Friday, June 29, 2012

Broken


"Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.2 “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 5 “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.7 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." Matthew 6:1-8

John MacArthur has been doing a blog series on leadership. The series is about the leadership in the church, and the over reaching power of pastors, priests, elder boards and members in so many American churches. I believe the series should be read by many now that the Federal Government has such great power over the citizens of this nation. It is about the desire to have the power that God has.

As christians we really shouldn't ask what someone does for another, but at this point in our nation I think I will ask liberals what they do for others. I want to know how much money you really give to people. I want to know if you actually give money to homeless people, look them eye, or do you just turn a blind eye to them. I want to know if you really are willing to give half of your income away to someone without being told to, and then do it. I want to know what you do as an individual for another.

I want to see your tax returns. I want to see you put money in the plate every sunday, and see the actual amount written on the check. I want to see you actually tell someone to their face that they don't give enough money to people. I want you to go up to a person that has a chronic illness and tell them that their money has to be used now for others that won't work. I want you to tell them that you are envious and greedy for the type of insurance they have, so you are just going to take it from them. I want a check in the mail for my rising costs on the insurance we actually pay for, and my meds. I want to see how good you really are.

For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. James 3:16

In the course of many conversations about the healthcare ruling a comment was made "remember that God is control." I remember, and that is probably why I am terrified of what has happend. We are a godless nation pretending to love him. He knows we are liars, and we have turned from him. He knows our social causes aren't really about helping people it is just to make us look good in the eyes of others. People have not been taught the wrath and judgment of God, because it makes them uncomfortable. The ironic part is when you understand that part of God you finanlly see how decieved you really are.

"What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions." James 4:1-3

I looked at my boys yesterday, and cried. I know they will not have the country that so many men and women fought and died for. Their little giving hearts will always be told that they aren't good enough, or giving by men. My heart is broken for this country, and broken for the good people in American that were just trying to live in freedom. My heart is broken that people were told by corrupt men and women that they weren't doing enough for others. My heart is broken for individuals that really do give so much to others, and they just do it because they love without any regard to how that will financially burden them. Those are God's people. That is what Christ wanted people to be not this.

I have lost my fight for this country and others for right now. I can understand why individuals shut themselves off from the world. My desire to give is broken now, because people take it for granted. My willingness to help is not as strong anymore. I don't have the desire to do it any longer. I will pray for God to soften my heart again towards men and women. I will pray that people understand what they have done to so many good people because of greed and envy.

 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money." Matthew 6:24


Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Finding Your Courage

"A man is never more truthful than when he acknowledges himself a liar." Mark Twain

There is a fascinating change that begins to happen when you actually study the offensive parts of scripture; peace. Society's view that Christ came for just love and peace slips away. You find that he came here to cause great division in our lives; truth vs lies. I love the above quote because an individual is never more true until he, or she finally stops lying to themselves about their lives. They finally pray for God to show them what is truly in their hearts. There will be great fear in that, because he will show exactly how wrong about him you have been.

"Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me." Matthew 10:37

This is the Christ that came. If you love anything more than him you are not worthy of him. The promise is that every knee will bow before him to be held to judgment for all of the passions that we hold so dear above him. Some American churches have trained their congregations to be very weak individuals. They aren't trained to be warriors of the word of God and to uphold it. We are taught that we can not rebuke, or correct individuals when they are wrong about God. If you do then all you  hear about is "well they hurt my feelings." My question is did you go read the actual scripture and try figure out why they said that. Probably not because we are scared they could be right. Get over it and accept that you just may be wrong in God's eyes.

 "Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division." Luke 12:51


I could say it is the churches fault, but it is actually the individual that chose to stay there and be deceived. There is no one else to blame for you not reading the truth of scripture and then not upholding it. I am pretty harsh person, but when it comes to God I very little tolerance for individuals that aren't willing to accept the truth of God. It is your responsibility to him to accept that you are still capable of great sin against him. Enough with the excuses. He will have to break you to make you understand.

