I read an article recently that said 45% of Americans would like to opt out of Christmas; the gifts. This year I am sure most of us are more concerned about what our government is going to come up with that affects every part of our finances, and the people that supply it. Most of us are becoming uncomfortable, filled with anxiety, and worry about the future; this includes me. In reality most of us would like to ignore what is right in front of our faces.
God says not to worry about the future, but I would have to say that it is really hard not to do. The truth is we are sinning against him when we don't leave it to him, and don't worry. On Black Friday this year I went out for a little while. My heart just wasn't in it. I looked around and found a couple of things, got it, and now I wonder why. The main thought was "what do you get for people that have everything already?" This thought is still plaguing me as we get closer to Christmas morning. I don't want to spend the money knowing that costs are going up just to live, and I don't like the thought that people would do that for me. That is what bothers me the most.
That is where the heart of the matter lies. I am no longer comfortable with the excess of life. Sure it is great to have nice things, but then I look around and think; why? The hard part is what people will expect on the day Christ was born. The stress and exhaustion of it all is overwhelming. I don't even have the Christmas tree up yet, and I keep thinking "I really need to get the tree up." I would like to be Mary and not Martha. The American way however is not that.
In David Platt's book Radical he describes the American Church, or the American version of Jesus.
"A nice middle-class, American Jesus. A Jesus who doesn't mind materialism and who would never call us to give away everything we have. A Jesus who would never call us to forsake our closest relationships so that he receives all of our affection. A Jesus who is fine with nominal devotion that does not infringe on our comforts, because, after all he loves us just the way we are. A Jesus who wants us to be balanced, who wants us to avoid dangerous extremes, and who, for that matter wants us to avoid danger altogether. A Jesus who brings us comfort and prosperity as we live out our Christian spin on the American dream. But do you and I realize what we are doing at this point? We are molding Jesus into our image. He is beginning to look a lot like us, because, after all, that is whom we are most comfortable with."
Too be honest I don't know if I am very comfortable with this version anymore. Actually, I know I'm not. I have lost the motivation for the race. I have been thinking about that race and trying to figure out why more is never enough. I have been trying to look it in the face and say "why isn't this enough?" I keep thinking about God's provision in Philippians 4, and wonder if I am stressing over his provision, or what I think he should be providing. I have food, shelter and clothing so that is taken care of - the basics. So, why should I be stressed out about provisions that weren't even in the bible. That should be our question - the definition of his provision and ours.
"I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen." Philippians 4:10-20
The general consensus would be that family, friends, and society says we need more so we just fall into line. We play the game and then relief comes in some shape or form that we did it without rocking the boat. We usually are too tired to fight it any longer. I have to admit that I wonder if what we think we need and have is ever really enough.
Do we love enough? Are we kind enough? Are we generous enough? Are we Godly in the eyes of others? Are we beautiful? Are we too ugly? Are we dressed right? Am I too fat? Do we eat the right foods? Are we pro this or that? Did we support someone enough in their trials? Are we ever really good enough for those we are tying to impress? Will we ever be good enough for what people think we should be? Do we have enough guilt, or do we feel guilt at all? Are we grateful for what we have? Are we thankful? Do we feel compassion or empathy?
The biggest question of all is do we even feel anything at all anymore? What do we need the most that we aren't getting, and it usually isn't the stuff.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Saying No
My parents a couple of years ago answered a question for me truthfully. I asked the question will I ever be good enough for this person, and they said no you will not. It broke my heart, not because of the truth they spoke, but because I had placed so much value on it for so long. I heard God quite clearly say "your worth is in me, not people." That was the last time I got sick. I stopped playing the game. I stopped being a doormat. I started to say no this will not happen any longer. I stopped saying to myself you have to be something you're not, because people think you should be one way or another as a christian. My gift is not being hooked up to an iv every six months. I begged like a dog for him to stop making me sick and make me see.
"Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:14-21
I didn't deserve his gift of grace and I still don't. I got a lot of issues in my heart that are wrong and disobedient to him. His son paid our debt and we owe him our hearts, and obedience. This is the dummy version of it; you owe your rent or mortgage so you pay it - whether you want to or not. We took his gift of heaven, accepted the son, and now we must become more like him. This means that we have to give up everything that is offensive to him whether we want to or not, because we love him more and we are grateful for our gift. The question is do we listen?
