17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father.
Luke 11:17-29
Fear the LORD your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name. 14 Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you; 15 for the LORD your God, who is among you, is a jealous God and his anger will burn against you, and he will destroy you from the face of the land.
Deut.6:13b-15
1 “To the angel[a] of the church in Ephesus write:
These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. 2 I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 3 You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.
4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. 5 Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. 6 But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
7 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
Rev. 2:1-7
In the Bible there are numerous accounts of Israel and the Chosen People, as well as individuals, being on fire and sold out for The Lord...and then backsliding. Many are those we count amongst the great cloud of witnesses in Hebrews 11 and 12. I am reminded of this because it is a reflection of my life as a Christian, as I am desiring in my heart and spirit to love Him and follow Him with every fiber of my being, and then dealing with a flesh that is weak, the two waging war against the other. The only solution for me is to cast my cares on Him, alone, feed myself on a steady diet of the Word, bathing myself and being washied by the water and the Word, and rinsing off the filth I am surrounded by. It's better to be in His house for one day, than a thousand elsewhere, and I am grateful that the Lover of my Soul/Heavenly Father deals with me with such amazing grace. His wonderful lovingkindness soothes me and draws me into repentance - and renewal.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Memorial Day
Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Ephesians 6:11b-13
32 And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. 35 Women received back their dead, raised to life again. There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection. 36 Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were put to death by stoning;[e] they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— 38 the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground.
Hebrews 11:32-38
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews 12:1-3
We are at war. Wars between nations begin and end, but there is an invisible war raging, and it will continue to rage until our Messiah, Jesus, Yeshua ben David, returns, not as a docile lamb, but as the Vanquisher, conquering the enemy of our souls, and evil, sin, death are done away with. Many have gone before us, believing in something greater than themselves, believed and obeyed the Lord... many have paid the ultimate sacrifice, in both our physical wars , and the greater war. These men and women were ordinary people, but heeded the call, stepped out of comfort zones, accomplished extraordinary things. Courage under fire, uncommon valor, bravery in the face of seemingly overwhelming odds and adversity are not natural human traits; but it is God that enables our "arms to bend a bow of bronze and strengthens our hands for battle". Remember and honor our soldiers, and our spiritual heroes, who have protected us, vanquished the enemy, stood in the gap for us. Take heart, do not grow weary, remember and honor those worthy of honor, and put on your armor daily.
We will have the victory!
Ephesians 6:11b-13
32 And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. 35 Women received back their dead, raised to life again. There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection. 36 Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were put to death by stoning;[e] they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— 38 the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground.
Hebrews 11:32-38
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews 12:1-3
We are at war. Wars between nations begin and end, but there is an invisible war raging, and it will continue to rage until our Messiah, Jesus, Yeshua ben David, returns, not as a docile lamb, but as the Vanquisher, conquering the enemy of our souls, and evil, sin, death are done away with. Many have gone before us, believing in something greater than themselves, believed and obeyed the Lord... many have paid the ultimate sacrifice, in both our physical wars , and the greater war. These men and women were ordinary people, but heeded the call, stepped out of comfort zones, accomplished extraordinary things. Courage under fire, uncommon valor, bravery in the face of seemingly overwhelming odds and adversity are not natural human traits; but it is God that enables our "arms to bend a bow of bronze and strengthens our hands for battle". Remember and honor our soldiers, and our spiritual heroes, who have protected us, vanquished the enemy, stood in the gap for us. Take heart, do not grow weary, remember and honor those worthy of honor, and put on your armor daily.
We will have the victory!
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Lasts and Firsts/It's Never Too Late
39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”
40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.[d]”
43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Luke 23:39-43
I often think about the circumstances and timing of salvation, and the "heavenly mechanics" of what opens the gates of eternity. Here were the 2 criminals, punished for their crimes, but one had a bitter heart till the bitter end, the other's door to his heart swung open, softened by Jesus, and his confession and petition unlock the Gates and he steps into eternal salvation greeted by the One who had suffered and hung beside him hours before. But the Pharisees, who used God's name, knew all the religious "tricks" and rules and manipulated the system for their earthly benefit- these men, and those like them throughout history, must've had a rude awakening when their eyes closed for the last time, and found themselves having passed into eternal judgement. It's faith, not works...for salvation. It's never too late. The scriptures tell us that the Lord is not slow in coming, but He's allowing more time for more souls to come in. His lovingkindness, not judgement, brings us to repentance, and as long as a body has breath, the Lord wants us, draws us. If He loved the criminal, who could be beyond His reach?
40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.[d]”
43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Luke 23:39-43
I often think about the circumstances and timing of salvation, and the "heavenly mechanics" of what opens the gates of eternity. Here were the 2 criminals, punished for their crimes, but one had a bitter heart till the bitter end, the other's door to his heart swung open, softened by Jesus, and his confession and petition unlock the Gates and he steps into eternal salvation greeted by the One who had suffered and hung beside him hours before. But the Pharisees, who used God's name, knew all the religious "tricks" and rules and manipulated the system for their earthly benefit- these men, and those like them throughout history, must've had a rude awakening when their eyes closed for the last time, and found themselves having passed into eternal judgement. It's faith, not works...for salvation. It's never too late. The scriptures tell us that the Lord is not slow in coming, but He's allowing more time for more souls to come in. His lovingkindness, not judgement, brings us to repentance, and as long as a body has breath, the Lord wants us, draws us. If He loved the criminal, who could be beyond His reach?
Friday, May 27, 2011
Fruit in the Desert
"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them. For God knew His people in advance, and He chose them to become like His Son, so that His Son would be the firstborn, with many brothers and sisters."
Romans 8:28-29
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5,6
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold." Psalm 46:1-3,7
In the Holy Land, the Israelis working with what seemed like very limited resources and a very small space, perfected growing certain produce, specifically different melons, and tomatoes, in absolutely adverse conditions, using recycled brackish (slightly salty and unfit for a person to drink) water for irrigation. They found that the fruits produced here differed in size and flavor, being sweeter, and were bountiful and robust, exceeding expectations.
In this life, we sometimes go through desert experiences, planted for a season in a harsh environment for reasons unknown to us. Although we can find ourselves perplexed and pressed down, with trials of various kinds testing us, the Lord Jesus himself told us, and the Word prepares us for what can be a time of tremendous growth. He is with us, and we will not be abandoned and forsaken, even at what seems like the darkest hour, and the outcome will be a different fruit, robust and sweet. Fear not. Do not be discouraged or dismayed, because the truth is that He is with us, and will never leave us or forsake us.
Today move forward in joy, the joy of the Lord is your strength! Trust in Him, especially if you are in the desert...the new fruit is coming.
Romans 8:28-29
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5,6
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold." Psalm 46:1-3,7
In the Holy Land, the Israelis working with what seemed like very limited resources and a very small space, perfected growing certain produce, specifically different melons, and tomatoes, in absolutely adverse conditions, using recycled brackish (slightly salty and unfit for a person to drink) water for irrigation. They found that the fruits produced here differed in size and flavor, being sweeter, and were bountiful and robust, exceeding expectations.
In this life, we sometimes go through desert experiences, planted for a season in a harsh environment for reasons unknown to us. Although we can find ourselves perplexed and pressed down, with trials of various kinds testing us, the Lord Jesus himself told us, and the Word prepares us for what can be a time of tremendous growth. He is with us, and we will not be abandoned and forsaken, even at what seems like the darkest hour, and the outcome will be a different fruit, robust and sweet. Fear not. Do not be discouraged or dismayed, because the truth is that He is with us, and will never leave us or forsake us.
Today move forward in joy, the joy of the Lord is your strength! Trust in Him, especially if you are in the desert...the new fruit is coming.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Storm Advisory/ Aftermath
25 See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? 26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” 27 The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our “God is a consuming fire.”
