Precious Promise

How much more?

2007-12-12T11:23:00.000-05:00

Think of a granpa who loves to play pranks on his grandchildren. What seems to be a piece of candy turns out to be a frightening explosion when unwrapped. What looks like a friendly handshake turns out to be an electric shock. What appears as an invitation to his favorite chair becomes an embarrassing experience with a whoopie cushion! Perhaps the occasional prank is funny, but if used repeatedly, grandchildren will learn not to trust their grandfather. They learn what kind of man he is.

Do we know what kind of God we pray to?

Is He a deceptive God who gives only tricks? Is He a hard-hearted God who gives begrudgingly? Or is He a loving God who gives more than we can ever ask? Matthew 7:7-11 answers the question: God is a Father who gives “good gifts to those who ask him” (v. 11). God is generous in giving; He also gives what is good for us.
We can look to human parents as examples. If a son is hungry, a father does not hand his boy a stone or snake (vv. 9—10), things that may appear as answers to the request but in reality are only deceptions. The point is clear: God is no prankster who delights in fooling us; rather, He is a generous Father who gives us what we need. If even sinful humans know how to provide generously for their children’s requests, how much more will our heavenly Father lavish upon us all our needs (v. 11)? Knowing, then, what kind of God we petition brings new light to the first verses of the passage: ask, seek, knock (vv. 7—8)—all ancient metaphors for prayer. If God is a generous Father, then we can take our needs to Him and ask. We can seek Him, confident that He will provide for us. Persistence in prayer on our part is done not in desperation toward a stingy or deceptive God, but in hopeful anticipation that our heavenly Father knows our needs and will generously provide the best for His children.

Truth or Consequences

2007-12-06T11:19:00.000-05:00

Why are we sometimes "Emotional Basket Cases"? I think it's because we don't base our perceptions on reality, rather, we think about what things are going to be like, based on our own preconceptions instead of on actual facts. Frankly, that's the problem with most people who are depressed. They are locked into the error of emotional and physical bondage. Realizing, then, how important it is to be able to discern truth from error, how can we learn to tell the difference?

We might compare the problem to a banker who, knowing that there is counterfeit money circulating, wants to teach his tellers how to distinguish between the real and the phony. The method he cooses is not to focus on the counterfeits. Rather, he provides them with so much exposure to real dollar bills that when a counterfeit bill slips in, it's obvious.

Likewise, Christians have one defense against erroe. That is to become so familiar with truth, as revealed in God's Word, that when they are confronted with error, it is easily discerned. But if we are not steeped in truth, we become gullible and vulnerable to all sorts of error.

The war between truth and error has raged for thousands of years. When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, they didn't commit adultery. They didn't steal or break any the other Commandments. It all began when Adam and Eve believed a lie instead of the truth. God made only one decree to Adam, that he not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Agreement with that one law meant Adam acknowledged that God and God alone determins what is right and wrong. The day Adam chose to eat of that tree, he became like God in the sense that he determined for himself right from wrong and good and evil.

From the day of the fall, man has continued to say, in essence, "I know more than You, God, about what's right and wrong. I don't need You to tell me the truth. I can discover it for myself." That's error, the ultimate error- the lie against the Truth.

SEND US YOUR SEED MONEY!

2007-11-28T10:29:00.000-05:00

Pastor Ray Stedman told the story of a man in Houston who received a letter from a Christian radio station seeking contributions. The station calculated that it needed $76 from each listener to stay on the air. The letter promised that God couldn’t be “out-given”—thus contributors could be assured that their $76 would come back to them three-fold. The man wrote back to the station suggesting that they send him the $76 first. That way the station would receive back three times the amount they needed to stay on the air!
Many people believe that giving is like a cosmic investment plan—give a certain amount and it will come back, with interest! At first glance, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 seems to support this thinking. Yet a deeper look shows a much different principle.
In the ancient world, like now, no farmer would sow grudgingly or sparingly, knowing that a little seed in the ground meant little fruit at harvest. So, just as farmers sow generously, God’s people should also give generously. Paul followed this proverbial saying with a key principle.

God gives to us first so that we can be generous.

The order here is key.

We don’t give first so that we can receive a blessing.

This is where the radio station got it wrong.
Knowing that God gives first encourages us that there’s never a time when we can’t be generous. This also encourages us that when we receive a little extra, it’s not so that we can spend it all on ourselves. Instead, material blessings enable us to give even more to others.
Our generosity is a practical means of sharing the gospel, because others will see obedience linked with our verbal profession of Christ.

What comes back to us is a spiritual, not material, blessing—namely, others praying for us (v. 14). Ultimately, giving brings us right back to where it all begins—God’s indescribable gift of Christ.

2007-09-19T14:15:00.000-04:00

Do you ever feel like God has forgiven you but you can't forgive yourself?

Why do you feel such condemnation?

Don't mistake the conviction of the Holy Spirit with the accusations of the devil, and if you can't tell the difference, you are in one viscious, hopeless cycle. Condemnation can destroy you.

What's the Secret?

2007-09-06T09:57:00.000-04:00

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. Philippians 4:11-13

I was in a store recently when the checkout lady asked me, “Have you got your lottery ticket yet? The jackpot is $33 million!” So I said, “I don’t need $33 million” and she looked at me kind of funny. I explained, “It wouldn’t make me any happier.” The girl beside her said, “It’d make me happier,” to which I added, “or more miserable.”

Our dialogue reminded me of how many people live in a perpetual state of hunger for more. “If I could just get more . . . ” I wonder how many people are going to have to drive over the money-doesn’t-make-you-happy cliff before they figure out this truth.

Contentment is where the real satisfaction comes from.

Content in what I have. Psalm 62:10 says, “If riches increase, set not your heart on them.” Happiness is not in the having, it’s in the acceptance of what God has given you.

Content in whom I’m with. “I wish my wife was a little more . . .” “If my husband would just change . . .” Sure, you can focus on your spouse’s shortcomings and stay miserable if you want, or you can choose to concentrate on the good. Read Philippians 4:8 to discover the joy.

Content in whose you are. Listen to this promise in Hebrews 13:5: “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for He has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’”

You may say, “I can do a couple of those, but I don’t think I can ever be content in all those areas, all the time.”

Do you want to know how you can be content? Before he closes his letter to the Philippians, the apostle Paul lets us in on a huge secret. “I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need, [here’s the secret] I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”(Philippians 4:12-13). Through Christ! That’s the Christian life-it’s Jesus living His life through me.

Is There Hope?

2007-08-29T12:28:00.000-04:00

Today our society openly condones and defends the worst kinds of evil. Civilization as we know it has reached the deepest level of corruption. People's consciences have been seared, obstructed, repressed, and overturned. Without a functioning conscience, people destined only to sink deeper and deeper into wickedness. Humanity is merely storing up wrath against the day of wrath (Rom. 2:5).

Is there hope?

For those willing to repent and follow Christ, there is. They can "be saved from this perverse generation" (Acts 2:40). Their consciences can be renewed and cleansed (Heb. 9:14). They can become new creatures (2 Cor. 5:17).

Can society itself be saved?

Certainly not without full-scale revival. Unless multitudes turn to Christ, the downward spiral is certain to continue. With so many dampened consciences and hardened hearts, it would take a revival of unprecedented proportions to reverse the downward direction of our culture. The problems are spiritual and cannot be solved through politics or education. Christians who believe political activism can reverse the trends in our society don't understand the nature of the problem. True believers must realize that the state of our society is the result of the righteous judgement of God. God has not commissioned His people to reconstruct society. We are not called to expend our energies for moral reform. We are salt- a preservative for a decaying generation (Matt. 5:13). And we are lights designed to shine in a way that enables people who see our good works to glorify our heavenly Father (Matt. 5:14-16). In other words, our primary task is to preach the truth of God's Word, live in obedience to that truth, and to keep ourselves unstained by the world (Jas. 1:27). Our influence on society must be the fruit of that kind of living, not the product of fleshly energy or political clout.

What we can do, and must do, is keep our own consciences pure. We must saturate our minds and hearts with the truth of Scripture, and refuse to yield to the spirit of our age. To do that we must understand our own sinfulness and know how to deal with our sins.

Stickin' to the Word

2007-08-01T16:15:00.000-04:00

Romans3

So what’s Paul saying here when he talks about the obedience that we might say that leads to faith? When you and I share Christ with people and I know that you do and when we share Christ with children and I know that you do we use ways to explain it. One of the worst ways we tell children is you need to ask Jesus into your heart. Please don’t ever do that, it’s not in the Bible and if there are concrete child of ages 3 to about 6 Jesus just shrunk down, came in, opened the door and sat in their heart, you know. That’s how they think, don’t give them those examples. Don’t say ask Jesus, don’t say give your life to Jesus, the Bible never says ask Jesus into your heart. The Bible never says to give your life to Christ, never says that. It says to believe, it says to trust, it says to put your faith in.

Now the reason we say ask Jesus into your heart is we’re not satisfied with trust, believe and faith. We’ve got to add on a little bit, we can’t, well let me explain it to you son, that means to ask Jesus into your heart. Oh, okay, I’ll ask Jesus into my heart, I understand why we do it, but let’s trust the Scripture. Let’s rest on God’s Word that’s sufficient to do the work it came to accomplish, okay? You’re better off, believe me. A child can understand belief, they can probably better than you and me. They can understand faith better than you and me. Put your trust in, to believe in someone, God made a promise, I’m believing Him, not asking him to crawl inside my chest cavity. Be clear about it.

Freedom

2007-06-27T12:09:00.000-04:00

I'm listening to one of my favorite worship songs right now...I am Free...by the Newsboys...they just have some of the best worship songs that really bless me.
Through You the kingdom's come
Through You the battle's won
Through You i'm not afraid
Through You the price is paid
Through You there's victory
Because of You my heart screams I am free

I am free to run, i am free to dance, i am free to live for You....i am free....

Who the Son sets free is free indeed.

It just really puts into words what i was thinking when i was driving to work today. I was thinking of my cousin and her 2 houses, nice vehicles, designer clothes, perfect children, attorney husband, PTA life...and how 10 years ago I would've been so jealous. And now, in my heart i truly praise God that my life is not like that because I AM FREE....and she's not. I really pray that she will see that.
Look at all the effort, pain, unrest, turmoil, and stress that people put into making their lives appear perfect. Their clothes are the best. Their vehicles new. Their kids are involved in everything. Their homes are in the 'right' neighborhood. Their lives are beautiful. They secretly scorn those whose drive 10 year old cars,wear wal-mart clothes or God forbid Goodwill, those whose children aren't involved in everything.
They don't realize that, the people they are trying to fool...see through it all and are not impressed...in fact they pity them...for they are making fools of themselves and leading their children down the wrong path. And even more so than trying to fool the world into thinking their lives our great...when Jesus looks in their windows, He's sees all the fighting, the compromising of what is truly important, the emptiness, the darkness and lonliness that comes with living selfishly. ...things they feel deep down but can't really identify. Yet, when He looks in the windows of us, His children...He sees...windows that need replaced...but better yet...He sees a family laughing at the dinner table, He sees a dad teaching his little girl how to pound nails, a mother and daughter praying together for that Dad's salvation.....He knows their lives are far from perfect, as do they, but He offers them His overwhelming grace and mercy so they may live in peace and rest. They don't always have the payment for their one house until the last minute...but they know the Lord will provide. They know that their kids aren't all stars, super stars, most popular, best at everything....but they know "raise them up in the way of the Lord and they will not depart from His ways....They know that they are going to argue and have days that they don't even like each other, that there will be people who wrong them and are even down right mean...but they know that they are God's children and He will do battle for them ...to defend, vindicate and supply ALL their needs. That is free! amen!

Controlling Your Thoughts

2007-05-07T14:31:00.000-04:00

Introduction: Do you have problems controlling your thoughts? Perhaps you struggle with negative thoughts or ones you know are not godly. What you think determines where you end up in life. So, it’s vital that you learn to master your mind.

Scripture: Colossians 3:1-3
The Bible is full of truth about the importance of controlling our minds.
• Unbelievers set their minds on what comes naturally to humans—pursuing sensual, selfish or materialistic things (Rom. 8:5-7).
• God gives disobedient people over to their depraved minds (Rom. 1:28).
• We have to be careful that our minds aren’t led away from pure devotion to Christ (2 Cor. 11:2-3).
• Controlling our thoughts is a vital part of spiritual warfare (2 Cor. 10:4-5).
How can our transformation into new creatures affect our thought lives?
• The Holy Spirit enables us to walk out the Christian life. We died to our old life, and were raised to walk in newness of life. Example: a caterpillar turning into a butterfly
• We can learn to view ourselves primarily as children of God: born-again and citizens of heaven.
• To have the mind of Christ means that we agree with Him about what’s good and evil in this world. We share His values and begin to think like Him (2 Cor. 2:16).
• We have to guard our minds from the influence of the world. Example: watching soap operas
• We must prepare by being alert to erroneous thinking (1 Peter 1:13). “Sow a thought, reap an action; sow an action, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a destiny.”
• Seek first the rule of God in your life, and He will provide for your needs (Matt. 6:33).
If you want to be happy, even in difficult times, you must think rightly. How do you do that?
1. Screen your thoughts.
• Let the Word of God be the grid of your mind. Reject thoughts that aren’t compatible with the Bible.• Ask yourself these questions:
1. What’s the source?2. Where will it lead me?3. Is this scripturally sound?4. Is this thought going to build me up or tear me down?5. Can I share this thought with someone else?6. Does this thought make me feel guilty?7. Does this fit who I am as a follower of Jesus?
2. Reject ungodly thoughts.
• If you ask yourself the questions above and realize the thought isn’t godly, choose not to think about it again.
3. Cultivate godly thoughts.
• Dwell on things that are good and practice living out those thoughts (Phil. 4:4-9).

Closing: Who you will be in the future will be a result of what you’re thinking right now. If you don’t like where you’re headed, begin to think godly, positive thoughts. God will change your destiny.

Holding On

2007-04-18T10:31:00.000-04:00

A civilization spiraling into an abyss often finds the spiral thrilling, and sometimes loves the promise of the depths below. People often see the romance of the darkness but cannot see the ultimate terror that waits at the bottom, in the deepest blackness. I know people who have gone there. Consequently, they resist the Hand of Truth extended, regardless of the promise that is offered.

How sad and pointless it is at the inevitable demise of mankind. Our only hope is to remain focused on the Truth and if we do start to slip into those worldly desires; to reach out and hold on without constraint.

Untitled

2007-02-23T10:23:00.000-05:00

The fact that you have a beautiful home, the fact that you have new cars is no indication that you are closer to the Lord than the one who drives an old beater. Nor even the one who doesn’t have the money to even own a car. Now those who are busy across our nation suggesting that God came into this world to give us this world’s goods must take another look at the One who came into this world who had nowhere to lay His head, and God has something better than houses and land, silver and gold. This God has something infinitely greater in satisfaction than a solid stock portfolio and progressively upward mobility.
He plans to bring something greater than this world’s goods. Some ask, “Is He gonna deliver us from our burdens and oppressions?” I can’t promise that, because He moves in strange and mysterious ways, and I know about those daily battles. In fact, 1 Peter 4:12 tells us, “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.”When you have Jesus, the first thing, according to the book of Romans, in the fifth chapter, in the light of what transpired in the previous verses, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord, Jesus Christ. Now that’s the real deal, that when you have Jesus, you have peace with God, therefore, the fact that He was raised again from the dead for our justification, we have something, and that something is, there is therefore no condemnation and we can have peace with God for those who accept Jesus Christ.