Over the last year I have realized that God is pushing me in a different direction. He has said no, you have done that it is now time to move on to something else - prepare. I love that about God. I love the fact that I am more willing now to say no, mean it and not feel guilt about it anymore. I can hear him quite clearly saying if you do this there will be a consequence. When people say no to you about something that they can't do their is reason for that. Their reason may be God has told them not to. That doesn't mean they love you less that just means they love God more. Don't be angry with a person for loving God more than you; they are doing what is right in the eyes of God.
Either we accept the realities, or we don't. I have found great peace in the last couple of weeks. I have found more courage and strength to face the reality that we aren't going to be so comfortable anymore. I found peace with God's righteous judgment for when we turn from him. I found peace with the reality of this country. God has forced his hand, and we are subject to the governing authorities because he said so. Don't get me wrong I am nervous about not knowing what could happen, not so much for me, but for my boys.
27 “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29 To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic[a] either. 30 Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. 31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.32 “If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. 35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. 36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. Luke 6:27:36
I wonder if the greatest fear Christians have is making the confession to God or to a friend that they have sin in their heart, and saying what that sin is. Peace will not be found in this world. God never said that. He said you would only find peace with him through your trials. The trials will still happen but do we have the courage to trust him during the trial. I have to say that people that refuse to admit when they are wrong and humbly ask for forgiveness have totally missed the point of his grace. God is watching whether or not you have the courage to admit to the person that you hurt for forgiveness.
Remember the disciples didn't deserve his grace. Paul didn't deserve it. The prostitute didn't deserve it. The tax collector didn't deserve it. The adulterous woman didn't deserve it. The thief hanging on a cross next to him didn't deserve it. We don't deserve it. They repented, confessed and gave their hearts to him. Be merciful in your judgement of another Christian for believing in the truth of Christ, because he will hold you to higher standard.
There is a man that attends our church that took another's life. He served his time in prison for taking that life. God forgave him and received him. He showed him great mercy and this man continues to follow him with great love and devotion. He has far more faith than many of the Christians I know that profess his name. Remember if you are angry with your spouse, your child, your friend, your neighbor, your grandchild, your mother, your father, your sister, or your brother for loving God more than you, you have murder in your heart.
“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
"Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:14-21
I didn't deserve his gift of grace and I still don't. I got a lot of issues in my heart that are wrong and disobedient to him. His son paid our debt and we owe him our hearts, and obedience. This is the dummy version of it; you owe your rent or mortgage so you pay it - whether you want to or not. We took his gift of heaven, accepted the son, and now we must become more like him. This means that we have to give up everything that is offensive to him whether we want to or not, because we love him more and we are grateful for our gift. The question is do we listen?
Over the last year I have realized that God is pushing me in a different direction. He has said no, you have done that it is now time to move on to something else - prepare. I love that about God. I love the fact that I am more willing now to say no, mean it and not feel guilt about it anymore. I can hear him quite clearly saying if you do this there will be a consequence. When people say no to you about something that they can't do their is reason for that. Their reason may be God has told them not to. That doesn't mean they love you less that just means they love God more. Don't be angry with a person for loving God more than you; they are doing what is right in the eyes of God.
Either we accept the realities, or we don't. I have found great peace in the last couple of weeks. I have found more courage and strength to face the reality that we aren't going to be so comfortable anymore. I found peace with God's righteous judgment for when we turn from him. I found peace with the reality of this country. God has forced his hand, and we are subject to the governing authorities because he said so. Don't get me wrong I am nervous about not knowing what could happen, not so much for me, but for my boys.
27 “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29 To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic[a] either. 30 Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. 31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.32 “If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. 35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. 36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. Luke 6:27:36
I wonder if the greatest fear Christians have is making the confession to God or to a friend that they have sin in their heart, and saying what that sin is. Peace will not be found in this world. God never said that. He said you would only find peace with him through your trials. The trials will still happen but do we have the courage to trust him during the trial. I have to say that people that refuse to admit when they are wrong and humbly ask for forgiveness have totally missed the point of his grace. God is watching whether or not you have the courage to admit to the person that you hurt for forgiveness.
