what do you find hard to believe about god? that was one of the questions yesterday in our sunday school class. do you believe that christ was crucified, died and resurrected? do you believe that he rose from the dead into flesh and bone? do you doubt this? do you believe that he walked with them, ate with him, and drank with him? if you doubt this then you doubt god, and you are false in your faith.
judgement is good when someone you love is going against the scripture they profess and you call them out on it. never heard that before right? it goes against what we have been taught in our churches? god loves us enough to hold us to judgement. are we indifferent to how we love jesus? no one will get to the father unless he accepts the son; no one. our selfish desires must go for him not just the ones we love. he wants all of you, and he pursues you for it. our pastor said something yesterday about love. the opposite of love is indifference. bored with him would be the best way to describe it. do we have a constant thirst to be with him? to be cherished by him? how many of us are like this in our marriages. we are indifferent to our spouses and their needs. their wants and desires. then we wonder why they won't do those things for us. we made them that way.
in all my years in this journey i was very neglectful of the holy spirit; him in my heart. we ignore our gut instinct because of the world, society, family, and friends. we fear them more than god. we forget that they will be held to judgment just as much as us. when we remember that we find peace in the act. what will it take for you to believe in him? big acts or little acts? it took a huge act for me to stop doubting what i knew was wrong. i knew it, i ignored it and then he pushed it. huge, huge lesson regarding the fear of the others and not him.
there is a rule in the bible that too many ignore about our role as a follower. sharing what is in our hearts that is good because of him with another. it doesn't matter where we do it, it is just if we do it. we don't have to say all the terms that people push for us to share. simple acts make a huge impression. simple phrases like "how are you?" it is one thing to know scripture, have it memorized and quote it but do your actions actually reflect that? i have got a few things that i really need to get my act together about. i can hear him saying " what are you doing?" i am trying to take control, and not letting him do it. i will be judged for that.
our pastor gave one of the best reasons for the fall that i have ever heard. it wasn't that adam and eve didn't know the difference between right and wrong, it was that they wanted to make the choice. he said no and they said yes. we should be very confident about knowing what our sins are. that is not a self-esteem issue if we recognize that. that just means that we are as sinful as the next person, and we have humility. the ones that don't recognize this is what we should be concerned with. we twist god's words from no to yes.
the last 6 weeks have not been great. i have great faith that it will work out the way it needs to. i am in a lot of pain, because i was off my major MS meds for a while because of the insurance. i got a taste of what we will have to deal with because of the health care bill. i just want to be able to take care of my kids physically. i have that right because we pay for our medical insurance. i have never had a problem with getting approved for my shots - ever. this is my preventative care, and there is no way i am going to let the government dictate that. i am not mad at the insurance company because they are doing what they have to do now to cover all the mandates. the government dictates our private lives. we are fools to think that they don't. this is called oppression my dear friends.
we are headed into something big in this country. he already knows who is going to be president. he knows that we put our faith in men and not him. he knows our false sincerity about others and him. there is a verse in acts 17 (30-31) where god overlooks ignorance for so long then he makes every knee bow and repent. quit with the idea that we are not going to held accountable for ignoring him, choosing the world, thinking we were blessed because of stuff, and taking control of our own lives. the simple truth is we wanted more than what we needed, and then called that a blessing. we chose to indulge and enable our wants and desires, instead of our needs. be indifferent to the stuff, and not people.
the promise is that he is in control not us, and we really are getting what we deserve. we can blame anyone we want, but he is forcing each one of us to see what is in front us. we aren't going to heaven because we do good things and we talk about doing it. that is lie you have been taught. you have to accept him and give your life to him. he isn't going accept excuses for that because we were afraid to defend him and his living word.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Hypocrites
“Having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.” (2 Timothy 3:5 ESV)
The above verse in my opinion is why individuals do not attend church. False people. God hated that. He hated individuals that mocked him in their superior attitudes. God is a loving God, but he hated it when individuals used him to control others. Here is the thing we as individuals do not have the power to control another only god has that. We do not have the ability to give grace to ourselves only god has that.
