Keep watching Trump, he is going to get worse in his attempts to turn people to Hillary. The more outrageous he becomes in the coming weeks the greater her chances of winning. He knows that!
The answer to this mess, is Jesus Christ. It is best to forget about the elections, place our trust in the Lord while the nation takes a nose dive into the worst depravity and fearsome riotous rebellion we have ever seen. 2 Timothy 3
We are in the end times, there's no turning back now, our only hope is to trust Christ, obey Him and relax, He's got this under His control.
Our votes will do nothing, our leaders will continue to destroy what is left of this country, but Christ is our head, our teacher and provider. Whatever is going to happen, He will be with His children.
We must be willing to lose all that we used to enjoy in order to follow Christ. Without trust in Him, it will be a very frightening and bumpy ride. With Christ the ride will be hard but not devastating.
Friday, September 30, 2016
Trump is a Ringer
A vote for Trump is the same as voting for Hillary because they are no different. They are working together to take away any chance of a Republican to run.
Trump has been a life long Democrat, a pro-abortion proponent and every thing other than what he claims. He got into the race to pretend to be what the conservatives wanted to be able to win them away from the real Republicans. Now all he has to do is act foolish and petty to get the people back to either voting for Hillary or not at all. I PROMISE YOU, HE IS NOT WHAT HE CLAIMS TO BE, HE AND HILLARY ARE ON THE SAME TEAM, LITERALLY.
The Republicans fought against him because they knew what he was doing. It is working and now we have no choice at all.
It is a trick, watch out for a trick.
Trump has been a life long Democrat, a pro-abortion proponent and every thing other than what he claims. He got into the race to pretend to be what the conservatives wanted to be able to win them away from the real Republicans. Now all he has to do is act foolish and petty to get the people back to either voting for Hillary or not at all. I PROMISE YOU, HE IS NOT WHAT HE CLAIMS TO BE, HE AND HILLARY ARE ON THE SAME TEAM, LITERALLY.
The Republicans fought against him because they knew what he was doing. It is working and now we have no choice at all.
It is a trick, watch out for a trick.
Where Was Christ In This!
When a pastor stands up in a church, holds the Bible above his head and says; "all of life's answers are not in this book and all of life's answers are not Jesus Christ", get out as fast as you can run.
We experienced this many years ago when we were first believers. This man was raised in a Christian home became a pastor after attending seminary. This ought to tell us something!
Imagine that, a new believer knows better than an educated pastor, in my opinion could not have been born again and do this evil thing.
I wonder how many pastors who don't do the act as they proclaim this openly, but secretly in their hearts they act as though they believe it.
This man was married, his wife chased a bumb out of the church to get that "icky" guy out of there, without giving him the gospel and without serving him food that was being cook in the basement kitchen. He was sleeping on the pews when she found him.
No one who heard her proclamation of having removed the bumb, seems angered by this, but I was!
We experienced this many years ago when we were first believers. This man was raised in a Christian home became a pastor after attending seminary. This ought to tell us something!
Imagine that, a new believer knows better than an educated pastor, in my opinion could not have been born again and do this evil thing.
I wonder how many pastors who don't do the act as they proclaim this openly, but secretly in their hearts they act as though they believe it.
This man was married, his wife chased a bumb out of the church to get that "icky" guy out of there, without giving him the gospel and without serving him food that was being cook in the basement kitchen. He was sleeping on the pews when she found him.
No one who heard her proclamation of having removed the bumb, seems angered by this, but I was!
Lazy Attitudes Bring Long Term Problems
Wow, the one man had the sensible answer, the long term answer that was a demonstration of integrity, the one that was ignored, and the problems it caused later would be devastating.
This is exactly what happened in our country. Slavery was chosen and we live with the consequences today as those who are descendants of slaves today riot in our streets. Of course not all are doing it, but enough that there is constant turmoil.
Just when we thought the prejudice was over things were getting better, someone comes along to stir it up again. The sin of slavery always has it's consequences, anything lacking integrity has it's long term consequences.
This article is a good perspective on what happens when we follow our avarice instead of God's principles.
We can compare this to divorce and remarriage today, the freedom to write, film and distribute all kinds of filth, preferring the short term easy answers to raising children as apposed to the hard work of being a parent, through the happy feelings of elevating children so they will like us. Much like the milk toast preaching in our churches today, it makes people feel good but has devastating long term effects that destroy families and communities.
If we had the intelligence to look back at our expedient decisions we would see the long term effects of ignoring God's way of dealing with things, which require hard work, difficult encounters with others but in the long run, bring righteousness and order to our culture.
So sorry we chose the lazy route, the route that gave us temporary happiness with long term devastation.
Proverbs 21:20
"There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man swallows it up."
Matthew 23:34
"Therefore, behold, I am sending you prophets and wise men and scribes; some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city,"
God sent us the Bible and godly men to teach and train us, but we went down to Egypt for our counsel figuratively when we turned to psychology teaching as the god of our age. It has destroyed us as a culture, ruined families beyond repair and brought an entire nation to it's knees. AND FOR WHAT? The freedom to do as we please without accountability.
Isaiah 31:1-2 "1 Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help And rely on horses, And trust in chariots because they are many And in horsemen because they are very strong, But they do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek the LORD! 2 Yet He also is wise and will bring disaster And does not retract His words, But will arise against the house of evildoers And against the help of the workers of iniquity.…"
When we spurn the counsel of God and the counsel of godly people in favor of worldly and expedient measures for self gratification, eventually we will experience the ruination of everything in our path.
This is exactly what happened in our country. Slavery was chosen and we live with the consequences today as those who are descendants of slaves today riot in our streets. Of course not all are doing it, but enough that there is constant turmoil.
Just when we thought the prejudice was over things were getting better, someone comes along to stir it up again. The sin of slavery always has it's consequences, anything lacking integrity has it's long term consequences.
This article is a good perspective on what happens when we follow our avarice instead of God's principles.
We can compare this to divorce and remarriage today, the freedom to write, film and distribute all kinds of filth, preferring the short term easy answers to raising children as apposed to the hard work of being a parent, through the happy feelings of elevating children so they will like us. Much like the milk toast preaching in our churches today, it makes people feel good but has devastating long term effects that destroy families and communities.
If we had the intelligence to look back at our expedient decisions we would see the long term effects of ignoring God's way of dealing with things, which require hard work, difficult encounters with others but in the long run, bring righteousness and order to our culture.
So sorry we chose the lazy route, the route that gave us temporary happiness with long term devastation.
Proverbs 21:20
"There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man swallows it up."
Matthew 23:34
"Therefore, behold, I am sending you prophets and wise men and scribes; some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city,"
God sent us the Bible and godly men to teach and train us, but we went down to Egypt for our counsel figuratively when we turned to psychology teaching as the god of our age. It has destroyed us as a culture, ruined families beyond repair and brought an entire nation to it's knees. AND FOR WHAT? The freedom to do as we please without accountability.
Isaiah 31:1-2 "1 Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help And rely on horses, And trust in chariots because they are many And in horsemen because they are very strong, But they do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek the LORD! 2 Yet He also is wise and will bring disaster And does not retract His words, But will arise against the house of evildoers And against the help of the workers of iniquity.…"
When we spurn the counsel of God and the counsel of godly people in favor of worldly and expedient measures for self gratification, eventually we will experience the ruination of everything in our path.
Thursday, September 29, 2016
America's Demise
We are not only not going to be great again as a nation, we are going to lose everything we have.
We have murdered 60 million babies, provided porn for the entire world while in the process of legalizing drugs, teaching small children how to act in perverted ways and much more. Not only do we not deserve to be great, our fate is sealed, we are going down.
Our only hope is to trust Jesus Christ as individuals. The nation is on the fast track to total destruction.
Do you really think the influx of Muslims into our country are an accident? Do you think the powers that be are ignoring the open borders to be friendly and kind?
Isaiah 1:4-5 "4 Alas, sinful nation, People weighed down with iniquity, Offspring of evildoers, Sons who act corruptly! They have abandoned the LORD, They have despised the Holy One of Israel, They have turned away from Him. 5 Where will you be stricken again, As you continue in your rebellion? The whole head is sick And the whole heart is faint.…"
If you don't believe me, visit a friend in the next few days, tell them they need Christ, to repent from their sin and become born again, then watch what comes out of them. Chances are good you will make an enemy, since even those who call themselves Christian are filled with contempt for the things of God.
Some may even agree with you in your presence but ignore the need to confess sin or desire to be changed. Most people like themselves just as they are and are enraged when challenged to take a long honest look at their own heart in light of the Bible.
I notice many people are talking about making our nation great again, but those same people never mention the sinfulness that needs to be dealt with before God.
We have murdered 60 million babies, provided porn for the entire world while in the process of legalizing drugs, teaching small children how to act in perverted ways and much more. Not only do we not deserve to be great, our fate is sealed, we are going down.
Our only hope is to trust Jesus Christ as individuals. The nation is on the fast track to total destruction.
