Jesus will keep us. We must remain in Him and He will remain in us. We are one as He and the Father are One. He will abide with us forever. However, we must turn from the ways of the world and surrender all we are to Him.
He is perfect. He is holy. We cannot be perfect or holy apart from Him. We must strive in Him. We will not make it on our own. Man is doomed to fail. The enemy is a snare unto our feet, but Jesus is freedom. He is a lamp unto our feet. He redeems and leads us into righteousness—His righteousness. The world, the enemy leads us into eternal darkness.
We must not be fooled by he who comes disguised as an angel of light. He is false; he is the deceiver. He is not God’s truth. God’s word is not in him. We must be led by the Spirit of God, by His truth. His word is truth and in this we are sanctified.
We understand much, but He is so much more. Our understanding is just the beginning. If we give our all to Him, He will open us up to His kingdom in a fullness that the natural mind cannot comprehend. The spiritual mind needs to grow, the spiritual knowledge, the spirit man.
We cannot waste our time on the pointless pursuits of this world. Christmas will come and go. Many will forget Him as they already do. The end is not yet, but it is near. We must prepare our hearts before Him. Surrender ourselves—our minds, our ways, our everything—and He will lead us on paths of righteousness.
Yes, He hears our prayers. In fact, where do we think some of those prayers come from? Man does not desire goodness or righteousness on his own. Man is wicked, is not mindful of our Lord. But He is mindful of us.
We have a beautiful future, a place in eternity with Him—if we continue in Him. We must abide in Him and His word. He will grow us. He will mature us. We don’t need any other Teacher. “Learn of Me,” He says. He will bring forth good fruit and lead us into everlasting life.
There is no life apart from Him. He is Life. He is Truth. He is for eternity. He is our Beloved and we are His. We should embrace what He sets before us. He will give us all we need. He will care for us. He will give us the words when we need them.
Trust Him! Put all your trust in Him. He will not fail us. He cannot fail! He is Lord God Almighty, the Creator of the heavens and earth. There is nothing apart from Him. All glory in heaven and earth is to the name above all names, Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Friday, November 26, 2010
God's Mercy & Grace Upon the U.S.?
"By God's mercy and grace we are not like every other country in the world." As if the U.S. is somehow so much better than every other country in the world? Or even that God's grace somehow muffles the depth of sin that continues to grow in this country? Truth: It is by God's mercy alone that this country is not annihilated!
I absolutely disagree with this "mercy and grace" statement. For one, we are not blessed to live in such a country. As a matter of fact, we are deceived because we live in such a country. We are a country of lukewarm Christians, millions taking the "Christian" name of faith and living however they choose to live, not being conformed to the mind of Christ. Jesus says very clearly who are the blessed ones...the ones persecuted for His name's sake, the poor, the broken. We are not blessed because we have an abundance of things and money and food, temporal happiness. We are lost because of that. We have lost sight of why we need God. We are the Laodicean church at the end of Rev 3. We think we are rich and have need of nothing, but really we are wretched, blind & naked. We continue living lives contrary to the Word of God thinking we have eternal salvation because somewhere along the road we said a "sinner's prayer." Reality check! Repentance is a daily must. We must walk in repentance everytime we act in disobedience, rebellion, and sin against God and our neighbor. Yes, our neighbor! How many of us even notice anymore when we walk in malice, envy, covetness, backbiting, and gossip against our neighbors? It's like second nature and "strive for success" has blinded this nation to the wickedness we bestow upon each other. Seeking each his own and forging ahead despite the cost to those around us. Not to mention the most obvious of things we accept like homosexuality, abortion, fornication, drunkenness, etc.
Read the book of Ezekiel - you won't have to get past Ch 5 (or most any of the O.T. for that matter) to know what God does to nations who turn to such abominations and deny His very holiness. Paul is clear in Romans that if God spared not the original branches (Israel), He will not spare us either. We must turn from our wicked ways! Rend our hearts and not our garments. This isn't just an outward show of how much we despise the sin that cries out from the dust of this nation! It's an inward brokenness that must bring us to repentance and a crying out to Jesus for the horrible things we have all been a part of. For not a person of age is free from the guilt of the sins of this nation. Without the blood of Jesus not ONE will stand.
I pray God sends His Spirit to destroy the blindness the enemy has over the hearts of the people of this nation, that hearts would turn to Him in repentance and mourning. Father, forgive us for the disgusting things we have allowed to go on, for the abominations that continue to grow in this nation. Forgive us for thinking we are somehow more blessed than those of other nations. Help us Lord to be humble, to recognize where we are wrong and to come to You in true sorrow & repentance. We know You are Lord of Lords, You are a Holy God, You are the Only True God, and the Only Way to eternal salvation. Help us to have faith and to stand strong amid the chaos and darkness that grows. Father, we know Your plan is perfect and we see Your word being fulfilled everyday. Lead us away from temptation and keep us from evil. Keep us until the day of Your return. Give us the words and the boldness to proclaim Your glorious name, Jesus, among the lost that they may come to the knowledge of Your truth in eternal salvation. Father, break us down so we can be rebuilt in You. We give You all glory, honor & praise for our ability to stand before You today. In Jesus name, Amen.
I absolutely disagree with this "mercy and grace" statement. For one, we are not blessed to live in such a country. As a matter of fact, we are deceived because we live in such a country. We are a country of lukewarm Christians, millions taking the "Christian" name of faith and living however they choose to live, not being conformed to the mind of Christ. Jesus says very clearly who are the blessed ones...the ones persecuted for His name's sake, the poor, the broken. We are not blessed because we have an abundance of things and money and food, temporal happiness. We are lost because of that. We have lost sight of why we need God. We are the Laodicean church at the end of Rev 3. We think we are rich and have need of nothing, but really we are wretched, blind & naked. We continue living lives contrary to the Word of God thinking we have eternal salvation because somewhere along the road we said a "sinner's prayer." Reality check! Repentance is a daily must. We must walk in repentance everytime we act in disobedience, rebellion, and sin against God and our neighbor. Yes, our neighbor! How many of us even notice anymore when we walk in malice, envy, covetness, backbiting, and gossip against our neighbors? It's like second nature and "strive for success" has blinded this nation to the wickedness we bestow upon each other. Seeking each his own and forging ahead despite the cost to those around us. Not to mention the most obvious of things we accept like homosexuality, abortion, fornication, drunkenness, etc.
Read the book of Ezekiel - you won't have to get past Ch 5 (or most any of the O.T. for that matter) to know what God does to nations who turn to such abominations and deny His very holiness. Paul is clear in Romans that if God spared not the original branches (Israel), He will not spare us either. We must turn from our wicked ways! Rend our hearts and not our garments. This isn't just an outward show of how much we despise the sin that cries out from the dust of this nation! It's an inward brokenness that must bring us to repentance and a crying out to Jesus for the horrible things we have all been a part of. For not a person of age is free from the guilt of the sins of this nation. Without the blood of Jesus not ONE will stand.
I pray God sends His Spirit to destroy the blindness the enemy has over the hearts of the people of this nation, that hearts would turn to Him in repentance and mourning. Father, forgive us for the disgusting things we have allowed to go on, for the abominations that continue to grow in this nation. Forgive us for thinking we are somehow more blessed than those of other nations. Help us Lord to be humble, to recognize where we are wrong and to come to You in true sorrow & repentance. We know You are Lord of Lords, You are a Holy God, You are the Only True God, and the Only Way to eternal salvation. Help us to have faith and to stand strong amid the chaos and darkness that grows. Father, we know Your plan is perfect and we see Your word being fulfilled everyday. Lead us away from temptation and keep us from evil. Keep us until the day of Your return. Give us the words and the boldness to proclaim Your glorious name, Jesus, among the lost that they may come to the knowledge of Your truth in eternal salvation. Father, break us down so we can be rebuilt in You. We give You all glory, honor & praise for our ability to stand before You today. In Jesus name, Amen.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
He is Faithful
The Lord has only good for His children. He said, Out of our bellies will flow rivers of living water. He is that living water and now is the time. It’s time for His Spirit to be poured out – men, women, children alike. Maidservants and menservants even. The voice of the Lord will come through His faithful servants. As many as diligently seek Him, He will reward. Our final reward is in heaven, but even now we are rewarded. On earth as it is in heaven. Let His will be made manifest among and through His people. Many will fall at our sides—thousands—by the sword of the Lord. He will lift you up and exalt you above the wicked. The righteous will receive their reward on earth as it is in heaven. The Spirit of the Lord is upon us and out of our bellies will flow rivers of living water.
Thank you Jesus. All praise and glory and honor are Yours. The Lord is faithful—faithful. He is not a man that He should lie nor son of man that He should repent. His gifts and callings are given without repentance. Seek the Lord with all your heart, mind & soul. He will deliver you. He will lift you up out of the miry clay. His words are perfect, His promises are perfect, His will is perfect. What we can’t see will be made manifest through our faith—faith in the One true God, the Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, the Lamb that was slain, the Spirit that lives within us.
Praise You Lord. Let all heaven and earth sing Your praises. For You alone are worthy. You lead us beside still waters and make us to lie down in green pastures. The day of rest is coming, but it is not yet. The hour comes when no man shall work, but while it is day we must labor. The world is changing. Our work here is not yet complete. Soon, but not yet. His blinded children need to see His light. His light shines through His faithful servants.
Seek Me with all your heart, mind & soul and I will shine through you in a mighty way. The Light of the world abides in you. Stay focused, don’t lose heart. I AM your hope for all eternity. I will not suffer to lose any the Father has given me. I am faithful. For eternity, I am faithful.
“And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.” Rev 19:11
Thank you Jesus. All praise and glory and honor are Yours. The Lord is faithful—faithful. He is not a man that He should lie nor son of man that He should repent. His gifts and callings are given without repentance. Seek the Lord with all your heart, mind & soul. He will deliver you. He will lift you up out of the miry clay. His words are perfect, His promises are perfect, His will is perfect. What we can’t see will be made manifest through our faith—faith in the One true God, the Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, the Lamb that was slain, the Spirit that lives within us.
