A Live Oak, depending on the size, may have thousands or even millions of little leaves and each spring they cover the ground with a dense layer of leaf litter, which can make an ideal breeding spot for mosquitoes. I really hate mosquitoes. They are pests but unlike scorpions, wasps, centipedes, crotches, and fire ants they seem to hunt down trouble. Those little blood-sucking kamikazes instantly irritate me when they fly near my ears and if one sneaks into my bedroom and buzzes near my head…forget. I will hunt it down and squish it.
So needless to say, to cut down on these pests at the church, I use the blower and lawnmower to mulch up the live oak leaves.
I was blowing a good 5 to 6 inch layer of spent oak leaves into a pile from around the youth buildings when God showed me something. Just under the boardwalk, the blower uncovered a massive rock.
The majority of the rock was still underground but some of the top proportion was now exposed. The exposed part runs 8 or 9 feet long and looking at it's smooth surface it had to be part of stream at some time in it’s life.
God then showed me something “else” about the rock. He showed me that the rock represents Him and His Son (Jesus Christ). People are so lost in the leaf litter of life that they either bury the experience of God in their everyday lives or don’t even realize He is there because he has either been forgotten or covered up by the foolish ideas and notions of the world. And it is not just people of the world but also people in the church.
It can be a REAL problem in the church. People can get so focused on time, schedules, this song and that song, this activity and that activity, this program and that program that there is no room left for God. Leaf litter only makes a church dead and impersonal. I call it a “church machine” because it no longer is in touch with God. A church is rendered useless when it is just run by human motives, ideals, thoughts, and understandings. A church filled with leaf litter is religious and religion may look like it is going somewhere but it is going no where because it only deals with customs, rituals and head knowledge and not Holy Spirit dealings and heart knowledge.
Did Jesus not say, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth? He will not be presenting his own ideas; he will be telling you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. He will bring me glory by revealing to you whatever he receives from me. All that the Father has is mine; this is what I mean when I say that the Spirit will reveal to you whatever he receives from me.” (John 16:12)
God the Father says “And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them. I will take away their hearts of stone and give them tender hearts instead, so they will obey my laws and regulations.” (Ezekiel 11:19)
Blowing the trumpet from the watch tower.
Some churches however have not just created their own leaf litter problems but have brought the leaf litter from the world and dumped into the church.
The church always has to deal with worldly matters but when the church deliberately disobeys God’s standards, laws and regulations and embraces standards of the world over what God has said, it no longer represents God or wants to hear from God.
If the worldly ideals, matters and status matter more then God to a person/or church how can God be seen in that person and/or congregation? God is talking to the legalist too! If you only enforce laws and regulations but God is not involved then you have only become religious and religion leaves God out of the process and equation.
If the church or individual doesn’t believe in absolute truth in the bible how can they be empowered to do God’s will? You have not only short changed yourselves but God as well.
If the Word of God is twisted and changed to resemble more the ideals of world - then what God says and Jesus says in red print, whom does it really represent?
If money and prosperity is emphasized over living right and doing God’s will, there is a problem.
If the giftings of the Holy Spirit are NOT embraced or encouraged because it makes certain individuals uncomfortable, what has the church done?
What would God say to a church that allows a gay and/or lesbian pastor/ teacher to preach to His people?
What would God say to individuals in a church that hate, judge, gossip, are unforgiving and sue one another?
What would God say to individuals who don't give 10 percent of their earnings to God to help pay for all the utility bills, missionary support, Sunday school materials, food pantry, maintenance and repairs on the church building, and your pastor's income? You hold on to your money like it is really yours but is it? Who gave you that job? Who gave you the ability and knowledge to do your job well? You hold onto that money because of some fear or future want or need but you don't realize God fulfills every want and need at just the right time. Be faithful and give that 10 percent and God will honor that.
Some churches have so much leaf litter that they have made quite the pest problem and resemble more the world then servants for God … and then they wonder why they don’t hear or experience God? Would God show himself where He isn’t welcomed?
(Of course, He does show up sometimes and it’s a real reawakening. And sometimes He lets the church fall apart so they will repentant and come back to Him. And yes He does allow the weeds and wheat to grow together but they won't end up in the same place at harvest time.)
An individual or a church cannot serve two masters and these are huge warning signs.
I plead with you the Christian church. Just look at what Jesus says to the churches in Revelation Chapter 2, 3 and 4. "Anyone who is willing to hear should listen to the Spirit and understand what the Spirit is saying to the Churches." Ask God to help you examine yourselves.
For the people lost in this world, the leaf litter is upholding the values and ideals of the world. They can’t see God because the world and all it’s allures blind them. They are slaves to a world that says “I” or “ME” are more important then anyone else. They react and do things merely by human instinct because they don’t know God and/or have never been shown God. God hasn’t touched their heart… YET. These people have no truth to stand on so they go with what the rest of this world wants to believe. God to them is whatever they decide they want Him to be, -certainly not a God that wants His people to uphold His morals, laws and regulations. They can only see that kind of God as a controlling and convicting God but if they only knew God, they would see why He made such morals, laws and regulations in the first place.
(He made such morals, laws, and regulations because He didn’t want His beloved creation to destroy it’s self.)
They believe in a god of love and a god that sends nobody to hell… and that is true. God is a God of love and He sends no one to hell. Of course God’s love isn’t made up of what we consider or try to manipulate or understand love to be. God’s love is Holy, unrestricted, and unselfish. It is righteous, sinless, and quick to save. And God sends nobody to hell.
(The devil and his army have whispered this particle truth to thousands, but they forgot to tell these precious individuals the ENTIRE truth.)
The truth is “God doesn’t send people to hell because they DO that to THEMSELVES because they do not want to believe in Jesus Christ, who took the punishment for our sins and they choose not to believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.”
These poor souls choose to continue and practice sin and won’t come to Jesus to save them. They do not realize they were made for Jesus Christ not for the ways of the world. That is why every time a person tries to find fulfillment in the things (the leaf litter) of the world they are left unsatisfied. The leaf litter of the world has covered their eyes and hears so they cannot see the Rock of Salvation (Jesus Christ). They are too busy wondering why they have all these pest problems to seek the solution, which is Jesus Christ.
To truly be the body of Christ and be free we must blow away the leaf litter from our lives so we can truly see God and what truly matters in life. To seek God’s face, to get right before God, to be filled and empowered by God’s Holy Spirit, to read His Word, love one another, and to reach out to those who don’t know Jesus Christ.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Monday, April 14, 2008
Treasure Hunters Find True Treasure
I have a good friend who is a job hunter. He has had so many jobs that I have don't even try to keep track. He has always sought the perfect job those that will satisfy him and provide a good income for his family. I admire that in him for that. For one it takes courage and risks and sometimes-potential employers don’t always understand when looking at his job resume why they might want to hire someone like my friend. And 2 most people give up finding the perfect job just to meet the needs for themselves or their family. He will probably one day find that perfect job because he is relentless in this quest.
He is a treasure hunter and like all treasure hunters they seek what they cannot yet see to fulfill a want or need in their life.
Last night as was rereading Colossians 2, I thought how much the enemy wants to bury Jesus Christ and all He is and stands for from those who haven’t met or haven’t come to know him yet. The enemy wants to hide the truth of Jesus Christ from the world because in him lay hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge and without Jesus Christ people are just lost, unfulfilled, and have no hope or absolutes to build off of.
But a treasure as GREAT as Jesus Christ can never be buried in the soul of the seeker because until that need is met, he/she will seek him until they find him. He/she instinctively knows what exactly meets the requirements of true treasure in their soul. (Romans 1:19)
He/she will have sought long and hard, finding nothing satisfies them and they won’t give up seeking this true treasure (Jesus Christ) until he is found. They know all other ways are sinking sand.
Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matthew 11:28)
But those who say they have no need or do not understand what this true treasure is, will be deceived by persuasive arguments, empty philosophy and high sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the evil powers of this world. (Colossians 2)
Jesus says to the Laodicea church that has gone contrary to his will, “You say, 'I am rich. I have everything I want. I don't need a thing!' And you don't realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. 18 I advise you to buy gold from me – gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. And also buy white garments so you will not be shamed by your nakedness. And buy ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. 19 I amthe one who corrects and disciplines everyone I love. Be diligent and turn from your indifference. 20 "Look! Here I stand at the door and knock. If you hear me calling and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal as friends.” (Revelation 3:17-20)
Now that is a true friend. A friend that will tell you the truth before it is too late.
Everyone knows there is a God for the bible says “God put this knowledge in their hearts. From the time the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky and all that God made. They can clearly see his invisible qualities- his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing God.” (Romans 1:20)
Have we not all seen how similar the veins on the backside of a leaf look to the veins that carry the blood in our very own bodies? Have we not felt the wind on our faces but do not see where it goes or comes from? How clear water is but is essential for life? How the rain is carried in the clouds and how it is poured out? Or even how a seed must die to produce new life?
“Yes they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. The result was that their minds became dark and confused. Claiming to be wise, they became utter fools instead.” (Romans 1:21-22)
Seekers of true treasure, is Jesus knocking at your door? If so let him in and find the treasure you have always been seeking.
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it. There is no judgment awaiting those who trust him. But those who do not trust him have already been judged for not believing in the only Son of God. Their judgment is based on this fact: They hate the light because they want to sin in the darkness. They stay away from the light for fear their sins will be exposed and they will be punished. But those who do what is right come to the light gladly, so everyone can see that they are doing what God wants.”
He is a treasure hunter and like all treasure hunters they seek what they cannot yet see to fulfill a want or need in their life.
Last night as was rereading Colossians 2, I thought how much the enemy wants to bury Jesus Christ and all He is and stands for from those who haven’t met or haven’t come to know him yet. The enemy wants to hide the truth of Jesus Christ from the world because in him lay hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge and without Jesus Christ people are just lost, unfulfilled, and have no hope or absolutes to build off of.
But a treasure as GREAT as Jesus Christ can never be buried in the soul of the seeker because until that need is met, he/she will seek him until they find him. He/she instinctively knows what exactly meets the requirements of true treasure in their soul. (Romans 1:19)
He/she will have sought long and hard, finding nothing satisfies them and they won’t give up seeking this true treasure (Jesus Christ) until he is found. They know all other ways are sinking sand.
Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matthew 11:28)
But those who say they have no need or do not understand what this true treasure is, will be deceived by persuasive arguments, empty philosophy and high sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the evil powers of this world. (Colossians 2)
Jesus says to the Laodicea church that has gone contrary to his will, “You say, 'I am rich. I have everything I want. I don't need a thing!' And you don't realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. 18 I advise you to buy gold from me – gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. And also buy white garments so you will not be shamed by your nakedness. And buy ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. 19 I amthe one who corrects and disciplines everyone I love. Be diligent and turn from your indifference. 20 "Look! Here I stand at the door and knock. If you hear me calling and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal as friends.” (Revelation 3:17-20)
Now that is a true friend. A friend that will tell you the truth before it is too late.
Everyone knows there is a God for the bible says “God put this knowledge in their hearts. From the time the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky and all that God made. They can clearly see his invisible qualities- his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing God.” (Romans 1:20)
Have we not all seen how similar the veins on the backside of a leaf look to the veins that carry the blood in our very own bodies? Have we not felt the wind on our faces but do not see where it goes or comes from? How clear water is but is essential for life? How the rain is carried in the clouds and how it is poured out? Or even how a seed must die to produce new life?
“Yes they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. The result was that their minds became dark and confused. Claiming to be wise, they became utter fools instead.” (Romans 1:21-22)
Seekers of true treasure, is Jesus knocking at your door? If so let him in and find the treasure you have always been seeking.
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it. There is no judgment awaiting those who trust him. But those who do not trust him have already been judged for not believing in the only Son of God. Their judgment is based on this fact: They hate the light because they want to sin in the darkness. They stay away from the light for fear their sins will be exposed and they will be punished. But those who do what is right come to the light gladly, so everyone can see that they are doing what God wants.”
Friday, April 11, 2008
False Teachings in so-called “Christian” Churches
There seems to be an increasing amount of false teachings about Jesus Christ. To be quite honest, it pains me the same way a woman were to watch her loving husband be falsely represented/ depicted in a court room.
Watching and hearing Oprah (Video of Oprah) say there is more then one way into heaven other then Jesus Christ is a giant dangerous problem. It not only ignores that fact,
In John 14:6 Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”
But questions if the bible is absolute truth. Oprah is not the only one pushing these ideals but so-called “churches of change, progressive or off shoot congregations of different denominations. There are television programs with "so-called experts" and books like "Conversations with God" and "Conversations with God for Teens."
They present crosses on their signs and steeples but deny and question why the cross and/or the saving power in Jesus Christ.
Certain churches within different denominations have made it easy to make this transition simple to these so-called “Christian” churches, by slowly allowing morals and truths to be swept aside. These issues range from allowing homosexuals clergy to lead their congregations, to allowing same sex marriages, to questioning and denying the gifts of the Holy Spirit, to have an emphasis on money and prosperity rather then a heart of giving… to name a few. Some churches are so planned and scheduled down to the minute that they completely alienate God. They have become routine, impersonal, ritual, machines. Clergy, pressured by numbers and figures end up preaching to the wants of people instead of what God wants them to hear. And of course you have the baby boomers children, who were seldom or hardly taken to church, going to these so-called "Christian" churches to seek truth, purpose and encouragement having no idea of the false teachings being taught to them.
Recently I read an article in our community paper about a local church called “The Branches”. They say they are a Presbyterian/Lutheran congregation but the clergy did not sound sold out for Jesus or the bible. When asked how people get into Heaven. They answered, “I’m not sure. I think we begin by how we live on Earth.”
WHAT? JESUS is the only way to eternal life in Heaven.
When asked if the bible represents absolute truth and is without error, they answered with ‘No. I think it is a document produced by people like you and me. They are fallible like you and I. They were inspired, but they were not free of short-comings and it needs to be read as such.” The church is defined as a 'church of change' that is interested in living the genuine questions about life as opposed to handing out the answers.”
WHAT? How can a person live their life if they live by questions and no absolutes? If your thoughts are only based on the standards and ideals down here then you are no different then a person who says they don't believe in God because the people who have made up such false teachings have made up their own false gods who can not save them or empower them to change. The devil has tricked and blinded such people. They think they have tasted enlightenment but in the end they will find out the only god they were serving is Satan himself who wants to take as many of God's chosen creation with him to the eternal pits of hell.
