I am beginning to wonder how many of the medications people take today have to do with aggression and lack of empathy for others.
I have been reading articles on this from the medical community who are researching this and the findings are frightening.
Perhaps our dependence on drugs in our culture is removing the natural inclinations to feel guilt or sorrow. We can't blame drugs on our behavior, but perhaps the use of drugs is removing natural inhibitions to bad behavior.
When our conscience is removed or dulled, we are capable of nearly everything. It is also interesting to me that when our conscience is removed through drugs or alcohol, we never get better, we never become more kind, more loving and more empathic, we become worse about everything.
Seems that a conscience is the part of us that keeps our "real self" in check.
Something to think about!
Thursday, June 29, 2017
Wednesday, June 28, 2017
The Selfish Streak
How do narcissists become narcissists?
Mankind is born with a selfish streak, it is only Christ Who can take it out of them. However there is an increase in this problem of selfishness in our day, so much so that it is difficult to find those who understand what unselfishness looks like.
It has been my observation that far too much praise while parenting a child, can bring on attitudes of superiority and competitiveness.
When a child is told continually how wonderful they are, they begin to believe they are better than everyone else. It is normal and natural to tell a child he did a good job, but to continually do it for small matters when he/she is expected to do the job, is not helpful. We need to learn to do things well without constant praise. A job well done should bring enough joy that there is no need for others to fawn all over us.
Praise in our culture is almost a habit, "good job" is given out for everything. The children seem to expect it all the time for everything.
Another problem that creates a sense of entitlement, is the practice of what I call "letting the child run wild." When children have no rules or boundaries that they are expected to follow, they grow up being resentful toward those who expect things from them, they resent the standards that others might require. We see children dictating to parents often now, the parent shrinks under the mighty tantrum of the child.
In marriage the narcissist expects to have whatever they want without consideration for others in the household. They also demonstrate an irritation when asked to help with things. These people expect to be considered but do not like considering anyone else.
An undisciplined child who is left to always make their own decisions without accountability will become enraged in a marriage after they become adults. When they are expected to help, even resistant to helping without having to be asked when it is clearly seen that there is a need for help. These people require a request for help, as though we should state everything clearly to obtain any assistance, then they show irritation that they were asked.
A mature and kind adult should not have to be asked for help when everyone can see the need. They simply jump in and make themselves useful without anyone having to tell them.
If a mature adults sees a need but is not sure if their input would be helpful, they offer to help in case helping would make the ordeal more burdensome.
It is the narcissist who walks right on by an old lady struggling with packages, or ignores the man on the street who is having a heart attack, after all, they think it is not their responsibility. The lack of empathy and kindness is staggering with these types.
The narcissist does not like to help because they must be the center of attention. Being the second man out does not appeal to the narcissist, they must be the one in charge or they don't want to play the game. They feel a need to be begged, when they are begged they show displeasure at the request, nothing is pleasant when the narcissist is around.
This mentality reminds me of the child who invites someone she dislikes to her birthday party just so her devalued friend can see her ignoring her.
Those children who grew up in homes where they were always the center of attention and who were indulged in continual adulation, are the narcissists we encounter today. The reason I am convinced of what I am saying is the dramatic increase in selfishness in our culture today, after the children of the '70's were raised on an overdose of self esteem, they grew up to be the selfish and narcissistic adults we must endure today.
The parents of these over indulged children, were not this selfish growing up, they were not allowed to be, but as they raised their children according to the cultural teaching in the schools, they became this way themselves. After all, we don't teach things to our children we don't believe in. The children of the '50's demonstrated better values, but as they were indoctrinated by the culture, they began to raise their own children on the indulgent standards of the schools in the '70's.
Proverbs 29:15-16 "15 The rod and reproof give wisdom, But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother. 16 When the wicked increase, transgression increases; But the righteous will see their fall.…"
1 Corinthians 15:33
"33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.”
We have seen an increase in elder-abandonment, snarky language toward elders and a resistance to correction or instruction. This generations view of life is wrapped around the idea that they must have what they want, when they want it and without any challenge to their attitudes, thoughts, ideas or actions.
