Family or Religion?

Religion or Family?

Most of us like to say “family” yet we get stuck in the ways and hindrances of religion. Heard a great message and wanted to share my notes on some of it. I highly recommend listening to the entire message (link below). It’s a great message for everyone—from the one running the church for years to the newbie in the back pew.

You can decide for yourself if you really want a family or if you are happy with the superficial religious organization that leaves us comfortable in our flesh, but spiritually drowning.

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Family in Christ and religion are quite different.

Religion lets you show up and leave and no one cares.

Religion lets you pretend you’re doing good when no one knows that you’re not.

Family means openness, honesty, accountability.

Family means walking together through good times and hard times and ugly times.

Part of being a family means learning to receive things you don’t deserve and learning to walk in things you have not earned.

There’s no going back, only forward. We have to jump in as family—family loves each other, forgives each other, and walks with each other through hard times and mistakes. We all have problems and mistakes. In religion, we learn how NOT to share those struggles. In religion, you can go to church and do great and no one will know anything about you. 

As Christians, we are not just setting a trend for prayer or hunger for God; we are setting an example of family. No one is higher than another in the kingdom of God. No calling is more important than another’s…just different. In family we don’t have to show off. We don’t have to be more important; we don’t have to be special because we’re all special. There’s a part of family that we all have to understand: you’re just as important as the preacher.

Learning how to live in family takes time and submitting to God’s Spirit. His grace allows us to grow as a family, where the ones who are struggling get swept up and caught with the ones who are strong. There are days you may do great and weeks you may struggle, but God’s love for you does not change.

It’s easier to sit under religion because then you don’t have to be mature. Becoming a family means maturity. It means dealing with yourself. It means a commitment to praying in the Holy Ghost. It means a commitment to meditating the Word, fasting and the tools we have to help us to overcome ourselves. It takes time and it takes love.

There’s so much we have to learn about family. God wants us to sit and get comfortable in His presence as a family. Being able to sit in His presence, to love our neighbor, to do no harm to our neighbor, to learn to receive from each other, and to appreciate each other is just as important as signs and wonders and miracles. If all we do is pursue miracles, we miss out on the good stuff—holiness, character, love. God doesn’t want us to self-destruct because of lack of character or holiness. He wants us to grow as a family.

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I got so much out of this message. More than I could even write down. You can listen to it here: http://www.daveroberson.org/Media/1172/GS111003B.mp3 (I recommend listening all the way to the end).

Praising the Lord!

I just gotta praise the Lord! We’ve been going through trial after trial it seems. One extended trial we’ve been stuck in for over a month now. A financial trial. I posted about it a couple weeks ago so you may have read it. Well, my husband still has not been paid. The last regular check he received was at the end of August and he’s supposed to be paid between the 3rd & 6th of each month. So here we are…beyond the sixth yet again…and still no deposit. But you know what? I am so happy right now it’s ridiculous. Sure, we have bills and a car payment and rent and so on like everybody else, but how can I worry about something that God already told me was going to happen? I mean really? Talking about it with someone earlier and the only thing I could say was, “All we can do is trust God.” That’s it. Plain & simple.

You know what the most amazing thing is? I feel like I had a glimpse of what Paul experienced – on a very small scale in comparison – but still. Knowing what was coming through the forewarning of the Spirit, saying “OK,” and making preparations. Then tonight-- after we just paid some bills that were due knowing that we have no idea when his money is coming--I was filled with so much JOY. Ha! Doesn’t that just sound like madness? I wish you could have experienced it. If I could share the feeling I totally would. I just wanted to laugh and shout and praise God because I know that it is through this trial that we are going to see God’s awesome power manifest. What a blessing! I remember praying a while back, “Lord let my life be a testimony of your goodness and power.” I saw something not long ago that said it’s the test that brings the testimony. Well…here it is! Maybe not the way we would have planned or wished upon ourselves, but nonetheless it’s here. Exactly according to His perfect will. How can I not praise Him?!?

My Testimony of How God's Ways/Thoughts Are So Beyond Ours

I want to share some things that have gone on in our lives since the New Year, but God has just allowed me to see the big picture.

About 6 mo ago (shortly after the New Year), God led me to start stocking up on food. I saw all the different viewpoints of this particular topic from Christians around the world:

Stocking up is fear-based (paranoia)
It contradicts when Jesus said, Take no thought for tomorrow…
If God says so, then do it.

