A long time ago someone did something to me that was completely terrible, something that many I know would say was unforgivable. For a long time I was frightened by this person, I wouldn't allow myself to be alone with them, and I avoided them as much as I could, which is hard because they are part of my family. I will be honest and tell you I hated this person, I really hated them, and hate is an emotion I have difficulty feeling, I dislike things, I get angered by them, but I don't usually feel so strongly about something to truly hate it, especially people, but I hated this person for what they did to me.
Then, one day I realized that I had the power to get past this situation, that I didn't have to be a victim any more and I could do the impossible and forgive this person and move on. It took time to work through my hate and let it go, but when I did I felt better and more confident. I thought that I had forgiven them in my heart, but I realized today that's not true.
After I let go of the hate and realized that I was safe, that they would never hurt me again I lost my fear of this person. But I didn't actually forgive them. I have gloated in my heart over the fact that they can't hurt me anymore, I took pleasure in the fact that they could see they hadn't broken me and that I was doing well. And eventually I realized that I had power over them because they now felt guilty, they now felt uncomfortable around me. It was intoxicating.
Today, I realized the error of my ways, my pride and un-forgiveness on this matter were revealed to me and it broke my heart to realize how I had deceived myself and in a sense manipulated this person as punishment for their prior wrong. I took pleasure in their discomfort and remorse and was too prideful to realize that this was a sign that I had not truly forgiven them. Forgiveness is total release, and I think by confessing like this today I have finally achieved that.
I pray that if anyone else who reads this has deceived themselves in this same type of manner that they see the truth now. I pray that they have the strength and bravery to confess it to the Father and ask for His forgiveness. And I pray that they have the grace to move forward in life with genuine forgiveness in their hearts.
Matthew 6:14
For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you
Ephesians 4:31-32
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
1 John 1:8-9
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Friday, October 31, 2014
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Come As You Are
We have all heard the phrase before 'come as you are', and while those exact words were not used in the Bible they certainly are true of pretty much everyone God called. It's something I find amazing about God, He picks the most unlikely characters to do His work and changes them into what they were meant to be. Jesus picked people that Pharisees looked down on and considered unrighteous, like Matthew the tax collector, but through the grace of the Lord and their faith in Jesus Christ they became righteous and faithful servants in eyes of Lord.
I brought up the phrase 'come as you are' and how God takes people and makes them into something great, because there was a time where I thought God could never accept me as I was. I am sure that most people who read my post are Christians, but I know not everyone is, I know that someone who reads this has felt the way I used to, I know they look at their life, the things they did, the lies they told, and the people they hurt and think 'God could never accept me, I'm not good enough.' But that's not true, in Isaiah 1:18 it says ' “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.' This prophecy was fulfilled by Christ, his blood on the cross has allowed you to become the white snow, to become the wool, by accepting Jesus God no longer sees your past sin (Matthew 26:28; John 1:29).
You don't have to worry about whether you are good enough for God at this exact moment, He will make you good, He will take your heart of stone and replace it with one of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26); He will give you the strength to resist the temptations that have held you down and burdened you, He will provide you with all that you need to do the task He has called you to, if you accept His son. Once you have genuinely accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior surrendering yourself to Him, and you begin to learn about God and the love God first gave you, you will begin to change. You will want to do things that honor and reflect Christ, and you will begin to hate the things of the world. You will find your mind preoccupied with the word of God, and you will have a desire to please Him. You can come as you are to Christ without fear, He will accept you and as you draw closer to Him He will free you from whatever it is that has you in bondage.
Romans 5:9
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
Colossians 1:20
And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven.
Romans 8:1-39
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.
I brought up the phrase 'come as you are' and how God takes people and makes them into something great, because there was a time where I thought God could never accept me as I was. I am sure that most people who read my post are Christians, but I know not everyone is, I know that someone who reads this has felt the way I used to, I know they look at their life, the things they did, the lies they told, and the people they hurt and think 'God could never accept me, I'm not good enough.' But that's not true, in Isaiah 1:18 it says ' “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.' This prophecy was fulfilled by Christ, his blood on the cross has allowed you to become the white snow, to become the wool, by accepting Jesus God no longer sees your past sin (Matthew 26:28; John 1:29).
You don't have to worry about whether you are good enough for God at this exact moment, He will make you good, He will take your heart of stone and replace it with one of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26); He will give you the strength to resist the temptations that have held you down and burdened you, He will provide you with all that you need to do the task He has called you to, if you accept His son. Once you have genuinely accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior surrendering yourself to Him, and you begin to learn about God and the love God first gave you, you will begin to change. You will want to do things that honor and reflect Christ, and you will begin to hate the things of the world. You will find your mind preoccupied with the word of God, and you will have a desire to please Him. You can come as you are to Christ without fear, He will accept you and as you draw closer to Him He will free you from whatever it is that has you in bondage.
Romans 5:9
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
Colossians 1:20
And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven.
Romans 8:1-39
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Work In Progress
This morning as I drove into work they were talking on the radio about an actor who said recently in an interview that he made the decision to give his life to Christ, but then in the same interview swore, from my understanding just once. The amount of the profanity isn't my point though, what is, is the backlash this actor has received from the Christian community! I was really upset to hear this, really disappointed to know that instead of giving him forgiveness for the slip of the tongue people have been publicly calling into question whether he's a real Christian or not. For some reason they seem to think that all of sudden he needs to be perfect, and I'm sorry that's not the way it works! I don't think I know one Christian who is perfect all the time, most especially one that is new to the faith.
To be quite honest, I still sin most days in one way or the other, I try not to, I try to stay in the Spirit, but sometimes I still let my flesh get the better of me because I am still a work in progress, God is still teaching me, refining me, transforming me, just as He is you! This actor is new to the faith, he just accepted Jesus, there is still work to be done in him. Just because he cursed in an interview does not mean that he wasn't sincere in his acceptance of Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savor; it means he is in need of prayer to grow in faith and understanding! This should be the only judging we as Christians do, judging what to pray for someone else and ourselves and how we can best serve them so they can grow.
While I do agree that a Christian should avoid using profanity, we are all going to screw up at some point. We all make mistakes as we learn and grow, and I am not willing to throw stones at someone for that, especially when I used to curse like a sailor and drink like one too, even after I said the prayer of salvation. It has taken years to unlearn the bad habit of cursing, and I still slip up from time to time; get me angry and I'll probably still swear like a sailor, I'm not perfect and neither are you. As long as we are breathing God is teaching us, we will always be a work in progress, and if you feel you have surpassed that point then maybe you need to ask God if pride and religion are a problem in your life, then ask forgiveness for the sins, because no man is or ever was perfect, except Yeshua (Jesus).
Matthew 7:1-5
“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.
Luke 6:37
“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven
Romans 3:23
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Mark 11:25
And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”
To be quite honest, I still sin most days in one way or the other, I try not to, I try to stay in the Spirit, but sometimes I still let my flesh get the better of me because I am still a work in progress, God is still teaching me, refining me, transforming me, just as He is you! This actor is new to the faith, he just accepted Jesus, there is still work to be done in him. Just because he cursed in an interview does not mean that he wasn't sincere in his acceptance of Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savor; it means he is in need of prayer to grow in faith and understanding! This should be the only judging we as Christians do, judging what to pray for someone else and ourselves and how we can best serve them so they can grow.
While I do agree that a Christian should avoid using profanity, we are all going to screw up at some point. We all make mistakes as we learn and grow, and I am not willing to throw stones at someone for that, especially when I used to curse like a sailor and drink like one too, even after I said the prayer of salvation. It has taken years to unlearn the bad habit of cursing, and I still slip up from time to time; get me angry and I'll probably still swear like a sailor, I'm not perfect and neither are you. As long as we are breathing God is teaching us, we will always be a work in progress, and if you feel you have surpassed that point then maybe you need to ask God if pride and religion are a problem in your life, then ask forgiveness for the sins, because no man is or ever was perfect, except Yeshua (Jesus).