Let Go

2007-02-22T08:47:00.000-05:00

As children bring their broken toys,
with tears; for us to mend,
I brought my broken dreams to God
because He was my friend.
But then instead of leaving Him,
in peace, to work alone,
I hung around and tried to help
with ways that were my own.
At last I snatched them back and cried,
"How can You be so slow?"
"My child", He said,"what could I do?"
"You never did let go."

7 Keys to Spiritual Renewal

2006-12-29T08:53:00.000-05:00

1. Surrender
See the need to allow God to help you grow through others. "So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and in His good time He will honor you." - 1 Peter 5:6

2. Acceptance
Accept the full reality of your situation. "Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me." - Psalm 139:1

3. Confession
Begin to open up about the reality of your life. "Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed." - James 5:16

4. Responsibility
Accept responsibility to make the changes that must be made. "Each one of you should test his own actions...each one should carry his own load." - Galatians 6:5

5. Forgiveness
Forgive your own failures and the failures of those who have hurt you. "For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly father will also forgive you." - Matthew 6:14

6. Transformation
Transform your pain into a purposeful ministry out of love for others. "He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us." - 2 Corinthians 1:4

7. Preservation
Protect the spiritual gains you have made-persevere through the struggles we must all experience as we grow. "...continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose." - Philippians 2:12-13

Following The Map

2006-12-18T15:04:00.000-05:00

He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.

--Psalm 23:3

Have you ever set out to go somewhere, only to realize that the direction you were heading was the wrong direction? There’s nothing quite like the experience of a trip that ends up going in a direction different then you thought it would.

That’s how it is at times in our Christian lives. We are called to follow Christ, which sounds easy enough. But there are times when it feels like He is taking us in a different direction then we thought He would. That’s when we need to cling to the Bible’s promise that Christ will indeed be with us and lead us every step of the way.

When Moses led Israel out of Egypt, God instructed him not to take the quickest and most direct route to Canaan, but to follow the path He would lead him on. I’m sure Moses wondered many times what was going on and why God was having the nation of Israel trek so many extra miles to reach the Promised Land.

But God was working out His plan in His way. In fact, in Deuteronomy 8:2, Moses says this about God’s leading in the wilderness, “And you shall remember the whole way that the LORD your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not.”

Be assured God is at work in your life no matter how strange His leading might seem at the moment.

So if you’re not sure where you’re heading today, just get close to Christ and don’t give in to the temptation of giving up or going the way you think best. We don’t have the promise of an easy and clear journey, but we do have the promise of His guidance!

STEPPIN' OUT

2006-12-07T10:12:00.000-05:00

Have you ever said something to someone about God’s power, or love, or your faith, or “standing on the Rock”, etc., etc., only to realize that you were terrified and lacking in that professed faith?
That’s why I love this passage in Ezra. That’s exactly what happened. The exiled Jews were returning to Jerusalem, led by Ezra, and they were scared half out of their wits that they were going to be attacked along the way. They had already told the king, basically, “No problem! Our God has it handled.” The problem was that it was more bravado than belief. Aren’t you glad that when we aren’t wholly faithful, He is?

Ezra 8:21-23 NASB
Protection of God Invoked
21Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God to seek from Him a safe journey for us, our little ones, and all our possessions.
22For I was ashamed to request from the king troops and horsemen to protect us from the enemy on the way, because we had said to the king, "The hand of our God is favorably disposed to all those who seek Him, but His power and His anger are against all those who forsake Him."
23So we fasted and sought our God concerning this matter, and He listened to our entreaty.

Are You David or Saul?

2006-12-05T07:55:00.000-05:00

Saul answered, “Am I not a Benjaminite, from the least of the tribes of Israel? And is not my clan the humblest of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? Why then have you spoken to me in this way?”

--1 Samuel 9:21

When you look at the life of Saul, you see a man who had everything life had to offer. He was good-looking. Humble. A leader. And God’s Spirit rested upon him. But he squandered it all because of the choices he made and the life he lived.

Saul’s fatal flaw was his own selfishness. He was determined to do his own thing and not wait on God. This selfishness transformed into stubborn disobedience, and it cost Saul everything. His stubborn will wasn’t worth the price he paid.

How often are we determined to do things our own way? To have what we want just because we want it. When we do, we take our eyes off God and plow ahead blindly.

Hopefully though, we’ll learn from the actions and hearts of both Saul and David!

David, like Saul, also wandered far from God. But David was also very different from Saul. David’s heart sought after God. He had the will to obey Him, and that made all the difference in David’s life.

You may be walking in disobedience and defeat, but you don’t have to stay there! Seek God. Seek His forgiveness. Become a man or woman after God’s own heart. Because that is the life of true victory!

is your heart more like David’s…or like Saul’s?

Above Our Circumstances

2006-12-01T15:23:00.000-05:00

Philippians 1:19-21

We are expected to live above our circumstances and focus upon God and His sovereignty. But how do we accomplish this in practical terms? In reality, we are often too weak to properly adjust our mindset to Christ and see the potential for good in painful times. Thankfully, believers are not without help.
In order to focus on God and successfully live above our circumstances, we must understand our unity with Christ through the Holy Spirit. Life is not segregated into neat packages of work, family, church, etc., with no crossover or blurring of the lines between areas. Christ should permeate our entire existence. Paul was in such oneness with the Lord that to live in his earthly body meant to have Christ with him every moment, no matter the situation. No area of the apostle’s life could be defined apart from his faith. His mind, heart, and will were completely saturated with Christ.
When Paul wrote, “To live is Christ,” he was referring to Jesus living and working through us in the Holy Spirit’s power (Philippians 1:21). That doesn’t mean we think of divinity every second of the day, but we do make God’s will our first consideration when dealing with others.
Trying circumstances are a reality for everyone, Christian or not. The difference for believers occurs when we recognize our oneness with Christ, when we act by His strength and live according to His directions. That’s when focusing on Him becomes second nature.

Changing Our Focus

2006-11-30T08:06:00.000-05:00

John 15:18-21

Nothing can touch a believer’s life unless it comes through the permissive will of God. That means He has complete control, even when it feels like Satan is running rampant through our personal lives. Trapped in Roman confinement, Paul knew that God could rescue him; after all, He had removed Peter’s chains. (Acts 12:7) But Paul was not simply waiting around for liberation. Even in his chains, he earnestly continued with his kingdom work because he believed God did everything for a reason.
It is true that the Lord has a purpose for whatever He brings into a person’s life. Though we may desperately wish for different circumstances, God allows us to go through a given situation when it will ultimately bring about the most favorable result. If we allow Him to finish the work instead of trying to extricate ourselves, we’ll see a positive outcome.
Paul’s time in prison proved a benefit for the Gospel, though logically, the spread of the Word should have been severely hindered by the imprisonment of such a great preacher. In two years, he had been guarded by many of the elite praetorians (Philippians 1:13), and we know what Paul talked to them about Christ during their shifts.
There isn’t a single verse in the Bible that says believers are promised an easy life. In fact, the Word warns that the opposite is true. (John 16:33) But we, like Paul, can choose to live above our circumstances by realizing that God has a plan to use our experiences for our good and the benefit others.

2006-11-14T09:44:00.000-05:00

IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHERE YOU'RE GOING, ANY ROAD WILL GET YOU THERE.

CHINESE PROVERB

False Prophets

2006-11-07T08:10:00.000-05:00

I woke early this morning thinking of the false prophets in the last days that Christ spoke about in His word. (Matt. 24:24)

I think people expect them to be obvious, like, "OH, that guy! Well, I know he's a fake." The problem is that it's not like that at all.

Almost always, they will be ever so slightly off center, barely distinguishable from the truth, enticing, convincing, and by golly, they make me feel better! (Psalm12:1-4)

Sadly, they aren't "bad" people in most cases, just misguided by power, pride, money, or any number of manifestations of self. There comes a point where a breakthrough or decision has to be made where we realize that it's absolutely not about us.....Not even an inkling!

Anything, and I mean anything that puffs us up is wrong because our nature is so weak that we can't stop those feelings of self from creeping in. (2Cor.11:12-15)

I've always loved the passages concerning the Bereans. (Acts 17). They were being taught by Paul and Silas. Can you imagine? That's like Billy Graham, (or in the secular world), a famous actor coming to town. I mean, wouldn't we be hanging on their every word? Anyway; What did the Bereans do? They said, "great messages guys", and then they gathered together and poured over the scriptures to make sure they weren't full of hooey.

I've watched most of these people on TV or read their books. I always have my Bible open and ask God for discernment, and it's amazing how often The Breath of God is misquoted or used out of context. (Rev.22:18-19)

If we are in the end times... and even if we're not, read the warnings in His unfailing word. (Jer.14:13-16)

It's gonna sound nice, it's gonna seem easier, And it's gonna get more confusing by the day! (2Peter 2:1-3)
The paths will get wider and there will be more of them, but there is only one center, and there is no compromise.

Describing God

2006-11-03T17:18:00.000-05:00

How would you describe God to someone if, say, you didn't speak their language... or you were mute?

Think about that a moment.

You don't have a bible, written word, or even anything to draw with.

The first thing that comes to my mind is that I would take them to the most beautiful place I could find, turn in a circle with arms stretched wide and then point to the heavens, or direct their attention to the miracle of a baby bird breaking through it's shell. I know it sounds silly, but how do you show Jesus in your heart and soul?

Would you take the person to the Darfur region of Sudan where citizens are being slaughtered in mass by the malitia, or how about to the amputee ward of a military hospital for soldiers returning from Iraq?

God is there too.

So I was thinking it over again.
How could I describe the eternal majesty of our Father God? The saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ? The daily guidance of The Holy Spirit?

The only thing I can come up with is that I would stay with this person, day and night. I would hold them when they were sad, tend to them when they got sick, protect them against all dangers...... and eventually develop a lasting communication, that, even though we were different, we could understand each other and I would know what they needed from me, and I could, in turn, show them love with no terms.

That might just begin to describe God.

The Wrong Road

2006-08-14T10:00:00.000-04:00

I just finished reading Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. One of his many wonderful quotes ,(and I'll paraphrase), was:

If you are on the wrong road; going forward doesn't get you any nearer to your destination. Sometimes progress means turning back and taking a different path.

That's sometimes a hard pill to swallow with the American mentality of always pressing forward, moving up, and getting ahead. Often, when we are racing forward to receive that blessing or answer from God, we should instead be going back and mending that fence we broke or reparing that bridge we burned.

Is it pride or shame that gets in the way of making things right? I know that in my own past, I have hurt and used people. I know of one lady in particular that was an excellent employee of mine. I abused her loyalty to me and she ended up getting burned out because whenever any of the other employees failed to perform, I knew she would fill the void. I wasn't the friend I should have been. I can say now that if I had been walking with the Lord on the right path, I would have treated her with the love and respect that she deserved. If I ever find her, I will ask her forgiveness.

Another way we get on the wrong path is from being led astray by false teachings. I could refer to passage after passage about the dangers of putting your faith in men, but I'll leave you with a couple to look up. 2Peter 2:1-3 and 2Peter 3:16-17.

The best way I know to get and stay on the Right Road is to keep our eyes focused on the Master and frequently look at His roadmap.

Commitment

2006-07-27T10:17:00.000-04:00

What does "commitment" mean to you?

We all know the word, but do we really understand the meaning of a solid, unwavering commitment?

One of the scripture's clearest teachings on commitment is in Romans 12:1-3, where Paul calls believers to present their bodies as a "living sacrifice" unto the Lord. Think about that image. How did people in the Old Testament make sacrifices? They took them to the temple, surrendered them to the priest, and then walked away.

They walked away.

They didn't keep their hands on what they brought to the Lord.

They didn't offer it temporarily or expect to get it back.

They simply gave it up, trusting that God would honor their sacrifice.

Does this kind of complete surrender characterize your commitment to the Lord? Have you fully and completely given yourself over to His will, His guidance, and His purposes?

Many people can't answer yes to these questions. Hesitant believers may profess a saving faith in Christ, but it's almost like they envision a little contract between themselves and God. They think, You can have me now, Jesus, as long as you take care of me. If something bad happens to me, though, I'm going to take my sacrifice back.

Is your commitment contingent on God's blessings? Do you face your hardships with joy(James 1:2), or do your struggles chip away at your holy commitment bit by bit? Active, growing faith requires total surrender to God. Are you ready?

ACT!

2006-07-19T10:34:00.000-04:00

Danilo Dolce once stated, "It's important to know that words don't move mountains. Work, exacting work moves mountains.

People pray. People believe in prayer......but do they act as a part of that prayer or is it all in God's hands?

We should never forget that we are the mouth, hands, and feet of God. I truly believe that if God equips you, He expects you to step up to the plate.

When the disciples were complaining about not being able to catch fish, Jesus told them to cast their nets into the deep. Jesus stepped into the boat with them but they had to do the work.

Is Jesus in your boat?

I have a close friend who's marraige is stagnant and seemingly hopeless. They say that they pray about it all the time, and yet, not 10 minutes later they will be complaining about or criticizing their spouse. It's no wonder that the marraige isn't improving.

There was a period in my youth when my father played around with the notion of Christian Science. While I'm sure they are very good people, I believe they have gotten caught up in legalism. My gradeschool music teacher was a Christian Scientist. He died from a simple case of Pneumonia because he would not act and see a doctor.

Whether it is a marriage, friendship, relationship, or even a life in the balance. God expects us to take action. It doesn't actually say, "God helps those who help themselves" in the bible, but I think it is a statement worth listening to.

Are Your Walls Fortified?

2006-06-29T09:41:00.000-04:00

In ancient times it was customary to build walls around a city to protect it's inhabitants from marauding bands and enemies. The farmers and shepherds knew that they could enter the gates of the city for protection should attacks come.

Proverbs 25:28 says: "Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls.

Or, in other words: A person who lacks self control is defenseless and opens the door to things that can tear them down.

Where are your walls being torn down? And how can we keep our defenses built up?

Proverbs 30:5 tells us that Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. And;
2 Timothy 3:16-17 teaches us All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

A recent survey was conducted concerning pastors who had fallen away for one reason or another. The most common cause that was given was that they had become too busy and had let their time reading God's Word lapse.

Daily study and meditation of God's word, along with other ways of "Putting on the Armor" will keep our walls standing strong.

Do You Want To Know A Secret?

2006-06-23T10:43:00.000-04:00

We like secrets, especially when we stand to benefit from knowing a certain secret. Secrets are alluring and to possess a secret can make us feel powerful and in control. On most covers of any magazine you will discover that you too can possess the secret to happiness; tight rock-hard abs and buns of steel; how to retire by age 50; becoming a fabulous cook, losing 10 pounds is seven days, and many other secrets that will make us healthy, wealthy and wise.

Then there are those secrets that we carry within us that we never want to reveal. Perhaps the fear of guilt and shame and the risk of being rejected run too deep for many of us. So we hold on to our secrets for the perceived power we feel by maintaining control.

We all have secrets; everyone of us. We don't have to be ashamed of our secrets before God.

This morning I meditated on Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18. This is the lesson about charitable deeds where Jesus instructs his hearers not to be concerned about outward appearances and being seen by others but to enter the secret places of our hearts where God sees in secret. Jesus said that God is in the secret place.

We don’t have to hide in secret from God.

All too often, it is much easier for me to focus on my outward appearance and actions than it is to enter my room and reveal to God the hidden and set apart places within. I can get caught-up with “performing” the ritual and never be inwardly transformed in the secret places in my soul. Cistercian monk Michael Casey says, “Outward observance, however holy, cannot take place of the personal encounter with the Living God.”

For Jesus, this personal encounter with the living God often takes place with in the hidden parts of me. Within my soul live my hopes, lust, dreams, guilt, shame, greed, joy, fear, and every other thing I can imagine. And according to Jesus, God is in our secret places. There is safety with God in those inner places where we often feel vulnerable and unsafe.