These are all very different perspectives. Bringing it to Sam (my husband), it sounded a little “out there” to him, but he was open and willing to do whatever God was leading us to do. I still wasn’t sure…as sure as I felt I needed to be to know that I wasn’t just being a paranoid person. God then brought to my remembrance Joseph. Joseph, the son of Jacob, had been given instruction on how to PREPARE for the famine that had not yet come. Shortly after this, a similar topic came up in church and a brother confirmed God’s word for me—knowing nothing of all this. I knew now what God was showing me…even if no one else understood. But Lord? Is there a famine coming? I still wasn’t totally convinced—wavering, unbelief, doubt. I knew, but being thoroughly convinced to DO was different. How? Why? We always want to know why, don’t we?

Then I’m not exactly sure what happened. Life maybe. The thoughts faded and eventually were dismissed.

Two weeks ago God spoke to me and told me (the way He does) that we are going to go through a financial trial. My first thought? “I’m not claiming that one.” LOL! Regardless of my thoughts or desires, I knew what He said. I shared it with Sam and understood that it was time to start watching where every dollar went. Within a couple of days, we were notified that his paycheck (GI Bill) would take an additional 3 weeks to get to us because of mistakes on THEIR end. It was already a week behind and like everyone…we have bills to pay! A whole month without his primary source of income? Ordinarily, I might have freaked out a little, but God had forewarned me and I found much comfort in knowing that He already had it all worked out. As long as we stay close in obedience, everything will be fine. He will not leave us lacking what we need. I know my God, my Provider!

Right around this same time my neighbor kept coming and telling me of how she’s using coupons and saving so much money, even getting things for free at times. I would think, “that’s cool” and go on my way. Until finally one day, what she was saying sparked a great interest. I wanted to see for real what the buzz was all about. So Sam & I started that Sunday clipping coupons and making our store lists (honestly, not even thinking about our financial trial, but simply sharing in the excitement with our neighbor). Over the last week—through two Sunday papers—we have saved about $200 on our shopping trips. And! have been able to buy so much more that our deep freezer is full and we had to start storing food in the storage room behind our refrigerator.

Now, what do all these things have to do with one another? Last night while lying in bed I was able to see the big picture. Though He forewarned us of a financial trial (which I do believe we are only in the beginning of), He provided a way at the same time for us to save on necessities through it. I was thanking Him for this and THEN… I saw the WHOLE picture. What He was leading us to do six months ago was now coming to pass. We are stocking up on food and supplies. Amazing, isn’t it? If God wants to bring something to pass, He most certainly will!

I will not doubt or hold back on whatever God wants us to do this time. If what we do now can help my family or someone else's in the future, may God be glorified!

Father, bring Your will to pass. If our time of trial or suffering can be used to help other people, let it be Lord. I know that no matter what I think or understand, my own understanding is just a speck of sand on an eternal seashore. It’s Your wisdom and understanding I desire. Thank you Lord. May You alone be glorified! Amen.

Basement 2 Classroom Project

We are excited to announce the launch of our new donation website: Basement 2 Classroom Project. As we move forward in our Sunday school building project, we've decided to expand our fundraising to the internet.

Having exhausted the most common fundraising ideas: bake sales, car washes, product sales, etc., it's simply come down to, "You have not because you ask not." So, now we're asking. Help us spread the word. Share us on Facebook, link to our site, email family and friends.

The Basement 2 Classroom Project is a project worthwhile. Help us ensure our next generation of children is given an opportunity to continue to learn and grow in the Lord in a safe environment.

God bless!

This is what I hear today...

Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward. Except the LORD of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah. Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah. Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

Isaiah 1:4, 9-10, 16-20

Repentance. Too Harsh a Message?

My spirit is plagued by the thought that some people think the message of repentance is to too harsh a message—for this type of ministry, for that type of ministry, for any type of ministry. Jesus worked every type of ministry, from the religious folks, to the streets, to the demon-possessed, to the working class, you name it. In fact, John the Baptist, Jesus, all 12 disciples sent out 2x2, Peter and Paul all preached repentance in their ministries.

Repentance is too harsh a message? Isn’t that just what the enemy would have us all to believe? Without repentance there is no forgiveness and cleansing of sins. Without repentance there is no walking in the power of the Spirit. Without repentance we are separated from God because of our sins.