Matthew 7:1-5
“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.
Luke 6:37
“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven
Romans 3:23
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Mark 11:25
And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
New Experience
This past weekend I was very proud and happy with my husband, he stepped outside of his comfort zone and really impressed me with his good attitude, understanding, and natural ability. Not every moment of the weekend was great, and at the tougher moments he certainly got frustrated, but he pushed through and I thought he did really great. So what happened that I thought was so awesome? We had my cousin's baby all weekend, my husband's first time ever taking care of a little one. This is what I do everyday so for me it was no big deal, but Nick grew up as an only child and hasn't had much experience with babies, they have been kind of scary to him as they often are with most men. But he really excelled at it and exceeded my expectations by being able to watch her by himself while I was in the shower without any incident! I'll be honest, I was nervous about leaving him alone with her, and I know he was too. Being that I'm professional and educated in child development from prenatal- about 8 years of age, I was a bit of a safety net for him, he knew that whatever situation came up, I could handle it or I could tell him how to handle it, but while I was in the shower I wouldn't be able to hear if he needed me, and it was all on him.
Nick is great with kids, and has always lit up around them, but babies bring out the jitters in him. I hope though after this weekend it won't be so bad for him. I hope he feels more confident in himself as I do. I hope he sees how much he has to offer as a father. I have several favorite moments from the weekend, but no moment comes even close to seeing that precious little angel fall asleep in his arms, and the look of pride on his face when he realized he was able to get her to sleep when I couldn't, and of course relief that the crying was over.
I prayed for days before we had her, prayed that Nick would be blessed by the experience of having her, and I think he was, he missed her a lot after she left. I wanted to share this today because I know many of us are afraid of new experiences, afraid of screwing things up, but it is in the trying of things that you find out what you are capable of. It is in facing of your fears that you realize how strong you can be, and it is in overcoming them that you learn to grow. Trusting God is part of that, trusting that He will keep His promise and be with you, and if He is with you who can stand against you?
Psalm 127:3-5
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
John 16:21
When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.
Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
Nick is great with kids, and has always lit up around them, but babies bring out the jitters in him. I hope though after this weekend it won't be so bad for him. I hope he feels more confident in himself as I do. I hope he sees how much he has to offer as a father. I have several favorite moments from the weekend, but no moment comes even close to seeing that precious little angel fall asleep in his arms, and the look of pride on his face when he realized he was able to get her to sleep when I couldn't, and of course relief that the crying was over.
I prayed for days before we had her, prayed that Nick would be blessed by the experience of having her, and I think he was, he missed her a lot after she left. I wanted to share this today because I know many of us are afraid of new experiences, afraid of screwing things up, but it is in the trying of things that you find out what you are capable of. It is in facing of your fears that you realize how strong you can be, and it is in overcoming them that you learn to grow. Trusting God is part of that, trusting that He will keep His promise and be with you, and if He is with you who can stand against you?
Psalm 127:3-5
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
John 16:21
When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.
Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
Friday, October 24, 2014
Surrender All
Eight years ago when I said the prayer of salvation for the second time in my life I never thought I would become so zealous in my faith. I never thought I would be the type of person to read their Bible everyday and tell other people about Jesus, I never thought I would be who I am now. In fact then I swore I would never be one of those 'over zealous Jesus freaks', I was lukewarm and comfortable with that. When I did read the Bible it was just like any other book to me, it didn't speak to me personally, I accepted it as the truth but wasn't willing to go all in.
Then, January 16, 2011 came and my entire life changed. This date means two things to me, the beginning of great joy, and some of the deepest pain I have experienced so far in my young life. This was the date my husband proposed to me, and also the day a close family friend that I called uncle died. In next 19 months that followed there would be 12 more deaths, and also the deepest depression of my life. There would be the struggles of planning a wedding, and adjusting to married life, my husband would also struggle with depression and anxiety, and eventually all of his pain, my pain, and daily life stresses culminated in a total emotional break down.
It was in that complete break down that my healing began, and I started my journey from lukewarm to committed. As I sat in my employers office crying completely vulnerable and begging for help I suddenly had a peace come over me. A warmth came over me and I knew everything was going to be okay, my life seemed like it was falling a part all around, but I just knew in my spirit that if just trusted God my life would never be the same, it would be better. And it has been in so many ways.
I wanted to share this today, I wanted to tell you that complete trust, complete surrender unto God is the only true religion. You must give up your life and your ways for His. I tell you now, that if you can do that you will know God. The Bible will come alive for you, and when you read it you will know and understand His truth. You will desire to seek Him daily, and even in your times of struggle and pain there will be peace in your heart that you never knew before. You will have joy in the midst of your pain, just as the scriptures promise!
Today, I testify to the truth of God's word because I have experienced it. I want you to know this too, I want you to experience it also. If you can let go of your will and give into His, He truly will turn your life upside down and bring out qualities in yourself you never knew you had. Not everything He ask you to do or give up will be comfortable or easy, but the results are always worth it! He never fails and always forgives, and has loved you from before you were born. Surrender all to the one who created you, and find the peace and purpose your heart longs for.
Psalm 73:27-28
Then, January 16, 2011 came and my entire life changed. This date means two things to me, the beginning of great joy, and some of the deepest pain I have experienced so far in my young life. This was the date my husband proposed to me, and also the day a close family friend that I called uncle died. In next 19 months that followed there would be 12 more deaths, and also the deepest depression of my life. There would be the struggles of planning a wedding, and adjusting to married life, my husband would also struggle with depression and anxiety, and eventually all of his pain, my pain, and daily life stresses culminated in a total emotional break down.
It was in that complete break down that my healing began, and I started my journey from lukewarm to committed. As I sat in my employers office crying completely vulnerable and begging for help I suddenly had a peace come over me. A warmth came over me and I knew everything was going to be okay, my life seemed like it was falling a part all around, but I just knew in my spirit that if just trusted God my life would never be the same, it would be better. And it has been in so many ways.
I wanted to share this today, I wanted to tell you that complete trust, complete surrender unto God is the only true religion. You must give up your life and your ways for His. I tell you now, that if you can do that you will know God. The Bible will come alive for you, and when you read it you will know and understand His truth. You will desire to seek Him daily, and even in your times of struggle and pain there will be peace in your heart that you never knew before. You will have joy in the midst of your pain, just as the scriptures promise!
Today, I testify to the truth of God's word because I have experienced it. I want you to know this too, I want you to experience it also. If you can let go of your will and give into His, He truly will turn your life upside down and bring out qualities in yourself you never knew you had. Not everything He ask you to do or give up will be comfortable or easy, but the results are always worth it! He never fails and always forgives, and has loved you from before you were born. Surrender all to the one who created you, and find the peace and purpose your heart longs for.
Psalm 73:27-28
27 Those who are far from you will perish;
you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
28 But as for me, it is good to be near God.
I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge;
I will tell of all your deeds.
Psalm 40:5
Many, LORD my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.
Many, LORD my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.
James 4:8
Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Punished for Doing Right
Last night I saw something on the evening news that to me was yet another expression of how backwards this world has become. In the Pittsburgh area one man finally had enough of vehicles ignoring the speed limit signs in his neighborhood and the city not taking action to enforce the laws despite complaints from residents. This man decided to take action and painted in large white lettering "Slow Down 25mph" on the street, which residents and KDKA news found to be working as they sat outside watching the vehicles pass and the news investigator clocked the passing motorists, none of which exceeded 30mph now that the man did this, every time someone approached and saw it they slowed their vehicle.
So what was the city's response to this proactive citizen looking out for his and other's safety? They are fining him close to $600 and telling him to clean it off the street at his expense! Watching that I was shocked! A man tries to take responsibility for himself and others and they punish him? 20 years ago they would have shook his hand and thanked him! My husband and I couldn't help but just shake our heads at the sad state of things. When did it become a crime to do the right thing? He didn't hurt anyone with the paint on the road, and actually improved his communities safety by getting the drivers to slow their speed. No one in his community was upset by what he did, they are happy! The only people upset by what he did, are the people who did nothing about the complaints in the first place!
