An Effective Witness Part Two

I love the changing colors of the autumn.   How lawns and concrete sidewalks are temporarily decorated with festive warm colors that are shed from the standing trees above them.  These eye-feasting days are the evidence that another beautiful fall is upon us.   And just as we observe the changing colors that represent "Fall" we must also take note of the messages God is giving His pastors and people to share with His people, for they too are showing us the season in which we are living and heading in to.  Just as the seasons tell us what time of the year we are living so are the messages God gives to equip and ready His people for what is ahead and is to come.

God has always prepared His people for what is to come- since the very beginning.

“Then God said, ‘Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years;’” Genesis 1:14 NKJV

And now…

“Now learn a lesson from the fig tree.  When its buds become tender and its leaves begin to sprout, you know without being told that summer is near.  Just so, when you see the events I’ve described beginning to happen, you can know his return is very near, right at the door.”  Matthew 24:32-33 NLT (READ Matthew 24 when you get a chance.)

Present Messengers Messages

The messages and even in my studies with the Lord, there has been an emphasis on these themes:

1.     Jesus’ coming is near.

2.     Jesus is preparing and securing his people in himself before he comes.

3.     Persecution of bible believing Christians is going to increase.

Under preparing and securing his people are questions like these: “Are you really saved?” and “Do you know what it means to be saved?”

Why would God have his messengers ask such questions?

•  People accepting false teachings.
• People fallen into human understanding.
• People not living the way they should.
• People not educated in how one is saved.
• People are worried and uncertain in their salvation in Jesus Christ.
• God doesn’t want anyone to perish but have eternal life in heaven with him. (Note: 2 Peter 3:9)

If we are offended by such questions we should ask ourselves why?  I think we should be grateful to have such questions asked.  Such questions help us to refocus on what is important in this life and strengthen our faith in God.  God wouldn’t ask us these types of questions if he didn’t care, would he?

Someone might ask, “I go to church, doesn’t that make me a Christian?” I can stand in the produce department at the grocery store does that make me an apple, orange, banana or a grapefruit...? Hopefully not a grapefruit. :)

There were many times when I was persuaded to go to church - I got some “la la la” and then some “blah, blah, blah” but nothing really stuck.   My heart didn’t change and certainly my mindset didn’t change. 
 

 It wasn’t until I gave my life to God did the change take place. That is when I became a Christian.

“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.” Ezekiel 11:19

I do many good works but does that make me a Christian?

Does a fire fighter, a law enforcement officer, a teacher, a medical physician, an athletic coach, do good works? Does that mean they are all Christians?

Even individuals in false religions do good works but do they believe Jesus Christ as being LORD and Savior?  Is Jesus Christ God of them? Is Jesus Christ – The WAY into heaven?  Are they depending on Jesus Christ to save them?

The word of God says, “ All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.  No one calls on your name or strives to lay hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us and have given us over to our sins.” Isaiah 64:6-7 NIV

If one depends on their own so-called “righteous acts” to try save themselves instead of Jesus Christ, their “good deeds” are worthless.  Their “good deeds” are filthy rags to God.  They are done in the wrong motive to only benefit the doer in temporary human praise and deny Christ as Lord and Savior.  This type of person becomes prideful, puffed up, legalistic, ignorant, jealous and foolish in their thinking.   It is the very opposite in how God works in our life.  (Note 1 Corinthians 13 & Galatians 5:16-26)

Our good deeds do not save us.  It is only through Jesus Christ that we can be saved.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.  Ephesians 2:8-9

“For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

We don’t do good works to be saved but walk in good works because of what Jesus Christ has done in our lives. 

I haven’t killed anyone, done drugs, or stolen anything?  I consider myself a good person.  Does that make me a Christian?

Being a good person, does that give me right of passage into heaven?  A good person… according to whom… me, others, you or God?

“For all have sinned: all fall short of God’s glorious standard.  Yet now God in his gracious kindness declares us not guilty.  He has done this through Christ Jesus, who has freed us by taking away our sins.  For God sent Jesus to take the punishment of our sins and to satisfy God’s anger against us.   We are made right with God when we believe that Jesus shed his blood, sacrificing his life for us….”  Romans 3:23-25

Without Jesus Christ, whatever you thought would secure you a place in heaven will vanish before your eyes and you will fall into the pit of hell.   Don’t be tricked.

Do you have Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior of your life?