Repentance is too harsh a message? Did Jesus think so when He told the multitude it is better to cut off your hand or foot than to sin and go to hell? (Matt 5:30, Matt 18:8) People seem to have characterized Jesus as one who just went around hugging everyone into the kingdom. Um…hello! Have we read our Bibles? Jesus went around offending the masses. It wasn’t just the religious zealots He offended, which many choose to believe. At one point, He even offended His own followers—to the point that MANY of His disciples turned away from Him and followed Him no more. They said, “This is an hard saying, who can hear it?” (John 6:60) Did Jesus worry that the truth would be too hard for some? Absolutely not. In fact, He further pointed out to those that were offended, The flesh profits nothing (Jn 6:63). Jesus didn’t worry about offending people because He knew that there were those whose hearts had been prepared to receive the truth. We need to stop thinking it is us who are “winning” souls to the kingdom. Such arrogance! No one comes to Jesus unless the Father draws him (John 6:44, 6:65). It is God alone who opens hearts to receive Him, who opens ears to hear the truth. It is not our gentle words that woo people into “accepting” Jesus. This is a flesh-pleasing, numbers-counting mentality. True converts to Jesus Christ know they are wretched sinners who must repent of their sinful ways. Oh wait, but Jesus never preached “repent or perish” (as I’ve heard countless people tell me). Really? “…except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish.” So important that He said it twice…back to back (Lk 13:3, 5). What was the common message from Jesus to most of the seven churches in revelation? REPENT. Are we even reading the same Bibles?

Did Peter worry about being too harsh when he blatantly told the Jews: You killed the Prince of life, now repent? (Acts 3:16-19). Did Paul worry about being too harsh when he told the idolaters, God no longer winks at ignorance, now repent? (Acts 17:30). Why then are we a generation of Christians who fears that God’s truth is too harsh? Maybe if we’d stop worrying about making everybody feel OK about where they’re at, the rampage of sin and abomination would not be destroying this country. Maybe if we worried more about what God thought, then we would truly see families restored, bondages broken, freedom from oppression, miracles of lives TRULY changed to reflect the new creatures that we are in Christ Jesus. We would see disciples rise who know what holiness and humility are before the Lord, who know how to fight the spiritual battles with spiritual warfare, and how to stand firm in the Spirit of God until the end.

You know that repentance/repent is preached/written 42x in the New Testament. Why did Jesus come? Not why do we think He came, but why does HE say He came? To call the sinners to repentance (Matt 9:13, Mk 2:17, Lk 5:32). What does Jesus say should be preached to all nations? Repentance and remission of sins (Lk 24:47).

Some will tell you that addressing sin or pointing out the need for repentance is judgment or condemnation. That is foolishness. Don’t believe such a lie nor allow it to direct your path. If that is so, then Jesus judged and condemned everyone He preached to, for the Word tells us that from the start of His ministry, He preached repentance (Matt 4:17). This is love. That people can hear the truth and the truth can set them free.

People are going to be offended. That is the nature of the gospel. Jesus was killed for it; the disciples were beaten, cast away from society, murdered for it. Christians today are mocked, humiliated, tortured, and murdered for it. Either you are a true follower of Jesus Christ and accept that our place is not in accordance with this world or you are not. We don’t get to choose what truth is OK (or gentle enough to preach) and what isn’t. God’s word is God’s word.

So, the next time you go to share Jesus with someone and hesitate when the thought of repentance comes, remember exactly what it is you are denying: the very essence of the gospel message.

Israel's Blindness = Our Salvation

Take heed Christians. Has God cast away His children Israel? God forbid. Their fall, their blindness, has come in part that WE might be saved—so the world could obtain salvation through Jesus Christ and know the riches of His glory.

If we were grafted in to the family of God through Jesus Christ, how much more shall he receive back the natural branches? There is a remnant prepared to enter in according to the election of grace. Their time is not yet, but until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. Then shall their eyes be opened and behold the glory of their Savior! Hallelujah!

Boast not against the children of Israel, for if God spared not them—the natural branches—He should also not spare us. He is no respecter of persons and will reward every man accordingly. In the days that we now live and the events that are unfolding, we must know where we stand. Choose not to stand against God’s people or His perfect plan. Let your heart not be lifted up against any, for a haughty spirit certainly comes before a fall and pride before destruction. You don’t have to know the politics of it, just know that God’s ways are perfect and His word is true (Romans Ch 10 & 11).