Do you really think the influx of Muslims into our country are an accident? Do you think the powers that be are ignoring the open borders to be friendly and kind?
Isaiah 1:4-5 "4 Alas, sinful nation, People weighed down with iniquity, Offspring of evildoers, Sons who act corruptly! They have abandoned the LORD, They have despised the Holy One of Israel, They have turned away from Him. 5 Where will you be stricken again, As you continue in your rebellion? The whole head is sick And the whole heart is faint.…"
If you don't believe me, visit a friend in the next few days, tell them they need Christ, to repent from their sin and become born again, then watch what comes out of them. Chances are good you will make an enemy, since even those who call themselves Christian are filled with contempt for the things of God.
Some may even agree with you in your presence but ignore the need to confess sin or desire to be changed. Most people like themselves just as they are and are enraged when challenged to take a long honest look at their own heart in light of the Bible.
I notice many people are talking about making our nation great again, but those same people never mention the sinfulness that needs to be dealt with before God.
Spiritual Pygys or Giants in the Faith?
When are we spiritual pygmys?
When the Holy Spirit is leading there is order and truth that no man can create through their rules and traditions.
When we depend on the approval of others continually for acceptance, then we are spiritual pygmys.
When our actions or speech are dictated by what others will think about us or do to us, we have placed our trust in man rather than Christ.
Proverbs 29:25-26 "25 The fear of man brings a snare, But he who trusts in the LORD will be exalted. 26 Many seek the ruler's favor, But justice for man comes from the LORD.…"
When we are dependent on musical manipulation to "feel" close to God, we have made our emotions of happiness the measure of our depth. Our expression of worship through music can be a wonderful thing. When the music stops, does the sense of closeness remain or does it diminish quickly? This is an important measure to discern whether we worshiped in the Spirit or in the flesh.
When we are led by the Holy Spirit, often we will be an outsider, even if there are no blatant forms of disrespect, there will be covert expressions of dishonor toward us. Dismissiveness through silent disapproval is the favored tactic of the superficial believer who is embarrassed by the presence of the Holy Spirit.
May each one of us evaluate ourselves and through prayer seek Christ to discover the truth about ourselves.
We might want to ask God if our tradition has influenced what we do or has Christ Who lives in us directed us?
When the Holy Spirit is leading there is order and truth that no man can create through their rules and traditions.
When we depend on the approval of others continually for acceptance, then we are spiritual pygmys.
When our actions or speech are dictated by what others will think about us or do to us, we have placed our trust in man rather than Christ.
Proverbs 29:25-26 "25 The fear of man brings a snare, But he who trusts in the LORD will be exalted. 26 Many seek the ruler's favor, But justice for man comes from the LORD.…"
When we are dependent on musical manipulation to "feel" close to God, we have made our emotions of happiness the measure of our depth. Our expression of worship through music can be a wonderful thing. When the music stops, does the sense of closeness remain or does it diminish quickly? This is an important measure to discern whether we worshiped in the Spirit or in the flesh.
When we are led by the Holy Spirit, often we will be an outsider, even if there are no blatant forms of disrespect, there will be covert expressions of dishonor toward us. Dismissiveness through silent disapproval is the favored tactic of the superficial believer who is embarrassed by the presence of the Holy Spirit.
May each one of us evaluate ourselves and through prayer seek Christ to discover the truth about ourselves.
We might want to ask God if our tradition has influenced what we do or has Christ Who lives in us directed us?
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
Gaze Upon Christ!
When I cannot spiritually connect with those at birthday parties or wedding anniversaries, I see no purpose in going. It is interesting that when I do go, I am pretty much ignored even when I try to strike up a conversation, but when I don't show up they are angry that I didn't and often angry that I was not the one to participate even though they never included me. I am confident that this is the experience of many a godly person whose entire focus is Christ. Small talk is something that is enjoyed for a very short period of time and after that we must move onto something that really matters.
I think that narcissists want to be the center of attention. They want me to come so that they can ignore me. In short, they want me to see them in their glory, but don't care about a relationship with me. One of the enjoyments of the narcissist is to be seen, even if they don't see us.
This is the way I see most church services, they gather to be seen, but have little interest in focusing on Christ. Christ is an add on to their rituals to feel spiritual but the main entertainment is elevating people.
The most wonderful funeral I have ever been to, was many years ago. A godly woman had passed, no one cried, everyone was full of joy at her homegoing, no one elevated her, but rather they elevated Christ, everyone went away blessed by the attention that was given to Christ. The lady was recognized as a woman of God, but would have been pleased that she was not the center of attention, her God was. There were no lengthy stories about her life, no rambling embarrassing testimonies from people who barely knew her. It was just all about Christ. We were celebrating Christ and the home going of our sister in the Lord.
When the focus is Christ in any gathering, then no one is the center of attention. There is blessed joy from visiting with like minded people whose focus is entirely other than themselves.
I think that narcissists want to be the center of attention. They want me to come so that they can ignore me. In short, they want me to see them in their glory, but don't care about a relationship with me. One of the enjoyments of the narcissist is to be seen, even if they don't see us.
This is the way I see most church services, they gather to be seen, but have little interest in focusing on Christ. Christ is an add on to their rituals to feel spiritual but the main entertainment is elevating people.
The most wonderful funeral I have ever been to, was many years ago. A godly woman had passed, no one cried, everyone was full of joy at her homegoing, no one elevated her, but rather they elevated Christ, everyone went away blessed by the attention that was given to Christ. The lady was recognized as a woman of God, but would have been pleased that she was not the center of attention, her God was. There were no lengthy stories about her life, no rambling embarrassing testimonies from people who barely knew her. It was just all about Christ. We were celebrating Christ and the home going of our sister in the Lord.
When the focus is Christ in any gathering, then no one is the center of attention. There is blessed joy from visiting with like minded people whose focus is entirely other than themselves.
Israel is about to be Restored !
God has not changed His mind! He still loves Zion, they have always been His priority. For the sake of the Gentiles to come to Christ, God left them for a time, when the time of the Gentiles is finished, then He will come back to Israel and a remnant of her people will trust Christ. Then two thirds of her people will be removed in great wars, the one third left will become saved and will take the gospel to the rest of the world. We are seeing these things play out right now in the middle east.
The whole world is essentially against Israel as the Bible said would happen. Israel did not exist just one generation ago, but the people have returned to the land and soon will return to Christ.
NO! God was not finished with Israel and NO the church is not the new Israel.
Psalm 87
"87 His foundation is in the holy mountains. 2 The Lord loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. 3 Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah. 4 I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there. 5 And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her. 6 The Lord shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah. 7 As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there: all my springs are in thee."
Romans 11
"11 I say then, God has not rejected His people, has He? May it never be! For I too am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.
2 God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says in the passage about Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel?
3 “Lord, they have killed Your prophets, they have torn down Your altars, and I alone am left, and they are seeking my life.”
4 But what is the divine response to him? “I have kept for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.”
5 In the same way then, there has also come to be at the present time a remnant according to God’s gracious choice.
6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer [d]on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace. 7 What then? What Israel is seeking, it has not obtained, but [e]those who were chosen obtained it, and the rest were hardened; 8 just as it is written, “God gave them a spirit of stupor, Eyes to see not and ears to hear not, Down to this very day.” 9 And David says, “Let their table become a snare and a trap, And a stumbling block and a retribution to them. 10 “Let their eyes be darkened to see not, And bend their backs forever.” 11 I say then, they did not stumble so as to fall, did they? May it never be! But by their transgression salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make them jealous.
12 Now if their transgression is riches for the world and their failure is riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their fulfillment be!
13 But I am speaking to you who are Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle of Gentiles, I magnify my ministry,
14 if somehow I might move to jealousy my fellow countrymen and save some of them.
15 For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?
16 If the first piece of dough is holy, the lump is also; and if the root is holy, the branches are too. 17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree,
18 do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you.
19 You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.”
20 Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear;
21 for if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either.
22 Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God’s kindness, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off.
23 And they also, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.
24 For if you were cut off from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these who are the natural branches be grafted into their own olive tree? 25 For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery—so that you will not be wise in your own estimation—that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in;
26 and so all Israel will be saved; just as it is written, “The Deliverer will come from Zion, He will remove ungodliness from Jacob.” 27 “This is My covenant with them, When I take away their sins.” 28 From the standpoint of the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but from the standpoint of God’s choice they are beloved for the sake of the fathers;
29 for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 30 For just as you once were disobedient to God, but now have been shown mercy because of their disobedience,
31 so these also now have been disobedient, that because of the mercy shown to you they also may now be shown mercy.
32 For God has shut up all in disobedience so that He may show mercy to all. 33 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!
34 For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor?
35 Or who has first given to Him that it might be paid back to him again?
36 For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen."
The whole world is essentially against Israel as the Bible said would happen. Israel did not exist just one generation ago, but the people have returned to the land and soon will return to Christ.
