - I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.

2 Timothy 1:9“Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,”

 Proverbs 30:5 - Every word of God [is] pure: he [is] a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

2 Timothy 1:9 - Who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

Psalms 90:12 - So teach [us] to number our days, that we may apply [our] hearts unto wisdom.

John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Isaiah 43:16 - Thus saith the LORD, which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters;

Mark 11:24 - Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive [them], and ye shall have [them].

 

His Plan or Your Way You Choose.

Love remains

1 Corinthians 13:8 New King James Version (NKJV)⁸ Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 

¹³ And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

 

Real true love is not deserved by the one its shown to. It cannot be earned nor is it something that can be lost.  Love is not about what they can do for you or how they make you feel. Love is about  how can you help that person to become their personal best. I find it interesting the older translations call it Charity not Love..  Charity is often thought of as you giving someone something they were unable to provide for themselves.


Charity-kindness and tolerance in judging others.

"she found it hard to look on her mother with much charity"

synonyms:

goodwill, compassion, consideration, concern, kindness, kindheartedness, tenderness, tenderheartedness, sympathy, indulgence, tolerance, leniency, caritas; literarybounteousness "show a bit of charity"

archaic-love of humankind, typically in a Christian context. "faith, hope, and charity"


1 Timothy 1:5“Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:"

 1 Corinthians 14:1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. 1 Corinthians 16:14 Let all your things be done with charity. Colossians 3:14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 3:10  But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Titus 2:2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. 1 Peter 4:8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

1 John 4:7-8 - Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.   (Read More...)

1 John 4:16 - And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

1 John 5:2 - By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.

John 15:13 - Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

1 John 3:16 - Hereby perceive we the love [of God], because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down [our] lives for the brethren.

1 John 3:18 - My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
 

Showing another love will at times require you to give more of yourself then you will ever receive back. That is why being connected to the source of all things and filling your cup daily through Him and the Ruach is the only way to  continue to show love no matter the challenges you are facing personally.

Further study on longsuffering which is something you need for real Love.
Encyclopedias - International Standard Bible Encyclopedia - Longsuffering

Use Your Authority

 

Ecclesiasticus 10:21“The fear of the Lord goeth before the obtaining of authority: but roughness and pride is the losing thereof.” 

 Luke 9:1“Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.”

Once you have obtained the authority what are you going to do with it??? Will you use it to fight the Kingdom of darkness?

 Exodus 14:15 And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:16 But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.

Jasher 23:34And Abraham still rebuked Satan, and Satan went from them, and seeing he could not prevail over them he hid himself from them, and he went and passed before them in the road; and he transformed himself to a large brook of water in the road, and Abraham and Isaac and his two young men reached that place, and they saw a brook large and powerful as the mighty waters. 35And they entered the brook and passed through it, and the waters at first reached their legs.36And they went deeper in the brook and the waters reached up to their necks, and they were all terrified on account of the water; and whilst they were going over the brook Abraham recognized that place, and he knew that there was no water there before.37And Abraham said to his son Isaac, I know this place in which there was no brook nor water, now therefore it is this Satan who does all this to us, to draw us aside this day from the commands of God.37And Abraham rebuked him and said unto him, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan, begone from us for we go by the commands of God. 38And Satan was terrified at the voice of Abraham, and he went away from them, and the place again became dry land as it was at first.

 

 When you get angry how do you speak? Do you allow the situation to continue to bother you or do you stand up and use your authority?  Time to terrify Satan with the authority given those who would walk after the Father in His ancient paths.

 Matthew 18:18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. 

Deuteronomy 28:1And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:2 And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God. 

7 The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways.

 1 John 5:4“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”

James 4:7 “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”