We left our old church because of this. Tolerance was there so members could feel comfortable, and not the facts about their sinful life.  We have chosen to disobey him without even realizing it, because we want people to praise us for our sins. We want to feel great and good about our lives, and have someone tell us we are godly. We are constantly justifying our choices, and then say are from God. Do you feel guilt, regret, and a little uncomfortable about a decision that you made? We probably feel like we have to defend or justify it all the time to someone don't we? If it is from God why are trying so hard to defend it? There is great peace when you stop believing that you have defend your life to someone else.

If Christ came into your church today would he be happy with what he sees? Do you really believe that he would not call the church out for disobeying his Father? If you believe that he wouldn't you are lying to yourself, and have allowed Satan in. I have great fear that if Christ came into my home would he approve of our lives? Would he find the sin of greed? Would he find the sin of laziness? Would he find the gluttony over material things? What would he find, and would I would be willing to give up the comforts for him? I don't know if I could or not, because I am still learning. Do not forget that although you are a professed Christian you are still  capable of great sins against him.

I read a couple of great articles about atheists. One was a group of young men that had turned from God, because they read the scripture and found out what their pastors were teaching was false. They still believe him they just don't relize that yet. They found out that even the appearance of a professed Christian can be false. They should check what they are being taught by men and women. The second was from a man that left the Catholic Church when they started teaching the offensive parts of scripture. He found the above verse about parents and children to be repulsive. The second verse will have many women in an uproar, because they will perceive it as being a doormat and they aren't worthy in God's eyes.

 Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.
1 Timothy 2:11-15


If we live our lives against these "offensive" scriptures we are telling God that he was wrong. I find it hard to believe that in every book of the new testament that God's chosen disciples were wrong. That is the deception that Satan has played, and he is winning. The above verse about women has plagued me for a very long time, because of this blog and that men read it. I have to question if it offensive to him if I put this out there and I know men are reading it. I would be religious hypocrite right there. He hates religious hypocrites. With that said this will be the last posting for men to see. I don't have a problem with this, and I don't find it to be offensive. God told me what to do right there. My responsibility is to him first, my husband second and then my children. He may never call me to do anything other than that. The problem for some is we just can't accept that, that may be all he wants from us. Why?

Our willingness to tolerate sin is disobedience. We are a society that has to have control over everyone and everything in our life and we think that it is from God. We use love to do it. Do you love someone enough to tell them they are wrong and what they are doing is offensive to the Christ they profess? When I accepted the fact that I had a lot of feminist tendencies in my marriage, and that I wanted control of how things were going to go in our life my marriage got a lot easier. This will always be a burden for me, because I know I am very capable of this. I am a very strong woman, but I had to understand that I was not the head of my home; my husband is. That doesn't mean that I can't say anything that just means I have a responsibility to tell my husband to look at the bigger picture. Question his motives: selfhis desire, or for Christ.

There can be no interference in marriages, in our families or our relationship with Christ; none. We are actually told in scripture that we can warn an individual once or twice that causes division, and if they continue we have to sever the relationship. The reason is because they are tempting you to disobey the God you love. We have to face the failings in our lives and not ignore them. The idea that our lives as Christians is meant to be private is a myth. We are all of one body of Christ, so we must share our failings and help each other. He commands us to have community as followers.

"As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him," Titus 3:10

Here is a suggestion and you don't have to take it. Remove every book that you are reading right now about God. Remove everything that influences you in your journey for just a week, and actually read the New Testament. I read a lot of John MacArthur's sermons, but I stop on purpose because I don't want him to become my God. I want God to be my God. We can become deceived so quickly if we are not careful. Love him first, put his word first, find the courage to uphold him first, and then see what begins to happen in your life.


Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ... Ephesians 6:10-18

http://fellowshipforwomen.blogspot.com/?zx=6e387c37ca158ee3 - the link for the new blog.