The clergy then quotes a Boston University Professor Harrell Beck that reads, “Asking the questions for which there are no answers is the beginning of wisdom.”
HUH? Questions about how to live life, that do not start in truth, they only lead to "disaster". You must start with Jesus Christ as your foundation to find true wisdom.
The article then sits on a nice large ad that points out that you can pay to take sessions for these, “Living the Questions” classes on Thursday nights from April to June developed by two theology students from Boston University
Note: (Newspaper quotes came from page 9 of "THE ADVISOR!" Issued on (April 9, 2008) written by staff writer Caroline Turney.)
My heart deeply sinks and I want to yell out, “NO!” I want to literally throw up because I worry about those who follow such false teachings. I want tell people going and participating in these death traps, “I know the truth because the TRUTH has set me free. Jesus Christ is not some far away messiah who can’t hear us but He is very near and His Spirit resides in me! There is no other way to Heaven except through Jesus Christ. Through him there is not just eternal life in heaven but a “NEW” lifestyle and outlook on life. THERE is encouragement and hope and absolute truth! There are "absolute" answers to your questions.”
All that being said, I want to conclude with this:
2 Peter 1:12
I plan to keep on reminding you of these things – even though you already know them and are standing firm in the truth.
1:13
Yes, I believe I should keep on reminding you of these things as long as I live.
1:14
But the Lord Jesus Christ has shown me that my days here on earth are numbered and I am soon to die.
1:15
So I will work hard to make these things clear to you. I want you to remember them long after I am gone.
1:16
For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the power of our Lord Jesus Christ and his coming again. We have seen his majestic splendor with our own eyes.
1:17
And he received honor and glory from God the Father when God's glorious, majestic voice called down from heaven, "This is my beloved Son; I am fully pleased with him."
1:18
We ourselves heard the voice when we were there with him on the holy mountain.
1:19
Because of that, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. Pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a light shining in a dark place – until the day Christ appears and his brilliant light shines in your hearts.
1:20
Above all, you must understand that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophets themselves
1:21
or because they wanted to prophesy. It was the Holy Spirit who moved the prophets to speak from God.
2 Peter 2
2:1
But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach their destructive heresies about God and even turn against their Master who bought them. Theirs will be a swift and terrible end.
2:2
Many will follow their evil teaching and shameful immorality. And because of them, Christ and his true way will be slandered.
2:3
In their greed they will make up clever lies to get hold of your money. But God condemned them long ago, and their destruction is on the way.
2:4
For God did not spare even the angels when they sinned; he threw them into hell, in gloomy caves and darkness until the judgment day.
2:5
And God did not spare the ancient world – except for Noah and his family of seven. Noah warned the world of God's righteous judgment. Then God destroyed the whole world of ungodly people with a vast flood.
2:6
Later, he turned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into heaps of ashes and swept them off the face of the earth. He made them an example of what will happen to ungodly people.
2:7
But at the same time, God rescued Lot out of Sodom because he was a good man who was sick of all the immorality and wickedness around him.
2:8
Yes, he was a righteous man who was distressed by the wickedness he saw and heard day after day.
2:9
So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while punishing the wicked right up until the day of judgment.
2:10
He is especially hard on those who follow their own evil, lustful desires and who despise authority. These people are proud and arrogant, daring even to scoff at the glorious ones without so much as trembling.
2:11
But the angels, even though they are far greater in power and strength than these false teachers, never speak out disrespectfully against the glorious ones.
2:12
These false teachers are like unthinking animals, creatures of instinct, who are born to be caught and killed. They laugh at the terrifying powers they know so little about, and they will be destroyed along with them.
2:13
Their destruction is their reward for the harm they have done. They love to indulge in evil pleasures in broad daylight. They are a disgrace and a stain among you. They revel in deceitfulness while they feast with you.
2:14
They commit adultery with their eyes, and their lust is never satisfied. They make a game of luring unstable people into sin. They train themselves to be greedy; they are doomed and cursed.
2:15
They have wandered off the right road and followed the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved to earn money by doing wrong.
2:16
But Balaam was stopped from his mad course when his donkey rebuked him with a human voice.
2:17
These people are as useless as dried-up springs of water or as clouds blown away by the wind – promising much and delivering nothing. They are doomed to blackest darkness.
2:18
They brag about themselves with empty, foolish boasting. With lustful desire as their bait, they lure back into sin those who have just escaped from such wicked living.
2:19
They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves to sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you.
2:20
And when people escape from the wicked ways of the world by learning about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and then get tangled up with sin and become its slave again, they are worse off than before.
2:21
It would be better if they had never known the right way to live than to know it and then reject the holy commandments that were given to them.
2:22
They make these proverbs come true: "A dog returns to its vomit," and "A washed pig returns to the mud."
Scriptures came from the New Living Translation (NLT) Bible
All other ways are sinking sand. Jesus Christ and his true way is where we must stand. He is our solid rock.
Watching and hearing Oprah (Video of Oprah) say there is more then one way into heaven other then Jesus Christ is a giant dangerous problem. It not only ignores that fact,
In John 14:6 Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”
But questions if the bible is absolute truth. Oprah is not the only one pushing these ideals but so-called “churches of change, progressive or off shoot congregations of different denominations. There are television programs with "so-called experts" and books like "Conversations with God" and "Conversations with God for Teens."
They present crosses on their signs and steeples but deny and question why the cross and/or the saving power in Jesus Christ.
Certain churches within different denominations have made it easy to make this transition simple to these so-called “Christian” churches, by slowly allowing morals and truths to be swept aside. These issues range from allowing homosexuals clergy to lead their congregations, to allowing same sex marriages, to questioning and denying the gifts of the Holy Spirit, to have an emphasis on money and prosperity rather then a heart of giving… to name a few. Some churches are so planned and scheduled down to the minute that they completely alienate God. They have become routine, impersonal, ritual, machines. Clergy, pressured by numbers and figures end up preaching to the wants of people instead of what God wants them to hear. And of course you have the baby boomers children, who were seldom or hardly taken to church, going to these so-called "Christian" churches to seek truth, purpose and encouragement having no idea of the false teachings being taught to them.
Recently I read an article in our community paper about a local church called “The Branches”. They say they are a Presbyterian/Lutheran congregation but the clergy did not sound sold out for Jesus or the bible. When asked how people get into Heaven. They answered, “I’m not sure. I think we begin by how we live on Earth.”
WHAT? JESUS is the only way to eternal life in Heaven.
When asked if the bible represents absolute truth and is without error, they answered with ‘No. I think it is a document produced by people like you and me. They are fallible like you and I. They were inspired, but they were not free of short-comings and it needs to be read as such.” The church is defined as a 'church of change' that is interested in living the genuine questions about life as opposed to handing out the answers.”
WHAT? How can a person live their life if they live by questions and no absolutes? If your thoughts are only based on the standards and ideals down here then you are no different then a person who says they don't believe in God because the people who have made up such false teachings have made up their own false gods who can not save them or empower them to change. The devil has tricked and blinded such people. They think they have tasted enlightenment but in the end they will find out the only god they were serving is Satan himself who wants to take as many of God's chosen creation with him to the eternal pits of hell.
The clergy then quotes a Boston University Professor Harrell Beck that reads, “Asking the questions for which there are no answers is the beginning of wisdom.”
HUH? Questions about how to live life, that do not start in truth, they only lead to "disaster". You must start with Jesus Christ as your foundation to find true wisdom.
The article then sits on a nice large ad that points out that you can pay to take sessions for these, “Living the Questions” classes on Thursday nights from April to June developed by two theology students from Boston University
Note: (Newspaper quotes came from page 9 of "THE ADVISOR!" Issued on (April 9, 2008) written by staff writer Caroline Turney.)
My heart deeply sinks and I want to yell out, “NO!” I want to literally throw up because I worry about those who follow such false teachings. I want tell people going and participating in these death traps, “I know the truth because the TRUTH has set me free. Jesus Christ is not some far away messiah who can’t hear us but He is very near and His Spirit resides in me! There is no other way to Heaven except through Jesus Christ. Through him there is not just eternal life in heaven but a “NEW” lifestyle and outlook on life. THERE is encouragement and hope and absolute truth! There are "absolute" answers to your questions.”
All that being said, I want to conclude with this:
2 Peter 1:12
I plan to keep on reminding you of these things – even though you already know them and are standing firm in the truth.
1:13
Yes, I believe I should keep on reminding you of these things as long as I live.
1:14
But the Lord Jesus Christ has shown me that my days here on earth are numbered and I am soon to die.
1:15
So I will work hard to make these things clear to you. I want you to remember them long after I am gone.
1:16
For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the power of our Lord Jesus Christ and his coming again. We have seen his majestic splendor with our own eyes.
1:17
And he received honor and glory from God the Father when God's glorious, majestic voice called down from heaven, "This is my beloved Son; I am fully pleased with him."
1:18
We ourselves heard the voice when we were there with him on the holy mountain.
1:19
Because of that, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. Pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a light shining in a dark place – until the day Christ appears and his brilliant light shines in your hearts.
1:20
Above all, you must understand that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophets themselves
1:21
or because they wanted to prophesy. It was the Holy Spirit who moved the prophets to speak from God.
2 Peter 2
2:1
But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach their destructive heresies about God and even turn against their Master who bought them. Theirs will be a swift and terrible end.
2:2
Many will follow their evil teaching and shameful immorality. And because of them, Christ and his true way will be slandered.
2:3
In their greed they will make up clever lies to get hold of your money. But God condemned them long ago, and their destruction is on the way.
2:4
For God did not spare even the angels when they sinned; he threw them into hell, in gloomy caves and darkness until the judgment day.
2:5
And God did not spare the ancient world – except for Noah and his family of seven. Noah warned the world of God's righteous judgment. Then God destroyed the whole world of ungodly people with a vast flood.
2:6
Later, he turned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into heaps of ashes and swept them off the face of the earth. He made them an example of what will happen to ungodly people.
2:7
But at the same time, God rescued Lot out of Sodom because he was a good man who was sick of all the immorality and wickedness around him.
2:8
Yes, he was a righteous man who was distressed by the wickedness he saw and heard day after day.
2:9
So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while punishing the wicked right up until the day of judgment.
2:10
He is especially hard on those who follow their own evil, lustful desires and who despise authority. These people are proud and arrogant, daring even to scoff at the glorious ones without so much as trembling.
2:11
But the angels, even though they are far greater in power and strength than these false teachers, never speak out disrespectfully against the glorious ones.
2:12
These false teachers are like unthinking animals, creatures of instinct, who are born to be caught and killed. They laugh at the terrifying powers they know so little about, and they will be destroyed along with them.
2:13
Their destruction is their reward for the harm they have done. They love to indulge in evil pleasures in broad daylight. They are a disgrace and a stain among you. They revel in deceitfulness while they feast with you.
2:14
They commit adultery with their eyes, and their lust is never satisfied. They make a game of luring unstable people into sin. They train themselves to be greedy; they are doomed and cursed.
2:15
They have wandered off the right road and followed the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved to earn money by doing wrong.
2:16
But Balaam was stopped from his mad course when his donkey rebuked him with a human voice.
2:17
These people are as useless as dried-up springs of water or as clouds blown away by the wind – promising much and delivering nothing. They are doomed to blackest darkness.
2:18
They brag about themselves with empty, foolish boasting. With lustful desire as their bait, they lure back into sin those who have just escaped from such wicked living.
2:19
They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves to sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you.
2:20
And when people escape from the wicked ways of the world by learning about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and then get tangled up with sin and become its slave again, they are worse off than before.
2:21
It would be better if they had never known the right way to live than to know it and then reject the holy commandments that were given to them.
2:22
They make these proverbs come true: "A dog returns to its vomit," and "A washed pig returns to the mud."
Scriptures came from the New Living Translation (NLT) Bible
All other ways are sinking sand. Jesus Christ and his true way is where we must stand. He is our solid rock.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
That is Faith in Deed!
Most of us know that good deeds don’t get us into Heaven but it is by faith in Jesus Christ that we can enter into Heaven for eternity. Good deeds and actions however show our faith to others. People can tell what "kind" of people we are by our actions, words and deeds. You and I can say we are Christians all we want but we prove it to the "world" by your actions.James 2 says this “what’s the use of saying you have faith if you don’t prove it by your actions? That kind of faith can’t save anyone. Suppose you see a brother or sister who needs food and clothing and you say, “Well, good-by and God bless you; stay warm and eat well” –but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, it isn’t enough just to have faith. Faith that doesn’t show itself by good deeds is no faith at all- it is dead and useless. Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” I say, “I can’t see your faith if you don’t have good deeds, but I will show you my faith through my good deeds.” Do you still think it’s just enough to believe that there is one God? Well, even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror! Fool! When will you ever learn that faith that does not result in good deeds is useless?”
Example of useless faith: You see a woman with children at a gas station. Her car is stuffed with all of their remaining possessions. You can tell they are seeing hard times and it is evident that she is down to her last few dollars when her children cry out from an open window, "I'm hungry mom." She quietly tells them, "We'll be able to get something when they get to grandma's" but you can tell by her voice and the way she is looking at the numbers on the gas pump that they may not even be able to get to grandma's house as she reluctantly let's go of the gas pump handle. You have the ability to fill up the rest of her tank with gas and purchase a couple happy meals for the kids but you don't.
Other example of useless faith: You see an elderly woman trying to reach for a high item on top of a shelf but you walk past her instead of helping her. A homeless man sits on a curb. He is obviously thirsty. You have a bottle of water but you don't give it to him. You go to work, the guys are cursing this word and that word and to fit in you curse right along with them.
People believe you are a person of faith by your good deeds.
Some refer to Hebrews 11 as the “Hall of Faith” All those people listed in Hebrews 11 proved their faith by action. God told them to do something and they did it. Hebrews 11:6 says, “It is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” How did those people sincerely seek him? By doing what God had asked of them.
There is a fine line however between doing good deeds to make yourself look good and doing good deeds for God’s glory and it is an easy trap to fall into if you aren’t careful.
Jesus says this in Matthew 6, "Take Care! Don't do your good deeds publicly, to be admired, because then you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. When you give a gift to someone in need, don't shout about it as the hypocrites do- blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I assure you, they have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone, don't tell your left hand what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in secret, and your Father, who knows all secrets, will reward you."