This seems so wrong to me that the city would rather punish a good citizen for looking out for others than to enforce a law. What does that say about our police? What does that say about the state of this world? It seems that they want us to just sit back and shut up as the corrupt ruin things for everyone, or until someone dies, which is usually about the time that the city of Pittsburgh finally does do something and even then not always. How sad is this?
I apologize that today was more of an outraged rant than anything else, no insight or encouragement today, I had to get that off my chest and share my dissatisfaction with others. I do want to close with this though, even though this country has started to punish the innocent and try to suppress people who aren't going along with the new political agenda, don't give up. This is the fight we knew was coming, we have been prepared for this, and are continually being prepared for the next stage. Fear will come when it's your turn to stand, but know that the Lord is with you, He will supply what you need for battle. Stand firm in faith my brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, and do what is right in our Father's eyes.
Psalm 91:5-8
Isaiah 1:17
Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause.
James 4:17
So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.
So what was the city's response to this proactive citizen looking out for his and other's safety? They are fining him close to $600 and telling him to clean it off the street at his expense! Watching that I was shocked! A man tries to take responsibility for himself and others and they punish him? 20 years ago they would have shook his hand and thanked him! My husband and I couldn't help but just shake our heads at the sad state of things. When did it become a crime to do the right thing? He didn't hurt anyone with the paint on the road, and actually improved his communities safety by getting the drivers to slow their speed. No one in his community was upset by what he did, they are happy! The only people upset by what he did, are the people who did nothing about the complaints in the first place!
This seems so wrong to me that the city would rather punish a good citizen for looking out for others than to enforce a law. What does that say about our police? What does that say about the state of this world? It seems that they want us to just sit back and shut up as the corrupt ruin things for everyone, or until someone dies, which is usually about the time that the city of Pittsburgh finally does do something and even then not always. How sad is this?
I apologize that today was more of an outraged rant than anything else, no insight or encouragement today, I had to get that off my chest and share my dissatisfaction with others. I do want to close with this though, even though this country has started to punish the innocent and try to suppress people who aren't going along with the new political agenda, don't give up. This is the fight we knew was coming, we have been prepared for this, and are continually being prepared for the next stage. Fear will come when it's your turn to stand, but know that the Lord is with you, He will supply what you need for battle. Stand firm in faith my brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, and do what is right in our Father's eyes.
Psalm 91:5-8
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.
Isaiah 1:17
Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause.
James 4:17
So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
To Answer Your Question
Someone asked me recently 'if God is omnipotent and knows everything why did He give us free will knowing what we would do to the world?' I think that's a pretty fair question, and I'm not sure if I am qualified to answer it, but I'm going to give it my best try. I encourage any of my readers who are better equipped to answer this to please put your opinion, or facts whatever the case may be in the comments to help us all gain a better understanding.
What I was told and what I believe is that God allowed us to have free will in order that we could choose to love Him. That's the simple answer but, I know some would ask (and the person who asked me the first question did) 'but if God is our Creator, couldn't He just make us love Him? Couldn't He have designed us so that we had to love Him?' And again, fair question. To answer this one I want you to remember that we were created in His image (Genesis 1:27), so this means we have qualities of God in us. One of the qualities I believe He gave us that was His own is a desire to be loved freely.
What I mean by that is God wanted people who would choose to love Him because love isn't genuine if its forced, or there's no other option. Love requires sacrifice, and in the case of our free will, the sacrifice we make to love Him is refusing the temptations of this world and keeping His laws to the best of our ability, knowing we have forgiveness through Jesus when we fail. By choosing Him and His laws over the temporary pleasures of this world we are then able to spend eternity with Him.
I would like to try an illustrate the fact that we too desire to be loved by choice rather than because they have to by an example from my teen years. This may not apply to everyone, but I know for myself and some of my friends at the time it certainly stands true. As a teenager I started to not accept my parent's love or advice as much, I took it for granted because they were my parents and had to love me. I lost how valuable their love truly is because I felt like they had no choice in the matter and instead searched for worldly fixes and boyfriends. I wanted the love of a boyfriend more than my parent's love because then that person loved me by choice and I desperately wanted someone to choose me. I think we all have that desire too, we want someone to choose us, that's why we date and look for companionship beyond our family who has to love us. Do you see the connection? God wants to be chosen too, He wants your genuine love even more than we want the love of someone choosing us. God wants your love so bad that He allowed His son to die for you so you could be together, that was His sacrifice for us, He allowed that to happen to Christ because He loves you and me too.
Deuteronomy 7:9
Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations,
Proverbs 8:17
I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.
1 John 3:1
1 See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
What I was told and what I believe is that God allowed us to have free will in order that we could choose to love Him. That's the simple answer but, I know some would ask (and the person who asked me the first question did) 'but if God is our Creator, couldn't He just make us love Him? Couldn't He have designed us so that we had to love Him?' And again, fair question. To answer this one I want you to remember that we were created in His image (Genesis 1:27), so this means we have qualities of God in us. One of the qualities I believe He gave us that was His own is a desire to be loved freely.
What I mean by that is God wanted people who would choose to love Him because love isn't genuine if its forced, or there's no other option. Love requires sacrifice, and in the case of our free will, the sacrifice we make to love Him is refusing the temptations of this world and keeping His laws to the best of our ability, knowing we have forgiveness through Jesus when we fail. By choosing Him and His laws over the temporary pleasures of this world we are then able to spend eternity with Him.
I would like to try an illustrate the fact that we too desire to be loved by choice rather than because they have to by an example from my teen years. This may not apply to everyone, but I know for myself and some of my friends at the time it certainly stands true. As a teenager I started to not accept my parent's love or advice as much, I took it for granted because they were my parents and had to love me. I lost how valuable their love truly is because I felt like they had no choice in the matter and instead searched for worldly fixes and boyfriends. I wanted the love of a boyfriend more than my parent's love because then that person loved me by choice and I desperately wanted someone to choose me. I think we all have that desire too, we want someone to choose us, that's why we date and look for companionship beyond our family who has to love us. Do you see the connection? God wants to be chosen too, He wants your genuine love even more than we want the love of someone choosing us. God wants your love so bad that He allowed His son to die for you so you could be together, that was His sacrifice for us, He allowed that to happen to Christ because He loves you and me too.
Deuteronomy 7:9
Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations,
Proverbs 8:17
I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.
1 John 3:1
1 See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Not My Will
This hasn't been one of my easier days. As a nanny my little charges come first for the 10 hours that I am in their home each day, I do my best to be loving and patient with them like they were my own, but there are times when its all I can do not to meltdown and cry with them. It is terribly frustrating to know what the child needs, but for them to fight against it. I'm sure every parent knows what I mean, we have all had to deal with getting a tired child who refuses to sleep to do just that.
As I did my best to keep my composure and comfort my little one I thought about my relationship with God, and how similar the situation of the child fighting me and his needs were to myself and Him, and it's probably a lot of other people's relationship at times too. Sometimes we just don't want to do what's best for us, even if it is we really need.
Realizing this had two significant effects on me, one being that the stress that had been building up from not being able to help him rest left, which actually helped him to fall asleep! The second is that it made my heart really repentant. I realized that there are situations in my life that I keep getting really upset over, that I really just need to give into. I need to let go of my will and accept the comfort the Lord has offered. I have been running in circles with these situations when I really needed to step back and let God have His way. It's not easy, but it is necessary if I want peace and to stay in God's will.
I hope if you are like me and my little charge that this helped you too. I hope you feel resolved to let go of the situations that have really always been outside your control, and I hope you ask the Father for forgiveness because of the struggling.
Jeremiah 29:11-14
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.
As I did my best to keep my composure and comfort my little one I thought about my relationship with God, and how similar the situation of the child fighting me and his needs were to myself and Him, and it's probably a lot of other people's relationship at times too. Sometimes we just don't want to do what's best for us, even if it is we really need.