Hebrews 12:25-28
I spent last night at a friend's home. There were warnings on an unusually violent front pushing through, with over 100 tornados attributed to it, including a devasting EF-5 in Joplin, MO. As I prepared to leave home for the shelter of a safer place, I looked behind me where our belongings were, prayed, and wondered if it would be the last time I ever set foot there. The storms came, with lightning strikes exceeding 1400 strikes per hour, driving winds, and rain, but we were spared from a tornado. On the way back to our still-standing-by-the-grace-of-God home though, there were trees down - those with shallow root systems uprooted, with branches broken off- many of which looked healthy on the outside, but inside were rotted and hollow, and debris of what could not survive was scattered everywhere, making my 5 minute drive take twice as long. The morning has brought cool temperatures, clean ozone-like aromas, and only the sounds of chirping birds.
We are in a time of great shaking, the beginning of the birth pangs are here. These are the times to set our root systems deep, to be (or to become) rooted and grounded, because without this we will not, we cannot stand. The metaphor of the trees uprooted is clear, and imagery almost shocking. Stout and otherwise healthy looking, respectable up to moments before, but having shallow roots, and rotted inside, when the trials of storm came, they were destroyed suddenly and without remedy.
Beloved, the only place that is unshakeable is to hide our lives -hearts, minds, soul, and spirit- in The Rock, Messiah Yeshua, Jesus the Christ. Everything else is sinking sand, run to the Strong Tower today.
Hebrews 12:25-28
I spent last night at a friend's home. There were warnings on an unusually violent front pushing through, with over 100 tornados attributed to it, including a devasting EF-5 in Joplin, MO. As I prepared to leave home for the shelter of a safer place, I looked behind me where our belongings were, prayed, and wondered if it would be the last time I ever set foot there. The storms came, with lightning strikes exceeding 1400 strikes per hour, driving winds, and rain, but we were spared from a tornado. On the way back to our still-standing-by-the-grace-of-God home though, there were trees down - those with shallow root systems uprooted, with branches broken off- many of which looked healthy on the outside, but inside were rotted and hollow, and debris of what could not survive was scattered everywhere, making my 5 minute drive take twice as long. The morning has brought cool temperatures, clean ozone-like aromas, and only the sounds of chirping birds.
We are in a time of great shaking, the beginning of the birth pangs are here. These are the times to set our root systems deep, to be (or to become) rooted and grounded, because without this we will not, we cannot stand. The metaphor of the trees uprooted is clear, and imagery almost shocking. Stout and otherwise healthy looking, respectable up to moments before, but having shallow roots, and rotted inside, when the trials of storm came, they were destroyed suddenly and without remedy.
Beloved, the only place that is unshakeable is to hide our lives -hearts, minds, soul, and spirit- in The Rock, Messiah Yeshua, Jesus the Christ. Everything else is sinking sand, run to the Strong Tower today.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Another Promise
7 “Come, Zion! Escape, you who live in Daughter Babylon!” 8 For this is what the LORD Almighty says: “After the Glorious One has sent me against the nations that have plundered you—for whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye 9 I will surely raise my hand against them so that their slaves will plunder them.[b] Then you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me.10 “Shout and be glad, Daughter Zion. For I am coming, and I will live among you,” declares the LORD. 11 “Many nations will be joined with the LORD in that day and will become my people. I will live among you and you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me to you. 12 The LORD will inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land and will again choose Jerusalem. 13 Be still before the LORD, all mankind, because he has roused himself from his holy dwelling.”
Zech. 2:7-13
I have been stirred, listening lately to a Prime Minister and a President - one, the Prime Minister of Israel, the Apple of God's eye, who has a keen and correct worldview and wisdom, vs. a President who clearly does not know Biblical, Jewish, or world history, either ancient or modern, nor is He familiar with God's Word. What is the Word of the Lord if not His promises? Who is The Lord Almighty? What He isn't is a man that He should lie, or have just good intentions, but because of a variety of factors those intentions are unfulfilled! No- God, the Lord Almighty, keeps His Word! To His Chosen People, to those grafted in, - and also to His enemies. If you mess with the Apple of His eye you are His enemy! But to those peoples and nations who support and love what He loves, they will be joined with Him, one people, all who call on the name of the Lord. God's promises are transcendent, and available to all who believe and confess Him as Lord and Savior, they are universal, but exclusive simultaneously. He will not share us with idols or other gods.
Be still before Him today, and know that He is God.
Zech. 2:7-13
I have been stirred, listening lately to a Prime Minister and a President - one, the Prime Minister of Israel, the Apple of God's eye, who has a keen and correct worldview and wisdom, vs. a President who clearly does not know Biblical, Jewish, or world history, either ancient or modern, nor is He familiar with God's Word. What is the Word of the Lord if not His promises? Who is The Lord Almighty? What He isn't is a man that He should lie, or have just good intentions, but because of a variety of factors those intentions are unfulfilled! No- God, the Lord Almighty, keeps His Word! To His Chosen People, to those grafted in, - and also to His enemies. If you mess with the Apple of His eye you are His enemy! But to those peoples and nations who support and love what He loves, they will be joined with Him, one people, all who call on the name of the Lord. God's promises are transcendent, and available to all who believe and confess Him as Lord and Savior, they are universal, but exclusive simultaneously. He will not share us with idols or other gods.
Be still before Him today, and know that He is God.
Monday, May 23, 2011
A History Lesson/ Message to the World
"I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."
'If the Arabs put down their weapons today, there would be no more violence.
If the Jews put down their weapons today, there would be no more Israel' ~Benjamin Netanyahu~
"Jerusalem if I forgot thee, may my right hand lose its cunning, may my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth"
Psalm 137:5-6
‘For I,’ declares the Lord, ‘will be a wall of fire around her, and I will be the glory in her midst.’"For thus says the Lord of hosts, "After glory He has sent me against the nations which plunder you, for he who touches you, touches the apple of His eye."
Zech.2:5,8
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:9
In light of recent events, (nations caving in and siding with Israel's enemies/Islam),and the ongoing arrogance of world leaders, including our president, to dictate terms of "surrender" to God's Chosen People, Israel, I would like to remind the readership of certain undeniable facts.
1) The land of Israel was given to the Jewish people, and no others, as their eternal homeland, as permanent tenants, but not owners...God holds deed and title to the Holy Land, period. No one can give away what doesn't belong to them, not the Knesset, the G7, the soon-to-be nonexistent enemies of Israel ( the fate of all enemies of the Jewish people is total obliteration), not the President of the US...no one.
2) As I mentioned briefly above, all who have tried to annihilate God's Chosen, My People Israel, (yes I am a JEWISH BELIEVER IN MESSIAH YESHUA)are gone, themselves wiped from the face of the earth, except for scant artifacts, historical reference, and that is all remaining. Of these peoples... Babylonians, Edomites, Canaanites, ancient Egypt, Romans, Nazis...those who have sought to thwart God's plans for the Jews, without trying to outright annihilate them, such as Great Britian and Spain have been reduced to a fragment of their former empires. Even if one is only a student of history, and not (yet) a follower of the Lord Jesus and student of the Bible, a person would have to be a fool to ignore these facts. Consider the insurmountable odds that have been stacked against Israel and the Jews over and over again, only to see God protect and prosper His People, while their enemies are utterly destroyed . No weapon formed against them will prosper!
3) Israel and the Jewish people are the evidence of the fact that Our Father/God/Bridegroom does not change his mind, never reneging on His promises, and when one becomes a child of the King, they are grafted into the house of Israel. The promise is for all who call on His Name, and trust in Him alone. His banner over us all is Love.
We need leaders today, in America, and across the free world, men and women, who are bold, courageous, and strong, and not afraid to let the World know who they are: Sons and Daughters of the Most High God, Joshuas, Deborahs, Calebs, Gideons- fulfilling His purposes, loving who and what you love, not shifting policies and spewing doublespeak, responding to the latest polls! We don't need separation of Church and State, we need God, surrending total control of our lives, individually and nationally-ONE NATION UNDER GOD. We need to love that which He loves, and hate what He hates. This is not about politics, this is all about being on the same page with the Author. The Lord loves Israel and the Jewish people and the stage is being set for the final countdown, and we already know who the victors are!
Lord give your people, Jews and Christians alike, hearts like Joshua, make us ready for the battle.