Along the lines, Isaiah 58 says, “They love to make a show of coming to me and asking me to take action on their behalf. We have fasted before you!” they say. “Why aren’t you impressed? We have done much penance, and you don’t even notice it.” I will tell you why! It’s because you are living for yourselves even while you are fasting. You keep right on oppressing your workers. What good is fasting when you keep on fighting and quarreling? This kind of fasting will never get you anywhere with me. You humble yourselves by going through the motions of penance, bowing your heads like a blade of grass in the wind. You dress in sackcloth and cover yourselves with ashes. Is this what you call fasting? Do you really think this will please the LORD? No, the kind of fasting I want calls for you to free those who are wrongly imprisoned and to stop oppressing those who work for you. Treat them fairly and give them what they earn. I want you to share your food with the hungry and to welcome poor wanderers into your homes. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help. If you do these things, your salvation will come like the dawn. Yes, your healing will come quickly. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the LORD will protect you from behind. Then when you call, the LORD will answer. “Yes I am here,” he will quickly reply. Stop oppressing the helpless and stop making false accusations and spreading vicious rumors! Feed the hungry and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you be as bright as day. The LORD will guide you continually, watering your life when you are dry and keeping you healthy, too. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.”
Jesus, also talking about fasting, says the same thing, “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you, but if you refuse to forgive others your Father will not forgive your sins. And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, who try to look pale and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I assure you, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will suspect you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in secret. And your Father, who knows all secrets, will reward you”. (Matthew 6)
When you are resentful and have unforgiviness toward others, you are not only oppressing others for something God has forgiven you for but you are imprisoning yourself. And when you make a show of your good deeds to others, who gets the glory, you or God? Do you think human opinion and praise are greater then God’s rewards?
Proverbs 19:17 “If you help the poor, you are lending to the LORD- and he will repay you!”
Besides, is what you have really yours? Think about it?
Jesus said, “Wisdom is shown to be right by the results from it.” (Matthew 11:19) What kind of results come from selfish ambition and/or not sharing what God has given us?
Consider this in closing, “when the Son of Man (Jesus Christ) comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate them as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at his right hand the goats at his left. Then the King will say to those on the right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me. Then the righteous ones will reply, “Lord when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visit you? And the King will tell them, ‘I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me! Then the King will turn to those on his left and say, “Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the Devil and his demons! For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me anything to drink. I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me no clothing. I was sick and in prison and you didn’t visit me.” Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’ And he will answer ‘I assure you, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’ And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.” Matthew 25:31-46
Sorry we can't be the pirates that don't do anything or the world won't know the difference between us and it.
Micheal Youssef is also being shown the same things God is showing me.
Click on this link if you want to see "Using the Power of Example"
http://www.lightsource.com/ministry/leading_the_way/20080403/
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
A Privileged Life
Can you imagine that the God of the universe wants to have a relationship with us? Not just any type of relationship but an intimate relationship with us.Can you imagine? Is it not amazing?
Sometimes our daily circumstances and personal issues take our thoughts away from God. It is this meeting, that appointment, this time, that project, this obstacle, this gathering and before you know it, you are laying on your bed giving God your impersonal check-list for the day before you close your eyes and go to sleep. Where are the genuine unrushed exchanges and moments of silence with God in our day? A relationship based on “a few drowsy words” or “no time for you actions” would last how long for two friends or two lovers? I don’t know about you but I think that kind of relationship would cease to continue would it not?
Thank God, He is a patient, loving and merciful.
We are all guilty of this, are we not? Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our daily lives and routines that we can’t even see what God does for us. And if we can’t see what God is doing in our lives how can we really be aware or notice what God wants us to do?
Who knows how many people in our week we have missed to show God’s love to. We as Christians sometimes seem to walk around with blinders on.
Refreshing gratitude, peace, and love come forth as we take time for the Lord in our day. The weight of time, tasks and even burdening emotions are lifted and we get refocused on what truly matters in this life. We forget how privileged we are to be so loved.
Take time even if it is right now. Get away from the computer. Go some place quiet. Close your eyes what do you hear? Open your eyes what do you see? What do you have that the Lord has given you that you are grateful for. What are some of the things that have been on your mind that you need God’s help figuring out or even letting go of? Who do you know who could use your prayers? Oh I am sure as soon as you start talking, the both of you will have plenty to talk about.
And if it has been quite sometime since you talk with God, then I am certain He would love to hear from you just as He would any of His children.
May God Bless you.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
The Seed
The Seed was planted in the dust of this world.
The Seed died in and amongst the dust of this world.
The Seed that died in the dust of this world then was resurrected.
The Seed gave birth to more seed that grew and took on the
characteristics of the great Seed.
And together they yielded a harvest of everlasting fruit.
The Seed died in and amongst the dust of this world.
The Seed that died in the dust of this world then was resurrected.
The Seed gave birth to more seed that grew and took on the
characteristics of the great Seed.
And together they yielded a harvest of everlasting fruit.
Buzz Buzz
The days have been getting nicer in Texas. A couple of days ago I opened up the front door and then went and opened the back French door so we could have some fresh air come into the house and as I was heading back to whatever I was doing a bumble bee came buzzing in through the front door. For a little guy he made a lot of noise.
I am not certain what his objective was but he soon decided this wasn’t the right place for him. There weren’t any flowers, freshly cut oranges on the kitchen counter but maybe if my wife was around he would have stuck around. She is pretty sweet.
Not wanting to hang with me it proceeded toward the back when it smacked into the side of the French door that was closed and did this fall to the ground and made this little buzzing sound like one of those little finger twist up toys. Buzzzz Buzzzz
In many ways it reminds me of how we can miss the mark. How we could miss the point. How we could miss the door and how we sometimes ignore the door to true freedom because of distractions or our stubbornness, or our current situation we find ourselves in at the moment, or even the restrictions and blinders we put on ourselves.
We too run into windows occasionally and we could run the risk of running into something that seems to lead to freedom but results in anguish, hurt, depression, lost hope, and even death.
Jesus says, “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep.“ (John 10)
There are times where I have found dead bees in my house on the window seals. They died because they couldn’t find a way back outside. They stayed with something that looked like it led outside … like it led to a life but clearly halted the rest of their lives. It gave a light but wasn’t the light that led to life. It missed some important characteristics and if they were paying better attention, they could see this was no way out. Still in their stubbornness they continued to bump and buzz their way into the glass until they clasped from exhaustion and died.
Occasionally, I will take a plastic cup, and scoop a few of those exhausted bees into it and take them back outside. They all recover and soon go on their way, hopefully gaining some important insight. I believe God does that to us. He scoops us up after we have surrendered and are exhausted from bumping into those windows in life and sets us free. You see the closed and even the screened windows in life look like they lead to life but really they are only impostors. They aren’t the true door to life and freedom. Jesus is the way to freedom and new life.
Jesus says this, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”
May God bless you with all he has for you,
Jeff
I am not certain what his objective was but he soon decided this wasn’t the right place for him. There weren’t any flowers, freshly cut oranges on the kitchen counter but maybe if my wife was around he would have stuck around. She is pretty sweet.
Not wanting to hang with me it proceeded toward the back when it smacked into the side of the French door that was closed and did this fall to the ground and made this little buzzing sound like one of those little finger twist up toys. Buzzzz Buzzzz
In many ways it reminds me of how we can miss the mark. How we could miss the point. How we could miss the door and how we sometimes ignore the door to true freedom because of distractions or our stubbornness, or our current situation we find ourselves in at the moment, or even the restrictions and blinders we put on ourselves.
We too run into windows occasionally and we could run the risk of running into something that seems to lead to freedom but results in anguish, hurt, depression, lost hope, and even death.
Jesus says, “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep.“ (John 10)
There are times where I have found dead bees in my house on the window seals. They died because they couldn’t find a way back outside. They stayed with something that looked like it led outside … like it led to a life but clearly halted the rest of their lives. It gave a light but wasn’t the light that led to life. It missed some important characteristics and if they were paying better attention, they could see this was no way out. Still in their stubbornness they continued to bump and buzz their way into the glass until they clasped from exhaustion and died.
Occasionally, I will take a plastic cup, and scoop a few of those exhausted bees into it and take them back outside. They all recover and soon go on their way, hopefully gaining some important insight. I believe God does that to us. He scoops us up after we have surrendered and are exhausted from bumping into those windows in life and sets us free. You see the closed and even the screened windows in life look like they lead to life but really they are only impostors. They aren’t the true door to life and freedom. Jesus is the way to freedom and new life.
Jesus says this, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”
May God bless you with all he has for you,
Jeff
Friday, March 14, 2008
It's Not about Mary: It's ALL about Jesus.
It’s not about Mary; it’s all about Jesus.
Why do I keep hearing this buzz of Mary?
Mary carried the seed of God who was Jesus.
We now carry and share that spiritual seed of Jesus with others.
Neither Mary nor we should have any credit for this for God chose us just as he chose Mary.
When the Holy Spirit is in you do you receive any credit for what it produces within you or others? Of course not!
Does Mary receive any credit for what was produced within her?
No! The Holy Spirit is responsible for Mary to become pregnant with Jesus Christ. Jesus receives the credit for doing the will of the Father.
Does Mary have anything to do with making us right with God through some kind of sacrifice?
No Jesus makes us right with God because he was blameless and the only holy sacrifice.
Does Mary have anything to do with resurrecting Jesus?
No! The Holy Spirit resurrected Jesus just has he will resurrect us and has given us new life, new sight, new perspective and a new heart.
Do we receive any credit for our resurrection or our new outlook in life? It is based on our faith in Jesus and Jesus alone. Jesus receives all the credit for saving our souls not us. Jesus receives all the glory for awakening us to this truth and new life.
Mary would be shaking her head in pity for those people who try to make her into some god of worship and so would any of the apostles. You kiss no statue nor do you worship it. You worship the one and true God.
Father, Son (Jesus Christ) and Holy Spirit.
Why do I keep hearing this buzz of Mary?
Mary carried the seed of God who was Jesus.
We now carry and share that spiritual seed of Jesus with others.
Neither Mary nor we should have any credit for this for God chose us just as he chose Mary.
When the Holy Spirit is in you do you receive any credit for what it produces within you or others? Of course not!
Does Mary receive any credit for what was produced within her?
No! The Holy Spirit is responsible for Mary to become pregnant with Jesus Christ. Jesus receives the credit for doing the will of the Father.
Does Mary have anything to do with making us right with God through some kind of sacrifice?
No Jesus makes us right with God because he was blameless and the only holy sacrifice.
Does Mary have anything to do with resurrecting Jesus?
No! The Holy Spirit resurrected Jesus just has he will resurrect us and has given us new life, new sight, new perspective and a new heart.
Do we receive any credit for our resurrection or our new outlook in life? It is based on our faith in Jesus and Jesus alone. Jesus receives all the credit for saving our souls not us. Jesus receives all the glory for awakening us to this truth and new life.
Mary would be shaking her head in pity for those people who try to make her into some god of worship and so would any of the apostles. You kiss no statue nor do you worship it. You worship the one and true God.
Father, Son (Jesus Christ) and Holy Spirit.
Friday, March 07, 2008
This Woman and This Man (Marriage)
This woman and this man show:
A will to grow and change together for their lifetime.
To make a song together.
To unwrap their dreams and the possibilities together.
To make a new standard in their life.
To be accountable to one another and God.
To become more intimate with the word commitment and what it means to cherish, hold, even in sickness and in health.
To know what it means to be blessed being soul mates, lovers and friends
Friends who will help remind one another each that they were never designed to carry heavy burdens and/or worries.
Lovers who will remind each other to forget the past and to look forward to what the future holds.
Soul mates who will show and be a model of unity in trial and in celebration to those who know and see them.
A unique couple, which will share all joys, achievements, failures, and simple pleasures and strive to understand one another’s sorrows and joys.
To figure out what is a compromise.
To forgive and makes allowances for one another’s faults and falls.
To understand why it’s always important to think pure, lovely and admirable thoughts of your spouse.
And finally to truly love which is patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, hopefulness, forgiveness, abiding, and yes even self-control.
A will to grow and change together for their lifetime.
To make a song together.
To unwrap their dreams and the possibilities together.
To make a new standard in their life.
To be accountable to one another and God.
To become more intimate with the word commitment and what it means to cherish, hold, even in sickness and in health.
To know what it means to be blessed being soul mates, lovers and friends
Friends who will help remind one another each that they were never designed to carry heavy burdens and/or worries.
Lovers who will remind each other to forget the past and to look forward to what the future holds.
Soul mates who will show and be a model of unity in trial and in celebration to those who know and see them.
A unique couple, which will share all joys, achievements, failures, and simple pleasures and strive to understand one another’s sorrows and joys.
To figure out what is a compromise.
To forgive and makes allowances for one another’s faults and falls.
To understand why it’s always important to think pure, lovely and admirable thoughts of your spouse.
And finally to truly love which is patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, hopefulness, forgiveness, abiding, and yes even self-control.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
The Will of God Brings Fulfillment in Life
Fulfillment is nourishment to the soul. You can try to get nourishment from a lot of different things in life but only God’s will brings satisfaction. The world tries to convince us everyday that we not be satisfied us unless we do this, get that, try something better but what does the world really know?
Just look at all the things us humans have consumed, bought, believed, tried, and now are useless or forgotten. Things are constantly changing, becoming unpractical, no longer in style, are worthless and lose value shortly after we buy them.
God's will however never changes and his will is perfect for our very soul. It brings us fulfillment that the world can not even understand or touch.
Jesus spoke of this right after talking to the Samaritan woman at the well. The disciples were trying to urge Jesus to eat but he smiled and said "No. I have food you don’t know about." Seeing his disciples were confused and fixated on the physical and not the spiritual of this matter, Jesus the awesome and merciful Lord he is, explained to his disciples what he meant.
John 4:34 Jesus says to his disciples "My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work. Do you think the work of harvesting will not begin until the summer ends four months from now? Look around you! Vast fields are ripening all around us and are ready now for the harvest. The harvesters are paid in good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike! You know the saying, ‘One person plants and someone else harvests’ And it’s true. I sent you to harvest where you didn’t plant; others had already done the work, and you will gather the harvest."
Doing the will of God brings lasting fulfillment. It brings a type of nourishment and fruit that will be long lasting.
Jesus says in John 15. "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned for greater fruitfulness by the message I have given you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine and you cannot be fruitful apart from me."