Remember the disciples didn't deserve his grace. Paul didn't deserve it. The prostitute didn't deserve it. The tax collector didn't deserve it. The adulterous woman didn't deserve it. The thief hanging on a cross next to him didn't deserve it. We don't deserve it. They repented, confessed and gave their hearts to him. Be merciful in your judgement of another Christian for believing in the truth of Christ, because he will hold you to higher standard.
There is a man that attends our church that took another's life. He served his time in prison for taking that life. God forgave him and received him. He showed him great mercy and this man continues to follow him with great love and devotion. He has far more faith than many of the Christians I know that profess his name. Remember if you are angry with your spouse, your child, your friend, your neighbor, your grandchild, your mother, your father, your sister, or your brother for loving God more than you, you have murder in your heart.
“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
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
The Attacker
"8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits[a] of the world, and not according to Christ." Colossians 2:8
Rule No. 4: “Make opponents live up to their own book of rules. ‘You can kill them with this, for they can no more obey their own rules than the Christian church can live up to Christianity.’”
Rule No. 5: “Ridicule is man’s most potent weapon.”
Rule No. 11: “Pick the target, freeze it, personalize it, polarize it.”
The above 3 rules are from Saul Alinsky's book Rules for Radicals. I would assume that most Christians have done this to another. He wasn't a christian, but a man that instructed those in the dedication of his book to remember Satan. The attacker picks a person, the target, and then goes after them with their righteousness. They attack the person over and over again to the point where the individuals spirit is finally broken. The person becomes numb, or they no longer can see the difference between the truth and a lie. They stop fighting and give in to the attacker.
"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." Romans 16:17
The attacker attacks the individual for their way of life. The attacker doesn't want the life they have envisioned disrupted, or the appearance of godliness to be broken. Then the attacker uses guilt to damage the person more. They want you to conform. They don't want you to rebel against the life they have created for others to see. They want you to praise them for godliness. They want you to be just like them, because in their minds God gave them the wisdom to control. They don't want to hear the truth of scripture, because that is not their version of God. They fight it, throw stones, and find others to attack you just the same way.
"5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people." 2 Timothy 3:5
The attacker will continue to try to shape and mold your heart and mind. It becomes their goal to change you into them. It becomes their mission for you to never rock the boat. It becomes their mission in to get you to do what they want you to do. Then the true nature and motive comes out when you don't. The initiative is not from love, but from control. This could be your spouse, your friend, your parent, your grandparent, your child, or your grandchild. We are naive' in our relationships.We are prone to the attacker. We are prone to play the religious game. We hate when we lose and then cause dissension.
"10 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
Freedom is when we finally tell the individual they are wrong. When we finally have the courage to say no. When finally say their version of God is wrong. When finally walk away and say no more. At some point stop playing the game.
11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:11-12
Jesus did not desecrate, defile, or profane anything, but he was, without question, the most appropriately sacrilegious revolutionary of all time, and his call for anyone who follows is to be like Him. " - Hugh Halter from "Sacrilege"
The above 3 rules are from Saul Alinsky's book Rules for Radicals. I would assume that most Christians have done this to another. He wasn't a christian, but a man that instructed those in the dedication of his book to remember Satan. The attacker picks a person, the target, and then goes after them with their righteousness. They attack the person over and over again to the point where the individuals spirit is finally broken. The person becomes numb, or they no longer can see the difference between the truth and a lie. They stop fighting and give in to the attacker.
"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." Romans 16:17
The attacker attacks the individual for their way of life. The attacker doesn't want the life they have envisioned disrupted, or the appearance of godliness to be broken. Then the attacker uses guilt to damage the person more. They want you to conform. They don't want you to rebel against the life they have created for others to see. They want you to praise them for godliness. They want you to be just like them, because in their minds God gave them the wisdom to control. They don't want to hear the truth of scripture, because that is not their version of God. They fight it, throw stones, and find others to attack you just the same way.
"5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people." 2 Timothy 3:5
The attacker will continue to try to shape and mold your heart and mind. It becomes their goal to change you into them. It becomes their mission for you to never rock the boat. It becomes their mission in to get you to do what they want you to do. Then the true nature and motive comes out when you don't. The initiative is not from love, but from control. This could be your spouse, your friend, your parent, your grandparent, your child, or your grandchild. We are naive' in our relationships.We are prone to the attacker. We are prone to play the religious game. We hate when we lose and then cause dissension.