God doesn’t live outside the context of my secrets. “Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?" There’s me, my secret, and God. I am not alone with my secret, God is there. “God knows the secrets of the heart.” Psalm 44

God loves us and has not abandoned us to be left alone with our secrets. God is there. God is Love. Love is there in the hidden places that we often feel so unlovable.

So this morning as I prayed and meditated I let God in on the secrets of my heart for there is freedom to acknowledge what God already knows; there is freedom in knowing that God hasn’t rejected, denied or despised me as a result of my secrets. God doesn’t reject me or run away from me because my secrets but begins the inward transformation as I share my secrets; as I reveal who I am. God’s grace abounds in my secret place; God begins to free me to live with authenticity. It seems that my secrets have the ability to keep me locked-up or the ability to set me free, it all depends on what I do with my secrets. There’s the old saying in AA, “We’re only sick as our secrets.” I don’t have to pretend or act righteously in the eyes of people to be accepted or approved while harboring secrets in my soul.

Instead I go to my room and open the door of my heart and share my secrets with the God. I find comfort that God is there.

The Life We Live

2006-06-21T08:21:00.000-04:00

Chaim Potok, author of The Chosen, captures what it means to live well: “Human beings do not live forever. . . . We live less than the time that it takes to blink an eye, if we measure our lives against eternity. . . . A blink of an eye in itself is nothing. But the eye that blinks, that is something. A span of life is nothing. But the man who lives that span, he is something.”

Second Timothy paints an incredible picture of the confidence we can have on the eve of our death when we have lived well. Paul had that kind of confidence. At the time that 2 Timothy was written, Paul was imprisoned for a second time in Rome (1:8) and was awaiting execution (4:6). Many of his closest friends and ministry partners had deserted him. His prison chamber was cold and dismal (4:13). Despite his bleak circumstances, Paul’s joy and hope in Christ were not dimmed as he considered the “promise of life that is in Christ Jesus” (v. 1). Death awaited him, but it was not the end. Life in Christ is a promise for eternity.

So with this joy for the future, Paul began his letter with expressions of thanks, specifically thanking God for Timothy. Paul was obviously comforted by the friendship that he enjoyed with Timothy. He was thankful to know that while others had deserted him, Timothy remained faithful both to Paul and to the ministry. The tears Timothy had shed at their last parting assured Paul of the warmth and loyalty he felt for the apostle.

Yet Paul was not only comforted by Timothy’s loyalty but also by his sincere faith (v. 5). When so many around him had shipwrecked their faith, Paul might easily have begun questioning his efforts as an apostle. But Timothy was a “success story,” a reminder that sincere faith could indeed survive, and that Paul’s ministry efforts had taken root, been blessed by God, and had in fact borne fruit.

God's Unconditional Love

2006-06-09T08:58:00.000-04:00

New believers may find it difficult to accept the fact that God loves us just as we are. Much of the world operates by conditional love, which offers approval and acceptance on the basis of performance. So when we first come to Christ, there is often a natural tendency to assume we must strive to "deserve" our blessings, such as wealth, happy families, or good careers.

Divine love, however, can never be earned by human effort. There is absolutely nothing we can do to make God love us more or to influence Him to stop loving us. (Romans 5:8; 1John 4:8) Many believers understand this intellectually but have trouble believing it deep down in their hearts.

No matter what has occurred in your past or what you feel right now, the Father's love has always been freely given to you.

God pours His love upon us without exception- no ifs, ands, or buts.

He did'nt begin to love you the moment you asked Him into your life. Nor did He begin loving you because you went to church or rose out of the baptismal waters.

In truth, God never "began" to love you at all; He simply always has. From the creation of the world, God knew you and loved you. (1John 4:19, Psalm 139:13)

Are you rejoicing in the Father's love, or are you withdrawn and depressed? Do you exude peace, or do you always seem anxious? Is your life characterized by power and purpose or by fear? Recognizing the amazing truth of God's unconditional love is life changing. Prayerfully open your arms to His love today!

Broken Windows

2006-06-06T14:39:00.000-04:00

When Rudy Giuliani was Mayor of NYC he requested that when a building was discovered to have a broken window that the broken window be replaced immediately because if it wasn’t, within a couple of months most of the other windows in the building would be busted-out as well, leaving the building looking abandoned.

Apparently folks are more apt to destroy what appears to be already on a path of being uncared for and valueless.

People are a lot like buildings.

It seems that many people who have had a window or two broken out of their lives are often the ones who are pelted with stones leaving the remainder of their windows to be shattered. I guess in ways all of us have a cracked window or two.

Think of the people you know with shattered windows. I am reminded of a boy in my elementary who was picked-on by another kid. For whatever reason he hated this boy and everyone knew it. He demonized him and publicly shattered a window in his life. It wasn’t long afterwards that other students began to throw stones at his windows. Throughout our elementary years this particular boy, for no reason other than having a window cracked through the senseless and unkind words and actions of another person, was pelted with stones on a daily basis. If the eyes are truly the window of the soul, it was easy to look in his eyes and see the brokenness.

It only takes one person to start the cycle of destruction, and before long the entire building is in shambles. We take something beautiful and in our inner-ugliness attempt to break it so that it will also be ugly, just like we feel. And once we perceive it to be ugly we justify destroying it. Some feel justified throwing rocks at whatever they find valueless and ugly.

God doesn’t throw rocks.

Jesus knew what the damage of one stone could do to a person. Before long the entire crowd joins in. There’s the old saying, “Hurt people, hurt people.” Perhaps you could say, “Broken people break people.”

Adults are equally as guilty of breaking windows in the lives of others—especially those who already have a window or two busted-out. We don’t like ugly, dilapidated-looking “buildings” so we avoid those with broken windows like we do the run-down parts of town or we help break-out the remaining windows.

Jesus asks us to follow him to the discarded, forgotten, neglected and forsaken parts of town where the "buildings’" windows are broken; the "buildings" are abandoned and left to rot by society. When we dare to look into the windows of another’s soul-- we’ll find God waiting for us to bring about restoration and renewal.

Trials

2006-05-24T10:20:00.000-04:00

Let's see if you are like I am. Most of the time I would say that I face trials and tests with a steadfast faith; an acceptance that this is His will and how can I learn from it. BUT, there are those other times when I wonder,(and wander), if there will ever be an extended period of time when I will have complete serenity. (I'm now picturing a Tibetan monk in a garden with water gently rippling down a stream, as a butterfly alights on my knee).

But seriously. Troubles are an unwelcome fact of life, but they can have value. Often what we wanted to avoid turns out to be the very thing we needed. God asks that we have a tender heart, a teachable spirit, and a yielded will.

Does that describe you?

I would say that I have some problems in all three areas.

Do we have a longing to always follow God's ways? Read Psalm 42:1

Are we willing to be taught by the "classroom" of His choice? Read 1Sam. 1:1-2:10; and John 11:17-27

Are we committed to His will? Read 2 Cor. 5:7; and John 15:5

Without Love

2006-05-12T09:49:00.000-04:00

The next time you are sitting out on your porch in the beautiful spring evening or wake up to the welcoming sunrise and smell the crisp morning air on your way out to work, consider the seemingly endless hatred that occurs in other parts of the world. I was struck with the contrasts between that and what I experience in my surroundings.

The violence on the South Korean border; the continued atrocity in Darfur; the Taliban spewing hatred in the court room; the tendency to bash our country’s leaders instead of praying for God to give them wisdom; and the list goes on. Here I am in my peaceful surroundings while being bombarded with stories of violence, rage, and hate. I was thinking to myself how sad it is that humans continue to devastate one another. Where does this dark, evil hatred and violence from?

The God who created the birds that fill the morning air with voices of tranquility and peace created people who fill the world with destruction and chaos. How can this be?

In my morning devotion I focused on the Corinthians 13 and it became clear that I often feel the same rage and anger toward those folks who I view as a threat to my sense of security and well-being.

Like the guy in the SUV, who while talking on his cell phone and exceeding the speed limit by 20 MPH nearly hit me as I started to pull out in front of him. He laid on his horn for several seconds, looked at me with disgust and shook his head. I really wanted to mouth two words to him so that he would know exactly what I thought of him. I could have also included some sign language just to be certain he understood how I felt.

To be embarrassing and shamefully honest there was a split second that I thought to myself, “I dare you to get out of your car. I will make you eat that cell phone.”

Out of the same heart that tells my wife she is beautiful; out of the same heart that says, “I love you Jesus”, out of the same heart--
speaks wicked rage. This should not be.

This morning it hit me, in many ways my heart is no different at times than those barbarians I read about in the newspaper. I am capable of some extreme feelings and potential acts of hostility despite my claims of spirituality and being a follower of Jesus.

I may not act on my impulses but it seems to be only by the grace of God that I don’t.

My heart needs help.

When I respond to another’s actions that threaten my sense of well-being and security with hatred or rage I am no different than those I accuse. Jesus said that it’s what comes out of a person that corrupts the person. What comes out of me is apparently what was in my heart—evil. I could have rationalized and justified a stupid, ego-driven, fear-based sense of rage. In the dark corners of my closet I am no different than many of those thugs I hear about on the news. I found this to be shocking—and very humbling.

At times I am nothing more than a loud gong and a clanging cymbal; the noises that drown out the beauty of the birds who fill the earth with God’s beauty and serenity.

I may have the faith to move mountains but not the faith to allow God to remove the mountain of self-righteousness inside of me that prevents me from being love.

I may cherish the hope for more peace in the boundaries of humanity but I don’t possess the love within the boundaries of my own heart to help create the peace that I hope for the world.
I can possess much hope and faith to see change in the world but without love on my part, its all for nothing.

Faith in The Storms

2006-05-10T11:46:00.000-04:00

It's easy to have faith that God is going to do something in the distant future. For example, if you walked into church and asked the congregation,"Who believes that Jesus Christ is returning?" nearly every hand would go up. But if you ask a guy who is drowning in debt if he thinks God can eliminate his debts in three months, he's likely to express doubts. And yet our day-to-day life is where we must practice unswerving faith if we hope to be effective for the Lord.

James (chap.1) tells us that our faith can't be like the waves of the sea that rush first in one direction and then seem to double back on themselves and race the opposite way. In the Christian life, we rush forward to do the Lord's will until He makes a difficult request or allows a painful experience to come into our lives. Suddenly we are driven in the other direction by our doubts.

The reason we hesitate to trust God fully is that we judge our circumstances by what we see. Sight is the enemy of faith because our eyes and brains can't envision a way for God to do what He promises. Our knowledge of scripture tells us that our faithful God can do anything, yet we forget and doubt.

Faith can overcome doubt only through action. We must turn a blind eye to circumstances and make the first step toward doing God's work. If we exercise our faith every day, those seas won't be so rough.

Practicing Discernment

2006-05-01T09:15:00.000-04:00

Spiritual discernment develops slowly. The Lord doesn’t simply pour knowledge into our heads; we must seek His will daily and study to understand Him better. To do so, we need to regularly spend time in the Word and place ourselves under the Holy Spirit’s teaching.

I know, I know… easier said than done… right?

Church is where we receive instruction. If a poll were taken as people left weekly services, they would give many different reasons for attending: worshipping, fellowshipping, encouraging one another, and inviting others to receive Jesus Christ. How many would say they come to learn righteousness? Yet, teaching about holiness is a primary calling of the pastor. (Ez. 44:23)

A minister’s goal should be to teach in such a way that parishioners hear a godly principle and learn to apply it. In this way, believers grow in spiritual discernment.

Instruction doesn’t do any good unless we practice what we learn. David exercised spiritual discernment throughout his life. He went against conventional military wisdom, facing Goliath armorless and with a few stones. (1 Sam 17:37-39) Later, he repeatedly avoided claiming the throne until God’s plan was fully revealed. But David made mistakes as well, such as his indiscretions with the married Bathsheba. We, too, can ignore the Spirit’s promptings and instead appease our own desires.

Recognizing principles is not enough; we must live out what we learn. It’s wise to observe the consequences of obedience and disobedience so that we, like David, can grow in our spiritual discernment.

He Works All Things!

2006-04-28T15:58:00.000-04:00

Romans 8:18-30
James Lindsey Smith’s ordeal was “a thrilling narrative of escape.” Under cover of darkness, he and two other men sailed a small boat from Virginia to Maryland. There the men were separated, and Smith managed to avoid detection as he walked alone through Delaware to Pennsylvania. Along the way a woman fed him. In Philadelphia, a man secretly sheltered him and arranged to get him to New York. There he met others who helped him travel to Norwich, Connecticut, where he settled, married, and became a preacher.
The year was 1838 and Smith was a black slave. Like thousands of others, his journey on the “Underground Railroad” was conducted by nameless individuals who assisted and protected him. With their help, Smith eventually made it to freedom. In a similar way, believers are on a journey from bondage to glorious freedom (v. 21). Along the way, we’re helped in our weakness by the Spirit, who intercedes for us and leads us according to God’s will.
But before glory, there’s much suffering. On the one hand, our present suffering doesn’t compare to this future glory (v. 18). In fact, this glory will be so great that the entire creation groans eagerly for it! Because we have the Spirit, we too groan, because deep down we know that this present life isn’t all there is. We long for our resurrection bodies, which will be free from corruption and decay.
On the other hand, however, God knows that our present suffering could overwhelm us, so He assures us of two things. First, we’re not alone. The Spirit helps us in our weakness and translates our groaning into inexpressible words before the Father. Second, God assures us that He’s working redemptively in every circumstance we encounter (v. 28). This doesn’t mean that things will turn out how we expect, or that we’ll have comfort and ease. Rather, it means that God uses every situation to make us more like Jesus Christ. What an amazing assurance, even in our darkest trials!

Moving Mountains

2006-04-27T08:26:00.000-04:00

We Christians have the capacity to believe God for far more than we are willing to ask Him to do. Instead of demonstrating a solid conviction of His faithfulness, we often act out of weak, halfhearted belief.

The Lord is waiting for us to come to Him in complete trust.

The people who are living the richest spiritual lives are those who expect the Lord to do great things- they exercise the gift of faith.

Exercising faith can't be passive. Notice how action words follow every mention of faith in Hebrews 11 (prepared, obeyed, and lived). Instead of folding our hands and waiting for God to do something, we need to get busy. Our first reponibility is to go before the Lord with our petition, often more than once. Then, we must consciously decide to trust Him for an answer and wait with the assurance that He will always follow through with His promises.

We have the potential for Him to work powerfully in and through us. Of course, He doesn't ask us to tackle more than we can handle.

Start today by giving Him the small anxieties that plague you. Or ask God for one change you want Him to make in your life.

Praying Specifically

2006-04-17T11:50:00.000-04:00

Look around any day, and you'll see people who need to make changes in their lives. Maybe you have a brother who doesn't know Christ or a believing friend who struggles with lust or can't keep from gossiping. The most powerful way to effect change in another person's life- or our own- is by praying. God, through the apostle Paul, has given us a prayer pattern that is Christ-centered and specific.

Too often, we are lazy in prayer. We say, "Lord bless so-and-so" without giving a single thought to what form the blessing should take. God does not work in generalities; He makes deliberste movements in every person's life. And He is pleased when we use His Word when talking with Him. Paul's prayer from Colossians 1 includes God's greatest desires for His children. He delights in responding to requests that someone be filled with the knowledge of His will and a desire to please Him!

Results may not be instantaneous. We could wait months or years before we see a loved one turn to Christ or witness a beleiver bearing fruit. But remember that The Lord is working all things, even if we don't see it. Our responsibility is to keep praying in a Christ-centered and specific manner.