'If the Arabs put down their weapons today, there would be no more violence.
If the Jews put down their weapons today, there would be no more Israel' ~Benjamin Netanyahu~
"Jerusalem if I forgot thee, may my right hand lose its cunning, may my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth"
Psalm 137:5-6
‘For I,’ declares the Lord, ‘will be a wall of fire around her, and I will be the glory in her midst.’"For thus says the Lord of hosts, "After glory He has sent me against the nations which plunder you, for he who touches you, touches the apple of His eye."
Zech.2:5,8
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:9
In light of recent events, (nations caving in and siding with Israel's enemies/Islam),and the ongoing arrogance of world leaders, including our president, to dictate terms of "surrender" to God's Chosen People, Israel, I would like to remind the readership of certain undeniable facts.
1) The land of Israel was given to the Jewish people, and no others, as their eternal homeland, as permanent tenants, but not owners...God holds deed and title to the Holy Land, period. No one can give away what doesn't belong to them, not the Knesset, the G7, the soon-to-be nonexistent enemies of Israel ( the fate of all enemies of the Jewish people is total obliteration), not the President of the US...no one.
2) As I mentioned briefly above, all who have tried to annihilate God's Chosen, My People Israel, (yes I am a JEWISH BELIEVER IN MESSIAH YESHUA)are gone, themselves wiped from the face of the earth, except for scant artifacts, historical reference, and that is all remaining. Of these peoples... Babylonians, Edomites, Canaanites, ancient Egypt, Romans, Nazis...those who have sought to thwart God's plans for the Jews, without trying to outright annihilate them, such as Great Britian and Spain have been reduced to a fragment of their former empires. Even if one is only a student of history, and not (yet) a follower of the Lord Jesus and student of the Bible, a person would have to be a fool to ignore these facts. Consider the insurmountable odds that have been stacked against Israel and the Jews over and over again, only to see God protect and prosper His People, while their enemies are utterly destroyed . No weapon formed against them will prosper!
3) Israel and the Jewish people are the evidence of the fact that Our Father/God/Bridegroom does not change his mind, never reneging on His promises, and when one becomes a child of the King, they are grafted into the house of Israel. The promise is for all who call on His Name, and trust in Him alone. His banner over us all is Love.
We need leaders today, in America, and across the free world, men and women, who are bold, courageous, and strong, and not afraid to let the World know who they are: Sons and Daughters of the Most High God, Joshuas, Deborahs, Calebs, Gideons- fulfilling His purposes, loving who and what you love, not shifting policies and spewing doublespeak, responding to the latest polls! We don't need separation of Church and State, we need God, surrending total control of our lives, individually and nationally-ONE NATION UNDER GOD. We need to love that which He loves, and hate what He hates. This is not about politics, this is all about being on the same page with the Author. The Lord loves Israel and the Jewish people and the stage is being set for the final countdown, and we already know who the victors are!
Lord give your people, Jews and Christians alike, hearts like Joshua, make us ready for the battle.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Do You Know Him? ( Who Do You Say That He Is?) 261
Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “Who do people say I am?”
They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.”
“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.”
Mark 8:27-29
Jesus asked the question to His disciples: "Who do you say that I am?" He already knew their answers, what their thoughts, opinions, and beliefs were. It was no coincidence that Peter was the one who verbally responded. In this group, where it was just Jesus and the disciples, Peter seized this moment thinking he could have a bit of praise & glory, raising himself upwards in the discipleship hierarchy, the competition that existed between the disciples as they jostled for their perception of Jesus' attention. But How did Peter identify with the Lord Jesus when He was confronted by the servant girl and others in the crowd after Jesus was seized? Peter, when faced with the hard choices, and feeling the need for self preservation, and dealing with peer pressure, denied His previously proclaimed Messiah - not once but three times! After fleeing their presence, Peter reflected, and as He saw the Lord Jesus' gaze piercing his soul, and the Lord's voice again asking: "WHO DO YOU SAY THAT I AM?", Peter agonized and wept bitterly because of his failure to be able to stand in a moment of testing.
So here is the question: When we are "in the world" and in the presence of unbelievers, or when we're around those whom we do not know what they believe, do we proclaim and maintain Jesus as our Messiah, or do we minimize Him, and act like we don't know Him?
We will be challenged, these are days in which being a follower of Jesus will offend many, but that changes nothing. Jesus is the Messiah,and time, culture, and opinions can't change that.
Lord, my prayer is that you will continue to strengthen us as followers of Jesus - as Christians- in the face of adversity and opposition. Let our lives be reflections of Jesus- in everything we do & say, amen.
They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.”
“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.”
Mark 8:27-29
Jesus asked the question to His disciples: "Who do you say that I am?" He already knew their answers, what their thoughts, opinions, and beliefs were. It was no coincidence that Peter was the one who verbally responded. In this group, where it was just Jesus and the disciples, Peter seized this moment thinking he could have a bit of praise & glory, raising himself upwards in the discipleship hierarchy, the competition that existed between the disciples as they jostled for their perception of Jesus' attention. But How did Peter identify with the Lord Jesus when He was confronted by the servant girl and others in the crowd after Jesus was seized? Peter, when faced with the hard choices, and feeling the need for self preservation, and dealing with peer pressure, denied His previously proclaimed Messiah - not once but three times! After fleeing their presence, Peter reflected, and as He saw the Lord Jesus' gaze piercing his soul, and the Lord's voice again asking: "WHO DO YOU SAY THAT I AM?", Peter agonized and wept bitterly because of his failure to be able to stand in a moment of testing.
So here is the question: When we are "in the world" and in the presence of unbelievers, or when we're around those whom we do not know what they believe, do we proclaim and maintain Jesus as our Messiah, or do we minimize Him, and act like we don't know Him?
We will be challenged, these are days in which being a follower of Jesus will offend many, but that changes nothing. Jesus is the Messiah,and time, culture, and opinions can't change that.
Lord, my prayer is that you will continue to strengthen us as followers of Jesus - as Christians- in the face of adversity and opposition. Let our lives be reflections of Jesus- in everything we do & say, amen.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Tattoos (RevisIted)
"See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;
your walls are ever before me..
Isaiah 49:16
"27My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. 29My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. "
John 10:27-29
So valuable are we to the Father - our Abba daddy - that he has engraved us on the palms of His hands! The scripture doesn't actually say whether it is our name, or images, or both that are engraved or tattooed there. But it is defining and specific to each of us, our individual faces and lives are before Him constantly, we are always on His mind, and His desire is for relationship with us, now and forever. He loves us! With human minds we cannot begin to understand this - His ways and thoughts are higher than ours, but as His children we can take Him at His word and trust Him. All that we are, and ultimately our eternal futures, are wrapped up in Him, if we hear His voice and follow Him, we cannot be snatched from His Hand, come what may, as the storms and trials of life swirl around us, and even as we are shaken, He still has hold of us.
Today, we can take comfort and confidence in these things, not because they feel good, but because they are true.
your walls are ever before me..
Isaiah 49:16
"27My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. 29My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. "
John 10:27-29
So valuable are we to the Father - our Abba daddy - that he has engraved us on the palms of His hands! The scripture doesn't actually say whether it is our name, or images, or both that are engraved or tattooed there. But it is defining and specific to each of us, our individual faces and lives are before Him constantly, we are always on His mind, and His desire is for relationship with us, now and forever. He loves us! With human minds we cannot begin to understand this - His ways and thoughts are higher than ours, but as His children we can take Him at His word and trust Him. All that we are, and ultimately our eternal futures, are wrapped up in Him, if we hear His voice and follow Him, we cannot be snatched from His Hand, come what may, as the storms and trials of life swirl around us, and even as we are shaken, He still has hold of us.
Today, we can take comfort and confidence in these things, not because they feel good, but because they are true.
Friday, May 20, 2011
No Surprises 267
“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son,[f] but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.
Matthew 24:36-41
Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.
1 Thess.5:1-6
The return of Messiah Yeshua, (Jesus)is imminent.
Many have tried to predict the moment of His coming.