You cannot have joy or lasting fulfillment apart from Christ. You can not understand and mature in Christ and be fulfilled with lasting joy if you do not stay in the will of God.
Paul writes in Galatians 6:8 "Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the Spirit (of God) will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit."
Jesus tells us, ‘Yes I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I remain in them, will produce much fruit. Apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who parts from me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into pile to be burned. But if you stay joined to me and my words remain in you, you may ask any request you like, and it will be granted! My true disciples produce much fruit. This brings great glory to my Father."
A satisfied soul produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control which perfectly fits and lives in God's will and you are free from "internal" conflict. Galatians 5:22.
If you just follow your basic instincts and sinful desires you will produce evil results: sexual immorality, impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasure, idolatry, participation in demonic activities, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outburst of anger, selfish ambition, divisions, the feeling that everyone is wrong except those in your own little group, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other kinds of sinful behaviors that lead to destruction. Paul writes anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21
God wants us to live a fulfilling life but we are hard headed and stubborn and we just have to figure things out in the most difficult ways. You and I can not have a fulfilling life apart from God’s will and we can not accomplish anything fulfilling away from Christ. If you and I part from Christ our efforts will be worthless and will only bring us heartache and strife. But in accord and/or harmony to God’s will we do produce fulfilling results.
Jesus concludes with "I have loved you even as the Father as loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey me, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father and I remain in his love. I have told you this so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! I command you to love each other in the same way that I love you. And here is how to measure it- the greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends. You are my friends if you obey me. I no longer call you servants, because a master doesn’t confide in his servants. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for using my name. I command you to love each other."
Yes to find lasting fulfillment we must give up our old lives that we cling to. Our old lives only continue to hinder our way to lasting fulfillment. Our old lives and old ways of thinking only makes us run from first to second base and sometimes not even that far. Wouldn’t you rather just hit home runs instead? Would you rather make that basket then have the ball stolen from you as you are heading up court? Wouldn’t you rather make it over all those hurtles then trip over each and every one and never make it to the finish line?
Our old lives not only never give us fulfillment- but put us in real danger of never knowing Christ and his power to save and enrich our lives beyond anything we knew possible.
If you are looking for fulfillment in everything else but in Christ then it is pretty obvious Christ has chosen you but you haven’t found him yet.
I like Psalms 1 "Oh the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with scoffers. But they delight in everything the Lord wants; day and night they think about his law. They are trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season with out fail. Their leaves never wither and in all they do, they prosper."
Find the will of God in Christ Jesus and fulfillment and joy will start maturing on those branches of yours.
Just look at all the things us humans have consumed, bought, believed, tried, and now are useless or forgotten. Things are constantly changing, becoming unpractical, no longer in style, are worthless and lose value shortly after we buy them.
God's will however never changes and his will is perfect for our very soul. It brings us fulfillment that the world can not even understand or touch.
Jesus spoke of this right after talking to the Samaritan woman at the well. The disciples were trying to urge Jesus to eat but he smiled and said "No. I have food you don’t know about." Seeing his disciples were confused and fixated on the physical and not the spiritual of this matter, Jesus the awesome and merciful Lord he is, explained to his disciples what he meant.
John 4:34 Jesus says to his disciples "My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work. Do you think the work of harvesting will not begin until the summer ends four months from now? Look around you! Vast fields are ripening all around us and are ready now for the harvest. The harvesters are paid in good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike! You know the saying, ‘One person plants and someone else harvests’ And it’s true. I sent you to harvest where you didn’t plant; others had already done the work, and you will gather the harvest."
Doing the will of God brings lasting fulfillment. It brings a type of nourishment and fruit that will be long lasting.
Jesus says in John 15. "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned for greater fruitfulness by the message I have given you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine and you cannot be fruitful apart from me."
You cannot have joy or lasting fulfillment apart from Christ. You can not understand and mature in Christ and be fulfilled with lasting joy if you do not stay in the will of God.
Paul writes in Galatians 6:8 "Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the Spirit (of God) will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit."
Jesus tells us, ‘Yes I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I remain in them, will produce much fruit. Apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who parts from me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into pile to be burned. But if you stay joined to me and my words remain in you, you may ask any request you like, and it will be granted! My true disciples produce much fruit. This brings great glory to my Father."
A satisfied soul produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control which perfectly fits and lives in God's will and you are free from "internal" conflict. Galatians 5:22.
If you just follow your basic instincts and sinful desires you will produce evil results: sexual immorality, impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasure, idolatry, participation in demonic activities, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outburst of anger, selfish ambition, divisions, the feeling that everyone is wrong except those in your own little group, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other kinds of sinful behaviors that lead to destruction. Paul writes anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21
God wants us to live a fulfilling life but we are hard headed and stubborn and we just have to figure things out in the most difficult ways. You and I can not have a fulfilling life apart from God’s will and we can not accomplish anything fulfilling away from Christ. If you and I part from Christ our efforts will be worthless and will only bring us heartache and strife. But in accord and/or harmony to God’s will we do produce fulfilling results.
Jesus concludes with "I have loved you even as the Father as loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey me, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father and I remain in his love. I have told you this so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! I command you to love each other in the same way that I love you. And here is how to measure it- the greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends. You are my friends if you obey me. I no longer call you servants, because a master doesn’t confide in his servants. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for using my name. I command you to love each other."
Yes to find lasting fulfillment we must give up our old lives that we cling to. Our old lives only continue to hinder our way to lasting fulfillment. Our old lives and old ways of thinking only makes us run from first to second base and sometimes not even that far. Wouldn’t you rather just hit home runs instead? Would you rather make that basket then have the ball stolen from you as you are heading up court? Wouldn’t you rather make it over all those hurtles then trip over each and every one and never make it to the finish line?
Our old lives not only never give us fulfillment- but put us in real danger of never knowing Christ and his power to save and enrich our lives beyond anything we knew possible.
If you are looking for fulfillment in everything else but in Christ then it is pretty obvious Christ has chosen you but you haven’t found him yet.
I like Psalms 1 "Oh the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with scoffers. But they delight in everything the Lord wants; day and night they think about his law. They are trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season with out fail. Their leaves never wither and in all they do, they prosper."
Find the will of God in Christ Jesus and fulfillment and joy will start maturing on those branches of yours.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
There is no GOD???
I have been thinking lately about those individuals who seem to have no idea what their life would be like without God. I am talking about those who people who don’t believe there is a God.
God is around us 24/7. His fingerprints are on everything that surrounds us everyday. His omnipresent Spirit is everywhere, his angels are "silently" and constantly watching over us (well most of the time silent) and even down to our next breath... God has created. Our breath something we so often take for granted is a gift from God. No matter if we are deserving or undeserving of it God gives it.
When a person says there is no God, they really have NO idea what their life would be like with the absence of God in their life.
Knowing there is a God, do you know what it would feel like if God made himself absent from you? Absent meaning you could not experience this life as you are currently experience in God's grace and power that some of us take for granted or deny in one way or another.
Do you know what it would feel like in the absence of God? Do you know what would happen to the things around you?
Things would rapidly die. Creation is dependant on God. If God made himself absent, it would be like pulling the plug on a vacuum cleaner and throwing it off a ship into the deepest part of the ocean to sink to the bottom but even that would not go far enough to explain God's presence in our lives.
People who walk around and claim there is no God can’t possibly understand or see the power of God unplugged them. They just seem to think that everything just magically works in their life because of luck or some human logic. That is just not so or true.
You want to know what if feels like to really feel the absence of God in an individual, I can humbly tell you because I have felt it personally. My description and words probably don’t even come close to the full range and intensity of emotions I had experienced when I felt the absence of God but I will try to describe it to you. It has been several years now and it is not an error I will make again.
I made the unfortunate mistake of not speaking the truth in the presence of the God after being confronted by God. Immediately after speaking this lie an enormous loss or void and sensation of death closed in around me as the Holy Spirit yanked itself from me. A roaring vision of a skull of death then appeared as I tried to breath and register all what was going on. I could feel myself slipping and drowning in this horrible place that was totally void of the characteristics of God and life as we experience it right now. I immediately and frantically stumbled to the altar for prayer not fully knowing what I had done and the danger I had put myself in. To put it simply, I feared of my life.
No one knew what exactly had happened to me but I knew I had to do something quick and with a fear surging through my veins, I asked for our pastor to pray over me and he did. You see I thought all the works I was doing for the church somehow made me right with God but really I was lost. I had no real relationship with God, I just had my deeds which looked good on the surface but really didn't give God what he wanted which was my heart and focus. Good deeds are dead without God moving and directing them. My life of good deeds where chaff not wheat and my life was may of looked good on the outside but I was just a white washed tomb in God's eyes.
It was a hard lesson but I am glad God did that to me now instead of when I go meet him and he says "I never knew you." I have experienced something not many but a few have experienced. I thank God for his mercy and that I am still here. I believe one of the reasons I am still here is to share this and other testimonies with those who will listen.
Humbly I tell you and warn you, don’t mess or fool around with God. Being hard headed is no excuse and I can only imagine that hell is much worse then feeling the absence of God and his Holy Spirit. It will be a death like no other.
God’s source of power that surrounds us everyday is beyond our understanding. God, Jesus
Christ, and the Holy Spirit are real and you can take my word second to God’s word, which should always be first.
God is around us 24/7. His fingerprints are on everything that surrounds us everyday. His omnipresent Spirit is everywhere, his angels are "silently" and constantly watching over us (well most of the time silent) and even down to our next breath... God has created. Our breath something we so often take for granted is a gift from God. No matter if we are deserving or undeserving of it God gives it.
When a person says there is no God, they really have NO idea what their life would be like with the absence of God in their life.
Knowing there is a God, do you know what it would feel like if God made himself absent from you? Absent meaning you could not experience this life as you are currently experience in God's grace and power that some of us take for granted or deny in one way or another.
Do you know what it would feel like in the absence of God? Do you know what would happen to the things around you?
Things would rapidly die. Creation is dependant on God. If God made himself absent, it would be like pulling the plug on a vacuum cleaner and throwing it off a ship into the deepest part of the ocean to sink to the bottom but even that would not go far enough to explain God's presence in our lives.
People who walk around and claim there is no God can’t possibly understand or see the power of God unplugged them. They just seem to think that everything just magically works in their life because of luck or some human logic. That is just not so or true.
You want to know what if feels like to really feel the absence of God in an individual, I can humbly tell you because I have felt it personally. My description and words probably don’t even come close to the full range and intensity of emotions I had experienced when I felt the absence of God but I will try to describe it to you. It has been several years now and it is not an error I will make again.
I made the unfortunate mistake of not speaking the truth in the presence of the God after being confronted by God. Immediately after speaking this lie an enormous loss or void and sensation of death closed in around me as the Holy Spirit yanked itself from me. A roaring vision of a skull of death then appeared as I tried to breath and register all what was going on. I could feel myself slipping and drowning in this horrible place that was totally void of the characteristics of God and life as we experience it right now. I immediately and frantically stumbled to the altar for prayer not fully knowing what I had done and the danger I had put myself in. To put it simply, I feared of my life.
No one knew what exactly had happened to me but I knew I had to do something quick and with a fear surging through my veins, I asked for our pastor to pray over me and he did. You see I thought all the works I was doing for the church somehow made me right with God but really I was lost. I had no real relationship with God, I just had my deeds which looked good on the surface but really didn't give God what he wanted which was my heart and focus. Good deeds are dead without God moving and directing them. My life of good deeds where chaff not wheat and my life was may of looked good on the outside but I was just a white washed tomb in God's eyes.
It was a hard lesson but I am glad God did that to me now instead of when I go meet him and he says "I never knew you." I have experienced something not many but a few have experienced. I thank God for his mercy and that I am still here. I believe one of the reasons I am still here is to share this and other testimonies with those who will listen.
Humbly I tell you and warn you, don’t mess or fool around with God. Being hard headed is no excuse and I can only imagine that hell is much worse then feeling the absence of God and his Holy Spirit. It will be a death like no other.
God’s source of power that surrounds us everyday is beyond our understanding. God, Jesus
Christ, and the Holy Spirit are real and you can take my word second to God’s word, which should always be first.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Making Works Part of the Equation of Salvation?
I recently watched a 30 minute movie at our church. It was about a church with enormous youth following. The movie has some good messages but it had a couple of things that bothered me. The interns that worked there kept saying two phrases. I have “burned the boat” and “I have burned the bridges”.
Naturally I understood what they meant. We, who have genuine faith in Christ Jesus have “burned our boat,” so to speak. We “burned our boat”, so we wouldn’t sail back into our old lives of enjoying sin. We have also “burned the bridges” in the same way. We know those old bridges that led us into temptation and sin so we have laid a torch to them so we would be able to cross back over them again.
The concept however of “burning the boat” and “burning the bridges” became a problem to me when they associated the feelings of guilt with going “home”. “Home” was now considered a problem when "home" was not considered the intern’s place of service? The interns mentioning they were going “home” for Christmas or to visiting family because of a loss ” rose flashing red lights in the leadership.
Why did I sense guilt and shame by the interns when they went “home” see family?
What kind of pressure were they receiving? Was this pressure and guilt from themselves or from the leadership to keep numbers high? Why did I feel that the interns saw their service as part of the equation of their salvation?
Our service in the body of Christ and in our community should never be the part of the equation of our salvation, which comes from Christ and Christ alone. Guilt should never be used to keep members in a certain body of Christ.
A person should receive joy for their Christian service. They should never look at their service as a way to make brownie points with God or add to some resume for God to consider when we enter heaven. God knows what we do and not do. He will judge us according to our works but our works have nothing to do with making ourselves righteous before God. Works can not give us some kind of edge on our salvation.
Our human efforts are useless. It is only when the Holy Spirit works through us that we give glory to God and show the love of Christ to others. God should be the one to receive the credit for our good works for He was the one who changed our hearts in the first place.
Were we not dead in our trespasses and sin before we came to Christ or Christ came to us? Did God not bring us back to life and bring us into a new existence that did not exist before?” We did not become this new creature in Christ by ourselves. (Colossians 3:10)
Paul says in Romans 4 “When people work, their wages are not gift. Workers earn what they receive. But people are declared righteous because of their faith not because of their work.”
Paul continues in Romans 4:24 to say, “assuring us that God will also declare us to be righteous if we believe in God, who brought Jesus our Lord back from the dead. He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised from the dead to make us right with God. Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith Christ has brought us into this place of highest privilege where we now stand confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.”