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one can come to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

“There is a path before each person that seems right, but ends in death.” Proverbs 16:25

Jesus said, “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate.  The highway to hell is broad, and it’s gate is wide for the many who choose the easy way.  But the gateway to life is small, and the road is narrow, and only a few ever find it.”  Matthew 7:13-14

“God blesses those who realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them. - God blesses those who are persecuted because they live for God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.”  Matthew 5:10

Jesus said, “Yes, I am the gate.  Those who come in through me will be saved.  Wherever they go, they will find green pastures.   The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy.  My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.  I am the good shepherd.  The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:9-11

Jesus said “However, those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them.  For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do what I want.  And this is the will of God, that I should not lose even one of all those he has given me, but that I should raise them to eternal life at the last day. For it is my Father’s will that all who see his Son and believe in him should have eternal life- that I should raise them at the last day.” John 6:37-4

Life is short.  The devil only has a short time as well.  He wants to convince people of many different philosophies of thought concerning heaven but God has made it plain.  You and I can't have eternity in heaven unless we have Jesus as our Lord and Savior.   It wasn't some false prophet or ordinary man that split his blood for all of humanity but it was God's blood.  Jesus all man and all God.  Pure and without sin.  He was the sacrifice for our sins.  God's blood...  only God's blood can cover our sins.

I know sometimes in life to find real answers, we have to find no solution in us and/or humanity.   We have to be in a dark pit of sorts where we relinquish our life to God and God makes a way where there seemed to be no way.

God has made way- where there seemed to be no way and that is through Jesus Christ.

This message is not just important for those who haven’t got to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior but it is important to Christians as well….  It is a reminder that we cannot be an effective witness for Jesus Christ (a Christian) if we have something other then Jesus or added to Jesus as our foundation of our salvation.  Too much sand, too much water and the concrete will crumble.  This applies to everything in our life as well.  We not be consistent in all our ways unless our focus and trust in him.  God is always consistent.   He is always faithful.  Jesus needs to be our salvation in entirety- nothing more and nothing less.

Again Spirit of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, is preparing and securing his people in himself before he comes.

Before we know it all the colorful leaves will have fallen to the ground and disappeared.  It will be winter and if we don't take the messages we are given to heart, what will warm our hearts in the cold of winter? Is eternity with Jesus set in your heart?

I am anxious to see my Jesus are you?

I hope this speaks to you  

23 Minutes in Hell

An Effective Witness Part 1

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“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23

In other words it’s always “the heart of the matter.”

Where is the heart living?  What scales is it using to weigh the matters of life…  the temporary or the eternal…the human or the spiritual… the sacrificial or the self-seeking?

Is the heart living in the past…? Is the past bleeding to the canvases of the present…?

Fleeting are the moments in life yet some of us haul some moments as stones of burden.   These experiences have seeded the fields of a person’s life and now produce wild inedible yields.  Instead of being burned and tilled into the ground to be used as nutrients for more productive satisfying harvests, they pile up like briar patches growing and mounding over the previous growth.  It soon becomes so high it becomes impassible for anyone to come out or in. 

On the other hand some treasure moments that will soon be forgotten.   They take up space like old trophies in a display case- never making room for what is to come.  Those who hold such things don’t seem to see the luster of those times and achievements are gone.  The polishing days are over.  

It is true… “Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy.” Proverbs 14:10

And though there is a time for everything under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1), I find we can’t live in yesterday.  Yesterday can be a nice shaded step for today…. but of course how we look and examine yesterday will determine how we walk in today and tomorrow.  We can only pack so much in our suitcase in this trip of life. 

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding: in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”  Proverbs 3:5

In all your ways submit to him… in whatever you may be going through (no matter positive or negative) we are to submit to God. I find that is the only way I keep my heart with all diligence.  We aren’t full of the pride of life nor are we full of the self-pity.

We are vessels… not overfilled with our plans and thoughts (which might never take place) and no room for God’s input but vessels filled and stirred up by God in all he created us to be in Him.  

When a sculpture looks at piece of marble to carve his masterpiece in – he doesn’t just pick any piece out of the stone yard.  He takes in account all the different characteristics of the stone.  

Our creator, who formed us in our mother’s womb – knew exactly what your talents, abilities, likes, dislikes, strengths and weaknesses were going to be.   He waited for us to turn our life over to Him so he could skillfully work on what he intended us to be in this life....  Note for that to actually happen we actually had to submit to the sculpture’s skillful and caring hands.   Yeah watch out for those novices, they may take a swing and you may end up as shattered pieces on the floor.   
 