God valued humility in his children. It is a characteristic that has to be developed over time, nurtured in discipline. We don’t have that in us because we have pride. We don’t have it in it us because by nature we are selfish individuals; each one of us. I read an article that one of the greatest failings of Christian parents is that they value their child’s self-esteem more than correcting sinful behaviors. Do your children know how to admit when they have failed and seek forgiveness? If they don’t it is because they learned that from you.
One of my biggest prayers is that I learn humility, show humility to others, and to my children. The reason why is because if our children do not see humility from their parents they will never understand why they are not right all the time. My husband and I do not have enough humility with each other. We are also not very compromising with each other. Our children see this and they act that out with us and each other. The hard part is learning to completely give up our own selfish desires, and become one for them. That is what makes your children strong when they have to deal with trials. It rids the blame game from their hearts. They have to take accountability for their actions. They must understand that what they do has a consequence. We have a choice to do that, but I wonder if some people are too self-righteous to do it.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23
One of my sweet friend’s and I always remind each other that we are selfish. We do it so that we never forget that we have that in our hearts. The longer I am in this journey the more I realize I really have a hard time with throw it your face Christians. I have prayed more and more for taming of the tongue. True followers will constantly be aware of what is in their hearts, and what they capable of doing to God and others. Actions speak far louder than words. I do not like it when others try control others. The reason is because I have that in me. I understand that about myself. However, beware of giving up too much control of your heart.
On Thursday a friend sent me scripture that I really needed (Romans 12:9-21). She held me accountable to Christ. I called her, and she said “are you mad at me?” Why would I be mad at her for telling me the truth? I would be hypocrite right there if I did that. I thank God that I can do that now, because I could not have done that before. I am thinking that a true follower is able to accept that from someone, question why they are saying that, and seek the answer without anger, or bitterness. One of the statements I loathe the most “but this is what you did.” That drives me crazy, because it is just another way not to accept something about yourself, and what you did to another.
I value humility in people, because it shows integrity. It shows that they are willing to change and move forward. We don’t have enough people in the world like that in my opinion. People just can not admit when they have failed. Take a hard look at your heart Christians, and quit doing this to people. It is false.
“For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:2
The above verse in my opinion is why individuals do not attend church. False people. God hated that. He hated individuals that mocked him in their superior attitudes. God is a loving God, but he hated it when individuals used him to control others. Here is the thing we as individuals do not have the power to control another only god has that. We do not have the ability to give grace to ourselves only god has that.
God valued humility in his children. It is a characteristic that has to be developed over time, nurtured in discipline. We don’t have that in us because we have pride. We don’t have it in it us because by nature we are selfish individuals; each one of us. I read an article that one of the greatest failings of Christian parents is that they value their child’s self-esteem more than correcting sinful behaviors. Do your children know how to admit when they have failed and seek forgiveness? If they don’t it is because they learned that from you.
One of my biggest prayers is that I learn humility, show humility to others, and to my children. The reason why is because if our children do not see humility from their parents they will never understand why they are not right all the time. My husband and I do not have enough humility with each other. We are also not very compromising with each other. Our children see this and they act that out with us and each other. The hard part is learning to completely give up our own selfish desires, and become one for them. That is what makes your children strong when they have to deal with trials. It rids the blame game from their hearts. They have to take accountability for their actions. They must understand that what they do has a consequence. We have a choice to do that, but I wonder if some people are too self-righteous to do it.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23
One of my sweet friend’s and I always remind each other that we are selfish. We do it so that we never forget that we have that in our hearts. The longer I am in this journey the more I realize I really have a hard time with throw it your face Christians. I have prayed more and more for taming of the tongue. True followers will constantly be aware of what is in their hearts, and what they capable of doing to God and others. Actions speak far louder than words. I do not like it when others try control others. The reason is because I have that in me. I understand that about myself. However, beware of giving up too much control of your heart.
On Thursday a friend sent me scripture that I really needed (Romans 12:9-21). She held me accountable to Christ. I called her, and she said “are you mad at me?” Why would I be mad at her for telling me the truth? I would be hypocrite right there if I did that. I thank God that I can do that now, because I could not have done that before. I am thinking that a true follower is able to accept that from someone, question why they are saying that, and seek the answer without anger, or bitterness. One of the statements I loathe the most “but this is what you did.” That drives me crazy, because it is just another way not to accept something about yourself, and what you did to another.