I have made this mistake of trying to score points with God by doing “Christian activities and services” and it only made me burned out and miserable. When you do things by your own accord, understanding and efforts you soon find there is no joy or peace in the work you do.
Joy is fully trusting in God in faith. Remind you that joy doesn’t mean you don’t get tired in doing the work but you find the work rewarding and encouraging. Trusting in God produces a good attitude and works which will be light to show others the goodness of God. (James 2:17-24, 1 Peter 2:9)
Salvation and peace come from Christ and Christ alone.
Jesus says in John 6:63 “It is the Spirit who gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life.”
Paul writes in Galatians 3:3 “Have you lost your senses? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort? You have suffered so much for the Good News. Surely it was not in vain, was it? Are you now going to just throw it all away?”
Do not make works part of the equation of your salvation or life.
Naturally I understood what they meant. We, who have genuine faith in Christ Jesus have “burned our boat,” so to speak. We “burned our boat”, so we wouldn’t sail back into our old lives of enjoying sin. We have also “burned the bridges” in the same way. We know those old bridges that led us into temptation and sin so we have laid a torch to them so we would be able to cross back over them again.
The concept however of “burning the boat” and “burning the bridges” became a problem to me when they associated the feelings of guilt with going “home”. “Home” was now considered a problem when "home" was not considered the intern’s place of service? The interns mentioning they were going “home” for Christmas or to visiting family because of a loss ” rose flashing red lights in the leadership.
Why did I sense guilt and shame by the interns when they went “home” see family?
What kind of pressure were they receiving? Was this pressure and guilt from themselves or from the leadership to keep numbers high? Why did I feel that the interns saw their service as part of the equation of their salvation?
Our service in the body of Christ and in our community should never be the part of the equation of our salvation, which comes from Christ and Christ alone. Guilt should never be used to keep members in a certain body of Christ.
A person should receive joy for their Christian service. They should never look at their service as a way to make brownie points with God or add to some resume for God to consider when we enter heaven. God knows what we do and not do. He will judge us according to our works but our works have nothing to do with making ourselves righteous before God. Works can not give us some kind of edge on our salvation.
Our human efforts are useless. It is only when the Holy Spirit works through us that we give glory to God and show the love of Christ to others. God should be the one to receive the credit for our good works for He was the one who changed our hearts in the first place.
Were we not dead in our trespasses and sin before we came to Christ or Christ came to us? Did God not bring us back to life and bring us into a new existence that did not exist before?” We did not become this new creature in Christ by ourselves. (Colossians 3:10)
Paul says in Romans 4 “When people work, their wages are not gift. Workers earn what they receive. But people are declared righteous because of their faith not because of their work.”
Paul continues in Romans 4:24 to say, “assuring us that God will also declare us to be righteous if we believe in God, who brought Jesus our Lord back from the dead. He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised from the dead to make us right with God. Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith Christ has brought us into this place of highest privilege where we now stand confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.”
I have made this mistake of trying to score points with God by doing “Christian activities and services” and it only made me burned out and miserable. When you do things by your own accord, understanding and efforts you soon find there is no joy or peace in the work you do.
Joy is fully trusting in God in faith. Remind you that joy doesn’t mean you don’t get tired in doing the work but you find the work rewarding and encouraging. Trusting in God produces a good attitude and works which will be light to show others the goodness of God. (James 2:17-24, 1 Peter 2:9)
Salvation and peace come from Christ and Christ alone.
Jesus says in John 6:63 “It is the Spirit who gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life.”
Paul writes in Galatians 3:3 “Have you lost your senses? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort? You have suffered so much for the Good News. Surely it was not in vain, was it? Are you now going to just throw it all away?”
Do not make works part of the equation of your salvation or life.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Tension and Conflict within the Body of Christ.
In our men’s bible study group we have been studying the book of Acts. Like most bible study groups we come from a variety of different Christian churches and have found that tension and conflict aren’t rare within a specific church or among different churches.
These are some of the questions we have been asked in our study guide which I thought would be helpful to you, the believer.
What causes tension and disagreements in the church today?
Example answers: (Traditions, maturity, legalism, self-centered beliefs, demons, spirits, unguarded thoughts and speech, course jokes, different perspectives on God’s word, personal agendas.)
Why is it important for Christians to get along?
Example answers (To function as a body in love and purpose, to encourage those and reach those in our church and community for Christ. To show we can get along even when we disagree.)
What can we learn from the early church leaders about resolving our differences?
Example answers (They had an assigned group of people that prayed, considered solutions, and presented a solution to the people. The people were engaged in the solution process. They probably had individuals who also interceeded and had intercession.)
What do I usually do when I feel tension in a relationship?
Example answers (I get mad, a blow them off, I internalize everything until presumption, guess work, feelings of inadequacy, judgement has got the best of me or overwhelmed me.)
How can I improve the way I resolve conflict? (Stay calm in Christ, lament to Jesus and let him speak to you about the situation, acceptance on disagreement then agreement on both sides. Try to see if there has been a miscommunication. Why is there tension? Was it something as simple as a person's tone of voice or a misunderstanding of the chosen words that were actually said. Did you just happen to be the brunt of someone's bad day? Am I demonstrating and acting in love?)
What happens when believers criticize and argue with one another?
Examples: (Shows disobedience to God, God has a difficult time working through them "trespasses". Hurt, resentment, anxiety, murmuring, judgments can cause problems to get bigger and affect and involve more believers.)
What character traits do believers need to get along with each other?
Examples: (Love, forgiveness, allowances of misgivings and failures, Holy Spirit, obedience to Christ, a love for people, focus on Christ, understanding of different maturity levels, what God’s words says.)
How can we cultivate these qualities?
Examples: (Depend and trust in God, live them out by his Holy Spirit not our will, refer to scripture often, prayer, be respectful, seek a common interest or bond in the relationship. Drop the dispute)
Harmony among believers (EXCELLENT Scriptures references)
(Proverbs 17:14, Romans 12:16; 15:5-7; 1 Corinthians 1:10; 3:3; 6:1-7; Ephesians 4:2-4; Philippians 2:3,4; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15; Hebrews 12:14, 1 Peter 3:8,9.)
Questions came from "Life Lessons, with Max Lucado. Book of Acts"
These are some of the questions we have been asked in our study guide which I thought would be helpful to you, the believer.
What causes tension and disagreements in the church today?
Example answers: (Traditions, maturity, legalism, self-centered beliefs, demons, spirits, unguarded thoughts and speech, course jokes, different perspectives on God’s word, personal agendas.)
Why is it important for Christians to get along?
Example answers (To function as a body in love and purpose, to encourage those and reach those in our church and community for Christ. To show we can get along even when we disagree.)
What can we learn from the early church leaders about resolving our differences?
Example answers (They had an assigned group of people that prayed, considered solutions, and presented a solution to the people. The people were engaged in the solution process. They probably had individuals who also interceeded and had intercession.)
What do I usually do when I feel tension in a relationship?
Example answers (I get mad, a blow them off, I internalize everything until presumption, guess work, feelings of inadequacy, judgement has got the best of me or overwhelmed me.)
How can I improve the way I resolve conflict? (Stay calm in Christ, lament to Jesus and let him speak to you about the situation, acceptance on disagreement then agreement on both sides. Try to see if there has been a miscommunication. Why is there tension? Was it something as simple as a person's tone of voice or a misunderstanding of the chosen words that were actually said. Did you just happen to be the brunt of someone's bad day? Am I demonstrating and acting in love?)
What happens when believers criticize and argue with one another?
Examples: (Shows disobedience to God, God has a difficult time working through them "trespasses". Hurt, resentment, anxiety, murmuring, judgments can cause problems to get bigger and affect and involve more believers.)
What character traits do believers need to get along with each other?
Examples: (Love, forgiveness, allowances of misgivings and failures, Holy Spirit, obedience to Christ, a love for people, focus on Christ, understanding of different maturity levels, what God’s words says.)
How can we cultivate these qualities?
Examples: (Depend and trust in God, live them out by his Holy Spirit not our will, refer to scripture often, prayer, be respectful, seek a common interest or bond in the relationship. Drop the dispute)
Harmony among believers (EXCELLENT Scriptures references)
(Proverbs 17:14, Romans 12:16; 15:5-7; 1 Corinthians 1:10; 3:3; 6:1-7; Ephesians 4:2-4; Philippians 2:3,4; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15; Hebrews 12:14, 1 Peter 3:8,9.)
Questions came from "Life Lessons, with Max Lucado. Book of Acts"
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Faith and Marriage.
Trust in God as you love one another. (Psalm 23, Proverbs 3, (Matthew 22:37) (Romans 14:7-8) (Isaiah 40:29-31)
Your choices now don’t just effect you but effect your mate as well.
Always think pure, lovely, admirable thoughts of your spouse. (Philippians 4) (Romans12:9-11)
Acknowledge and think of reasons why your spouse is worthy of your praise. (Philippians 4) (Proverbs 16:24) (Proverbs 18:4) (Proverbs 18:20)
Tell your spouse what you need from him/ her and thank them for the things they have done. (Philippians 4) (Galatians 6:2)
Remember you are not just committed to your spouse but accountable to God. (Matthew 12:35-37) (Romans 15:2-7) (1 Corinthians 6:12-20) (Colossians 3:5-10)
Remember you were never designed to carry worries and fears… so give them to God who will give you both peace. (Matthew 11:28-30) (John 14:27) (Colossians 3:2)
Forget the past and look forward to what the future holds. (Romans 12:12) (Ephesians 2:10) (Philippians 3:13-14) (Jeremiah 29:11-12)
Realize that sometimes only God understands your joys and your sorrows. (Proverbs 14:10) (Matthew 5:4) (Ephesians 1:8)
Realize as one you are stronger then if you stand alone.
Realize it’s sometimes best to compromise on some things then have all things one person’s way. (Proverbs 18:15) (Proverbs 17:19)
Realize allowances must be given for each other’s faults and failures. I haven’t met a perfect person yet. Forgive and be blessed. (Luke 6:37-38) (Romans 12:17-18) (James 5:9)
Love is what will bind you in perfect harmony. (Colossians 3:14-15) (1 John 4:18)
Don’t think only about your own affairs but be interested in your mates too and what they are doing. (Galatians 6:3) (Philippians 2:4)
Don’t let pride, selfishness and making a good impression with others get in the way of your unity with your spouse. Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. (Philippians 4) (Proverbs 16:18) (Matthew 5:16)
Marriage is only great with great sacrifice by both a husband and a wife. (Romans 12:1-2) (1 Corinthians 7:3-5)
A man must love his wife as he loves himself and Christ loves the church and the wife must respect her husband as the church must live in obedience to Christ. (Matthew 7:12) (John 15:12-17) (Romans 9:38-39) (1 Corinthians 11:3) (Ephesians 6:21-32) (1 Peter 3:1-7)
May you always have love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and yes- even self-control. (Proverbs 16:32) (Galatians 5:22-23)
In times of disagreement you are still to act in love knowing that true love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful and endures through every circumstance and trial. (1 Corinthians 13:7)
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable and it keeps no record or when it has been wronged. (Matthew 5:22-24) (Romans 13:10) (1 Corinthians 13:4-5)
Your marriage will endure through faith, hope and love. (1 Corinthians 13:13) (Ephesians 3:17-19)
Your choices now don’t just effect you but effect your mate as well.
Always think pure, lovely, admirable thoughts of your spouse. (Philippians 4) (Romans12:9-11)
Acknowledge and think of reasons why your spouse is worthy of your praise. (Philippians 4) (Proverbs 16:24) (Proverbs 18:4) (Proverbs 18:20)
Tell your spouse what you need from him/ her and thank them for the things they have done. (Philippians 4) (Galatians 6:2)
Remember you are not just committed to your spouse but accountable to God. (Matthew 12:35-37) (Romans 15:2-7) (1 Corinthians 6:12-20) (Colossians 3:5-10)
Remember you were never designed to carry worries and fears… so give them to God who will give you both peace. (Matthew 11:28-30) (John 14:27) (Colossians 3:2)
Forget the past and look forward to what the future holds. (Romans 12:12) (Ephesians 2:10) (Philippians 3:13-14) (Jeremiah 29:11-12)
Realize that sometimes only God understands your joys and your sorrows. (Proverbs 14:10) (Matthew 5:4) (Ephesians 1:8)
Realize as one you are stronger then if you stand alone.
Realize it’s sometimes best to compromise on some things then have all things one person’s way. (Proverbs 18:15) (Proverbs 17:19)
Realize allowances must be given for each other’s faults and failures. I haven’t met a perfect person yet. Forgive and be blessed. (Luke 6:37-38) (Romans 12:17-18) (James 5:9)
Love is what will bind you in perfect harmony. (Colossians 3:14-15) (1 John 4:18)
Don’t think only about your own affairs but be interested in your mates too and what they are doing. (Galatians 6:3) (Philippians 2:4)
Don’t let pride, selfishness and making a good impression with others get in the way of your unity with your spouse. Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. (Philippians 4) (Proverbs 16:18) (Matthew 5:16)
Marriage is only great with great sacrifice by both a husband and a wife. (Romans 12:1-2) (1 Corinthians 7:3-5)
A man must love his wife as he loves himself and Christ loves the church and the wife must respect her husband as the church must live in obedience to Christ. (Matthew 7:12) (John 15:12-17) (Romans 9:38-39) (1 Corinthians 11:3) (Ephesians 6:21-32) (1 Peter 3:1-7)
May you always have love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and yes- even self-control. (Proverbs 16:32) (Galatians 5:22-23)
In times of disagreement you are still to act in love knowing that true love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful and endures through every circumstance and trial. (1 Corinthians 13:7)
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable and it keeps no record or when it has been wronged. (Matthew 5:22-24) (Romans 13:10) (1 Corinthians 13:4-5)
Your marriage will endure through faith, hope and love. (1 Corinthians 13:13) (Ephesians 3:17-19)
Monday, January 28, 2008
The Moving of the Spirit
Most Christians would agree in this statement, "God does not fit into a box or a specific doctrine." God is beyond any man or woman’s understanding. God goes where he is welcomed and even at times not welcomed. God is who he says he is in the bible and who we are as his creation. God is omnipotent. God is omniscient. God is omnipresent.