"10 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
Freedom is when we finally tell the individual they are wrong. When we finally have the courage to say no. When finally say their version of God is wrong. When finally walk away and say no more. At some point stop playing the game.
11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:11-12
Jesus did not desecrate, defile, or profane anything, but he was, without question, the most appropriately sacrilegious revolutionary of all time, and his call for anyone who follows is to be like Him. " - Hugh Halter from "Sacrilege"
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
almost 2 years
there is a verse in the book of james that asks the question "show me your faith without your works." we are starting a new study about jonah. god asked jonah to do the right thing and confront those that were doing evil things. my image of jonah is of not him being in the belly of the fish, but of him running at marathon speed to get away from god. he caught him, confined him, and there was no where to run. (by way the story of jonah is not just a story, but the truth. if you don't believe it maybe you should question whether or not you believe in the birth, the death and resurrection of christ.)
"Immediately the father of the child cried out[a] and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” mark 9:24
about 2 weeks ago i had a conversation with a woman that is a part of my soul. i love and cherish her deeply as a friend. she said i have been thinking about you and being able to share in your miracle. i said what in the hell are you talking about? she said your MS. i hadn't even thought about it being almost 2 years. i believe so fully that he will not make me sick if i continue to listen, discern, obey, and trust that he won't it just has become my way of life. this december will be 2 years without being hooked up to an iv that makes me sicker sometimes than the MS. PRAISE GOD!!!!
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. hebrews 11:1
on sunday our pastor asked "do you remember the moment when he called you?" i remember the moment, and it wasn't when i walked down the aisle or even when i was baptized. i had peace when i was baptized - profound peace, but the big moment that changed everything was when i was sitting in that chair with an iv. that was the moment i heard him so clearly, and i listened. i stopped running away and started running towards him.
"because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved." romans 10:9-10
we are seeking the truth far more now than i think we realize. we know it will be hard, but we want someone to really just tell us the truth; correct? maybe in reality we don't want to hear the truth because we haven't given up our pride. we haven't achieved his humility yet in our lives. here is a question for you; is your life a reflection of christ or your church tradition? is your life a reflection of society's definition of christ, or the gospel's definition?
our pastor said this is how you know if you are christian - would you go back to your old life? would you go back to where there was no peace in your heart, or mind? are your answers the politically correct ones, or god's command of the truth? is your advice politically correct, or the truth of christ? he also made the statement that the right thing does not always feel good. actually, i would say the majority of the time that when we uphold god before another, confront them on it, and plant that seed it creates one hell of storm. christ said that for those that uphold his truth they would be blessed, and to ask for him to bless the ones that persecute you, say foul words against you and belittle you for upholding him.
"But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you," matthew 5:44
i would think at some point in your journey it would become exhausting to be something your not. the religious game would get old. the traditions of man would get old. where is the rawness of christ in our lives. where is the emotion of justifiable anger at those that manipulate and use guilt as their weapon of choice. i am amazed at the desire of christians to turn god into a wimp. they took the god of the old testament and turned him into this love all, tolerate all, and forgive all type of dude. god never changed he just made it easier for you to come to him. it is our dummy guide to get in, because we just did not get it.
the funny thing about judging those who believe that the bible is the truth of god is that you will be judged for not believing - far harsher than anything your spouse, family member or friend could do to you.
2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. matthew 7:2
"Immediately the father of the child cried out[a] and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” mark 9:24
about 2 weeks ago i had a conversation with a woman that is a part of my soul. i love and cherish her deeply as a friend. she said i have been thinking about you and being able to share in your miracle. i said what in the hell are you talking about? she said your MS. i hadn't even thought about it being almost 2 years. i believe so fully that he will not make me sick if i continue to listen, discern, obey, and trust that he won't it just has become my way of life. this december will be 2 years without being hooked up to an iv that makes me sicker sometimes than the MS. PRAISE GOD!!!!
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. hebrews 11:1
on sunday our pastor asked "do you remember the moment when he called you?" i remember the moment, and it wasn't when i walked down the aisle or even when i was baptized. i had peace when i was baptized - profound peace, but the big moment that changed everything was when i was sitting in that chair with an iv. that was the moment i heard him so clearly, and i listened. i stopped running away and started running towards him.