Praise You Lord. Let all heaven and earth sing Your praises. For You alone are worthy. You lead us beside still waters and make us to lie down in green pastures. The day of rest is coming, but it is not yet. The hour comes when no man shall work, but while it is day we must labor. The world is changing. Our work here is not yet complete. Soon, but not yet. His blinded children need to see His light. His light shines through His faithful servants.
Seek Me with all your heart, mind & soul and I will shine through you in a mighty way. The Light of the world abides in you. Stay focused, don’t lose heart. I AM your hope for all eternity. I will not suffer to lose any the Father has given me. I am faithful. For eternity, I am faithful.
“And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.” Rev 19:11
Monday, November 15, 2010
Word from the Lord, 11-09-10
11-09-10
I send you into the world. I am not sending you alone. I go with you even to the ends of the world. Take no thought what you shall eat, drink, wear, or where you'll live. I have not left you alone. My Father has sent you the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth. He will guide you into all truth and righteousness.
My kingdom is not of this world, but it is the kingdom to come. The New Jerusalem, the Heavenly City. All who love me will dwell therein with me. It is not the Father's will that any should perish but that all should have eternal life. Tell them of My kingdom to come, tell them of My love, My deep compassion of man, the compassion I have shown you in your lifetime. You are my witness. You witness My power, love, and My will. You must obey My voice. Keep yourself unspotted from the world. Keep yourself unto Me.
Pray, keep praying to Me, the the Father of all. Abide in me, in my words, that you may know you have eternal life living in you. I AM the resurrection, the life, the way. I will cast out none who come to me for they are the Father's and the Father's are Mine. We are one. One Spirit. My people are one with me, Your Lord Jesus.
If a child asks his father for a fish, will he give him a serpent? It is written, it is true, your Father has good gifts for those who love Him and call upon His name.
As the eagle mounts up, so My people are mounting up strong, powerful in Me, your Lord Jesus. None will fall by the wayside who believe in Me and abide in Me. None will be lost for I am Faithful to what the Father has committed unto Me.
I have called. I have spoken. The trumpet sounds have gone out into the world, into the hearts, the souls of My people. I am calling for them to rise, rise now. Speak My words, bring them My life. The line is drawn. Keep thyself only for Me. I will sustain you. I will keep you. Choose life. I give life!
Peace, I give you peace. My peace is not as the world gives peace. My peace is My very Spirit living in you, accomplishing the Father's will through you. The destruction of My souls, the souls I created, will come. Woe to them who bring destruction. Woe to them who call evil good and good evil. Have I not spoken? Yet they will not hear me. For all I've given man, many will refuse me. I am still calling, still seeking my lost. The lost children. The scattered children. I am their Father, yet they know me not. I am the Lord.
I create and I destroy. I am love but I am also a consuming fire to those who refuse. In refusing, they choose to be My enemy, to serve Satan. I will give them up for I do not insist on My way. I knock, I come. They either believe Me and receive Me or refuse Me unto eternal destruction. I AM THE LORD, I DO NOT CHANGE. My glory is not that of corruptible man. They have taken away My glory, My honor, My sacrifice and ultimately their own salvation.
Do not be yoked with them. Do not follow their ways or you also will be destroyed. Remember the Lord, your Lord and God. You must love Me with all your heart, mind and soul. Cleave to me and I will lead you through all I have for you. Do not be fooled by imposters. Many will come in My name to you. I, Jesus am the Word of God. There is no other way to the Father but through Me. Life is in My words for they are Spirit and life to all who receive them.
Be gentle as doves, be wise as serpents. It is time to arise and shine forth. You are the light in a dark world. I will bear witness. I will provide My Spirit, My words, all that you seek is in Me. Abide in Me for I love you.
I send you into the world. I am not sending you alone. I go with you even to the ends of the world. Take no thought what you shall eat, drink, wear, or where you'll live. I have not left you alone. My Father has sent you the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth. He will guide you into all truth and righteousness.
My kingdom is not of this world, but it is the kingdom to come. The New Jerusalem, the Heavenly City. All who love me will dwell therein with me. It is not the Father's will that any should perish but that all should have eternal life. Tell them of My kingdom to come, tell them of My love, My deep compassion of man, the compassion I have shown you in your lifetime. You are my witness. You witness My power, love, and My will. You must obey My voice. Keep yourself unspotted from the world. Keep yourself unto Me.
Pray, keep praying to Me, the the Father of all. Abide in me, in my words, that you may know you have eternal life living in you. I AM the resurrection, the life, the way. I will cast out none who come to me for they are the Father's and the Father's are Mine. We are one. One Spirit. My people are one with me, Your Lord Jesus.
If a child asks his father for a fish, will he give him a serpent? It is written, it is true, your Father has good gifts for those who love Him and call upon His name.
As the eagle mounts up, so My people are mounting up strong, powerful in Me, your Lord Jesus. None will fall by the wayside who believe in Me and abide in Me. None will be lost for I am Faithful to what the Father has committed unto Me.
I have called. I have spoken. The trumpet sounds have gone out into the world, into the hearts, the souls of My people. I am calling for them to rise, rise now. Speak My words, bring them My life. The line is drawn. Keep thyself only for Me. I will sustain you. I will keep you. Choose life. I give life!
Peace, I give you peace. My peace is not as the world gives peace. My peace is My very Spirit living in you, accomplishing the Father's will through you. The destruction of My souls, the souls I created, will come. Woe to them who bring destruction. Woe to them who call evil good and good evil. Have I not spoken? Yet they will not hear me. For all I've given man, many will refuse me. I am still calling, still seeking my lost. The lost children. The scattered children. I am their Father, yet they know me not. I am the Lord.
I create and I destroy. I am love but I am also a consuming fire to those who refuse. In refusing, they choose to be My enemy, to serve Satan. I will give them up for I do not insist on My way. I knock, I come. They either believe Me and receive Me or refuse Me unto eternal destruction. I AM THE LORD, I DO NOT CHANGE. My glory is not that of corruptible man. They have taken away My glory, My honor, My sacrifice and ultimately their own salvation.
Do not be yoked with them. Do not follow their ways or you also will be destroyed. Remember the Lord, your Lord and God. You must love Me with all your heart, mind and soul. Cleave to me and I will lead you through all I have for you. Do not be fooled by imposters. Many will come in My name to you. I, Jesus am the Word of God. There is no other way to the Father but through Me. Life is in My words for they are Spirit and life to all who receive them.
Be gentle as doves, be wise as serpents. It is time to arise and shine forth. You are the light in a dark world. I will bear witness. I will provide My Spirit, My words, all that you seek is in Me. Abide in Me for I love you.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Jesus Dream
I want to share a dream I had about 6 months ago. I don’t usually share my “God” dreams except with close friends & family. They just seem very personal to me, but my mom reminded me of Matt 10:27 “What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.” And besides, Jesus’s return is a message for everyone, right?!?
Most of us know how dreams often jump from one scene to another and that’s pretty much how this one was.
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SCENE 1
I saw Jesus descending in the sky—a picture-perfect blue sky—with many angels. They were arrayed with the most beautiful wings. I don’t know if angels actually have wings, but they were mighty behind the Lord. His glory was so great that all you could see of the angels were the mighty wings outstretched behind Him.
SCENE 2
We (many people…some I knew, some I didn’t) were all gathered in some sort of recreational center, waiting. Like we all knew something was going on out in the world, but unsure. Some were outside playing basketball. People were sitting in rows of folding chairs, kids on their parents’ laps. Others were sitting on the floors, backs against the wall. Almost like an airport full at holiday with a canceled flight. Everyone just there.
Then Jesus walked in. He didn’t say a word. He walked up to random people & extended His hand to them. Without a word themselves, they got up and followed Him. He made His way to me & extended His hand. The person sitting a few seats over stared at me, confused as to what was going on. I wasn’t confused. Jesus knew me and not him. My heart was heavy and a deep sadness came over me for this man. Jesus made His way out of the room and I knew in my heart to follow Him out. We left, while MANY were left sitting, wondering, confused. I looked back, but knew that I had to follow Him or I would miss out.
**************
This dream is so sad to me because I felt a deep, deep sadness for those who are blinded to Jesus. While in deep prayer a couple weeks ago, the Lord let me feel such a burden again for the world. It is beyond even describing. All I could do was sit on my floor, pray, and sob.
I urge you, please, if you do not know Jesus or are unsure of your relationship with Him, DO NOT put it off and don’t let anything get in the way of it. There is nothing more important or more precious than our knowing Him and Him knowing us. It is worth all the gold in the world, the pearl of great price. He is calling! He is shouting! Come! Time is drawing short.
Most of us know how dreams often jump from one scene to another and that’s pretty much how this one was.
************
SCENE 1
I saw Jesus descending in the sky—a picture-perfect blue sky—with many angels. They were arrayed with the most beautiful wings. I don’t know if angels actually have wings, but they were mighty behind the Lord. His glory was so great that all you could see of the angels were the mighty wings outstretched behind Him.
SCENE 2
We (many people…some I knew, some I didn’t) were all gathered in some sort of recreational center, waiting. Like we all knew something was going on out in the world, but unsure. Some were outside playing basketball. People were sitting in rows of folding chairs, kids on their parents’ laps. Others were sitting on the floors, backs against the wall. Almost like an airport full at holiday with a canceled flight. Everyone just there.
Then Jesus walked in. He didn’t say a word. He walked up to random people & extended His hand to them. Without a word themselves, they got up and followed Him. He made His way to me & extended His hand. The person sitting a few seats over stared at me, confused as to what was going on. I wasn’t confused. Jesus knew me and not him. My heart was heavy and a deep sadness came over me for this man. Jesus made His way out of the room and I knew in my heart to follow Him out. We left, while MANY were left sitting, wondering, confused. I looked back, but knew that I had to follow Him or I would miss out.