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Disappointed

" In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes." Judges 21:25


Over the last year I have gone from anger to being disappointed and sad for our country. The men and women in power are making the morals for us into laws, and they sound good to the ears to those that don't understand what they mean. I read a quote that said liberals that have read "The Communist Manifesto, By Karl Mark, and think it sounds wonderful don't know what it really means. Conservatives that read it actually understand what it means. Very easy for those that don't understand that they are being manipulated. Read about Russia, North Korea, Cuba, China, Venezuela, and every Middle Eastern Country - excluding Israel to understand what it means.

At the founding of this nation the military was taken care of for their rest of lives for serving this nation. That is what our taxes paid for at that time. It was to care for the individuals that had physically protected us from our enemies. I saw a picture on face book where a message had been spray painted on the garage door. The soldier was being foreclosed on. He had served 3 tours in Iraq. Automatically, we would assume how evil the bank is for doing this. In 2009 Obama made defense cuts along with congress that put some of our active military's pay as low as 21,000 a year to support themselves, and their families. These are men and women that are serving us, and their government does this to them. When people argue about defense cuts it is not just about weapons. You are cutting the pay of the very people that are protecting us physically from our enemies. They are willing to die to protect your freedom.

At this point I have no idea why our military protects us. I really don't. If it were me yelling out in protests against them I would be deeply ashamed of myself. That is just me though. I have to admit I very little tolerance for individuals that do not support our military, and what they have gone through. A lot of the men and women that are coming back are just as damaged as the Vietnam vets. They don't have support from family, friends, or even the nation they are defending. It makes me very sad that we do not love them enough to fight for them, because we are weak in character. I can understand why they turn their backs on us when they come home.

We give bail-outs to car companies instead. That shows what our priority is right there. I don't care what celebrities say, because they make millions off of stupid movies and we never protest do we?  My favorite is athletes that make millions, then go on strike, driving up the cost on families and we never say anything. We just go after things we use everyday like gas, food, and health care. We will pay 60 bucks for a video game, and then complain about how much we spend in gas. I am tired of hearing people complain about the cost of things that they use everyday when I know for a fact they have I-Pods or I-Pads. Priorities. I complain about health care all the time now, but now I am paying more because of the damn health care bill. We pay our insurance, co-pays and medical costs why does my husband have to pay for someone else's. We didn't ask for that from people. We knew that was our responsibility.

When Obama signed the National Defense Authorization Act he said he did not feel good about signing the bill that congress had passed. Why sign it then? It gives him far more power than any president has ever had in office; control of our military so that it can be used on the citizen. Congress did this to us, and the president signed. They could use our military against us. They say they would only use it for suspected terrorism. The bill also states that it can detain a US citizen indefinitely without cause if suspected of terrorist activities. I am writing this against them, maybe they would view this as terrorism? It sounds a little too much like communism to me. Hell, even the ACLU thinks it is unconstitutional and should be overturned.

At some point stop associating yourself with a political party, and realize that you are an American that does have freedom. Over the last 30 years we didn't pay attention to what our Congress and Presidents were doing to us.  At some point sit down and really think about the consequence of making laws that we believe are morals. At some point they will ask the same of you not just the rich. They need the money for their lifestyles. Understand that. Our priorities reflect our character, and who we are as an individual. If we believe it is the christian thing to do, but know that the individual alone would be held accountable are we going to be able to handle the consequence of what we are really asking?

There is a link below of Romania's leader that was in power that was overthrown in 1989. I find in my studying of all the communist leaders that we could compare Obama to he is most like this man.

We are a me society, a selfish society, and would rather have others to do it for us. You can take care of your family, you can pay your own bills, and take care of the poor on your own. You can do all the things that they say you can't. How did we forget that? As professed Christians we did at some point start to believe these things come from God. He commanded you otherwise in scripture. God told you to do those things not the church, or the government; YOU. God finds this to be more offensive than the non-believer because we know better, or at least we should.