“O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.” Rom 11:33-36

God is Pleading, Are you Listening?

God is pleading with His people. Repent. Why will you choose to die when you can live? He has given us the way. He has shown us two ends to every decision we make. God is not a liar, yet His mercy endures and is new every day. Now is the day of salvation. Some say God is this or God is that, but He is exactly what His Word says - nothing less, nothing more. Praise God for His truth and the sacrifice of Jesus that brings us into a perfect relationship with Him, if we would only turn away from those things that hold us back.

Ezekiel 18:23-32 KJV
"Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live? But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die. Yet ye say, The way of the LORD is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal? When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die. Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive. Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die. Yet saith the house of Israel, The way of the LORD is not equal. O house of Israel, are not my ways equal? are not your ways unequal? Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye."

Ezekiel 18:23-32 NLT

"Do you think that I like to see wicked people die? says the Sovereign Lord. Of course not! I want them to turn from their wicked ways and live. However, if righteous people turn from their righteous behavior and start doing sinful things and act like other sinners, should they be allowed to live? No, of course not! All their righteous acts will be forgotten, and they will die for their sins. Yet you say, ‘The Lord isn’t doing what’s right!’ Listen to me, O people of Israel. Am I the one not doing what’s right, or is it you? When righteous people turn from their righteous behavior and start doing sinful things, they will die for it. Yes, they will die because of their sinful deeds. And if wicked people turn from their wickedness, obey the law, and do what is just and right, they will save their lives. They will live because they thought it over and decided to turn from their sins. Such people will not die. And yet the people of Israel keep saying, ‘The Lord isn’t doing what’s right!’ O people of Israel, it is you who are not doing what’s right, not I. Therefore, I will judge each of you, O people of Israel, according to your actions, says the Sovereign Lord. Repent, and turn from your sins. Don’t let them destroy you! Put all your rebellion behind you, and find yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O people of Israel? I don’t want you to die, says the Sovereign Lord. Turn back and live!

Jesus Sobbed

“Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.” Heb 5:7-10

Jesus sobbed and sweat blood and agonized (Lk 22:44) at the thought of the torturous death that was about to come upon Him. Yet He moved forward—not my will, but thine be done. Learning, it says, obedience through His sufferings.
How can we ever complain about our suffering in this world? Or feel justified to say that because we are “sons and daughters of the Most High God” we don’t have to suffer in this life? Or somehow actually believe that we are above suffering, that those who suffer must not be walking right with God? How can we read His word not be wrenched with heart pain knowing the reality of not only the physical torment Jesus went through for us, but the emotional and spiritual as well?

Yet through it all, He was made perfect, the author of eternal salvation. For whom? All them that obey Him.

Holy Father, forgive us who often think that we are above suffering, that we are here simply to be blessed with a life of earthly pleasures. Change our hearts Lord. Help us to see Your truths—not the world’s truths, manmade truths. Let us count it joy in suffering, for then we know we are counted worthy of You. Father forgive us our pride, forgive us our selfish desires, our fleshly lusts, all those things that prevent us from truly following You with all our hearts, minds, bodies, and souls. Open our eyes, enlighten our understanding, until we can see Your reality for us in this world. Holy Jesus, I praise You and thank You and surrender before You all that I am. We forget, we’ve taken for granted all that You went through, the depths of agony that You suffered for us. Remind us Lord. Prick our hearts to repent of this world we’ve allowed to infiltrate our hearts and minds. We give You alone all glory and honor for there is NONE OTHER worthy. In Jesus holy name, Amen.

Faith

“When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.” (John 6:5-7)

Do we honestly believe that Jesus had to ask Phillip for advice on how to handle this particular situation? Do we think He really needed to send the disciples on a scavenger hunt to see what was available from the people (Mark 6:38)? The moment Jesus lifted up His eyes, He could have spoken one word and have manna fall from heaven or fishes wash up on the shore.

Sometimes, however, God may look at us and say, “What now?” He may let us get down to our “two hundred” which “is not sufficient” as far as we can see. He may even let us get down to our last five loaves and two small fishes, but He is always more than able. As Jesus was proving Philip in this moment, so He allows our faith to be tested. In what looks like a dire moment of need, Jesus may be asking, “Do you believe I am able?”

