Memorial Day began in this country after the Civil War. A day to remember those that had fallen. A day to remember what we had fought for and to cherish that; Freedom. The hardships didn't go away they just challenged us more to prosper in our lives. Remember those and circumstances that led us to do the right thing no matter how hard was to do.
That was our sermon yesterday about remembering the past. It wasn't just about our soldiers, it was something in your life that you remember; the little things and big, good and bad. I have been doing a lot of remembering the last few days; good and bad. Remembering the painful things doesn't bring anger anymore just sadness. I understand now how they made me feel as a child, and why it happened. A lot of talk about discerning yesterday. I have been praying for that for quite awhile now. It may be just a memory of how you felt at that moment, and then the answer is simple.
Yesterday I went through a box of memories. We are moving and I was trying to see if I needed anything the box. It was treasure trove of memories and gifts that I didn't even know I had. I found cards that had my grandparents signatures on it. My grandfather's writing that I haven't seen for a very long time. Notes from my uncle that passed over a year ago that he had written to me. Old corsages and homecoming mums. Notes from a friend that is a still a beloved friend from high school. Letters from my first love (don't know if my husband would be happy about that, other than he would say well I'm the one that got you). I cried and cried over lost memories. Cried over the fact that I had notes from my grandparents, and my uncle that were written words of wisdom. So much love for me during a time when I did not feel loved. I said out loud to God; they did love me. God gave me that.
There was a letter in there from my uncle that I loved so very much; still do. It was from a very painful time in my life when I was 20 years old. It was a note telling me I was worth it, and I may not know it now but I would later. My uncle was harsh and not many people got to see that side of him, but I did and I remembered those moments. There was a card from my grandfather that just said I love you when I was a heartless, selfish teenager. I praised God at the moment for giving me something from a man that I loved so deeply and I had hurt so much during my early years. God gave me reminders of what was important and to make the right decision for my family all in that one box.
I prayed yesterday for my husband and myself to find peace in our decisions. To trust God first and he would lead the way. Almost immediately after the prayer was given he granted it. Within a matter of hours after that prayer was said not just from me, but from others, BOOM he gave it. I still have to say I am still in some shock. His blessings never stop when he knows you are asking for the right reason. He will give us everything we need when we ask for peace, comfort, and for him to take control. So much love for his children when we allow him to give it to us.
Today is a day for remembering the good memories. I look around our home, our first home that has been filled with memories. Laughter, tears, prayer, love, and so many beautiful things. I brought babies home to this house. I shared meals with family and friends. Memories of my father in law that just passed sitting in a chair watching one of his shows. Laughing with my boys. Shouting "Murph the turf" at our dog Murphy. Finding car parts in a closet that I didn't even know was there for a car that we don't even own that he had bought. I can hear him laughing from Heaven saying "oh yeah, I forgot about that, and me saying REALLY?"
Look around your home today and remember your freedom. Look at your dishwasher and say I remember when I couldn't afford a dishwasher. Open your refrigerator and look at your food, and say I remember when I could barely afford to buy peanut butter. Look at those things and say thank you for the beautiful little blessings that you have been given through hard work. Say thank for what money you do have in the bank. Just say thank you.
There is a verse in Philippians that is a prayer for mature believers. A prayer for individuals that have weaned themselves from their mother's milk, and moved on to the solids. This prayer was given by Paul for Christians. A man that relied completely on the Holy Spirit. It isn't going to matter how big your house is, the car you drive, how big your TV is or if you have granite counter tops I promise. They just becomes things to make your life comfortable.
What is going matter is if you live each day, in the here and now, and it reflects how much you love God and trust him. Does life your reflect how much you love him to others? Does your life reflect how much you trust him in all things. You will not have peace in hardships if you do not have those things first. Everyday should be eternal. Everyday should be lived as if you are already in heaven. This most important gift you will ever receive. Live each day glorfying him, being obedient to him in all things as if were your last.
If that means we are to remove everything that takes us from that; those distractions, those diversions, those things that cause conflict than that is what we are to do because that is the right thing to do. Those moments that you have alone in silence with him are the most precious memories.
And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11 ESV
Monday, May 28, 2012
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Commitment
The last few weeks I have been struggling with a decision. I have sought wisdom from my husband on what I should do. I have sought wisdom from two men that are wiser than I am regarding scripture and God. I have sought wisdom from a friend that understands the psychology of children. How they deal with their trials, fears and process the world. Children like absolutes. When that is broken in any way it takes a very long time for them to process and recover. They need reassurance, comfort and unconditional love from their parents.
My friend Heather said something to me that I will always remember; If it takes you away from your husband and your children it needs to go. If you do not have peace about it and are conflicted then it is not the right thing to do. When you are feeling led to do something, you pray about it, try to discern it, or if it is just a desire. Sometimes the bigger picture unfolds and the trial before you is much greater than what you thought it would be. It isn't that it was false to begin with, it just becomes something different. I heard God say this to me the other day, "I will test your promise and commitment to me over your desire to do something." God will always hold me accountable to a promise I made him, because he knows it is my weakness. Even good deeds can become selfish.
Friday afternoon I remembered something from my childhood; just a thought from long ago. I said to myself as a child that if I ever got married and had children no one or anything would come above them, or in between that. This was after my parents divorce. I knew then that my wants could not come before them. God remembered, and decided to remind me. My husband said something to me about a year ago that I had never seen or thought about before, and the bigger picture was revealed on how those choices had affected me over time.
This has not been easy for me to understand since we got married. My strong will and guilt of being sick has pulled me in every direction. I was determined that I would allow myself to be destroyed if my husband didn't have to deal with me being sick. Once I stopped doing that I stopped getting sick. I forgot myself in that process. I rebelled against my husband all the time, and I resented him for it. I'm not saying that I don't do this still on occasion believe me I have my moments. I did that to myself not him. I punished myself over time not him. You forget your worth and who God made you to be. God made me to be a wife and mother. He gave me obstacles along the way that would train me for that very calling. He gave me great peace when I realized that they came first no matter what, and no one would ever cause division in that including me.
When I go through decisions like this I always go back to the role of a woman in the bible, and Ephesians 5. I try to make the decision on what the scripture says, and not based on the selfish desire. My dear sweet friend, Jan, told me about a book along time ago about biblical marriage, and then my friend Heather taught it. She could see the things that were destroying my marriage. There is verse in proverbs about how a woman can make or break her home. That is exactly how much power a woman has. That was over 4 years ago. Then it happened again with a conference. Then it happened with a beloved pastor. God puts people and circumstance in our lives to remind us of our roles. He puts them there to remind us to uphold his absolute law of marriage.
If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1 Corinthians 13:3-7
I have studied this verse for a very long time. It is a verse how about God loves us. It is also a rebuke to how we love God when we forget that we have those sins in our heart. The Corinthian Church had forgotten their weaknesses. They became indifferent and self-righteous in their relationship with God. We can't do that with God, and we can't change scripture anytime we like because it doesn't go our way. He does not like that after you have made a commitment to follow him.
My oldest son received an award this year for respecting others. I was proud of him for this, because the fruit of how we are training him is showing in his heart. He knows that this is the most important thing to us when he leaves our home. He knows this because he has been told that he can be selfish, and wrong in his actions. He knows that treating someone else badly because they look different, or don't do something the way he would do it is unacceptable. This may be harsh to some but he is given a chance to apologize on his own, or I will stand beside him to make him admit his wrong to another. He has to understand humility and that he is not always right in his choices. He has to know that his choices have consequences. He has to know that although we love him he will not manipulate his family or friends for his personal gain. Both boys are being trained this way.
I love my daddy. He said something to me a few weeks ago. He told me, I know that it is confining and restrictive for you as a mother. I know that it is hard to be a woman in this society, because you have so many people tugging at you to be so many different roles. He said I know it is hard for you because you have so much to give to others because you care about people. He said I know that you are strong, intelligent and you have many desires for yourself that you have given up for your husband and your children. He said remember though that is your role first, not anything else, and you have the choice. He said remember when you were a teenage girl and a young woman, and I tried to tell you that your choices had consequences even for those that love you dearly.