But to the wicked God says: What right have you to recite my statutes or take my covenant on your lips? For you hate discipline, and you cast my words behind you. Psalm 50:16-17

"I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the
naive." Romans 16:17-18

"But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." 1 Timothy 5:8        


http://www.wnd.com/2012/05/this-is-happening-in-america/
http://www.aclu.org/blog/tag/NDAA
http://www.historyguide.org/europe/ceausescu.html










Friday, June 8, 2012

The Good Samaritan

Interesting conversation that started a couple of days ago regarding health care costs. One of the comments was there are no longer in any "Good Samaritans." This is the mindset of the Liberal, Democratic party in this country and they are very good at using it. I guess we should define who the Good Samaritan is. Jesus told this story to reflect the heart of a man not the masses; the individual character.

http://www.esvbible.org/Luke+10/ - starting at verse 25

We have an immoral, unethical, and corrupt government telling us how to be moral. They attack corporations for being the very same thing they are. They play to individuals good sides to help another, but they want us to pay for it. They say the republicans, tea party, and conservatives would rather have a child die and an elderly person die than pay for them. This is from a party that says an elderly person should not receive life saving treatments because they are old, and are going to die anyway. Our President said that. They support abortion, so they don't have to feed the baby. They support women that want to kill a child because the woman is too selfish, unwilling to interrupt her life, and doesn't think she should have to do it. The sick part is they want you to feel bad for being willing to support a child that a woman wants to kill.


 "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 ESV

The definition of a cheerful giver is someone that gives and forgets that they have done it. A true giver is someone that gives, never comes back, holds it over your head, and then says you have to do something for them. They expect you to conform to their wisdom, because they made the choice of giving you something. They want to control you. The believer really needs to question the motives of why they are giving something; are you giving because you really feel led to do it, or are you giving to look good in the eyes another? My favorite is I am doing this out of love, and you should feel guilty for not doing this for me.

A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the sinner's wealth is laid up for the righteous. Proverbs 13:22       

Our President says a person is truly giving if they are willing to pay more in taxes; $250,000 or more. I would stop making money now if I were you, because they sure are going to take it. What if a person makes  that and is supporting their family with it. What if that person is taking care of a parent that provided for them all throughout their childhood. What if that person is doing all of that financially, and saving an inheritance for his family that will carry on for generations. What if all while he is doing this financially he still is willing to give to others in need without any thought of how that will affect him financially. He is a good man in the eyes of God. There is a verse in the bible that says a man that does not care for his family is a wicked man.

But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 1 Timothy 5:8       

The Democratic party however thinks that this is immoral and greedy. That  a man should be willing to give more to the government because they don't think he is a good man because he makes that much, or more.  Most of us wouldn't even buy groceries for someone else just for the hell of it, even though they are in need. Most of us don't want to pay for our health care, but yet we want to be cured in a matter of hours. Do you know how much it costs to do the research to find those cures? Do you know how much it costs to build the technology to make it easier for doctors to find a cure. People want the health care industry to just do that for free, because they don't think is right that someone has to pay for it.

I know some of my liberals read will this today. I have $300 dollars in co-pays this month, and a medical bill that is over $1200 that I have to pay. Would you pay that for me, because I just don't think it is fair I have to pay it. Let me guess you will come back, and say well you shouldn't buy that new house. The health care bill says I can ask you to pay it, and mandated it. It is a law now as of January 1, 2013. I'm coming for what is owed to me dear friends, because I deserve that. It is the fair thing, and moral thing to ask you to pay for my life; right?