In short, these people who display the maturity of a six year old, are in the government positions today, and the parents raising the children of our next generation. Frankly, it frightens me to see all this, when I once knew of a time when this was not the case. There has always been an element of narcissism in our culture, but it was the "crazy fringe", that openly operated this way. Now normal reasonable people are the crazy fringe, at least in our region. "Back in the day", most people were taught to be reasonable and kind, those who were not, hid it to be accepted by the culture.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 "3 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."
This is a hard time for believers in our country, who understand what love looks like, who have been deeply invested in empathy toward others. We know what real love looks like, we are in a state of shock and disbelief over what we see every day.
Revelation 22:11-13 "…11 Let the unrighteous continue to be unrighteous, and the vile continue to be vile; let the righteous continue to practice righteousness, and the holy continue to be holy.” 12 “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to each person according to what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”…"
Mankind is born with a selfish streak, it is only Christ Who can take it out of them. However there is an increase in this problem of selfishness in our day, so much so that it is difficult to find those who understand what unselfishness looks like.
It has been my observation that far too much praise while parenting a child, can bring on attitudes of superiority and competitiveness.
When a child is told continually how wonderful they are, they begin to believe they are better than everyone else. It is normal and natural to tell a child he did a good job, but to continually do it for small matters when he/she is expected to do the job, is not helpful. We need to learn to do things well without constant praise. A job well done should bring enough joy that there is no need for others to fawn all over us.
Praise in our culture is almost a habit, "good job" is given out for everything. The children seem to expect it all the time for everything.
Another problem that creates a sense of entitlement, is the practice of what I call "letting the child run wild." When children have no rules or boundaries that they are expected to follow, they grow up being resentful toward those who expect things from them, they resent the standards that others might require. We see children dictating to parents often now, the parent shrinks under the mighty tantrum of the child.
In marriage the narcissist expects to have whatever they want without consideration for others in the household. They also demonstrate an irritation when asked to help with things. These people expect to be considered but do not like considering anyone else.
An undisciplined child who is left to always make their own decisions without accountability will become enraged in a marriage after they become adults. When they are expected to help, even resistant to helping without having to be asked when it is clearly seen that there is a need for help. These people require a request for help, as though we should state everything clearly to obtain any assistance, then they show irritation that they were asked.
A mature and kind adult should not have to be asked for help when everyone can see the need. They simply jump in and make themselves useful without anyone having to tell them.
If a mature adults sees a need but is not sure if their input would be helpful, they offer to help in case helping would make the ordeal more burdensome.
It is the narcissist who walks right on by an old lady struggling with packages, or ignores the man on the street who is having a heart attack, after all, they think it is not their responsibility. The lack of empathy and kindness is staggering with these types.
The narcissist does not like to help because they must be the center of attention. Being the second man out does not appeal to the narcissist, they must be the one in charge or they don't want to play the game. They feel a need to be begged, when they are begged they show displeasure at the request, nothing is pleasant when the narcissist is around.
This mentality reminds me of the child who invites someone she dislikes to her birthday party just so her devalued friend can see her ignoring her.
Those children who grew up in homes where they were always the center of attention and who were indulged in continual adulation, are the narcissists we encounter today. The reason I am convinced of what I am saying is the dramatic increase in selfishness in our culture today, after the children of the '70's were raised on an overdose of self esteem, they grew up to be the selfish and narcissistic adults we must endure today.
The parents of these over indulged children, were not this selfish growing up, they were not allowed to be, but as they raised their children according to the cultural teaching in the schools, they became this way themselves. After all, we don't teach things to our children we don't believe in. The children of the '50's demonstrated better values, but as they were indoctrinated by the culture, they began to raise their own children on the indulgent standards of the schools in the '70's.
Proverbs 29:15-16 "15 The rod and reproof give wisdom, But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother. 16 When the wicked increase, transgression increases; But the righteous will see their fall.…"
1 Corinthians 15:33
"33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.”