God has commanded me to train my children this way. If I do not they will not be men of integrity later in life when they leave this home to make their own home. I love God so much for this. I love this gift that he have given to me. I love that he has control over my life and not me when I let him do it. I love that I have peace when he holds me accountable. I love that I don't resent him for it. I love not getting angry at him for forcing me to always choose him. I love that he knows my heart so well, and my own selfish desires that he will force me to make the right decision. He will give me the peace and the comfort that I need when I choose him.
If we make decisions in our life that God has led us to do that we know are the right decisions you will have peace. However, if you are making a decision based on your own desires and it is not commanded by God, and his absolute law I would pray for that. You can't take it back once you do it, and it has a consequence. If you are constantly defending it to yourself and others to justify that it was good then you didn't make right the decision. It is an excuse. You didn't do what God told you to do. You have to understand your weaknesses so that you can love God fully in your life. You have to. If you know that your role is to be a wife and a mother first try your damnedest to fulfill that role.
I am not going to lie to you and tell you that it will be easy because it isn't. I am not going to say to you that you made the right decision when it went against God, and it is in scripture that you shouldn't do it. Don't ask me to defy my father, because I will always choose him above you. It will always be that way, because I have to train my children to be that way. If you don't understand and you profess Christ then you need to read the scripture and ask God to show you how you defied him. If you can't do that then you do not have a humble heart and are not secure enough to handle the truth about yourself. Understand what you are capable of, and your weaknesses.
"Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus." 2 Timothy 1:13
My friend Heather said something to me that I will always remember; If it takes you away from your husband and your children it needs to go. If you do not have peace about it and are conflicted then it is not the right thing to do. When you are feeling led to do something, you pray about it, try to discern it, or if it is just a desire. Sometimes the bigger picture unfolds and the trial before you is much greater than what you thought it would be. It isn't that it was false to begin with, it just becomes something different. I heard God say this to me the other day, "I will test your promise and commitment to me over your desire to do something." God will always hold me accountable to a promise I made him, because he knows it is my weakness. Even good deeds can become selfish.
Friday afternoon I remembered something from my childhood; just a thought from long ago. I said to myself as a child that if I ever got married and had children no one or anything would come above them, or in between that. This was after my parents divorce. I knew then that my wants could not come before them. God remembered, and decided to remind me. My husband said something to me about a year ago that I had never seen or thought about before, and the bigger picture was revealed on how those choices had affected me over time.
This has not been easy for me to understand since we got married. My strong will and guilt of being sick has pulled me in every direction. I was determined that I would allow myself to be destroyed if my husband didn't have to deal with me being sick. Once I stopped doing that I stopped getting sick. I forgot myself in that process. I rebelled against my husband all the time, and I resented him for it. I'm not saying that I don't do this still on occasion believe me I have my moments. I did that to myself not him. I punished myself over time not him. You forget your worth and who God made you to be. God made me to be a wife and mother. He gave me obstacles along the way that would train me for that very calling. He gave me great peace when I realized that they came first no matter what, and no one would ever cause division in that including me.
When I go through decisions like this I always go back to the role of a woman in the bible, and Ephesians 5. I try to make the decision on what the scripture says, and not based on the selfish desire. My dear sweet friend, Jan, told me about a book along time ago about biblical marriage, and then my friend Heather taught it. She could see the things that were destroying my marriage. There is verse in proverbs about how a woman can make or break her home. That is exactly how much power a woman has. That was over 4 years ago. Then it happened again with a conference. Then it happened with a beloved pastor. God puts people and circumstance in our lives to remind us of our roles. He puts them there to remind us to uphold his absolute law of marriage.
If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1 Corinthians 13:3-7
I have studied this verse for a very long time. It is a verse how about God loves us. It is also a rebuke to how we love God when we forget that we have those sins in our heart. The Corinthian Church had forgotten their weaknesses. They became indifferent and self-righteous in their relationship with God. We can't do that with God, and we can't change scripture anytime we like because it doesn't go our way. He does not like that after you have made a commitment to follow him.
My oldest son received an award this year for respecting others. I was proud of him for this, because the fruit of how we are training him is showing in his heart. He knows that this is the most important thing to us when he leaves our home. He knows this because he has been told that he can be selfish, and wrong in his actions. He knows that treating someone else badly because they look different, or don't do something the way he would do it is unacceptable. This may be harsh to some but he is given a chance to apologize on his own, or I will stand beside him to make him admit his wrong to another. He has to understand humility and that he is not always right in his choices. He has to know that his choices have consequences. He has to know that although we love him he will not manipulate his family or friends for his personal gain. Both boys are being trained this way.
I love my daddy. He said something to me a few weeks ago. He told me, I know that it is confining and restrictive for you as a mother. I know that it is hard to be a woman in this society, because you have so many people tugging at you to be so many different roles. He said I know it is hard for you because you have so much to give to others because you care about people. He said I know that you are strong, intelligent and you have many desires for yourself that you have given up for your husband and your children. He said remember though that is your role first, not anything else, and you have the choice. He said remember when you were a teenage girl and a young woman, and I tried to tell you that your choices had consequences even for those that love you dearly.
God has commanded me to train my children this way. If I do not they will not be men of integrity later in life when they leave this home to make their own home. I love God so much for this. I love this gift that he have given to me. I love that he has control over my life and not me when I let him do it. I love that I have peace when he holds me accountable. I love that I don't resent him for it. I love not getting angry at him for forcing me to always choose him. I love that he knows my heart so well, and my own selfish desires that he will force me to make the right decision. He will give me the peace and the comfort that I need when I choose him.
If we make decisions in our life that God has led us to do that we know are the right decisions you will have peace. However, if you are making a decision based on your own desires and it is not commanded by God, and his absolute law I would pray for that. You can't take it back once you do it, and it has a consequence. If you are constantly defending it to yourself and others to justify that it was good then you didn't make right the decision. It is an excuse. You didn't do what God told you to do. You have to understand your weaknesses so that you can love God fully in your life. You have to. If you know that your role is to be a wife and a mother first try your damnedest to fulfill that role.
I am not going to lie to you and tell you that it will be easy because it isn't. I am not going to say to you that you made the right decision when it went against God, and it is in scripture that you shouldn't do it. Don't ask me to defy my father, because I will always choose him above you. It will always be that way, because I have to train my children to be that way. If you don't understand and you profess Christ then you need to read the scripture and ask God to show you how you defied him. If you can't do that then you do not have a humble heart and are not secure enough to handle the truth about yourself. Understand what you are capable of, and your weaknesses.
"Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus." 2 Timothy 1:13
Friday, May 25, 2012
Rocking the Boat
"I form light and create darkness, I make well-being and create calamity, I am the Lord, who does all these things." Isaiah 45:7
God likes to rock the boat. He likes to throw things in your face about what is really in your heart, and call you out on it. This is one of the reasons I love God so much. That's why people don't like him. That is why a lot of people that follow Christ have a very hard time with the law of God. They just can't accept the fact that what they are doing may be against him.
Yesterday I read an article that Bishops from the Catholic Church are suing the Obama Administration for the mandate in the health care bill. I burst out laughing actually when I read this. I have a lot of issues with the Catholic Church to begin with. I don't know how a Pope can justify to God that moving priests around from parish to parish that rape and sodomize children over and over again can be the right thing to do. I don't think that is going to work out so well for him. Destroying the spirits of children, and taking their innocence is not upholding the doctrine you claim to love.
The Catholic Church has taken millions in federal funding over the years to pursue the greater good. What is comical is now they are just astounded that a morally, corrupt government wants to tell them how to run the church. Don't take money from the devil and then think it is going to work out for you. Good luck churches that do take money from them because I have no idea how you are going to justify that to God. The truth always comes out. God has a habit of exposing what is false, and corrupt. He sent his son to expose just how corrupt the religious elite were. A question I have always wanted to ask catholics is do you study the canon of the church more, or do you actually read the bible?