Give thanks for what you do have, move forward as God directs, stand fast in your faith that He is MORE than able, and watch God bless your faith to not only meet your every need, but to overflow upon those around you.

“And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained OVER AND ABOVE unto them that had eaten.” (John 6:11-13)

More & More I'm Learning...

More and more I'm learning…

All who live godly in Christ will suffer persecution. We must endure with all long-suffering, continuing in the Word for it is the bread of life; it is the end-all for us to learn, teach, rebuke, exhort, and live.

We must not give up but endure the afflictions, persecutions, attacks of the enemy. Even Jesus was mocked to scorn on his way to raise Jairus’s daughter from death. We war not against flesh and blood. Many are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord shall deliver him out of them all.

Stay away from useless debates—these profit the body nothing. Share the word, the truth, then move on from those who refuse to hear, for they that are whole need not a physician. Jesus came not to call the righteous but the sinners to repentance. Every man is right in his own eyes. If he turns a deaf ear to the truth, dust off your feet. The word sent forth will accomplish that which the Lord has purposed.

Be obedient to the Spirit, always following His lead. Be mindful of the presence of the Lord. There are some areas that are not for you to minister until the appointed time, if at all.

Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. Continue to pray for all men, especially those of the faith who are standing against the enemy in these perilous times. You have heard that evil will wax worse and worse, and the love of many will wax cold. Prepare your heart; be founded on the Word of God, which is the only truth, the only authority in your life.

Guard your heart and mind against the enemy—maintain the full armor of God, grow in faith and charity. Do not walk in fear, for the Lord has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind.

Trust in the name of Jesus—the only name by which men can be saved. Share the gospel truth with all the Lord places in your path. Avoid pointless disputing and all those who seek to cause division. Work unto edification of the body. Exhort with all truth and love. Let not your good be evil spoken of. The Lord is your shepherd; find rest in His presence, abide under His shadow and He shall lift you above the darkness so that His name will be glorified.

Seek not the praise of men and walk not in the counsel of the ungodly. Walk worthy of your holy calling and wait upon the Lord. He will order your steps and lead you on paths of righteousness, and unto good works, in which He before ordained that you should walk.

Dwell with those who call upon the Lord with a pure heart, for it is the pure in heart who shall see God. Remember mercy, forgiveness and love.

Keep your mind stayed upon the Lord—seeking His kingdom first—and He will keep you in perfect peace and provision. Let not your heart be troubled. Though the enemies be many, the Lord has defeated them all.

It is written: It is finished.

Take Heed

My heart breaks at the thought of ALL that Jesus did for us and the so many who just take it for granted. Never choosing to come to the FULL knowledge of the truth because they refuse to open their Bibles, they close off their ears when the truth is spoken, they deny the very LIFE that is in Christ Jesus by serving a world swallowed up in DEATH. When they do see or hear, they dismiss it (truth) as inconsequential to their lives, refusing to listen to the Spirit that speaks to their hearts.

So many would rather just name the name of Christ—as if for personal benefit—yet not depart from iniquity. This saddens me, it angers me. Is God a liar? Does He not hate sin? Does He not despise evil? Will He not pour out His wrath upon all who are against Him in the end? Jesus says, “He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad” (Matt 12:30). Why do we toy with the Almighty? Why do we play games with our salvation, with our eternity?

We must depart from evil and seek to not fall—purpose in ourselves, in our minds, that we will stand, that we will endure! Then when the moments of testing come, we can call upon the Lord to raise us up above the darkness and calamity, so we will not fall to the wayside or veer from the narrow path. “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor 10:12).

The Lord Jesus is our Redeemer and our Savior, but He is also THE WORD OF GOD. There is no separation. If we love Him, we love the Word. If we accept Him, we accept the Word. “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me” (Matt 15:8). We cannot be like the hypocrites who loved the words that came from their own mouths more than they loved God Himself. We MUST draw near to Him and He will draw near to us. Time is short. The Lord calls upon us to watch and pray, to return to our first love, and to look up for our redemption draweth nigh!

Commune With God

Last night, while sitting in the living room getting ready to read Psalms, I felt like I should just go to my room and read. My husband had a movie on (I’m usually pretty good at tuning things out), the kids were still up, and I was desiring alone time with God.