We have seen an increase in elder-abandonment, snarky language toward elders and a resistance to correction or instruction. This generations view of life is wrapped around the idea that they must have what they want, when they want it and without any challenge to their attitudes, thoughts, ideas or actions.
In short, these people who display the maturity of a six year old, are in the government positions today, and the parents raising the children of our next generation. Frankly, it frightens me to see all this, when I once knew of a time when this was not the case. There has always been an element of narcissism in our culture, but it was the "crazy fringe", that openly operated this way. Now normal reasonable people are the crazy fringe, at least in our region. "Back in the day", most people were taught to be reasonable and kind, those who were not, hid it to be accepted by the culture.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 "3 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."
This is a hard time for believers in our country, who understand what love looks like, who have been deeply invested in empathy toward others. We know what real love looks like, we are in a state of shock and disbelief over what we see every day.
Revelation 22:11-13 "…11 Let the unrighteous continue to be unrighteous, and the vile continue to be vile; let the righteous continue to practice righteousness, and the holy continue to be holy.” 12 “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to each person according to what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”…"
Only Christ is Good!
Believers don't think they are better than others when they walk with Christ. They know they are not good, only Christ is good.
We have no desire to make others worse than us to feel superior to them.
Believers in Christ desire that all people would trust Christ and let Him be their goodness.
Galatians 2:20 "20 I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. "
We have no desire to make others worse than us to feel superior to them.
Believers in Christ desire that all people would trust Christ and let Him be their goodness.
Galatians 2:20 "20 I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. "
Feelings Lie To Us
I have said in the past that we need to allow ourselves the feelings, even cry if needed, it's a release mechanism that God gave us.
However, we should not base our actions on feelings because they are not accurate. Sometimes they make us think things are bad when they are good, or that they are good when they are bad.
Feelings can be very inaccurate, we need to evaluate the situation that brought on the feelings, to see if the feelings are coming from the standpoint of reality. Feelings are nothing more than an automatic response to our perception, they need to be addressed while analyzing the actual events.
"This is how I feel, and this is what actually happened."
The devil wants nothing more than to accuse and diminish his targets. The more we agonize over not being loved by man, the less effective we can be for Christ. We may even sin to relieve the pain or lash out to stop the abuse. The devil knows our frailties, but Christ is our strength.
Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
There have been many times narcissists make us feel as though we were stupid for doing something kind. We "feel bad", that perhaps we were just a stupid person, it is not at all accurate. The reality of the situation is that others manipulate our perception to demean us, fostering a sense of worthlessness in us, it is their tactic in an attempt to control us. Somehow narcissists feel superior when they can make others inferior.
There have also been times when our association with narcissists would leave us feeling small or insignificant, the goal for them was to make sure we knew we were nothing in their eyes.
The feeling of insignificance is not accurate, it is merely an inner reaction to the gaslighting of the narcissist. The attempt on their part to guilt us into thinking we were insane, to stop our resolve in exposing evil or enlighten with the truth.
When we have given a gift, a narcissist will minimize that gift to create feelings of foolishness in us, our feeling of worthlessness or foolishness is only a reaction to their evil tactic, it is not truth.
When we focus on "facts" rather than the feelings, the narcissist no longer has power over us. When a narcissist attempts to show us our worthlessness by non-responsiveness or the silent treatment, we can assign those indulgences of theirs to the actions of a five year old having a tantrum, it has nothing to do with us, but everything to do with their own infantile purpose of hurting the one they wish to control.
When we allow Christ to control us, the narcissist will have no power over us, they will destroy relationships, but they cannot destroy us.
Proverbs 28:1-2 "1 The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, But the righteous are bold as a lion. 2 By the transgression of a land many are its princes, But by a man of understanding and knowledge, so it endures.…"
Expect these covert and even overt tactics frequently as we move through these end times of rebellion and contempt for Christians. The hatred toward believers is ramping up, the more we want to honor Christ, the worse narcissists will become.
When we have found ourselves goaded into responding badly, don't beat yourself up, confess it to God and continue to stand your ground. Narcissists love nothing better than to cause us to sin, leaving us guilty, it causes glee in them. It also causes them to become worse, when they see that they were able to get us to do the very things we hate to do, that is respond in kind.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 "3 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."