"The sins of some people are conspicuous, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others appear later." 1 Timothy 5:24 ESV
These are pretty obvious sins that are offensive to God. Do I believe all churches are perfect; no. Churches are run by people. I believe a lot of Protestant denominations are just as corrupt; this includes a lot of Baptist churches, and I attend a baptist Church. We are to be followers of Christ not a denomination. That is why God commands us to read the scripture; all of the scripture, to pray continually for discernment and wisdom, and test the spirits. He commands us to know the literal truth of Him, because it is our armor and strength against the world. That is why there should be great peace when people attack you with God; they hated him first. We are less likely to judge them, because they don't know. You heart softens towards people.
There is severe discipline for him who forsakes the way; whoever hates reproof will die. Proverbs 15:10 ESV
Someone asked me why we left our old church. We left because we chose to uphold scripture and not men and women that had changed the scripture to fill the church pews. That is a worldly church and that is false. At some point when we choose the people over the truth of scripture we have forsaken him. I am curious as to how we will justify this as followers. I am curious as to how Christians can justify false doctrine. I am curious about individuals that say we don't know what God meant by that, but it is right there in front of you when you read it. If you believe that the bible to be the literal truth of God, professed it, but yet sit in a congregation that goes against it why are you there? We are choosing comfort over truth. I get it. We are choosing laziness over Christ, and it is really easy to live our lives that way.
"For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge?" 1 Corinthians 5:12
The last few months have been extremely rough for this family, and for loved ones in our life. All of us have been sick on and off since March. Each of our sons have had a much needed surgery so they could breath. Sleep apnea was starting to damage their little bodies. We lost a loved one that was a huge shock to all of us, and still is. We have a friend that is part of our family that is battling cancer. I have felt like I am getting the flu everyday for almost a month now. I haven't been able to see a sweet friend's new baby, because I have been sick. I can't help our friend with cancer, because he could die if he gets sick from me because his immune system is destroyed. Our youngest is going through extreme separation anxiety with me since the death of his grandfather. It is getting worse. I am exhausted I admit it; emotionally and physically.
There is no way that we can make it through all this without the hard core truth of God. There is no way that I would have been able to handle these stresses a year and half ago if I had not fled the comfort of false doctrine. When you pray for God to break you and show the truth of his word you are going to get it. Never deceive yourself into thinking that he will not break you to gain you. It is because I gave him my life the last time I was sick, and chose to fight for him. I gave him the control he wanted. I said you can have me, I am yours, I am your slave, what else do you want to me give up.
I am so blessed and grateful that I have not had a MS attack. We are so blessed to have such beautiful people in our life. It is overwhelming to have love like that from others in your life. There should become a point in your journey that you choose his truth above all things. That you choose his control over your own. Having the discipline to continue to do that is a lot of work, because we can falter so easily on own understanding, our own wants, our own deception that we no longer know what is false.
Believe him first over others. Discern, pray, read, study and just do the right thing. For a year and half I have been praying for my temper to be gone. I have a terrible temper, and needed not to react but to discern why I was so angry. This is constant battle. I don't have a choice in that. I learned what was justifiable anger and what wasn't. I had to learn that the manipulation of God is justifiable anger. That prayer is being answered daily. I had to learn that from scripture so many have turned from what they know to be true.
Pray for truth. Pray for humility. Pray for the strength to uphold him in all things. You want to know the truth of what is happening in this country and around the world read below.
"But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people." 2 Timothy 3:1-5
God likes to rock the boat. He likes to throw things in your face about what is really in your heart, and call you out on it. This is one of the reasons I love God so much. That's why people don't like him. That is why a lot of people that follow Christ have a very hard time with the law of God. They just can't accept the fact that what they are doing may be against him.
Yesterday I read an article that Bishops from the Catholic Church are suing the Obama Administration for the mandate in the health care bill. I burst out laughing actually when I read this. I have a lot of issues with the Catholic Church to begin with. I don't know how a Pope can justify to God that moving priests around from parish to parish that rape and sodomize children over and over again can be the right thing to do. I don't think that is going to work out so well for him. Destroying the spirits of children, and taking their innocence is not upholding the doctrine you claim to love.
The Catholic Church has taken millions in federal funding over the years to pursue the greater good. What is comical is now they are just astounded that a morally, corrupt government wants to tell them how to run the church. Don't take money from the devil and then think it is going to work out for you. Good luck churches that do take money from them because I have no idea how you are going to justify that to God. The truth always comes out. God has a habit of exposing what is false, and corrupt. He sent his son to expose just how corrupt the religious elite were. A question I have always wanted to ask catholics is do you study the canon of the church more, or do you actually read the bible?
"The sins of some people are conspicuous, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others appear later." 1 Timothy 5:24 ESV
These are pretty obvious sins that are offensive to God. Do I believe all churches are perfect; no. Churches are run by people. I believe a lot of Protestant denominations are just as corrupt; this includes a lot of Baptist churches, and I attend a baptist Church. We are to be followers of Christ not a denomination. That is why God commands us to read the scripture; all of the scripture, to pray continually for discernment and wisdom, and test the spirits. He commands us to know the literal truth of Him, because it is our armor and strength against the world. That is why there should be great peace when people attack you with God; they hated him first. We are less likely to judge them, because they don't know. You heart softens towards people.
There is severe discipline for him who forsakes the way; whoever hates reproof will die. Proverbs 15:10 ESV
Someone asked me why we left our old church. We left because we chose to uphold scripture and not men and women that had changed the scripture to fill the church pews. That is a worldly church and that is false. At some point when we choose the people over the truth of scripture we have forsaken him. I am curious as to how we will justify this as followers. I am curious as to how Christians can justify false doctrine. I am curious about individuals that say we don't know what God meant by that, but it is right there in front of you when you read it. If you believe that the bible to be the literal truth of God, professed it, but yet sit in a congregation that goes against it why are you there? We are choosing comfort over truth. I get it. We are choosing laziness over Christ, and it is really easy to live our lives that way.
"For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge?" 1 Corinthians 5:12
The last few months have been extremely rough for this family, and for loved ones in our life. All of us have been sick on and off since March. Each of our sons have had a much needed surgery so they could breath. Sleep apnea was starting to damage their little bodies. We lost a loved one that was a huge shock to all of us, and still is. We have a friend that is part of our family that is battling cancer. I have felt like I am getting the flu everyday for almost a month now. I haven't been able to see a sweet friend's new baby, because I have been sick. I can't help our friend with cancer, because he could die if he gets sick from me because his immune system is destroyed. Our youngest is going through extreme separation anxiety with me since the death of his grandfather. It is getting worse. I am exhausted I admit it; emotionally and physically.
There is no way that we can make it through all this without the hard core truth of God. There is no way that I would have been able to handle these stresses a year and half ago if I had not fled the comfort of false doctrine. When you pray for God to break you and show the truth of his word you are going to get it. Never deceive yourself into thinking that he will not break you to gain you. It is because I gave him my life the last time I was sick, and chose to fight for him. I gave him the control he wanted. I said you can have me, I am yours, I am your slave, what else do you want to me give up.
I am so blessed and grateful that I have not had a MS attack. We are so blessed to have such beautiful people in our life. It is overwhelming to have love like that from others in your life. There should become a point in your journey that you choose his truth above all things. That you choose his control over your own. Having the discipline to continue to do that is a lot of work, because we can falter so easily on own understanding, our own wants, our own deception that we no longer know what is false.
Believe him first over others. Discern, pray, read, study and just do the right thing. For a year and half I have been praying for my temper to be gone. I have a terrible temper, and needed not to react but to discern why I was so angry. This is constant battle. I don't have a choice in that. I learned what was justifiable anger and what wasn't. I had to learn that the manipulation of God is justifiable anger. That prayer is being answered daily. I had to learn that from scripture so many have turned from what they know to be true.
Pray for truth. Pray for humility. Pray for the strength to uphold him in all things. You want to know the truth of what is happening in this country and around the world read below.
"But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people." 2 Timothy 3:1-5
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
The Fairy Tale
There is nothing I loathe more than the manipulation of God in society. I just can't tolerate individuals that use God for their gain. That is not being judgemental that is the truth. It may be too harsh for you to read, but you need to get your act together and flee this type of doctrine that is being taught. This is the biggest problem I have with this country, and individuals that are professed Christians. I am afraid that we are living in some sort of fairy land.