The sculpture speaks of the artist…

Think about Michelangelo’s sculptures…  What do they speak of?
 

When we look at Michelangelo’s creations, we don’t see the material it is made of but what he wanted the material to turn into.  

Do we just look at the raw outer facades of people and ourselves?   What does God, the Creator, the artist, see in us?  What is he crafting us into?   Do we allow God to glorify himself in us?
   

Romans 8:30 says... “to those whom he justified, he also glorified.”

We were created in the image of … who?

Yet we cannot glorify God in our life unless we give our lives to him- DAILY!

Giving our life to God, we experience the reality of God, but also we become more conscience of how God wants us to live.  We hopefully see life in a new way.  We see what truly matters and is lasting and take that path he planned for us to glorify him.  

“God’s ways and thoughts are higher then our ways and thoughts.” Note Isaiah 55:8-9

God wants us to become spiritually prosperous in himself -who is eternal, unchanging and ALWAYS… unlike the rest of this world which is temporary and leaves us chasing the wind.   Rat race… rat race… rat race can’t you see that big cat of this world chasing you?

I look at the people of God in the bible.   They were called to live sacrificial lives and in their obedience God made their way and path clear.  They weren’t chasing the wind.  It was abundantly clear God was with them.  Do you think this would have happened without their submission and obedience to God?

They submitted themselves to God and in this submission had confidence in God.

“To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless, to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the devious you show yourself shrewd.” Psalm 18:25-26

How do you see God?

Jesus said  "Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light.  But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!”  Matthew 6:22-23

Is your eye pure? Do you trust in the word of God, knowing it is pure…? 

Do these words fall flat in your ears? Do you melt at certain words? Are you humbled by certain words? Are you comforted by certain words?

What is God to you? He is faithful even though you fail in your faithfulness? Is he out to get you? He is for you or against you?  Is he your Rock, Fortress, Shield, Comfort, peace when there is no explanation for such wonderful things?

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Matthew 5:8 

Do we ask... "God... what do you want me to get out this experience called life”?

You save the humble
    but bring low those whose eyes are haughty.
You, Lord, keep my lamp burning;
    my God turns my darkness into light.
With your help I can advance against a troop;
    with my God I can scale a wall.

As for God, his way is perfect:
    The Lord’s word is flawless;
    he shields all who take refuge in him.
For who is God besides the Lord?
    And who is the Rock except our God?
It is God who arms me with strength
    and keeps my way secure.
He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
    he causes me to stand on the heights.
 He trains my hands for battle;
    my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
You make your saving help my shield,
    and your right hand sustains me;
    your help has made me great.
You provide a broad path for my feet,
    so that my ankles do not give way.  Psalm 18:27-36

This task of life is a delicate balance…. we as Christians seem to have to keep our thoughts away from pride and ignorance on one side and doubt and pity on the other… Yet as we walk on this balance beam of life, we seldom realize God is right there holding our waist. He wants us to stretch out our arms with confidence and abandonment in him and take flight.   He whispers, “I have you, trust me.  Do a cartwheel or two.  Jump… leap… I will show you what you are capable of doing with me…. “

Some of us stand off stage…. waiting for our time on the stage of life not realizing we are already standing in full view of the audience of the world.  The conductor of life (God) motions to us. We realize the attention we now suddenly have... The conductor says,  “Watch me- not them.  For I have wrote a beautiful score for your life.”  He lifts his finger... and we start to sing.

Give God all you are and see what HE DOES….

Hope this blesses and encourages you this day.

     

  

Angel or Priest?

Angelic Priest Mysteriously Appears to Pray with Car Crash Victim from newsroom12 on GodTube.