Realizing this had two significant effects on me, one being that the stress that had been building up from not being able to help him rest left, which actually helped him to fall asleep! The second is that it made my heart really repentant. I realized that there are situations in my life that I keep getting really upset over, that I really just need to give into. I need to let go of my will and accept the comfort the Lord has offered. I have been running in circles with these situations when I really needed to step back and let God have His way. It's not easy, but it is necessary if I want peace and to stay in God's will.
I hope if you are like me and my little charge that this helped you too. I hope you feel resolved to let go of the situations that have really always been outside your control, and I hope you ask the Father for forgiveness because of the struggling.
Jeremiah 29:11-14
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.
Monday, October 20, 2014
Cannot and Will Not Compromise
I recently had some one I love very much tell me that I needed to back off God, that my relationship with God is a turn off to them, meaning that it turns them off God. They furthered that statement a couple days later saying that they hated worship music, and got nothing out of being at church. I was deeply hurt by these statements. I love this person, and I love God. I was sorry that my thriving in the Lord so offended them, but I also knew that despite what this person said I would not back off.
I cannot and will not compromise my relationship with God for anyone, I will not allow the opinions of others to stop me from walking with the Lord as I feel the spirit leading me. I have a lot of hurt still from this person, and I am praying to forgive them, and praying for their walk, but I won't turn back from God, and honestly at this point I wouldn't know how, my entire life is about God, about knowing Him intimately. I would have to entirely change who I am, and knowing how unhappy I was before I can't see myself making the choice to go back, I need God.
I know that I am not the only one who has experienced this, I am not the only one facing these difficulties. And I know the Lord is with all of us who are or have faced this situation, and He is well pleased. His heart surely rejoices when we bravely face down our friends or family who have forsaken Him, or are lost in struggles and lashing out against us in jealousy. My purpose in writing this short post today is that I want all my readers and friends, or family who read this to be reminded that they aren't alone and take encouragement in the fact you have pleased your Father, and are in my prayers.
John 1:10-13
10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
Jude 1:21
Keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life
Matthew 10:32-33
32 “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33 But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.
I cannot and will not compromise my relationship with God for anyone, I will not allow the opinions of others to stop me from walking with the Lord as I feel the spirit leading me. I have a lot of hurt still from this person, and I am praying to forgive them, and praying for their walk, but I won't turn back from God, and honestly at this point I wouldn't know how, my entire life is about God, about knowing Him intimately. I would have to entirely change who I am, and knowing how unhappy I was before I can't see myself making the choice to go back, I need God.
I know that I am not the only one who has experienced this, I am not the only one facing these difficulties. And I know the Lord is with all of us who are or have faced this situation, and He is well pleased. His heart surely rejoices when we bravely face down our friends or family who have forsaken Him, or are lost in struggles and lashing out against us in jealousy. My purpose in writing this short post today is that I want all my readers and friends, or family who read this to be reminded that they aren't alone and take encouragement in the fact you have pleased your Father, and are in my prayers.
John 1:10-13
10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
Jude 1:21
Keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life
Matthew 10:32-33
32 “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33 But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.
Miracle Monday
These Miracle Monday post are meant to share miracles big and small and to show that God is still working, that God is not dead! Today's miracle I would like to share, and hopefully bless you with is something that my good friend and dear sister in Christ shared with me this morning. I hope this story of enduring through a struggle and the power of prayer, even when it's not in our time, blesses you as it did me. God bless.
I remember when my pastor was going through a similar situation when I was a member in his church. His wife basically backslide, she rarely came to church and when she came she would sit in her special seat where everyone could see her and would roll her eyes at the pastor and play with her rings during service.
The pastor was ill at the time and she was putting pressure on him to sell the church. She and her friends would sabotage the church services, trying to run out the best members so the church would close and she would become a millionaire with the sale of the church. She openly said that it was her goal. She would use their children against the pastor and get them to say mean things to their dad, he would cry in his office.
But the pastor would separate himself, I worked at the church daycare at that time and that is how I became aware of the situation. The pastor would leave the house and stay in his office all day praying and reading his bible. He would not be at home often because they were putting him down.
He did what he had to do around the house while they there were putting him down, and then he would leave to be at church and spend evenings with us at bible study.
She was so successful that we were left with only 10 percent of the usual members at the church;
I was so discouraged that I cried and went to him saying 'What are we going to do? It seems like we were about to lose the church.' He said 'we will do what we always did fast and pray.' And that's what we did.
After about 4 years of her and her friend's attempts at sabotage; she finally gave it up. The Lord was still blessing us through it all. The pastor got healed and the church actually grew. she even became nicer and when she got nicer he started spending more time with her again.
Psalm 107:28-31
28 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
and he brought them out of their distress.
29 He stilled the storm to a whisper;
the waves of the sea were hushed.
30 They were glad when it grew calm,
and he guided them to their desired haven.
31 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind.
Friday, October 17, 2014
Is it Ironic?
When I first thought about it this morning it seemed ironic, but now I wonder if it wasn't God's plan all long to prepare me for this issue. Earlier this week I wrote a post about how we should not judge others and condemn them, but if we know that what they are doing is wrong and it grieves the Lord that we are supposed to lovingly correct them. Yesterday it was made very clear to me that someone I love needs correcting, and now I am praying for the strength and words from the Father to do that in a loving manner.
Before the post I wrote earlier this week, I will admit that I probably would have handled this situation poorly. I may have gotten angry (which I did); and blown up on them in my anger (which praise God I didn't) or I would have kept my anger in and let it build distrust, and resentment as I doubted this person more and more. But instead, when the situation occurred I bit my tongue and decided I needed to pray about how I should handle things and talk the situation over with my husband and get his input on the matter.
At the time the situation happened it was amazing that almost as fast as the anger arose, so did my own words, and the scriptures I had pointed to earlier this week, stopping me in my tracks. This is why at first I thought about how ironic it was that I had wrote about judgment, condemnation, and loving correction and then was faced with a situation where I had to deal with my own fleshly reactions in order to handle things in a more Godly way. But as I thought about it more I wondered if it was ironic, or God's plan that it happened that way?
I can't say for sure, but this morning I am more inclined to think that it was God's plan. He knew what was going on and He knew how I would react typically when faced with such a situation. He knows that everyday as much as I try, I still stumble and oftentimes need reminders, or directions to behave consistently as I should. And I am seeing now that by teaching me how He wants me to react in these situations I was prepared to do it when the time came instead of reacting in the flesh. My typical reaction was still there under the surface, but because I now knew better, I was able to remind myself that there was a better way to handle things.
Isaiah 55:8-9
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Proverbs 19:21
Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
Before the post I wrote earlier this week, I will admit that I probably would have handled this situation poorly. I may have gotten angry (which I did); and blown up on them in my anger (which praise God I didn't) or I would have kept my anger in and let it build distrust, and resentment as I doubted this person more and more. But instead, when the situation occurred I bit my tongue and decided I needed to pray about how I should handle things and talk the situation over with my husband and get his input on the matter.
At the time the situation happened it was amazing that almost as fast as the anger arose, so did my own words, and the scriptures I had pointed to earlier this week, stopping me in my tracks. This is why at first I thought about how ironic it was that I had wrote about judgment, condemnation, and loving correction and then was faced with a situation where I had to deal with my own fleshly reactions in order to handle things in a more Godly way. But as I thought about it more I wondered if it was ironic, or God's plan that it happened that way?
I can't say for sure, but this morning I am more inclined to think that it was God's plan. He knew what was going on and He knew how I would react typically when faced with such a situation. He knows that everyday as much as I try, I still stumble and oftentimes need reminders, or directions to behave consistently as I should. And I am seeing now that by teaching me how He wants me to react in these situations I was prepared to do it when the time came instead of reacting in the flesh. My typical reaction was still there under the surface, but because I now knew better, I was able to remind myself that there was a better way to handle things.