"Sinners don’t want to hear that. They reject that. There’s an interesting trend today in the church, evangelical church, to dismiss the Law, to get rid of it because, they say, it is: one, offensive, and two, it is somewhat obscure to a post-modern generation that does not believe in absolutes anyway. So there is a very, very aggressive trend to take the Law out of evangelism. Instead of confronting sinners about their sin and violation of the Law of God, and the impending judgment of God upon that sinner for those violations, you remove that because they don’t understand absolute law." John MacArthur
Do you love someone enough to tell them the truth? I don't think we do. I think we have been taught the above for so long that we are more worried about losing someone in our life than telling the truth of scripture. I had a very beautiful woman tell me I should not be the spiritual leader in my home, because I am not upholding god. I had a friend tell me that I really needed to let go of something because I was now allowing it to create bitterness and resentment. I had a sweet friend tell me I was being selfish, and I needed to stop it. Those are the people you need in your life. They know the truth of scripture.
Those things aren't easy to hear about yourself. If you can't hear those things then you are self-righteous. I would start praying for humility. I would start praying to God to show you the truth. People don't know who they are, because influenced by others for so long. They have been influenced by the world and what is acceptable. Literally, the hardest thing I have had to deal with regarding God is people. It is so much easier just to correct them if I know it is wrong in scripture, and move forward now. If they argue with you about it, ask them to find the scripture that backs them up. Be strong in Him first. I admit I would rather be sick sometimes than deal with hypocritical Christians. I have been praying for taming of the tongue.
We have more passion for our jobs, our families, our friendships, our stuff, our causes, the environment, money, etc than the God we profess. We are all great offenders of this. Men have great passion for their careers more than they do God, or their wives. Women feel as though they have to be all roles. There is nothing wrong with a strong work ethic, but when it replaces all aspects of your life it is an idol. If God is commanding us to be silent with him choose that.
We have choices, and think at some point they become excuses. We can choose to ignore the hard truth of scripture, and there is too much of that going on. I did that even after I had accepted Christ, but I was still filled with worry and anxiety. I didn't understand how trials and hardships could still happen even though I let him in my heart. It was because I was deceived. It came to a point a year and half ago that I knew what was being taught by men and women was not always the literal truth of God. Read each chapter of scripture a little every day. Lay down the devotionals and just read the bible.
Remember Satan came in the form of an angel of light. Churches can be corrupted because of they have chosen to forget that. Some Pastors and Priests want power, some members want power, the elders want power, that is a sin. The church must teach the literal word of God, or it becomes corrupt. If we are reading books all the time about how to be a christian, but aren't actually immersing ourselves in scripture then that becomes our God.
I study the books Paul wrote (13 books total) more than I do Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The reason is because he didn't have Jesus physically with him. He relied completely on the Holy Spirit and the words given to him by God. I want to know how to do that. I wish we had more men in the pulpit today that were like Paul, or just more men like him that are willing to tell the truth. The below is a definition of Paul in a sermon from John MacArthur.
"This much is very clear: the apostle Paul was no people-pleaser. He wrote, “Am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ” (Gal. 1:10). Paul did not amend or abridge his message to make people happy. He was utterly unwilling to try to remove the offense from the gospel (Gal. 5:11). He did not use methodology that catered to the lusts of his listeners. He certainly did not follow the pragmatic philosophy of modern market-driven ministers."
Here is a question I want us to think about. Are you the same person in front of your friends and family as you are in private? What I mean is when they leave the room then do you talk about them like dogs? Do you pretend to their face that every choice they make is wonderful, and the right one? I just wouldn't say anything at all then if you aren't going to tell them the truth. God always knows what you think of them already in your heart and your mind. We can't hide from that. I hope that people that know me know that I try my damndest to be the same person with you.
http://www.gty.org/resources/sermons/80-331/the-authoritative-nature-of-truth
"Sinners don’t want to hear that. They reject that. There’s an interesting trend today in the church, evangelical church, to dismiss the Law, to get rid of it because, they say, it is: one, offensive, and two, it is somewhat obscure to a post-modern generation that does not believe in absolutes anyway. So there is a very, very aggressive trend to take the Law out of evangelism. Instead of confronting sinners about their sin and violation of the Law of God, and the impending judgment of God upon that sinner for those violations, you remove that because they don’t understand absolute law." John MacArthur
Do you love someone enough to tell them the truth? I don't think we do. I think we have been taught the above for so long that we are more worried about losing someone in our life than telling the truth of scripture. I had a very beautiful woman tell me I should not be the spiritual leader in my home, because I am not upholding god. I had a friend tell me that I really needed to let go of something because I was now allowing it to create bitterness and resentment. I had a sweet friend tell me I was being selfish, and I needed to stop it. Those are the people you need in your life. They know the truth of scripture.
Those things aren't easy to hear about yourself. If you can't hear those things then you are self-righteous. I would start praying for humility. I would start praying to God to show you the truth. People don't know who they are, because influenced by others for so long. They have been influenced by the world and what is acceptable. Literally, the hardest thing I have had to deal with regarding God is people. It is so much easier just to correct them if I know it is wrong in scripture, and move forward now. If they argue with you about it, ask them to find the scripture that backs them up. Be strong in Him first. I admit I would rather be sick sometimes than deal with hypocritical Christians. I have been praying for taming of the tongue.
We have more passion for our jobs, our families, our friendships, our stuff, our causes, the environment, money, etc than the God we profess. We are all great offenders of this. Men have great passion for their careers more than they do God, or their wives. Women feel as though they have to be all roles. There is nothing wrong with a strong work ethic, but when it replaces all aspects of your life it is an idol. If God is commanding us to be silent with him choose that.
We have choices, and think at some point they become excuses. We can choose to ignore the hard truth of scripture, and there is too much of that going on. I did that even after I had accepted Christ, but I was still filled with worry and anxiety. I didn't understand how trials and hardships could still happen even though I let him in my heart. It was because I was deceived. It came to a point a year and half ago that I knew what was being taught by men and women was not always the literal truth of God. Read each chapter of scripture a little every day. Lay down the devotionals and just read the bible.
Remember Satan came in the form of an angel of light. Churches can be corrupted because of they have chosen to forget that. Some Pastors and Priests want power, some members want power, the elders want power, that is a sin. The church must teach the literal word of God, or it becomes corrupt. If we are reading books all the time about how to be a christian, but aren't actually immersing ourselves in scripture then that becomes our God.
I study the books Paul wrote (13 books total) more than I do Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The reason is because he didn't have Jesus physically with him. He relied completely on the Holy Spirit and the words given to him by God. I want to know how to do that. I wish we had more men in the pulpit today that were like Paul, or just more men like him that are willing to tell the truth. The below is a definition of Paul in a sermon from John MacArthur.
"This much is very clear: the apostle Paul was no people-pleaser. He wrote, “Am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ” (Gal. 1:10). Paul did not amend or abridge his message to make people happy. He was utterly unwilling to try to remove the offense from the gospel (Gal. 5:11). He did not use methodology that catered to the lusts of his listeners. He certainly did not follow the pragmatic philosophy of modern market-driven ministers."
Here is a question I want us to think about. Are you the same person in front of your friends and family as you are in private? What I mean is when they leave the room then do you talk about them like dogs? Do you pretend to their face that every choice they make is wonderful, and the right one? I just wouldn't say anything at all then if you aren't going to tell them the truth. God always knows what you think of them already in your heart and your mind. We can't hide from that. I hope that people that know me know that I try my damndest to be the same person with you.
http://www.gty.org/resources/sermons/80-331/the-authoritative-nature-of-truth
Monday, May 21, 2012
How Do You Indentify Yourself?
What is your identity? The sermon yesterday was given by a man that has terminal cancer. When he was given the diagnosis he heard god say "I am the potter and you are the clay". In Jeremiah 18 the story of the potter is given. God can shape you into what he wants, or you can shape yourself into what you believe he wants. He can break the pot and reshape it over and over into his liking. He is in control of your life not you.
http://www.esvbible.org/search/Jeremiah%2B18/
We talked about this again in our community group; how do you identify yourself to others? Do you say I am a mother, teacher, CEO, lawyer, doctor, husband, or wife. The list could go on and on, but do you ever identify yourself as a redeemed child of Christ, a follower of Christ, a christian, or a slave to the father. Our lives will never be perfect. Our marriages will never be perfect. Our children will never perfect. Our country will never be perfect, because this is not our home. Our home is heaven. We are to live in this world, but not be of this world.