Dream

"Then after I have poured out my rains again, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people.  Your sons and daughters will prophesy.  Your old men will dream dreams.  Your young men will see visions.  In those days, I will pour out my Spirit even on servants, men and women alike.   I will cause wonders in the heavens and the earth- blood and fire and pillars of smoke.  The sun will be turned into darkness, the moon will turn blood-red before the great and terrible day of the LORD arrives.   And anyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.   There will be people on Mount Zion in Jerusalem who escape, just as the LORD has said.  These will be among the survivors whom the LORD has called."  Joel 2:28-32 and Acts 2:17-21

Dream.  6/30 We were on some road trip.   I seem to be the one driving.   We can see an expansive ocean ahead of us but the road we're are on doesn't head to the ocean but a dead end.   I was about to turn around when I noticed off to my left a chain link fence and beyond the chain link fence was a waterfall and river.  The waterfall's water came from the sea which filled the river.   The river was filled with dead leaves and wild cantaloupe.   The trees along this river were stripped of their bark and nothing grew on them.   They were naked and bare.   I got out of the car and looked at all the fruit floating in the river and thought, "What a waste of fruit."   I told one of the people in the car to come check out what I was seeing and she got out and took a picture with her camera.  I then woke up.

This is what I have been shown by the Spirit about this dream so far.

The sea in the dream represents the sea of humanity.

The sea water that was pouring onto the land is to show that man's desire to follow the humanity instead of God.

People and nations represent trees.   They also represent "Christians".

"But they delight in doing everything the LORD wants; day and night they think about his law.  They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season without fail.  Their leaves never wither and in all they do, they prosper."  Psalm 1:2-3

"But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence.  They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water.  Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by the long months of drought.  Their leaves stay green, and they go right on producing delicious fruit." Jeremiah 17:7-8

The trees that were feeding off the waters of humanity were stripped of their bark and had no leaves.   They were naked and bare.

 We are living in age that mirrors the Laodicea church.

Jesus said to that church.  "I know all things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold.  I wish you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, I will spit you out of my mouth!  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."    

They may have everything in man's eye but in God's eye they are poor, naked and blind.   They have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living water. (Note: Jeremiah 17:13) All the things that the men of earth desire and think will save, encourage and give them hope will soon be gone.   These things are here today and gone tomorrow.  It is a constant chasing of the wind.   What will they have when they lose everything?  The ways of man have only weakened their faith.   What will happen to them when more difficult testings and trials come in the near future?  God wants us to become productive and useful in our knowledge of Jesus Christ.

"But those who fail to develop these virtues are blind or, at least, very shortsighted.   They have already forgotten that God has cleansed them from their old life of sin."  2 Peter 1:9

The hundreds and thousands of "wild" cantaloupe that are floating down the river, I believe represent God given gifts that are being wasted and missed used.   People's "motives" for using such God given gifts are all wrong.  They are only used for self not for God who gave them these gifts and abilities.  They use them to only serve themselves not God.

The dead end was to show us what is happening.  The chain- link fence was to keep us out and to show us what is happening.

Growing up in the Pacific Northwest the water does not flow from the sea to the land but from the mountains through the land and into the sea.   God did not have this happen by accident.  He was drawing a picture for us in his creation.
 
God is our source.  He is a like a great mountain, who feeds the land and rivers below giving life.   Great and majestic is HE!

"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. "  Isaiah 58:11

"Through each day the LORD pours his unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing his songs, praying to God who gives me life." Psalm 42:8

Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, "If you believe in me, come and drink!  For the Scriptures declare that rivers of living water will flow out from within." Note John 7:37

 
    

Are You Ready for Jesus Christ's Return?

ARE YOU READY FOR JESUS CHRIST'S RETURN?

HE IS COMING.

¹⁵ “Look, I will come as unexpectedly as a thief! Blessed are all who are watching for me, who keep their clothing ready so they will not have to walk around naked and ashamed.” Revelation 16:15

¹⁰ “Because you have obeyed my command to persevere, I will protect you from the great time of testing that will come upon the whole world to test those who belong to this world. I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take away your crown.  Revelation 3:10-11

"'I am the Alpha and the Omega- the beginning and the end,' says the Lord God. 'I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come- the Almighty One.'" Revelation 1:8

³⁷ “When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day.  In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes. “Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left.  Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left. “So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected. Matthew 24:37-44

"And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near." Hebrews 10:25

"For in just a little while, the coming One will come and not delay." Hebrews 10:37
  
"This is my second letter to you, dear friends, and in both of them I have tried to stimulate your wholesome thinking and refresh your memory. I want you to remember what the holy prophets said long ago and what our Lord and Savior commanded through your apostles.  Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. They will say, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.”
They deliberately forget that God made the heavens by the word of his command, and he brought the earth out from the water and surrounded it with water. Then he used the water to destroy the ancient world with a mighty flood.  And by the same word, the present heavens and earth have been stored up for fire. They are being kept for the day of judgment, when ungodly people will be destroyed.
 But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day.  The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.  But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment.  Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live, looking forward to the day of God and hurrying it along. On that day, he will set the heavens on fire, and the elements will melt away in the flames.  But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness.  And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight.
And remember, our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved. This is what our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him—" 2 Peter 3:1-15

"According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.  Therefore encourage one another with these words."  1 Thessalonians 4:15-18

I was listening to a Jewish Christin (also known as a Messianic Jew) on the radio last Sunday and he was speaking about a dream he had.   He was being "caught up" or "raptured" by the Lord.  In the process of being caught up to Jesus one of his Jewish friends asked him, "Where are you going?" 