Get Out Of The Way

2006-04-12T09:39:00.000-04:00

Have you ever noticed how we spend so much time trying to "get" what God wants us to receive?

We always want our miracle, but we don't get out of the way.

I recently read in 1 Samuel 13 where the prophet Samuel told King Saul to wait for him to return to offer a burnt offering to the Lord before going into battle against the Philistines. Saul waited the alloted 7 days, and when Samuel didn't show on schedule, Saul got nervous and took it upon himself to make supplication to the Lord himself. Because of his lack of faith, God's blessing was taken from him.
In another case, Abraham and Sarah were promised a child in their old age. They waited and waited, and finally, Sarah decided that she had the solution. Abraham should lay with her maidservant. As we all know, that was not God's plan.

At least in my life, I have found that every time I try to take care of it for Him, it only breeds frustration. It's only when I say, "That's it, I'm finished. I can't do it anymore", that He can do His best work in my life.

That's a key word there. BEST.

Saul still defeated the Philistines that day
Sarah ended up having the promised child, but there was and is a rift to this day between the descendants of Isaac and Ishmael.

God will still work through us, around us, and in spite of us, but to receive His best, we need to get out of the way.

Ever Feel Resentment?

2006-04-05T09:29:00.000-04:00

Resentment is like taking poison and hoping the other person will get sick.

Resentment is an unmet expectation.
Resentment: Indignation or ill will felt as a result of a real or imagined grievance.

Do you have any resentment?

Think about the people you resent. You know them when you see them. What do you do? Increasing irritability and difficulty letting go of resentment can be signs of depression.

I am in a decent place right now, but it doesn’t take long to begin to feel resentful toward a person, especially if I don’t deal with my sense of frustration or hurt immediately.

I don’t like resentment because I am the one who gets sick—not the person I am resenting.

I’d like to say that I attempt to address my issues with another person upfront and as soon as possible- but I don’t. I’d feel so much better. Sometimes it is only after the fact and I notice my feelings. Right then, I should make myself go to the person and let them know what I'm feeling. My wife is really good at that (one of the many reasons I love her). You'd think that it should be easier with family members or close friends, but, at least for me, it isn't. I think I'm afraid of hurting a relationship, where in reality, I'm probably not giving the other person enough credit to accept my perceptions maturely. I need to dwell on that a bit. Anyway, I’m sure I would find that I am much less sarcastic. I need to remember that I’m doing it for myself. I’d probably sleep better as a result. And I bet I’d find I spend considerably less time working through forgiveness or attempting to forget.

Even with the simple things.

Poison is substance that causes injury, illness, or death. Resentment poisons me.

Sell Your Soul For A Quick Buck

2006-03-29T10:33:00.000-05:00

Here we go again.

There is yet another book coming out disputing the divinity of Jesus our Christ.
I saw an interview with the author of "The Jesus Letters" the other day on a national news program. These letters supposedly support the claim that Jesus not only conspired with Pontius Pilate to fake His death, but He continued to live another 45 years and wrote letters claiming that He was not the virgin born Son of the Living God.

An interesting point: The interviewer quoted the author, saying, "There is incontravertable evidence in these letters." The interviewer commented that that was a very strong statement and asked if the author had ever seen these letters. To which the author replied, "I have never seen them, but was told about them by a reputable Theologian."

1 Timothy 4: 1-2
The Great Apostasy

1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron

Clear the Temple!

2006-03-15T09:48:00.000-05:00

“In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables.” John 2:14-15

What are the tables that need to be kicked over in your life? Who are the money changers that crowd the temple of your soul that need to be driven out of your life so that you can make space for God?

I think it is all too easy to immediately go to those negative areas of our “character defects” and think that we must cleanse ourselves of all our impurities.

Perhaps what needs to be driven out of our lives is fear, perfectionism, and worry etc. and from the religious laws and rituals that we attempt to abide by in order to make ourselves acceptable and pleasing to God. Perhaps what needs to be slaughtered and given up to God is our idea that we are unlovable and undeserving of our Creator’s love based on our merits, instead of God’s grace. Isn’t this one of the main messages of Jesus? He begins to break laws and codes that have robbed people of their humanity and dignity and he claims God’s love for all people, especially those kicked to the roadside by religion.

When we cleanse the temple it makes those who want to control God uncomfortable and paranoid but frees us to encounter God in our soul and to loosen our grip and enjoy the ride. Then we can say , "Look God, no hands!"

The Journey

2006-03-13T09:49:00.000-05:00

"It seems that Christians have been worshipping Jesus' journey instead of doing his journey. The first seems religious, the second seems human." Richard Rohr

What makes one a Christian?

Depending on who you ask, you'll get various answers. Some would say Baptism as a sacrament makes one a Christian; it is a work of God's grace.

Some would say belief and then have a set of doctrines to follow.

Over the past several years I have been asking myself how Jesus would answer that question. I'm beginning to believe that doing his journey is what he desires.

It seems that doing his journey is being committed to a person-- Jesus. The other seems to be more about religious belief and doctrine. How does our faith impact, not our individual lives, but also the lives of those around us? His message was much, much more broad than an individual, personal salvation.

Many spend a great deal of time talking about why Jesus died but perhaps another relevant question is, why did Jesus live? What did Jesus live for? It seems to me the very thing that he lived for was the reason that some tried to kill him.

At some point we are to walk in his shoes or at least in his footprints.

What do you think?

Giving it over

2006-03-07T09:58:00.000-05:00

Luke 18:22 "You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in Heaven; and come, follow me."

Jesus Christ says a great deal that we listen to, but don't necessarily hear. When we do hear, His words are amazingly hard to take.

Jesus made no attempt to keep the guy with Him. He simply said-Sell all you have, and come, follow Me. Our Lord never pleaded, He never cajoled; He simply spoke the sternest words mortal ears ever listened to, and then left it alone.

Have I ever heard Jesus say a hard word? Has He said something personally to me that I deliberately listened to? Not something that I could expound on or negotiate around, but something un-compromising.

This man did understand what Jesus said, he heard it and he sized up what it meant, and it broke his heart. He didn't go away defiant; he went away sorrowful, thoroughly discouraged. He came to Jesus full of the fire of earnest desire, and the word of Jesus froze him; instead of producing an enthusiastic devotion, it produced a heartbreaking discouragement.

Our Lord knows perfectly that when we have heard His word, sooner or later, it will bear fruit.
We will stay at that point until we give it, release it, reject it, etc. I wonder what we will say when we do make up our minds to be devoted to Him on that particular point?

One thing is certain, He will never cast us away.

Holy Spirit Study 2

2006-03-03T08:58:00.000-05:00

It is important that the Old and New Testaments are in synch with respect to the Holy Spirit's deity. In Exodus 31:3, the word Elohim is used for the Spirit of God, while in Isaiah 11:2, the word Yahweh is used for the Spirit of the Lord. In Romans 8:9, Paul makes it clear that the OT refers to the deity of the Holy Spirit.

Numerous Bible texts show that the Holy Spirit is God, since He is ascribed the same qualities as God the Father. He is eternal (Heb.9:14); He is all knowing (1Cor.2:10-11); He is all powerful (Rom.15:18-19); and He is everywhere present (Ps.139:7). The names of the persons of the Trinity are also joined in a way that implies full and complete equality of Being and deity (Matt.28:19; 2Cor.13:14).

The Holy Spirit is the only One who can give inner certainty and assurance of our right relationship with God (Rom.8:16). He bears witness to the truth of Jesus' life and ministry (John15:26). He indwells and gives strength to believers (1Cor.6:19; Eph.3:16). He calls and separates believers for Christian service (Acts 8:29; 13:2; 16:6-7). He empowers believers to proclaim the truth that they have known (Acts1:8).

To deny the deity of the Holy Spirit, as some theologians do, is also to deny His personality, making Him only an influence.

The Holy Spirit Study 1

2006-03-02T15:26:00.000-05:00

The writers of Scripture leave little question that the Spirit of God was involved in the creation of the universe. Although the personhood and deity of God's Spirit are not revealed and explained in the Old Testament, Judeo-Christian believers have always inferred His being. Only 3 references to the Holy Spirit by that name are found in the OT (Ps. 51:11; Is. 63:10-11), but other names occur, both covert and crystal clear. The full revelation of the Holy Spirit is found in the New Testament, where there are at least 93 references (per the exhaustive concordance).

The Old Testament word for spirit, ruach, is also translated air, wind, or breath and can mean life, vitality, and storm. This term emphasizes that the Spirit's work is practical. It expresses activity without defining the Spirit's being. Ruach does not imply quiet breath or wind, but a strong motion. The Spirit of the Lord is the mysterious, powerful method of God's activity and dynamic presence in creation. The Spirit is also the animating force of the first man, (He breathed life into Adam).

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, the Executor of the Godhead. This means all that God has done or is doing in the universe is through the Spirit. When we make these statements we are describing God in action, not only in the universe but also in His redemptive purpose for those who choose to accept.

Fun Friday!

2006-02-23T16:17:00.000-05:00

Your boss has just asked you to give a speech in front of the whole company. There is approximately 300 of your associates in the auditorium. Here's the problem......
You have to give the speech naked.

What is your opening statement?

So noone else steals it first, mine would be...... "Is there a draft in here or is it just me?"

har har har!

On Compassion pt.2

2006-02-23T10:30:00.000-05:00

I could not say this better...so I won't try.

From John Baillie's- A Diary of Private Prayer: A Devotional Classic, 1949

O Father in Heaven, who didst fashion my limbs to serve Thee
and my soul to follow hard after Thee, with sorrow and con-
trition of heart I acknowledge before Thee the faults and fail-
ures of the day that is now past....

My failure to be true even to my own accepted standards:

My self-deception in the face of temptation:

My choosing of the worse when I know the better:
O Lord, forgive.

My failure to apply to myself the standards of conduct I
demand of others:

My blindness to the suffering of others and my slowness
to be taught by my own:

My complacence toward wrongs that do not touch my own
case and my over- sensitiveness to those that do:

My slowness to see the good in my fellows and to see the
evil in myself:

My hardness of heart toward my neighbors' faults and
my readiness to make allowances of my own:

My unwillingness to believe that Thou hast called me to a
small work and my brother to a great one:
O Lord, forgive.

What a powerful and humbling prayer.

On Compassion pt.1

2006-02-22T14:21:00.000-05:00

So how do we become more compassionate?

The first step occurs on our knees. I think we must confess our lack of concern.

The promise of 1John 1:9 involves both forgiveness and cleansing: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins." We often forget the second part of the verse: "...and purify us from all unrighteousness."

God not only declares us forgiven and justified but also furthers the cleansing work that He began in us.

When we confess that we don't care if our neighbor is going to hell, God pardons and also perfects. He makes us less stained, wrinkled, angry, contemptuous, or self-absorbed.

We might need to tell our heavenly Father, "I don't care about some people the way I should. I have a cold heart. Please make me more like You- caring, compassionate, gracious, and abounding in mercy. Give me as great a longing to see Your work in people around me as I long for it within my own life. I need You to work this out of me, because I cannot manufacture this kind of compassion by myself."

-more later.

How Much More!

2006-02-15T08:29:00.000-05:00

We were studying in Luke 12 last night and there was a discussion about how often in God's Word, He promises us "How Much More." Each time, He emphasises our value. He gets into all of this to tell us how much He loves us, so we don't have to worry.

Often, people feel just the opposite. They feel that because they worry, He isn't going to be there because of their lack of faith- or until they get it right. That's alot of pressure.

The point is that you can waste energy on worry if you want, but there is little we can do in these matters, besides trusting God.

We discussed verse 30 and how the pagan nations have needs(desires) and will do whatever to get these needs met.

The flip side of that worldly view is the assurance we, The children of our Father, can trust that He knows and will provide.

One gentleman spoke up and said that this was all good in theory, but how do we put this into practice? To consistently trust and not worry.

I would like to know your thoughts.

Fun Friday 4

2006-02-10T08:49:00.000-05:00

When you were a kid, did you ever make up another name for yourself? Well today you can pick another name that you would like to have, but just for the day!

Mine would be James Deucelion. The last name sounds like: Doo-say-lee-own. I just think it sounds cool rolling off the tongue.

Have fun!

Like a bad rash!

2006-02-09T08:47:00.000-05:00

The next time satan is attacking you in that personal way where he always manages to get under your skin, think of this:

The combined forces of hell cannot equal the supernatural power of a single believer. We have Jesus the Christ living within us- the same Christ who was triumphant on the cross and whose final victory over satan is prophesied in the book of Revelation. Through Him, we can conquer satan and win our unseen battles!

On Giving Thanks Pt.2

2006-02-07T08:31:00.000-05:00

Why would God instruct us to thank Him regardless of our circumstances?

The mere idea defies human logic. But then, of course, the Lord doesn't have to go by our man-made rules.

I know that gratitude is not conventionally considered one of the spiritual disciplines; but I like to think of it as one. Otherwise, why would it be so hard to thank God in those rough times?

I think being thankful reminds us that He is always present, which builds our trust, and in turn, strengthens our witness.

When we realize that thankfulness isn't based on emotions or positive results, we can be grateful, even during trials, because the Lord has promised to work everything for our good. (Romans 8:28) That means He has a purpose for every experience, pleasant or hard.

For most people, any adversity is cause for them to be negative, disheartened, and often, depressed. We, as Christians, can show His light to the world by allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us- bolstering us when we don't feel very thankful.

Other people will pay attention. Your coworkers, family, and friends will want that peace that you are showing. So whatever you experience today, defy human logic and Praise God!

Fun Friday 3

2006-02-03T08:20:00.000-05:00

You have just been informed that you won an all expense paid vacation for yourself and a guest to any destination for one week. The stipulation is that you will never be able to take another trip.... Ever. Where are you going to go and who will you take with you?

On Giving Thanks

2006-02-02T09:34:00.000-05:00

"In ordinary life we hardly realize that we
receive a great deal more than we give, and
that it is only with gratitude that life becomes
rich. It is very easy to overestimate the impor-
tance of our own achievements in comparison
with what we owe others."

-Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Answered Prayer?

2006-01-31T09:47:00.000-05:00

"God, these daily headaches are intolerable. Please heal me now!"

"Lord, my boss is clueless and I feel like I'm spinning my wheels. Please help me get another job."

Christians almost universally agree that God answers prayer. But many people, if they were honest, would say, "The Lord answers most prayers, but not mine." We can often call out to God and not receive the satisfactory answer that we want.

The stumbling block isn't God's unwillingness or inability to respond; it's the word satisfactory
that gives us fits.

If we come to God with a preconceived idea of how to solve our problem, we'll likely overlook His true answer.

Sometimes we don't like God's solution. We desire freedom from physical ailments rather than an extra measure of grace to endure the pain. Or we want a new job, instead of seeking our boss's forgiveness for our bad attitude.

In other words, we want the Lord to fix everything without requiring any effort from us.

Our willingness to obey is the key to answered prayer. When He tells us how to resolve our problem(s), we should act as He directs, or we'll never be satisfied.

As I slowly grow, I'm learning to listen quietly and patiently, rather than requesting.

Love That Builds Up

2006-01-30T08:39:00.000-05:00

It seems that throughout the history of humankind, especially the Church there has always been struggle, confusion, and conflict between the primary issue of loving and knowing. What we call the Protestant Reformation, perhaps the greatest split in church history, had much more to do with theology-- what we think we know about God, than praxis--- how we love.

Paul said, “knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.”

It’s not about what we know. It’s about how we love.

Actually it is easier to be convinced that I am right, certain, and the enlightened one. After all, I think, therefore I am. It’s easier to reach for the fruit of knowledge than it is to trust God.