**************
This dream is so sad to me because I felt a deep, deep sadness for those who are blinded to Jesus. While in deep prayer a couple weeks ago, the Lord let me feel such a burden again for the world. It is beyond even describing. All I could do was sit on my floor, pray, and sob.
I urge you, please, if you do not know Jesus or are unsure of your relationship with Him, DO NOT put it off and don’t let anything get in the way of it. There is nothing more important or more precious than our knowing Him and Him knowing us. It is worth all the gold in the world, the pearl of great price. He is calling! He is shouting! Come! Time is drawing short.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
It's the World's Right to Hate Us or Love Us
I Will Follow Jesus by Dr. Tom White, taken from Voice of the Martys' September 2010 Newsletter
From the nation of Laos
If this was your neighborhood, your family, your life, would you be like Somchi and serve the Lord so openly and make such effort to get to church on Sundays? We are blessed in this nation to be able to worship freely, without fear of what may happen to us for doing so; yet so many Americans are still afraid to speak the name of Jesus in public. What a shame. But what an inspiration Somchi is!
From the nation of Laos
Somchi, a young Khmu woman, handed us an unusual package--a burned Bible in a plastic bag. The Bible was still wet from the rain, but we separated and dried the pages. Here is Somchi's story in her own words:
I became a Christian five years ago along with my mother, who was a widow. We were baptized in 2006 at the same time. We were the only Christians in our village of about 50 families.
Every Sunday my mother and I would walk one kilometer down to a village in our nice clothes with our Bibles. The people in our village would ask, "Where are you going?"
We would tell them, "We are going to the house church to worship God."
When we walked back they would say, "Hey, I saw that you went to worship every weekend. How much money did you get from them?"
I replied, "I don't go there for any money. I go there to worship for eternal life."
When my mother got sick and was about to die, the villagers came to me and mocked me. They said, "Where is your God? Call him now to come and rescue your mother because you walk and worship him every weekend; you love him."
My mother was so sick they moved her to my grandfather's house to care for her. One day when I was not home, the head of the village with his followers came to our house. They went through the house and took everything that was Christian. They saw my Bible. I learned that they said, "Because of this book her mother is sick. We need to destroy it." They took the books outside, the Bible, a song book and some other literature, and burned them.
Some children came to me and said, "Somchi, they burned your Bible but the rain came and put out the fire." When I heard about this, I ran and saw my burned Bible on the ground.
I said, "Oh Lord, forgive them for they do no know what they do." Then the people came and mocked me. On Sunday I walked to the house church and told them about this. They gave me a new Bible and a new song book.
Later my mother died, so I am the only Christian in our village. Now I live with my sister's family. My sister's house is very small. They let me sleep in a corner. They try to force me to work on Sunday. I told her, "No, I have Monday to Saturday to work for you, but only Sunday let me go and worship."
My sister said, "If you go and worship, who will provide food for you? You have to provide food for yourself." My sister threatens me, but I never miss worship.
I wake up early in the morning to tend the fire and steam the rice. Then I have time to read, and then again in the evening before I go to bed. I really love and always remember John Chapter 3, verse 16, "For God so loved the world." When I finish reading the Scripture, I put it in a bag and hang it on the wall on a hook by my bed. My sister saw this, but no one touches my Bible. They are afraid to touch it.
I like to sing and praise the Lord, but I don't have a good voice. Every time I sing it makes people refreshed. One song that moves me is about the Prodigal Son, "The Son Has Left the Father," like when we...were separated from God, but now our lives come back to God. I wrote the song myself.
Pray for my life and especially for my sister, who tries to force me to work on Sundays. The house church Christians, more than 40 people, in the other village are praying for me.
My villagers still hate me and mock me like they mocked Jesus on the cross. It is the world's right to hate us or love us. But for me, I will follow Jesus because I read in the Bible what he says, that the world will hate you.
If this was your neighborhood, your family, your life, would you be like Somchi and serve the Lord so openly and make such effort to get to church on Sundays? We are blessed in this nation to be able to worship freely, without fear of what may happen to us for doing so; yet so many Americans are still afraid to speak the name of Jesus in public. What a shame. But what an inspiration Somchi is!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Presence of God
Sometimes we want to go back to when the presence of God felt so new and exciting, to when our evidence of His closeness was an overflow of emotion within ourselves. Sometimes we may even question how close (or far from) God we are by the lack of those feelings.
The truth is…God’s Word. His Word says that He will draw close to those who draw close to Him (James 4:8); that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Heb 13:5, Deut 31:6, 8); that His Spirit will abide with us forever (John 14:16); and that we are made one with Him (John 17:21).
Though these may not always “feel” like the truth, they are. I heard it put very well earlier: that the emotional overflow of the presence of God is the “honeymoon” stage. Those feelings as evidence of God’s presence appeal to the person that is ruled by emotions. When we 1st come to Christ (or back to Him), we are emotionally driven creatures. As we grow in Him, we become less ruled by emotions. To declare that we are far from God or that He has left us because we don't "feel" His Spirit as we used to, is a contradiction to God's Word. It allows the seed of doubt to be planted in our hearts.
Just as a marriage is at first overflowing with giddy love feelings, then as it grows becomes more grounded in trust, companionship, etc., so is our marriage to Christ. As our relationship with Him matures, it is less flooded with emotions and we become one—our heart is His heart, our mind is His mind. It is now our spirit that follows Christ, not our emotions. Yes, God will still bless us during prayer time, worship, praise, etc. with the overflow of emotion, but that is no longer necessary to draw us to Him.
Sam made a good point the other night—as our bodies build a tolerance to a particular drug, so our spirits do to the presence of God. This is not a bad thing. The Bible tells us not to be drunk with wine but filled with the Spirit (Eph 5:18), as though these two are comparable. Well, the more often a person drinks, the less evident the “drunkenness” becomes. This state has become the norm. So it is as we mature in Christ. We learn to walk more in the Spirit and less in the flesh. Instead of feeling different when in the Spirit, we feel different when in the flesh—uncomfortable, like something is wrong, altogether “yucky” inside. We seek quickly a remedy and that is to get back in the Spirit, our now normal state of being.
Growing in Christ, we have no need to be run by the emotional overflow, but are rooted in a faith and trust that God’s Word is true and hence, up, down, or turned around, He is still with us. He will always lead us through just as He did in the “honeymoon” stage. Once we accept this truth, the seed of doubt is uprooted.
“Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this.” Eccl 7:10
The truth is…God’s Word. His Word says that He will draw close to those who draw close to Him (James 4:8); that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Heb 13:5, Deut 31:6, 8); that His Spirit will abide with us forever (John 14:16); and that we are made one with Him (John 17:21).
Though these may not always “feel” like the truth, they are. I heard it put very well earlier: that the emotional overflow of the presence of God is the “honeymoon” stage. Those feelings as evidence of God’s presence appeal to the person that is ruled by emotions. When we 1st come to Christ (or back to Him), we are emotionally driven creatures. As we grow in Him, we become less ruled by emotions. To declare that we are far from God or that He has left us because we don't "feel" His Spirit as we used to, is a contradiction to God's Word. It allows the seed of doubt to be planted in our hearts.
Just as a marriage is at first overflowing with giddy love feelings, then as it grows becomes more grounded in trust, companionship, etc., so is our marriage to Christ. As our relationship with Him matures, it is less flooded with emotions and we become one—our heart is His heart, our mind is His mind. It is now our spirit that follows Christ, not our emotions. Yes, God will still bless us during prayer time, worship, praise, etc. with the overflow of emotion, but that is no longer necessary to draw us to Him.
Sam made a good point the other night—as our bodies build a tolerance to a particular drug, so our spirits do to the presence of God. This is not a bad thing. The Bible tells us not to be drunk with wine but filled with the Spirit (Eph 5:18), as though these two are comparable. Well, the more often a person drinks, the less evident the “drunkenness” becomes. This state has become the norm. So it is as we mature in Christ. We learn to walk more in the Spirit and less in the flesh. Instead of feeling different when in the Spirit, we feel different when in the flesh—uncomfortable, like something is wrong, altogether “yucky” inside. We seek quickly a remedy and that is to get back in the Spirit, our now normal state of being.
Growing in Christ, we have no need to be run by the emotional overflow, but are rooted in a faith and trust that God’s Word is true and hence, up, down, or turned around, He is still with us. He will always lead us through just as He did in the “honeymoon” stage. Once we accept this truth, the seed of doubt is uprooted.
“Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this.” Eccl 7:10
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Rape OK in U.S. If You're A Muslim?
Coming across an article regarding NJ case of: S.D. v. M.J.R. (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div.) and the implication that it was OK for a husband to rape his wife because it fell under their religious freedoms, I had to read it for myself. Here is the case breakdown, including evidence presented to the judge: http://www.leagle.com/unsecure/page.htm?shortname=innjco20100723325
So, this woman (17 or 18 at the time) is abused and raped by her husband, according to evidence including police photographs, and police and medical staff testimony, and the judge rules that because the husband had no criminal intent--acting on his religious beliefs that he is allowed to do whatever he wants to his wife--there is no charge of sexual assault. Are you kidding me? Ummm..what about evidence? Forget the fact that the man "thinks" it's OK. There are people who think doing drugs, drinking and driving, beating their children are all OK. Since when are our opinions on a matter above the law?
This is the exact wording from the website:
I'm almost in shock! Am I reading this correctly? The judge acknowledges it was non-consensual sex, yet it is OK because the man believed it fell under his religious rights. Unbelievable! Thank God this was overturned by another court.
Sadly, this is only the beginning of what's to come with such Islamic tolerance in the U.S. that we operate out of fear and neglect instead of standing up for what is right. And yet another hypocritical slap in the face for Christians who can't even stand on their religious beliefs to refuse to perform certain medical procedures (abortions) or refuse to perform homosexual marriages in their churches without being labeled as bigots, haters, intolerant, or worse.
Wake up America.