The Jewish Christian replied, "I am going with Jesus.  I am being raptured with all the believers of Jesus Christ- (the Messiah)."

The friend of the Jewish Christian didn't understand this.  

The Jewish Christian turned to Jesus and asked Him if he could have five more minutes to explain what was going on.

Jesus replied, "You don't have five more minutes.  I have been given all this time to speak of me to your friends and what would happen and you have not done it.   You do not have any more time."       

Is there an urgency in your soul to speak to others in love about Jesus Christ?

  

In my life, I look forward to going to my heavenly HOME.  I am tired and see this life has nothing lasting to offer me.  It is like chasing the wind.  

I look for Jesus coming but as watch and wait and listen,  I want to live in the real hope of my Jesus coming which quenches my thirst.   I want to be obedient to the Spirit and speak to others about Jesus Christ in action and word.   I want my life to speak of God.   This world gives no assurances but God does give me a real assurance, confidence and hope.

 He (Jesus) said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few.  So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”  Matthew 9:37-38

Amen.  
  

Affections

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A backpack loaded down and full of essentials… water bottles, and few nature bars close at hand and up the trail our hiking boots took us into massive green blanket of the forest where the monotony of switchbacks is rewarded with an eye full of natural wonders.   I can still see those crisp clear mirroring lakes, trickling streams, thundering waterfalls, roaring snow melt rivers and slow moving creeks filled with pacing mountain trout.  I still can see those green grassy inclines planted on the cliffs at the edge of the forests.  How the massive trees below looked so small.   I can see the curious squirrels looking for handouts and the whistling rock badgers playing hide and seek in the boulders.   I still can see the eagles soaring in the quiet air and the camp robber birds sitting and flying from the sparse hardy wind blown trees amongst the snow covered slopes of the mighty mountain.   I remember hiking through the mist and above clouds where the peaks got to see the last moments of evening sunlight.   It felt like it was just us and mountain.   Oh how I enjoyed hiking the mountains of the Cascades.

Of course there were those not so fun hiking trips as well.  Those times where the cold blowing rains were relentless and we were trenched to the bone, where my aching tired muscles yearned for soft bed and hot shower, where our bug repellent seemed to attract the mosquitoes then keep them away and we were more or less chased off the mountain by the swarming blood suckers.

During such trips my thoughts would rewind on what landmarks I saw along the path towards the beginning of the trip…  a fallen tree, a bridge, salmon berry bushes, a boulder, a stump, an exposed root, a sign, an abandoned mine, another switchback… “How far was that from the trailhead?” I would think.   

When we start paying “more attention” to the growing darkness and evil in the world we too can become tired and discouraged.  We begin taking more then just “tabs” on the “happenings” of world but we begin saying to ourselves, “There is another landmark Jesus spoke… now how much further was that to the trailhead so we Christians can go home?   This “happening”…. where does that fit in to the relation of Christ’s return?

Jesus words in Matthew 24 are referenced more frequently in our mind, are they not?

BUT we must be careful about this “OVER FOCUSING”….

For this negative focus is like putting a noose around your neck and just waiting for the floor to drop from under you.   This negative focus puts us in compromising positions and can even cause us to sin because we aren’t living in the hope of our salvation.  We, who are in Christ, have been set free from this life but focusing too much on the evil and darkness of the world can keep our soul captive and make us unproductive in Christ. 

For our life is not based on the temporal things of this world but on the eternal.

“Set your affections on the things above, not on things on the earth.” Colossians 3:2

I won’t pretend and say the things that we are seeing and are hearing aren’t disturbing but God is reminding me to set my affections on him not this world.