NO! God was not finished with Israel and NO the church is not the new Israel.
Psalm 87
"87 His foundation is in the holy mountains. 2 The Lord loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. 3 Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah. 4 I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there. 5 And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her. 6 The Lord shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah. 7 As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there: all my springs are in thee."
Romans 11
"11 I say then, God has not rejected His people, has He? May it never be! For I too am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.
2 God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says in the passage about Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel?
3 “Lord, they have killed Your prophets, they have torn down Your altars, and I alone am left, and they are seeking my life.”
4 But what is the divine response to him? “I have kept for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.”
5 In the same way then, there has also come to be at the present time a remnant according to God’s gracious choice.
6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer [d]on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace. 7 What then? What Israel is seeking, it has not obtained, but [e]those who were chosen obtained it, and the rest were hardened; 8 just as it is written, “God gave them a spirit of stupor, Eyes to see not and ears to hear not, Down to this very day.” 9 And David says, “Let their table become a snare and a trap, And a stumbling block and a retribution to them. 10 “Let their eyes be darkened to see not, And bend their backs forever.” 11 I say then, they did not stumble so as to fall, did they? May it never be! But by their transgression salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make them jealous.
12 Now if their transgression is riches for the world and their failure is riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their fulfillment be!
13 But I am speaking to you who are Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle of Gentiles, I magnify my ministry,
14 if somehow I might move to jealousy my fellow countrymen and save some of them.
15 For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?
16 If the first piece of dough is holy, the lump is also; and if the root is holy, the branches are too. 17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree,
18 do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you.
19 You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.”
20 Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear;
21 for if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either.
22 Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God’s kindness, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off.
23 And they also, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.
24 For if you were cut off from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these who are the natural branches be grafted into their own olive tree? 25 For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery—so that you will not be wise in your own estimation—that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in;
26 and so all Israel will be saved; just as it is written, “The Deliverer will come from Zion, He will remove ungodliness from Jacob.” 27 “This is My covenant with them, When I take away their sins.” 28 From the standpoint of the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but from the standpoint of God’s choice they are beloved for the sake of the fathers;
29 for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 30 For just as you once were disobedient to God, but now have been shown mercy because of their disobedience,
31 so these also now have been disobedient, that because of the mercy shown to you they also may now be shown mercy.
32 For God has shut up all in disobedience so that He may show mercy to all. 33 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!
34 For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor?
35 Or who has first given to Him that it might be paid back to him again?
36 For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen."
The Yearning Continues
This ought to be the perspective in the heart of every born again believer, but I fear it dwells only in a few.
Psalm 84
"1 How lovely are Your dwelling places, O Lord of hosts!
Psalm 84
"1 How lovely are Your dwelling places, O Lord of hosts!
2 My soul longed and even yearned for the courts of the Lord; My heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.
3 The bird also has found a house, And the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, Even Your altars, O Lord of hosts, My King and my God.
4 How blessed are those who dwell in Your house! They are ever praising You. Selah.
5 How blessed is the man whose strength is in You, In whose heart are the highways to Zion!
6 Passing through the valley of Baca they make it a spring; The early rain also covers it with blessings.
7 They go from strength to strength, Every one of them appears before God in Zion.
8 O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; Give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah.
9 Behold our shield, O God, And look upon the face of Your anointed.
10 For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand outside. I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God Than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.
12 O Lord of hosts, How blessed is the man who trusts in You!"
God Did it Before and He will do it Again
God did it in the past and He WILL do it again and soon!
Psalm 85
"O Lord, You showed favor to Your land;
You restored the captivity of Jacob.
2 You forgave the iniquity of Your people;
You covered all their sin. Selah.
3 You withdrew all Your fury;
You turned away from Your burning anger.
4 Restore us, O God of our salvation,
And cause Your indignation toward us to cease.
5 Will You be angry with us forever?
Will You prolong Your anger to all generations?
6 Will You not Yourself revive us again,
That Your people may rejoice in You?
7 Show us Your lovingkindness, O Lord,
And grant us Your salvation.
8 I will hear what God the Lord will say;
For He will speak peace to His people, to His godly ones;
But let them not turn back to folly.
9 Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him,
That glory may dwell in our land.
10 Lovingkindness and truth have met together;
Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
11 Truth springs from the earth,
And righteousness looks down from heaven.
12 Indeed, the Lord will give what is good,
And our land will yield its produce.
13 Righteousness will go before Him
And will make His footsteps into a way."
Psalm 85
"O Lord, You showed favor to Your land;
You restored the captivity of Jacob.
2 You forgave the iniquity of Your people;
You covered all their sin. Selah.
3 You withdrew all Your fury;
You turned away from Your burning anger.
4 Restore us, O God of our salvation,
And cause Your indignation toward us to cease.
5 Will You be angry with us forever?
Will You prolong Your anger to all generations?
6 Will You not Yourself revive us again,
That Your people may rejoice in You?
7 Show us Your lovingkindness, O Lord,
And grant us Your salvation.
8 I will hear what God the Lord will say;
For He will speak peace to His people, to His godly ones;
But let them not turn back to folly.
9 Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him,
That glory may dwell in our land.
10 Lovingkindness and truth have met together;
Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
11 Truth springs from the earth,
And righteousness looks down from heaven.
12 Indeed, the Lord will give what is good,
And our land will yield its produce.
13 Righteousness will go before Him
And will make His footsteps into a way."
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
They Don't Obey Christ
There isn't very much of the Bible that most professing Christians actually follow. They have been indoctrinated that as long as they are sincere, it's alright with God. They have been trained by our culture that all views are equal, that no one can know for sure and it is anathema to actually tell someone they are wrong.
Leading by Influence and Example
We must also remember that being the head does not mean being a tyrant. The woman has been appointed as the counselor or as the Bible puts it in English, the "helpmeet." The husband is bound to listen to his wife, consider her opinions and needs and at times trust her judgments. The husband is also to make sure that he never undermines her authority over the children.
The Bible says this:
Proverbs 1:7-9 "7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction. 8 Hear, my son, your father's instruction And do not forsake your mother's teaching; 9 Indeed, they are a graceful wreath to your head And ornaments about your neck.…"
The way that the man leads is through instruction and influence, not by force, intimidation or manipulation.
When force, intimidation or manipulation are present then so is sin.
The Bible says this:
Proverbs 1:7-9 "7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction. 8 Hear, my son, your father's instruction And do not forsake your mother's teaching; 9 Indeed, they are a graceful wreath to your head And ornaments about your neck.…"
The way that the man leads is through instruction and influence, not by force, intimidation or manipulation.
When force, intimidation or manipulation are present then so is sin.
Were You Ever Born Again?
Yes, and my guess is that you didn't work real hard to give all that up, they just became disgusting to you because you were a new creation.
Anyone who thinks they had no sin to fall away when they became a Christian never became born again. Our eyes are opened when we are changed into a new creation.
I have known people who never apologize for anything, hurt people all the time while acting superior, but their testimony never includes brokenness over their sinfulness.
If you have never been broken over sinfulness then perhaps it's time to ask the Lord if you were ever born again.
Donzelle Ringold wrote the following
Donzelle Ringold
I used to be a cussing, fighting, clubbing, drinking, cigarette smoking, weed puffing, fornicating, angry, dope selling, disrespectful, high school drop out........
But it's something about the Power of JESUS that makes dirty worthless things SHINE!
Let Him Change You!!
Anyone who thinks they had no sin to fall away when they became a Christian never became born again. Our eyes are opened when we are changed into a new creation.
I have known people who never apologize for anything, hurt people all the time while acting superior, but their testimony never includes brokenness over their sinfulness.
If you have never been broken over sinfulness then perhaps it's time to ask the Lord if you were ever born again.
Donzelle Ringold wrote the following
Donzelle Ringold
I used to be a cussing, fighting, clubbing, drinking, cigarette smoking, weed puffing, fornicating, angry, dope selling, disrespectful, high school drop out........
But it's something about the Power of JESUS that makes dirty worthless things SHINE!
Let Him Change You!!
Power of Prayer? NOT!
Some people say they believe in the power of prayer. I personally do not believe in the power of prayer, here is why I say this;
Prayer has no power, only Christ has power. Many people pray to false gods and even pray to themselves believing just speaking the words gets them something, but only prayer to God through Christ has any power and only if it is in God's Will.
It Continues To Grow Worse
How Far We Have Fallen!!!
Integrity used to be the greatest measure of the character of our leaders. Now we are all excited when a potential leader can provide jobs and close the borders, without any concern at all about the integrity of his personal life or his demeanor while in public.
None of our candidates in recent elections displayed a measure of godly decorum let alone a lifestyle of integrity.
Think about that!!!!
Integrity used to be the greatest measure of the character of our leaders. Now we are all excited when a potential leader can provide jobs and close the borders, without any concern at all about the integrity of his personal life or his demeanor while in public.
None of our candidates in recent elections displayed a measure of godly decorum let alone a lifestyle of integrity.