Isaiah 55:8-9
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Proverbs 19:21
Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
Thursday, October 16, 2014
A Child's Faith
I remember when I was a little girl how easy it was to believe in miracles, magic, the tooth fairy, the Easter bunny, Santa Claus and so on. I believed in these things because my parents told me they were real and I love and trust them. As a small child I never doubted what they told me because they were my parent's and I knew they loved me, and because they loved me I tried my best to be obedient to them, I wanted to please them not only to receive praise but because it made me feel good to know that I made the most important people in my life happy. I love to please my parent's and always have, sometimes I think about this when I read in the gospel how Jesus told his disciples that unless they receive the kingdom of God like a child they wouldn't enter it. (Mark 10:13-16; Matthew 19:13-14; Luke 18:15-17)
To me it seems that the faith of a child is based entirely on love and trust, they do not need to see something to believe in it, they just trust that because it was said by someone they love and they know loves them that it is truth. This is what I feel God is asking of us, I feel like He wants us to just accept that because He loves us and knows what is best for us that His commandments and His word are truth. And just like with earthly parents, we should allow this trust and love to drive us to obedience, not obedience looking for reward or praise, but obedience simply for the pleasure of our Father's heart.
I can also remember as a child and even as a teenager, that when I did disobey my parents it wasn't the punishments I received that really hurt, but it was the disappointment or anger I would see in my parent's faces. When I was a child and I had got caught at some misbehavior I cried at the expressions on their faces, and asked for forgiveness, it was the worst feeling in the world at that time to let them down, it's still a pretty terrible feeling as an adult too. Again I see how God wants us to react to Him in my childhood response to my parent's displeasure, crying out, and seeking forgiveness from a truly repentant heart only seeking to restore the relationship.
When I started thinking on a child's faith, and thought about how it felt and how I reacted as a child to my parents pleasure and displeasure I was able to relate so much of it to what God tells us He wants from us. He wants us to have the pure love of a child for their parent, a love that drives you to obedience, and repentance when you fail. A love that trust and does not question except to learn. He wants us to know Him, to be close to Him, and to rely on Him for all that we need, just as we turned to our parents as children.
Mark 10:13-16
And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.
Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
To me it seems that the faith of a child is based entirely on love and trust, they do not need to see something to believe in it, they just trust that because it was said by someone they love and they know loves them that it is truth. This is what I feel God is asking of us, I feel like He wants us to just accept that because He loves us and knows what is best for us that His commandments and His word are truth. And just like with earthly parents, we should allow this trust and love to drive us to obedience, not obedience looking for reward or praise, but obedience simply for the pleasure of our Father's heart.
I can also remember as a child and even as a teenager, that when I did disobey my parents it wasn't the punishments I received that really hurt, but it was the disappointment or anger I would see in my parent's faces. When I was a child and I had got caught at some misbehavior I cried at the expressions on their faces, and asked for forgiveness, it was the worst feeling in the world at that time to let them down, it's still a pretty terrible feeling as an adult too. Again I see how God wants us to react to Him in my childhood response to my parent's displeasure, crying out, and seeking forgiveness from a truly repentant heart only seeking to restore the relationship.
When I started thinking on a child's faith, and thought about how it felt and how I reacted as a child to my parents pleasure and displeasure I was able to relate so much of it to what God tells us He wants from us. He wants us to have the pure love of a child for their parent, a love that drives you to obedience, and repentance when you fail. A love that trust and does not question except to learn. He wants us to know Him, to be close to Him, and to rely on Him for all that we need, just as we turned to our parents as children.
Mark 10:13-16
And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.
Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
A Challenge For Change
So many people feel stuck, beat down, alone, and hopeless. There is pain, emptiness, hurt, and anger in the eyes of so many, I see it everyday, I recognize the prison that once held me. It grieves my heart when I see it, because I know it doesn't have to be that way. I know it can change, but it does require that the person wants to change and is open to it. If you are in want of change, if you desire to be free of your prison, and are open to it then I want you to take this challenge and see if it works for you.
My challenge for change, the challenge to freedom is this, starting today and continuing for the next thirty days pray each day for your eyes, ears, and heart to be open to the Lord, pray to feel Him moving in your life, pray that God makes Himself known to you. Then set time aside everyday to seek Him out, read scriptures and meditate on it. It doesn't matter where you start in the Bible, or even if you jump around, just try to read one or two chapters a day from any of the books in the Bible. Make sure to do this everyday, don't skip a day if you can avoid it.
Does this challenge work? Yes, and to be honest it was something my secular therapist told me to do. Not the praying part, but the reading of scriptures and meditating on them daily. This was her idea to help me break free from that prison of brokenness and get back onto a path of healing. Why would a secular doctor suggest this? Because she has seen it work in the past, while she herself is not a religious person she has seen that the Bible can provide encouragement, comfort, and many sound lessons. It was also a way to refocus my mind off of the negativity I was stuck in, and onto something else. I pray that if you're feeling the way I described that you take a chance and try this. You have nothing to lose and so much to gain!
Ezekiel 36:24-28
24 “ ‘For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land. 25 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. 26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. 28 Then you will live in the land I gave your ancestors; you will be my people, and I will be your God.
Isaiah 43:18-19
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
Colossians 3:7-10
7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
My challenge for change, the challenge to freedom is this, starting today and continuing for the next thirty days pray each day for your eyes, ears, and heart to be open to the Lord, pray to feel Him moving in your life, pray that God makes Himself known to you. Then set time aside everyday to seek Him out, read scriptures and meditate on it. It doesn't matter where you start in the Bible, or even if you jump around, just try to read one or two chapters a day from any of the books in the Bible. Make sure to do this everyday, don't skip a day if you can avoid it.
Does this challenge work? Yes, and to be honest it was something my secular therapist told me to do. Not the praying part, but the reading of scriptures and meditating on them daily. This was her idea to help me break free from that prison of brokenness and get back onto a path of healing. Why would a secular doctor suggest this? Because she has seen it work in the past, while she herself is not a religious person she has seen that the Bible can provide encouragement, comfort, and many sound lessons. It was also a way to refocus my mind off of the negativity I was stuck in, and onto something else. I pray that if you're feeling the way I described that you take a chance and try this. You have nothing to lose and so much to gain!
Ezekiel 36:24-28
24 “ ‘For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land. 25 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. 26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. 28 Then you will live in the land I gave your ancestors; you will be my people, and I will be your God.
Isaiah 43:18-19
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
Colossians 3:7-10
7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Is Judgment Bad
I just saw an interesting post about how we as Christians are supposed to walk in judgment on this world, and enforce it. The writer of the post didn't give any Biblical evidence of their stand point, just this opinion, and they spoke of how the world hates the truth of Christ, and how churches have become corrupt in their teachings, and we have been taught not to judge when we should be being taught righteous judgment, but he didn't go in to detail on righteous judgment. Now, that could be because they plan to do that in another post later, but I would like to write about it today, with scriptures to draw from.
One thing I had to agree with from this other person's post was we are taught that judging is bad, and that belief has become so common place that we now almost automatically associate judgment with condemnation but the two are truly different! To judge something is to simply determine whether it is good or bad, Christians determine good or bad by what is pleasing to the Lord, we know what things are pleasing or displeasing to our Father by reading His word and forming an intimate relationship with Him. So from this logic we are able to determine or judge whether something is right or wrong but I do not think this applies to people, only behavior. In other words, hate the sin not sinner.
Condemnation, however, refers to punishment, it is a guilty verdict and looking through the Bible I did not see where we were told we had the authority to condemn, in fact, James 4:12 says 'There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?' In this verse we do see 'judge' being used in terms closer to condemn or punish, but even here it states that the determination of whether to save or destroy is the Lord's not ours.
Now that I explained judgment and condemnation I want to go back to the main topic, righteous judgment from Christians. Can or should Christians judge others? Well, Proverbs 31:9 says 'Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.' but Matthew 7:1-2 says 'Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.' Then in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 it says, 'All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.' the three scriptures I put here lead me back to a statement I used earlier, hate the sin not the sinner.