“For we brought nothing into this world, and is certain we can carrying nothing out.” 1 Timothy 6:7

“Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.  For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:1-3

“And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts.  For as members of one body you are called to live in peace.  And always be thankful.” Colossians 3:15

“Many sorrows hath the wicked; but he that confideth in Jehovah, love-kindness shall encompass him.” Psalm 32:10

“While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.  For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”  John 14:27

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

So as we continue to see the gathering of vultures, remember it's a journey and we are only passing through.
God has equipped us for such a journey.

May God reminds us daily....

Pursue who we are in Christ.

Live a godly life by being thankful towards God.

Live by faith by focusing on the things, which are eternal.

Love by abiding in His love.

Have perseverance through hope in God’s faithfulness and our salvation in Him.

Live in gentleness and humbleness by living in reverence for God.

"The humble will be filled with fresh joy from the LORD.  The poor will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel." Isaiah 29:19

 “May he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.”  Hebrews 13:21

Religion Verses Faith: Motivation

A teacher had students make a poster of a "quote" that motivates them and encourages them.

Interestingly enough those who were of Christian faith picked quotes immediately that were based on the bible or directly from the bible but those who weren't Christian didn't have a quote that motivated and encouraged them.   In fact, those who didn't have a quote searched and searched and having only a little amount of time to decide picked quotes they really didn't have any sort of attachment to whatsoever.

I think this is interesting.   How often do we "do" in life just because it's in some human obligation, requirement or understanding not because we have some real conviction about something.

I believe these Christian students wrote what they wrote because God had put those things on their heart.  It wasn't out of some "religious" obligation.

“But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day,” says the Lord. “I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people."  Jeremiah 31:33

How often do I hear, "I am not religious"... but God isn't about religion but relationship.   A REAL relationship.   Life is about about discovering God and seeing God become a great source of strength and encouragement in our life.

I once was very lost in my own understanding about life.  I was "in the dark".   I didn't really get this Christianity "religion".    I mean I knew there was God and Jesus but I didn't pay them much attention unless I got in trouble or in a pinch.  Then I would pray.. hoping he would listen to my plea. 

I didn't understand God could really speak to us and show us things.  I didn't understanding he could give us deeper insight into his word and build upon his word.  I didn't realize God created me for a plan and purpose.  And because I didn't understand these things I might as well been a chicken locked in a chicken coop with a fox.  I might as well be chasing the wind.   I might as well be digging in wet sand and it filling back in.

I think most people have this fear of surrendering their life to God or becoming dependent on God so we take the religious route but that gives very little comfort for the soul in the long run.   

God is about RELATIONSHIP not religion.

Take some time and look at a bible online.... http://www.biblegateway.com/

Look at all the verses that say such things as:

-As to the LORD
-Do in the name of the LORD
-In Christ
-Through Christ
-Walk in him (Christ)
-dwell in him (Christ)
-abide in me (Christ)

Look at those things carefully... they all speak of relationship not religion.

As a Christian, the Lord becomes our everything.   The things of this world go strangely dim.   They lose importance.  It's God that keeps us going strong.

When you are in love with someone, the love peps you up does it not?   You do things that you wouldn't normally do because of this love.  As you mature in the Lord it is very much the same. 

The Lord becomes your everything.  He becomes the source of your strength and encouragement.   He is your driving source and influence.

Read this:

"And it is impossible to please God without faith.   Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him." Hebrews 11:6

Faith.... not religion. People call faith religion because they don't understand faith as a relationship.

Religion is often ritualistic and legalistic.   It cuts God out of the picture.  Rituals and legalism don't save the soul or help the soul endure the things of this life but God does!

Proverbs 3:5-6 says
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.  Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths."

"All of your heart"....  hence the "relationship" and "faith".  Our own understanding keeps us away from God.  It often confuses us and troubles us and puffs up in pride and arrogance.

Troubled people think things like, "I have to get myself right before I come to God.."  But no one "makes" themselves right with God.  God makes them right with Himself.   All we have to do is surrender our life to him.  God is the one who changes us and He introduces us to the mighty Savior Jesus!

He is the one who turns the light on in the attic of our mind.

This is often a daily thing!  As Christians, we are plugged in but we have to "let go" and focus on God so the switch comes on-  so his ebb and flow of hope, mercy, grace, peace, love, wisdom, faith, nourishes our soul and make us capable to endure all the things in this life.    

Through this partnership God builds and grows us supernaturally in our relationship with Him.

Those with some bible knowledge think about this:
Who was the man of God? David or King Saul?