As best I can tell, Jesus was actually serious when he said to love one another. He didn’t say like everyone; agree with everyone; be nice to everyone… he said love one another… it goes both ways and sometimes loving others is painful and I don’t feel like loving others especially those who frustrate me and I “know” are wrong or in my opinion have some silly, scary, shallow and sadistic ideas about God. Does God really want me to love these people? Was Jesus really serious… did Paul know what he was talking about?

I have no problem looking others in the eyes and telling them where they are wrong; my problem is looking myself in the eyes… looking God in the eyes and admitting where I am wrong. If I’m such a master at KNOWING about love, grace, justice and mercy, then how can I so easily turn around and despise those who are created in the same image of God as me?

Paul says, if I know all the mysteries of the future and know everything about everything, but don’t love others, what good am I?

Someone once said that spiritual insanity is knowing what is right, hearing what is right and doing the opposite.

When I get honest with myself and God I begin to heal… I begin the process of transformation that happens through letting go of my self-righteousness and control and surrendering to God’s love. Just as I cannot transform the minds of others through puffed-up knowledge, I cannot expect to transform my life on knowledge alone. It takes God working in my life and heart. It begins with my willingness to allow God to be God in my life.

The way we live out our mission is not by reaching for the fruit of knowledge that can only puff us up and potentially kill us, but to a live a life of love… God, self, and especially others… that is what will build us up… that... love... is what will give us life.

Fun Friday 2

2006-01-27T08:18:00.000-05:00

Describe what your all time favorite meal would be.

Mine might and probably would be subject to change-but for now:

A bacon wrapped filet mignon~ seared, not grilled
Coconut crusted shrimp
A colorful salad with a bleu cheese vinaigrette dressing
crusty on the outside and fluffy on the inside slightly sweet brown bread with plenty of butter
and although etiquette would tell you red, I'd have a glass or two of nice German Leibfraumilch.

Only Hope

2006-01-26T13:25:00.000-05:00

I love music. All kinds, especially old stuff. There are alot of songs on the radio nowadays that I tune out though. I know why, If I don't like the melody, then I normally won't listen to the lyrics.

Occasionally, I stop to really listen to the words.

Today I was blessed.

The song was "Only Hope" by Caedmon's Call. The verse was:

"I have long withstood Your grace,
King, provoked You to Your face,
Would not hearken to Your calls,
Grieved You by a thousand falls."

The chorus follows to say that Jesus is our only hope.

I just wanted to share that, in case you hadn't listened closely either.

How we fall each day and deny His call to righteousness. Thank God for His mercy and grace.

FUN FRIDAY!!!

2006-01-20T09:28:00.000-05:00

I'm starting a new thing for 2 reasons:

1. To add a bit of levity to my sight, and-

2. To get people more involved.

So each Friday, I will put out a (hopefully) fun question for my readers to answer. So don't feel obligated, and you can post anonymously, but I am interested in what's bouncing around in your heads.

Here's this weeks question:

Who is your favorite 80's, glam rock, spandex wearing, high hair sprayed, Mtv rock band video/song of all time?

This may date some of us, and others may not know or care what I'm talking about.

This morning's study

2006-01-18T08:49:00.000-05:00

My wife and I were studying in Acts 12 this morning and I wanted to share a few blessings that we were shown.

When Herod captured Peter and put him in prison, he appointed four squads of soldiers to watch over him. Now I don't know exactly how many are in a squad, but I imagine it's a few. And likewise, in the cell, he had a guard on each side of him, he was in chains, behind a locked door, with guards watching the door from the other side.

I'm thinking that Herod must have been worried about something to have that many soldiers guarding one man. Did he hear rumors of this strange power that these followers of that man called Jesus had, or maybe he was fearful of a mob revolt by some wayward Gentiles. Who knows.

So, here's Peter, in a dark, oppressive prison cell. Isn't our sin like that sometimes? Held captive in a dark situation where there seems that no hope will come. I think it's at those times when God knows you are out of options, when you can't figure a way to escape by yourself, that amazing miracles happen.

Was Peter weeping and fretting about his future? Peter was asleep! The angel of the Lord had to hit him to wake him up, for heaven's sake. I'm sorry, I can't say I'm there yet. Peter reminds me of Abraham taking his son up the mountain to sacrifice him. Like Abraham, Peter didn't know what was going to happen in the morning, but it really didn't matter. That's faith in the midst of your circumstances.

I also noticed that in verse 7, the angel shone a light into the cell. I would think that angels don't need lights to get around, so it must have been to guide Peter's way. That is so cool that God brings it down to our level and shows us the path to follow. It's interesting that the guards were not disturbed by the light. I mean, if I'm lying in bed asleep and someone shines a light in my face, I guarantee you, I'm going to wake up. Do you think God made it so the guards could not see the light?

Where the light shines, The chains will fall.

Have I Gotta Deal For You!

2006-01-13T10:22:00.000-05:00

Pastor Parsley: You'll Have No Reason To Fear With This Sword That I'll Send You…. (For your Donation)

Is this just weird, or is it me? This is now available from <TV Preacher Rod Parsley>...

The Sword of the King

A symbol of your freedom to walk in fearlessness in 2006!

God’s promise for you in Isaiah 41:10 is, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

You have no reason to fear in 2006! And The Sword of the King is a beautiful reminder of that promise! This sword is a replica of the sword of the legendary King Arthur and features:

* Intricate detail throughout the handle and blade.
* Two-tone antique copper- and gold-colored metal handle.
* Polished stainless steel blade detailed with the cross of Christ.
* Beautiful display board with wood grain finish and two gold-colored studs to hang the sword from.
* A length of 37 inches.

Display this specially crafted sword in your home as a reminder that this is your year to walk in complete fearlessness, according to Isaiah 41:10!

Give just $41.10, as a statement of faith that you believe in Isaiah 41:10, and get the SWORD OF THE KING today!

So, I'll tell you what.... If you send ME $41.10 today, I'll send you the Sheild of Faith to go with it. It may look conspicuously like a plastic CoolWhip bowl lid, but trust me, it is an authentic Sheild of Faith.

Sorry, I just get a little irked when I picture a bunch of old ladies with these swords hanging on the walls of their one room apartments while eating Banquet TV dinners.

I wonder what ol' Rod's driving these days.

Psalm 1:1

2006-01-12T07:40:00.000-05:00

I wrote this study a couple of years ago. The Psalms never fail to bring me comfort.

Psalm 1:1
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.
This is such a short and simple verse and I know I’ve read it dozens of times but, as usual, God decided that this time I was going to see something different in it. It’s just one sentence, but it speaks volumes. I think it not only teaches us how to live a holy and separate life but what’s more amazing to me is the warning it gives us concerning that slippery slide into sin and how easy it can be.
Let’s look at this verse as it mirrors our lives today. First we casually walk by a situation. We’re curious or even intrigued by that sin we see or hear but we keep on walking. I mean what’s the big deal right? We’re strong enough to resist. In fact, we can walk by that as much as we want.
Then we’re walking by one day and we’ve got a few minutes on our hands so let’s just stand there for a bit and observe. It doesn’t hurt to look. Just because we hear that sin doesn’t mean we have to believe it. Jesus hung out with sinners anyway. Lighten up already!
You know there’s not much use standing around and looking conspicuous. Besides who wouldn’t rather sit down. It’s easier to see what’s going on and hear the conversations. In fact we’d probably have a lot of valuable input. And why should we feel bad. Just because we sit with them doesn’t mean we’re like them. We’re getting along with everybody… even God… He gets our Sundays...... right?
I think rarely is that slide into sin or that slipping away from God earth shattering, or at least we choose not to notice. The slide can be so gentle and easy that it’s sometimes imperceptible until it’s too late. So let’s walk with the righteous, and stand up for Christ… and sit down to read God’s Holy word and pray.

Avoiding Prison

2006-01-10T11:39:00.000-05:00

I was driving past our county jail the other day and I noted how long it was taking to build the new section.
A spiritual prison, too, can be erected very slowly, one sin at a time without a believer noticing.

Ensnarements happen slowly, beginning with a thought. Over time, unless these thoughts are eradicated, contemplation turns into action. With satan falsely promising happiness as the reward for giving in to temptation, sin gains strength through repetition until our conscience is finally overpowered. One morning we wake to find that the devil holds our will in bondage.

But we can avoid spiritual chains. Our first step is accept two basic truths: all sin enslaves, and bondage begins in the mind. We can't maintain a healthy relationship with the Lord while indulging sin. When a wrong thought creeps into our consciousness, we have the choice to expel it or embrace it. Through the Holy Spirit, every believer has the power to change his mind.

A second step is to ask ourselves, Is the pleasure of this sin worth the consequences of being imprisoned? Inevitably, the answer must be no.

Third, we order our life according to God's Word. Make the choice to place yourself in bondage to the Father because we find true freedom in Him. His Word trains us to recognize wrongdoing and expel it from our hearts.

Talk to Him always.

Falling

2006-01-04T08:51:00.000-05:00

A pastor in our community resigned from his church the other day because he was caught having an inappropriate relationship with an underage girl.

Many things go through our heads at a time like this. A member of his flock must have a myriad of feelings. Shock, dismay, righteous indignation, anger, betrayal, sadness, even rage.

I'm also just as sure that there are those both saved and unsaved that may feel vilified or even relish in an affirmation of their preconceived "Hypocrite Christian" viewpoint.

It is my hope that there are also some people who might feel compassion, hope for restoration, and a sense of humbleness that "there but for the grace of God go I."

This called to memory a similar situation in my church a few years ago where a very gifted and learned leader let self and pride come between himself and God. If the church had been an orchestra, he would have been the conductor, and he was good at it. The problem was that the church had been steadily losing members, largely because this person couldn't relinquish control of anything and often intimidated people, including our pastor, to get his way. Through much heartbreak, the board asked him to step down from a leadership role for awhile and be a part of the body, sitting in a pew, rejoicing, singing, worshipping, and listening for what the Holy Spirit had to say each week. That wasn't good enough. Self and Pride won out, and he, along with his whole family, left the church immediately. I know thay my sister and I loved them very much and were broken to see them go. I pray to this day that he has found peace once again with Jesus.

It's a hard thing when our desires of self become the god we worship more than the true God that we should wholly serve.

If a leader, or any brother or sister, for that matter, denies and defies when they are confronted according to the Gospel, then of course they should be taken out to the woodshed, but, I can't stress enough that we must have compassion and a hope of restoration for those who have fallen and turned away because the world won't give it!

You might be thinking that it wouldn't have been as bad had the sin involved an older woman, or that he should have known better because he was a pastor, but before we jump on the bandwagon and throw stones, let's ask ourselves where we have fallen each day. We are all called to be priests, holy and sanctified. How often do we cut corners, or turn into someone else when we drive, or abuse God's temples with alcohol, tobacco, or excessive amounts of food, or gossip about that horrible and weak pastor?

We all, daily, require our Father's forgiveness, compassion, mercy, and restoration.... And I know He asks the same from us.

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

John 8:7 (concerning the adulteress) He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.

I ask that the readers of my blog pray with me for this pastor who loves the Lord but has lost his way. Pray for a renewed relationship between himself and the Lord. Pray for his family and the church that looked to him for guidance. And that they will all find some peace in this trying time.

God Bless

Feeling Loved

2006-01-03T15:45:00.000-05:00

How many people know that God loves them but yet they don't feel loved by God?

I'll be the first to admit that I have felt that way many times in my walk with Christ.

What causes us to believe this?

1. We believe the devil's lies about us.
1 Peter 5:8 exhorts us to be sober and vigilant because satan goes around like a roaring lion seking whom he may devour.

2. We have an unworthy feeling about ourselves.
1 Peter 2:24 said that Jesus Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness- by Who's stripes we were healed.

We can claim the supernatural life that is ours when we surrender our whole lives to Him. If we confess our doubts and fears and ask Him to take them and then....(and here's the important part), don't pick them back up, we can then open our hearts to Feel His love because we have released the guilt and shame.

Ephesians 3:20 says,"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.

WOW! Isn't that exciting? Not only can we live in His love but He has sent the power, which is the Holy Spirit, to help us. Praise God our Father.

None of my bidness

2005-12-20T15:08:00.000-05:00

"What you think of me is none of my business."

Have you ever heard people say this who want to believe it?

Imagine if you lived your life in a way that you did not care too much about how others perceived you.

What would your life look like? Would everything change? Would you laugh less often at stupid jokes or laugh more at the truly funny jokes?Would you tell your boss "no" more often and yourself "yes" more frequently?Would you be more honest in your relationships?

I was recently asked for my opinion of someone and I realized that it doesn’t matter what I think of them.Why is what I think of them any of their business?Who cares what I think?What matters is what they think of themselves.Do I posses the power and authority to speak for another?And the same can be said for me, what you think of me is really none of my business, right?

The problem with listening to others’ opinions about another is that those who are often the most verbose with their opinions are the least healthy and self-reflective.

So I think I’ll start my evaluation with, "what I think of you is really none of your business. So with whatever I say, take what you like and leave the rest."

What does matter is what God thinks of you and how you internalize who you are as one of God’s beloved children.

Woe to You, Chorazin!

2005-12-15T12:38:00.000-05:00

I was reading in Matthew this morning and I came across one of those passages that you've read a hundred times before, but then something great gets in.

The scripture I want to talk about is as follows-

Matthew 11:20-24 NASB
The Unrepenting Cities
20Then He began to denounce the cities in which most of His miracles were done, because they did not repent.
21"Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles had occurred in Tyre and Sidon which occurred in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
22"Nevertheless I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you.
23"And you, Capernaum, will not be exalted to heaven, will you? You will descend to Hades; for if the miracles had occurred in Sodom which occurred in you, it would have remained to this day. 24"Nevertheless I say to you that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for you."

The city of Sidon was a hotbed of Phoenician idolatry(Isa 23; Ez 28) and materialism.
Tyre was at one time, an important coastal port. Ezekial foretold that continuous invasions would make it a place where only fishermen dry their nets. And we all know what happened to Sodom.

Jesus is chastising Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum because they have had the blessing of His presence, His teaching, and His miracles and yet they do not repent. These other cities didn't have that benefit and yet will be better off than those who have heard but not listened.
Revelation 13:9 says, "He who has an ear, let him hear.

Here we are in this great nation today, striking the name and title of Jesus our Christ from public prayer. People were outraged when the Speaker of the House, Dennis Hastert referred to the politically correct "Capitol Holiday Tree" as the Capitol Christmas Tree. There are too many examples of this type of behavior for a nation where 91% of the citizens proclaim a belief in God.

So much is said about a God of love, but we tippy toe around about a God of wrath.

Let's hear and fear Him

PAY ATTENTION!

2005-12-14T10:38:00.000-05:00

PAY ATTENTION By Dr. James MacDonald
Now therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation. Hebrews 2:1-2
The Christian life is not a destination; it’s a journey. While it began at a point in time when you came to the cross, it most certainly doesn’t stop there. Are you moving ahead into all the great things that God has for you? One of the primary messages of the book of Hebrews is, “keep growing.” The author repeatedly warns believers in Christ Jesus to keep our relationship with God current. Don’t let your heart get hard, or cold, or calloused to the things of Christ but press on to what’s ahead. Hebrews 2:1 urges: “Now therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.”
When you came to Christ you made some promises to God, right? How are you doing with them? Don’t drift away from the most important thing in your life. Here are some penetrating questions to keep your relationship with God moving ahead:
Does my life give evidence of a person truly redeemed by the Son of God?
Does my faith endure in hard times as well asgood times?
Does my life reflect a growing pattern of righteousness?
Do I have an increasing hunger for God’s Word and a passion for God’s kingdom?
Is my love increasing for God and His people?
You say, “I don’t want to drift away. What can I do?” Perfect question! Your answer is in verse 1: “Therefore we must pay close attention.” What a great wake-up call! “Pay attention—this matters!” If you think you might be drifting away a little bit—come back! If you’ve been caught up in other things and lost sight of your primary purpose—come back to the Lord. In the most loving way I know how, I urge you to stay on course. If it’s been several days . . . or weeks since you knelt in humility before the Lord with your life open before him, get on your knees right now. Review the five questions above. Ask the Lord to show you the areas of your heart that need a fresh touch from him and a recommitment from you.