I had a pretty rough week – on a number of levels. Struggling with issues with my kids at church that I really just want God to take care of, trying to focus on the unity of the Spirit. You know how the enemy loves to run rampant when we give him room in these areas! The baby had been sick all week, so I missed both Wed and Sun church. Feeling the weight of the burdens of everyday life – raising our teenage nephew, kids, home, work, church commitments, ministry work. I was having a hard time staying prayed up and motivated to “dig deeper” each day. If you’ve ever had an oppressive spirit come against you, you know what I mean. To top it off, I was letting distractions keep me in that place – house cleaning, movies, people, shopping, etc. Anything to keep me busy. Too busy for God is what it came down to. In one week I had become spiritually weak and tired of fighting the battles.

With all this consuming me, my heart was longing for alone time with Jesus—His calling unto me, I’m sure. Yet, there I sat, on the couch in the living room next to my husband. I opened my Bible to Psalm 4 and this is what I read:

“Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer. O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah.
But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him. Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.” v 1-4

Commune…upon your bed…and be still.

Thank you Lord! That was the push I needed. Off I went with my Bible in hand, to lock myself in my room, sit upon my bed, be still, and commune with my Jesus.

What a glorious communion it was! To cry out to Him, to repent of where I’d been rebellious, to seek His strength, and feel His loving arms wrapped around me, telling me: You are not enduring alone. I will never leave you or forsake you. Lay your burdens at My feet. Cast all your cares on Me, for I care for you.

Not only my Rock and my Salvation, but my Strength and my Shield. After who knows how long and some tear-soaked tissues later, the heaviness was lifted and I found myself back in the joy of His presence.

When was the last time you locked yourself away to simply commune with Jesus? To give yourself the OK to cry to Him and be weak before Him?

"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." Ps 51:17

If it’s been a while, I encourage you to set aside the cares of this world and follow the gentle leading of His Spirit. Allow Him to fill you with all the love and peace and joy and strength that He is. ♥

Back to Surrender

God keeps leading me back...

“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” 1 Thess 5:23-24

Will do what? Sanctify you wholly. On 3 levels: body, soul, and spirit.

Since we are called according to His purpose and He is forever Faithful and True, He will make us exactly what we need to be to complete the good works He has before ordained that we should walk in. When we completely surrender to Jesus, He is free to perform in and through us to the fullest.

“The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.” Ps 138:8

“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” Phil 1:6

Why? So that He may be glorified in us and His name exalted in all the earth.

“Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thess 1:11-12

“He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.” Ps 23:3

“Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name's sake.” Ps 79:9

Sometimes I have to remind myself that it is HIS work in me, not MY work for Him. In this, is His perfect will made manifest in the earth.

The Name of Jesus

I’m curious why people will grab hold of the name of Jesus and shout all praise, will quote verse by verse to show His authority in various situations (even to cast out demons and raise the dead!), but when it comes to baptism they shun His name and hold fast to a tradition which wasn’t even implemented into the Christian church until around 325 AD (see History notes at bottom of page). Why do we oppose what the Word of God actually says?

I’m sure this argument has gone on for ages amid the religious community, but the truth must always be brought to light. We cannot fear to hide what God’s word says. I’m not judging anyone’s salvation based on how you’ve been baptized, but I woke up with this troubling my spirit this morning. Before you dismiss reading the rest of this because you may have been baptized one way and not another, I would encourage you to read on. I’m not promoting or demoting any one denomination or doctrine thereof. I, personally, do not belong to any denomination but am simply a Christian who loves Jesus and His truth.

Let’s start with what the Bible says about traditions:

“But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” Matt 15:9

“Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.” Mark 7:13

“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” Col 2:8

The commandment of Jesus to the disciples is found in Matt 28:18-20:

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

The most common argument against baptizing in Jesus name is that in this verse Jesus gave the “formula” for which baptism should occur. Where does He say that? Where does any scripture in the Bible say that? In fact, when Jesus wanted to give you a “formula” or way to do something, He said so, as when teaching the disciples how to pray in Matt 6:9: “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.”

Here, however, He tells them to baptize in “in the name of…”. Are Father, Son or Holy Ghost names? No.

The name by which the Father is revealed to us: Jesus. As seen in:

John 17:6 "I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.”

John 17:26 “And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.”

John 5:43 “I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.”

The name of the Son: Jesus. As seen in:

Matt 1:21 “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” (There’s more, but I believe this is the most obvious).