So, this woman (17 or 18 at the time) is abused and raped by her husband, according to evidence including police photographs, and police and medical staff testimony, and the judge rules that because the husband had no criminal intent--acting on his religious beliefs that he is allowed to do whatever he wants to his wife--there is no charge of sexual assault. Are you kidding me? Ummm..what about evidence? Forget the fact that the man "thinks" it's OK. There are people who think doing drugs, drinking and driving, beating their children are all OK. Since when are our opinions on a matter above the law?
This is the exact wording from the website:
While recognizing that defendant had engaged in sexual relations with plaintiff against her expressed wishes in November 2008 and on the night of January 15 to 16, 2009, the judge did not find sexual assault or criminal sexual conduct to have been proven. He stated:
"This court does not feel that, under the circumstances, that this defendant had a criminal desire to or intent to sexually assault or to sexually contact the plaintiff when he did. The court believes that he was operating under his belief that it is, as the husband, his desire to have sex when and whether he wanted to, was something that was consistent with his practices and it was something that was not prohibited."
After acknowledging that this was a case in which religious custom clashed with the law, and that under the law, plaintiff had a right to refuse defendant's advances, the judge found that defendant did not act with a criminal intent when he repeatedly insisted upon intercourse, despite plaintiff's contrary wishes.
I'm almost in shock! Am I reading this correctly? The judge acknowledges it was non-consensual sex, yet it is OK because the man believed it fell under his religious rights. Unbelievable! Thank God this was overturned by another court.
Sadly, this is only the beginning of what's to come with such Islamic tolerance in the U.S. that we operate out of fear and neglect instead of standing up for what is right. And yet another hypocritical slap in the face for Christians who can't even stand on their religious beliefs to refuse to perform certain medical procedures (abortions) or refuse to perform homosexual marriages in their churches without being labeled as bigots, haters, intolerant, or worse.
Wake up America.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
God's Best, Satan's Worst
A lot of you may have heard this saying before, but I heard it for the first time the other day and I can’t stop thinking about it:
You’re not going to get God’s best without first getting through the enemy’s worst.
This is a constant reminder of the spiritual battle that we face every single day! The more I strive to draw closer to the Lord, the more I am reminded of how much the enemy hates me, yes HATES, and wants nothing more than to see me suffer destruction by his own hands. We know this because his pride caused his own downfall. Well, I’ve made up my mind that I’m not having it. My God, the Spirit of glory that lives and breathes in me, is bigger, greater, stronger, and more wise than any enemy I may face (even myself at times!).
Satan is always roaming about seeking whom he may devour. If it weren’t so, God would not have told us. Don’t forget this! In your churches, in your Bible studies, in your homes and in your friendships—Satan wants to divide and conquer. That is his only plan for the children of God. He wants to create discord, doubt and division. Do not entertain the flesh when the devil plants these seeds and do not give place to the enemy. The moment you speak in tune with the doubt and discord, envy or strife the enemy has planted, you have given him place. Turn instead to the words of Christ to love your enemy (as your enemies will be that of your own household at times), bless those that curse you (even in your thoughts), and pray for those that despitefully use you. Rebuke that seed of bitterness or confusion the enemy wants to grow in you. Most importantly, when you see someone overtaken in a fault, restore him with MEEKNESS. Not pride!
Take back what the enemy has stolen and continually tries to steal—our unity in Christ. We all love, we all anger, we all fall, we all soar, and we all live this life in this flesh. When our eyes are stuck on each other, they are not on the Lord and they are not seeing souls come to the cross. Let us live in Christ, always endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
You’re not going to get God’s best without first getting through the enemy’s worst.
This is a constant reminder of the spiritual battle that we face every single day! The more I strive to draw closer to the Lord, the more I am reminded of how much the enemy hates me, yes HATES, and wants nothing more than to see me suffer destruction by his own hands. We know this because his pride caused his own downfall. Well, I’ve made up my mind that I’m not having it. My God, the Spirit of glory that lives and breathes in me, is bigger, greater, stronger, and more wise than any enemy I may face (even myself at times!).
Satan is always roaming about seeking whom he may devour. If it weren’t so, God would not have told us. Don’t forget this! In your churches, in your Bible studies, in your homes and in your friendships—Satan wants to divide and conquer. That is his only plan for the children of God. He wants to create discord, doubt and division. Do not entertain the flesh when the devil plants these seeds and do not give place to the enemy. The moment you speak in tune with the doubt and discord, envy or strife the enemy has planted, you have given him place. Turn instead to the words of Christ to love your enemy (as your enemies will be that of your own household at times), bless those that curse you (even in your thoughts), and pray for those that despitefully use you. Rebuke that seed of bitterness or confusion the enemy wants to grow in you. Most importantly, when you see someone overtaken in a fault, restore him with MEEKNESS. Not pride!
Take back what the enemy has stolen and continually tries to steal—our unity in Christ. We all love, we all anger, we all fall, we all soar, and we all live this life in this flesh. When our eyes are stuck on each other, they are not on the Lord and they are not seeing souls come to the cross. Let us live in Christ, always endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Blessed Are...
Matthew 5 gives nine reasons why we are blessed. Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV & KJV used) give nine attributes to the fruit of the Spirit. What if being blessed through the situations explained in Matt 5 make manifest and perfected in us the fruit of the Spirit?
The circumstance = Perfecting/manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit = Our blessing.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (v3)
“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” (v4)
Only having experienced mourning can we truly then experience, understand, and come to be grateful for real JOY. The JOY of the Lord, which is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10), not a temporal joy as experienced in the things of this world.
“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” (v5)
“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” (v6)
“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” (v7)
“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” (v8)
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” (v9)
“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (v10)
“Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” (v11-12)
I’m sure many of the aspects of the fruit of the Spirit could be made manifest/perfected in many of these situations, but I thought it was neat when you put them side-by-side.
The circumstance = Perfecting/manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit = Our blessing.
Poor in spirit = Love = Kingdom of heaven
Mourning = Joy = Comforted
Meek = Peace = Inherit the earth
Hunger & thirst after righteousness = Patience = Be filled
Merciful = Kindness = Obtain mercy
Pure in heart = Goodness = Shall see God
Peacemakers = Faithfulness = Called children of God
Persecuted for righteousness sake = Gentleness = Kingdom of heaven
Reviled, persecuted, spoken evil of = Self-control = Great reward in heaven
“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (v3)
Through being “poor” in spirit (broken?) the LOVE of God is perfected in us. As we live through and overcome spiritually devastating situations our compassion for others grows.
“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” (v4)
Only having experienced mourning can we truly then experience, understand, and come to be grateful for real JOY. The JOY of the Lord, which is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10), not a temporal joy as experienced in the things of this world.
“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” (v5)
This one gets me every time I read it. Not only because Jesus specifically said to learn of Him for He is meek and lowly in heart (Matt 11:29) but because what meek really means. I had it once described to me as having power and authority yet knowing when and when not to use it. The basic dictionary definition is: enduring injury with patience and without resentment. Now isn't that just the character of Jesus!
To know, though, that we truly are meek, I think we have to live through circumstances where that character can manifest. Maybe it’s the PEACE that surpasses all understanding that allows the meekness to overrun any other instinct that tries to rise up. Or maybe overcoming through an attitude of meekness makes manifest the PEACE of God within us.
“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” (v6)
To hunger and thirst after righteousness will develop PATIENCE (longsuffering) in waiting on the Lord. We soon learn that things happen on His watch, not ours. And they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint (Isaiah 40:31). Tell me that’s not being filled!
“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” (v7)
In moments where mercy rejoices against judgment (James 2:13), the KINDNESS (gentleness) of God is perfected in us.
“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” (v8)
Pure in heart – always thinking on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, any virtue and praise (Phillipians 4:8)—brings forth the GOODNESS of God.
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” (v9)
In striving to maintain peace in all situations, spiritual, emotional ,etc., our FAITHFULNESS to our Lord is strengthened.
“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (v10)
Persecuted for doing good makes manifest the GENTLENESS (meekness) of the Spirit. Love your enemies, do good to them that hate you, bless them that curse you, pray for them which despitefully use you (Luke 6:27-28).The GENTLENESS of our Lord will overcome the evil that tries to hinder us.
“Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” (v11-12)
And the final fruit of the Spirit—SELF-CONTROL (temperance). What better way for this attribute to be made manifest in us then through reviling and being evil spoken of? How many people just want to bite back, avenge their insults? Blessed are we for in this is SELF-CONTROL perfected in us.
I’m sure many of the aspects of the fruit of the Spirit could be made manifest/perfected in many of these situations, but I thought it was neat when you put them side-by-side.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
You Are...You Are Not...
You are not a drug addict, you are not an alcoholic (as every program out there would have you repeatedly speak unto your death), you are not an adulterer, you are not a whore, you are not a thief, and you are not a murderer.
If you have humbled yourself before the Lord, came to a place of repentance, and turned from your wicked ways, you are a new creature. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Cor 5:17).
If God has delivered you, stop holding on to the image of what you once were and accept who you ARE in Christ Jesus. To us He gave the POWER to BECOME the sons of God. Grab hold of that power and BECOME, don’t lay waste dwelling on what the enemy says you are. It’s a lie! God doesn’t deliver only part-way. Our God is the author and FINISHER! It was finished on the cross and through His blood it is finished for you now.
“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” (John 8:36) Free from sin, free from temptation—pray that you enter not into temptation, for the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak! But we know that through Christ, who strengthens us, we can do all things. We have the POWER, through Christ, to say I don’t have to give in to temptation, the POWER to stomp the enemy under our feet!
We are free from condemnation, free from the law of sin and death, free from the image of what we once were, free to become exactly what God has called us to be.
We are free to worship Him in Spirit and in truth, free to give Him all praise, free to shout Hallelujah! Glory to God Most High! Amen.
If you have humbled yourself before the Lord, came to a place of repentance, and turned from your wicked ways, you are a new creature. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Cor 5:17).