Think about that!!!!
How Far We Have Fallen
Some 30 years ago a friend and I were concerned about a handful of witchcraft books that were in the local Portland public school library, so we began a petition drive to gain support for removing the books. We managed to secure a few hundred signatures to take to the authorities.
The decision was made through that school district that the books would not be removed, but that they would be available under the counter only if students asked for them, since most students didn't even know they were there.
The latest news report in the Portland Oregon area was the announcement that Portland Public Schools would be allowing the "After school Satan's Club" in response to the "Good News Christians Club" that has been operating in schools for many years.
When the Good News Clubs began in the 1920's to be able to evangelize unchurched children from age 5-12, there was an overwhelming response of support. The schools were in full support while children clamored to be able to spend time once a week after school and learn Bible stories and principles.
Folks this is just how far we have come! How many believers have never been raised with an entire culture that endorsed the reading of the Bible, now thinking that it is a strange thing to have a Bible in school, but are ready and willing to learn all about the devil.
I guarantee you that this devilish club will be the most popular activity in school. It will promote freedom to do and be anything one wants under the guise of love and kindness.
Isaiah 60:12 "For the nation and kingdom that will not serve you shall perish; those nations shall be utterly laid waste."
The decision was made through that school district that the books would not be removed, but that they would be available under the counter only if students asked for them, since most students didn't even know they were there.
The latest news report in the Portland Oregon area was the announcement that Portland Public Schools would be allowing the "After school Satan's Club" in response to the "Good News Christians Club" that has been operating in schools for many years.
When the Good News Clubs began in the 1920's to be able to evangelize unchurched children from age 5-12, there was an overwhelming response of support. The schools were in full support while children clamored to be able to spend time once a week after school and learn Bible stories and principles.
Folks this is just how far we have come! How many believers have never been raised with an entire culture that endorsed the reading of the Bible, now thinking that it is a strange thing to have a Bible in school, but are ready and willing to learn all about the devil.
I guarantee you that this devilish club will be the most popular activity in school. It will promote freedom to do and be anything one wants under the guise of love and kindness.
Isaiah 60:12 "For the nation and kingdom that will not serve you shall perish; those nations shall be utterly laid waste."
Many False Prophets Will Come
I have experienced even today those who claim they had a dream that Trump would be our next president, as though God would give anyone a dream about that. She has a fifty fifty chance of this coming true, since there are only two candidates. Often we have dreams because of our own desires, but to claim they were God speaking to us is presumptuous at best.
When someone becomes angry at questioning about their dreams and visions, it is a sure sign they were lying or didn't even believe in their own assertion.
I am confident that if the Lord gives someone a dream or vision, that someone would never have a doubt, would not be intimidated by questioning and would certainly never get mad enough to attack the character of someone else over it. After all, if it were true then they would see soon enough.
Prophets of God spoken of in Scripture, would declare a "thus saith the Lord" and then the vision or dream would come true. That's how we know if a person has been sent from God.
Deuteronomy 18:22 "22"When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing does not come about or come true, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him."
Speaking falsely concerning visions and dreams is very serious to God. Even though He doesn't necessarily strike people dead these days in the age of grace, it remains just as serious to God as when His response was to kill the false prophet.
Deuteronomy 18:20 "'But the prophet who speaks a word presumptuously in My name which I have not commanded him to speak, or which he speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.'"
Be very discerning, there will be many false prophets in these last days, hoping to make a name for themselves, to become elevated in the eyes of others.
Matthew 24:10-11 "…10 At that time many will fall away and will betray and hate one another, 11 and many false prophets will arise and mislead many. 12 Because of the multiplication of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.…"
When we expose a false prophet or merely question them to see their initial reaction, they will become very angry, vindictive and even dangerous. This is an effective way to tell if someone is a false prophet.
I am thankful my dreams haven't ever come true, many were frightening and chaotic. I have had warnings in my spirit about things from God, but never a vision or dream. I have no need to tell anyone because they were just for me and for specific events. I asked the woman who declared her dream about Trump, if she would tell us if it didn't come true, that she had been mistaken and not a prophetess of God. She became angry calling me names and accusing me of things, the typical "judgmental" and "self righteous." The mantras that are always spoken when someone doesn't want to admit they might be wrong. My next question would have been; "why would God tell you that." If we live by faith we can leave it to God while trusting that He will tell us what to do and when.
When someone becomes angry at questioning about their dreams and visions, it is a sure sign they were lying or didn't even believe in their own assertion.
I am confident that if the Lord gives someone a dream or vision, that someone would never have a doubt, would not be intimidated by questioning and would certainly never get mad enough to attack the character of someone else over it. After all, if it were true then they would see soon enough.
Prophets of God spoken of in Scripture, would declare a "thus saith the Lord" and then the vision or dream would come true. That's how we know if a person has been sent from God.
Deuteronomy 18:22 "22"When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing does not come about or come true, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him."
Speaking falsely concerning visions and dreams is very serious to God. Even though He doesn't necessarily strike people dead these days in the age of grace, it remains just as serious to God as when His response was to kill the false prophet.
Deuteronomy 18:20 "'But the prophet who speaks a word presumptuously in My name which I have not commanded him to speak, or which he speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.'"
Be very discerning, there will be many false prophets in these last days, hoping to make a name for themselves, to become elevated in the eyes of others.
Matthew 24:10-11 "…10 At that time many will fall away and will betray and hate one another, 11 and many false prophets will arise and mislead many. 12 Because of the multiplication of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.…"
When we expose a false prophet or merely question them to see their initial reaction, they will become very angry, vindictive and even dangerous. This is an effective way to tell if someone is a false prophet.
Trust Christ not Your Vote
My issue is not who is voting for who so much as the problem of believers thinking a candidate is going to save America. I say to them, "fine vote, but don't place your trust in the man or your vote."
Our trust must be in Christ alone. One day our vote will be taken away, then what will believers do when they cannot vote....will they lose hope? Not me, my hope is in Christ no matter what the government is doing.
Our trust must be in Christ alone. One day our vote will be taken away, then what will believers do when they cannot vote....will they lose hope? Not me, my hope is in Christ no matter what the government is doing.
Monday, September 26, 2016
Who is the Prodigal, It Might Surprise You
The elder son in the account of the prodigal son, did what he should for appearances, but was rebellious and contemptuous toward his father on the inside. There were actually two prodigals in that story, only one repented in humility and shame over his sin. The elder son never admitted his sin against his father, he was too proud that he had done what the father did regularly and ran the family business, but would not bend even a little when asked to share in the younger brothers repentance and joy.
I suspect that the older brother was jealous of his younger brother, and even more angry that he had repented in humility.
It reminds me of the little boy who was commanded by his father to sit down. The response of the child was "I will sit down, but I am standing up on the inside."
How many people pretend to love the Bible but act contemptuous toward those who quote scripture to correct their error.
Narcissists hate those they perceive as less perfect than themselves, but show even greater contempt when these "lesser" people confess and turn from their sin.
Narcissists love to see people sin, it makes them feel superior. A truly humble person is saddened and even angered at the sin in the lives of those they love, but have a greater degree of joy when they repent, confess and return to obedience.
Lacking empathy and kindness motivates the narcissist to choose to see others in a negative light, when they cannot do that legitimately they will make something up.
The greatest degree of prodigy is to pretend to obey on the outside while seething with contempt and anger on the inside.
Outward obedience is not the measure of a godly life, pretenders can do this, it is the responses that come out when we are faced with reality about our own hearts.
Matthew 15:19 "…18 But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these things defile a man. 19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, FALSE TESTIMONY, and slander. "
It struck me as I read the phrase, " false testimony." Many people have a verbal and even physical testimony that appears to be real, until they are challenged to a greater holiness, then the real them emerges to defend themselves.
Psalm 51:17
"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise."
I suspect that the older brother was jealous of his younger brother, and even more angry that he had repented in humility.
It reminds me of the little boy who was commanded by his father to sit down. The response of the child was "I will sit down, but I am standing up on the inside."
How many people pretend to love the Bible but act contemptuous toward those who quote scripture to correct their error.
Narcissists hate those they perceive as less perfect than themselves, but show even greater contempt when these "lesser" people confess and turn from their sin.
Narcissists love to see people sin, it makes them feel superior. A truly humble person is saddened and even angered at the sin in the lives of those they love, but have a greater degree of joy when they repent, confess and return to obedience.
Lacking empathy and kindness motivates the narcissist to choose to see others in a negative light, when they cannot do that legitimately they will make something up.
The greatest degree of prodigy is to pretend to obey on the outside while seething with contempt and anger on the inside.
Outward obedience is not the measure of a godly life, pretenders can do this, it is the responses that come out when we are faced with reality about our own hearts.
Matthew 15:19 "…18 But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these things defile a man. 19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, FALSE TESTIMONY, and slander. "
It struck me as I read the phrase, " false testimony." Many people have a verbal and even physical testimony that appears to be real, until they are challenged to a greater holiness, then the real them emerges to defend themselves.