The name in which the Holy Ghost is sent: Jesus. As seen in:

John 14:26 “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”

Furthermore, Col 3:17 says, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” "Do all in the name of the Lord Jesus" seems all-inclusive here, why would baptism be excluded?

Now, let’s look at the most obvious, plainly stated form of baptism in the early church:

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Acts 2:38

“(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)” Acts 8:16

“And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.” Acts 10:48

“When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 19:5

Paul continues in this truth:

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?” Rom 6:3

“Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.” 1 Cor 1:13-15 – Of course Paul didn’t baptize in his own name. Whose name did he baptize in? Jesus.

“For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Gal 3:27

And we know: “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

So, why would we be so quick to trade the very Word of God for traditions and doctrines of man?

We are called to: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim 2:15). I encourage you to study these scriptures and any others the Lord would lead you to. Allow the Spirit of God to reveal truth as He is the Spirit of Truth.

A Little History:
The early church form of baptism was changed around 325 AD at the first Council of Nicaea, at which time the “trinity” as we know it today was not yet established, but was on its way at the insistence of Emperor Constantine to appease the growing controversies in the land. At this time, the equality of the Father and the Son had been established by way of the “homoousion” formula—essentially defining them “as one substance.” It wasn’t until the 4th century AD that the Holy Spirit was added and thus, we have what today’s church calls the “trinity.” With this little bit of knowledge: Why do we baptize in a “formula” that wasn’t even established until 400 years after Jesus commanded the disciples to go into all the world and baptize? Jesus gave them a name and 400 years later the religious men, under pressure from the emperor, instituted a religious tradition.

"First Council of Nicaea." The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 17 Jan. 2011 http://www.encyclopedia.com/.

E. A. LIVINGSTONE. "Nicaea, First Council of." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. 2000. Encyclopedia.com. 17 Jan. 2011 http://www.encyclopedia.com/.

JOHN BOWKER. "Nicaea, Council of." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. 17 Jan. 2011 http://www.encyclopedia.com/.

JOHN BOWKER. "Homoousion." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions 1997. Retrieved January 17, 2011 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O101-Homoousion.html

E. A. LIVINGSTONE. "Arianism." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church 2000. Encyclopedia.com. 17 Jan. 2011 http://www.encyclopedia.com/.

Following After Wisdom

Is it truly possible to learn from the mistakes of others? To heed the wisdom of our elders without having to go through what they did? Or, do we all have to be rebellious teens, so to speak, who need to learn from our own experiences?

I want to heed the wisdom of those who have gone before me, my spiritual elders. I want to take Wisdom by the hand and walk this path God has laid before me. Is it possible without having to learn the "hard way?"

"Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble." (Job 14:1) The way I see it, trials and suffering come to all. They are a part of this dying world and as long as this is our abode, we must endure them. But how to rejoice through them? By allowing the godly wisdom imparted to us by those who have endured already to be our guide. Jesus foremost, Paul, Peter, John, Timothy and such, but also those we know now.

If it is possible to not have to add to the trials, this is the way I want to endure.

"And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the LORD, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding." Job 28:28

"My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding." Ps 49:3

"Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding." Prov 3:13

Think about it: Speak of the fear of the Lord, let the meditation of your heart be on departing from evil. In these we will find happiness. :)

A Sad Truth

It makes my heart sad to see so many Christians, especially on FB, searching out evils in the body of Christ. Are we the church police? Are we Holy Ghost investigators? Is it our job to examine every church (we've never gone to), every preacher and teacher that is in the spotlight, every Christian musician and highlight where they may or may not be exactly in line with scripture? The last time I checked the Bible said to examine OURSELVES that we be in the faith. Yes, if it's YOUR OWN church it needs to be addressed according to the word of God. Yes, depart from those who are involved in obvious sin, restore such a one with meekness if we're able, but why go blast a group or individual all over the internet? Especially those we have NEVER made a single personal contact with. How is this bringing glory to God? How is this in any way helping those souls you believe are deceived? Stop looking for the speck in other people's eyes and remove the plank from your own because I can most certainly say that those who post and blast and gossip and slander these churches, preachers, musicians, etc. are not 100% in line with scripture themselves. If it were possible we would not need the blood of Christ. Let us not forget, "such were some of you," and even Peter denied Jesus three times yet was restored to do a great work in Him. We all have to answer for our own faults and failings.