If God has delivered you, stop holding on to the image of what you once were and accept who you ARE in Christ Jesus. To us He gave the POWER to BECOME the sons of God. Grab hold of that power and BECOME, don’t lay waste dwelling on what the enemy says you are. It’s a lie! God doesn’t deliver only part-way. Our God is the author and FINISHER! It was finished on the cross and through His blood it is finished for you now.
“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” (John 8:36) Free from sin, free from temptation—pray that you enter not into temptation, for the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak! But we know that through Christ, who strengthens us, we can do all things. We have the POWER, through Christ, to say I don’t have to give in to temptation, the POWER to stomp the enemy under our feet!
We are free from condemnation, free from the law of sin and death, free from the image of what we once were, free to become exactly what God has called us to be.
We are free to worship Him in Spirit and in truth, free to give Him all praise, free to shout Hallelujah! Glory to God Most High! Amen.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Desires of the Heart
I love how God knows our true desires--beyond image-seeking and satisfying the lusts of the flesh--and grants us fulfillment.
I remember years ago, at a job interview, the lady asked me where I saw myself in five years. I answered her honestly and said something along the lines of making enough money working from home so I could be home with my kids. She kind of chuckled and dismissed my comment as just some dream. But God knew. God knew the true desire I had, beyond any amount of money, to be home with my kids. Realistically though, I also knew that you gotta make money to pay the bills.
Upon our move to WV two years ago, I found myself working from home in a job that paid enough to keep our income above our expenses (praise God!) and am still working that same job. Shortly after that, I realized it was just about five years since that job interview. How amazing is that?!?
"Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart." Ps 37:4 NIV
I don't know how many times since our move Ive had a strong desire to do something, but it involved more of the world than God. I would pray, God I want to do this, but I want to do it for You. (Everyday the desire to serve His kingdom in all I do grows.) Eventually, He brought (and continues to bring) the fulfillment of those desires.
Granted, He doesn't fulfill every desire to make a spoiled child out of me, but I've really noticed the ones He has. If I wasn't watching though, they could've easily passed right out of sight. God would not have received His due praise and I would've missed the joy of recognizing how blessed I truly am. Thank you Lord.
I remember years ago, at a job interview, the lady asked me where I saw myself in five years. I answered her honestly and said something along the lines of making enough money working from home so I could be home with my kids. She kind of chuckled and dismissed my comment as just some dream. But God knew. God knew the true desire I had, beyond any amount of money, to be home with my kids. Realistically though, I also knew that you gotta make money to pay the bills.
Upon our move to WV two years ago, I found myself working from home in a job that paid enough to keep our income above our expenses (praise God!) and am still working that same job. Shortly after that, I realized it was just about five years since that job interview. How amazing is that?!?
"Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart." Ps 37:4 NIV
I don't know how many times since our move Ive had a strong desire to do something, but it involved more of the world than God. I would pray, God I want to do this, but I want to do it for You. (Everyday the desire to serve His kingdom in all I do grows.) Eventually, He brought (and continues to bring) the fulfillment of those desires.
Granted, He doesn't fulfill every desire to make a spoiled child out of me, but I've really noticed the ones He has. If I wasn't watching though, they could've easily passed right out of sight. God would not have received His due praise and I would've missed the joy of recognizing how blessed I truly am. Thank you Lord.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Intercessors
God showed me something in His Word a while back about how important it is for us to always be praying for those who are lost, those who cannot come to Jesus & believe for themselves. Sharing His word today really brought it to light again for me.
We are the intercessors for a lost and dying world—our families, friends, strangers. When we feel a burden for someone’s life, situation, addiction, etc., it’s not for us to say “It’s hopeless.” It’s for us to get on our knees and seek the Father’s grace and mercy for them. It is our burden to bear so their needs may be met-- be it a need for salvation, deliverance, healing, or anything else.
In Matt 17, after Jesus & the three came down from Mt of Transfiguration, they were met by a boy in bondage, his father, and other disciples. The disciples could not cast the demon out of the boy so his father then brought him before the Lord. Jesus points out to the disciples that it’s because of their unbelief, but that this kind won’t come out but by prayer and fasting (paraphrasing). Both of these are great messages in themselves—unbelief and prayer and fasting.
However, there is yet another message God showed me. In Mark 9, Jesus also addresses the father of the boy and says that if he will believe then his son will be delivered. IF HE WILL BELIEVE. The father immediately responds with, “I believe” and “help me with my unbelief.” Jesus didn’t say that it was the boy, the one in bondage that had to believe. He said if the father will believe. So the father did and the boy was freed. The father was an intercessor for his son who could not come to Jesus himself. And so we are today for those who cannot of themselves come to Jesus.
Satan wants to twist God’s intentions. The burdens we often feel are not to be discouraged that there is no hope for a person. That’s what the devil wants you to think, so you lose hope and faith. The truth is Jesus gives us a burden to bear so we can lay it at His feet because the other person can’t or won’t—the reason doesn’t really matter. What matters is that we obey the Lord and intercede for the lost and dying because nobody else will.
We cannot give place to the devil, even in what may look like the most hopeless of situations. Our God is greater, more powerful than any bondage the enemy can try to use to keep His children separated from Him. God’s children WILL be redeemed. Jesus will not lose ANY that the Father has given Him. Jesus won’t give up. He didn’t give up on us; He won’t give up on them. He will leave the 99 to find the one. If they won’t come to church, don’t stop praying! If they don’t want to hear anyone talk about God, don’t stop praying! God’s power isn’t limited to a church building; He can bring salvation in the darkest of places. Don’t let the devil discourage you into unbelief. Trust in God’s holy Word that He will be there waiting with open arms when the prodigal’s son returns.
We are the intercessors for a lost and dying world—our families, friends, strangers. When we feel a burden for someone’s life, situation, addiction, etc., it’s not for us to say “It’s hopeless.” It’s for us to get on our knees and seek the Father’s grace and mercy for them. It is our burden to bear so their needs may be met-- be it a need for salvation, deliverance, healing, or anything else.
In Matt 17, after Jesus & the three came down from Mt of Transfiguration, they were met by a boy in bondage, his father, and other disciples. The disciples could not cast the demon out of the boy so his father then brought him before the Lord. Jesus points out to the disciples that it’s because of their unbelief, but that this kind won’t come out but by prayer and fasting (paraphrasing). Both of these are great messages in themselves—unbelief and prayer and fasting.
However, there is yet another message God showed me. In Mark 9, Jesus also addresses the father of the boy and says that if he will believe then his son will be delivered. IF HE WILL BELIEVE. The father immediately responds with, “I believe” and “help me with my unbelief.” Jesus didn’t say that it was the boy, the one in bondage that had to believe. He said if the father will believe. So the father did and the boy was freed. The father was an intercessor for his son who could not come to Jesus himself. And so we are today for those who cannot of themselves come to Jesus.
Satan wants to twist God’s intentions. The burdens we often feel are not to be discouraged that there is no hope for a person. That’s what the devil wants you to think, so you lose hope and faith. The truth is Jesus gives us a burden to bear so we can lay it at His feet because the other person can’t or won’t—the reason doesn’t really matter. What matters is that we obey the Lord and intercede for the lost and dying because nobody else will.
We cannot give place to the devil, even in what may look like the most hopeless of situations. Our God is greater, more powerful than any bondage the enemy can try to use to keep His children separated from Him. God’s children WILL be redeemed. Jesus will not lose ANY that the Father has given Him. Jesus won’t give up. He didn’t give up on us; He won’t give up on them. He will leave the 99 to find the one. If they won’t come to church, don’t stop praying! If they don’t want to hear anyone talk about God, don’t stop praying! God’s power isn’t limited to a church building; He can bring salvation in the darkest of places. Don’t let the devil discourage you into unbelief. Trust in God’s holy Word that He will be there waiting with open arms when the prodigal’s son returns.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Sacrifice & Surrender
"Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions." Matt 19:21-22
Oh, how many times I’ve said—or thought, “I’d give up everything to follow Jesus.” Then I wonder if I totally grasp the reality of that statement. Even reading Matt 19:20, I’ve thought, “If I was the young man I’d sell all, give to the poor, and follow Jesus.” And asked, “Why didn’t he just do it?”
Two things come to mind:
1. The boy didn’t understand the depths of what Jesus was offering when He said, “…thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.”
2. He was too emotionally/mentally connected to his possessions and, therefore, could not give them up.
Praise God I’ve been given understanding to what Jesus offers when He says, “…thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.” Since He delivered me and my husband from the bondages of this world, a life of serving and an eternity with Him are all that my heart seeks (most of the time, if I’m being totally honest). So, I can’t really relate to #1. I can, however, strongly relate to #2.
Gaining and getting, more is better—this is what we’re taught. We become defined by our possessions, by our successes, by our relationships. Yet, when we come to Jesus, we come lost and seeking direction. From there, do we follow Him? I mean, really follow Him. Or do we simply find complacency in His place of rest?
Our studies at church have been pressing on being more than just “Christians” (especially as the Christian is defined in society), but moving forward as Christ’s disciples. Christ’s disciples followed Him. They didn’t simply come to Him for healing or deliverance; they left their families, all they had, to follow Him.
My heart tells me I want to follow Christ wherever He will lead me. Recently though, I realized following also requires taking direction. It’s more than just going with the flow. When that voice of direction says, “Get rid of _______ because it is hindering your progress forward,” do you take heed? When that voice says, “Stop putting other people before me,” do you stop and listen? Do you think of the sacrifices necessary?
Sacrifice begins with surrender. So how surrendered are we? We want—and even experience—the blessings, the gifts, the supernatural moves of the Spirit; hence, most of us believe we’re surrendered enough. But are we surrendered enough to sacrifice (to give up that which is dear to us) when He asks?
When the Holy Ghost prompts us, we should listen and act. God has only good things in store for us. His perfect plan is what we have to trust in. “All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Even when it doesn’t feel good, even when we can’t see the happy ending, even when we don’t understand the reason, we have to trust in His Word. God’s plans are perfect and in that we can rest all of our doubts and our lack of understanding.