I don't think we are to judge people by today's perception of the word judgment or judge people at all, I don't think we have that authority, but we should try to correct them through the love of Christ and help them if they will allow us, we can judge their actions against the word and help them but we cannot condemn them for their actions. I have come to believe from my studies of the scriptures so far that it is fair to judge an action or lifestyle as ungodly or bad and I do think we have the authority to correct them, so long as we know with certainty that it is in fact wrong in God's eyes, and we correct them in a kind, loving manner. We aren't to throw stones and cut people down for their choices, and we shouldn't slander them for those choices either. We all have fallen short of the glory of God, otherwise we wouldn't have needed the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
James 3:17
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
Galatians 6:1
Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.
Titus 2:11-15
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.
One thing I had to agree with from this other person's post was we are taught that judging is bad, and that belief has become so common place that we now almost automatically associate judgment with condemnation but the two are truly different! To judge something is to simply determine whether it is good or bad, Christians determine good or bad by what is pleasing to the Lord, we know what things are pleasing or displeasing to our Father by reading His word and forming an intimate relationship with Him. So from this logic we are able to determine or judge whether something is right or wrong but I do not think this applies to people, only behavior. In other words, hate the sin not sinner.
Condemnation, however, refers to punishment, it is a guilty verdict and looking through the Bible I did not see where we were told we had the authority to condemn, in fact, James 4:12 says 'There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?' In this verse we do see 'judge' being used in terms closer to condemn or punish, but even here it states that the determination of whether to save or destroy is the Lord's not ours.
Now that I explained judgment and condemnation I want to go back to the main topic, righteous judgment from Christians. Can or should Christians judge others? Well, Proverbs 31:9 says 'Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.' but Matthew 7:1-2 says 'Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.' Then in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 it says, 'All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.' the three scriptures I put here lead me back to a statement I used earlier, hate the sin not the sinner.
I don't think we are to judge people by today's perception of the word judgment or judge people at all, I don't think we have that authority, but we should try to correct them through the love of Christ and help them if they will allow us, we can judge their actions against the word and help them but we cannot condemn them for their actions. I have come to believe from my studies of the scriptures so far that it is fair to judge an action or lifestyle as ungodly or bad and I do think we have the authority to correct them, so long as we know with certainty that it is in fact wrong in God's eyes, and we correct them in a kind, loving manner. We aren't to throw stones and cut people down for their choices, and we shouldn't slander them for those choices either. We all have fallen short of the glory of God, otherwise we wouldn't have needed the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
James 3:17
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
Galatians 6:1
Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.
Titus 2:11-15
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.
Monday, October 13, 2014
Don't Compromise
I finally got the opportunity to watch the movie 'God's Not Dead' and I was pretty happy with it. To me it was a good intro-to Christianity for someone who may not have grown up in a Christian home, or wasn't spiritual. But, what I really enjoyed about the movie was the faith displayed in the characters of Josh Wheaton, and the two Christian women that the movie followed. I loved the way they stood up for their faith even when it meant they might lose someone they love, I admired that they understood that if they compromised their faith to please the people around them that they would be failing God. And I liked that in the movie they weren't somehow magically all friends and family back together again at the end.
The last thing I liked about the movie probably sounds weird, but the reason I liked that they didn't work things out with the people who were trying to get them to renounce or compromise their faith is, that is life. I don't mean to sound harsh, but that is more often the truth of those kinds of relationships and for good reason. In 2 Corinthians 6:14, Paul writes that we shouldn't be unequally yoked, meaning we shouldn't be in relationships with someone who isn't also a follower, a similar command was given to the Israelites in Deuteronomy 7:3-4, where God gives the reason for this as that they would be turned away from Him to serve other god's. Now in the movie, two of the main characters were unequally yoked, one with a total non-believer, and the other with someone who on the surface appeared to be a Christian, but wasn't willing to support their partner standing up for it. The third character they followed was Muslim hiding their Christian faith from their family. This character lost their whole family, but choose Christ.
I don't want to make light of any these circumstances but to me, the same "good reason" for the separation can be applied to each of these scenarios, I am not sure if this movie was based on a true story or not; I heard it was but I don't know for sure; but I do know that these same stories, and same struggles are being faced everyday. Everyday someone is being faced with the decision of faith over someone they care about, or even their entire family. Christ gave a very clear warning that this was the price we would pay for following him.
We cannot compromise our faith to please others, the cost is so much greater than the here and now. I am not saying that you can't associate with non-believers, of course we have to, how else can we share the gospel? What I am saying is don't be surprised if after a while it comes to down to the choices I referenced from the movie, and don't be surprised if you aren't able to get back in with your old crowd after choosing Jesus. Know though, as much as it hurts to loose these people, and trust me I do know that feeling, it gets better. Speaking from experience God heals the heart after the loss, blesses you in your spiritual growth and before you even realize it, you look back and realize it was for the better, and you are happier now. Do not be ashamed, if you have been struggling with this, please trust Him.
Deuteronomy 7:3-4
You shall not intermarry with them, giving your daughters to their sons or taking their daughters for your sons, for they would turn away your sons from following me, to serve other gods. Then the anger of the Lord would be kindled against you, and he would destroy you quickly.
2 Corinthians 6:14-18
Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.”
Matthew 10:34-39
The last thing I liked about the movie probably sounds weird, but the reason I liked that they didn't work things out with the people who were trying to get them to renounce or compromise their faith is, that is life. I don't mean to sound harsh, but that is more often the truth of those kinds of relationships and for good reason. In 2 Corinthians 6:14, Paul writes that we shouldn't be unequally yoked, meaning we shouldn't be in relationships with someone who isn't also a follower, a similar command was given to the Israelites in Deuteronomy 7:3-4, where God gives the reason for this as that they would be turned away from Him to serve other god's. Now in the movie, two of the main characters were unequally yoked, one with a total non-believer, and the other with someone who on the surface appeared to be a Christian, but wasn't willing to support their partner standing up for it. The third character they followed was Muslim hiding their Christian faith from their family. This character lost their whole family, but choose Christ.
I don't want to make light of any these circumstances but to me, the same "good reason" for the separation can be applied to each of these scenarios, I am not sure if this movie was based on a true story or not; I heard it was but I don't know for sure; but I do know that these same stories, and same struggles are being faced everyday. Everyday someone is being faced with the decision of faith over someone they care about, or even their entire family. Christ gave a very clear warning that this was the price we would pay for following him.
We cannot compromise our faith to please others, the cost is so much greater than the here and now. I am not saying that you can't associate with non-believers, of course we have to, how else can we share the gospel? What I am saying is don't be surprised if after a while it comes to down to the choices I referenced from the movie, and don't be surprised if you aren't able to get back in with your old crowd after choosing Jesus. Know though, as much as it hurts to loose these people, and trust me I do know that feeling, it gets better. Speaking from experience God heals the heart after the loss, blesses you in your spiritual growth and before you even realize it, you look back and realize it was for the better, and you are happier now. Do not be ashamed, if you have been struggling with this, please trust Him.
Deuteronomy 7:3-4
You shall not intermarry with them, giving your daughters to their sons or taking their daughters for your sons, for they would turn away your sons from following me, to serve other gods. Then the anger of the Lord would be kindled against you, and he would destroy you quickly.
2 Corinthians 6:14-18
Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.”
Matthew 10:34-39
32 “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33 But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.
34 “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to turn
“ ‘a man against his father,
a daughter against her mother,
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—
36 a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’
37 “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.
Miracle Monday
A couple of weeks ago a friend of mine here on G+ shared with me a dream of healing she received from the Lord, today I want to share it with you and I hope you are blessed by her testimony and awesome power of our Father in heaven, and the many wondrous things He does for His children.
Maria's dream:
Recently I had a dream I was riding a bike I think or I may have been walking, when I met this man out on the street. He frightened me because he kept trying to get me by myself to rape me. Finally after the third attempt I managed to start running away.