Here's What I Know

2005-12-12T14:48:00.000-05:00

I don't know why God allows evil things to happen, but I'm glad that He did allow one evil thing to happen- He allowed Jesus to die on the cross. That was, from the human perspective, an evil thing. He was an innocent man who died at the hands of angry, threatening people. This is fact. We know that it happened. And we also know that, three days later, this Jesus rose from the dead. This one historical fact that we do know outweighs the many other things that I don't know about God.

From God's perspective, this was a good thing. Because Jesus rose from the dead, I know there's life after death for those who follow Him. That gaurantee of eternity makes the pains of this life seem much more bearable. As the New Testament says, "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." Romans 8:18.
What I know outweighs what I don't know.

As a result, I think that having hope makes more sense than having bitterness. I think that believing in God at whatever He does is better than cursing Him. I think that having Jesus' name on my lips as my Lord and Savior is better than having His name on my lips as a swear word. I think that joy fits reality better than despair does, and assurance of eternal life fits better than the fear of death. I think that basing that assurance on the historically factual events of the Cross and Resurrection is better than any kind of false, psyched-up crossing of my fingers. I think that following and obeying Christ and His morals produce a much better life than following my desires, my hormones, or my sinful fantasies.

Would anyone listen to such a long tirade? Maybe not. But even if we deliver only a part of this message, especially in the way we act, we've given nonbelievers an answer to an unasked, but perceived question as to why we would choose to submit to an old book and a Master they cannot see.

Falling in a Ditch

2005-12-08T08:50:00.000-05:00

Why is it that the most arrogant people are often the most ignorant?

Seems like it would be a contradiction, doesn’t it?

Arrogance comes from the Latin that means to assume. Ignorance from Latin means something like not aware. Surely you have the relative at the family reunion or an outspoken friend who is an expert on everything. He or she assumes that he knows what he is talking about but is clearly not aware. What’s scary is that usually, if not always, the person is unaware that he is not aware of his assumptions. In other words, he is ignorant of his ignorance and arrogance.

And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch. Matthew 15:14

Think about when the arrogant lead the ignorant, what happens then? I fall in a ditch.

I am often embarrassed by my ignorance and arrogance. Reflecting on the times in my life that I have been most arrogant is often when I have been the most ignorant. This typically happens when I am attempting to impose my views, that is, my judgments on others. Sadly, most of my arrogance was based on ignorance. I spoke about people who I had never met or associated. Regardless of how much I knew or thought I knew or how sincere I was about my convictions doesn’t mean that I know what I’m talking about, like Charles Kettering said, “You can be sincere and still be stupid.”

It also seems that ignorance and arrogance is often alive and well in religious and political circles. If you ever meet someone with all the answers and they are arrogant, this includes pseudo-humility, there's a strong chance that you are dealing with an ignorant person. Perhaps my writing that line qualifies me for that club.

I think of the people Jesus butted heads with on his journey. These folks were the ones with the answers to life. They had their law books and could tell you how to live. They were arrogant about the law and ignorant about love.

Ever met a religious person who is arrogant about the law and ignorant about love?

If anyone was going to be arrogant you think that Jesus or some other spiritual person like Mother Theresa or Gandhi would have been. Yet each of these souls possessed something beyond belief, knowledge and the law… Love.

Love moves beyond belief, knowledge and law.

Pride vanquishes in the presence of the Mystery, for I know that I do not know.
I can assume I know and yet not be aware, making me both arrogant and ignorant.
We can possess beliefs, knowledge and laws and still not walk in Love.

Jesus said that the world would know him by the way we love one another, not how much we think we know or what we claim to believe-- otherwise we just fall in a ditch.

Best Friends

2005-11-30T07:36:00.000-05:00

I heard this radio program last night about a street urchin who snuck into an old widows kitchen to steal some eggs. As he was leaving, he was startled by a light coming on and dashed out the door, only to fall in the darkened alley breaking the eggs and scraping his knees.
The old widow, seeing all of this, came to the door to help the little boy up and into a kitchen chair.
The boy sat terrified at being caught and quietly awaited his punishment. The old lady patiently cleaned the egg residue off of his hands and clothes and cleaned and dressed his wounded knees. When she was through, the boy looking perplexed, asked her why she had done this instead of beating him or calling the police. The woman replied that the eggs were hers and noone else's and that she had chosen to forgive him for stealing them.
The boy was amazed at the woman's kindness. He thanked her and began to leave. The old woman asked the boy where he was living and he told her that he had made up a nice shelter a few alleyways over. The woman said that she wanted him to stay the night in her spare bedroom. The boy, of course, refused but the woman kept insisting. She said it wouldn't be any bother and she would not disturb him because her bedroom was upstairs while his would be downstairs adjacent to the kitchen. The boy questioned why she would allow him to sleep next to the kitchen and back door knowing what he had just attempted.
The woman replied that friends must learn to have faith in each other and that he should decide whether their new found friendship was more valuable than a few eggs.

That story caused me to think about my best friend Jesus, and how He has chosen to forgive us our transgressions. He's cleaned us up and offered us shelter from the world. He doesn't see me as an urchin. He sees me as a joint heir. Praise God!

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24

Giving Thanks

2005-11-23T11:14:00.000-05:00

In honor of the Thanksgiving holiday I wanted to share a Peanuts comic strip with y'all.

It shows the Peanuts gang inside getting ready to enjoy a sumptuous turkey dinner and in the next frame you see Snoopy sitting on top of his dog house with a bowl of dog food. We all know how much he hates his dog food and he has a look of disgust as he is depressed because he can't be inside to share in the meal. In the third frame he resolves himself by thinking- "It could be worse, I could have been born a turkey."

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Have a blessed Thanksgiving

Is God Fair?

2005-11-22T09:50:00.000-05:00

Have you ever felt like God has forgotten you, or that wicked people seem to get ahead, have more stuff, and don't seem to have as many burdens? When I say wicked, I mean people who are living with principles of "self" instead of God's principles.

In Psalm 73 Asaph is complaining to God about ungodly people because they-
have no struggles
don't have the same daily burdens
get away with oppressing others
mock God
are always carefree

In verses 13-15 He says not only is there no benefit to being good, but there is also a price to be paid for being good. And his heart is grieved.(vs.21)

Envy and comparison will always be a stumbling block to faith.

Notice starting in verse 16, he begins to turn his heart towards God. He said that he walked into the sanctuary of God. He isn't talking about corporate worship here. It's private and personal.

Turn our focus totally toward God and get alone with Him.

In verse 18 He starts to see that the wicked have costs too. And nothing is always and all.
He sums it up in verse 28, "But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, That I may declare all Your good works.

"As far as I can remember, being a celebrity has never helped me make a good picture ... or command the obedience of my daughter, or impress my wife. It doesn't even seem to help keep fleas off our dog, and if being a celebrity won't give one an advantage over a couple fleas, then I guess there can't be that much in being a celebrity after all." - Walt Disney

So... Is God fair?

Absolutely Not!

Or else we would get what we deserve. Thank You Jesus!

Our National Motto

2005-11-16T15:31:00.000-05:00

If I were to ask the average American Joe or Jane what our national motto is, do you think they could tell me? Do you think they would even care? Well if you've been a reader of my blog for any time at all, you've probably guessed that it has something to do with God. Well you'd be right. It's "IN GOD WE TRUST."

This all came about because a simple preacher wrote a letter to the Secretary of the Treasury, Salmon P. Chase in 1861 proposing that we should acknowledge Almighty God on our money because it would- "relieve us from the ignominy of heathenism. This would place us under the Divine protection we have personally claimed. From my hearth I have felt our national shame in disowning God as not the least of our present national disasters."

From 1938 until the present, that statement of faith has been on virtually every form of American currency.

A law passed by the Joint Resolution of the 84th Congress and approved by the President on July 30, 1956 declared "IN GOD WE TRUST" the national motto of the United States of America.

Notice that our motto isn't "IN god WE TRUST", or "IN gods WE TRUST." It signifies the one true GOD above all other gods. It's really scary how prophetic that simple preacher's concern about disowning God was when you read and hear about the ACLU and other groups passionately trying to eliminate any and every mention of the Triune Godhead.

Psalm 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen as His inheritance.

Isaiah 60:12 For the nation and kingdom which will not serve You shall perish, And those nations shall be utterly ruined.

Are we as passionate about TRUSTING in our GOD?

Stretch Out Your Hand

2005-11-09T09:38:00.000-05:00

"Do you want to be healed?"

"It is easy to tell people that you are feeling tense. It is not as easy to tell three or four people in a small group of the great ache in your heart because a relationship with your husband or wife, son, daughter, or friend has fallen apart at the seams. Nor is it easy to talk of your fears—losing your job, the operation you face, losing your mother who is dying. But when you do and turn with hope to God and the prayers of members of the group, a slow inner transformation begins that never fails to surprise people and that keeps them coming back." Avery Brooke, Healing in the Landscape of Prayer

I think many folks visit church for the first time due to a great big ache in their soul that longs to be acknowledged and healed. Is your community the place where true transformation and healing begins? Or is it only a place where you can tell people you are feeling tense?

Transformation is a $10 word that is tossed around the church often. I wonder if we talk about transformation so much because it is so rare?

Perhaps the first step toward healing or transformation is to admit that we need healing. Maybe the next step is to show or acknowledge our wounds. Perhaps that is what Jesus meant when he said: "Stretch out our hand."

Is your congregation a place where folks can stretch out their hands?

You Are There

2005-11-03T09:17:00.000-05:00

Have you ever read a story or parable in the Bible and wondered what you would be doing if you were there? Think of the feeding of the 5000. Would you be discussing with your friends the impossibility of a seemingly endless supply of food coming out of the basket being passed around, or by faith would you just accept it?

What if you were in the garden with your best friend over the past three years? Your Lord and Savior is in obvious pain and stress and you can do nothing about it. All of a sudden a huge and intimidating group of soldiers appears to take Him away and possibly kill or torture Him. What are you going to do? Flee? Throw yourself in front of Him inviting imminent death? Or stand numbly in shock as they take Him away.

I was reading in Luke 5 this morning about the paralytic man and his four friends that were carrying him on a stretcher, doing what they could to get him to Jesus. I would hope that I would be one of those men willing to do anything necessary to get my crippled friend to the feet of Jesus where he will have his sins forgiven and paralysis ended. Would I be? Or would I be pushing through the crowd trying to see and hear the prophet for myself not even thinking of my friend? Or, worse yet, would I just stay home because of the hassle- and I hate crowds-and they're all dumb anyway for following anybody anywhere?

What am I like today? Am I willing to do everything I can to bring my sick, broken, and sin paralyzed friends to the feet of Jesus? All too often I just stay at home.

Neighbors and Enemies

2005-11-01T10:33:00.000-05:00

It seems like pain and suffering in ourselveswould teach us a little about pain and suffering in others.

Too often it doesn’t.

It seems like having a loved one face a potential life threatening illness would soften our hearts to others who are facing a life threatening illness.

Too often it doesn’t.

It would seem that knowing the fear pain, confusion, hurt and loss that is associated with a loved one’s suffering would move us in a manner that we would never want to see another human suffer.

It would be rather hypocritical to beg God to heal and cure my friends and family while I live a life that perpetuates indifference and even hatred toward others.I may not be violent, but I surely am not following Jesus when it comes to loving my enemies.

Something seems wrong with "Dear God, please heal my wife." While I advocate sending kids off to a foreign land to kill and hurt the "enemy" and to be killed and injured by the "enemy." Does God only hear my prayers? I mean, does God hear my prayers for healing of a loved one while ignoring those who live opposite of my views? If God hears my prayers knowing my potential for evil, what would possess me to think that somehow God wouldn’t hear the prayer of those who differ from me? That is about the same mentality as, "Please God help my team win" while hoping the opponent’s quarterback gets creamed.If I am going to pray for a loved one, it would seem that God would expect me to pray with at least the same intensity for the healing of others. Too often I don’t. I wonder how that impacts God? Seriously, I wonder what God must think? "Dude, I know you love your wife, but how 'bout passing on some prayers for those you can't stand."

Perhaps that is a mark of my spiritual maturity? Praying with the same intensity for those I dislike as those I love. Passionately praying for those who I think are my enemies the same way Jesus instructed. If so, I am not all that mature.
I need to repent. I mean if I am going to use the Word and talk about repenting I ought to at least repent and turn toward the Love and believe the Good News. That is, that God loves us all the same. Even those I don't like.
But while I am begging God to heal those I know and love there are those with whom I differ who are begging God to heal those they love. Tonight as we pray for a friend to be healed from cancer there is a mother begging God to return her son or daughter home safely from a war or a dissident begging God to help end government oppression and abuse or some woman begging God to end the violence in her own home. If I am going to pray, then my prayer life ought to transform my world view and the way I live. My prayer life ought to not be only for my healing but the healing of the planet. Because, prayer really isn't all about me.

Lord in you mercy hear OUR prayer(s).