Who was only after the things God could give him? David or King Saul?

How was shallow in his thinking and understanding? David or King Saul?

"Beware least any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." Colossians 2:8 

David's focus: was to have a relationship with God.  He knew it was God who gave him strength and encouragement.  (The Giver)

King Saul's focus: was on the gifts he could receive from God for being king. (The gifts of the Giver.)

David: Abiding in God's love.

King Saul: Not abiding in God's love.  Not trusting or obeying God.

Jesus said,  "I have come as light into the world, that whoever believes in me should not abide in darkness." John 12:46

What motivates us? What are we abiding in?

Let us be silent before the Lord and have him speak into our heart.  In Jesus Name Amen.



 


 



  

Abiding in God's Love Part.3

About a week ago, as the Lord was speaking to me about His love he reminded me of the exchange he had with Peter in the book of John, Chapter 21, verses 15-19.

“Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.”

“Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.

Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

“Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.”

“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. Once more he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was grieved that Jesus asked the question a third time.  He said, “Lord, you know everything.  You know I love you.”

Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep….”

I thought of many different aspects of this passage.  I thought about John who quietly observed this conversation.  How there was probably the scent of fish and smoke on their clothing.  I thought about how Peter’s understanding brought tears to his eyes.  I thought about Jesus’ word use of lambs and sheep.   I thought, “Was Jesus asking me to feed and take care of his lambs and sheep?  And in what capacity does Jesus wanted me to do this in? And after reading the passage a couple times through, I noticed Jesus wasn’t asking Peter if he loved Him more anyone else love Him but He was asking Peter if he loved his family/friends more then he loved HIM (Jesus)?  Did his family and friends take precedence over Him (Jesus)?

But most of all it came down to the words….”Do you love me?”

“You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind.  This is the first and greatest commandment.  A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself.”  Matthew 22:37

Remember what I shared with you before?  I cannot love the Lord my God with my heart, my soul and my mind unless I accept and submit to God’s love first.    

1 John 4:19 says, “We love because he first loved us.”

Acceptance and submission to God’s love… is a great benefit in finding peace in all the unknowns in life... is it not?   Abiding in God’s love we are made perfect in hope, faith, and love. Note: 1 John 4:18

“Do you love me?”   These red-hot words were rivets to anchor Peter to the ROCK of his faith (JESUS).  They would anchor is faith in the most difficult and trying times.   We know this because Jesus concludes this part of the exchange with:

 “The truth is, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked and go wherever you wanted to.  But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will direct you and take you where you don’t want to go.” Jesus said this to let him know what kind of death he would die to glorify God.  Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.”

Most people in this world find it hard to understand how death might glorify God because God is the one who is suppose to save us and heal us.  If God loves us why do Christians die?  Why do Christians suffer?   Why do Christians go through challenges and trials in life?  They don’t understand that even when bad things come in life, God can turn them into something good.  He can build a stronger relationship with a person in the trials and circumstances in life then if they went through nothing at all.  Does God still heal?  Yes!  Does God still do miracles?  Yes!  Does it mean God doesn’t love us when we face troubles in this temporary life? No! God faithfulness and love endures forever.  

What would you say if a person knew they were going to die of cancer but trusted in Jesus every step of the way down that path?  How about those who don’t give up Jesus Christ knowing they will die for their faith?  People find it hard to understand but if you know something is true, you are willing to die for it- not in hatred or prejudice but simply knowing God holds your life in his hand and even though those who hate you are probably going to take your life you are about to enter eternity in Heaven where you will get to see your Jesus face to face.  Where the streets have no names.  People find it hard to understand because they hold on to this life too much.  They put too much of an emphasis on this life then the life to come.

DO WE UNDERSTAND THIS?  Do we understand this completely and wholeheartedly?

Peter would get know God’s love in such a deep way and manner that despite painful and heart wrenching situations and circumstances of this life… these things would not measure up or budge him from his faith in Jesus Christ.  When oppressions and siftings of life were put on the scales next to God’s love, they would not be heavier then Peter’s reality of God’s love.  Peter would learn to abide in God’s love in such a deep way he probably couldn’t even imagine how deep it would be… and now God is asking us to experience that same type of love.

Christian… put your name in Simon Peter’s spot.  “_________________ , do you love me?”

Life happens and people are cheated out of their lives everyday but could you say… “Thank you God that I have gotten to know your love in such a deep way that I am not afraid of death?”    

Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy…. But he can’t separate you from God’s love.  It is us that allow our selves to believe in such lies.  

Do we love God in such a degree that our sorrows would be washed away in the tide of God’s love?  Could we overlook the difficulties in life and turn them to praises and thanksgiving because we have continually sought the comfort of God’s everlasting love?  And as we have sought the comfort of God we have seen God's blessings and provisions along the way.

 

From the evidence I have experienced, seen and read, it is only by abiding in God’s love does one overcome adversity, fear and even death.  Clothed…. Clothed in light and love…. only by accepting, submitting and abiding in his love…

Is Jesus challenging you to accept and submit to his love in a deeper way?  Is he challenging your heart…?  Is he calling you out?  And are you living a godly life regardless of the trials and challenges because you are abiding in his love?

 

It is not a strong testimony to continue in the faith in amongst trials and challenges? Is it not a strong testimony to continue in the faith when this world dismisses God but you don't?

Jesus is calling…… “Do you love me?”

However you want to say it... run... hide... abide in God's love.

 MAY GOD BLESS YOU IN THE REALITY OF HIS LOVE!!!!

Abiding in God's Love Part 2

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 Shadows of Men and Women

How often do we stand in the shadows of men and women to find they are not who we thought they were?

Two young ladies had Marilyn Monroe immortalized on their desktops.   They were surprised when I told them Marilyn Monroe wasn’t a blond but a red head.   They were even more surprised that Marilyn Monroe wasn’t her real name but Norma Gene.   They then looked up pictures of “this” Norma Gene to find that she was indeed Marilyn Monroe.   Suddenly utterances such as, “Why did she color her hair and why did she change her name?  She was so pretty as a red head?  Norma Gene is a pretty name.”  Of course this led to more searches of people changing their appearances where they discovered, for the most part, that these changes weren’t necessary improvements.

 

I found that when we try to change who we are, to impress others, we only end up with disappointing results.   We end up isolated because we can’t be who we really are.   Think about it?

When we try to impress others, we only falsify who we are.   People like not us but mere shadows of our selves. They like the lie more the then the REAL thing.

God made you for himself.  He didn’t make you like everyone else.  He is the one who created you for his purpose and pleasure.   

We must remember the lie will burn…. Everything that is false will burn.  Everything is false will be exposed. 

“The time is coming when everything will be revealed; all that is secret will be made public.  Whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be shouted from the housetops for all to hear!” Luke 12:2-3

On the same note, we must not walk in the shadows of men and women but upon the foundation of Jesus Christ.  We should abide in HIS love.   Men and women may do works and say many words but take pride in God, no men or women. Take no pride in your church affiliation but in Christ and Christ alone.  Thank God for your accomplishments and your provisions.

“It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in people.   It is better to take refuge in the LORD than trust in princes.” Psalm 118:8-9

Paul writes: “Because of God’s special favor to me, I have laid a foundation like an expert builder.  Now others are building on it.  But whoever is building on this foundation must be careful.  For no one can lay any other foundation than the one we already have- Jesus Christ.  Now anyone who builds on that foundation may use gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay or straw.  But there is going to come a time of testing at the judgment day to see what kind of work each builder had done.   Everyone’s work will be put through the fire to see whether or not it keeps its value.   If the work survives the fire, that builder will receive a reward.  But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss.   The builders themselves will be saved, but like someone escaping through a wall of flames.   Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? God will bring ruin upon anyone who ruins this temple.  For God’s temple is holy, and you Christians are that temple.   Stop fooling yourselves.   If you think you are wise by this world’s standards, you will have to become a fool so you can become wise by God’s standards.  For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God.  As the Scriptures say, ‘God catches those who think they are wise in their own cleverness.’ And again, ‘The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are worthless.’  So don’t take pride in following a particular leader.  Everything belongs to you:  Paul and Apollos and Peter; the whole world and life and death; the present and the future. Everything belongs to you, and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.” 1 Corinthians 3:10-23

Stay out of the shadows, for we don’t know when a gust of wind will blow and the shadows will decide to become falling trees instead. 

John 2:24-25 “But Jesus didn’t trust them, because he knew what people were really like.  No one needed to tell him about human nature.”  
 Abide in God's love. 

Praise the Father, Praise the Son. Praise the Spirit. Three in One

  

Here is the song..... the Spirit encouraged them to write.