If we believe this, why is there this human idea that the Holy Spirit is no longer at work amongst us. I can tell you the Holy Spirit is at work amongst us and has to be at work amongst us or else we are not risen from our old lives and will not be risen from the dead when we leave this place.
I know there are many faithful believers who were raised in the church who just believe in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and live according but I know there are many others, including myself, who didn’t just believe wholeheartedly in God’s Good News and Word.
I did not just say, "Well I think today is a good day to be saved so… Christ here is my life on a platter for you." No way was my untrusting and guarded feelings going to let God have his way in my life. I liked my miserable life…well at least I acted as if I did. I really didn’t try to do anything to change it. It was easy to be angry, frustrated, hurt, mad, depressed, opinionated, judgmental and focused on the "If I had only" and the "What ifs" of thought life. Thank God, even though I had many opinions and foolish ideas of him, he didn’t let that get in the way when I finally looked at the dark prison walls surrounding my life and looked up and said broken, "I can’t do this anymore God. Please help me." God’s reply wasn’t instant but he did answer. He answered through someone who was obedient to God’s Holy Spirit and prayed over me with one of her hands touching my back, in tongues and in interpretation of tongues. She spoke of things in my life I tried to hide and things I was burden with. Things she could have not known because she was a total stranger. She read my mail from God and God had one heck of a trash burning party inside of me. The door of God had opened after that. God was so thorough that I felt brand new. I had a new zeal that I had never known before- a zeal to read God’s Word and to live for Christ. I now could see and understand God’s Word where before it held little or no relevance in my life. People, whom I had wished for dead and had made me angry, I wrote letters to and called asking them for forgiveness. I am certain they questioned my sincerity and what exactly happened to me. I tried to tell friends what had happened to me and they seemed to withdraw as if I had joined a cult or gone crazy. It has been seven years since that experience and God’s Holy Spirit is still working in and on me. The Holy Spirit is still at work today bringing others like myself to God.
"And I will give them singleness in heart and put a new spirit within them. I will take away their hearts of stone and give them tender hearts instead so they will obey my laws and regulations. Then they will truly be my people, and I will be their God." Ezekiel 11:19-20
When I hear things such as the Holy Spirit is no longer moving and/or at work, I ask myself if these pour souls who speak such things actually understand what they are saying?
Since Jesus joined the right side of the Father, we are living in the last days are we not? Peter quotes Joel (Acts 2:16): ‘In the last days, God said, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams."
Jesus says in John 3:6-7 "Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives new life from heaven. So don't be surprised at my statement that you must be born again. Just as you can hear the wind but can't tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can't explain how people are born of the Spirit."
If God has called us, then we are able to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Jesus says in John 7:37 "If you are thirsty, come to me! If you believe in me, come and drink! For the Scriptures declare that rivers of living water will flow out from within." When he said "living water," he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory."
Jesus says in John 14:15-26 "If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor [or Comforter, Encourager, or Advocate] who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world at large cannot receive him and doesn’t recognize him. But you do, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. No, I will not abandon you as orphans- I will come to you. In just a little while the world will not see me again, but you will. For I will live again, and you will, too. When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Those who obey my commandments are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them, and I will love them. And I will reveal myself to each one of them… But when the Father sends the Counselor as my representative- and by my Counselor I mean the Holy Spirit- he will teach you everything I myself have told you."
Acts 19:2 "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" he asked them.
"No," they replied, "we don’t know what you mean. We haven’t even heard that there is a Holy Spirit."
"Then what baptism did you experience?" he (Paul) asked.
And they replied, "The baptism of John."
Paul said, "John’s baptism was to demonstrate a desire to turn from sin and turn to God. John himself told the people to believe in Jesus, the one John said would come later."
As soon as they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied."
The Holy Spirit is still moving and working just as he did in Pentecost.
You have given your life to Christ and want the Holy Spirit to come into your life? Ask for it! God wants to live inside of you and do wonders through you.... for His glory not our glory.
If we believe this, why is there this human idea that the Holy Spirit is no longer at work amongst us. I can tell you the Holy Spirit is at work amongst us and has to be at work amongst us or else we are not risen from our old lives and will not be risen from the dead when we leave this place.
I know there are many faithful believers who were raised in the church who just believe in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and live according but I know there are many others, including myself, who didn’t just believe wholeheartedly in God’s Good News and Word.
I did not just say, "Well I think today is a good day to be saved so… Christ here is my life on a platter for you." No way was my untrusting and guarded feelings going to let God have his way in my life. I liked my miserable life…well at least I acted as if I did. I really didn’t try to do anything to change it. It was easy to be angry, frustrated, hurt, mad, depressed, opinionated, judgmental and focused on the "If I had only" and the "What ifs" of thought life. Thank God, even though I had many opinions and foolish ideas of him, he didn’t let that get in the way when I finally looked at the dark prison walls surrounding my life and looked up and said broken, "I can’t do this anymore God. Please help me." God’s reply wasn’t instant but he did answer. He answered through someone who was obedient to God’s Holy Spirit and prayed over me with one of her hands touching my back, in tongues and in interpretation of tongues. She spoke of things in my life I tried to hide and things I was burden with. Things she could have not known because she was a total stranger. She read my mail from God and God had one heck of a trash burning party inside of me. The door of God had opened after that. God was so thorough that I felt brand new. I had a new zeal that I had never known before- a zeal to read God’s Word and to live for Christ. I now could see and understand God’s Word where before it held little or no relevance in my life. People, whom I had wished for dead and had made me angry, I wrote letters to and called asking them for forgiveness. I am certain they questioned my sincerity and what exactly happened to me. I tried to tell friends what had happened to me and they seemed to withdraw as if I had joined a cult or gone crazy. It has been seven years since that experience and God’s Holy Spirit is still working in and on me. The Holy Spirit is still at work today bringing others like myself to God.
"And I will give them singleness in heart and put a new spirit within them. I will take away their hearts of stone and give them tender hearts instead so they will obey my laws and regulations. Then they will truly be my people, and I will be their God." Ezekiel 11:19-20
When I hear things such as the Holy Spirit is no longer moving and/or at work, I ask myself if these pour souls who speak such things actually understand what they are saying?
Since Jesus joined the right side of the Father, we are living in the last days are we not? Peter quotes Joel (Acts 2:16): ‘In the last days, God said, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams."
Jesus says in John 3:6-7 "Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives new life from heaven. So don't be surprised at my statement that you must be born again. Just as you can hear the wind but can't tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can't explain how people are born of the Spirit."
If God has called us, then we are able to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Jesus says in John 7:37 "If you are thirsty, come to me! If you believe in me, come and drink! For the Scriptures declare that rivers of living water will flow out from within." When he said "living water," he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory."
Jesus says in John 14:15-26 "If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor [or Comforter, Encourager, or Advocate] who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world at large cannot receive him and doesn’t recognize him. But you do, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. No, I will not abandon you as orphans- I will come to you. In just a little while the world will not see me again, but you will. For I will live again, and you will, too. When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Those who obey my commandments are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them, and I will love them. And I will reveal myself to each one of them… But when the Father sends the Counselor as my representative- and by my Counselor I mean the Holy Spirit- he will teach you everything I myself have told you."
Acts 19:2 "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" he asked them.
"No," they replied, "we don’t know what you mean. We haven’t even heard that there is a Holy Spirit."
"Then what baptism did you experience?" he (Paul) asked.
And they replied, "The baptism of John."
Paul said, "John’s baptism was to demonstrate a desire to turn from sin and turn to God. John himself told the people to believe in Jesus, the one John said would come later."
As soon as they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied."
The Holy Spirit is still moving and working just as he did in Pentecost.
You have given your life to Christ and want the Holy Spirit to come into your life? Ask for it! God wants to live inside of you and do wonders through you.... for His glory not our glory.
Monday, January 21, 2008
What Needs to Remain Central
This morning, I ask the Lord to help me with my story for young adults and those who are just a kid at heart and as I was writing part of illustration of why these children in the story couldn't see what was on the pages of 'the book' - that spoke of them, it became clear that they couldn't read the pages because they hadn't received the message (the key) that allowed them to read the pages.
In our world Jesus Christ is the key to open the pages of the bible and to life. Without Jesus the pages of the bible and to life are meaningless and even difficult to understand.
Jesus is the foundation of our faith. He is the one who pursued us when we were far away from him. He is the one who allowed our 'blindness' to fall from our eyes and transformed our hearts and minds so we could forgive and be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and the needs of others.
Christ needs to be central in every thought, action and deed in our Christian lives.
Jesus is our hope. Not some hope we imagine but know in our hearts because He has touched and is continuing to touch our lives.
Jesus is who we trust in every aspect of our lives.
Jesus is the REAL love, the REAL understanding, the REAL authority, the REAL servant heart, the REAL consoling spirit, the REAL miracle maker, is the REAL LIFE and EVERLASTING LIFE.
Jesus needs to be central. Without him we are just lost and running around circles.
In our world Jesus Christ is the key to open the pages of the bible and to life. Without Jesus the pages of the bible and to life are meaningless and even difficult to understand.
Jesus is the foundation of our faith. He is the one who pursued us when we were far away from him. He is the one who allowed our 'blindness' to fall from our eyes and transformed our hearts and minds so we could forgive and be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and the needs of others.
Christ needs to be central in every thought, action and deed in our Christian lives.
Jesus is our hope. Not some hope we imagine but know in our hearts because He has touched and is continuing to touch our lives.
Jesus is who we trust in every aspect of our lives.
Jesus is the REAL love, the REAL understanding, the REAL authority, the REAL servant heart, the REAL consoling spirit, the REAL miracle maker, is the REAL LIFE and EVERLASTING LIFE.
Jesus needs to be central. Without him we are just lost and running around circles.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
The Authority in Christ Jesus
You have no real authority unless it is in Christ Jesus.
God’s word says, " I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his people."
Paul then writes, " I pray that you will begin to under the incredible greatness of his power for us who believe in him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else in this world or in the world to come. And God has put all things under the authority of Christ, and he gave him this authority for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is filled by Christ who fills everything everywhere with his presence." Ephesians 1:18-23
To my current understanding, the authority in Christ has very little to do with our understanding or even concept of authority. Imagine a container that holds a cancer-fighting drug. It not only holds the drug but also the instructions on how to administer the drug. Does the container have the powerful agents to fight the cancer or does the drug inside the container? We as Christians are merely the container that holds authority but like the drug container that sits on a shelf and doesn’t get used -so are we when we don’t look to God in how to use that authority. The Holy Spirit is living in us but he can only work through you and I if we listen and do as he specifies.
(To be quite honest this can take some patience at times. It seems easier when you get instruction right away- it’s not so easy when you have to wait for an answer.)
"For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." (Ephesians 2:10)
"For in Christ the fullness of God lives in a human body and you are complete through your union with Christ. He is the Lord over every ruler and authority in the universe." (Colossians 2:9)
"How stupid can you be? He is the Potter, and he is certainly greater than you. You are only jars he makes! Should the thing that was created say to the one who made it, "He didn’t make us"? Does a jar ever say, " the Potter who made me is stupid"? (Isaiah 29:16)
Obviously we are to use this authority but how?
We have all heard of stories where the servant, who’s master is a great king, is given a position of great authority. This unlikely recipient is not a person who we would see as a person in great authority. They are often timid, sometimes not all that ambitious. They have doubts and concerns. They more or less like to stay out of the public limelight. They have don’t look like a strong candidate for a leadership role but underneath that ordinary exterior is a patient, kind, fair, faithful, hopeful and endure soul who God knows will endure even through the worst of circumstances.
A great king chooses his warriors, commanders, counselors, advisers, and leadership - not so much on a person’s special abilities but in how a person accomplishes their role in respectful honest and faith manner using their abilities. For authority is useless and an embarrassment if not done in great care and/or consideration.
Our authority as Christians (under Christ) is useless if not done in love and we can only have great authority if we submit to God who is the greatest of great kings. We submit to God’s will and we not just see the authority of Christ but experience it.
Remember this authority is patient, kind, not jealous, boastful, proud or rude. It does not demand it’s own way or it’s own way in his or her understanding but goes God’s way. It is not irritable and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. It is sadden by injustice but is joyful when the truth wins out. It never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) This is as love.
Colossians 3:12-14 says: "Since God chose you to be holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. You must make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony."
I hear the shutter, "Where is the authority in that again? It sounds more like a doormat."
Authority is rising above it all. It is having peace knowing you didn’t retaliate or get agitated when could have. You didn’t go back to your boxing corner for round 2 after you received one to one the gut. You stayed cool and collected not trusting in your understanding but God and God’s way to work all things out. You stood and stayed on the rock when a ripple of a wave came toward you and you stayed dry.
Romans 12:17 "Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do your part to live in peace with everyone, as much as possible. Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God. For it is written, ‘I will take vengeance; I will repay those who deserve it," says the Lord. Instead, do what the Scriptures say: ‘If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink, and they will be ashamed of what they have done to you.’ Don’t let evil get the best of you, but conquer evil by doing good."
You are an acceptable living and holy sacrifice to God when you live this way.
Authority in Christ sounds very different to this world’s point of view of the understanding of authority doesn’t it? For some of us, we visualize authority as a harsh drill Sargent nose to nose and toe to toe yelling in someone's face like a rabid K9 and as if they, the person on the receiving end, were hard of hearing.
Our authority in encompassed by love, the leading of the Holy Spirit, trusting in Christ Jesus and standing up for what is true and right according to God’s word.
And the more we look to Christ in every aspect or our lives, the more maturity and peace we have with others and ourselves - even during times of conflict. (A picture of Yoda’s lightsaber absorbing the volts of Sith suddenly came to mind)
As my brother, Weaver put it, this betterment "is to wear out the earthly individual, for a more fruitful one which is Heavenly."
Once we see it’s all about Christ’s authority and not our authority, we can sink our teeth down into the true meaning of authority.
1. Christ submitted to his Father’s will.
2. Christ had all authority in heaven and on earth. (Matthew 28:18) by submitting to his Father’s will.
3. Our authority is not based on ourselves but solely on the submission of Christ’s authority.
Matthew 10:1 "He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness."
4. Our authority is prompted by directives by the Holy Spirit. Directives by the Holy Spirit are given to present, instruct, correct, awaken, and encourage everyone to the power and knowledge of Jesus Christ. Directives happen anywhere! From our prayers to our conversations to our workplace to our chat rooms on the Internet to the grocery store.