Is your appearance your identity? How many of us look good on the outside, but do not have the ability to have compassion or empathy for another? Do we have the ability to forgive another for their mistakes. Do we have the humility to admit ours? If you can't do that then you take a hard look at your heart. If we are holding grudges, and are displeased with someone because they just would not do what you wanted them to do that is your problem. That is big problem. If you cannot forgive like God forgave you than you gotta a lot of work to do. If you are rebuking someone and it is not backed up by scripture, or you don't understand what that scripture means then are you trying to be God to that person. Be careful with that. What I would do is ask them why they think that; be curious.
There is a breakdown in this country because the prosperity was false. Society as a whole has worried about the appearance to others instead of doing the right thing, the hard thing, and saying no. Do not fear what is happening in this country, because God said it would happen if we decided to control our own destiny. He said these events would be just the beginning of birthing pains (Matthew 24). I have great faith in him that he keeps his promises, and he always wins. If we had men and women in our congress and white house, godly individuals, they would have enough humility to say the truth. The truth is they have failed the American people in the stewardship of their money; lied, stole, abused, and then tried to make laws to make them look moral and good to us.
I could say that is all their fault, but if we are repeatedly taught false doctrine in our churches and people don't say anything then we deserve what's going to happen. If you sit on your butt and don't actually read and study the bible do not try to manipulate others with it. You are ignorant of scripture. The prosperity/social gospel has been taught for so long that so many are deceived. Here is a suggestion for you; read every word of the new testament and you might be surprised as to what you find. What we have been taught may not even be in the bible, or it has been manipulated for long to make us feel good about our life that we don't what we are doing is wrong. That is your fault for not studying the living word of God, or turning from what you know to be true.
I very rarely talk about MS to others face to face. It is just part of my life, but it doesn't define me. God gave me it to make me whole in him not for any other reason. It brought me to him and it will always bring me back to him. He knows I like to control my heart and choices, so he gave me something that will always break me. That is the reason. In the last year and a half I have learned the ability to say no. If it causes problems with my husband it is a no. If it pushes me to where I can't take care of my children it is a no. If it takes me away from learning and studying the word of God it is usually a no. If I do not feel led do it by God I will not do it. Please don't ever try to make me feel guilty for saying no, because that is not from God that is because you didn't get what you wanted.
Anyone or anything that causes problems for your immediate family needs to go, or boundaries need to be set. That is the advice I give couples that are about ready to get married. You become one from that moment, and no one can come in between you. If they do that, that is a biblical reason for divorce ecspecially if it continues to happen. If we choose something or someone else you are telling your spouse that they are not worth it, and you are not one. When you have children it gets harder. Women tend to choose their children over their husbands. They can become selfish and harsh, and resentful towards you. Women need to remember that your children are meant to leave your home. Nurture your marriage. Men that choose their careers or others above their wives do not love them like they are supposed to. Those are choices remember that. I am talking from experience not something that I just came up with all of a sudden. This is a hard thing for couples to learn. The marriage comes first.
Choose him first because it is the right thing. If you're identity is based on how people see your deeds, what you look like, where you work, what you drive, where you live, how much give, you may need to start searching your heart. If you're children are brats and can do no wrong that it is a reflection on you. If they walk around like they are better than everyone else and they do not treat all people the same way that is a reflection on you. If you don't train your children to show humility that is a reflection on you. Think about this if you can't admit when you wrong in marriage or to someone else that you have hurt your children will never learn to admit when they have failed. How in the world will they ever be able to repent to God and receive grace from their father if you can't even do it in your life? Children have to be trained. It is a constant battle, because they do not know difference between right and wrong.
Are we training our children to be the appearance of a christian or are we training them in the truth of Christ? Don't do that your kids, because when hardships come up and they don't understand why that was to do they are going to have a lot struggles. Don't be the appearence of what society thinks you should be. Let God shape you, mold you into the person he created to be. There is a great deal of peace in that.
http://www.esvbible.org/search/Jeremiah%2B18/
We talked about this again in our community group; how do you identify yourself to others? Do you say I am a mother, teacher, CEO, lawyer, doctor, husband, or wife. The list could go on and on, but do you ever identify yourself as a redeemed child of Christ, a follower of Christ, a christian, or a slave to the father. Our lives will never be perfect. Our marriages will never be perfect. Our children will never perfect. Our country will never be perfect, because this is not our home. Our home is heaven. We are to live in this world, but not be of this world.
Is your appearance your identity? How many of us look good on the outside, but do not have the ability to have compassion or empathy for another? Do we have the ability to forgive another for their mistakes. Do we have the humility to admit ours? If you can't do that then you take a hard look at your heart. If we are holding grudges, and are displeased with someone because they just would not do what you wanted them to do that is your problem. That is big problem. If you cannot forgive like God forgave you than you gotta a lot of work to do. If you are rebuking someone and it is not backed up by scripture, or you don't understand what that scripture means then are you trying to be God to that person. Be careful with that. What I would do is ask them why they think that; be curious.
There is a breakdown in this country because the prosperity was false. Society as a whole has worried about the appearance to others instead of doing the right thing, the hard thing, and saying no. Do not fear what is happening in this country, because God said it would happen if we decided to control our own destiny. He said these events would be just the beginning of birthing pains (Matthew 24). I have great faith in him that he keeps his promises, and he always wins. If we had men and women in our congress and white house, godly individuals, they would have enough humility to say the truth. The truth is they have failed the American people in the stewardship of their money; lied, stole, abused, and then tried to make laws to make them look moral and good to us.
I could say that is all their fault, but if we are repeatedly taught false doctrine in our churches and people don't say anything then we deserve what's going to happen. If you sit on your butt and don't actually read and study the bible do not try to manipulate others with it. You are ignorant of scripture. The prosperity/social gospel has been taught for so long that so many are deceived. Here is a suggestion for you; read every word of the new testament and you might be surprised as to what you find. What we have been taught may not even be in the bible, or it has been manipulated for long to make us feel good about our life that we don't what we are doing is wrong. That is your fault for not studying the living word of God, or turning from what you know to be true.
I very rarely talk about MS to others face to face. It is just part of my life, but it doesn't define me. God gave me it to make me whole in him not for any other reason. It brought me to him and it will always bring me back to him. He knows I like to control my heart and choices, so he gave me something that will always break me. That is the reason. In the last year and a half I have learned the ability to say no. If it causes problems with my husband it is a no. If it pushes me to where I can't take care of my children it is a no. If it takes me away from learning and studying the word of God it is usually a no. If I do not feel led do it by God I will not do it. Please don't ever try to make me feel guilty for saying no, because that is not from God that is because you didn't get what you wanted.
Anyone or anything that causes problems for your immediate family needs to go, or boundaries need to be set. That is the advice I give couples that are about ready to get married. You become one from that moment, and no one can come in between you. If they do that, that is a biblical reason for divorce ecspecially if it continues to happen. If we choose something or someone else you are telling your spouse that they are not worth it, and you are not one. When you have children it gets harder. Women tend to choose their children over their husbands. They can become selfish and harsh, and resentful towards you. Women need to remember that your children are meant to leave your home. Nurture your marriage. Men that choose their careers or others above their wives do not love them like they are supposed to. Those are choices remember that. I am talking from experience not something that I just came up with all of a sudden. This is a hard thing for couples to learn. The marriage comes first.
Choose him first because it is the right thing. If you're identity is based on how people see your deeds, what you look like, where you work, what you drive, where you live, how much give, you may need to start searching your heart. If you're children are brats and can do no wrong that it is a reflection on you. If they walk around like they are better than everyone else and they do not treat all people the same way that is a reflection on you. If you don't train your children to show humility that is a reflection on you. Think about this if you can't admit when you wrong in marriage or to someone else that you have hurt your children will never learn to admit when they have failed. How in the world will they ever be able to repent to God and receive grace from their father if you can't even do it in your life? Children have to be trained. It is a constant battle, because they do not know difference between right and wrong.