Psalm 51:17
"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise."
Sunday, September 25, 2016
Trust in Christ Alone!
There is a woman who is prophesying the destruction of New York city within the next five days.
Let us keep in mind that we are often known by the company we keep. The woman who is now predicting New York's destruction is friends with Benny Hinn, that is our first clue!
Benny Hinn is a charlatan, full of deceit and evil ramblings. He has done more harm to the cause of Christianity than any other single false teacher.
Perhaps the FBI needs to place the woman predicting these things on the terrorist watch list. I find it interesting that she is making these predictions based on her dreams before the election.
Let it be known that anyone who predicts events that do not come true, can be called a liar and have not heard from God at all.
Deuteronomy 18:21-22 "…21"You may say in your heart, 'How will we know the word which the LORD has not spoken?' 22"When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing does not come about or come true, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him."
It is also possible that someone like this could have heard from the devil who knows of the plots that are being arranged by terrorists.
We have much demonic activity occurring now in this last generation. Most people are not recognizing the things we see happening as demonic, but it is only because they don't believe in anything spiritual.
Demons can know the plans of the terrorists and relay them to unsuspecting false prophets.
If this devastation does occur do not assume that the Lord spoke to this woman, it could be that she is merely a means by which the devil is going to get people to place their trust in her rather than in Christ. The great deception is already here, increasing every day.
Seek God, trusting Him alone. If we are to be protected then the Holy Spirit will tell us what to do and when to do it.
DO NOT PLACE YOUR TRUST IN THIS WOMAN, PLACE IT IN CHRIST ALONE!
Let us keep in mind that we are often known by the company we keep. The woman who is now predicting New York's destruction is friends with Benny Hinn, that is our first clue!
Benny Hinn is a charlatan, full of deceit and evil ramblings. He has done more harm to the cause of Christianity than any other single false teacher.
Perhaps the FBI needs to place the woman predicting these things on the terrorist watch list. I find it interesting that she is making these predictions based on her dreams before the election.
Let it be known that anyone who predicts events that do not come true, can be called a liar and have not heard from God at all.
Deuteronomy 18:21-22 "…21"You may say in your heart, 'How will we know the word which the LORD has not spoken?' 22"When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing does not come about or come true, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him."
It is also possible that someone like this could have heard from the devil who knows of the plots that are being arranged by terrorists.
We have much demonic activity occurring now in this last generation. Most people are not recognizing the things we see happening as demonic, but it is only because they don't believe in anything spiritual.
Demons can know the plans of the terrorists and relay them to unsuspecting false prophets.
If this devastation does occur do not assume that the Lord spoke to this woman, it could be that she is merely a means by which the devil is going to get people to place their trust in her rather than in Christ. The great deception is already here, increasing every day.
Seek God, trusting Him alone. If we are to be protected then the Holy Spirit will tell us what to do and when to do it.
DO NOT PLACE YOUR TRUST IN THIS WOMAN, PLACE IT IN CHRIST ALONE!
The Dog and Pony Show
For some time now I have been flabbergasted at the demands of those who are not even Americans by birth. Muslims are demanding things in our country that we have never done, as though the country belongs to them. Then it occurred to me that "O" has basically declared that there is no America, that we are just another region in the country called the "World."
He is acting as though we have already been taken down and it now belongs to the world powers, that's the reason we have no borders anymore, why aliens are receiving rights they never had and didn't earn and the reason I also believe we are not going to have a "real" election.
This dog and pony show called "an election cycle", that has been going on for the past two years will reveal who is really in charge and it "aint" us folks.
Thankfully we still have enough freedom to worship and live as we please, but I am convinced it won't be long before we won't have that either.
My blessed joy and hope is not in this country or this world. Because I am in a foreign land, heaven is my home, I cannot feel a sense of loss at anything the powers do.
Change is hard for those who hang onto this world, but it is much easier for those who know this is merely a visitation for us and soon we will be going to our real home to be with the Lord forever.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 "…16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will be the first to rise. 17 After that, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.…"
He is acting as though we have already been taken down and it now belongs to the world powers, that's the reason we have no borders anymore, why aliens are receiving rights they never had and didn't earn and the reason I also believe we are not going to have a "real" election.
This dog and pony show called "an election cycle", that has been going on for the past two years will reveal who is really in charge and it "aint" us folks.
Thankfully we still have enough freedom to worship and live as we please, but I am convinced it won't be long before we won't have that either.
My blessed joy and hope is not in this country or this world. Because I am in a foreign land, heaven is my home, I cannot feel a sense of loss at anything the powers do.
Change is hard for those who hang onto this world, but it is much easier for those who know this is merely a visitation for us and soon we will be going to our real home to be with the Lord forever.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 "…16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will be the first to rise. 17 After that, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.…"
Saturday, September 24, 2016
Confrontation, Confession and Restoration
How are we going to turn a sinner from their way if we do not confront the sin? There must always be a exposure of the sin and confession for this to happen. So many believe they will win a sinner back to obedience by big smiles and happy hugs but that is not what God tells us to do.
Isaiah 26:10 "10 Though the wicked is shown favor, He does not learn righteousness; He deals unjustly in the land of uprightness, And does not perceive the majesty of the LORD. "
Matthew 18:15-16 "15 If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. 16 But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’…"
Luke 17:3 " 3 Watch yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him."
When someone who has been confronted with sin becomes saddened over their sin and confesses it to be cleansed and restored, then we are to restore them as Galatians 6 tells us.
Galatians 6:1-2 "1 Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the Law of Christ.…"
Isaiah 26:10 "10 Though the wicked is shown favor, He does not learn righteousness; He deals unjustly in the land of uprightness, And does not perceive the majesty of the LORD. "
Matthew 18:15-16 "15 If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. 16 But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’…"
Luke 17:3 " 3 Watch yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him."
When someone who has been confronted with sin becomes saddened over their sin and confesses it to be cleansed and restored, then we are to restore them as Galatians 6 tells us.
Galatians 6:1-2 "1 Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the Law of Christ.…"
In America Money Is Our God!
I think that to place "In God We Trust", on the bills makes it sound like we are trusting in the money as our god.
Which god do many trust in, the Hindu god, Allah or any other pagan god? Most of our country no longer trusts God, let alone having been changed into a new creation by Christ, therefore it is sort of like lying to place it there.
Lastly, If we have trusted in Christ our lives will prove it and our words will confirm our lives, it doesn't need to be on signs all over the place. I would prefer the gospel message rather than a declaration that can be disproven easily by life responses.
Which god do many trust in, the Hindu god, Allah or any other pagan god? Most of our country no longer trusts God, let alone having been changed into a new creation by Christ, therefore it is sort of like lying to place it there.
Lastly, If we have trusted in Christ our lives will prove it and our words will confirm our lives, it doesn't need to be on signs all over the place. I would prefer the gospel message rather than a declaration that can be disproven easily by life responses.
Friday, September 23, 2016
This World is not My Home
It occurred to me the other day that this is happening because "O" and other world leaders are recreating the world into a one world government, so the United States can no longer operate as an individual country anymore.
Illegals are being accepted with full rights according to the powers that be, as an expression and the beginning of the one world system.
We call ourselves "The United States of America", but we are beginning to operate in our laws as though the rest of the world has rights to all our resources.
The change is somewhat subtle but becoming more obvious every day.
I am thankful that this earth is not my home and soon I will be leaving to go to my heavenly home.
Illegals are being accepted with full rights according to the powers that be, as an expression and the beginning of the one world system.
We call ourselves "The United States of America", but we are beginning to operate in our laws as though the rest of the world has rights to all our resources.
The change is somewhat subtle but becoming more obvious every day.
I am thankful that this earth is not my home and soon I will be leaving to go to my heavenly home.
Permanently Changed Forever
Salvation is Christ having changed us entirely into a new creation. Nothing of ourselves and after that He continues His work in us until He comes for us. When we choose Him, He does all the work in us that we desire Him to do. If we are disobedient then He disciplines His children. We are sealed with the Holy Spirit, never to leave us.
2 Corinthians 5:17 "17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come! "
Ephesians 2:8-9 " 8 For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.…"
Ephesians 2:9-10 "…9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life."
Ephesians 1:13-14 "13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory."
Hebrews 12:5-7 "…5 And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, or lose heart when He rebukes you. 6 For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises everyone He receives as a son.” 7 Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?…"
Just as a butterfly cannot go back into the cocoon and become a worn again, neither can the believer ever go back to the state he was before he was born again. He has been completely changed for ever.
2 Corinthians 5:17 "17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come! "
Ephesians 2:8-9 " 8 For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.…"
Ephesians 2:9-10 "…9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life."
Ephesians 1:13-14 "13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory."