It is, however, easier said than done most of the time. Sacrifice requires surrendering ourselves to the point of being able to give something up that we don’t really want to. Otherwise, there really is no sacrifice.
If He asked, could we give up…
Our possessions: that nice car, our comfy homes, hard-earned money
Our images: clothing, music, jobs, reputations
Our hobbies: internet, TV, movies, racing, sports
Our friends, our own plans for our futures
Your husband, your wife, even your children—not to leave them, but to accept the place each has according to the Word of God.
Nothing can come before the Lord. If it occupies more of our thoughts, more of our time, more of our devotion, then we have not sacrificed to follow Jesus.
From experience, it hurts. It does not feel good to give up that which we enjoy, to lessen relationships that consume us, to separate ourselves from the things that are not of God. Our flesh wants those things; it desires those things. But, I’m sure it didn’t feel good when Jesus suffered to be the ultimate sacrifice for us either. I’m sure His flesh desired another route. Nonetheless, He accepted His calling—to do the will of His Father in heaven.
Have we accepted ours?
Oh, how many times I’ve said—or thought, “I’d give up everything to follow Jesus.” Then I wonder if I totally grasp the reality of that statement. Even reading Matt 19:20, I’ve thought, “If I was the young man I’d sell all, give to the poor, and follow Jesus.” And asked, “Why didn’t he just do it?”
Two things come to mind:
1. The boy didn’t understand the depths of what Jesus was offering when He said, “…thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.”
2. He was too emotionally/mentally connected to his possessions and, therefore, could not give them up.
Praise God I’ve been given understanding to what Jesus offers when He says, “…thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.” Since He delivered me and my husband from the bondages of this world, a life of serving and an eternity with Him are all that my heart seeks (most of the time, if I’m being totally honest). So, I can’t really relate to #1. I can, however, strongly relate to #2.
Gaining and getting, more is better—this is what we’re taught. We become defined by our possessions, by our successes, by our relationships. Yet, when we come to Jesus, we come lost and seeking direction. From there, do we follow Him? I mean, really follow Him. Or do we simply find complacency in His place of rest?
Our studies at church have been pressing on being more than just “Christians” (especially as the Christian is defined in society), but moving forward as Christ’s disciples. Christ’s disciples followed Him. They didn’t simply come to Him for healing or deliverance; they left their families, all they had, to follow Him.
My heart tells me I want to follow Christ wherever He will lead me. Recently though, I realized following also requires taking direction. It’s more than just going with the flow. When that voice of direction says, “Get rid of _______ because it is hindering your progress forward,” do you take heed? When that voice says, “Stop putting other people before me,” do you stop and listen? Do you think of the sacrifices necessary?
Sacrifice begins with surrender. So how surrendered are we? We want—and even experience—the blessings, the gifts, the supernatural moves of the Spirit; hence, most of us believe we’re surrendered enough. But are we surrendered enough to sacrifice (to give up that which is dear to us) when He asks?
When the Holy Ghost prompts us, we should listen and act. God has only good things in store for us. His perfect plan is what we have to trust in. “All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Even when it doesn’t feel good, even when we can’t see the happy ending, even when we don’t understand the reason, we have to trust in His Word. God’s plans are perfect and in that we can rest all of our doubts and our lack of understanding.
It is, however, easier said than done most of the time. Sacrifice requires surrendering ourselves to the point of being able to give something up that we don’t really want to. Otherwise, there really is no sacrifice.
If He asked, could we give up…
Our possessions: that nice car, our comfy homes, hard-earned money
Our images: clothing, music, jobs, reputations
Our hobbies: internet, TV, movies, racing, sports
Our friends, our own plans for our futures
Your husband, your wife, even your children—not to leave them, but to accept the place each has according to the Word of God.
Nothing can come before the Lord. If it occupies more of our thoughts, more of our time, more of our devotion, then we have not sacrificed to follow Jesus.
From experience, it hurts. It does not feel good to give up that which we enjoy, to lessen relationships that consume us, to separate ourselves from the things that are not of God. Our flesh wants those things; it desires those things. But, I’m sure it didn’t feel good when Jesus suffered to be the ultimate sacrifice for us either. I’m sure His flesh desired another route. Nonetheless, He accepted His calling—to do the will of His Father in heaven.
Have we accepted ours?
Monday, June 21, 2010
Economic Distress
Reading through Genesis (41-47) with the kids, I was given new insight while studying the 7-year famine that came upon the land during Joseph’s time with Pharaoh. With our economy having been in its own recession/depression these last few years, I can’t help but make a connection to the Egyptian government of the time.
While the people in the land continued to lose their money and their livestock (likely a source of income), Pharaoh continued to gain under the plans Joseph had set forth. The government continued to grow in power and authority until eventually the people had to sell themselves and their land to survive. From then on, the Egyptian government owned them (so to speak).
For fear of their lives (fear being a keyword here), the people had no choice but to turn to the government. The Lord delivered Joseph and his family, though, from the famine that swept the land. In the midst of total loss all around, Joseph rose to a position of great authority and Jacob and his sons were blessed with land, livestock and all they needed to grow their estates.
In a country with a similar economic downturn and a government increasing in ultimate power and authority, Do you know where your help comes from? Does it come from the Lord, on whom we can always depend, who is ever-Faithful, who will not suffer to see His seed begging bread (Ps 37:25)? Or does it come from the government, on an economy that is bound to fail and will never truly provide for its people?
2 Tim 2:13 says, "If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself." God’s very nature is to be faithful—whether we believe or not. Our actions, our thoughts, our beliefs do not change the character of God. His Word is truth—God is not a man that He should lie (Num 23:19). Our lives—our finances, our families, our jobs, our every care—can be committed to Him, knowing that He is Jehovah Jirah: the Lord Who Provides; for He is able to keep that which we commit unto him (2 Tim 1:12).
God used Joseph’s bondage in Egypt to fulfill His purpose and ultimate plan, while keeping His children through times of despair. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Rom 8:28).
While the people in the land continued to lose their money and their livestock (likely a source of income), Pharaoh continued to gain under the plans Joseph had set forth. The government continued to grow in power and authority until eventually the people had to sell themselves and their land to survive. From then on, the Egyptian government owned them (so to speak).
For fear of their lives (fear being a keyword here), the people had no choice but to turn to the government. The Lord delivered Joseph and his family, though, from the famine that swept the land. In the midst of total loss all around, Joseph rose to a position of great authority and Jacob and his sons were blessed with land, livestock and all they needed to grow their estates.
In a country with a similar economic downturn and a government increasing in ultimate power and authority, Do you know where your help comes from? Does it come from the Lord, on whom we can always depend, who is ever-Faithful, who will not suffer to see His seed begging bread (Ps 37:25)? Or does it come from the government, on an economy that is bound to fail and will never truly provide for its people?
2 Tim 2:13 says, "If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself." God’s very nature is to be faithful—whether we believe or not. Our actions, our thoughts, our beliefs do not change the character of God. His Word is truth—God is not a man that He should lie (Num 23:19). Our lives—our finances, our families, our jobs, our every care—can be committed to Him, knowing that He is Jehovah Jirah: the Lord Who Provides; for He is able to keep that which we commit unto him (2 Tim 1:12).
God used Joseph’s bondage in Egypt to fulfill His purpose and ultimate plan, while keeping His children through times of despair. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Rom 8:28).
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Don't Forget the Love
If there's one thing you don't ever forget in this life, let it be the truth that Jesus is the one who sets us free--not religion, not church itself, not even your work inside the church. It was through the love of God that Jesus hung on the cross to bear all of our iniquities, that we might be set free. Jesus said, I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, and the truth shall make you free. Nothing else in this world holds that kind of power.
If you're bound--unable to experience real freedom in your soul, freedom in your emotions, if you need freedom from the obvious--drugs, alcohol, relationships, etc., or from the not so obvious--fear, depression, self-hatred, ask Jesus to show you His bond-breaking love. He can show you true freedom.
None of us is really worthy of what God offers, but He gives to us anyhow. His love runs that deep. He shed His blood knowing that we would despise Him at some point, knowing that we are weak and without His strength we cannot stand. He knows everything already, the deepest part of our hearts--good, bad or indifferent--and He's calling you anyway. He knows the true value of your soul and loves you as His precious creation.
If you have been bound and set free through the love of Jesus, you have every reason to shout Hallelujah, raise up holy hands, and sing His praises!
If you're bound--unable to experience real freedom in your soul, freedom in your emotions, if you need freedom from the obvious--drugs, alcohol, relationships, etc., or from the not so obvious--fear, depression, self-hatred, ask Jesus to show you His bond-breaking love. He can show you true freedom.
None of us is really worthy of what God offers, but He gives to us anyhow. His love runs that deep. He shed His blood knowing that we would despise Him at some point, knowing that we are weak and without His strength we cannot stand. He knows everything already, the deepest part of our hearts--good, bad or indifferent--and He's calling you anyway. He knows the true value of your soul and loves you as His precious creation.
If you have been bound and set free through the love of Jesus, you have every reason to shout Hallelujah, raise up holy hands, and sing His praises!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
The Choice
“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Josh 24:15)
Make the choice, God tells us.
“I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” (Rev 3:15-16)
Don't ride the fence. Make a choice, God tells us.
“Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them;” (Deut 11:16)
Serving our own desires has become our god. Bowing down and worshiping the things of this world has become our god.
As plain and simple as it can be…
“Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” (Ex 20:3)
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” (Deut 6:4-5)
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
We can’t ever say our Creator, the One true God, our eternal Savior didn’t tell us what He wanted, didn’t show us the path to salvation, didn’t give us everything we need to stand strong. We just have to make the choice…
Make the choice, God tells us.
“I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” (Rev 3:15-16)
Don't ride the fence. Make a choice, God tells us.
“Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them;” (Deut 11:16)
Serving our own desires has become our god. Bowing down and worshiping the things of this world has become our god.