"because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved." romans 10:9-10
we are seeking the truth far more now than i think we realize. we know it will be hard, but we want someone to really just tell us the truth; correct? maybe in reality we don't want to hear the truth because we haven't given up our pride. we haven't achieved his humility yet in our lives. here is a question for you; is your life a reflection of christ or your church tradition? is your life a reflection of society's definition of christ, or the gospel's definition?
our pastor said this is how you know if you are christian - would you go back to your old life? would you go back to where there was no peace in your heart, or mind? are your answers the politically correct ones, or god's command of the truth? is your advice politically correct, or the truth of christ? he also made the statement that the right thing does not always feel good. actually, i would say the majority of the time that when we uphold god before another, confront them on it, and plant that seed it creates one hell of storm. christ said that for those that uphold his truth they would be blessed, and to ask for him to bless the ones that persecute you, say foul words against you and belittle you for upholding him.
"But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you," matthew 5:44
i would think at some point in your journey it would become exhausting to be something your not. the religious game would get old. the traditions of man would get old. where is the rawness of christ in our lives. where is the emotion of justifiable anger at those that manipulate and use guilt as their weapon of choice. i am amazed at the desire of christians to turn god into a wimp. they took the god of the old testament and turned him into this love all, tolerate all, and forgive all type of dude. god never changed he just made it easier for you to come to him. it is our dummy guide to get in, because we just did not get it.
the funny thing about judging those who believe that the bible is the truth of god is that you will be judged for not believing - far harsher than anything your spouse, family member or friend could do to you.
2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. matthew 7:2
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Redemption
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” John 14:6-7
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you." John 4:15-17
Definition of REDEEM - Christ was the payment to his father for our sin.
Redemption: improving of something: the act of saving something or somebody from a declined, dilapidated, or corrupted state and restoring it, him, or her to a better condition. The improved state of somebody or something saved from apparently irreversible decline
Redemption: improving of something: the act of saving something or somebody from a declined, dilapidated, or corrupted state and restoring it, him, or her to a better condition. The improved state of somebody or something saved from apparently irreversible decline
Stop worrying or fearing that you are not worthy enough for his grace, or that you don't know enough about him to go to him. By the way don't fear other Christians either. True believers don't care about that, because they know what they did, what they didn't do, and what they are capable of doing. Everyone falls short of HIM. Everyone that you know falls short of perfection. When we accept him it is forgotten by him -GONE! Remember that.
"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.[a] 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you[b] free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin,[c] he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God." Romans 8:1-8
Imagine that - your past is no longer remembered by him, and you have the chance for a new life. a good life. a blessed life. a fulfilled life that when turmoil strikes he is there to hold you up.
"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.[a] 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you[b] free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin,[c] he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God." Romans 8:1-8
Imagine that - your past is no longer remembered by him, and you have the chance for a new life. a good life. a blessed life. a fulfilled life that when turmoil strikes he is there to hold you up.
We've be redeemed with the payment of the son. God wants you, loves you, cherishes you, desires you, embraces you in warmth, fulfills you, gives you peace and unconditional love. In our darkest hour he gives us the escape. In our greatest pain he gives us the escape. If we accept the son, and believe with our whole hearts that he is the truth and the life.
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you." John 4:15-17
Saturday, October 6, 2012
My Idol; Politics
"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13
Politics became an idol for me. I was breaking the second commandment daily. I have a very wise friend that asked me about it, and I prayed for God to take it from my heart. I am justifiably angry along with many the regulation, the manipulation, the control of men, and women over a nation that once deeply loved God. That is why God has no role in politics, because men and women decide they have the right to regulate right and wrong. God gave us freedom from sin by sacrificing his son with great love and passion for his children. He gave you the choice of spending eternity in heaven or hell, and we are choosing hell. Judas chose hell in all his knowledge and witness of Christ.
“You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments."