The Band of Bullies

2005-10-31T09:59:00.000-05:00

Walking down the street you are heading towards home. It has been a delightful day with areas of victories and successes to be proud of. And then it happens before you can realize it: you are in danger. A bunch of guys come out, seemingly out of the blue, and surround you! This band of bullies begin the initial taunt and jeering of your character and personality. You stand there stunned asking yourself, how do they know my weaknesses like they do? There is an obvious leader who decides to confront you by saying to you, “sissy, what are you going to do about it?” Your heart races, and the fear for your life begins to take view asking yourself internally “What should I do? Where can I run to? Who is going to help me?” So, the gang leader again approaches you and this time physically pushes you in the chest saying “loser, what are you going to do about it?” And before you know it this bully has your arm twisted behind you back which causes an intense sharp pain in the arm as you crouch over facing the ground attempting to levy the pain away. Taking advantage of your position of weakness, the bully gets really close to your ear and whispers, “hey loser, what are you going to do now?” This band of bullies are now in full force laughing and making belittling comments about who you are and your predicament. One of many probable thoughts running your head is how did I ever get into to this? And more importantly, a thought that if I get out of this, I will never in my life time walk down this street again.Feeling helpless, powerlessness, ambushed, overwhelmed and fearful are common themes in recovering from sin. Such experiences occur when sudden attacks corners us, like being surrounded by the band of bullies. Their main goal is to remind you of your past behavior and who you were when in the throngs of a familiar pattern of sin and acting out. This band of bullies knows nothing of edifying, encouraging or mercy. For that is not their job. The band of bullies job is to remind you and distract you from the Truth that God has offered mercy for all your sins, even your vices. And this band of bullies know that if they can distract you enough from the Truth of mercy, emotionally you will spiral and not experience victory in your behavior, thoughts and feelings.Mercy is a powerful word in that it is received, as it is accepted. God so desires you to grasp that His mercy is powerful and wants you to take it in to be part of you. When we sit in the shame and guilt of past behavior, tormenting thoughts and feelings feeds a defeated attitude. In that we then become polarized, stuck in the moment. U2, a famous rock band from Ireland, wrote a song entitled “Stuck in a moment” which was written after a friend of the band completed suicide after a long battle with his “demons.” To summarize the idea that being “stuck in the moment” is the twisting of the arm by the enemy and we place our face to the ground in a powerless moment. But crying out for help and receiving that mercy from God empowers us to not be “stuck in the moment” but moving towards better and hopeful moments. Being “stuck in the moment” can be pure helplessness but not powerlessness. Your prayer life has a strong part in the ushering the power of mercy into your life, and maybe more forgiveness towards yourself.One can encourage people to take the mercy God offers, but it takes faith to accept that mercy in spite of life events and situations. God offers mercy to you irregardless of your situation brought on by you or by a band of bullies. Crying “uncle, UNCLE, UNCLE,” will not release you from the enemies clutches. It is relying and believing on the mercy of God that you can say “Jesus help me” or, “God help me,” and/or “Holy Spirit, help me I am in danger” chases off the band of bullies. God’s mercy is the element that will pick you up no matter what befalls you. It is the key to your accepting and receiving forgiveness from God. Even though He gives it, you have to receive it by faith.Continuing with the introduction story: So you are facing the ground and the band of bullies are in full force, so you call out, “God help me.” Then in a powerful quiet approach, three blurred figures come towards the band of bullies. This blurred three approaches with synchronized momentum as they come quickly from behind the leader of the band of bullies, who has no idea what is happening. But then he sees that his troupe is breaking apart and then running off, leaving him all by himself to deal with this blurred three which comes into focus as One. As He approaches, makes eye contact and states, “Flee, NOW.” The leader releases your arm and struts off saying with a defiant attitude, “yeah, whatever, I’ll be back, you’ll see.” As he walks away you fall to the ground narrowly miss hitting your face as your one un-injured arm supports the hard landing. This Helper is now reaching out to you offering comfort and encouraging you to sit and recover because He will keep watch for you. You are too weak to get up now, “rest with Me” He says. Then He reaches out and takes your arm over His shoulder and supports you to stand. He brushes you off, and walks with you home.On the way home, you finally recognize who it is. It’s your Heavenly Father. “Dad” you say, “I am so embarrassed, they made fun of me and all that I was.” He responds, “First my child, I love you for who you are today and who you will become tomorrow and lastly I can assure you I will deal with that band of bullies in due time.” He smiles and you both continue the walk home. “It is sure a long walk home,” you say. He responds, “yes, but I am here right with you to support you if you let me, I wont force myself on you, please don’t do it alone.”

James 4:7

Guilt and How to Feel Forgiven

2005-10-20T10:01:00.000-05:00

1. Remember that what God has forgiven, you have no right to continue feeling guilty about. In other words, if God has forgiven you, then you must be willing to forgive yourself.

2. Confess the guilt as though it, in itself, is a sin. When you refuse to accept God's forgiveness, you are saying that Christ's sacrifice was not enough to handle your sin.

3. Discipline your mind to stop thinking about whatever keeps making you feel guilty. satan wants to keep you bound up in guilt so you will be ineffective for God.

4. Pass along that forgiveness to others. Comforting others with the same comfort that you have received helps greatly in the healing process.

5. Give yourself a break. It takes time. There will be setbacks, but with patience and persistence you can break the stranglehold of guilt and unworthiness.

Without Love

2005-10-06T14:37:00.000-05:00

Speaking the Truth in Love?

What does it mean to speak the truth in love?Have you ever noticed that those who claim to speak the "truth in love" rarely are compassionate, loving people?

Wonder why that is?

Rarely do I see the love.As a mater of fact, most often when I hear someone saying, "I’m just speaking the truth in love" I can be fairly sure it’s not about love or truth. It is frequently about manipulation, control, or some distorted, ego-centric ideal of truth, which isn’t really truth.

It reminds me of Jack Nicholson in the movie, A Few Good Men. You may recall when on the witness stand his character said, "Truth, you want the truth? You can’t handle the truth!" For some reason this high-ranking officer assumed he possessed and controlled the truth. Like many folks in religious circles, he justified his actions as truth while hiding behind his hatred and power.

And that is where the problem lies.

Without love,there is no truth.

For, according to Jesus the supreme reality, the ultimate meaning and value of existence-- the truth--is love.And love appears to be the truth that many can’t handle,especially for those so caught up in speaking the truth.

In You I am well pleased

2005-10-05T09:37:00.000-05:00

I was reading in Luke 3 and I thought this was really cool! Starting at vs. 21. Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus was also baptized, and while He was praying, heaven was opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came out of heaven, "You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased."

The first thing I noticed is that this account of Christ's baptism is unadorned compared to the other gospels. John isn't even mentioned! I also found it interesting that it said He was in the act of talking to God when heaven opened up.

What really blew me away was the end of verse 22 where the Father says,"You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased. Why would God say He was pleased? Is it because He is holy? Or is it because He is a good teacher?
I think God chose to speak aloud in front of the masses for the first time in over 400 years because Jesus was willing to humble Himself by identifying Himself with the Gentile people. Who were these people? As John the Baptist said back in Luke 3:3, they were being baptized of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. They were non-Jewish sinners that Moses' law could not save. And as we all know, Jesus was sinless! I think that's why God was so proud. Jesus led by humility. There was no need, but He set an example for us, even at the beginning of His ministry.

Waiting on Heaven

2005-10-03T15:42:00.000-05:00

Waiting On Heaven
If I should die upon a day and there soon be forgotten.
I'll soar above to old friends dear and play on clouds of cotton.

Of pixie dust and fairy lands and dreams of come what may
-all childish tales I've left behind for promised crowns to lay.

With lions and lambs and streets of gold and banquets where we feast,
I burst with joy to know someday I'll sit with the King of Peace.

JG

Are You a Camel?

2005-09-29T15:10:00.000-05:00

There is a Middle Eastern way to teach camels to become useful to their masters. The way it works is that when a camel is young, the teacher will continue to pile object upon object on the camel's back until it is so weighted down that it has no choice but to kneel down. The teacher then begins to take weight off of the animal's back. When the camel feels it can, it will rise up. The teacher will then tap the camel on the hump to kneel. Of course, the camel, being immature and stubborn will not readily kneel so the patient teacher will again pile burdens on the camels back, occasionally tapping on the camel's back until it kneels again. Eventually the camel kneels with just a gentle tap on the back and becomes a willing tool for it's master.
How much does this sound like us? If we learn to kneel in prayer and look to our Master for instruction, our burdens will be light.

Matthew 11:28-30 NIV 28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Jesus in the Temple

2005-09-28T09:16:00.000-05:00

We had an interesting and lively discussion last evening in Bible study. We have been studying the book of Luke and we were in chapter 2. When we started talking about Jesus as a child of 12 in the Temple(vs.41-51), people started asking alot of questions and providing various opinions. I must say, I found this very exciting because you can read a passage over and over and it's like you're skimming the surface and then SPLASH! you're immersed in it.

Several points here:
1. In that culture and time, a child was not considered responsible for his or her own sins until the age of 13. Jesus was 12 at the time.
2. If Jesus were of age and in the Temple telling the teachers of His intimate relationship with His Father, He probably would have been drug out and stoned.
3. No self- respecting Jew would have said "My Father". They might have said "Our Father".
4. Some translations say in vs. 49, "in My Father's house". I like the more literal Greek, "about My Father's affairs."
5. Mary was most likely relaying this message to Luke years later and held these memories dear to her heart.

Questions:
1. Did Jesus "sin" when He chose to disappoint and worry His parents in vs.48?
2. How did He know about "His Father's affairs"?
3. In vs. 48 again, If His parents were amazed at His knowledge, who taught Him?
4. vs. 50. Why would His parents not understand His statement, considering their hidden knowledge of His conception?

Where The Buck Stops

2005-09-19T09:50:00.000-05:00

“To pass the buck” is an American colloquialism signifying to evade accountability by passing it on to someone else. President Harry S. Truman had a card on his desk bearing the words, “The Buck Stops Here.” The motto meant that blame for just about everything stopped at his desk. He would not, or could not, blame someone else for failure by a federal government agency.
President George Bush evidently adheres to the same motto. He accepts blame for real and alleged failure by the federal government to respond adequately to Hurricane Katrina. “I accept responsibility,” he said. The buck sits on his desk.
That may be good politics, but it is nonetheless silly. It is not the President’s job to micro-manage government handling of disasters such as befell New Orleans and neighboring communities. It is not within the scope of his office to answer for the respective performances of the designated first-responders to local disasters.
Thinkers who argue about federalism and states’ rights generally agree that – given the Constitution as it stands – police and fire departments are local agencies that answer to local communities, not to the federal government. Accordingly, the Louisiana National Guard takes its orders from the governor of Louisiana, not from anyone in Washington. Only under grievous circumstances would the President try to usurp the rights and powers of state and urban agencies.
That, of course, is precisely what President Bush should have done. We now know that New Orleans’ mayor was incompetent and Louisiana’s governor no better. While they dithered, the President should have sent the Louisiana National Guard into New Orleans. Of course, if he had done so, he’d have been savagely criticized for what his critics now say he should have done but did not do. They would drop every buck on his desk.
Presidents are expected to take the blame for national disasters in which they played a part. John F. Kennedy authorized the Bay of Pigs debacle in Cuba. Because it was a federal action, he was held responsible for it. The buck was on his desk.
Israel’s King David understood accountability. For his arrogance (which was shared by the people), God sent a plague that killed 70,000 people. David was horrified. “I am the one who has sinned and done wrong,” he confessed. “These are but sheep. What have they done? Let your hand fall upon me and my family.”[1] David knew that the buck was on his desk. The plague was his fault.
Hurricane Katrina was nobody’s fault. The flooding in New Orleans was nobody’s fault except, perhaps, politicians who – in spite of repeated warnings that a Category 4 or 5 hurricane would hit someday – failed to allocate funds for bigger and better levees. On whose desk did that buck stop? And who failed to evacuate the city in time? Not the President. It is sweet of him to accept responsibility, but unless it is politically astute, it is quite silly. The buck for the mess in New Orleans does not stop on President Bush’s desk.
Don Cole.

With One Hand Tied Behind Our Backs

2005-09-15T07:51:00.000-05:00

I went to my bible study Tuesday night at the church. It's given by one of the teaching pastors. He asked if anyone had heard what happened after the last service. He said that 2 families had gotten into a fight. He didn't elaborate, but now it's out there. Right away my alarm system went up that this wasn't cool. Needless to say, at break, as I sat in my chair waiting for the study to resume, I heard no less than 5 people discussing the incident. I could have screamed! I mean seriously, we don't need to worry about satan using the unsaved or his demons to destroy us Christians. It seems like we do a good enough job all by ourselves.
I constantly see instances where we tear each other down. Sometimes even destroying a brother or sister in the name of Jesus Christ. People throw around terms like, "righteous indignation", or chastising someone who doesn't live up to the standards that we ourselves could never attain. There seems to be so much judgement flying around out there and not enough compassion, or coming along aside one another.
I was just thinking about Jesus and how he would correct people; and it seems like He was only slightly forceful or aggressive when speaking with the "Holier than Thou" sect. (Pharisees, Saducees, Jewish Tribunal). When dealing with His beloved disciples and followers and many people that were concidered the dregs of society, He was gentle, compassionate, and understanding of their flaws. He said Himself that He did not come into the world to judge but to save it. And in John 8:15 He said that we judge in human terms while He doesn't. We shouldn't cause others to stumble. 1 Cor. 10:32.
I have been SO guilty of being too liberal with my tounge and not stopping to think of who I'm hurting or the consequences of my actions. I truly feel that by my lack of spiritual maturity, I helped tear apart a church family instead of coming along side and bringing my brethren together. So I truly am the worst of these. But the point is that we are to grow and mature and learn from our trials and temptations to use that awful tounge to spread juicy stuff about those we are to love the most. Never forget that we are called to be the Light in this World for those unsaved family, friends, and aquaintances around us. So, let's stop tearing down and start lifting up.

This morning

2005-09-14T18:17:00.000-05:00

I was talking with God on my way to work this morning and I was thinking of times when I've felt like my prayers were not strong enough to get an answer from Him. Isn't that silly? I mean, of course He wishes to answer our prayers... If, and that's a big word, IF it is in His will or if we are following His will, which to me is pretty close to the same thing. Then of course, I start feeling guilty... like, what am I holding out on Him about, or what am I not allowing Him to have total control of or me submitting to. God forbid I should be deliberate about it. At those times, I drive myself crazy because I slip back into those patterns of guilt and self condemnation. It's nice to know that someone's got your back when you're wallowing in those murky places. I pray for my family daily, and not just the perfunctory mass prayer, but sometimes even a pleading, supplicating prayer. I know my wife prays for me like that and I wonder if it's okay to ask others to make a commitment to pray for me daily. Strength in numbers and all.

The Other Side of the Desert

2005-09-13T12:56:00.000-05:00

The Other Side of the Desert.

How do you use your power?
While studying on Matt. 4 about Jesus’ 40 days in the desert this was brought to mind. It said that after fasting and being alone in a barren place, Jesus was hungry. While the story leaves to our imagination what Jesus endured in the desert, one can only imagine what must have gone through his soul.
The story suggests that the Tempter came along at what appeared to be a moment of weakness in Jesus’ life. The goal was to get Jesus to use his power to save himself.
Evil used sustenance, beauty and power to tempt Jesus.

How often are you tempted by sustenance, beauty and power?

I know there are times when I am feeling lonely, tired, hungry and weaker than usual that I want to use my power to save myself. I want to depend on myself to relieve myself of what I am facing or have just faced.

But the story teaches that Jesus never used his power to save himself, rather he used it to resist the temptation to save himself.

He used his power to continually trust God.

He used his power to resist the voice that wanted to take him down and chose to listen to the Voice within that reminded him of who he was as God’s son.

He allowed God to sustain him.

Imagine if we used our power in the same manner. Imagine if we used our power to resist the temptation to save ourselves from what the world tempts us to think is the right way. Imagine if we used our power to simply trust God.

Imagine if we used our power to listen to the Voice within that reminds us that we belong to God.

I am not suggesting that we are Jesus, I am suggesting that we need to silence and resist the voices in the same manner he did.

In order to do that, we must know who we are as children of God.It is when we are tired, hungry, alone, and weak that we need to speak out against those things that want to steal away God’s desire for us.

The story ends by telling us that the devil left him and the angels came and attended him.

This story ultimately reveals Jesus’ identity, and it can remind us of our identity.We always need to be reminded of who we are as God’s beloved. Our fear and pain may tempt us to seek sustenance, beauty and power, but the truth is that by holding on, God will not leave us alone, but will send his angels to attend to us-- especially when we have just walked through the desert.

Led Zeppelin rethunk

2005-09-08T11:10:00.000-05:00

Thank You..."And so today, my world it smiles, Your hand in mine, we walk the miles, Thanks to You it will be done, for You to me are the only One. Happiness, no more be sad, happiness....I'm glad. If the sun refused to shine, I would still be loving You. When mountains crumble to the sea, there will still be You and me." (Plant/Page 1969)

String 'em up!