Although I can't wait to see my Bridegroom, and be with Him,
I believe the time is not yet here, even as birthpangs come.
Here's the thing: as Christians we are to be as the wise and prepared virgins awaiting the return of the bridegroom. The LORD is coming to come like a thief comes in the night, without warning!
We are encouraged, told, and told again, to BE PREPARED.
Whether it's tomorrow or another day or night, one thing is certain -
Jesus is coming, so do not take this urgent truth lightly.
People...GET READY.
Matthew 24:36-41
Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.
1 Thess.5:1-6
The return of Messiah Yeshua, (Jesus)is imminent.
Many have tried to predict the moment of His coming.
Although I can't wait to see my Bridegroom, and be with Him,
I believe the time is not yet here, even as birthpangs come.
Here's the thing: as Christians we are to be as the wise and prepared virgins awaiting the return of the bridegroom. The LORD is coming to come like a thief comes in the night, without warning!
We are encouraged, told, and told again, to BE PREPARED.
Whether it's tomorrow or another day or night, one thing is certain -
Jesus is coming, so do not take this urgent truth lightly.
People...GET READY.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Straddling The Fence 257
"We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin.
I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.
If I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.
So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!
So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin."
Romans 7:14-25
I am amazed at the Apostle Paul's transparency here. His flaws explained on a very personal level... If there is no good thing in this man of God, I confess that there is no good thing in me, apart from my Saviour. I am a filthy rag, prone to be easily gone astray if I rely on worldly values, the desires of my own flesh, and not the Word, Holy Spirit, my Savior, who saves me from myself. Just like the Magi were guided by the light of the star, Jesus Himself is the Light I trust. Sin may be crouching at our doorstep like a lion, but God gives us the same heart He placed in David, who was able to kill that lion. My trust is in the LORD- when I am weak, afraid, tired, empty, fallen, or discouraged this is where I run.
Beloved, trust in Him alone, run to Him alone.
I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.
If I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.
So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!
So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin."
Romans 7:14-25
I am amazed at the Apostle Paul's transparency here. His flaws explained on a very personal level... If there is no good thing in this man of God, I confess that there is no good thing in me, apart from my Saviour. I am a filthy rag, prone to be easily gone astray if I rely on worldly values, the desires of my own flesh, and not the Word, Holy Spirit, my Savior, who saves me from myself. Just like the Magi were guided by the light of the star, Jesus Himself is the Light I trust. Sin may be crouching at our doorstep like a lion, but God gives us the same heart He placed in David, who was able to kill that lion. My trust is in the LORD- when I am weak, afraid, tired, empty, fallen, or discouraged this is where I run.
Beloved, trust in Him alone, run to Him alone.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
The Connection 262
What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
James 2:14, 26
Just as a glove lies empty and motionless, until the hand slips into it, so is faith, without works. Where does faith come from, and what is the force that connects faith and works?
The definition of faith is "things hoped for that are yet unseen"... 1 Corinthians 13 closes with,
"Now these three remain: Faith, Hope, & Love...the greatest of these is Love."
Isn't love, practically applied like the Balm of Gilead, the force that links faith and works?
Many believe...have faith...but have no love; they have grown cold, their prayers centering on themselves, concerned with looking out for #1....beloved, this is the way of the world, not the Narrow Way ! Jesus said the sum of all that is contained in the Law & the Prophets is to Love the Lord your God with all you heart, soul, mind, and strength, -and love your neighbor as yourself... the link between faith and works. Perhaps that money you were saving for another big screen TV, expensive vacation, or other stuff you already have would be much more of a blessing to the widow or single mom, or someone you know who lost their job who has been praying that finances would come, and you could be the source? Or bringing a family meals when someone is ill, or perhaps they have no food but are too proud to tell anyone? We are surrounded by opportunities to put faith into action, and the greatest beneficiary is the doer.
This is another aspect of Jesus saying," Freely you have received, now freely give."
Can you hear Him?
As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
James 2:14, 26
Just as a glove lies empty and motionless, until the hand slips into it, so is faith, without works. Where does faith come from, and what is the force that connects faith and works?
The definition of faith is "things hoped for that are yet unseen"... 1 Corinthians 13 closes with,
"Now these three remain: Faith, Hope, & Love...the greatest of these is Love."
Isn't love, practically applied like the Balm of Gilead, the force that links faith and works?
Many believe...have faith...but have no love; they have grown cold, their prayers centering on themselves, concerned with looking out for #1....beloved, this is the way of the world, not the Narrow Way ! Jesus said the sum of all that is contained in the Law & the Prophets is to Love the Lord your God with all you heart, soul, mind, and strength, -and love your neighbor as yourself... the link between faith and works. Perhaps that money you were saving for another big screen TV, expensive vacation, or other stuff you already have would be much more of a blessing to the widow or single mom, or someone you know who lost their job who has been praying that finances would come, and you could be the source? Or bringing a family meals when someone is ill, or perhaps they have no food but are too proud to tell anyone? We are surrounded by opportunities to put faith into action, and the greatest beneficiary is the doer.
This is another aspect of Jesus saying," Freely you have received, now freely give."
Can you hear Him?
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Adrift
2 Hear me, you heavens! Listen, earth!
For the LORD has spoken:
“I reared children and brought them up,
but they have rebelled against me.
3 The ox knows its master,
the donkey its owner’s manger,
but Israel does not know,
my people do not understand.”
4 Woe to the sinful nation,
a people whose guilt is great,
a brood of evildoers,
children given to corruption!
They have forsaken the LORD;
they have spurned the Holy One of Israel
and turned their backs on him.
16 Wash and make yourselves clean.
Take your evil deeds out of my sight;
stop doing wrong.
17 Learn to do right; seek justice.
Defend the oppressed.[a]
Take up the cause of the fatherless;
plead the case of the widow.
18 “Come now, let us settle the matter,”
says the LORD.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool.
19 If you are willing and obedient,
you will eat the good things of the land;
20 but if you resist and rebel,
you will be devoured by the sword.”
For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.
-Isaiah 1
"O LORD, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, and they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living waters."
Jeremiah 17:13
I Pledge Allegiance To The Flag,
Of the United States of America,
And To the Republic For Which It Stands,
One Nation, Under God, Indivisible,
With Liberty And Justice For All
"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
2 Chronicles 7:14
I am burdened, as you probably are,for the future of America. These scriptures,and many others, of course are directed at Israel, but apply to any nation. Here's the bottom line: the Lord God, maker of heaven and earth, the lover of our souls, will not force us into relationship with Him. This great country, founded on God's principles, has prospered, and then turned its back on God, forgetting the source of all blessings-demanding, ranting, and raving that public and national life should be devoid of anything to do with God...and He has granted that wish!
There is no hope without God, but through Him and with Him all things are possible. If we ever needed Him it's now...join me, pray that hearts would turn, and there would be a national repentance and revival...shake every thing that can be shaken, break everything that can be broken, uproot your enemies and the ungodly, and give us leaders who seek wisdom from You, not from the world system.
Come Lord Jesus!
For the LORD has spoken:
“I reared children and brought them up,
but they have rebelled against me.
3 The ox knows its master,
the donkey its owner’s manger,
but Israel does not know,
my people do not understand.”
4 Woe to the sinful nation,
a people whose guilt is great,
a brood of evildoers,
children given to corruption!
They have forsaken the LORD;
they have spurned the Holy One of Israel
and turned their backs on him.
16 Wash and make yourselves clean.
Take your evil deeds out of my sight;
stop doing wrong.
17 Learn to do right; seek justice.
Defend the oppressed.[a]
Take up the cause of the fatherless;
plead the case of the widow.
18 “Come now, let us settle the matter,”
says the LORD.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool.
19 If you are willing and obedient,
you will eat the good things of the land;
20 but if you resist and rebel,
you will be devoured by the sword.”
For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.
-Isaiah 1
"O LORD, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, and they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living waters."