I value humility in people, because it shows integrity. It shows that they are willing to change and move forward. We don’t have enough people in the world like that in my opinion. People just can not admit when they have failed. Take a hard look at your heart Christians, and quit doing this to people. It is false.
“For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:2
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
The Power of God
“You did not choose me, but I chose you” John 15:16
The above is the just beginning of verse 16 in John chapter 15, but it is a powerful statement of about our relationship with Christ. The context of the entire verse is regarding the disciples. He was beginning to give them clues that he would physically not be there anymore. He was instructing them about bearing fruit, planting a seed and going out to share the gospel; the true vine - LIFE. 40 days after the resurrection the Holy Spirit enters and each one us has someone to help us for the rest of lives if we say yes to HIM.
“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.” John 15:18
I draw strength from this verse because it is what happens sometimes when we choose god over everything else or someone in our lives. That is power. I started this journey with a thirst for him as the Holy Spirit was entering my life, then emptiness, the legalism, and now a heart that knows that the only true power is prayer and being alone with him. Everyday trials become easier to handle, the hurts don’t hurt as much and you are a little stronger each day.
The last month or so has had its fair share of trials. Lots and lots of praying going on. Seeking help from others when we need it and knowing that there is no shame in seeking comfort from one another. The pride begins to melt away and you rely on HIM to carry you through. We can learn a lot by watching someone that is going through trials and their faith. I like to observe them because then we can begin to see what is in their hearts and what they fear. Not in judgment just the overwhelming desire to tell them that God so very much loves them, and they are worth it.
I took a class on Sunday for my Romania trip regarding how to share the gospel with someone. God will be with me each step of the way, give me the words and guide me on what a person may need to hear at that moment. The fear of acceptance is just fear. The one we want to accept us is him. He already has if we choose him. Everything else begins to fall away little by little. A trial means that he wants us to rely on him fully. How we live is a reflection of our faith. I don’t think even think we have to talk to everybody we meet we just we need to show them how the Holy Spirit works in our hearts. People start to think “I want that.”
The fight that is going on this country politically is just a game. Good vs. evil. Right vs. wrong. Freedom vs. oppression. The one thing they don’t have it appears is the power of God and prayer. I pray that whatever hand we are dealt we have the strength to endure. The trials that we have are just the beginning of birthing pains. Don’t have regrets. Call someone when you are thinking about them, tell someone that you love them because you do, and forgive no matter what the cause is. It is not worth the time to waste on trivial issues. Neutrality is not option. Don’t waste time because of fear, and laziness. Don't waste time because you are afraid of hurting someone.
I woke up again early tonight, got up and my husband said please go back to bed. I couldn’t explain to him the desperation, the insatiable hunger to write and find God. Yesterday was a rough day for family friends. I hate illness. I loathe it, but it makes us stronger; the ones that have it and those around us. I pray the doctors give him what he needs to fight this, and I pray that he has enough strength to fight it. He will need it. He does - we know he does.
For a long time I was beginning to think Americans didn’t care about what it is going on with this country. I was beginning to believe that they were not going to fight it, and say enough we can do this on our own. Waiting for them to solve this is not glorifying to him if you believe in Him. We may feel anger, frustration, sadness, and fear, but the question is what are we going to do about it; the individual. That is Christ.
Remember that verse when you feel fear of showing your faith in him. Remember it, because he will glorify you for it. He will reward your obedience to him. He will. There is nothing you can not do with him holding you up, giving you strength and taking the fear away. He chose you for a reason, he chose you to be born, he chose you because you are worth that to him, and do not doubt it. We all fall short of the glory of God. We all do and maybe remember that sometimes instead of judging so much. Christians that judge your life will be judged harsher by God. We reap what we sow. Show people the goodness in your heart and quit waiting for someone to tell you do it.