2005-09-07T08:03:00.000-05:00

I stopped by a friends home yesterday and she was watching Oprah who was doing a show from an area that had been devastated by Katrina. She said that she had been crying with Oprah and Faith Hill, so I know that it touched her heart. Here's the troubling part. The next words out of her mouth were, "Some heads gotta roll." (Needless to say, this floored me, coming from a follower of The King of Peace.) I asked what she meant and she said that she thought that we needed to find out why it took so long to help these people and who was responsible for that and they needed to answer for that and be thrown out of office and that she even e-mailed Oprah and suggested that with her clout she could make this happen. She asked if I agreed and I said that I didn't. She said that it was good that at least one of us cared. I told her that it wasn't that I didn't care, but I didn't think we should be acting like- In the name of Jesus, heads gotta roll. She said that righteous indignation was okay. I think that is a misrepresentation of righteous indignation, which if you look at our example; He was indignant when people were deliberately oppressed or taken advantage of. I don't feel that any mistakes that were made were deliberate. Mistakes were definitely made. All over the place. For one, I don't think anyone thought it was going to be as bad as it was, especially when so much media emphasis is put on categories and mph. Also, the canal wall breakage was devastating. Anyway, I said that my wife and I had been praying for not only the families affected but also the people directing the relief effort and all the volunteers. With all that said, here's what that conversation lead me to think about this morning.
I have to say that mob mentalities really scare me, because at times, we humans seem barely better than animals. I've seen it happen too many times with terrible results. Just look at our past. Lynchings, race riots, gay bashing, the witch hunts, the crusades, or more recently, the looting and violence after the hurricane; or how about the release of a criminal named Barabbas and the hanging of our sinless Savior on a cross because they were offended by Him. Why, because He insulted their pride? All examples of mob hysteria and "righteous indignation."
God's Word tells us:
Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Luke6:37
For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. John3:17
Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God. For it is written, "I will take vengeance; I will repay those who deserve it," says the Lord. Romans12:19
We all remember the story in John 8 where Jesus asks for he who hasn't sinned to cast the first stone and then asks the accused where her condemners are.
And finally, let us pursue peace and not let bitterness spring up like it teaches us in Hebrews 12:14-15. Jesus said we ought always to pray. That means without ceasing. If we are always talking with Him, it doesn't leave any room for bitterness and vengeance.

Released and Embraced

2005-09-01T08:06:00.000-05:00

Jesus allowed even Judas to come close. What does that say about God's love?I was reading about Judas today and was reminded at how often I intentionally betray God. As I meditated, I wondered when was the last time I sold God out with a kiss? That is, when did I pretend to be a friend of God only to doubt in my soul that He really has it under control? When was the last time my fear about trusting God to be who God claims to be allowed me to deny God? It is often when I lose perspective on who God is that I am so willing to sell-out, even for just a moment.Betray comes from the Latin word tradere, which means "to hand over." Anytime I betray God I essentially hand myself over to my doubts, fears, selfishness, insecurities and systems of injustice. I look around my world and I recognize my indifference I realize that I am not living into the love of God. I am not trusting that love is the bigger, perhaps more difficult, way. This probably happens more often than I am aware, but the story of Judas demonstrates that I shouldn’t lose myself in my guilt and think that I am beyond God’s mercy and forgiveness for when I do, I essentially kill myself. The guilt that leads me into believing that God is incapable of loving me or forgiving me.Like Judas, who returned the coins, there are those who sometimes want to remind you of your falleness; folks who want to keep you down for your indiscretions. Judas allowed those voices to remind him of his betrayal rather than his friendship with Jesus to remind him of his chosenness. We must hear the voice of love calling our names reminidng us that it is finished, to turn back and come home. Just as I need to forgive others to release myself from bondage or resentment, I need to forgive myself to release myself from the bondage of guilt. Forgiveness is not about accepting unacceptable behavior, but the release of the self-destruction associated with unforgiveness and the resentment and guilt associated with it. God did that for us.Through Jesus, God did for humanity what we couldn’t do for ourselves. He removed the noose that we placed around our necks and smothered us instead in love and strangled hate, unforgiveness, and death forever. Reminding us that we are loved beyond our comprehension, even when we think we don’t deserve to be loved, no one is out of reach of the arms of Love that embrace us all like babes where we are made alive forever.

GROWTH

2005-08-29T14:22:00.000-05:00

G Go to God in prayer daily (John 15:7)

R Read God’s Word daily (Acts 17:11)
Begin with the gospel of John
O Obey God, moment by moment (John 14:21)

W Witness for Christ by your life and words (Matt. 4:19; John 15:8)

T Trust God for every detail of your life (1 Peter 5:7)

H Holy Spirit-allow Him to control and empower your
daily life and witness (Galatians 5:16-17; Acts 1:8)

Be a Conqueror!

2005-08-24T13:26:00.000-05:00

When the mind dwells on self, it is turned away from Jesus, the source of strength and life. Hence it is satans constant effort to keep the attention diverted from Jesus and thus prevent the union and communion of the soul with Jesus. The pleasures of the world, life's cares and perplexities and sorrows, the faults of others, and our own faults and imperfections- to any or all of these he will seek to divert the mind. Do not be misled by his devices. Many who are really conscientious, and who desire to live for God, he too often leads to dwell on their own faults and weaknesses, and thus by separating them from Jesus he hopes to gain the victory. We should not make self the center and indulge anxiety and fear as to whether we shall be saved. All this turns the soul away from the source of our strength. Commit the keeping of your soul to Jesus and trust in Him. Talk and think of Jesus. Let self be lost in Him. Put away all doubt, dismiss your fears, say with the apostle Paul, "I live, yet not I, but Jesus lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loves me and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20. Rest in God, He is able to keep that which you have committed to Him. If you will leave yourself in His hands, He will bring you to be more than conqueror through Him that has loved you.

The Master Deviant

2005-08-22T11:57:00.000-05:00

The term deviance refers to a practice that is outside the established norms for a particular society or group within a society. Christ is the Master deviant! Not in terms of conforming to the wishes of His heavenly Father and doing God's will, but this question is referring to deviance to society. In the course of His earthly life, Jesus consistently defied the social norms of His day. There are too many examples to share them all but I would like to point out a few.
He amazed His disciples, in John chapter 4, because He, being both a man and a Jew, openly spoke to a Samaritan woman. This broke not only social customs in dealing with other races but also in dealing with members of the opposite sex. He was willing to not only heal lepers but also touch them. This is something that a leprous person would never feel again- human touch. They were outcast by society and here Jesus (Mark 1) shows compassion, and deviance from society because they had no compassion, and instead of moving away from him or requiring him to shout "Unclean, Unclean!" Jesus reaches for him and touches him! Here's a thought. Do you think He touched them because He knew He was God or because He didn't care and had the faith to be protected?
Jesus deviated from the culture norms in that He did not instruct His followers to ceremoniously wash their hands before eating (Mt.15). He again surprised His disciples when He, being the Master, washed the feet of His disciples. This was a chore that society had reserved for the lowliest of servants. And yet here was the One they had confessed was the Messiah kneeling to wash feet!
He again deviated in Mark 10 when He instructed His disciples to not forbid the little children to come to Him- for society wanted the children seen and not heard and not waste the Master's time- but instead took time for them and explained that the adults must become like the children!
Pilate was also amazed at His deviance from established norms seeing how He did not try to defend Himself. Pilate in John 19 asked Jesus if He understood that Pilate had the power to crucify Him and why then would Jesus not present a defense against the charges. Jesus responded in a way that was deviant from the natural and cultural norm to self-preserve. He had already explained that His Kingdom was not of this world. If it was, His followers would fight, but since it wasn't, they wouldn't. None of this should have surprised him because Jesus(Emmanuel) had already stated, "My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways... (Is 55:8)

7 Tips for Building Intimacy with God

2005-08-19T09:46:00.000-05:00

1. Spend extended time alone with God. (like 1 day every quarter)

2. Seek to please God. (Don't worry more about upsetting people than God)

3. Reflect on God.

4. Find a Christian who models intimacy and ask questions.

5. Tell yourself the truth about your relationship.

6. Practice intimacy with your spouse and family.

7. Participate in a forum that encourages intimacy with God. (Like a Bible study or chat group)

Root or Fruit?

2005-08-15T11:53:00.000-05:00

I was listening to a program the other day and the speaker was talking about God's word being as sharp as a two edged sword(Heb.4:12). He was pointing out how His word separates the "root" issues from the "fruit" issues of the world. I'm not talking about the Fruits of the Spirit.
I am relating it to marriage specifically. I think too many people today view marriage in a way that asks about the rewards or benefits for the time invested. If my spouse has fed, watered, and nurtured me- seeing to all my needs, then I will produce the fruit of love, stability, and respect for her that she desires. That is entirely a worldly view.
God's word deals with the root issues. We can view our marriage this way by establishing ourselves firmly in God's word and talking with Him together each day. I've found that by living His principles and putting my wife before myself, I don't have thoughts of unmet needs. Tell me what marital problems can't be fixed by dealing with personal pride and selfishness.

A Different Kind of Middle East Terrorism

2005-08-11T11:18:00.000-05:00

A terrorist that opposed any territorial concessions in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict opened fire on a bus in Northern Israel on Thursday, killing four Israeli citizens. While that sounds commonplace in the tragic history of this long conflict, it actually was a very different kind of Middle Eastern terrorism. What made this distinct from most of the terrorist killings is that the terrorist was Jewish and his victims were Arabs.
Two months ago, Eden Natan Zada, went AWOL from the Israel Defense Forces because of his disagreement with the Israeli government’s planned disengagement from the Gaza strip. After hiding in a West Bank settlement, Zada boarded a bus dressed in IDF fatigues and carried an IDF automatic rifle. He arrived in the Israeli Arab town of Shfaram where he opened fire on the Arab citizens of Israel who were riding the bus. Apparently, Zada hoped to provoke Arab violence and thereby pre-empt the upcoming Israeli pullout from Gaza. Tragically he killed four Israeli Arabs before police apprehended him. Then a mob of Israeli Arabs seized the young terrorist and lynched him on the bus.
Besides the terrorist being Jewish and not Palestinian, there were some other factors that made this brutal terrorist attack different from the kind of terrorist assaults that usually take place in Israel.
First of all Prime Minister Ariel Sharon denounced Zada’s actions in the strongest possible way. He described it as “a sinful act by a bloody terrorist!” He promised to make every effort to assure the safety of every Israeli citizen. Then he made available every governmental aid to the victims of terrorism, both the survivors of the attack and the families of those who were murdered. How different that response is to the typical Palestinian Authority response to Palestinian terrorism. While the frequently denounce terrorism, it is common for PA leaders to do so not because it is wrong, but rather unproductive.
Yet another way that this attack was different can be seen in the response of the families. Eden Natan Zada’s family was horrified by his actions. Zada’s mother had notified the army of the young man’s desertion and begged them to find him for fear that he would commit this reprehensible act. How different from Palestinian mother’s who celebrate their terrorist sons, calling them martyrs for their cause and wishing that their other sons would join them.
This terrorism was also dissimilar in that the President of Israel and the two chief Rabbis made condolence visits to the bereaved families. How different from Palestinian leadership that would denounce terrorism but then send letters of congratulations to the families of the terrorists.
The entire nation of Israel was horrified by and corporately denounced Jewish terrorism. There was no justification or excuses given. It appears that Israelis understand Proverbs 17:15: “He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the righteous, Both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD.” Jewish and Palestinian terrorism are the same in that they are equally evil. What makes them different is evident in the national responses to terrorism.

Michael Rydelnik.

A Mirror

2005-08-05T12:25:00.000-05:00

A Mirror
Lord, let me be a mirror
of You the world can see.
I'll be Your faithful servant
because You set me free.

When my mirror has some flaws,
I know that I'll be broken.
But then I'll be a clearer one
by hearing what You've spoken.

Even in the darkest night,
I'll shine like noonday sun.
Because Your glory fills my soul,
there's only room for one.

A mirror shows both good and bad;
of that you can be sure.
So keep your mirror polished up
reflecting what is pure.

JG

THE SUPREME CLIMB

2005-08-04T08:44:00.000-05:00

THE SUPREME CLIMB
"Take now thy son ." Genesis 22:2
God's command is - Take now, not presently. It is extraordinary how we debate! We know a thing is right, but we try to find excuses for not doing it at once. To climb to the height God shows can never be done presently, it must be done now. The sacrifice is gone through in will before it is performed actually.
"And Abraham rose up early in the morning and went unto the place of which God had told him" (v. 3). The wonderful simplicity of Abraham! When God spoke, he did not confer with flesh and blood. Beware when you want to confer with flesh and blood, i.e., your own sympathies, your own insight, anything that is not based on your personal relationship to God. These are the things that compete with and hinder obedience to God.
Abraham did not choose the sacrifice. Always guard against self-chosen service for God; self-sacrifice may be a disease. If God has made your cup sweet, drink it with grace; if He has made it bitter, drink it in communion with Him. If the providential order of God for you is a hard time of difficulty, go through with it, but never choose the scene of your martyrdom. God chose the crucible for Abraham, and Abraham made no demur; he went steadily through. If you are not living in touch with Him, it is easy to pass a crude verdict on God. You must go through the crucible before you have any right to pronounce a verdict, because in the crucible you learn to know God better. God is working for His highest ends until His purpose and man's purpose become one.

Rant Revisited

2005-08-01T12:51:00.000-05:00

I was getting my hair cut this weekend by my mother in law and I brought up the topic of the homosexual man that wanted to become a member of his church from Friday's post. She disagreed with me and went on to say that she didn't think that a gay person should have the same rights as a "card carrying" member of the church. I told her I thought the Nazi party were card carrying and that the European community thought they were neato at first because they destroyed pornographic and other types of unacceptable literature. You see where that lead. Yes, that might have been a bit harsh but it made me think. It's not really the fact that he was being shut out as much as this set of rules and regulations set up by denominations. "Card carrying" as my mother in law puts it.
I used to go to this church that had a long list of bylaws. One of the most amusing, and tragic I guess, was that they had two different levels of membership. A "Community member" could smoke and stuff, but you were kind of the B team in christian politics. Then we had the "Covenant member". That was the good stuff. You were in like flint on that one. This was about five years ago. What's interesting is that they were receiving complaints and losing membership because of this deliniation so over a period of a year they quietly eliminated the "community member" option.
The Holy Bible tells us not to go beyond the Word, and Paul said in 1Cor. 1:11-13 that some people were saying they were following Apollos, others Paul, while others followed Peter. Paul asks a very important question. "Has Christ been divided?"
It's my opinion that denominations are a form of legalism and while being a member of a Baptist, Wesleyan, Methodist or whatever shouldn't keep anyone out of Heaven(I hope), I do think they have gone beyond His Holy Word and seperate and keep people out.
Therefore, this is my new monicker. It's a long one, so bear with me. I am a child of God, a follower and joint heir with Jesus and my rule book is only one- The Holy Bible. That's the only membership you need.
P.S. Mr. Webster's definition of Denomination is: A religious sect.

Today's Rant

2005-07-29T12:47:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I don't usually get on a jag about things too much, but here's something that's been really bothering me. I was listening to my usual local christian radio station this morning and the news guy was reporting that the National Methodist Conference or something like that was in a controversial quagmire because a gay man had wanted to become a member of this church. The Pastor refused to allow him membership because he was not repentant of being gay. Is being gay the ultimate sin, or did I miss something? I mean, I wonder how many members are in that church who have committed adultery, left their spouse and are now with the new person. Are they going to repent, leave that person and try to beg forgiveness and reconcile with their former mate? Or how about a church member who becomes addicted to alcohol or prescription pills? I say throw 'em all out! God forbid we should open a discussion on glutony. UH-OH, there goes the new addition to the building with the full gym and indoor pool because half your church just got banned. Don't ever misunderstand me. I think the homosexual lifestyle is a path to sure and eternal death, but we, as a church body, cannot shut people out because our Lord definitely wouldn't have. Why would a person ever want to repent if they're not accepted with open arms?If they have those feelings it doesn't mean they have to act on them. It's no different than if I see a pretty girl and have a momentary lustful thought. Do I feel bad? Yes. But I repent and go on. I don't act on it. Same goes for eating. I enjoy food, but I know better than to eat like I did when I was a kid or else I'd probably croak in a few years. End of rant.