Jeremiah 17:13
I Pledge Allegiance To The Flag,
Of the United States of America,
And To the Republic For Which It Stands,
One Nation, Under God, Indivisible,
With Liberty And Justice For All
"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
2 Chronicles 7:14
I am burdened, as you probably are,for the future of America. These scriptures,and many others, of course are directed at Israel, but apply to any nation. Here's the bottom line: the Lord God, maker of heaven and earth, the lover of our souls, will not force us into relationship with Him. This great country, founded on God's principles, has prospered, and then turned its back on God, forgetting the source of all blessings-demanding, ranting, and raving that public and national life should be devoid of anything to do with God...and He has granted that wish!
There is no hope without God, but through Him and with Him all things are possible. If we ever needed Him it's now...join me, pray that hearts would turn, and there would be a national repentance and revival...shake every thing that can be shaken, break everything that can be broken, uproot your enemies and the ungodly, and give us leaders who seek wisdom from You, not from the world system.
Come Lord Jesus!
Monday, May 16, 2011
Great promises/Our Future
1 The word of the LORD Almighty came to me.
2 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “I am very jealous for Zion; I am burning with jealousy for her.”
3 This is what the LORD says: “I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the Faithful City, and the mountain of the LORD Almighty will be called the Holy Mountain.”
4 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “Once again men and women of ripe old age will sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each of them with cane in hand because of their age. 5 The city streets will be filled with boys and girls playing there.”
6 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “It may seem marvelous to the remnant of this people at that time, but will it seem marvelous to me?” declares the LORD Almighty.
7 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “I will save my people from the countries of the east and the west. 8 I will bring them back to live in Jerusalem; they will be my people, and I will be faithful and righteous to them as their God.”
Zech.8:1-8
As storm clouds of war swirl and dark forces continue to spread across the Earth, especially the Middle East, I am encouraged by this passage! The spirit of Islam rages against the Holy Spirit, as battle lines are drawn, and the very existence of the Lord's Chosen People, the Jews, and God's chosen dwelling place, Jerusalem/Israel, is seemingly threatened. There are many filled with the Tobiah/Sanballat spirit, and in Israel the spirit of Korah also threatens with many not trusting or even believing in God! But He will not be mocked, and there is no evil plan or deed that He is unaware of. Our futures are wrapped up with the destiny of Israel, and the Lord's promises to His people, but the natural chosen and those grafted in are awesome. Jerusalem is God's dwelling place, no one else's...He will not share this place with any idols or impostors or the anti-Christ. God will keep His promises, every one of them, not just to His People, but all who are His Children.
Psalm 121
1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.
2 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “I am very jealous for Zion; I am burning with jealousy for her.”
3 This is what the LORD says: “I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the Faithful City, and the mountain of the LORD Almighty will be called the Holy Mountain.”
4 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “Once again men and women of ripe old age will sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each of them with cane in hand because of their age. 5 The city streets will be filled with boys and girls playing there.”
6 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “It may seem marvelous to the remnant of this people at that time, but will it seem marvelous to me?” declares the LORD Almighty.
7 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “I will save my people from the countries of the east and the west. 8 I will bring them back to live in Jerusalem; they will be my people, and I will be faithful and righteous to them as their God.”
Zech.8:1-8
As storm clouds of war swirl and dark forces continue to spread across the Earth, especially the Middle East, I am encouraged by this passage! The spirit of Islam rages against the Holy Spirit, as battle lines are drawn, and the very existence of the Lord's Chosen People, the Jews, and God's chosen dwelling place, Jerusalem/Israel, is seemingly threatened. There are many filled with the Tobiah/Sanballat spirit, and in Israel the spirit of Korah also threatens with many not trusting or even believing in God! But He will not be mocked, and there is no evil plan or deed that He is unaware of. Our futures are wrapped up with the destiny of Israel, and the Lord's promises to His people, but the natural chosen and those grafted in are awesome. Jerusalem is God's dwelling place, no one else's...He will not share this place with any idols or impostors or the anti-Christ. God will keep His promises, every one of them, not just to His People, but all who are His Children.
Psalm 121
1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Call Me Foolish
"Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. "
1 Cor.3:18-19
"Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important."
CS Lewis
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.
1 Cor. 1:27
"We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are prudent in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are distinguished, but we are without honor."
1 Cor.4:10
We must pray for the courage to endure the scorn of the sophisticated world." "We are fools for Christ's sake."
Justice Antonin Scalia, US Supreme Court
Call me a fool. I chose to be defined by that which the world calls "foolishness". I would like to listen in on the conversation between Stephen Hawking and his Creator when his eyes close for the last time,at the throne of judgement when he realizes all the intellectual theorems he spent his life contemplating were for nothing. I used to think I was so smart, but I had exchanged the truth of God for a lie- I worshipped created things rather than the Creator. There is a saying: "the world is your oyster" but without Jesus at the helm, the world is a cesspool... Without the Light and the Life this world is only this present darkness. So if I am scorned for my faith, I thank God for the courage and conviction to stand as I'm complimented by those who think they're insulting me.
Who are you a fool for?
1 Cor.3:18-19
"Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important."
CS Lewis
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.
1 Cor. 1:27
"We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are prudent in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are distinguished, but we are without honor."
1 Cor.4:10
We must pray for the courage to endure the scorn of the sophisticated world." "We are fools for Christ's sake."
Justice Antonin Scalia, US Supreme Court
Call me a fool. I chose to be defined by that which the world calls "foolishness". I would like to listen in on the conversation between Stephen Hawking and his Creator when his eyes close for the last time,at the throne of judgement when he realizes all the intellectual theorems he spent his life contemplating were for nothing. I used to think I was so smart, but I had exchanged the truth of God for a lie- I worshipped created things rather than the Creator. There is a saying: "the world is your oyster" but without Jesus at the helm, the world is a cesspool... Without the Light and the Life this world is only this present darkness. So if I am scorned for my faith, I thank God for the courage and conviction to stand as I'm complimented by those who think they're insulting me.
Who are you a fool for?
Saturday, May 14, 2011
The Reason for Excellence
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Phil. 4:8
And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,
Phil.1:9-10
If someone forces you to go one mile, go two miles with him.
Matt.5:41
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Col.3:12-14
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Col.3:17
In this world of mediocrity, where so many are content to do the minimum, or be average, why should we as Christians aspire to be extraordinary, exceptional, excellent?
For me, the question is answered by remembering who I belong to, and who I love - Jesus, the One who bought and paid for me, the Lover of my soul. I am a son, brother, co-heir, bond-servant, and bride of the Bridegroom, the Lord God Almighty. He redeemed me, not only from sin and death, but also from being average and mediocre. I am always on His mind, He paid the ultimate price for me. He is the driving force that makes me want to go the extra mile, to have exceptional character, to be all that I can be. Excellence is an outgrowth of my expression of love for Him who loves me, part of the promised abundant life... It is love that drives every aspect of, and defines my existence as a disciple. My desire is to please My Father/King/Bridegroom. How should I do any less?
Phil. 4:8
And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,
Phil.1:9-10
If someone forces you to go one mile, go two miles with him.
Matt.5:41
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Col.3:12-14
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Col.3:17
In this world of mediocrity, where so many are content to do the minimum, or be average, why should we as Christians aspire to be extraordinary, exceptional, excellent?
For me, the question is answered by remembering who I belong to, and who I love - Jesus, the One who bought and paid for me, the Lover of my soul. I am a son, brother, co-heir, bond-servant, and bride of the Bridegroom, the Lord God Almighty. He redeemed me, not only from sin and death, but also from being average and mediocre. I am always on His mind, He paid the ultimate price for me. He is the driving force that makes me want to go the extra mile, to have exceptional character, to be all that I can be. Excellence is an outgrowth of my expression of love for Him who loves me, part of the promised abundant life... It is love that drives every aspect of, and defines my existence as a disciple. My desire is to please My Father/King/Bridegroom. How should I do any less?