Hebrews 12:5-7 "…5 And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, or lose heart when He rebukes you. 6 For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises everyone He receives as a son.” 7 Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?…"
Just as a butterfly cannot go back into the cocoon and become a worn again, neither can the believer ever go back to the state he was before he was born again. He has been completely changed for ever.
Thursday, September 22, 2016
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
Beware of False Teachers
2 Thessalonians 3:6 "Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from any brother who leads an undisciplined life that is not in keeping with the tradition you received from us."
I began to seriously question Kent Hovind some years back because of his arrogance. However, I thought his creationism teaching was good so I ignored any warning signs I saw.
A few years ago another red flag arose when he was sentenced to jail for tax evasion, arrogantly thinking he could get away with disobeying the government authority, by not paying any taxes. A very real violation of the Word of God.
Another red flag was raised when he began to praise the book, "The Shack", a deeply blasphemous book, claiming that it as a wonderful spiritual book that everyone should read. It doesn't take a whole lot of discernment about that book, the blasphemy screams out at us in the description of the story.
While in jail, Hovind did much study using books other than the Bible and was turned from his belief in pre-trib rapture while claiming that the Jews are not God's chosen people.
Further red flags emerged as it was exposed that he claimed to have a dream in which God showed him the next wife he would be marrying after his divorce from his first wife.
It has been my experience that we can discern a person's heart early on if we pay attention to the signs. Of course we don't quickly judge someone as a deceiver, it is over time that the clues pile up and the ministry continues a downward spiral, before we see clearly.
A godly man walking in obedience to Christ does not backup but rather grows in holiness and truth.
We all have been deceived at one time or another, after we find out the truth it is important to reject the teachings of these false teachers, while warning others.
2 Thessalonians 3:6 "Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from any brother who leads an undisciplined life that is not in keeping with the tradition you received from us."
I began to seriously question Kent Hovind some years back because of his arrogance. However, I thought his creationism teaching was good so I ignored any warning signs I saw.
A few years ago another red flag arose when he was sentenced to jail for tax evasion, arrogantly thinking he could get away with disobeying the government authority, by not paying any taxes. A very real violation of the Word of God.
Another red flag was raised when he began to praise the book, "The Shack", a deeply blasphemous book, claiming that it as a wonderful spiritual book that everyone should read. It doesn't take a whole lot of discernment about that book, the blasphemy screams out at us in the description of the story.
While in jail, Hovind did much study using books other than the Bible and was turned from his belief in pre-trib rapture while claiming that the Jews are not God's chosen people.
Further red flags emerged as it was exposed that he claimed to have a dream in which God showed him the next wife he would be marrying after his divorce from his first wife.
It has been my experience that we can discern a person's heart early on if we pay attention to the signs. Of course we don't quickly judge someone as a deceiver, it is over time that the clues pile up and the ministry continues a downward spiral, before we see clearly.
A godly man walking in obedience to Christ does not backup but rather grows in holiness and truth.
We all have been deceived at one time or another, after we find out the truth it is important to reject the teachings of these false teachers, while warning others.
2 Thessalonians 3:6 "Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from any brother who leads an undisciplined life that is not in keeping with the tradition you received from us."
Church Goers Think They are Fine.....But They Are Not
We are living in prophetic times, things WILL get worse, no amount of prayer will save us as a nation. Our focus must be on Christ, completely for everything. We must be about the job of warning people what is coming for those who are not yet saved.
We are in the gleaning times now, one person here and one person there, at least in America. In other parts of the world the scene is very different. Many people are finding Christ in the Middle eat and third world countries, but in America, our many years with the gospel and churches on many street corners in our towns, have exchanged the Bible and Christ for the secular social experience.
The warning: turn from your foolishness and go back to your first love! What is that first love? It is Christ!!!!
Even though the following passage was written to Israel, I believe it is a warning for us now.
Jeremiah 11:13-15 "…13 "For your gods are as many as your cities, O Judah; and as many as the streets of Jerusalem are the altars you have set up to the shameful thing, altars to burn incense to Baal. 14"Therefore do not pray for this people, nor lift up a cry or prayer for them; for I will not listen when they call to Me because of their disaster.
15"What right has My beloved in My house When she has done many vile deeds? Can the sacrificial flesh take away from you your disaster, So that you can rejoice?"…"
There is no indication of the slowing of sin or the desire for righteousness here. We have had 300 years to raise up a culture that serves God but the worship of the god of freedom and affluence has only created monsters of self indulged people, who will not turn from their sin to Christ.
We are in the gleaning times now, one person here and one person there, at least in America. In other parts of the world the scene is very different. Many people are finding Christ in the Middle eat and third world countries, but in America, our many years with the gospel and churches on many street corners in our towns, have exchanged the Bible and Christ for the secular social experience.
The warning: turn from your foolishness and go back to your first love! What is that first love? It is Christ!!!!
Even though the following passage was written to Israel, I believe it is a warning for us now.
Jeremiah 11:13-15 "…13 "For your gods are as many as your cities, O Judah; and as many as the streets of Jerusalem are the altars you have set up to the shameful thing, altars to burn incense to Baal. 14"Therefore do not pray for this people, nor lift up a cry or prayer for them; for I will not listen when they call to Me because of their disaster.
15"What right has My beloved in My house When she has done many vile deeds? Can the sacrificial flesh take away from you your disaster, So that you can rejoice?"…"
There is no indication of the slowing of sin or the desire for righteousness here. We have had 300 years to raise up a culture that serves God but the worship of the god of freedom and affluence has only created monsters of self indulged people, who will not turn from their sin to Christ.
Follow Christ Not Man
In these last days of apostasy and humanistic thinking within the church, I feel led to stress that we evaluate everything we have been taught.....EVERYTHING!
The churches today are full of unBiblical teaching that fosters an attitude that the "leaders" also known as "Pastors", tell us what to do rather than depending on the Holy Spirit to instruct and guide us.
No man should take priority over our lives, they may influence if they are correct but they should never be above God or above correction themselves.
John 14:25-26 "…25 All this I have spoken to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you."
We have become lazy in our Christian walk, expecting others to seek the Holy Spirit on our behalf, sort of like the workings of the Catholic church. That system calls the Pope the advocated between us and God, he has all authority over the parishioners. This is exactly opposite of what God tells us.
Each one of us is to seek the Holy Spirit personally for our answers. The preachers share, just as we share, we are influenced and we influence, but no one "lords it over" anyone else.
1 Peter 5:2-3 "…2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but because it is God’s will; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock."
We listen to the preachers, the may influence us but they have no authority over us, only the Holy Spirit does. The whole hierarchy system of "religion" is not at all described in the NT for believers.
Matthew 28:18
"And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me."
James 4:7
"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
Notice the verse in James tells us to "Submit to God." We submit to one another because of our love for the brethren, but only when the brethren is obeying Christ and when the Holy Spirit guides us. We are not called to obey self or organization appointed individuals.
No one has the authority over us to command things of us such as tithing or mandatory church attendance. Such things are between us and Christ.
Romans 14:4-6 "…4 Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. 5 One man regards a certain day above the others, while someone else considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 He who observes a special day does so to the Lord; he who eats does so to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God.…"
If we evaluate every action and reaction we encounter in light of the Holy Word of God with guidance from the Holy Spirit, we would soon learn that many things we do are nothing more than traditions of men that have little or no value.
The sad thing is that the more we follow the mandates of men, the less likely we are to seek the Holy Spirit for His will and purpose. When we place our trust in man, we have created an idol for ourselves, pushing away Christ in favor of being accepted by man.
Preachers of our day would rather we trust them than Christ, that way they can keep us chained to their will and paying their salary, much the same way the Catholic church did when we were there before finding Christ.
Bottom Line: TRUST IN CHRIST ALONE, not only for salvation but also for everything else. Others may influence us but never blindly, mindlessly. If we are influenced by someone, it ought to be because the Holy Spirit in them spoke truth and acted what they spoke, not because we were intimidated to obey to be accepted by men.
2 Peter 3:17
"Therefore, beloved, since you already know these things, be on your guard not to be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure standing."
You see by the following passage that Christ should be the one to tell us what to do and where to go. He never instructs us to follow a man.
Acts 16:6
"After the Holy Spirit prevented them from speaking the word in the province of Asia, they traveled through the region of Phrygia and Galatia."
The churches today are full of unBiblical teaching that fosters an attitude that the "leaders" also known as "Pastors", tell us what to do rather than depending on the Holy Spirit to instruct and guide us.
No man should take priority over our lives, they may influence if they are correct but they should never be above God or above correction themselves.
John 14:25-26 "…25 All this I have spoken to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you."
We have become lazy in our Christian walk, expecting others to seek the Holy Spirit on our behalf, sort of like the workings of the Catholic church. That system calls the Pope the advocated between us and God, he has all authority over the parishioners. This is exactly opposite of what God tells us.
Each one of us is to seek the Holy Spirit personally for our answers. The preachers share, just as we share, we are influenced and we influence, but no one "lords it over" anyone else.
1 Peter 5:2-3 "…2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but because it is God’s will; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock."