Exodus 20:4-6
We are not entitled to God's grace unless we accept the son and become more like him (Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6.) He is the only truth that matters in our lives. We have a nation that willingly accepts lies over truth. Churches are falling because they have abandoned the truth. Families are destroyed or dysfunctional because they abandoned the truth. Friendships are broken because they abandoned the truth. Communities no longer exist because they abandoned the truth. A nation has crumbled because they abandoned the truth. We chose this life. We chose ourselves, our wants, our needs, our desires over God. We can't blame others for things that we chose to do in our own lives. We can not profess to love Christ when we as individuals we have abandoned his truth with our own morality.
10 Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; 11 for it is written,“As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess[a] to God.” 12 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God." Romans 14; 10-12
I have a very different view of my MS than I did when I was first diagnosed. He gave it to me because I chose the world over him. I chose to be taken advantage of in my actions with people and then I was hurt. I chose not to have compassion or empathy. I chose to be harsh and unrelenting. I chose to be selfish. I chose to act like a fool over and over again, because I did not know that my worth came from God. He said no you will not destroy what I have created in you. He said you will not choose man over me. He brought me to my knees. He has been very patient with me, and still is! That is is what is incredible about Him!
He showed me the pain from the ones that love me the consequence of what I was not sacrificing. I didn't want to see pain and fear in my husband's eyes again over a disease. I wanted to pick up my children, and not have to say "I can't pick you up." I didn't want to see or hear the pain in my parent's eyes or voice again. I didn't want to hear my sweet brother pleading with me to protect my heart on the phone. I didn't want my beautiful friends to witness that pain. I didn't want that because it wasn't worth it to me to hurt any of them or God.
Illness and disease is not what we can do for someone else. It is a command of what God wants us to do for him to become more like him. He wants us to face the reality of our hearts. He wants us to cherish the gifts that are front of us that he has given us; people. He does not want us as Christians to regulate or control another's life. We don't know what God has planned for that person to become. Stay out of it unless you know from scripture what they are doing is hurtful to him and others because you love them. Don't be prideful in your journey because that is what the Pharisees and hypocrites were.
" 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. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites,[a] and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive." Romans 16:17-18
Open your eyes to the pain that our politics is causing to the citizens of this nation. All of the choices not just your political party. This has nothing do with helping people, but everything to do with controlling people. We should maybe ask ourselves daily; What do I believe about God? We may hate him for holding us accountable. We may hate him for putting people in our lives that are willing to uphold him instead of realizing that is loving our neighbor, our family, or our friend. We may hate him for not giving us what want or think we need. We may hate him for not changing his laws to what our society wants.
The Bible is not politics. This has nothing to do with politics. This has to do with speaking the Word of God through the culture in which we live. It has nothing to do with politics. It’s not about personalities; it’s about iniquity and judgment. And why do we say this? Because this must be recognized for what it is--sin, serious sin, damning sin, destructive sin. John MacArthur
http://www.openbible.info/topics/judgment
Politics became an idol for me. I was breaking the second commandment daily. I have a very wise friend that asked me about it, and I prayed for God to take it from my heart. I am justifiably angry along with many the regulation, the manipulation, the control of men, and women over a nation that once deeply loved God. That is why God has no role in politics, because men and women decide they have the right to regulate right and wrong. God gave us freedom from sin by sacrificing his son with great love and passion for his children. He gave you the choice of spending eternity in heaven or hell, and we are choosing hell. Judas chose hell in all his knowledge and witness of Christ.
“You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments."
Exodus 20:4-6
We are not entitled to God's grace unless we accept the son and become more like him (Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6.) He is the only truth that matters in our lives. We have a nation that willingly accepts lies over truth. Churches are falling because they have abandoned the truth. Families are destroyed or dysfunctional because they abandoned the truth. Friendships are broken because they abandoned the truth. Communities no longer exist because they abandoned the truth. A nation has crumbled because they abandoned the truth. We chose this life. We chose ourselves, our wants, our needs, our desires over God. We can't blame others for things that we chose to do in our own lives. We can not profess to love Christ when we as individuals we have abandoned his truth with our own morality.
10 Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; 11 for it is written,“As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess[a] to God.” 12 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God." Romans 14; 10-12
I have a very different view of my MS than I did when I was first diagnosed. He gave it to me because I chose the world over him. I chose to be taken advantage of in my actions with people and then I was hurt. I chose not to have compassion or empathy. I chose to be harsh and unrelenting. I chose to be selfish. I chose to act like a fool over and over again, because I did not know that my worth came from God. He said no you will not destroy what I have created in you. He said you will not choose man over me. He brought me to my knees. He has been very patient with me, and still is! That is is what is incredible about Him!