Friday, May 13, 2011
The Rest is Easy
4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.[a] 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
10 When the LORD your God brings you into the land he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give you—a land with large, flourishing cities you did not build, 11 houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plant—then when you eat and are satisfied, 12 be careful that you do not forget the LORD, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
13 Fear the LORD your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name. 14 Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you; 15 for the LORD your God, who is among you, is a jealous God and his anger will burn against you, and he will destroy you from the face of the land. 16 Do not put the LORD your God to the test as you did at Massah. 17 Be sure to keep the commands of the LORD your God and the stipulations and decrees he has given you. 18 Do what is right and good in the LORD’s sight, so that it may go well with you and you may go in and take over the good land the LORD promised on oath to your ancestors, 19 thrusting out all your enemies before you, as the LORD said.
Have you ever considered why the Lord first said to love Him with all our hearts, souls, and strength? All the rest of the commandments come after this because obedience is an easier task when we are head-over- heels in love with, sold out for, and dedicated to being in relationship with, walking in obedience to and pleasing the object of our affection- the Lord of our lives. It's all about love, everything that the Lord God is - is about love, the scriptures read "God is Love". Everything else - recorded in the Book, is the result of, or warnings against, our failure to love Him with everything we are. Many are stumbling through their existence, not understanding this huge truth- God just wants all of love and adoration, and we can love Him because He loved us first-He showed us what real love is through Jesus. Jesus said that loving God like this, and loving our neighbors as ourselves sums up everything in the Torah and the Prophets!
Love Him today, with every fiber of your being, and everything you can muster - because He is worthy!
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Answering the Call/Commissioned
Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent."
Matthew 6:29
"This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day.
John 6:39
"We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work.
John 9:4
"My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.
John 4:33
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"
Isaiah 6:8
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit
Matthew 28:19
In the New Covenant (Testament) Jesus often referred to His Father as "the One who sent Me". Jesus came, being the obedient Son, because God the Father sent Him, commissioned Him, called Him.
"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him." 1 John 4:9
Jesus, who we are called to follow, didn't hesitate to obey/answer His Dad. Before His ascension, He proclaimed that we would do greater things! There's just one thing: who's will are we willing submit to, our fleshly desires or God's? We each have a destiny, God-given gifts and a calling. It's no surprise that God's plans are better than ours, but we often struggle- do we sew into the flesh or the spirit- into that which is temporal or eternal? This is why the Word tells us to submit ourselves to God's will. Spend time in His Word- God's owners' manual for our lives, obey God- obedience is better than sacrifice, cast all our cares on Him because He cares for us.
Seek Him today, be still and listen to the still small voice, and answer His call.
Matthew 6:29
"This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day.
John 6:39
"We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work.
John 9:4
"My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.
John 4:33
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"
Isaiah 6:8
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit
Matthew 28:19
In the New Covenant (Testament) Jesus often referred to His Father as "the One who sent Me". Jesus came, being the obedient Son, because God the Father sent Him, commissioned Him, called Him.
"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him." 1 John 4:9
Jesus, who we are called to follow, didn't hesitate to obey/answer His Dad. Before His ascension, He proclaimed that we would do greater things! There's just one thing: who's will are we willing submit to, our fleshly desires or God's? We each have a destiny, God-given gifts and a calling. It's no surprise that God's plans are better than ours, but we often struggle- do we sew into the flesh or the spirit- into that which is temporal or eternal? This is why the Word tells us to submit ourselves to God's will. Spend time in His Word- God's owners' manual for our lives, obey God- obedience is better than sacrifice, cast all our cares on Him because He cares for us.
Seek Him today, be still and listen to the still small voice, and answer His call.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Casual Friends or Lovers?
My lover is mine and I am his;
Song of Songs 2:16a
"Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away. If one were to give all the wealth of his house for love, it would be utterly scorned."
Song of Songs 8:6-7
He has taken me to the banquet hall, and his banner over me is love.
His left arm is under my head, and his right arm embraces me.
Song of Songs 2:4,6
We each know the difference in relationships between casual friends and the one that we are in love with! While it's nice to see a friend occasionally, we yearn to see and be with that special one, our beloved, the object of our total affection- that we are in love with! Our hearts ache when we are apart, leap when we are together, our beloved is always on our minds, we want to bless them and honor them, we forsake all others, our behaviors and actions are directed at pleasing the beloved...the relationship is not casual, it is sacred, treasured and prized above all others. The lover of our souls, the Uncreated who created us for this purpose, is not interested in casual or occasional with us! He wants us to have the same fire for Him that He has for us- the realization and revelation that comes to us when we seek Him with all of our heart, in that instant when the beloved (us) realizes and exclaims, "You did all of that just for me, because you love ME?"
Beloved, don't settle for ordinary, or casual...there is so much more on the other side of the veil. Seek your Bridegroom while He may yet be found...He is waiting for you.
Song of Songs 2:16a
"Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away. If one were to give all the wealth of his house for love, it would be utterly scorned."
Song of Songs 8:6-7
He has taken me to the banquet hall, and his banner over me is love.
His left arm is under my head, and his right arm embraces me.
Song of Songs 2:4,6
We each know the difference in relationships between casual friends and the one that we are in love with! While it's nice to see a friend occasionally, we yearn to see and be with that special one, our beloved, the object of our total affection- that we are in love with! Our hearts ache when we are apart, leap when we are together, our beloved is always on our minds, we want to bless them and honor them, we forsake all others, our behaviors and actions are directed at pleasing the beloved...the relationship is not casual, it is sacred, treasured and prized above all others. The lover of our souls, the Uncreated who created us for this purpose, is not interested in casual or occasional with us! He wants us to have the same fire for Him that He has for us- the realization and revelation that comes to us when we seek Him with all of our heart, in that instant when the beloved (us) realizes and exclaims, "You did all of that just for me, because you love ME?"
Beloved, don't settle for ordinary, or casual...there is so much more on the other side of the veil. Seek your Bridegroom while He may yet be found...He is waiting for you.
Monday, May 9, 2011
No Time For Religion 265
"Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty."
Isaiah 6:5
"As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God."
Psalm 42:1
I am done with religion...I don't want platitudes, fancy words, speeches with practiced delivery and diction, flashy power point presentations, preachers in $2000 suits, or stadium sized productions with slick bands and light shows. I don't want doctrines, liturgies, traditions of men, rules or regulations, or vain imaginations. No...
I want Jesus. I want to sit in His lap, eyes locked in a face-to-face embrace.
His Fire consuming me, burning out the ME, so there is only HE.
I want my jar filled with His oil, I want to be still and know that He is God,
I want to find myself worshipping in total abandon, surrendered to my Bridegroom/King/Abba.
Gone is fear of man, fearing and loving only the One who made me to love Him and Him alone.
I have been ruined for lesser things, and I count all things loss for the sake of knowing Him.
There is no contentment, no peace, no satisfaction, no happiness, no joy without Him.
The hunger and thirst in my spirit, intensifies just as gasoline fuels a blaze- the more I commune with Him, the more the veil gets pulled away, the more I desire only Him.
Beloved, seek and find Him; He's right there waiting for you to open the door.
Draw near to Him today.
Isaiah 6:5
"As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God."
Psalm 42:1
I am done with religion...I don't want platitudes, fancy words, speeches with practiced delivery and diction, flashy power point presentations, preachers in $2000 suits, or stadium sized productions with slick bands and light shows. I don't want doctrines, liturgies, traditions of men, rules or regulations, or vain imaginations. No...
I want Jesus. I want to sit in His lap, eyes locked in a face-to-face embrace.
His Fire consuming me, burning out the ME, so there is only HE.
I want my jar filled with His oil, I want to be still and know that He is God,
I want to find myself worshipping in total abandon, surrendered to my Bridegroom/King/Abba.
Gone is fear of man, fearing and loving only the One who made me to love Him and Him alone.
I have been ruined for lesser things, and I count all things loss for the sake of knowing Him.
There is no contentment, no peace, no satisfaction, no happiness, no joy without Him.
The hunger and thirst in my spirit, intensifies just as gasoline fuels a blaze- the more I commune with Him, the more the veil gets pulled away, the more I desire only Him.
Beloved, seek and find Him; He's right there waiting for you to open the door.
Draw near to Him today.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Mothers
John 16:21
A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.
Psalm 127:3
Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
Proverbs 1:8-9
8 My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: 9 For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.
"All that I am or hope to be I owe to my angel mother. I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life."