As plain and simple as it can be…
“Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” (Ex 20:3)
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” (Deut 6:4-5)
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
We can’t ever say our Creator, the One true God, our eternal Savior didn’t tell us what He wanted, didn’t show us the path to salvation, didn’t give us everything we need to stand strong. We just have to make the choice…
Friday, June 11, 2010
Jesus Limited to English?
A conversation from earlier keeps running through my mind. Actually, what I keep pondering is a statement made by someone that the power of the name of Jesus lies only in the name as we, English speakers, know it. The point was made that people who speak other languages are to learn the English word “Jesus” just as someone would have to learn my name as “Amanda” in order for God’s power to be loosed.
Now, I understand that sometimes it’s hard to look outside our own cultural box when we’ve experienced little to nothing else, but to limit the power of God to only one culture or language is highly erroneous.
First of all, just to examine the origin of the books of the Bible—stemming from the Middle East to Asia, but nowhere in the western world—and the languages in which the scriptures were originally written—Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic—leaves little room for argument.
Secondly, God Himself created language. He created mankind to communicate in one language and then created diversity in language at the Tower of Babel (Gen 11:1-9). And when the apostles spoke in a multitude of languages at Pentecost (doubting, by the way, that English was one of those languages), each of the men present could understand in his native tongue because it was God, the Holy Ghost, speaking through them (Acts 2:4-8). God created all languages and God knows all languages.
This is such a nonsensical belief that it is not only difficult to understand how someone could maintain such a thought, but it is deeply saddening. To say that if someone doesn’t use the English word, “Jesus,” then they are denied the power thereof is to say that all the Christians martyred for His name’s sake during the first 1300 years (before the 1st English manuscripts of scripture emerged) died in vain. And what about the millions more Christians who don’t live in English speaking regions? It is to say they are denied the power of God even unto salvation and that is a gross deception.
I can’t even begin to think I understand the fullness of the power of God. But I do know that the Word of God is alive—in every language. It is not confined to one or another. The Holy Spirit, which guides us into all truth, is alive. He’s not confined to one part of the world or another. God, the Almighty, the infinite Creator of heaven and earth, the Alpha and the Omega, without beginning or end, cannot be confined to the depths of our own understanding or even our imaginations. He is the fulfillment of omnipotence (unlimited power & authority) and omniscience (unlimited knowledge & understanding). No language barrier can bridle the power that lies in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Now, I understand that sometimes it’s hard to look outside our own cultural box when we’ve experienced little to nothing else, but to limit the power of God to only one culture or language is highly erroneous.
First of all, just to examine the origin of the books of the Bible—stemming from the Middle East to Asia, but nowhere in the western world—and the languages in which the scriptures were originally written—Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic—leaves little room for argument.
Secondly, God Himself created language. He created mankind to communicate in one language and then created diversity in language at the Tower of Babel (Gen 11:1-9). And when the apostles spoke in a multitude of languages at Pentecost (doubting, by the way, that English was one of those languages), each of the men present could understand in his native tongue because it was God, the Holy Ghost, speaking through them (Acts 2:4-8). God created all languages and God knows all languages.
This is such a nonsensical belief that it is not only difficult to understand how someone could maintain such a thought, but it is deeply saddening. To say that if someone doesn’t use the English word, “Jesus,” then they are denied the power thereof is to say that all the Christians martyred for His name’s sake during the first 1300 years (before the 1st English manuscripts of scripture emerged) died in vain. And what about the millions more Christians who don’t live in English speaking regions? It is to say they are denied the power of God even unto salvation and that is a gross deception.
I can’t even begin to think I understand the fullness of the power of God. But I do know that the Word of God is alive—in every language. It is not confined to one or another. The Holy Spirit, which guides us into all truth, is alive. He’s not confined to one part of the world or another. God, the Almighty, the infinite Creator of heaven and earth, the Alpha and the Omega, without beginning or end, cannot be confined to the depths of our own understanding or even our imaginations. He is the fulfillment of omnipotence (unlimited power & authority) and omniscience (unlimited knowledge & understanding). No language barrier can bridle the power that lies in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Love Your Enemies
Love your enemies. As we’re commanded to love one another to show ourselves as Christ’s disciples indeed, so we are commanded to love our enemies. The love of Christ in us may be the only true love, the only unconditional, compassionate love that they may experience. Christ loved us when we were His enemies, for while we were yet sinners He died for us. What is our reward if we only love those that love us? Love your enemies, Jesus says, and your reward shall be great! If we exchange hate for hate, malice for malice, we are no different than the rest of the world. God says be ye holy for I am holy. Holiness isn’t only portrayed in our daily activities. Holiness is in our hearts and to whom and how our hearts are extended to others, “…learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart…” To show humility in forgiveness and love, instead of clinging to pride and stubbornness, brings us closer to the meekness of Christ. It unleashes the power of God through His love. The power to deliver, the power to heal, the power to save—for love covers a multitude of sins. Hallelujah! Thank you Jesus for Your unfailing love that covers my sins.
“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” (Matt 5:44).
“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” (Matt 5:44).
Monday, May 24, 2010
Chosen
You think you chose to be a Christian?
Think again. God chose you...He chose me too. And the devil knows it. Your walk with Christ through this life will be the hardest thing you ever have to endure. For the enemy comes but to steal, to kill, and to destroy.
Praise God though! We have already overcome the wicked one. Jesus is within each of His chosen and gives the strength to endure. All we have to do is seek out that strength. He promises to never leave us nor forsake us. And if we draw close to Him, He will draw close to us. He is our shield and our strength. Jesus has the victory; therefore, we have the victory through Jesus.
Don't be fooled though. No victory comes without first a battle. Stand on the truth that Jesus said none who the Father has given Him will be plucked from His hand. We are forever kept in the protective hands of a loving Father, if we allow it. Glory be to God and God alone!
Think again. God chose you...He chose me too. And the devil knows it. Your walk with Christ through this life will be the hardest thing you ever have to endure. For the enemy comes but to steal, to kill, and to destroy.
Praise God though! We have already overcome the wicked one. Jesus is within each of His chosen and gives the strength to endure. All we have to do is seek out that strength. He promises to never leave us nor forsake us. And if we draw close to Him, He will draw close to us. He is our shield and our strength. Jesus has the victory; therefore, we have the victory through Jesus.
Don't be fooled though. No victory comes without first a battle. Stand on the truth that Jesus said none who the Father has given Him will be plucked from His hand. We are forever kept in the protective hands of a loving Father, if we allow it. Glory be to God and God alone!
Monday, May 17, 2010
Now is the Day...
We think this world is bad? It truly is. There are unthinkable things that go on in all areas of this world...things that we shudder to even think of. Now, imagine all that with no thought of or hope in God. No more chances to look up and say, "God, if you're real..." That day will come when every man will see the glory of God and know that He is real. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. By then, the choice is already made...in our hearts we have chosen.
As bad as this world is, and the worse it's going to become, we still have hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. Don't give up the opportunity to come freely, to see, to know the depths of love that will keep us from a most horrific eternity--set for Satan and his angels.
Now is the day of salvation!
As bad as this world is, and the worse it's going to become, we still have hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. Don't give up the opportunity to come freely, to see, to know the depths of love that will keep us from a most horrific eternity--set for Satan and his angels.
Now is the day of salvation!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Jesus Loves the Peter in Each of Us
So great is His love and mercy! Knowing all that Peter would do and not do, He still chose him to be the rock upon which He would build His church.
Sometimes we deny Jesus. Maybe with our lips as Peter did, “And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.” Or by the way we live our lives: “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.”
Sometimes we give in to the thoughts of Satan. “But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. ‘Get behind me, Satan!’ he said. ‘You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.’”
Sometimes we go back to our old ways and forget for a time all that the Lord has shown us. “Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.”
Sometimes we let the fear of criticism stop us from standing on the truth of the Word of God. “For before that certain came from James, he [Peter] did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.”
Despite all Peter’s failings toward the Lord, Jesus still called him out of darkness. He still gave him power to heal and to deliver. He still chose Peter as one of three to see Him in all His glory at the Mount of Transfiguration. He still bestowed upon him the power to walk on water. He still loved him and His grace was ever present through all Peter’s trials and sufferings.
Not only is Peter the rock upon which Christ’s church is built, against which even the gates of hell shall not prevail! But, he is the prime example of our own humanity and the love of God that will never leave us nor forsake us. Forget all of our inadequacies. For it is in our weakness that He is made strong! Hallelujah!
Sometimes we deny Jesus. Maybe with our lips as Peter did, “And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.” Or by the way we live our lives: “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.”
Sometimes we give in to the thoughts of Satan. “But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. ‘Get behind me, Satan!’ he said. ‘You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.’”
Sometimes we go back to our old ways and forget for a time all that the Lord has shown us. “Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.”
Sometimes we let the fear of criticism stop us from standing on the truth of the Word of God. “For before that certain came from James, he [Peter] did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.”
Despite all Peter’s failings toward the Lord, Jesus still called him out of darkness. He still gave him power to heal and to deliver. He still chose Peter as one of three to see Him in all His glory at the Mount of Transfiguration. He still bestowed upon him the power to walk on water. He still loved him and His grace was ever present through all Peter’s trials and sufferings.
Not only is Peter the rock upon which Christ’s church is built, against which even the gates of hell shall not prevail! But, he is the prime example of our own humanity and the love of God that will never leave us nor forsake us. Forget all of our inadequacies. For it is in our weakness that He is made strong! Hallelujah!
Monday, April 5, 2010
Ringing In My Ears...
...so to speak. Driving home, listening to music and just letting my mind wander on God, I ended up with a jumble of scriptures and thoughts that I couldn't truly process until I got them out on paper. This is what I ended up with...
Our righteous living—or attempt at anyhow—is not our salvation. Our church attendance is not our salvation. Our tithes and offerings are not our salvation. The grace and mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and His blood shed on the cross are our only hope for salvation.