1 John 1:9 "9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Why do we avoid the narcissist as described in 2 Timothy 3:5? The reason is that their evil intent can cause us to sin against God. We may respond in anger or if we hang around them too long we begin to use the same tactics that they use.
1 Corinthians 15:33
"33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.”
Matthew 5:30 " 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to depart into hell."
However, we should not base our actions on feelings because they are not accurate. Sometimes they make us think things are bad when they are good, or that they are good when they are bad.
Feelings can be very inaccurate, we need to evaluate the situation that brought on the feelings, to see if the feelings are coming from the standpoint of reality. Feelings are nothing more than an automatic response to our perception, they need to be addressed while analyzing the actual events.
"This is how I feel, and this is what actually happened."
The devil wants nothing more than to accuse and diminish his targets. The more we agonize over not being loved by man, the less effective we can be for Christ. We may even sin to relieve the pain or lash out to stop the abuse. The devil knows our frailties, but Christ is our strength.
Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
There have been many times narcissists make us feel as though we were stupid for doing something kind. We "feel bad", that perhaps we were just a stupid person, it is not at all accurate. The reality of the situation is that others manipulate our perception to demean us, fostering a sense of worthlessness in us, it is their tactic in an attempt to control us. Somehow narcissists feel superior when they can make others inferior.
There have also been times when our association with narcissists would leave us feeling small or insignificant, the goal for them was to make sure we knew we were nothing in their eyes.
The feeling of insignificance is not accurate, it is merely an inner reaction to the gaslighting of the narcissist. The attempt on their part to guilt us into thinking we were insane, to stop our resolve in exposing evil or enlighten with the truth.
When we have given a gift, a narcissist will minimize that gift to create feelings of foolishness in us, our feeling of worthlessness or foolishness is only a reaction to their evil tactic, it is not truth.
When we focus on "facts" rather than the feelings, the narcissist no longer has power over us. When a narcissist attempts to show us our worthlessness by non-responsiveness or the silent treatment, we can assign those indulgences of theirs to the actions of a five year old having a tantrum, it has nothing to do with us, but everything to do with their own infantile purpose of hurting the one they wish to control.
When we allow Christ to control us, the narcissist will have no power over us, they will destroy relationships, but they cannot destroy us.
Proverbs 28:1-2 "1 The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, But the righteous are bold as a lion. 2 By the transgression of a land many are its princes, But by a man of understanding and knowledge, so it endures.…"
Expect these covert and even overt tactics frequently as we move through these end times of rebellion and contempt for Christians. The hatred toward believers is ramping up, the more we want to honor Christ, the worse narcissists will become.
When we have found ourselves goaded into responding badly, don't beat yourself up, confess it to God and continue to stand your ground. Narcissists love nothing better than to cause us to sin, leaving us guilty, it causes glee in them. It also causes them to become worse, when they see that they were able to get us to do the very things we hate to do, that is respond in kind.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 "3 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."
1 John 1:9 "9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Why do we avoid the narcissist as described in 2 Timothy 3:5? The reason is that their evil intent can cause us to sin against God. We may respond in anger or if we hang around them too long we begin to use the same tactics that they use.
1 Corinthians 15:33
"33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.”
Matthew 5:30 " 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to depart into hell."
Without Confession there is no Growth
James 5:16"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
Why are we not seeing spiritual growth in most Christians? I believe it is because this passage of Scripture is being violated continually, "Confess your faults one to another."
There can be no change in us when we will not admit our sin. When we justify our abusive nature toward others, while blaming the victim for our abuse, we will only regress in our walk.
Families are breaking because haughty rebellious members refuse to admit the harm they do against others. They make up reasons to continue in contempt to be able to feel justified in their abuse, without evidence. The most damaging tactic of these people is to refuse to listen and refuse to express themselves.
Living in a state of secrecy, is not only not of God, it is the catalyst that the devil uses to destroy families. The devil uses lies in secret to ruin innocent people.