When the Holy Spirit lives in you, you know when He is agitated, correcting, leading, mourning and at peace. Ask Him what He wants you to do... don't let yourself tell you what to do! (Wink)
Here is an example of authority by Paul.
2 Corinthians 10:1-18"Now I, Paul, plead with you. I plead with the gentleness and kindness that Christ himself would use, even though some of you say I am bold in my letters but timid in person. I hope it won’t be necessary, but when I come I may have to be very bold with those who think we act from purely human motives. We are human, but we don’t wage war with human plans or methods. We use God’s mighty weapons, not merely worldly weapons, to knock down the Devil’s strongholds. With these weapons we break down every proud argument that keeps people from knowing God. With these weapons we conquer their rebellious ideas, and teach them to obey Christ. And we will punish those who remained disobedient after the rest of you become loyal and obedient. The trouble with you is that you make your decisions on the basis of appearance. You must recognize that we belong to Christ just as much as those who proudly declare that they belong to Christ. I may seem to be boasting too much about the authority given to us by the Lord. But this authority is to build you up, not to tear you down…"
God’s word says, " I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his people."
Paul then writes, " I pray that you will begin to under the incredible greatness of his power for us who believe in him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else in this world or in the world to come. And God has put all things under the authority of Christ, and he gave him this authority for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is filled by Christ who fills everything everywhere with his presence." Ephesians 1:18-23
To my current understanding, the authority in Christ has very little to do with our understanding or even concept of authority. Imagine a container that holds a cancer-fighting drug. It not only holds the drug but also the instructions on how to administer the drug. Does the container have the powerful agents to fight the cancer or does the drug inside the container? We as Christians are merely the container that holds authority but like the drug container that sits on a shelf and doesn’t get used -so are we when we don’t look to God in how to use that authority. The Holy Spirit is living in us but he can only work through you and I if we listen and do as he specifies.
(To be quite honest this can take some patience at times. It seems easier when you get instruction right away- it’s not so easy when you have to wait for an answer.)
"For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." (Ephesians 2:10)
"For in Christ the fullness of God lives in a human body and you are complete through your union with Christ. He is the Lord over every ruler and authority in the universe." (Colossians 2:9)
"How stupid can you be? He is the Potter, and he is certainly greater than you. You are only jars he makes! Should the thing that was created say to the one who made it, "He didn’t make us"? Does a jar ever say, " the Potter who made me is stupid"? (Isaiah 29:16)
Obviously we are to use this authority but how?
We have all heard of stories where the servant, who’s master is a great king, is given a position of great authority. This unlikely recipient is not a person who we would see as a person in great authority. They are often timid, sometimes not all that ambitious. They have doubts and concerns. They more or less like to stay out of the public limelight. They have don’t look like a strong candidate for a leadership role but underneath that ordinary exterior is a patient, kind, fair, faithful, hopeful and endure soul who God knows will endure even through the worst of circumstances.
A great king chooses his warriors, commanders, counselors, advisers, and leadership - not so much on a person’s special abilities but in how a person accomplishes their role in respectful honest and faith manner using their abilities. For authority is useless and an embarrassment if not done in great care and/or consideration.
Our authority as Christians (under Christ) is useless if not done in love and we can only have great authority if we submit to God who is the greatest of great kings. We submit to God’s will and we not just see the authority of Christ but experience it.
Remember this authority is patient, kind, not jealous, boastful, proud or rude. It does not demand it’s own way or it’s own way in his or her understanding but goes God’s way. It is not irritable and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. It is sadden by injustice but is joyful when the truth wins out. It never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) This is as love.
Colossians 3:12-14 says: "Since God chose you to be holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. You must make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony."
I hear the shutter, "Where is the authority in that again? It sounds more like a doormat."
Authority is rising above it all. It is having peace knowing you didn’t retaliate or get agitated when could have. You didn’t go back to your boxing corner for round 2 after you received one to one the gut. You stayed cool and collected not trusting in your understanding but God and God’s way to work all things out. You stood and stayed on the rock when a ripple of a wave came toward you and you stayed dry.
Romans 12:17 "Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do your part to live in peace with everyone, as much as possible. Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God. For it is written, ‘I will take vengeance; I will repay those who deserve it," says the Lord. Instead, do what the Scriptures say: ‘If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink, and they will be ashamed of what they have done to you.’ Don’t let evil get the best of you, but conquer evil by doing good."
You are an acceptable living and holy sacrifice to God when you live this way.
Authority in Christ sounds very different to this world’s point of view of the understanding of authority doesn’t it? For some of us, we visualize authority as a harsh drill Sargent nose to nose and toe to toe yelling in someone's face like a rabid K9 and as if they, the person on the receiving end, were hard of hearing.
Our authority in encompassed by love, the leading of the Holy Spirit, trusting in Christ Jesus and standing up for what is true and right according to God’s word.
And the more we look to Christ in every aspect or our lives, the more maturity and peace we have with others and ourselves - even during times of conflict. (A picture of Yoda’s lightsaber absorbing the volts of Sith suddenly came to mind)
As my brother, Weaver put it, this betterment "is to wear out the earthly individual, for a more fruitful one which is Heavenly."
Once we see it’s all about Christ’s authority and not our authority, we can sink our teeth down into the true meaning of authority.
1. Christ submitted to his Father’s will.
2. Christ had all authority in heaven and on earth. (Matthew 28:18) by submitting to his Father’s will.
3. Our authority is not based on ourselves but solely on the submission of Christ’s authority.
Matthew 10:1 "He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness."
4. Our authority is prompted by directives by the Holy Spirit. Directives by the Holy Spirit are given to present, instruct, correct, awaken, and encourage everyone to the power and knowledge of Jesus Christ. Directives happen anywhere! From our prayers to our conversations to our workplace to our chat rooms on the Internet to the grocery store.
When the Holy Spirit lives in you, you know when He is agitated, correcting, leading, mourning and at peace. Ask Him what He wants you to do... don't let yourself tell you what to do! (Wink)
Here is an example of authority by Paul.
2 Corinthians 10:1-18"Now I, Paul, plead with you. I plead with the gentleness and kindness that Christ himself would use, even though some of you say I am bold in my letters but timid in person. I hope it won’t be necessary, but when I come I may have to be very bold with those who think we act from purely human motives. We are human, but we don’t wage war with human plans or methods. We use God’s mighty weapons, not merely worldly weapons, to knock down the Devil’s strongholds. With these weapons we break down every proud argument that keeps people from knowing God. With these weapons we conquer their rebellious ideas, and teach them to obey Christ. And we will punish those who remained disobedient after the rest of you become loyal and obedient. The trouble with you is that you make your decisions on the basis of appearance. You must recognize that we belong to Christ just as much as those who proudly declare that they belong to Christ. I may seem to be boasting too much about the authority given to us by the Lord. But this authority is to build you up, not to tear you down…"
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
The Testimony through the Holy Spirit
A lasting and powerful testimony is not done merely by one’s own self-esteem or personal will power, it is done by relying on a power outside of one’s self. A powerful testimony isn’t self-motivated or self-centered or done by human hands, methods or understandings but centered on a purpose driven and planned by God. Those people whose lives are self-motivated are never satisfied. They like coyotes that continue to search for something to satisfy and give them peace but everything, even religion, leaves them thirsty and hungry. But this is not all bad because their desire to find something lasting may lead them to find a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Acts 5:38-39
“So my advice is, leave these men alone. If they are teaching and doing these thing on their own, it will soon be overthrown. But if it is of God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God.”
1 Thessalonians 1:5
“For when we brought you the good news, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true. And you know that the way we lived among you was further proof of the truth of our message.”
Acts 5:38-39
“So my advice is, leave these men alone. If they are teaching and doing these thing on their own, it will soon be overthrown. But if it is of God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God.”
1 Thessalonians 1:5
“For when we brought you the good news, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true. And you know that the way we lived among you was further proof of the truth of our message.”
Monday, October 29, 2007
What the HECK!
You ever have one of those episodes where it seems like you are doing what God wants you do and then it seems like it has completely taken a wrong turn?
I know that is the way David felt when he was bringing the Ark of God back to Jerusalem. (2 Samuel 6). Here he was bringing the Ark of God back to God's people so they could be blessed and one of the escorts gets struck dead by God's anger for trying to stabilize the Ark of God.
You want to do what God wants but in your haste or passion it isn't necessary the way God wants something done or in the order God wants you or someone else to do it in. And when you try to force it to be done your way... you aren't in God's will. You are heading down that road marked of good intentions that lead only for a heartache. Thank God for his grace. Thank him helping us to steer us right and stand up again. Thank him for stopping the situation before it became even worse.
After the realization you hadn't done things the way God wanted them to, you probably become frustrated, sad, angry, and even thought God was upset with you. Your role or someone else's role wasn't what you thought it was suppose to be.
You find out that you were zealous and not careful with the position/role and responsibility God had given you. You assumed and ran with emotions as David had and it didn't turn out the way you expected. You even might have had to stare at some of your weakness and accept them along with opposition of those who came with you down this road or idea.
We all may have the zeal to do right but it's God's way or no way. Thank God he was there with his hand over our lives when we did go too far. When we were over zealous and assumed more then what we were suppose to take on. We said more then what we were suppose to say. We messed up but God does beautiful things with our mess ups too.
May the Lord help us all to be the person He wants us to be for today, in Jesus Name Amen.
I know that is the way David felt when he was bringing the Ark of God back to Jerusalem. (2 Samuel 6). Here he was bringing the Ark of God back to God's people so they could be blessed and one of the escorts gets struck dead by God's anger for trying to stabilize the Ark of God.
You want to do what God wants but in your haste or passion it isn't necessary the way God wants something done or in the order God wants you or someone else to do it in. And when you try to force it to be done your way... you aren't in God's will. You are heading down that road marked of good intentions that lead only for a heartache. Thank God for his grace. Thank him helping us to steer us right and stand up again. Thank him for stopping the situation before it became even worse.
After the realization you hadn't done things the way God wanted them to, you probably become frustrated, sad, angry, and even thought God was upset with you. Your role or someone else's role wasn't what you thought it was suppose to be.
You find out that you were zealous and not careful with the position/role and responsibility God had given you. You assumed and ran with emotions as David had and it didn't turn out the way you expected. You even might have had to stare at some of your weakness and accept them along with opposition of those who came with you down this road or idea.
We all may have the zeal to do right but it's God's way or no way. Thank God he was there with his hand over our lives when we did go too far. When we were over zealous and assumed more then what we were suppose to take on. We said more then what we were suppose to say. We messed up but God does beautiful things with our mess ups too.
May the Lord help us all to be the person He wants us to be for today, in Jesus Name Amen.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
You Were Made For Such A Time As This. (Body of Christ)
(Ephesians 2:10) "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."
We have the power to deal with others through Christ and the Holy Spirit. (2 Corinthians 13:4)
So we may bring God glory (Romans 1:5)
Don't entangle yourself with how others think of you but what God thinks of you! Don't entangle yourself with emotions that weigh you down and chain you up and try to deafen you to God's voice and God's purpose for you in these moments and times!
"You are among those who have been called to belong to Jesus Christ, dear friends of Rome. God loves you dearly, and he has called you to be his very own people. May the grace and peace be yours from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 1:6)
You can only have grace and peace from God when you truly trust and obey God.
"All praise to the God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. You can be sure that the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. So when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your benefit and salvation! For when God comforts us, it is so that we, in turn, can be an encouragement to you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer,you will also share God's comfort." (2 Corinthians 1:3-7)
"For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything. If you need wisdom- if you want to know what God wants you to do- ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. They can't make up their minds. They waver back and forth in everything they do." (James 1:3-7)
Go to God. Tell Him your troubles and leave your concerns and worries with Him. He will remind you what to think on and to fully rely on Him. Then you will be able to comfort and encourage others as a servant and friend. And when troubles try to overtake your peace of mind and the testing seems too great, He will direct you by wise counsel (A pastor or a mature Christian).
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us- they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confidence expectation of salvation. And this expectation will not disappoint us. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. (Romans 5:3-5)
Remember God's love is far greater then we can possibly imagine yet somehow (through God's Holy Spirit) we have the opportunity to experience it everyday of our lives no matter what problems and trials seem to present themselves. We have the opportunity to change and take another step in being the person and God wants us to be. People who see us are in wonder of how we can stay calm in such circumstances and when they ask you why you seem to not be bothered and negative by such trials, you can tell them that you have God, who far greater then theses temporary matters and concerns.
'People need more then bread for their life; they must feed on every word of God.' (Matthew 4:4) "...Real life comes by feeding on every word of the Lord." (Deuteronomy 8:3)
You and I must be in God's word everyday. When we read God's word and think on it, it will come back to us in our time of need. It will encourage us to continue on and to live the life God has called us to live. When we stumble, God's word can remind us of God's mercy and grace and quicken us to stand back up and walk again.
We can't go back and change something in the past or what we said or did. (If you hurt someone, humbly apologize and try to make it up to them.) If circumstances change that were beyond your control, don't try to carry the burden of trying to take on and understanding those changes. God knows what you and I are capable and not capable of handling at this moment in time but he also gives us insight and direction when changes do occur. If plans change, except those changes based on the insight you have been given and you will have peace and your burdens lightened.
I am finding that even if something was said or done in good intentions but wasn't intended in God's plan in the first place -you and I can't change God's plan. You and I can't stop the doors from being closed and the continual battle to come to a roaring halt.
We may not even realize God's plan destined for us and others because we are doing something that is biblically sound at the time- but in the scope of God's master plan, our role can be quite different then what we presumed in the first place. And when we come to this realization it can even be quite painful for a bit of time until we realize our true role in God's plan. God's word brings peace and lightens our load and shows us that even in times of good or bad He is with us.
You were made for such a time as this. May what we learn now from these experience never be forgotten, in Jesus Name Amen.
We have the power to deal with others through Christ and the Holy Spirit. (2 Corinthians 13:4)
So we may bring God glory (Romans 1:5)
Don't entangle yourself with how others think of you but what God thinks of you! Don't entangle yourself with emotions that weigh you down and chain you up and try to deafen you to God's voice and God's purpose for you in these moments and times!
"You are among those who have been called to belong to Jesus Christ, dear friends of Rome. God loves you dearly, and he has called you to be his very own people. May the grace and peace be yours from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 1:6)
You can only have grace and peace from God when you truly trust and obey God.