Instead of hammering down and casting out members of the body of Christ, spend that time in prayer for a great awakening, for God's Spirit to move in the hearts of the blind that their souls might be saved. Be an intercessor instead of a mouthpiece for the enemy. If I spent half the time in prayer for people I even THINK are deceived as I do reading this garbage, how much more would the Lord's work be done?

I've heard so many defend their position of gossip (because that's essentially what it is). "We're not to point out sin?" or "Paul told Peter." or "Jesus did it in the temple." Yes, point out sin if it is in your life, your church, the people you are in contact with. Yes, address a brother to his face. Yes, address any anti-Biblical practices in your church. I don't think Paul went and told ALL the other disciples how crooked Peter was and to stay away from him. If you feel that strongly that someone is a devil, then do it according to the WORD! That's the only way. The internet is a gossip forum if that's what you allow it to be, despite how "good" you think your intentions are. Remember, there is none good except God.

People put so much effort into making these videos, arranging their blogs & websites, but how many laid one ounce of mercy for that soul they are blasting at the feet of Jesus? How many of you who instigate division in the body of Christ, take time out of your lives to pray for those you so obviously despise? Isn't it more important to take all that effort and energy and encourage people to be in their prayer closets, in the word, in the Spirit themselves so as not to be deceived? It's not our job to uncover every deceiver we THINK is out there. It's the job of the Holy Ghost to lead us each individually. We should be teaching how to be led by the Spirit and be a son of God instead of spreading fear of deception. In Christ is perfect love and perfect love casts out all fear.

When the time comes to make that decision, we don't really have each other to show us who is and who is not truly of God anyhow. Only those being led by the Spirit of truth will be able to discern such a thing. Otherwise, we're just leaning once again on another man's wisdom and that's the very thing we're instructed not to do.

Stop playing uber-spiritual and start DOING what God says. Be ye merciful for He is merciful, pray for those you despise, if you see a brother overtaken in a fault then restore him in meekness lest you also fall. As much as we think we're doing a service, the truth is gossip and backbiting will enter the kingdom of heaven no more than those deceivers you're trying to expose. Praise God each of our lives are not in the spotlight. Praise God His mercy begins anew every day. Praise God He has given us power to heal, deliver and restore. Praise God He has given us the Spirit of truth to lead us into all truth! Let us be wise in the wisdom of God and forsake the ways of the world.

Sacrifice & Surrender 2

We are called to a life of sacrifice and surrender—a term that is highly overused and highly lacking in action. We are called to give up the things that we desire. When David says, “Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart” (Ps 37:4), I believe this speaks to a change in our heart’s desires. The more we delight in Him, the more He leads us to desire the things of His kingdom as opposed to the things of this world.

No matter what Jesus wanted in His person, His flesh—for we know at one point He asked the Father that the cup of sacrifice would pass from Him—He knew that ultimately the Father’s will must be accomplished. “Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42). This is the life to which we are called—sacrifice and surrender.

The life of Jesus was a demonstration of so much more than what many choose to see. Many Christians openly embrace His character, striving to be vessels of His love, mercy, compassion, even to work miracles as He did. But how many openly embrace the sacrifice and surrender to the Father’s will that Jesus modeled? We want the fullness of the blessing of God, the fullness of the manifestation of the Spirit in our lives; yet, we don’t surrender or sacrifice to the fullest. We are to be conformed to the image of whole person of Jesus Christ, not just the attributes we deem acceptable or convenient.

Yes Lord, even if I have to live in poverty (for Paul clearly did); even if I have to be socially rejected, and amid the Christian community as well (for Jesus and all the disciples were rejected of the world AND the religious sect); even if I have to be hated and persecuted (for Jesus tells us we will be hated even as He was hated); even if my own children, parents, and siblings cast me aside, I will be obedient to Your word and the leading of Your Spirit. Even if I have to give up the American Dream, my every heart’s desire, I choose to be found worthy to follow You.

“He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it” (Matt 10:37-39).

I choose sacrifice of the flesh and surrender to the Father’s will so I will be found a good and faithful servant. I choose the leading of the Spirit through the hardest (and most purifying) trials so I will be found a son of the Most High God. The righteousness, peace, and joy found in such a lifestyle stretch far beyond any temporal pleasure the fulfillment of the desires of this world brings.

Praise You my God! For You are true joy and peace, and in You there is hope forevermore! Hallelujah!