God is for openness, genuineness and honesty. The authentic believer loves openness and resolving things. The evil man loves secrets, lies and hiding.
Authentic Christians are able to accept the thoughts and feelings of others while sharing openly their own. There can be no relationship based on secrecy and pretense. Sadly those who operate in secrecy and pretense will also operate with God this way. These people will be like the man mentioned in the Bible, "thank you Lord that I am not like those others."
Anyone who refuses to be authentic and genuine will not grow, but in fact will regress and perhaps are even still lost. One of the first thing the Holy Spirit convicts a new believer of, is their phony persona, the fake self. Openness and honesty is sought after when we have been born again.
Without truth and love we cannot progress in holiness.
Ephesians 4:15
"15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ,"
John 17:17
"17 Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth."
John 4:24
"24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
We cannot possibly worship in Spirit and in Truth, if we are operating in pretense and secrecy.
Do some not understand that God is seeing everything they are hiding? Do some not understand that a phony persona of perfection is seen by God?
Impressing men is nothing, God sees this and is disgusted by it.
John 12:42-43 "42 Nevertheless, many of the leaders believed in Him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue. 43 For they loved praise from men more than praise from God."
Why are we not seeing spiritual growth in most Christians? I believe it is because this passage of Scripture is being violated continually, "Confess your faults one to another."
There can be no change in us when we will not admit our sin. When we justify our abusive nature toward others, while blaming the victim for our abuse, we will only regress in our walk.
Families are breaking because haughty rebellious members refuse to admit the harm they do against others. They make up reasons to continue in contempt to be able to feel justified in their abuse, without evidence. The most damaging tactic of these people is to refuse to listen and refuse to express themselves.
Living in a state of secrecy, is not only not of God, it is the catalyst that the devil uses to destroy families. The devil uses lies in secret to ruin innocent people.
God is for openness, genuineness and honesty. The authentic believer loves openness and resolving things. The evil man loves secrets, lies and hiding.
Authentic Christians are able to accept the thoughts and feelings of others while sharing openly their own. There can be no relationship based on secrecy and pretense. Sadly those who operate in secrecy and pretense will also operate with God this way. These people will be like the man mentioned in the Bible, "thank you Lord that I am not like those others."
Anyone who refuses to be authentic and genuine will not grow, but in fact will regress and perhaps are even still lost. One of the first thing the Holy Spirit convicts a new believer of, is their phony persona, the fake self. Openness and honesty is sought after when we have been born again.
Without truth and love we cannot progress in holiness.
Ephesians 4:15
"15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ,"
John 17:17
"17 Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth."
John 4:24
"24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
We cannot possibly worship in Spirit and in Truth, if we are operating in pretense and secrecy.
Do some not understand that God is seeing everything they are hiding? Do some not understand that a phony persona of perfection is seen by God?
Impressing men is nothing, God sees this and is disgusted by it.
John 12:42-43 "42 Nevertheless, many of the leaders believed in Him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue. 43 For they loved praise from men more than praise from God."
Tuesday, June 27, 2017
Overwhelming Prophetic Signs
There are so many things happening now that are overwhelmingly prophetic. One of the most pronounced sign is the lack of love on the part of most people. Everyone is out for themselves and have no desire to understand or love others.
Then there are all the other natural disasters, political upheavals etc. But the most dramatic one of all is the lack of love everywhere.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 "3 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."
Then there are all the other natural disasters, political upheavals etc. But the most dramatic one of all is the lack of love everywhere.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 "3 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."
Do You Know Him?
Knowing the Lord is not knowing facts about Him, but knowing Him is deeply intimate.
Jeremiah 9:23-24
"Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”
Jeremiah 9:23-24
"Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”
Who are we Acceptable to?
How many believers never leave ungodly family? In most cases the believers in America, never leave ungodly family members to follow hard after Christ. They are more concerned about being acceptable to their kin, than they are being acceptable to Christ.
Psalm 45:10-11
'10 Hear, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear:
forget your people and your father's house,
11 and the king will desire your beauty.
Since he is your lord, bow to him."