When we come to the knowledge of this truth, when we answer His calling, we should forsake the things of this world that keep us in bondage. We should put away sin. I know that sounds elementary, but honestly, how much do we hold on to? Put away the lies (especially to ourselves), put away the gossip, put away the lusts, and put away that desire to serve the dollar bill over serving our Creator. Sin separates us from God, plain and simple.
This is not to say that we don’t all sin because we do. At some point, we all fall short, and for that we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ. But to continue in sin after coming to the truth, “God forbid,” as Paul so blatantly put it.
We must strive to live righteously, soberly and godly in this life. To live otherwise is to go against the very Spirit that teaches us. Forsake the sins that keep us in bondage, but don’t forsake the leading of the Holy Spirit. For where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. Relish that freedom and cling to the Lord with all your heart, all your mind, and all your soul.
Then, I spent the afternoon locating scriptures to go with my thoughts--some were obvious, some it was my first time reading. I was actually surprised (maybe I shouldn't be?) to see how much of God's Word came out when I sat down to compose my thoughts. I guess surprised because sometimes it seems like it's so hard to remember, but I keep plugging away anyhow. If I could have a favorite for the day, it's obvious below which it was. :)
Isaiah 64:6 “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.”
Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:”
1 Thessalonians 5:8-10 “But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.” (Hallelujah!!)
1 Timothy 2:4 “Who [God] will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”
Isaiah 1:16 “Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;”
Isaiah 59:1-2 “Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.”
Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”
1 John 2:1-2 “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”
Romans 6:1-2 “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?”
Titus 2:11-12 “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;”
Galatians 5:1 “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”
Romans 8:14 “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”
2 Corinthians 3:17 “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”
Matthew 22:37-40 “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
Our righteous living—or attempt at anyhow—is not our salvation. Our church attendance is not our salvation. Our tithes and offerings are not our salvation. The grace and mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and His blood shed on the cross are our only hope for salvation.
When we come to the knowledge of this truth, when we answer His calling, we should forsake the things of this world that keep us in bondage. We should put away sin. I know that sounds elementary, but honestly, how much do we hold on to? Put away the lies (especially to ourselves), put away the gossip, put away the lusts, and put away that desire to serve the dollar bill over serving our Creator. Sin separates us from God, plain and simple.
This is not to say that we don’t all sin because we do. At some point, we all fall short, and for that we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ. But to continue in sin after coming to the truth, “God forbid,” as Paul so blatantly put it.
We must strive to live righteously, soberly and godly in this life. To live otherwise is to go against the very Spirit that teaches us. Forsake the sins that keep us in bondage, but don’t forsake the leading of the Holy Spirit. For where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. Relish that freedom and cling to the Lord with all your heart, all your mind, and all your soul.
Then, I spent the afternoon locating scriptures to go with my thoughts--some were obvious, some it was my first time reading. I was actually surprised (maybe I shouldn't be?) to see how much of God's Word came out when I sat down to compose my thoughts. I guess surprised because sometimes it seems like it's so hard to remember, but I keep plugging away anyhow. If I could have a favorite for the day, it's obvious below which it was. :)
Isaiah 64:6 “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.”
Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:”
1 Thessalonians 5:8-10 “But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.” (Hallelujah!!)
1 Timothy 2:4 “Who [God] will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”
Isaiah 1:16 “Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;”
Isaiah 59:1-2 “Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.”
Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”
1 John 2:1-2 “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”
Romans 6:1-2 “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?”
Titus 2:11-12 “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;”
Galatians 5:1 “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”
Romans 8:14 “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”
2 Corinthians 3:17 “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”
Matthew 22:37-40 “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
Friday, February 26, 2010
The Ten Commandments
The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) weren't given to Moses just for God to lay out His supreme authority. God is God whether we choose to acknowledge Him or not. I think that He gave us those commandments to keep us as we give our children rules to keep them safe.
1. "Thou shalt have no other gods before me," and 2. "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image...Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them..." -- The Lord is not made by man's hands, but He is our Creator. He is our loving Father, our Protector and Provider. Putting anything before Him roadblocks that protection and provision--just as I cannot keep my children under my wing unless they allow me to.
3. "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain..." -- Works of vanity ultimately destroy our integrity, which in turn leaves us with an emptiness that we are ever-searching to fill.
4. "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy." -- A day of rest God provided for His people, to be renewed both physically and spiritually. Without this our bodies and souls deteriorate quickly.
5. "Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land..." -- Denying the position God gave our parents eventually damages our own hearts and destroys the strength of family in future generations.
6. "Thou shalt not kill," 7. "Thou shalt not commit adultery," 8. "Thou shalt not steal," 9. "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor," and 10. "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet they neighbor's wife..." -- All of these acts emotionally damage us, they create mental torment, they cause us to deny our own self-worth, and they destroy relationships.
His love is so great that He wanted to protect us from all the disastrous "side effects" that sin carries on this earth, not to mention eternally. Yet the greatest commandments of all, by which the others are fulfilled:
"Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." (Matt 22:37-40)
1. "Thou shalt have no other gods before me," and 2. "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image...Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them..." -- The Lord is not made by man's hands, but He is our Creator. He is our loving Father, our Protector and Provider. Putting anything before Him roadblocks that protection and provision--just as I cannot keep my children under my wing unless they allow me to.
3. "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain..." -- Works of vanity ultimately destroy our integrity, which in turn leaves us with an emptiness that we are ever-searching to fill.
4. "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy." -- A day of rest God provided for His people, to be renewed both physically and spiritually. Without this our bodies and souls deteriorate quickly.
5. "Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land..." -- Denying the position God gave our parents eventually damages our own hearts and destroys the strength of family in future generations.
6. "Thou shalt not kill," 7. "Thou shalt not commit adultery," 8. "Thou shalt not steal," 9. "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor," and 10. "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet they neighbor's wife..." -- All of these acts emotionally damage us, they create mental torment, they cause us to deny our own self-worth, and they destroy relationships.
His love is so great that He wanted to protect us from all the disastrous "side effects" that sin carries on this earth, not to mention eternally. Yet the greatest commandments of all, by which the others are fulfilled:
"Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." (Matt 22:37-40)
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Catastrophe in Haiti
For such a catastrophe to occur in an already desperately impoverished area is so beyond my ability to even grasp the depths of the situation. I have, however, read some of the e-mails, blogs, tweets, etc. of Christian musicians & organizations that have been down there and continue to go through this with the Haitian people. I cannot encourage prayer enough for all those affected by this earthquake. I heard Michael W. Smith (Christian musician) on the radio a little while ago and he said: "Ten dollars is like a thousand bucks down there. We are pretty much rich compared to them." Families have been sleeping outside in the dirt for fear of another intense aftershock.
These people, these children who have so little already, have lost so much more. I am urging anyone who has a few extra dollars to take it and put it to work for God's kingdom--donate now to help bring emergency supplies, food, shelter, etc. to the affected areas. K-LOVE (http://klove.com/promodetails.aspx?i=5521) has a number of organizations listed that are in Haiti and bringing emergency supplies to the people now.
Below is an e-mail from Mark Stuart, lead singer of Audio Adrenaline, who's been in Haiti through this experience (taken from The Hands and Feet Project website):
Hi everyone....
Our internet is working finally. So I'm sending this to a few of you....
Everyone here is ok, but we are all very scared. The buildings held up great, but there are several houses right around us that have collapsed. Also, Hotel Cyvadier had major damage, while the brand new three story "peace of mind" hotel was demolished. Francine, one of our teenage nannies was in afternoon school and escaped while the building was collapsing around her because she was sitting by the door...however many of her classmates died yesterday. Many houses and and buildings have collapsed in Jacmel including the hospital. I know most of the news there is coming from PAP, but there is substantial loss of life here on the south coast. We need prayer for wisdom and strength. Its very chaotic here. We were able to buy diesel this morning and hopefully get more propane for cooking tomorrow. Last night was crazy...slept on the dirt in the center of the village...away from the buildings. Tonight we may venture back indoors, but that is yet to be decided. We go in and out to get necessities. The Haitian people are numb and sad to say very used to death, but this has created what seems to be a hypnotic state. I've never been in a situation were you feel SO helpless, fearful, and small. The tremors are coming again as i type this. Whoa!!!
Mark
Many of the websites listed also have current updates on what is going on and how they are able to get through this and help those in need.
K-LOVE How to Help Haiti site: http://klove.com/promodetails.aspx?i=5521
These people, these children who have so little already, have lost so much more. I am urging anyone who has a few extra dollars to take it and put it to work for God's kingdom--donate now to help bring emergency supplies, food, shelter, etc. to the affected areas. K-LOVE (http://klove.com/promodetails.aspx?i=5521) has a number of organizations listed that are in Haiti and bringing emergency supplies to the people now.
Below is an e-mail from Mark Stuart, lead singer of Audio Adrenaline, who's been in Haiti through this experience (taken from The Hands and Feet Project website):
Hi everyone....
Our internet is working finally. So I'm sending this to a few of you....
Everyone here is ok, but we are all very scared. The buildings held up great, but there are several houses right around us that have collapsed. Also, Hotel Cyvadier had major damage, while the brand new three story "peace of mind" hotel was demolished. Francine, one of our teenage nannies was in afternoon school and escaped while the building was collapsing around her because she was sitting by the door...however many of her classmates died yesterday. Many houses and and buildings have collapsed in Jacmel including the hospital. I know most of the news there is coming from PAP, but there is substantial loss of life here on the south coast. We need prayer for wisdom and strength. Its very chaotic here. We were able to buy diesel this morning and hopefully get more propane for cooking tomorrow. Last night was crazy...slept on the dirt in the center of the village...away from the buildings. Tonight we may venture back indoors, but that is yet to be decided. We go in and out to get necessities. The Haitian people are numb and sad to say very used to death, but this has created what seems to be a hypnotic state. I've never been in a situation were you feel SO helpless, fearful, and small. The tremors are coming again as i type this. Whoa!!!
Mark
Many of the websites listed also have current updates on what is going on and how they are able to get through this and help those in need.
K-LOVE How to Help Haiti site: http://klove.com/promodetails.aspx?i=5521
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