 "How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye."
(Luke 6:42 ESV)


To me the Democrats are the definition of a hypocrite; "somebody feigning high principles: somebody who pretends to have admirable principles, beliefs, or feelings but behaves otherwise." You don't want to drill for oil, but buy products that have oil in them. You drive a car that uses gas (even your hybrids). You buy food in a grocery store, but won't grow your own. You don't want to kill a cow because it is wrong, but eat beef. You want electricity in your home to use for your computers, have things to entertain yourself, but you don't want coal companies to produce that energy so you can use them. If you believe so passionately in these things you need to live your life that way. You need to live like the people that came to this country with nothing, grew their own food, killed their own cows, and made candles to light their homes.


"Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need." Ephesians 4:28        

I am going to share a story about a very well know pastor in the city of Houston. Very cherished man by his members. I haven't publicly shared this story with people because people would defend this man. and say it was just a rumor. I am kinda bored with that way of thinking by Christians. This pastor was friends with a member of his congregation for over 30 years. They traveled together, shared meals together and shared parts of their life together. The member got cancer and was fighting for his life. Very successful executive, and made lots of money. He was diligent in tithing to this church.

Well, he got so sick that the drive was too hard for him to attend this pastor's church any longer. He decided to attend another church near his home, and give money to that church. The well know pastor, his friend called and yelled at him for doing this. He stopped being his friend when this man needed him the most, when he was fighting for his life, because he wasn't giving his money to that church any longer. The pastor didn't even acknowledge this person after that phone call. I know this because I am friends with the man's daughter.The man is a pastor of a church that turns people in need away because they are not members.

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money." Matthew 6:24 ESV


Years ago I heard a story about a man that was in our old church. He was worth millions, and kept making millions. He didn't own his own company. He was paid that by his employer. He did not own a home. He did not have a family. He kept some money for his food, clothing, and rent for those that he lived with while he did his work for Christ. He lived like a man that had nothing financially. He traveled the world providing others with food, shelter, clothing, and did it all because God had instructed him to. This is a Good Samaritan, a good man, that loves God enough to sacrifice his money for others. The current Democratic party would want him to give that money for their causes. They would tell him you aren't a good man, because you make too much money. They would tell him that he is greedy and immoral.

Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; Proverbs 3:9       

My life is not very easy lately. This is what has been happening in this family since the beginning of March. Both sons had strep. The oldest had to have surgery to remove his tonsils, because he was showing signs of sleep apnea. A week later he got the flu, then my youngest got the flu. My father in law passed away while they were sick, and we had to leave them abruptly. Then we had to come home, and tell them their beloved popsy was gone. They still don't really understand, and probably won't until we go see their nanny. My youngest is having terrible seperation anxiety. He is getting better one step at a time.

A week later we found out one of my husband's best friends has cancer. The last round of Chemo that he has to have before a bone marrow transplant is lethal. He has a wife and 3 children. A major appliance broke in our house. I got into a car accident, and busted my lip wide open. Then I got sick for a month with a terrible sinus infection that turned into some weird virus that made me feel like I was getting the flu everyday. I still have my MS, the horrible fatigue, because the heat is starting to kick up. To be honest I still am having trouble remembering what month we are in.

Then my youngest had to have surgery for the same thing my oldest did. We sold our house without even putting it on the market. Then we put  3 offers in on one house, but the people didn't want to move when we needed them to. Wasted 2 weeks of our time. We have looked at 20 houses to find the right one (that is a sore topic). My husband is still grieving, has major projects at work, trying to decide on a house for his family, worried about his friend, and really needs to go see his mom. I worry about him the most. We found out yesterday he is in ICU because of a blood infection.


All of this has been going on while we are still having to maintain our normal lives. I am exhausted, and life still has to go on. I was so tired one day that I told my husband I just can't do it, and he said you have to. There are days where I just say please stop God, and he says I will test your faith and strength in me. He gives it to me everday no matter what, because I trust that he will. I thank him, praise him, cherish him that he has done that and I have not had an attack. I cry because it makes me so happy. We have a very, very blessed life. We have to suffer so we love him more.

Now notice how every verse above is singular, not plural; the individual not the masses. Think about that for a while.


Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. We put no obstacle in anyone's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.
(2 Corinthians 6:4-10 ESV)

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Are We Willing?


Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?”   Mark 10:38    

Do not ask for Christ to come into your life if you are not willing to become more like him, suffer like him, be mocked like him, or be uncomfortable in our cushy, little lives. Are we willing to accept the offensive part of scripture; the hard truth. Christ came in such humility and he didn't have to. He came to force us to realize how selfish we really are in our love for God to save us from hell.

Are you willing to go into a church and say "you are money changers" because they have a bookstore and cafe open to their members on Sunday Matthew 21:12?. Do you turn people away, because they are not members of your church? Would you allow a murderer into you home that has accepted Christ, repented, and became a good man Acts 9?  Would you give a thief everything in your home, and then ask "do you need more to live?" Would you tell a woman that aborts a child because of the sex that she has committed murder, and she should be tried for murder Jeremiah 1:5. Do your tell children it is ok to ask someone else to pay for their lives? I think we do when ask others to pay more taxes, and to forgive our financial debts Psalm 37:21, Romans 13:7.

My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor man. James 2:1-6


Do you support environmentalists in their passion to save a lizard over a man being able to feed his child (this is happening in an area of Texas and New Mexico) Genesis 1:26? As a pastor do you play favorites in your church and the members tell you what to say on the pulpit instead of what scripture says. Do you support gay marriage, and homosexuality knowing that God says it is a sin 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Mark 10:6-9? He says to treat others with kindness, but to uphold him in all things no matter if it goes against public opinion. A NAACP board member resigned yesterday, a civil rights leader, because they supported this. I thought gay marriage was a civil right. Explain to me please. I guess he is a bigot now.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/ready-civil-rights-leader-resigns-from-naacp-national-board-over-gay-marriage-endorsement/

Do you base a person by their appearance, or base them on what is in their heart Matthew 23:28? Do you tell your children that their appearance has to be a certain way so they will be accepted? A parent that does that is creating a child that does not find worth in how God made them. We are making rules for how a christian is supposed to look, not how they live their life. Children learn by our actions not by our words. They watch us, then they mimic us and live their life that way. Don't live a life contrary to how scripture says we should live. It takes a lot of courage and strength to do that. Proverbs 3:1-3

People don't like the way the like way my sons look, because their hair is longer. I had someone say this to me recently, and that didn't work out so well for them. It is unacceptable to me to damage a child's spirit, because of the way they look. If they shave their head I don't care, but then of course someone will say they look like a skinhead. That makes my boys feel as though they aren't worthy enough because of the way they look. That says to them they don't have good hearts, because they don't look a certain way. It is one thing to attack me, but I don't accept it when it comes to my children.

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."   Deuteronomy 6:5-9

People have lots of opinions about how we live our lives. My question is are you basing that on scripture, or the world? My gift is the gift of eternal life in heaven if I give up every selfish part of myself because it offensive to him. Do you really think your good deeds are going to get you in, or your acceptance of sin is what God wants?  If I am constantly willing to see where I have failed him, seek forgiveness from him, and doing what he asked me to do I am at much more peace in my life. My worth is not based how people think I should live it is how God told me to live.

It says a lot to God when we support and do things that are not acceptable to him. It says a lot to people that truly believe scripture is the literal truth of God. It says a lot to people that are trying to live their lives according to God's commands. We don't really love the God we profess if we are to weak to take a stand for him. Pretty sad. I don't care how old you are. I don't care how long you have been a christian. I don't care how you look. I don't care where you live, or what you have. It doesn't matter to me. What matters is if you are doing those things above, use god to do it, and think you are a good christian. I would work on that. I have to do that a lot, and still have to do it everyday.

But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; James 2:18-22

I don't have a lot of fear anymore in these postings, because I fear God more. It doesn't really bother me if it offends you. I love you enough to tell you the truth of scripture, because I am commanded to by him. When we recognize our weaknesses and have enough humility to admit our mistakes we are choosing him.