2 Corinthians 6:17
"17 “Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate,” says the Lord. “And do not touch what is unclean; And I will welcome you."
Psalm 45:10-11
'10 Hear, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear:
forget your people and your father's house,
11 and the king will desire your beauty.
Since he is your lord, bow to him."
2 Corinthians 6:17
"17 “Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate,” says the Lord. “And do not touch what is unclean; And I will welcome you."
Modern Church Services Dens of Iniquity
Our modern church services are not worship times, although they are billed like that, they are performances, not to elevate Christ but to elevate and titillate man.
What a sad state the church is in today, an apostate entity that drives itself on pleasure and emotions without substance or conviction of sin.
There is no encounter for the church goer today, with brokenness over sin, a need for personal spiritual growth or a witness to the world. Instead of coming out of the church gathering more prayerful, more dedicated to Scripture reading and accountability, there are happy faces, laughing, joking and dinner out at the restaurant down the street along with a day of shopping at the mall after.
I see very little difference from the tv and stage productions that entertain and what happens in most churches today.
If the gospel were preached while sin was exposed and dealt with, most of the people in the pews would get up and leave. That's why preachers won't dedicate themselves to truth, passion for the Word and Christ Himself, they know they would no longer be popular. Their income would dwindle, they might even lose opportunities for "jobs" elsewhere. Their health plan might go away, their fancy car and posh housing would disappear.
Since most preachers in the pulpit today see their position as a "job", they will do whatever is necessary to keep their job, whatever brings in the people who bring in the money.
Sadly so many believers are just like the modern preachers, they remain silent about important things to keep from losing friends and family. The believers of today remain superficial, helpless and defiant against the challenge to become strong and stand alone. They even go so far as to avoid anyone who does tend to think for themselves or speak truth boldly.
"Go along to get along" is the favored mantra of our day among believers. Seldom do I see a "Christian" who is willing to question anything for clarity, nor do they discuss anything out of fear they might be wrong or someone might not like them.
Sometimes the "days of Noah" hit home closely as I watch the deterioration of families and churches. Many believers today afford themselves the luxury of accepting whatever anyone says to be able to remain friends. Those who do this live in the plane of superficiality, content to be enjoyed by others even if it means to compromise the principles of Christ to do it.
As for me, I cannot tolerate lies just to get along with those who have chosen people over Christ. So, that leaves me alone with Christ a lot, no better place to be as we watch the world explode on itself.
May the Lord give every true believer the strength to carry on, even when the only voice we hear is that of Christ in us. When we have Christ, we have it all, He is enough!
What a sad state the church is in today, an apostate entity that drives itself on pleasure and emotions without substance or conviction of sin.
There is no encounter for the church goer today, with brokenness over sin, a need for personal spiritual growth or a witness to the world. Instead of coming out of the church gathering more prayerful, more dedicated to Scripture reading and accountability, there are happy faces, laughing, joking and dinner out at the restaurant down the street along with a day of shopping at the mall after.
I see very little difference from the tv and stage productions that entertain and what happens in most churches today.
If the gospel were preached while sin was exposed and dealt with, most of the people in the pews would get up and leave. That's why preachers won't dedicate themselves to truth, passion for the Word and Christ Himself, they know they would no longer be popular. Their income would dwindle, they might even lose opportunities for "jobs" elsewhere. Their health plan might go away, their fancy car and posh housing would disappear.
Since most preachers in the pulpit today see their position as a "job", they will do whatever is necessary to keep their job, whatever brings in the people who bring in the money.
Sadly so many believers are just like the modern preachers, they remain silent about important things to keep from losing friends and family. The believers of today remain superficial, helpless and defiant against the challenge to become strong and stand alone. They even go so far as to avoid anyone who does tend to think for themselves or speak truth boldly.
"Go along to get along" is the favored mantra of our day among believers. Seldom do I see a "Christian" who is willing to question anything for clarity, nor do they discuss anything out of fear they might be wrong or someone might not like them.
Sometimes the "days of Noah" hit home closely as I watch the deterioration of families and churches. Many believers today afford themselves the luxury of accepting whatever anyone says to be able to remain friends. Those who do this live in the plane of superficiality, content to be enjoyed by others even if it means to compromise the principles of Christ to do it.