He showed me the pain from the ones that love me the consequence of what I was not sacrificing. I didn't want to see pain and fear in my husband's eyes again over a disease. I wanted to pick up my children, and not have to say "I can't pick you up." I didn't want to see or hear the pain in my parent's eyes or voice again. I didn't want to hear my sweet brother pleading with me to protect my heart on the phone. I didn't want my beautiful friends to witness that pain. I didn't want that because it wasn't worth it to me to hurt any of them or God.
Illness and disease is not what we can do for someone else. It is a command of what God wants us to do for him to become more like him. He wants us to face the reality of our hearts. He wants us to cherish the gifts that are front of us that he has given us; people. He does not want us as Christians to regulate or control another's life. We don't know what God has planned for that person to become. Stay out of it unless you know from scripture what they are doing is hurtful to him and others because you love them. Don't be prideful in your journey because that is what the Pharisees and hypocrites were.
" 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. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites,[a] and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive." Romans 16:17-18
Open your eyes to the pain that our politics is causing to the citizens of this nation. All of the choices not just your political party. This has nothing do with helping people, but everything to do with controlling people. We should maybe ask ourselves daily; What do I believe about God? We may hate him for holding us accountable. We may hate him for putting people in our lives that are willing to uphold him instead of realizing that is loving our neighbor, our family, or our friend. We may hate him for not giving us what want or think we need. We may hate him for not changing his laws to what our society wants.
The Bible is not politics. This has nothing to do with politics. This has to do with speaking the Word of God through the culture in which we live. It has nothing to do with politics. It’s not about personalities; it’s about iniquity and judgment. And why do we say this? Because this must be recognized for what it is--sin, serious sin, damning sin, destructive sin. John MacArthur
http://www.openbible.info/topics/judgment
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
True Love
It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;[a] 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 1 Corinthians 13:5-6
When we moved into our new home a friend had helped us move some stuff in. We were eating lunch and talking about politics. He made the comment he was too critical to watch it. I thought about that a lot, because I am the same way. I fall into that trap everyday. Dietrich Boenhoeffer said that "politics is not a Christian game." I keep saying that quote in my head over and over again. I need to hear that everyday. It is not a game for Christians, and if we do not understand then we may not understand the power of God.
Do we understand that truly loving our neighbor means that we would be willing to give the last hundred bucks in our bank account to feed someone. Do we understand that truly loving someone is supporting them through all their trials and just being there without interference is love. Just giving someone else just a moment of peace, because Christ does that. However, do we understand that people will manipulate that over and over again if we don't question why they can't sacrifice just as God did; HIS SON.
"If you are someone that believes in truth and wants people to come to truth, your best play is to start living out what you do know, piece by piece, morsel by morsel. This is how God's kingdom works. It is mysteriously simple and profound." Hugh Halter - book Sacrilege
What we believe about God will help us understand what it is going on around us. Not what the church or another has told you about God, but what the scripture says is the truth. If you don't read it you don't know. We are a nation of consumer faith; conditional, mutual, can be broken, and task oriented. We are ruled by sentiment and only have our needs in mind. We have said that man's laws are better. We have chosen the Pharisees and the hypocrites just as we chose to take control in the Garden of Eden. There is a consequence for us taking control.
In consumer relationships, it could be said that the individuals needs are more important than the relationship..In a covenant the good of the relationship takes precedence over the immediate needs of the individual. Timothy Keller - The Meaning of Marriage
Our willingness and love for Christ is to sacrifice everything about ourselves for Him or another. After observing people for a long time you can tell the ones that are led by the spirit. People are drawn to them. They want to see that and feel that. The other side is these individuals are willing to accept where they went wrong. They are willing to seek another for help. These individuals accept them for face value. It doesn't matter the sin that they have committed because they know these individuals understand the love of Christ. They live their lives by it.
Those are the people you want around you. We are a very blessed family, because we have friends that live their lives by Christ. It is blessing everyday to get through to the next, because we cherish that he has given the strength for one more day. We are willing to love unconditionally, and help one another. We accept what we are doing is wrong, and we love each other all the more for it. We lose our pride and feelings of entitlement.