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Motive

I have been thinking a lot about our motives behind our actions. Motive behind the words we choose, or the passions we support. Moral vs. immoral, ethical vs. unethical. What we say yes to shows our character. What we say no to shows our character. What we support shows our character. What we don't support shows our character. Most of our motives or actions show how we love God, and how we are willing to uphold him vs others. We have to learn how to discern what God wants from us. It is very hard to do. Sometimes we aren't going to be able to do the things we want to do, or what others think we should do.

For the mind that is set on the flesh (ourselves) is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Romans 8:7


"The Unbeliever's problem is much deeper than acts of disobedience, which are merely outward manifestations of inner fleshly compulsions. His basic Inclinations and orientation toward gratifying himself - however outwardly religious or moral he may appear - are directly hostile to God . Even the good deeds unbelievers perform are not truly a fulfillment of God's law, because they are produced by the flesh, for selfish reasons, and from a heart that is in rebellion."

The unbeliever to me is someone that professes Christ, but actually never lives their lives that way. Their lives are a constant contradiction, and then they wonder why they don't have peace. They say he is there, but their actions and responses go against what scripture has said is wrong. They usually feel a great amount anger towards others, because they didn't get their way. They live their life as though they don't have to be accountable to him. That is what Christ calls a hypocrite, and he came here to confront that. He threw it in people's faces of how they really loved God, and they didn't.

 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person's enemies will be those of his own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. Matthew 10:34-39

I pay attention to individuals passions, because it defines how much they love God.  How much they value his approval over their family, friends, and society. At some point our passions become excuses to not to change for him, not to love him the way he requires, and not to give up our lives for him. God is not here to serve us. We are here to serve him in all things. We can sin enough that he takes us from this life. Some of the churches in the United States do not say we will suffer for him. We are not taught that we should feel guilt when we disobey him. We are taught that every choice we make is the right choice. It is the definition of "I love me more than God."

I get up in the middle of the night to nurture my relationship with God, because he requires that of me. That is my responsibility to him. I get up to repent, and ask for forgiveness for what I have done wrong. I fear accountability with him, and I should. My biggest prayer is that I come to him with humility, beg for forgiveness for hurting him, and that I took his gift for granted. I want him to show me those things, so I can give more of myself to him. Are we willing to do that if we say we love him? We have forgotten in our journeys the repentance part, and just skip to the grace part. We are so sure that he will forgive us without repenting.

We have choices in all things. How we react and treat someone shows how we love God, and that person. Sometimes, however people are going to get to a point where they are not going to put up with it anymore. Why would you do that to someone you love, and to God? If we are not willing to see how our choices affect someone else we don't understand God. There is a verse where Paul says that you can give a person one or two chances, and then you can walk away.

 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, Titus 3:10

Saturday, June 2, 2012

The Role of Women

Evil in my opinion is the tolerance of something that goes against what God has given us in black and white; scripture.  It was with great sadness, and anger that I read about gendercide going on in this country. The more I read about women's rights in the United States I am disgusted by so many women. I love women, but they need a reality check if they are Christians. Don't profess that you love Christ and then live your life as woman that goes against scripture. Don't be tolerant of evil, when you know that it is against God. You choosing your family, friends and society's opinion over God does not make you a very good Christian. You are doing it because you love the world more than you do him. Don't even try and argue with me about it.

I saw a picture of Gloria Steinham the hero of women's rights wearing a t-shirt that said "I had an abortion," and she looked so proud of it. It made me want to throw up. That defines my mother's generation, and then they raised their daughters and sons that way. Women from this generation may not believe that they are feminists, but your life reflects the influence of feminism in so many ways. My mother's influence on my life was profound by how I viewed marriage, and my husband's worth. I adore my mother and we are very close. Her opinions about these things are not allowed around my son's, and she knows this. That took a very long time for me to recognize. I did a lot of damage, because of that view. I was commanded by God to put my husband first, then my children and there is no compromise in that. I love God more.