As for me, I cannot tolerate lies just to get along with those who have chosen people over Christ. So, that leaves me alone with Christ a lot, no better place to be as we watch the world explode on itself.
May the Lord give every true believer the strength to carry on, even when the only voice we hear is that of Christ in us. When we have Christ, we have it all, He is enough!
Monday, June 26, 2017
God Cares About Us All the Time
Just a silly little story to show God's love for us. He gives me gifts all the time, even when I have not yet prayed for them.
A few years ago I prayed for a dog, I love animals, had just lost two German Shepherds and felt the sting of loneliness without a pet. Since I have had pets my entire life, they are very much a part of my existence. My husband accepts this and falls in love with everyone I have brought home.
I was driving on the street in our small town, that passed by the animal shelter. For a fleeting moment a thought rushed through my head, stop in and just take a look. I had no intention of getting a dog right away, but thought "oh what the hey, might as well just enjoy the animals."
In the first stall there was the dog I had prayed for. I desired a Pom mix because I didn't want to pay a lot of money for a Pom. In the stall was a Pom-Papillon mix! The cutest little guy, I took him for a little walk, when we returned to the stall to put him back while I would think about taking him, he went "spread eagle" on me and refused to go inside. So I thought oh well, guess I'll just take him.
As I was getting ready to take Sparky home that face of the little dog he was with, flashed through my head. That little "Jack Russell" stood there with big eyes looking while his head was cocking from side to side as if to say, "take me too." I went away feeling so bad because I couldn't take him.
As I drove away from the parking lot with Sparky, I asked the Lord to find that little Jack Russel a home. I felt bad for days, shooting up arrow prayers that God would give that little guy a home.
Several months passed, I had to take my quilt to the laundromat because my machine was too small to handle it. I took Sparky into the laundromat with me as we waited for the quilt.
Into the laundromat walks a lady, she came up to Sparky and proclaimed, "OH, that is the dog that was in with my little Jack Russel when I was looking for a dog. I came back to get the Jack Russel and your dog was gone, you must have taken him."
I know it may seem silly to some, but I hate animals to be lonely, it was God's kindness to me that He cared enough about my feelings to tell me that little Jackie got a home. I was so overcome with joy about answered prayer that I cried on the way home, praising God.
Then there was another grief I experienced in the loss of one of my favorite cats. We have had several cats taken by the coyotes up here, so when my favorite cat went missing I assumed he was gone forever. I cried and felt discouraged about ever getting another cat. I told the Lord I missed that cat so much, it still hurt to think about him, I wished I could have him back. I was driving down that road again, another thought entered my head, "just look at the kitties." So, I dropped in, Sparky was with me. I left the dog in the car to go see cats. In the room with about 40 other cats was an identical cat to the one I lost. He was the largest cat in the place and followed me everywhere as though he knew me.
Upon the decision to take the cat, I asked the lady at the shelter if the cat did well with dogs. She didn't think so because she took him home to meet her,.....get this......four German Shepherds. LOL, so I thought I'd better get Sparky and let them meet. Sparky and the cat took to one another as though they already knew each other. I did get the lost cat after I got Sparky, so the thought ran through my head, "could this be the very same one?" I never found out, but I took the cat home and Sparky and the cat are best friends, they sleep together, play together and follow one another everywhere.
I discuss nearly everything with God, if I don't get what I want, I always know he understands. Even if I don't understand, He comforts me. I believe God wants us to be so in tune with Him that we tell Him everything in honesty, knowing He already knows anyway, no point in pretending with God.
Then the thoughts run through my head, God has seen fit to answer silly things like animal pets, how much more would he answer my prayers for persecuted Christians around the world. I pray for my brothers and sisters around the world, I never know if God is answering or not, but I can be assured He hears and will do His will.
Most of the time I pray for the persecuted Christians to be very strong, emotionally, physically and spiritually! I feel bad that they are persecuted, but I know they will have a special reward in heaven for their martyrdom. Sometimes I pray for their persecutors too, that because of the loyalty of the believers they would see the strength of God in them.