We listen to the preachers, the may influence us but they have no authority over us, only the Holy Spirit does. The whole hierarchy system of "religion" is not at all described in the NT for believers.
Matthew 28:18
"And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me."
James 4:7
"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
Notice the verse in James tells us to "Submit to God." We submit to one another because of our love for the brethren, but only when the brethren is obeying Christ and when the Holy Spirit guides us. We are not called to obey self or organization appointed individuals.
No one has the authority over us to command things of us such as tithing or mandatory church attendance. Such things are between us and Christ.
Romans 14:4-6 "…4 Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. 5 One man regards a certain day above the others, while someone else considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 He who observes a special day does so to the Lord; he who eats does so to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God.…"
If we evaluate every action and reaction we encounter in light of the Holy Word of God with guidance from the Holy Spirit, we would soon learn that many things we do are nothing more than traditions of men that have little or no value.
The sad thing is that the more we follow the mandates of men, the less likely we are to seek the Holy Spirit for His will and purpose. When we place our trust in man, we have created an idol for ourselves, pushing away Christ in favor of being accepted by man.
Preachers of our day would rather we trust them than Christ, that way they can keep us chained to their will and paying their salary, much the same way the Catholic church did when we were there before finding Christ.
Bottom Line: TRUST IN CHRIST ALONE, not only for salvation but also for everything else. Others may influence us but never blindly, mindlessly. If we are influenced by someone, it ought to be because the Holy Spirit in them spoke truth and acted what they spoke, not because we were intimidated to obey to be accepted by men.
2 Peter 3:17
"Therefore, beloved, since you already know these things, be on your guard not to be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure standing."
You see by the following passage that Christ should be the one to tell us what to do and where to go. He never instructs us to follow a man.
Acts 16:6
"After the Holy Spirit prevented them from speaking the word in the province of Asia, they traveled through the region of Phrygia and Galatia."
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
Our Boot Camp
All that I have encountered in this life, taught me many things I would not otherwise know and made me stronger in Christ.
I believe that we are on earth to learn lessons that will help us rule in the Millennium. I count the training ground here as valuable.
When we learn to ignore our emotions in favor of truth, we can see the purpose in everything that happens to us and even laugh at some of the calamities.
We weep with sorrow over those who have rejected Christ and us because of Him. We feel down at times discouraged over all we see around us, but we are not destroyed. Christ Who lives in us has a purpose for this boot camp in which we live.
2 Corinthians 4:7-14
"7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves;
8 we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing;
9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;
10 always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.
11 For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
12 So death works in us, but life in you.
13 But having the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed, therefore I spoke,” we also believe, therefore we also speak,
14 knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and will present us with you."
I believe that we are on earth to learn lessons that will help us rule in the Millennium. I count the training ground here as valuable.
When we learn to ignore our emotions in favor of truth, we can see the purpose in everything that happens to us and even laugh at some of the calamities.
We weep with sorrow over those who have rejected Christ and us because of Him. We feel down at times discouraged over all we see around us, but we are not destroyed. Christ Who lives in us has a purpose for this boot camp in which we live.
2 Corinthians 4:7-14
"7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves;
8 we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing;
9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;
10 always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.
11 For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
12 So death works in us, but life in you.
13 But having the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed, therefore I spoke,” we also believe, therefore we also speak,
14 knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and will present us with you."
A Few Knocks Grows Them
Our culture has lost it's mind!
I heard a news report this morning on the radio instructing parents what to do when their children come home from school and have an "after school meltdown."
The answer of the psychologist was to give them treats, not require them to do homework and distract them with a movie or other activity to allow them some "down time."
After listening for a few minutes I felt the sense that I should go and vomit. This is where our culture has gone, the children must be worshiped, babied and manipulated to be keep them calm and happy.
The idea that they should be trained to honor and respect, learn self discipline in their feelings and do as they are told by the parental authority, has been thrown away, even treated as wrong or bad.
Perhaps children are having "melt downs" after school because the teachers have not been commanding and stern enough.The children come home and think they should be catered to rather than obey their parent.
When a child will not do what he should unless he likes to or is manipulated into through tricks to make him think it's his own idea, then he has not learned obedience, but has learned that he doesn't have to do anything he doesn't want to.
We didn't have "melt downs" when we were children, if we did it once it was handled with a spanking and we didn't do it again. We learned self control over our feelings at a young age and we never raged at our parents.
Sadly many parents like myself have given up trying to reason with this very selfish and arrogant generation, in favor of the peace we have without them.
This monstrous generation have no honor or respect, nor are they ever embarrassed or saddened by their disrespect and rebellion. The more they are told they are walking in these ways, the harder their hearts become, the more staunch their resolve to make us suffer for speaking about it.
We are living in the 2 Timothy 3 generation. One that cannot be corrected, instructed or disciplined without consequences to the righteous who expect decency.
Our generation as a whole honored our parents, valued them and sought to be a companion to them. The opposite is true now, our children's generation have a sense of entitlement to praise, material goods and even our homes. We can only expect to be treated with love and dignity if we do and say everything this narcissistic generation likes.
I continue to be astonished at the number of rebellious 30 somethings who still live at home. They contribute nothing to the household, cause nothing but trouble for their aging parents and are ungrateful.
Not everyone who remains at home with parents are this way, but most are sucking resources off of their parents while ungratedful to them, rather they demand things, don't give anything back and are angry when they are told no.
It was common and expected that children left home at 18, either to go to college or get their own jobs, in our day. Now the children think they are entitled to the things their parents have, that the parent worked hard for all their lives.
This, my friends, is what the "self esteem" doctrine has created. The churches have been just as guilty as the public institutions in leading children to believe they are so wonderful they should have anything they want and no one should expect anything out of them.
The "me" generation has rejected authority in varying degrees while treating with disrespect anyone who expects them to act decently and with gratefulness. There is no telling them anything, not even if it would help them.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 is now here! We are living it, watching it and grieved about it. Thankfully we do not have to live with it in our own homes, we can say "no" while sending them out the door with a hug and prayers.
Remember this generation is one that are masters of manipulation and guilt tripping, we can ignore that and do what is best for them. Stop the coddling, the praise and the fear of losing them to be able to help them go through some hardship that will grow them. Perhaps they will find Christ because of their trials, we prevent that when we will not allow them to go through what is normal to be strengthened. Life is hard, without that hardship, we help children to remain emotional and spiritual babies all their lives.
"3:1 But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come.
2 For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy,
3 unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good,
4 treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
5 holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these."
I heard a news report this morning on the radio instructing parents what to do when their children come home from school and have an "after school meltdown."
The answer of the psychologist was to give them treats, not require them to do homework and distract them with a movie or other activity to allow them some "down time."
After listening for a few minutes I felt the sense that I should go and vomit. This is where our culture has gone, the children must be worshiped, babied and manipulated to be keep them calm and happy.
The idea that they should be trained to honor and respect, learn self discipline in their feelings and do as they are told by the parental authority, has been thrown away, even treated as wrong or bad.
Perhaps children are having "melt downs" after school because the teachers have not been commanding and stern enough.The children come home and think they should be catered to rather than obey their parent.
When a child will not do what he should unless he likes to or is manipulated into through tricks to make him think it's his own idea, then he has not learned obedience, but has learned that he doesn't have to do anything he doesn't want to.
We didn't have "melt downs" when we were children, if we did it once it was handled with a spanking and we didn't do it again. We learned self control over our feelings at a young age and we never raged at our parents.
Sadly many parents like myself have given up trying to reason with this very selfish and arrogant generation, in favor of the peace we have without them.
This monstrous generation have no honor or respect, nor are they ever embarrassed or saddened by their disrespect and rebellion. The more they are told they are walking in these ways, the harder their hearts become, the more staunch their resolve to make us suffer for speaking about it.
We are living in the 2 Timothy 3 generation. One that cannot be corrected, instructed or disciplined without consequences to the righteous who expect decency.
Our generation as a whole honored our parents, valued them and sought to be a companion to them. The opposite is true now, our children's generation have a sense of entitlement to praise, material goods and even our homes. We can only expect to be treated with love and dignity if we do and say everything this narcissistic generation likes.
I continue to be astonished at the number of rebellious 30 somethings who still live at home. They contribute nothing to the household, cause nothing but trouble for their aging parents and are ungrateful.
Not everyone who remains at home with parents are this way, but most are sucking resources off of their parents while ungratedful to them, rather they demand things, don't give anything back and are angry when they are told no.
It was common and expected that children left home at 18, either to go to college or get their own jobs, in our day. Now the children think they are entitled to the things their parents have, that the parent worked hard for all their lives.
This, my friends, is what the "self esteem" doctrine has created. The churches have been just as guilty as the public institutions in leading children to believe they are so wonderful they should have anything they want and no one should expect anything out of them.