I have very little tolerance for the excuses Christians make for society over what God says is law. This includes myself. The breakdown in this country is not because of the government it is because of the breakdown of the family, and that we turned from God's rules. Women's constant need to control every aspect of their homes, and their husbands has destroyed so much in this country. What is sick is they use God to do it. Women believe that God changed the role of women in the New Testament. He didn't change it, he just made sure that women knew they were worth it because God had made them. Women that try to change this, use God's love to do it, and say that they are doing that God told them to do it are deceived; it is false.

Women believe they aren't worth something unless they are accomplishing so much outside of their families. This is includes the Church by the way, and our service to the church. I am a very blessed woman because I have godly women in my life that have shown me the truth of biblical marriage, and held me accountable to it. Women that have told me what my role is, and I have tried to accept this and re-train myself that I must follow God. I am willing to put my role as a woman, defined by God above the world. I miss my grandma so much, and I really wish I could talk to her to gain wisdom. My grandmother lived her life completely for God, her husband, and her children. I am not saying that is wasn't confining, or that she didn't have resentment but her life was my example for a godly woman.

I have told christian women about my grandmother, and they are just astounded that she would have done that and accepted that from my grandfather. My grandfather took care of that woman for a very long time from heaven, before she went to meet him. That is a man. The longer I am married to my husband, I realize he is a lot like my grandfather. I better learn how to be like my grandmother.


I made a very hard decision this week. God held me accountable to my love for him, and trust in him. He held me accountable to his law of marriage. I had to define what was my desire, or what my family needed. I gave up my trip to Romania, because my husband and children's needs come first. I sought direction from our pastors on this, and they held me accountable to my role. Just a short while ago I would have said; "no God wants me to do this and my husband will understand." How would that have made my husband feel when he needs me here. If I went it would have been for my own selfish desire. I would not have been able to get out of that with God even if I said it was for a good reason. I have so much peace about this decision and God gave me that. What a blessing.

I have a husband that loves me so much that he works constantly to provide for his family. I have a husband that loves me so much that he wants us to live in a beautiful home to make more memories. I have a husband that loves me so much that he knows I will raise his sons to be men of integrity. If I left him for 10 days to go on a mission trip while he was still grieving for his father, working on major projects at work, and did not help him during this time what would that say about me. That would show people that I value my wants over my husband needs. It would say I don't love him or find him worthy. He would resent me for it.

I can hear women say well my husband does this, he worries about this, he has chosen these things and he is not the spiritual leader in our home. I did that and still do that. I am wrong because I haven't allowed him to do it, because I thought my way was better. I got worse after I started reading scripture because I thought I should be the spiritual leader, because I read the bible more. What a great deception I was trying to pull. So many christian women use God to manipulate and control their husbands, and you need to accept the reality of this to yourself. We want our husbands to be protectors, love us, and provide for us and then we use God to control them. God made women second, remember your role.

I am not blaming women for everything, because their are men that are not Godly men. I understand that, but women that have accepted Christ into their life have a great responsibility to uphold God. I am not saying that you are to be a doormat and allow your husband to abuse you with "the submission" part of Ephesians 5. We have made that choice if we are doing that, and you need to hold your husbands accountable to the last part of that verse; Husbands are to love their wives as they do Christ.

This is one of my biggest prayers for my sons. I hope that they marry women that love God first, that they understand their role as women, and accept biblical marriage. My sons are worth that, and deserve that. The hard part will be keeping my mouth shout about it if they don't, but I don't have a choice because God commanded them to leave me when they marry. Right now I can control their life, because I am their mother until they leave my house. I hope that they will love their wives just like their father loves their mother because of his example. Our willing submission to each is because we love Christ first. That is love.


Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. Ephesians 5:21-33 ESV