Are we training our children to be the appearance of a christian or are we training them in the truth of Christ? Don't do that your kids, because when hardships come up and they don't understand why that was to do they are going to have a lot struggles. Don't be the appearence of what society thinks you should be. Let God shape you, mold you into the person he created to be. There is a great deal of peace in that.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Jesus Was Sinless Not People
I just read a very interesting article regarding a area of New Jersey where some catholics believe that Christ sinned. I am sure many protestants believe this. The deception is very deep in our culture. Do you believe in the trinity; the father, the son, and the holy ghost (holy spirit)? Do you believe they were one? Do you believe that God came in human form, humbled himself, and died to save you? Do you believe that?
When I started this journey I was reluctant to do it. I knew that I would be held accountable to God for my actions. I did not love myself enough to believe that God loved me enough to be saved. I still will be held accountable. I feared that, and I still do. I feared that and the judgment of Christians. Hypocritical Christians. The below verse is from Paul. This is the type of person that you want in your life. The person that never forgets what is in their heart, and what they are capable of. Paul is my favorite individual in the bible. My husband finds Paul to be too harsh and I find him quite refreshing. He was to the point; you will suffer just as Christ did for you when you accept him.
So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:7-9 ESV)
Boast in your weaknesses, be humbled and repent. Receive the grace that only God can give. I love that. These words are beautiful too me.
There is never a moment where I forget my sinful nature. I am constantly praying for the removal of selfish desires. Constantly praying God to be in control and not me. Women are notorious control freaks. I find women to be much harsher than men. We judge other women all the time. I find some Christian women to be far more judgemental than men. I am in a church now where I have never felt so welcomed by other women. They get it, and they live by it. God made you, and if he is leading you in a direction that you know is from him choose that not people. We are to pray and have the ability to test and discern the spirits. If it says it is wrong try not to do it. That is glorifying to him and you are obeying. This is the definition of becoming more like Christ. We can't change scripture. We can not flee what God says is wrong.
Christ did not sin, he was perfect, because he was God. He came to the earth in humility to save us. God had to do a very bold, violent act for us to wake up. That was our gift from his wrath, because he made the promise that he would not wipe of us from the earth again (Genesis 9:13-15). Just because he gave us this gift does not mean that we stop sinning. We should actually be more aware of our sins by seeking knowledge through prayer and scripture. Seeking individuals that are sound in doctrine. Thank God I know many people that hold me accountable when I need them. It is not so to hard to accept this about myself from people that I know are knowledgeable about scripture.
You find peace when individuals attack you in his name. I actually find it challenging now and rewarding, because then my thirst spikes for more of him. I want to know why they said what they said. I want to know what I am doing that would make them think that. I want to find out what I am missing from scripture. Whether they are right or wrong I have lost the defensiveness about it. I have become more curious as to the why. However, if we are having a discussion about scripture, and it goes against what is written the bible I will say something. Not to condemn you or judge you, but I love God enough and you to correct you. My husband thinks that's harsh. I love you enough because God loves me enough to do that. I would be disobeying by not upholding his word. I will call you out on it. I have removed people in my life that tried to play that game with me. I will uphold him first no matter what.
One of the greatest false teachers is Joel Osteen. He teaches the prosperity or social gospel. Flee from that because that is false. We are assuming that once we are saved our lives will be wonderful forever and that we will never suffer. That goes against everything in scripture. Paul was beaten numerous times for following Christ. In the end he was beheaded for it. That does not sound wonderful to me. His love for Christ was so deep that he was willing to do that. How deep is your love for Christ above men and women? There are rules to be followed.
Churches are not meant to meet every need of the members. Churches are meant to share the gospel of Christ. The congregation is meant to go out and share that gospel. Each of us was given a gift that was meant to be nourished by the Holy Spirit. Churches are not meant to teach political correctness, make you feel good about yourself or meant to entertain or justify your "so called goodness." They are meant to teach all of scripture that so you become more like Christ. If people knew this in this country they would know that people are trying to manipulate them with God's words.
When I started this journey I was reluctant to do it. I knew that I would be held accountable to God for my actions. I did not love myself enough to believe that God loved me enough to be saved. I still will be held accountable. I feared that, and I still do. I feared that and the judgment of Christians. Hypocritical Christians. The below verse is from Paul. This is the type of person that you want in your life. The person that never forgets what is in their heart, and what they are capable of. Paul is my favorite individual in the bible. My husband finds Paul to be too harsh and I find him quite refreshing. He was to the point; you will suffer just as Christ did for you when you accept him.
So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:7-9 ESV)
Boast in your weaknesses, be humbled and repent. Receive the grace that only God can give. I love that. These words are beautiful too me.
There is never a moment where I forget my sinful nature. I am constantly praying for the removal of selfish desires. Constantly praying God to be in control and not me. Women are notorious control freaks. I find women to be much harsher than men. We judge other women all the time. I find some Christian women to be far more judgemental than men. I am in a church now where I have never felt so welcomed by other women. They get it, and they live by it. God made you, and if he is leading you in a direction that you know is from him choose that not people. We are to pray and have the ability to test and discern the spirits. If it says it is wrong try not to do it. That is glorifying to him and you are obeying. This is the definition of becoming more like Christ. We can't change scripture. We can not flee what God says is wrong.
Christ did not sin, he was perfect, because he was God. He came to the earth in humility to save us. God had to do a very bold, violent act for us to wake up. That was our gift from his wrath, because he made the promise that he would not wipe of us from the earth again (Genesis 9:13-15). Just because he gave us this gift does not mean that we stop sinning. We should actually be more aware of our sins by seeking knowledge through prayer and scripture. Seeking individuals that are sound in doctrine. Thank God I know many people that hold me accountable when I need them. It is not so to hard to accept this about myself from people that I know are knowledgeable about scripture.
You find peace when individuals attack you in his name. I actually find it challenging now and rewarding, because then my thirst spikes for more of him. I want to know why they said what they said. I want to know what I am doing that would make them think that. I want to find out what I am missing from scripture. Whether they are right or wrong I have lost the defensiveness about it. I have become more curious as to the why. However, if we are having a discussion about scripture, and it goes against what is written the bible I will say something. Not to condemn you or judge you, but I love God enough and you to correct you. My husband thinks that's harsh. I love you enough because God loves me enough to do that. I would be disobeying by not upholding his word. I will call you out on it. I have removed people in my life that tried to play that game with me. I will uphold him first no matter what.
One of the greatest false teachers is Joel Osteen. He teaches the prosperity or social gospel. Flee from that because that is false. We are assuming that once we are saved our lives will be wonderful forever and that we will never suffer. That goes against everything in scripture. Paul was beaten numerous times for following Christ. In the end he was beheaded for it. That does not sound wonderful to me. His love for Christ was so deep that he was willing to do that. How deep is your love for Christ above men and women? There are rules to be followed.
Churches are not meant to meet every need of the members. Churches are meant to share the gospel of Christ. The congregation is meant to go out and share that gospel. Each of us was given a gift that was meant to be nourished by the Holy Spirit. Churches are not meant to teach political correctness, make you feel good about yourself or meant to entertain or justify your "so called goodness." They are meant to teach all of scripture that so you become more like Christ. If people knew this in this country they would know that people are trying to manipulate them with God's words.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Evil
"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good." Romans 12:9 ESV
The greatest trick ever played on mankind is that Satan made you believe that he was not real. That he was here for the greater good. He tricked you into thinking that you had the power and the control. He tricked you into thinking that he was an angel of light. Adam and Eve knew the difference between right and wrong. He told them not to eat the fruit, and Satan said why not? This is called selfish desires and control.
I just read that New York has ruled that viewing child pornography is not illegal. This is evil. This is Satan. My mother was a social worker for physically and sexually abused children for over 30 years. 1 out of 4 girls is sexually abused in this country. This is by people they know. There is reason why having sex is against the law before the age of 17 in most states. It is damaging to women and men. We are not mature enough to understand the emotional connection that comes with having sex. We only think about how it makes us feel.