The "me" generation has rejected authority in varying degrees while treating with disrespect anyone who expects them to act decently and with gratefulness. There is no telling them anything, not even if it would help them.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 is now here! We are living it, watching it and grieved about it. Thankfully we do not have to live with it in our own homes, we can say "no" while sending them out the door with a hug and prayers.
Remember this generation is one that are masters of manipulation and guilt tripping, we can ignore that and do what is best for them. Stop the coddling, the praise and the fear of losing them to be able to help them go through some hardship that will grow them. Perhaps they will find Christ because of their trials, we prevent that when we will not allow them to go through what is normal to be strengthened. Life is hard, without that hardship, we help children to remain emotional and spiritual babies all their lives.
"3:1 But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come.
2 For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy,
3 unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good,
4 treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
5 holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these."
Monday, September 19, 2016
Accountability Before God
Those who refuse to be accountable to other believers are walking in stubbornness. They are more concerned about being praised and elevated in the eyes of others than they are in pleasing God and being a blessing to others.
Be sure that accountability is based on truth and not personal opinion or guesses about circumstances.
Also everything must be evaluated on the basis of Scripture not on human traditions or personal desires.
James 5:16 "
"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Those who do not want to be accountable very often are those doing the most judging on small matters. They do this because they want to hide, avoiding accountability themselves. Narcissists always accuse and attack their targets to take the spotlight off of their own flaws.
Be sure that accountability is based on truth and not personal opinion or guesses about circumstances.
Also everything must be evaluated on the basis of Scripture not on human traditions or personal desires.
James 5:16 "
"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Those who do not want to be accountable very often are those doing the most judging on small matters. They do this because they want to hide, avoiding accountability themselves. Narcissists always accuse and attack their targets to take the spotlight off of their own flaws.
Sunday, September 18, 2016
Boldness for Christ
"We have met the enemy and he is us." Walt Kelly
The problems in our country today are growing in part, because we, each one of us, didn't speak out boldly on so many occasions that they cannot be counted.
How many times did someone share with us their wrong or rebellious notions and we stood by silently hoping we can just all be friendly?
We have placed friendliness above righteousness more times than we have elevated truth.
We now live in a culture that throws loved ones under the bus because they dared to challenge someone to evaluate their own decision or thinking process. After all didn't Christ tell us to "admonish, rebuke, correct" daily our brothers and sisters?
Hyper-sensitivity to correction or instruction has created monsters that use the "don't judge" mantra as an excuse to treat those who speak truth with covert contempt. Masterfully hiding their intent so that it can be easily denied later, nevertheless causing harm and disunity. When they don't like the message, no matter how it was delivered, they accuse the truth teller of a rude or mean delivery.
Keep in mind that most people interpret the delivery based on their own attitude. If they are angry inside they will accuse us of anger even though we may not have spoken in anger. They see what they want to see, it validates their own anger.
Why do I write about this? It is simple, if we are aware of tactics we are less likely to be caught off guard and react to it rather than responding with reason. Narcissists count on catching us off guard, if they can get us to overreact or retort without thinking, they can use our out of control response as justification for their own contempt.
The same people who have no conscience about the sin they commit will feel justified and conscienceless over their covertly shabby temperament that is directed at those whose aim is to obey God. Willing to be rejected for standing for truth, the truth teller must continue to speak boldly.
There are those who have stood against abortion and divorce and remarriage, who are maligned for their commitment to God's principles. These bold truth tellers are mocked, lied against and rejected because they love Christ more than they love their own lives. They also have more love for others than they do themselves. Rebellious hearts do not see love, they only see their own wounded ego.
Once a truth teller speaks out, it is then, that they see who their friends really are, the ones who say they will go and pray to see if we have spoken truth, are those who walk in love. Those who don't want the truth will fight, argue and reject us.
The haters who mock and demean truth tellers are no different from factions like Islam who behead people for not thinking the way they think. God said if we so much as hate our brother it is the same as committing murder.
Why do so many "Christians" become enraged when we bring the Word of God to a discussion? Perhaps it's because the Word of God is convicting, shinning the light of truth on a resistant rebellious heart is like pouring gasoline on a campfire.
Our culture has been training people for 40 years to love themselves more than anyone else, it has manifested itself in different forms, but causing the same result. Now, the culture as a whole, is hyper-sensitive to any suggestion that there is need for further prayer and evaluation. Anything less than total validation is not acceptable in this self indulged generation.
We have the bacteria of total self exaltation growing, with no cure except Christ. It is only through confessing of our sinfulness and trusting Christ that will change a heart so completely dedicated to self.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."
Matthew 22:37-39 "And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
Galatians 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
2 Timothy 3:1-2 "But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,"
While the devil is busy turning hearts against the born again believer, God is strengthening us, making us more useful and preparing our reward in heaven for our desire to please Him. Might I encourage you......it is going to get worse! "That's the encouragement?" you might ask. Yes, we can be encouraged when we know it isn't about us that they are angry, but rather against God.
If we can see this life as a training camp for the building of spiritual muscles, it is much easier to remain calm and steadfast in the face of daily opposition. It may not seem like it is daily, but behind the scenes in the spiritual realm the devils are busy twisting minds to do his bidding. Thankfully, for believers, Christ lives in us and we have the strength and wisdom of Christ dwelling in us to be able to continue unscathed. Even through emotional ups and downs, we are able to ignore the feelings and carry on in the path God has laid out for us.
The battle seems long, but it is soon over and eternity will be worth it all. Hallelujah!!!
The problems in our country today are growing in part, because we, each one of us, didn't speak out boldly on so many occasions that they cannot be counted.
How many times did someone share with us their wrong or rebellious notions and we stood by silently hoping we can just all be friendly?
We have placed friendliness above righteousness more times than we have elevated truth.
We now live in a culture that throws loved ones under the bus because they dared to challenge someone to evaluate their own decision or thinking process. After all didn't Christ tell us to "admonish, rebuke, correct" daily our brothers and sisters?
Hyper-sensitivity to correction or instruction has created monsters that use the "don't judge" mantra as an excuse to treat those who speak truth with covert contempt. Masterfully hiding their intent so that it can be easily denied later, nevertheless causing harm and disunity. When they don't like the message, no matter how it was delivered, they accuse the truth teller of a rude or mean delivery.
Keep in mind that most people interpret the delivery based on their own attitude. If they are angry inside they will accuse us of anger even though we may not have spoken in anger. They see what they want to see, it validates their own anger.
Why do I write about this? It is simple, if we are aware of tactics we are less likely to be caught off guard and react to it rather than responding with reason. Narcissists count on catching us off guard, if they can get us to overreact or retort without thinking, they can use our out of control response as justification for their own contempt.
The same people who have no conscience about the sin they commit will feel justified and conscienceless over their covertly shabby temperament that is directed at those whose aim is to obey God. Willing to be rejected for standing for truth, the truth teller must continue to speak boldly.
There are those who have stood against abortion and divorce and remarriage, who are maligned for their commitment to God's principles. These bold truth tellers are mocked, lied against and rejected because they love Christ more than they love their own lives. They also have more love for others than they do themselves. Rebellious hearts do not see love, they only see their own wounded ego.
Once a truth teller speaks out, it is then, that they see who their friends really are, the ones who say they will go and pray to see if we have spoken truth, are those who walk in love. Those who don't want the truth will fight, argue and reject us.
The haters who mock and demean truth tellers are no different from factions like Islam who behead people for not thinking the way they think. God said if we so much as hate our brother it is the same as committing murder.
Why do so many "Christians" become enraged when we bring the Word of God to a discussion? Perhaps it's because the Word of God is convicting, shinning the light of truth on a resistant rebellious heart is like pouring gasoline on a campfire.
Our culture has been training people for 40 years to love themselves more than anyone else, it has manifested itself in different forms, but causing the same result. Now, the culture as a whole, is hyper-sensitive to any suggestion that there is need for further prayer and evaluation. Anything less than total validation is not acceptable in this self indulged generation.
We have the bacteria of total self exaltation growing, with no cure except Christ. It is only through confessing of our sinfulness and trusting Christ that will change a heart so completely dedicated to self.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."
Matthew 22:37-39 "And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
Galatians 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
2 Timothy 3:1-2 "But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,"
While the devil is busy turning hearts against the born again believer, God is strengthening us, making us more useful and preparing our reward in heaven for our desire to please Him. Might I encourage you......it is going to get worse! "That's the encouragement?" you might ask. Yes, we can be encouraged when we know it isn't about us that they are angry, but rather against God.
If we can see this life as a training camp for the building of spiritual muscles, it is much easier to remain calm and steadfast in the face of daily opposition. It may not seem like it is daily, but behind the scenes in the spiritual realm the devils are busy twisting minds to do his bidding. Thankfully, for believers, Christ lives in us and we have the strength and wisdom of Christ dwelling in us to be able to continue unscathed. Even through emotional ups and downs, we are able to ignore the feelings and carry on in the path God has laid out for us.
The battle seems long, but it is soon over and eternity will be worth it all. Hallelujah!!!
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