Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Characteristics of the Remnant

UV 639/10,000 Characteristics of the Remnant Zep 3:13 The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid. The people of God are called the “ remnant” or those that remain after being chosen of God in a filtering process much like there is a residue in a chemical process. This residue or remnant has certain characteristics that distinguish them from the remaining population of the world. We are chosen to be the wick that lights up in the darkness and not the wicked who put it out. Lying and cheating are the twin brothers sired by the father of lies-satan. Neither lying nor deceit should be found on our tongues as we are the remnant of Israel. Our communication must be truthful and wholesome, helpful to those who hear us. We must not yield to the temptation to use our tongues like an industrial saw to hurt or harm others. Beyond the exercise of mere common courtesy that comes from good grooming and manners, we need to always exercise a certain self restraint and exhibit gentleness in all our ways. Like the disciple Nathaniel whom the Lord characterized as one in whose mouth no guile or deceit was found, we must neither use charm or flattery to win favour or show contempt for those who are weak and helpless. Our gentleness should not be born out of fear or cowardice but out of courage and conviction. This will happen when we constantly feed or intake the Word. Even when we lie on our beds, we must meditate on the Word so take n in. It must saturate our thoughts and emotions. Then, we will not be afraid or fearful of any consequences or situations in life. Prateep V Philip

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