"All praise to the God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. You can be sure that the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. So when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your benefit and salvation! For when God comforts us, it is so that we, in turn, can be an encouragement to you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer,you will also share God's comfort." (2 Corinthians 1:3-7)
"For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything. If you need wisdom- if you want to know what God wants you to do- ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. They can't make up their minds. They waver back and forth in everything they do." (James 1:3-7)
Go to God. Tell Him your troubles and leave your concerns and worries with Him. He will remind you what to think on and to fully rely on Him. Then you will be able to comfort and encourage others as a servant and friend. And when troubles try to overtake your peace of mind and the testing seems too great, He will direct you by wise counsel (A pastor or a mature Christian).
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us- they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confidence expectation of salvation. And this expectation will not disappoint us. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. (Romans 5:3-5)
Remember God's love is far greater then we can possibly imagine yet somehow (through God's Holy Spirit) we have the opportunity to experience it everyday of our lives no matter what problems and trials seem to present themselves. We have the opportunity to change and take another step in being the person and God wants us to be. People who see us are in wonder of how we can stay calm in such circumstances and when they ask you why you seem to not be bothered and negative by such trials, you can tell them that you have God, who far greater then theses temporary matters and concerns.
'People need more then bread for their life; they must feed on every word of God.' (Matthew 4:4) "...Real life comes by feeding on every word of the Lord." (Deuteronomy 8:3)
You and I must be in God's word everyday. When we read God's word and think on it, it will come back to us in our time of need. It will encourage us to continue on and to live the life God has called us to live. When we stumble, God's word can remind us of God's mercy and grace and quicken us to stand back up and walk again.
We can't go back and change something in the past or what we said or did. (If you hurt someone, humbly apologize and try to make it up to them.) If circumstances change that were beyond your control, don't try to carry the burden of trying to take on and understanding those changes. God knows what you and I are capable and not capable of handling at this moment in time but he also gives us insight and direction when changes do occur. If plans change, except those changes based on the insight you have been given and you will have peace and your burdens lightened.
I am finding that even if something was said or done in good intentions but wasn't intended in God's plan in the first place -you and I can't change God's plan. You and I can't stop the doors from being closed and the continual battle to come to a roaring halt.
We may not even realize God's plan destined for us and others because we are doing something that is biblically sound at the time- but in the scope of God's master plan, our role can be quite different then what we presumed in the first place. And when we come to this realization it can even be quite painful for a bit of time until we realize our true role in God's plan. God's word brings peace and lightens our load and shows us that even in times of good or bad He is with us.
You were made for such a time as this. May what we learn now from these experience never be forgotten, in Jesus Name Amen.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Keep Your Fork (Better Things to Come.)
There was a young woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had been given three months to live. So as she was getting her things "in order," she contacted her Pastor and had him come to her house to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes. She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service, what scriptures she would like read, and what outfit she wanted to be buried in. Everything was in order and the Pastor was preparing to leave when the young woman suddenly remembered something very important to her."There's one more thing," she said excitedly.
"What's that?" came the Pastor's reply.
"This is very important," the young woman continued . "I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand."
The Pastor stood looking at the young woman, not knowing quite what to say.
"That surprises you, doesn't it?" the young woman asked.
"Well, to be honest, I'm puzzled by the request," said the Pastor.
The young woman explained. "My grandmother once told me this story, and from that time on I have always tried to pass along its message to those I love and those who are in need of encouragement. In all my years of attending socials and dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, 'Keep your fork.' It was my favorite part because I knew that something better was coming...like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie. Something wonderful, and with substance!' So, I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder "What's with the fork?" Then I want you to tell them : "Keep your fork, the best is yet to come."
The Pastor's eyes welled up with tears of joy as he hugged the young woman good-bye. He knew this would be one of the last times he would see her before her death. But he also knew that the young woman had a better grasp of heaven than he did. She had a better grasp of what heaven would be like than many people twice her age, with twice as much experience and knowledge. She KNEW that something better was coming.
At the funeral people were walking by the young woman's casket and they saw the cloak she was wearing and the fork placed in her right hand. Over and over, the Pastor heard the question, "What's with the fork?" And over and over he smiled.
During his message, the Pastor told the people of the conversation he had with the young woman shortly before she died. He also told them about the fork and about what it symbolized to her. He told the people how he could not stop thinking about the fork and told them that they probably would Not be able to stop thinking about it either. He was right.
So the next time you reach down for your fork let it remind you, ever so gently, that the best is yet to come.
Remember to keep your fork.
Philippians 4:6 "Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful then the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Matthew 18:4-5 "Therefore, anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven and anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my half is welcoming me." (Childlike faith)
Psalm 34:7-8 "For the angel of the Lord guards all who fear Him, and rescues them. Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who trust in Him! Let the Lord's people show Him reverence, for those who honor Him will have all they need."
"What's that?" came the Pastor's reply.
"This is very important," the young woman continued . "I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand."
The Pastor stood looking at the young woman, not knowing quite what to say.
"That surprises you, doesn't it?" the young woman asked.
"Well, to be honest, I'm puzzled by the request," said the Pastor.
The young woman explained. "My grandmother once told me this story, and from that time on I have always tried to pass along its message to those I love and those who are in need of encouragement. In all my years of attending socials and dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, 'Keep your fork.' It was my favorite part because I knew that something better was coming...like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie. Something wonderful, and with substance!' So, I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder "What's with the fork?" Then I want you to tell them : "Keep your fork, the best is yet to come."
The Pastor's eyes welled up with tears of joy as he hugged the young woman good-bye. He knew this would be one of the last times he would see her before her death. But he also knew that the young woman had a better grasp of heaven than he did. She had a better grasp of what heaven would be like than many people twice her age, with twice as much experience and knowledge. She KNEW that something better was coming.
At the funeral people were walking by the young woman's casket and they saw the cloak she was wearing and the fork placed in her right hand. Over and over, the Pastor heard the question, "What's with the fork?" And over and over he smiled.
During his message, the Pastor told the people of the conversation he had with the young woman shortly before she died. He also told them about the fork and about what it symbolized to her. He told the people how he could not stop thinking about the fork and told them that they probably would Not be able to stop thinking about it either. He was right.
So the next time you reach down for your fork let it remind you, ever so gently, that the best is yet to come.
Remember to keep your fork.
Philippians 4:6 "Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful then the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Matthew 18:4-5 "Therefore, anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven and anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my half is welcoming me." (Childlike faith)
Psalm 34:7-8 "For the angel of the Lord guards all who fear Him, and rescues them. Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who trust in Him! Let the Lord's people show Him reverence, for those who honor Him will have all they need."
Friday, September 21, 2007
Where Is The Hope? Christians that are Wounded.
There has got to be more then just pulling yourself out of bed each morning… and in some cases "each after noon". There has got to be more then just the "have to(s)" in life.
Where has this negative slant on life come from? Where is the life filled with expectation and love for others gone? Where is the daily assurance in Jesus Christ gone? When did the opinions of men and women become more important then God’s opinion of us?
Why is there more importance on the material things, which will soon find their way to a landfill? Why embrace worldly ideals, which will soon change like the wind? Why chase such things that will make you lost and empty? Why run a race that is on a treadmill? Why turn from Godly wisdom and understanding?
I am concerned for such individuals who seem to turn to from and/or choose something other then what God’s word states. I am not talking about being discouraged for just a few days or weeks but months and years.
When someone is discouraged and depressed for that long period of time I wonder what has happened to those people. What has happened to their faith that they think God has forgotten them or isn’t interested in them?
I don’t want to sound like an Eliphaz, where I am "as unreliable as a season brook that overflows its banks in the spring when it swollen with ice and melting snow but when the hot weather arrives, the water disappears. The brook vanishes in the heat. The caravans turn aside to be refreshed, but there is nothing there to drink, and so they perish in the desert. With high hopes, the caravans from Tema and from Sheba stop for water, but finding nothing, their hopes are dashed." (Job 6:15-21) I want to be of some help, hope and encouragement.
Have they denied the words of God?. I don’t know... but seems as if doubt has taken up permanent residence in their hearts. Some have fear and some don’t. Some just don’t care anymore. Some have grown impatient and hardened- setting themselves up for thoughts that God will never intervene on their behalf. I don’t ever what to experience what they are experiencing.
"As a face is reflected in the water, so the heart reflects the person." Proverbs 27:19
So is a man who thinks in his heart so he becomes…. Is this not true?
I can only imagine that the devil himself has carefully placed these debilitating false ideas into a welcoming wounded specimen where the victim hashes over them in some way or form until they become as if fact in their minds. Some people are even aware that these debilitating thoughts have come from the devil himself but they couldn’t care less. They have stripped off their armor accepting whatever comes.
Paul writes, "Be strong with the Lord’s mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms. Use every piece of God’s armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm." (Ephesians 6)
The devil has no power over you unless you give it to him! The devil is the father of lies. He tells you something, you know the opposite is true. If he wants to get in your face, "Tell him to go see your older brother, Jesus Christ, and your Father, God Almighty."
You say but my enemy is flesh and blood. I say, pray for your enemy and if you don’t have the power and love to pray for them then ask God for the power and love to do so. Why do we base our worth on how others treat us? I did this and made myself miserable. People are like grass; they are here today and gone tomorrow. God is forever and I know He thinks more of you then those who think negatively about you.
Helpful Scriptures:
Galatians 6:9 "So don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time."
1John 5:4 "For every child of God defeats this evil world by trusting Christ to give the victory"
Psalm 37:5 "Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you. 37:6 He will make your innocence as clear as the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun. 37:7 Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don't worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes."
Philippians 4:6-9 4 "Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again- rejoice! 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. 6 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. 8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and heard from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you."
Philippians 1:6 "And I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again." 2:13 "For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him."
Philippians 1:29 "For you have been given no only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him."
Hebrews 10:35-36 "Do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord, no matter what happens. Remember the great reward it brings you! 10:36 Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that he has promised."
Romans 8:26-27 "26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our distress. For we don't even know what we should pray for, nor how we should pray. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. 27 And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will."
1 Corinthians 6:19 "Or don't you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself,"
1 Corinthians 8:3 "But the person who loves God is the one God knows and cares for."
1 Corinthians 10:13 "But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it."
Matthew 16:25-27 "25 If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life. 26 And how do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul in the process? Is anything worth more than your soul? 27 For I, the Son of Man, will come in the glory of my Father with his angels and will judge all people according to their deeds."
Colossians 1:23 "But you must continue to believe this truth and stand in it firmly. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the good news."
A person conquers evil thoughts and desires when they think on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits at God’s right hand in place of honor and power. (Colossians 3:1-2)
Where has this negative slant on life come from? Where is the life filled with expectation and love for others gone? Where is the daily assurance in Jesus Christ gone? When did the opinions of men and women become more important then God’s opinion of us?
Why is there more importance on the material things, which will soon find their way to a landfill? Why embrace worldly ideals, which will soon change like the wind? Why chase such things that will make you lost and empty? Why run a race that is on a treadmill? Why turn from Godly wisdom and understanding?
I am concerned for such individuals who seem to turn to from and/or choose something other then what God’s word states. I am not talking about being discouraged for just a few days or weeks but months and years.
When someone is discouraged and depressed for that long period of time I wonder what has happened to those people. What has happened to their faith that they think God has forgotten them or isn’t interested in them?
I don’t want to sound like an Eliphaz, where I am "as unreliable as a season brook that overflows its banks in the spring when it swollen with ice and melting snow but when the hot weather arrives, the water disappears. The brook vanishes in the heat. The caravans turn aside to be refreshed, but there is nothing there to drink, and so they perish in the desert. With high hopes, the caravans from Tema and from Sheba stop for water, but finding nothing, their hopes are dashed." (Job 6:15-21) I want to be of some help, hope and encouragement.
Have they denied the words of God?. I don’t know... but seems as if doubt has taken up permanent residence in their hearts. Some have fear and some don’t. Some just don’t care anymore. Some have grown impatient and hardened- setting themselves up for thoughts that God will never intervene on their behalf. I don’t ever what to experience what they are experiencing.
"As a face is reflected in the water, so the heart reflects the person." Proverbs 27:19
So is a man who thinks in his heart so he becomes…. Is this not true?
I can only imagine that the devil himself has carefully placed these debilitating false ideas into a welcoming wounded specimen where the victim hashes over them in some way or form until they become as if fact in their minds. Some people are even aware that these debilitating thoughts have come from the devil himself but they couldn’t care less. They have stripped off their armor accepting whatever comes.
Paul writes, "Be strong with the Lord’s mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms. Use every piece of God’s armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm." (Ephesians 6)
The devil has no power over you unless you give it to him! The devil is the father of lies. He tells you something, you know the opposite is true. If he wants to get in your face, "Tell him to go see your older brother, Jesus Christ, and your Father, God Almighty."
You say but my enemy is flesh and blood. I say, pray for your enemy and if you don’t have the power and love to pray for them then ask God for the power and love to do so. Why do we base our worth on how others treat us? I did this and made myself miserable. People are like grass; they are here today and gone tomorrow. God is forever and I know He thinks more of you then those who think negatively about you.
Helpful Scriptures:
Galatians 6:9 "So don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time."
1John 5:4 "For every child of God defeats this evil world by trusting Christ to give the victory"
Psalm 37:5 "Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you. 37:6 He will make your innocence as clear as the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun. 37:7 Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don't worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes."
Philippians 4:6-9 4 "Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again- rejoice! 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. 6 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. 8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and heard from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you."
Philippians 1:6 "And I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again." 2:13 "For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him."
Philippians 1:29 "For you have been given no only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him."
Hebrews 10:35-36 "Do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord, no matter what happens. Remember the great reward it brings you! 10:36 Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that he has promised."
Romans 8:26-27 "26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our distress. For we don't even know what we should pray for, nor how we should pray. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. 27 And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will."
1 Corinthians 6:19 "Or don't you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself,"
1 Corinthians 8:3 "But the person who loves God is the one God knows and cares for."
1 Corinthians 10:13 "But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it."
Matthew 16:25-27 "25 If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life. 26 And how do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul in the process? Is anything worth more than your soul? 27 For I, the Son of Man, will come in the glory of my Father with his angels and will judge all people according to their deeds."
Colossians 1:23 "But you must continue to believe this truth and stand in it firmly. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the good news."
A person conquers evil thoughts and desires when they think on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits at God’s right hand in place of honor and power. (Colossians 3:1-2)
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