The people that don't understand that I wonder about. I wonder if they realize that their religious tradition makes people want to run. I wonder if they realize that is why there are boundaries in their relationships. The point is; are we hurting our neighbor in the long run for our wants as a nation? Is our unwavering insistence to control someone hurting them. People begin to feel that they aren't good enough. They feel that they aren't worth the love of Christ. Christ loved the people that we don't find worthy in our families, friendships, churches, jobs, and community.
God is not a democrat, a republican, a liberal, a conservative, a right-winger, a left-winger, a socialist, a dictator, a communist, a capitalist - He is God. He can do whatever he wants. He made dirt. Go pick up a handful of dirt, look up in awe, and say this is awesome. Think about that. I just read a book by Hugh Halter called Sacrilege. He asked a couple of questions about God.
Does God love everybody? Does God like everybody? He sent Christ to save us from our religious traditions. He sent Christ to save us from our inability to see the true power of his love and wrath. Would he like what we have become?
When we moved into our new home a friend had helped us move some stuff in. We were eating lunch and talking about politics. He made the comment he was too critical to watch it. I thought about that a lot, because I am the same way. I fall into that trap everyday. Dietrich Boenhoeffer said that "politics is not a Christian game." I keep saying that quote in my head over and over again. I need to hear that everyday. It is not a game for Christians, and if we do not understand then we may not understand the power of God.
Do we understand that truly loving our neighbor means that we would be willing to give the last hundred bucks in our bank account to feed someone. Do we understand that truly loving someone is supporting them through all their trials and just being there without interference is love. Just giving someone else just a moment of peace, because Christ does that. However, do we understand that people will manipulate that over and over again if we don't question why they can't sacrifice just as God did; HIS SON.
"If you are someone that believes in truth and wants people to come to truth, your best play is to start living out what you do know, piece by piece, morsel by morsel. This is how God's kingdom works. It is mysteriously simple and profound." Hugh Halter - book Sacrilege
What we believe about God will help us understand what it is going on around us. Not what the church or another has told you about God, but what the scripture says is the truth. If you don't read it you don't know. We are a nation of consumer faith; conditional, mutual, can be broken, and task oriented. We are ruled by sentiment and only have our needs in mind. We have said that man's laws are better. We have chosen the Pharisees and the hypocrites just as we chose to take control in the Garden of Eden. There is a consequence for us taking control.
In consumer relationships, it could be said that the individuals needs are more important than the relationship..In a covenant the good of the relationship takes precedence over the immediate needs of the individual. Timothy Keller - The Meaning of Marriage
Our willingness and love for Christ is to sacrifice everything about ourselves for Him or another. After observing people for a long time you can tell the ones that are led by the spirit. People are drawn to them. They want to see that and feel that. The other side is these individuals are willing to accept where they went wrong. They are willing to seek another for help. These individuals accept them for face value. It doesn't matter the sin that they have committed because they know these individuals understand the love of Christ. They live their lives by it.
Those are the people you want around you. We are a very blessed family, because we have friends that live their lives by Christ. It is blessing everyday to get through to the next, because we cherish that he has given the strength for one more day. We are willing to love unconditionally, and help one another. We accept what we are doing is wrong, and we love each other all the more for it. We lose our pride and feelings of entitlement.
The people that don't understand that I wonder about. I wonder if they realize that their religious tradition makes people want to run. I wonder if they realize that is why there are boundaries in their relationships. The point is; are we hurting our neighbor in the long run for our wants as a nation? Is our unwavering insistence to control someone hurting them. People begin to feel that they aren't good enough. They feel that they aren't worth the love of Christ. Christ loved the people that we don't find worthy in our families, friendships, churches, jobs, and community.
God is not a democrat, a republican, a liberal, a conservative, a right-winger, a left-winger, a socialist, a dictator, a communist, a capitalist - He is God. He can do whatever he wants. He made dirt. Go pick up a handful of dirt, look up in awe, and say this is awesome. Think about that. I just read a book by Hugh Halter called Sacrilege. He asked a couple of questions about God.
Does God love everybody? Does God like everybody? He sent Christ to save us from our religious traditions. He sent Christ to save us from our inability to see the true power of his love and wrath. Would he like what we have become?
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