And I kept running and running it was raining while I ran and I remember saying God I don't know why you are doing this but I'm gonna praise you anyway, then I felt my body get lifted up in the air. And my stomach glowed a bright light when that occurred I began speaking in tongues. It didn't last long then in my dream I woke up in the grass.
I know to some this was just a silly dream, no miracle at all. But I want to remind you, God has often worked through people's dreams, He has often given messages to people in their dreams, and God can certainly heal through a dream.
Jeremiah 17:14
Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise.
Isaiah 53:5
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
Jeremiah 33:6
Behold, I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them, and will reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth.
James 5:14-15
Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
Thursday, October 9, 2014
When There is No Peace
Lately I've been discouraged, I have seen miracles happen and people taken care of in their lack, but I have felt discouraged towards my own work and my own life. I have felt lately that the work I do isn't always appreciated. But I was reminded of something today, pride is a big issue with me. This isn't about me, it's about Him. It's about glorifying my Father in heaven and telling people about Him. Sometimes I get lost looking at the numbers of the responses I see to a certain post, or the overall blog stats and I start to get full of myself thinking 'wow, they like what I wrote!' and then I get addicted to that emotional high, and let down again when it isn't repeated everyday. I will find myself worrying over the numbers of responses. When these things aren't important at all, not in the large scheme of things. It's not about me, it's about Him and I need to let go of my self-righteous pride and allow God to work. I need to be as happy with two views as I am with hundred, because He is the one causing it to touch the people He needs it to.
Oftentimes, when I am dissatisfied with life it's because my spirit is out of alignment with God, without God there is no true peace, and when there is no peace that allows for these feelings of discontentment and discouragement and feelings of lack to appear. There's only one way I know to combat these feelings that works every time. I confess my sin to God, either privately or publicly like I did here. I ask for forgiveness and strength to stay out of this snare in the future, and then I read more of His word. Even if I'm not reading something that directly ties in with what I am experiencing just reading His word, His love letter to us, brings me so much comfort.
I pray that if you are struggling with emotions that you take some time and really look at them, find the root of those feelings, it probably won't be comfortable and will mostly likely come back on you. But that's good, once you face the problem and admit it, everything from there is easy and less painful by comparison. It hurt to realize that the reason I have felt crummy the last couple of weeks was me. I didn't want to be the source of my own discomfort because it's easier to blame others, but there's no healing or peace in that, just more pain. Forgiveness had a price, and it is a price that Christ paid, all we have to do is let go of pride, humble ourselves before Him and accept what He already gave. Be blessed brothers and sisters.
Psalm 103:10-14
He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
James 5:16
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
Oftentimes, when I am dissatisfied with life it's because my spirit is out of alignment with God, without God there is no true peace, and when there is no peace that allows for these feelings of discontentment and discouragement and feelings of lack to appear. There's only one way I know to combat these feelings that works every time. I confess my sin to God, either privately or publicly like I did here. I ask for forgiveness and strength to stay out of this snare in the future, and then I read more of His word. Even if I'm not reading something that directly ties in with what I am experiencing just reading His word, His love letter to us, brings me so much comfort.
I pray that if you are struggling with emotions that you take some time and really look at them, find the root of those feelings, it probably won't be comfortable and will mostly likely come back on you. But that's good, once you face the problem and admit it, everything from there is easy and less painful by comparison. It hurt to realize that the reason I have felt crummy the last couple of weeks was me. I didn't want to be the source of my own discomfort because it's easier to blame others, but there's no healing or peace in that, just more pain. Forgiveness had a price, and it is a price that Christ paid, all we have to do is let go of pride, humble ourselves before Him and accept what He already gave. Be blessed brothers and sisters.
Psalm 103:10-14
He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
James 5:16
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
Monday, October 6, 2014
Miracle Monday
God always provides, and always in His time and not ours. For several months we had a ticking clock above of our heads as we searched for a place for my mother in law and her two therapy dogs to live. We worried and prayed over both her financial and housing situations, and with only about two weeks to go, God provided.
Yesterday we finished moving her into a great apartment with a really nice landlord. It is amazing how God never fails to show up when you keep believing and keep working towards a goal, and often He gives you more than you expect. But I can honestly say there were days where I was begging God for a miracle because it seemed like every door was closed, and I know my mother-in-law got the worst of it due to both her illness and other stressors in her life prior to the move.
Now though, other than the unpacking, I think we all feel a sense of relief. We are all grateful, and during the whole search I have to admit I was impressed that my mother-in-law was able to say everyday 'God will provide something, I know it.' I know that some days she said it just as much to convince herself as she did because she believed it, but saying it I think was an act of faith for her.
I hope you will read this today and let it encourage you to hang on, keep hoping and please know if God is telling you no, its because there's something else that is better for you out there. God will not leave you stranded, there is always an exit plan you just need to your eyes, ears, and hearts open to the possibilities.
Isaiah 40:31
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint
Psalm 27:13-14
I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance
Yesterday we finished moving her into a great apartment with a really nice landlord. It is amazing how God never fails to show up when you keep believing and keep working towards a goal, and often He gives you more than you expect. But I can honestly say there were days where I was begging God for a miracle because it seemed like every door was closed, and I know my mother-in-law got the worst of it due to both her illness and other stressors in her life prior to the move.
Now though, other than the unpacking, I think we all feel a sense of relief. We are all grateful, and during the whole search I have to admit I was impressed that my mother-in-law was able to say everyday 'God will provide something, I know it.' I know that some days she said it just as much to convince herself as she did because she believed it, but saying it I think was an act of faith for her.
I hope you will read this today and let it encourage you to hang on, keep hoping and please know if God is telling you no, its because there's something else that is better for you out there. God will not leave you stranded, there is always an exit plan you just need to your eyes, ears, and hearts open to the possibilities.
Isaiah 40:31
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint
Psalm 27:13-14
I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance
Friday, October 3, 2014
Faith and Fear
I can always tell how big an impact something I write will make by how God is urging me in the spirit to do it and by how much fear also accompanies the request. The fear I feel in those moments is a manifestation of the spiritual battle that is going on inside, one side telling me to be obedient to the spirit, and the other trying to scare me away from doing it. I think most of us have had experiences like this, and often when I'm struggling with a request from God; feeling the fear rises up inside of me, I will think about how in cartoons they used to draw a devil over one shoulder and angel on the other. With that image in mind I will then speak faith to my little devil and mentally shoo him away as I press forward in obedience.
I would really like to say that because I am aware of this battle and how to get through it that I am always obedient, but that would be a lie. Sometimes the fear and the flesh get the better of me. Sometimes God will have to repeatedly urge me to obey Him. at these times I feel like Jonah, who tried to hide from God when he was called to warn the people of Ninevah to turn from their wicked ways before God's wrath fell upon them, I get afraid and want to hide from God because of my disobedience and lack of faith in His plan. I want to escape the shame of not obeying, and avoid my Father's disappointment.
Thankfully though, even when I fail the Father knows right where I am and how to comfort my fears. He gently takes me in His arms and reminds me of His love and strength, and gives me a second chance to do better, knowing what is truly in my heart. The next time you feel an urging in your spirit to do something and it's accompanied by fear know that God has already given you the ability to overcome this. Trust in His strength when you can't trust yours, accept His comfort, pray and obey. God would never tell you do something if it wasn't part of His plan for your life, a life He gave you, and restored to Him through the sacrifice and resurrection of Yeshua. Be blessed and courageous, God goes before you.
Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Psalm 56:3
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.
Psalm 34:4
I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
I would really like to say that because I am aware of this battle and how to get through it that I am always obedient, but that would be a lie. Sometimes the fear and the flesh get the better of me. Sometimes God will have to repeatedly urge me to obey Him. at these times I feel like Jonah, who tried to hide from God when he was called to warn the people of Ninevah to turn from their wicked ways before God's wrath fell upon them, I get afraid and want to hide from God because of my disobedience and lack of faith in His plan. I want to escape the shame of not obeying, and avoid my Father's disappointment.