I had sex before I was 17 and after. One of the biggest regrets of my life. When I accepted Him I had to repent for this and give up the extreme the guilt of it. I regret it most because it was not with my husband. My parents were very open with us about sex. Parents have to discuss this with their children. My dad very clearly said "you will regret this" and he was right. I disobeyed my parents. I refused to make the right choice.
Women base their worth on how they are desired by men. Women want to be desired by their husbands. The problem is that you heart gets destroyed because of that. You have no worth - you are just a sexual object.
Sometime ago I read about a study that is being conducted about pedophiles, and that this is life choice like homosexuality. This is how they are made and we should be accepting of this. I told my mother, and she was so angry she was shaking. Pedophiles cannot be rehabilitated. A man that my mother knew was incarcerated for life. He told her I have be removed from society, because I will act on this with another child. Men and women that do this children must be removed from society. It is not discrimination. Once someone does this to a child they no longer have rights in a society. We can only pray that they accept Christ and repent for the crime they committed not only to child, but to God. They must spend of the rest of their lives in prisons, or receive the death penalty. That is justifiable in the eyes kind. It is pure evil.
That is the biggest problem that I have with the Catholic Church. Catholics that have allowed this to happen and did not push to have this priests removed should really be ashamed of themselves. You allowed evil to exist in your church because of the ruling authorities not God. These men should have been given to authorities not passed from church to church. Not only will God hold all of those men accountable for that he will hold the congregation accountable for turning and blind eye to protecting children.
I don't care if you are republican, conservative, democrat or liberal if we ignore this we deserve what we get. Every is so happy that our president came out and supported gay marriage. I don't care we have much bigger issues to deal with in this country. There is severe disconnect in this country. We have no morals what so ever. Anything goes anymore because of compassion and empathy. What the hell is wrong with people? We should be furious with our congress, lawmakers and president.
People should be furious that he signed the National Defense Authorization Act that gives him complete control of our resources as a nation whenever he feels like. Our president is not a good man, you may think is but is all about the gain and power.
I have been studying about the Romanian president, dictator really, before I go. He had the same exact power as our president does now. He controlled all of it, paid off their national debt, and Romanians starved and froze to death. The even more disgusting part was he had controlled the population for so long through abortion that he knew he wouldn't have work force to support his "dreams" later. In 1984 he ruled that abortion was illegal and they women must start having children. Rape, incest, or whatever was ok as long as it grew the population by 2000. Children were taken to orphanages to be raised by the state all for the glory of communism.
He destroyed the people of this country. The scars are still there after 12 years. This man's dream of a perfect utopia killed thousands. A pastor gave out bibles and taught the freedom of Christ. Taught that tyranny and oppression was not from God. The people overthrew the government in 1989.
My questions is when did Americans forget that they live in a free country, and not to take that for granted. When we decide that everything was wrong and bad in this country because our ruling authorities said it was. When did we forget to fight evil?
I don't want to hear anymore about what you don't have. I don't want to ear about how you have to pay your debts. You are an adult. I don't want to hear about how your black and you don't get a fair shot. God made you black so you must be worth something. I don't want to hear about women's rights in this country, because you have it pretty damn good if you just opened yours eyes. See when people complain about how their life is unfair, it just shows how weak you are. Everyone has something it is just whether you have the strength to overcome it.
The greatest trick ever played on mankind is that Satan made you believe that he was not real. That he was here for the greater good. He tricked you into thinking that you had the power and the control. He tricked you into thinking that he was an angel of light. Adam and Eve knew the difference between right and wrong. He told them not to eat the fruit, and Satan said why not? This is called selfish desires and control.
I just read that New York has ruled that viewing child pornography is not illegal. This is evil. This is Satan. My mother was a social worker for physically and sexually abused children for over 30 years. 1 out of 4 girls is sexually abused in this country. This is by people they know. There is reason why having sex is against the law before the age of 17 in most states. It is damaging to women and men. We are not mature enough to understand the emotional connection that comes with having sex. We only think about how it makes us feel.
I had sex before I was 17 and after. One of the biggest regrets of my life. When I accepted Him I had to repent for this and give up the extreme the guilt of it. I regret it most because it was not with my husband. My parents were very open with us about sex. Parents have to discuss this with their children. My dad very clearly said "you will regret this" and he was right. I disobeyed my parents. I refused to make the right choice.
Women base their worth on how they are desired by men. Women want to be desired by their husbands. The problem is that you heart gets destroyed because of that. You have no worth - you are just a sexual object.
Sometime ago I read about a study that is being conducted about pedophiles, and that this is life choice like homosexuality. This is how they are made and we should be accepting of this. I told my mother, and she was so angry she was shaking. Pedophiles cannot be rehabilitated. A man that my mother knew was incarcerated for life. He told her I have be removed from society, because I will act on this with another child. Men and women that do this children must be removed from society. It is not discrimination. Once someone does this to a child they no longer have rights in a society. We can only pray that they accept Christ and repent for the crime they committed not only to child, but to God. They must spend of the rest of their lives in prisons, or receive the death penalty. That is justifiable in the eyes kind. It is pure evil.
That is the biggest problem that I have with the Catholic Church. Catholics that have allowed this to happen and did not push to have this priests removed should really be ashamed of themselves. You allowed evil to exist in your church because of the ruling authorities not God. These men should have been given to authorities not passed from church to church. Not only will God hold all of those men accountable for that he will hold the congregation accountable for turning and blind eye to protecting children.
I don't care if you are republican, conservative, democrat or liberal if we ignore this we deserve what we get. Every is so happy that our president came out and supported gay marriage. I don't care we have much bigger issues to deal with in this country. There is severe disconnect in this country. We have no morals what so ever. Anything goes anymore because of compassion and empathy. What the hell is wrong with people? We should be furious with our congress, lawmakers and president.
People should be furious that he signed the National Defense Authorization Act that gives him complete control of our resources as a nation whenever he feels like. Our president is not a good man, you may think is but is all about the gain and power.
I have been studying about the Romanian president, dictator really, before I go. He had the same exact power as our president does now. He controlled all of it, paid off their national debt, and Romanians starved and froze to death. The even more disgusting part was he had controlled the population for so long through abortion that he knew he wouldn't have work force to support his "dreams" later. In 1984 he ruled that abortion was illegal and they women must start having children. Rape, incest, or whatever was ok as long as it grew the population by 2000. Children were taken to orphanages to be raised by the state all for the glory of communism.
He destroyed the people of this country. The scars are still there after 12 years. This man's dream of a perfect utopia killed thousands. A pastor gave out bibles and taught the freedom of Christ. Taught that tyranny and oppression was not from God. The people overthrew the government in 1989.
My questions is when did Americans forget that they live in a free country, and not to take that for granted. When we decide that everything was wrong and bad in this country because our ruling authorities said it was. When did we forget to fight evil?
I don't want to hear anymore about what you don't have. I don't want to ear about how you have to pay your debts. You are an adult. I don't want to hear about how your black and you don't get a fair shot. God made you black so you must be worth something. I don't want to hear about women's rights in this country, because you have it pretty damn good if you just opened yours eyes. See when people complain about how their life is unfair, it just shows how weak you are. Everyone has something it is just whether you have the strength to overcome it.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Some Biblical Truths
"For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions", 2 Timothy 4:3
"Many people would become intolerant of the confrontational demanding preaching of God's word. Professing Christians, nominal believers, in the church follow their own desires and flock to preachers who offer them God's blessings apart from forgiveness, and his salvation apart from repentance. They want to be entertained by teachings that will produce pleasant sensations and leave them with good feelings about themselves. Their goal is that men preach to suit their own passions. Under those conditions, people will dictate what men preach, rather than God dictating it by his word." ESV Study Bible, John MacArthur
This is America. If we are in churches that aren't teaching each word of the bible from genesis to revelations flee. If we are sitting in the pew with our bible and the pastor, the teacher or the priest is not matching the scripture word for word flee. How much do you hate God that you are not upholding his doctrine? The bible is still the number one selling book around the world. People have them, but they collect dust. People read them but only read about the grace, blessings, and love not the judgment of God. They read it to find peace about their selfish desires. They manipulate it to make themselves seem worthy, or find justification for their acts
The simplest way I can put this to you is that you are seeking more judgment from God by ignoring what he has told you is true. That is what we should fear not others. Do you love someone enough to tell them the truth of doctrine? Yesterday, our president came out and supported gay marriage. We have much bigger issues as a nation than gay marriage, and do be honest if that is the biggest concern you have about our nation you need a reality check. You are obviously deceived and a fool in a nation that has vast resources to actually educate yourself. By the way marriage is between man and woman - get over it. You can call me whatever you like; Jesus Freak, bigot, hate moger - go for it professed christians.