- Abraham Lincoln
"The debt of gratitude we owe our mother and father goes forward, not backward. What we owe our parents is the bill presented to us by our children."
- Nancy Friday
"Any mother could perform the jobs of several air-traffic controllers with ease."
- Lisa Alther
"The mother's heart is the child's schoolroom."
- Henry Ward Beecher
"Mama was my greatest teacher, a teacher of compassion, love and fearlessness. If love is sweet as a flower, then my mother is that sweet flower of love."
- Stevie Wonder
"My mother said to me, ""If you become a soldier you'll be a general; if you become a monk you'll end up as the pope."" Instead, I became a painter and wound up as Picasso."
But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
Luke 2:19
The role of the mother is perhaps the most important God-given role there is. Each of us, our foundations, our identities, much of who we are, is the result of our mothers pouring into us, impacting us in a great way. Some of us had grown up deprived of the presence and benefit of a mother, because of death, illnesses, etc., and the lack of having that maternal influence had a profound impact. The father is the protector and defender, but the mother nurtures, teaches, encourages, and loves in ways that are unique. There are many sacrifices made as a parent, but I believe that mothers bear a bigger cross. We are the product of our mother's hopes, dreams, and prayers... There must be no greater satisfaction for a mother than to see the fruition of her prayers.
Today if you still have the opportunity, thank and bless your mother today!
A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.
Psalm 127:3
Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
Proverbs 1:8-9
8 My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: 9 For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.
"All that I am or hope to be I owe to my angel mother. I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life."
- Abraham Lincoln
"The debt of gratitude we owe our mother and father goes forward, not backward. What we owe our parents is the bill presented to us by our children."
- Nancy Friday
"Any mother could perform the jobs of several air-traffic controllers with ease."
- Lisa Alther
"The mother's heart is the child's schoolroom."
- Henry Ward Beecher
"Mama was my greatest teacher, a teacher of compassion, love and fearlessness. If love is sweet as a flower, then my mother is that sweet flower of love."
- Stevie Wonder
"My mother said to me, ""If you become a soldier you'll be a general; if you become a monk you'll end up as the pope."" Instead, I became a painter and wound up as Picasso."
But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
Luke 2:19
The role of the mother is perhaps the most important God-given role there is. Each of us, our foundations, our identities, much of who we are, is the result of our mothers pouring into us, impacting us in a great way. Some of us had grown up deprived of the presence and benefit of a mother, because of death, illnesses, etc., and the lack of having that maternal influence had a profound impact. The father is the protector and defender, but the mother nurtures, teaches, encourages, and loves in ways that are unique. There are many sacrifices made as a parent, but I believe that mothers bear a bigger cross. We are the product of our mother's hopes, dreams, and prayers... There must be no greater satisfaction for a mother than to see the fruition of her prayers.
Today if you still have the opportunity, thank and bless your mother today!
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Threshing Floors
18 On that day Gad went to David and said to him, “Go up and build an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.” 19 So David went up, as the LORD had commanded through Gad. 20 When Araunah looked and saw the king and his officials coming toward him, he went out and bowed down before the king with his face to the ground.
21 Araunah said, “Why has my lord the king come to his servant?”
“To buy your threshing floor,” David answered, “so I can build an altar to the LORD, that the plague on the people may be stopped.”
22 Araunah said to David, “Let my lord the king take whatever he wishes and offer it up. Here are oxen for the burnt offering, and here are threshing sledges and ox yokes for the wood. 23 Your Majesty, Araunah[d] gives all this to the king.” Araunah also said to him, “May the LORD your God accept you.”
24 But the king replied to Araunah, “No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.”
So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen and paid fifty shekels[e] of silver for them. 25 David built an altar to the LORD there and sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings. Then the LORD answered his prayer in behalf of the land, and the plague on Israel was stopped.
Threshing is the process where grain that is in its raw form, covered with unusable chaff and impurities, is thrown down and violently beaten on, causing the separation of the usable wheat from the chaff. Interestingly, the threshing floor that the Lord told Gad to tell King David to build an alter is where the Temple Mount is today, the site of the First and Second Temples - where the Dome of the Rock mosque now sits. This is the center of the center of the world, the most hotly contested piece of real estate on Earth. A threshing floor, another signpost the Lord has placed before our eyes. Threshing is also a process that our Potter employs when there are things in our lives-varieties of idols and sins-that are stubbornly clinging to us, keeping us from being used. One of God's highest desires is for us to be available for His purposes, and He will spare no effort to get our attention!
21 Araunah said, “Why has my lord the king come to his servant?”
“To buy your threshing floor,” David answered, “so I can build an altar to the LORD, that the plague on the people may be stopped.”
22 Araunah said to David, “Let my lord the king take whatever he wishes and offer it up. Here are oxen for the burnt offering, and here are threshing sledges and ox yokes for the wood. 23 Your Majesty, Araunah[d] gives all this to the king.” Araunah also said to him, “May the LORD your God accept you.”
24 But the king replied to Araunah, “No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.”
So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen and paid fifty shekels[e] of silver for them. 25 David built an altar to the LORD there and sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings. Then the LORD answered his prayer in behalf of the land, and the plague on Israel was stopped.
Threshing is the process where grain that is in its raw form, covered with unusable chaff and impurities, is thrown down and violently beaten on, causing the separation of the usable wheat from the chaff. Interestingly, the threshing floor that the Lord told Gad to tell King David to build an alter is where the Temple Mount is today, the site of the First and Second Temples - where the Dome of the Rock mosque now sits. This is the center of the center of the world, the most hotly contested piece of real estate on Earth. A threshing floor, another signpost the Lord has placed before our eyes. Threshing is also a process that our Potter employs when there are things in our lives-varieties of idols and sins-that are stubbornly clinging to us, keeping us from being used. One of God's highest desires is for us to be available for His purposes, and He will spare no effort to get our attention!
Friday, May 6, 2011
Apples and Oranges
Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,”[a] for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’[b] or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
The Revelation 21:1-4
"There is one body and one Spirit--just as you were called to one hope when you were called--"
Eph.4:4
Ever heard someone say, or have you said, "You're talking about apples and oranges"? The phrase "apples and oranges" is generally used to denote inequality, and differences. This morning as my family stood around talking during breakfast, apples and oranges came to mind, and the Lord showed me a fact about the place He chose for His dwelling place- Israel. This is the only place on Earth that apples and oranges can be grown in the same environment! Instead of denoting differences and lack of unity, God has arranged yet another sign for those with eyes to see...Israel and the uniqueness of this holy place, that the Lord Himself handcrafted, is a sign on the earth, a signpost of things to come. Apples and oranges will become a catchword for unity and extraordinary happenings. Our Abba/Creator God/Bridegroom King is even now making all things new... today rejoice in the the Lord, and how extraordinary His plans and the work of His Hands are!
The Revelation 21:1-4
"There is one body and one Spirit--just as you were called to one hope when you were called--"
Eph.4:4
Ever heard someone say, or have you said, "You're talking about apples and oranges"? The phrase "apples and oranges" is generally used to denote inequality, and differences. This morning as my family stood around talking during breakfast, apples and oranges came to mind, and the Lord showed me a fact about the place He chose for His dwelling place- Israel. This is the only place on Earth that apples and oranges can be grown in the same environment! Instead of denoting differences and lack of unity, God has arranged yet another sign for those with eyes to see...Israel and the uniqueness of this holy place, that the Lord Himself handcrafted, is a sign on the earth, a signpost of things to come. Apples and oranges will become a catchword for unity and extraordinary happenings. Our Abba/Creator God/Bridegroom King is even now making all things new... today rejoice in the the Lord, and how extraordinary His plans and the work of His Hands are!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Fatherhood/Daddy's Girl
3 “When a young woman still living in her father’s household makes a vow to the LORD or obligates herself by a pledge 4 and her father hears about her vow or pledge but says nothing to her, then all her vows and every pledge by which she obligated herself will stand. 5 But if her father forbids her when he hears about it, none of her vows or the pledges by which she obligated herself will stand; the LORD will release her because her father has forbidden her.