One of the questions on Sunday was if someone asked you why you accepted Christ what would your answer be? He saved me from myself. He saved my heart and my soul, and gave me eternal life with him. There is nothing that you can do that cannot be forgiven by him when we repent. His son took that for you. I know that some of you don’t believe it, but it is true. Cry with joy that you have HIM in your life that is rooting for you everyday, all day.
The above is the just beginning of verse 16 in John chapter 15, but it is a powerful statement of about our relationship with Christ. The context of the entire verse is regarding the disciples. He was beginning to give them clues that he would physically not be there anymore. He was instructing them about bearing fruit, planting a seed and going out to share the gospel; the true vine - LIFE. 40 days after the resurrection the Holy Spirit enters and each one us has someone to help us for the rest of lives if we say yes to HIM.
“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.” John 15:18
I draw strength from this verse because it is what happens sometimes when we choose god over everything else or someone in our lives. That is power. I started this journey with a thirst for him as the Holy Spirit was entering my life, then emptiness, the legalism, and now a heart that knows that the only true power is prayer and being alone with him. Everyday trials become easier to handle, the hurts don’t hurt as much and you are a little stronger each day.
The last month or so has had its fair share of trials. Lots and lots of praying going on. Seeking help from others when we need it and knowing that there is no shame in seeking comfort from one another. The pride begins to melt away and you rely on HIM to carry you through. We can learn a lot by watching someone that is going through trials and their faith. I like to observe them because then we can begin to see what is in their hearts and what they fear. Not in judgment just the overwhelming desire to tell them that God so very much loves them, and they are worth it.
I took a class on Sunday for my Romania trip regarding how to share the gospel with someone. God will be with me each step of the way, give me the words and guide me on what a person may need to hear at that moment. The fear of acceptance is just fear. The one we want to accept us is him. He already has if we choose him. Everything else begins to fall away little by little. A trial means that he wants us to rely on him fully. How we live is a reflection of our faith. I don’t think even think we have to talk to everybody we meet we just we need to show them how the Holy Spirit works in our hearts. People start to think “I want that.”
The fight that is going on this country politically is just a game. Good vs. evil. Right vs. wrong. Freedom vs. oppression. The one thing they don’t have it appears is the power of God and prayer. I pray that whatever hand we are dealt we have the strength to endure. The trials that we have are just the beginning of birthing pains. Don’t have regrets. Call someone when you are thinking about them, tell someone that you love them because you do, and forgive no matter what the cause is. It is not worth the time to waste on trivial issues. Neutrality is not option. Don’t waste time because of fear, and laziness. Don't waste time because you are afraid of hurting someone.
I woke up again early tonight, got up and my husband said please go back to bed. I couldn’t explain to him the desperation, the insatiable hunger to write and find God. Yesterday was a rough day for family friends. I hate illness. I loathe it, but it makes us stronger; the ones that have it and those around us. I pray the doctors give him what he needs to fight this, and I pray that he has enough strength to fight it. He will need it. He does - we know he does.
For a long time I was beginning to think Americans didn’t care about what it is going on with this country. I was beginning to believe that they were not going to fight it, and say enough we can do this on our own. Waiting for them to solve this is not glorifying to him if you believe in Him. We may feel anger, frustration, sadness, and fear, but the question is what are we going to do about it; the individual. That is Christ.
Remember that verse when you feel fear of showing your faith in him. Remember it, because he will glorify you for it. He will reward your obedience to him. He will. There is nothing you can not do with him holding you up, giving you strength and taking the fear away. He chose you for a reason, he chose you to be born, he chose you because you are worth that to him, and do not doubt it. We all fall short of the glory of God. We all do and maybe remember that sometimes instead of judging so much. Christians that judge your life will be judged harsher by God. We reap what we sow. Show people the goodness in your heart and quit waiting for someone to tell you do it.
One of the questions on Sunday was if someone asked you why you accepted Christ what would your answer be? He saved me from myself. He saved my heart and my soul, and gave me eternal life with him. There is nothing that you can do that cannot be forgiven by him when we repent. His son took that for you. I know that some of you don’t believe it, but it is true. Cry with joy that you have HIM in your life that is rooting for you everyday, all day.
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