Some Biblical truths somehow have been neglected. You don't work, you don't eat. Pay your debts - this is not a Dave Ramsey quote. Do not judge for you will be judged far harsher. There aren't many paths to God and heaven. There is only one way; you must accept the son. Being baptized as an infant does not mean that you have salvation. That is a church tradition not a mandate of the bible. There is not one piece of scripture that supports this. Parents are baptizing children that are non-believers. Babies do not know the difference between right and wrong, sin and consequence. They have to make the the choice not you for them. Children are innocents. I seriously doubt that God is going to throw a child to the pits hell because you did not baptize them in his name.
Jesus would not have been a communist or socialist. He will you the individual accountable for not helping another when you knew you could. He did not support tyranny and oppression. He did not say it was a sin to have wealth it was sin if money became your God. That afflicts all people not just rich people. Liberals, if you did not have wealthy people you would not be able to sell your art, buy your books, pay for your education, or have money to your precious causes. God says to parents to build inheritances for their children. Get over your envy and your greed. He would not support robbing individuals of their livelihoods for the greater good.
Men can not give you grace only God can. You can't give yourself grace only God can. You have to actually repent and confess to God to find grace. Women that submit to their husbands are not doormats, because Christ said husbands need to love their wives as they do Christ. Our worth is not based on our jobs, money, the perception of family and friends. Your worth is based on your willingness to put him above all others. If we are not doing that then we are deceived. I don't care how hard it is you have no choice but to uphold him, and his laws if you have proclaimed him.
If you are too worried about offending, hurting, or telling the truth to someone even though they are doing something to offend the god they profess I feel sorry for you. You are lovers of the world, and he does not come first in your life. There is nothing I loathe more than the manipulation of others because of false doctrine and teachings. Do not use God to gain control over another. You are not God. People that do this to others should be ashamed of themselves. I know tons of people that do this. It makes me question what bible they are reading.
I was 27 when I accepted Christ. I was baptized then and professed my faith publicly before others. The spirit filled me and the thirst for him was insatiable. Then the deception came in. I was not a good follower. I worried more about others and their perceptions of what I should be as a christian not what God wanted from me. He had to break me before I could fully see. I begged for it. I still beg for it. I started praying for him to put me in situations that tested me and my faith.
Some great things began to happen. My marriage started to heal. We left our old church. Got rid of false friendships. Started doing things that I felt led to do. Learned how to say "no" not gonna happen. Stopped worrying so much about money. Gave willingly to others without any question as to why I needed to. Stopped feeling guilty for having MS, and that my husband married me (this one though creeps up every once in a while). Stopped fearing political correctness because it offended someone. I love God more than I do people. I love my husband and children more than my parents or friends.
I will give you a piece of advice to follow. If someone comes to you with scripture to rebuke you study it. Don't say a word until you've read it and understood what it means. The truth of God is that you are not going to heaven because you are a good person. You will only go if you believe in the immaculate conception, the death and the resurrection of his son. You have to die to your selfish desires. You have to constantly pray, seek wisdom, and find the discipline to put him first. If you doubt any of that then you are calling a God a liar. All of these other religions are false. Stop being deceived.
"Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?" Galations 4:16
"Many people would become intolerant of the confrontational demanding preaching of God's word. Professing Christians, nominal believers, in the church follow their own desires and flock to preachers who offer them God's blessings apart from forgiveness, and his salvation apart from repentance. They want to be entertained by teachings that will produce pleasant sensations and leave them with good feelings about themselves. Their goal is that men preach to suit their own passions. Under those conditions, people will dictate what men preach, rather than God dictating it by his word." ESV Study Bible, John MacArthur
This is America. If we are in churches that aren't teaching each word of the bible from genesis to revelations flee. If we are sitting in the pew with our bible and the pastor, the teacher or the priest is not matching the scripture word for word flee. How much do you hate God that you are not upholding his doctrine? The bible is still the number one selling book around the world. People have them, but they collect dust. People read them but only read about the grace, blessings, and love not the judgment of God. They read it to find peace about their selfish desires. They manipulate it to make themselves seem worthy, or find justification for their acts
The simplest way I can put this to you is that you are seeking more judgment from God by ignoring what he has told you is true. That is what we should fear not others. Do you love someone enough to tell them the truth of doctrine? Yesterday, our president came out and supported gay marriage. We have much bigger issues as a nation than gay marriage, and do be honest if that is the biggest concern you have about our nation you need a reality check. You are obviously deceived and a fool in a nation that has vast resources to actually educate yourself. By the way marriage is between man and woman - get over it. You can call me whatever you like; Jesus Freak, bigot, hate moger - go for it professed christians.
Some Biblical truths somehow have been neglected. You don't work, you don't eat. Pay your debts - this is not a Dave Ramsey quote. Do not judge for you will be judged far harsher. There aren't many paths to God and heaven. There is only one way; you must accept the son. Being baptized as an infant does not mean that you have salvation. That is a church tradition not a mandate of the bible. There is not one piece of scripture that supports this. Parents are baptizing children that are non-believers. Babies do not know the difference between right and wrong, sin and consequence. They have to make the the choice not you for them. Children are innocents. I seriously doubt that God is going to throw a child to the pits hell because you did not baptize them in his name.
Jesus would not have been a communist or socialist. He will you the individual accountable for not helping another when you knew you could. He did not support tyranny and oppression. He did not say it was a sin to have wealth it was sin if money became your God. That afflicts all people not just rich people. Liberals, if you did not have wealthy people you would not be able to sell your art, buy your books, pay for your education, or have money to your precious causes. God says to parents to build inheritances for their children. Get over your envy and your greed. He would not support robbing individuals of their livelihoods for the greater good.
Men can not give you grace only God can. You can't give yourself grace only God can. You have to actually repent and confess to God to find grace. Women that submit to their husbands are not doormats, because Christ said husbands need to love their wives as they do Christ. Our worth is not based on our jobs, money, the perception of family and friends. Your worth is based on your willingness to put him above all others. If we are not doing that then we are deceived. I don't care how hard it is you have no choice but to uphold him, and his laws if you have proclaimed him.
If you are too worried about offending, hurting, or telling the truth to someone even though they are doing something to offend the god they profess I feel sorry for you. You are lovers of the world, and he does not come first in your life. There is nothing I loathe more than the manipulation of others because of false doctrine and teachings. Do not use God to gain control over another. You are not God. People that do this to others should be ashamed of themselves. I know tons of people that do this. It makes me question what bible they are reading.
I was 27 when I accepted Christ. I was baptized then and professed my faith publicly before others. The spirit filled me and the thirst for him was insatiable. Then the deception came in. I was not a good follower. I worried more about others and their perceptions of what I should be as a christian not what God wanted from me. He had to break me before I could fully see. I begged for it. I still beg for it. I started praying for him to put me in situations that tested me and my faith.
Some great things began to happen. My marriage started to heal. We left our old church. Got rid of false friendships. Started doing things that I felt led to do. Learned how to say "no" not gonna happen. Stopped worrying so much about money. Gave willingly to others without any question as to why I needed to. Stopped feeling guilty for having MS, and that my husband married me (this one though creeps up every once in a while). Stopped fearing political correctness because it offended someone. I love God more than I do people. I love my husband and children more than my parents or friends.
I will give you a piece of advice to follow. If someone comes to you with scripture to rebuke you study it. Don't say a word until you've read it and understood what it means. The truth of God is that you are not going to heaven because you are a good person. You will only go if you believe in the immaculate conception, the death and the resurrection of his son. You have to die to your selfish desires. You have to constantly pray, seek wisdom, and find the discipline to put him first. If you doubt any of that then you are calling a God a liar. All of these other religions are false. Stop being deceived.
"Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?" Galations 4:16
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