Pure Religion

Definition:  James 1:27  "Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world."

Genesis 17:1  "When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, "I am Almighty God; walk before me and be blameless."

If we read and study the Bible the following verses will be our reward, please take them seriously.

Psalm 19:7-11  "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgements of the Lord are true and righteous altogether, more to be desired are they than gold, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honey comb.  Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward."  By these verses we are warned and in keeping them there is great reward.  We need a converted soul, we are simple and need wisdom, we also need joy in our heart.  We need our discernment enlightened and we need to be clean.  So much help here in these verses, so much guidance.

Philippians 4:8  "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, what ever things are noble, just, pure, lovely and of a good report, If there is anything praise worthy, meditate on these things."  These verses help us know what our thoughts ought to be on and we would be so much different if our thoughts could constantly be on things above and not on this world.  God has given us all kinds of instruction to keep us happy and well in our walk with Him.

2 Timothy 3:16,17  "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."  Some more good counsel, and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, instruction in righteousness and the result will be that we may be complete in Him and prepared for His good works.

Please read the following texts, it is Peter's ladder to holiness and is a guide to everlasting life.

2 Peter 1:2-8  "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that has called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.  And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness love.  For if these things be in you, and abound they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.?

2 John 6:9  "This is love, that we walk according to His commandments.  This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning that we love one another." Loving others becomes the joy of our hearts and knowing that we are walking in His commandments makes it all the more joyful.

Loving God and our neighbors as ourselves is pure religion and will bring forth the joy that only serving God with all our hearts can do.  I pray that your religion is pure and your joy is full.  Grandma Joan