Thankfully though, even when I fail the Father knows right where I am and how to comfort my fears. He gently takes me in His arms and reminds me of His love and strength, and gives me a second chance to do better, knowing what is truly in my heart. The next time you feel an urging in your spirit to do something and it's accompanied by fear know that God has already given you the ability to overcome this. Trust in His strength when you can't trust yours, accept His comfort, pray and obey. God would never tell you do something if it wasn't part of His plan for your life, a life He gave you, and restored to Him through the sacrifice and resurrection of Yeshua. Be blessed and courageous, God goes before you.
Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Psalm 56:3
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.
Psalm 34:4
I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Ready?
Someone asked me recently if I was ready for the coming return of the Messiah, and I answered them with I am preparing my heart and mind daily. I answered them this way because I don't think I know what 'ready' means in this case. If they had asked if I am serving God and building a relationship with Him, I would answer undoubtedly 'yes!' Had they asked if I had surrendered to the Lord and given Him my heart and soul to do His will, 'yes!' Had they asked are you being vigilant in your watch for the signs, and the prompting of the Holy Spirit I would say 'yes!' If they had asked if I was expecting it and looking forward to the return of Christ, 'yes!' But am I ready for the end?
Today I am not writing to teach or lead, guide, persuade, or influence, or encourage, I am truly asking if one of my readers knows the answer that they please explain it to me. What does 'ready' mean when it comes to the end times? How do we judge ready? Who is the judge of what ready means and what it doesn't? I don't know if we will truly find out what 'ready' means until He returns, and that's why I don't usually focus on whether I am ready or not, but instead choose to daily prepare for it. I wake up each day thinking that this could be the day where it all changes, and I try to live for Christ to the best of the ability I have in my weak flesh. Am I missing it?
I truly desire to serve the Almighty with all that is in me, He is my heart and the central focus of my life, I really want to know if I was wrong in my thoughts up to this point on how I approached the end times. Is there more I should be doing? I am asking, and doing it publicly because I am sure others need these questions answered too, and I know that a few of the people who read my post are more spiritually mature than I am so I am hoping they will answer the questions for us all and help us to grow.
I apologize to anyone who read this expecting me to have answers today, I don't. God does though, and I know the answers are in His word, I know if we ask and seek for the truth it will be revealed to us, so I am humbly asking to be taught.
Proverbs 8:10
Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold,
Proverbs 2:1-22
My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.
Psalm 119:66
Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments.
Today I am not writing to teach or lead, guide, persuade, or influence, or encourage, I am truly asking if one of my readers knows the answer that they please explain it to me. What does 'ready' mean when it comes to the end times? How do we judge ready? Who is the judge of what ready means and what it doesn't? I don't know if we will truly find out what 'ready' means until He returns, and that's why I don't usually focus on whether I am ready or not, but instead choose to daily prepare for it. I wake up each day thinking that this could be the day where it all changes, and I try to live for Christ to the best of the ability I have in my weak flesh. Am I missing it?
I truly desire to serve the Almighty with all that is in me, He is my heart and the central focus of my life, I really want to know if I was wrong in my thoughts up to this point on how I approached the end times. Is there more I should be doing? I am asking, and doing it publicly because I am sure others need these questions answered too, and I know that a few of the people who read my post are more spiritually mature than I am so I am hoping they will answer the questions for us all and help us to grow.
I apologize to anyone who read this expecting me to have answers today, I don't. God does though, and I know the answers are in His word, I know if we ask and seek for the truth it will be revealed to us, so I am humbly asking to be taught.
Proverbs 8:10
Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold,
Proverbs 2:1-22
My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.
Psalm 119:66
Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments.
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Tomorrow's Another Day
I'm sure most of us have heard the expression 'tomorrow's another day' usually in reference to not getting something done, having a bad day, or hoping that tomorrow is better. But how many more days are there left? How many more tomorrows do we actually have? If you ask some people they say our time is short this is the final days, ask someone else and they may tell you it'll be thousands of years, and someone else might hold with Newton's belief that the final year is 2060AD, and most people don't think about it one way or the other. But one thing is for sure, the world will end, no matter what religion you believe in, or scientific end scenario we all agree on this, we all accept that the world will end, now what are you going to do about?
If the world ended tomorrow would you be ready? Would your heart be prepared to meet your Creator; to be judged by the life you choose to live? If you aren't thinking about that you should be, I have no idea when Jesus will return and I make no claims about it but I am certain that He will, and I know the signs are in place for it to happen and soon, maybe tomorrow maybe a hundred years from now. Today, though it seems to me, that we are building to the climax, to the grand finale of this world and our judgment is at hand. Now is exactly the time to start thinking about the end, because you still have today, you still have a chance to change and give your heart to Jesus, you can still be saved from the lake of fire, but tomorrow could be to late.
Are there things in your life that you know upset God, things that in your heart you have known are wrong but persisted in anyway? This is your opportunity to change them. I am asking you to please read the scriptures I'm placing at the bottom of this post and ask yourself if you don't see the truth and proof of them around us everyday, and ask yourself what if tomorrow isn't another day; what if today is it? 2 Peter 3:10; tells us that Christ will appear like a thief in night, in other words unexpectedly, and in Matthew 24:36-37 it says that no one knows when time here will end except God himself, so be prepared. Make your heart and lifestyle pleasing and holy to the Lord, pull away from the world and into Christ, become his servant dyeing to this life of sin and begin living a new life through him.
Matthew 24:14:
And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
Matthew 24:21-22:
21 For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now-and never to be equaled again. 22 If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.
Jeremiah 16:14-15
14 “However, the days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when it will no longer be said, ‘As surely as the Lord lives, who brought the Israelites up out of Egypt,’ 15 but it will be said, ‘As surely as the Lord lives, who brought the Israelites up out of the land of the north and out of all the countries where he had banished them.’ For I will restore them to the land I gave their ancestors.
2 Peter 3:2-4
I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles. First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised?"
Luke 21:11
There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.
Luke 21:25-26
There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken.
2 Timothy 3:1-4
But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.
2 Timothy 4:3-4
For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.
Matthew 24:6
You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.
If the world ended tomorrow would you be ready? Would your heart be prepared to meet your Creator; to be judged by the life you choose to live? If you aren't thinking about that you should be, I have no idea when Jesus will return and I make no claims about it but I am certain that He will, and I know the signs are in place for it to happen and soon, maybe tomorrow maybe a hundred years from now. Today, though it seems to me, that we are building to the climax, to the grand finale of this world and our judgment is at hand. Now is exactly the time to start thinking about the end, because you still have today, you still have a chance to change and give your heart to Jesus, you can still be saved from the lake of fire, but tomorrow could be to late.
Are there things in your life that you know upset God, things that in your heart you have known are wrong but persisted in anyway? This is your opportunity to change them. I am asking you to please read the scriptures I'm placing at the bottom of this post and ask yourself if you don't see the truth and proof of them around us everyday, and ask yourself what if tomorrow isn't another day; what if today is it? 2 Peter 3:10; tells us that Christ will appear like a thief in night, in other words unexpectedly, and in Matthew 24:36-37 it says that no one knows when time here will end except God himself, so be prepared. Make your heart and lifestyle pleasing and holy to the Lord, pull away from the world and into Christ, become his servant dyeing to this life of sin and begin living a new life through him.
Matthew 24:14:
And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
Matthew 24:21-22:
21 For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now-and never to be equaled again. 22 If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.
Jeremiah 16:14-15
14 “However, the days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when it will no longer be said, ‘As surely as the Lord lives, who brought the Israelites up out of Egypt,’ 15 but it will be said, ‘As surely as the Lord lives, who brought the Israelites up out of the land of the north and out of all the countries where he had banished them.’ For I will restore them to the land I gave their ancestors.
2 Peter 3:2-4
I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles. First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised?"
Luke 21:11
There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.
Luke 21:25-26
There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken.
2 Timothy 3:1-4
But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.
2 Timothy 4:3-4
For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.
Matthew 24:6
You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.
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