Numbers 30:3-5
He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction.”
Malachi 4:6
As every person knows, there are rites of passage that take place in one's life. Our babies become toddlers, then children, growing and learning, and then it's on into the teenaged years. There is a natural process that takes place as children grow up, wanting to stretch their wings, preparing to fly, tempered by a godly Father's responsibility to protect and cover his children, especially his daughters. This can be trying at times! But there is a peculiar relationship that exists between a father and his daughters, and the daughter is always meant to be under the authority of her father, until that responsibility is transferred to her husband. As Christians, we don't do what we what to because we are the property of the One who paid for us- Jesus. It is not we who live, but Him, and so Christian daughters must know and understand the value of having their dads as authority figures over them, the father's job is to cover, protect (including protecting her from other men, and from her making foolish and potentially dangerous decisions) defend, and nuture. In dating, the girl is seen as having control over herself, that a suitor needs only her permission, but as Christians, the father is charged with being responsible for his daughter, and any suitor must pass the father's tests. The young man knows the father is watching him, candy and flowers don't work, and this changes the tone of the relationship. The order of our Christian walk is that God defers to the will of the godly father when it comes to the daughter-the father's will IS the will of God. Daughters are meant to be their "daddy's girls", Christian daughters are meant to be under the headship and belong to their dad's until the day they are married, and then covered under the headship of their husbands with no intermediate point between dad and husband where the daughter goes off on her own, with no covering or authority over her, doing what she sees fit to do. (There is a way that seems right to a person, but in the end it leads to death). Daughters obey (hear and heed) your fathers, fathers do not exasperate your daughters, enjoy your special relationship!
Numbers 30:3-5
He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction.”
Malachi 4:6
As every person knows, there are rites of passage that take place in one's life. Our babies become toddlers, then children, growing and learning, and then it's on into the teenaged years. There is a natural process that takes place as children grow up, wanting to stretch their wings, preparing to fly, tempered by a godly Father's responsibility to protect and cover his children, especially his daughters. This can be trying at times! But there is a peculiar relationship that exists between a father and his daughters, and the daughter is always meant to be under the authority of her father, until that responsibility is transferred to her husband. As Christians, we don't do what we what to because we are the property of the One who paid for us- Jesus. It is not we who live, but Him, and so Christian daughters must know and understand the value of having their dads as authority figures over them, the father's job is to cover, protect (including protecting her from other men, and from her making foolish and potentially dangerous decisions) defend, and nuture. In dating, the girl is seen as having control over herself, that a suitor needs only her permission, but as Christians, the father is charged with being responsible for his daughter, and any suitor must pass the father's tests. The young man knows the father is watching him, candy and flowers don't work, and this changes the tone of the relationship. The order of our Christian walk is that God defers to the will of the godly father when it comes to the daughter-the father's will IS the will of God. Daughters are meant to be their "daddy's girls", Christian daughters are meant to be under the headship and belong to their dad's until the day they are married, and then covered under the headship of their husbands with no intermediate point between dad and husband where the daughter goes off on her own, with no covering or authority over her, doing what she sees fit to do. (There is a way that seems right to a person, but in the end it leads to death). Daughters obey (hear and heed) your fathers, fathers do not exasperate your daughters, enjoy your special relationship!
Monday, May 2, 2011
The Consequence of Choice
"16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. "
John 3:16-18
Everyone knows the scripture verse contained in John 3:16, however, few are aware of what Jesus says after that in v.18b: "... but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. "
Wow. Jesus, the Lover of our souls, the epitome of lovingkindness and compassion, the Lamb of God who came to take away the sins of the world, does not leave any doubt or question here due to possible conjecture! "Whoever does not believe stands condemned already !"
The Lord draws us, woos us, stands so close , with "His arms wide open and his heart exposed", but He will not force us into belief, grabbing us by our necks,forcing our faces to the ground. He will not give tremendous shows of terrifying power that bring us to submission, no... God is "pro-choice", He only wants us to come to Him on our own volition.
Have you made this decision? Are there others around you whom you are not sure if they have made the decision that has eternal consequence? Ask God to open doors- share the Gospel boldly, and do not concern yourself with the possibility of offending them, the Lord will give you the right words as you open your mouth. So be mindful and obedient today- it might be the last opportunity for that person to make a decision to receive Jesus.
John 3:16-18
Everyone knows the scripture verse contained in John 3:16, however, few are aware of what Jesus says after that in v.18b: "... but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. "
Wow. Jesus, the Lover of our souls, the epitome of lovingkindness and compassion, the Lamb of God who came to take away the sins of the world, does not leave any doubt or question here due to possible conjecture! "Whoever does not believe stands condemned already !"
The Lord draws us, woos us, stands so close , with "His arms wide open and his heart exposed", but He will not force us into belief, grabbing us by our necks,forcing our faces to the ground. He will not give tremendous shows of terrifying power that bring us to submission, no... God is "pro-choice", He only wants us to come to Him on our own volition.
Have you made this decision? Are there others around you whom you are not sure if they have made the decision that has eternal consequence? Ask God to open doors- share the Gospel boldly, and do not concern yourself with the possibility of offending them, the Lord will give you the right words as you open your mouth. So be mindful and obedient today- it might be the last opportunity for that person to make a decision to receive Jesus.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Majestic
1 LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory
in the heavens.
2 Through the praise of children and infants
you have established a stronghold against your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.
3 When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
4 what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
human beings that you care for them?[c]
5 You have made them[d] a little lower than the angels[e]
and crowned them[f] with glory and honor.
6 You made them rulers over the works of your hands;
you put everything under their[g] feet:
7 all flocks and herds,
and the animals of the wild,
8 the birds in the sky,
and the fish in the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.
9 LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Psalm 8
As I was reading this psalm this morning, lightning was flashing through the skies, followed by rumbling thunder, as if the Lord was affirming to me me what these scriptures reflect: His unsurpassed majesty. He never ceases to amaze me- He is the Alpha and the Omega, endless, without beginning, the Shoreless Bottomless Ocean, Awesome Author of Life, Intergalactic Architect...yet He is mindful of each of us...our names graven on His Hands, His love for us boundless and enduring, not wanting any to suffer the torment of eternal hell. Who am I, that the Ultimate, Glorious, Majestic One should be mindful of me, making me just a but lower the angels, so valuable to Him that He sent His beloved Son to die in my stead? How can I not be forever grateful and adoring of my Bridegroom King? How can I have anything but gladness and thankfulness in my heart, or think less of myself or my equally invaluable brothers and sisters, those already saved and those who haven't had the revelation of who He really is yet?
Beloved, consider such Majesty and how He loves us... be glad and thankful everyday!
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory
in the heavens.
2 Through the praise of children and infants
you have established a stronghold against your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.
3 When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
4 what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
human beings that you care for them?[c]
5 You have made them[d] a little lower than the angels[e]
and crowned them[f] with glory and honor.
6 You made them rulers over the works of your hands;
you put everything under their[g] feet:
7 all flocks and herds,
and the animals of the wild,
8 the birds in the sky,
and the fish in the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.
9 LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Psalm 8
As I was reading this psalm this morning, lightning was flashing through the skies, followed by rumbling thunder, as if the Lord was affirming to me me what these scriptures reflect: His unsurpassed majesty. He never ceases to amaze me- He is the Alpha and the Omega, endless, without beginning, the Shoreless Bottomless Ocean, Awesome Author of Life, Intergalactic Architect...yet He is mindful of each of us...our names graven on His Hands, His love for us boundless and enduring, not wanting any to suffer the torment of eternal hell. Who am I, that the Ultimate, Glorious, Majestic One should be mindful of me, making me just a but lower the angels, so valuable to Him that He sent His beloved Son to die in my stead? How can I not be forever grateful and adoring of my Bridegroom King? How can I have anything but gladness and thankfulness in my heart, or think less of myself or my equally invaluable brothers and sisters, those already saved and those who haven't had the revelation of who He really is yet?
Beloved, consider such Majesty and how He loves us... be glad and thankful everyday!
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