What a blessing to be authentic, pretending is such a burden, always the fear of being found out that keeps us stressed. Might as well say it all to God all the time, He already knows anyway, hiding from God is down right silly.
Philippians 4:6-7 "6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.…"
A few years ago I prayed for a dog, I love animals, had just lost two German Shepherds and felt the sting of loneliness without a pet. Since I have had pets my entire life, they are very much a part of my existence. My husband accepts this and falls in love with everyone I have brought home.
I was driving on the street in our small town, that passed by the animal shelter. For a fleeting moment a thought rushed through my head, stop in and just take a look. I had no intention of getting a dog right away, but thought "oh what the hey, might as well just enjoy the animals."
In the first stall there was the dog I had prayed for. I desired a Pom mix because I didn't want to pay a lot of money for a Pom. In the stall was a Pom-Papillon mix! The cutest little guy, I took him for a little walk, when we returned to the stall to put him back while I would think about taking him, he went "spread eagle" on me and refused to go inside. So I thought oh well, guess I'll just take him.
As I was getting ready to take Sparky home that face of the little dog he was with, flashed through my head. That little "Jack Russell" stood there with big eyes looking while his head was cocking from side to side as if to say, "take me too." I went away feeling so bad because I couldn't take him.
As I drove away from the parking lot with Sparky, I asked the Lord to find that little Jack Russel a home. I felt bad for days, shooting up arrow prayers that God would give that little guy a home.
Several months passed, I had to take my quilt to the laundromat because my machine was too small to handle it. I took Sparky into the laundromat with me as we waited for the quilt.
Into the laundromat walks a lady, she came up to Sparky and proclaimed, "OH, that is the dog that was in with my little Jack Russel when I was looking for a dog. I came back to get the Jack Russel and your dog was gone, you must have taken him."
I know it may seem silly to some, but I hate animals to be lonely, it was God's kindness to me that He cared enough about my feelings to tell me that little Jackie got a home. I was so overcome with joy about answered prayer that I cried on the way home, praising God.
Then there was another grief I experienced in the loss of one of my favorite cats. We have had several cats taken by the coyotes up here, so when my favorite cat went missing I assumed he was gone forever. I cried and felt discouraged about ever getting another cat. I told the Lord I missed that cat so much, it still hurt to think about him, I wished I could have him back. I was driving down that road again, another thought entered my head, "just look at the kitties." So, I dropped in, Sparky was with me. I left the dog in the car to go see cats. In the room with about 40 other cats was an identical cat to the one I lost. He was the largest cat in the place and followed me everywhere as though he knew me.
Upon the decision to take the cat, I asked the lady at the shelter if the cat did well with dogs. She didn't think so because she took him home to meet her,.....get this......four German Shepherds. LOL, so I thought I'd better get Sparky and let them meet. Sparky and the cat took to one another as though they already knew each other. I did get the lost cat after I got Sparky, so the thought ran through my head, "could this be the very same one?" I never found out, but I took the cat home and Sparky and the cat are best friends, they sleep together, play together and follow one another everywhere.
I discuss nearly everything with God, if I don't get what I want, I always know he understands. Even if I don't understand, He comforts me. I believe God wants us to be so in tune with Him that we tell Him everything in honesty, knowing He already knows anyway, no point in pretending with God.
Then the thoughts run through my head, God has seen fit to answer silly things like animal pets, how much more would he answer my prayers for persecuted Christians around the world. I pray for my brothers and sisters around the world, I never know if God is answering or not, but I can be assured He hears and will do His will.
Most of the time I pray for the persecuted Christians to be very strong, emotionally, physically and spiritually! I feel bad that they are persecuted, but I know they will have a special reward in heaven for their martyrdom. Sometimes I pray for their persecutors too, that because of the loyalty of the believers they would see the strength of God in them.
What a blessing to be authentic, pretending is such a burden, always the fear of being found out that keeps us stressed. Might as well say it all to God all the time, He already knows anyway, hiding from God is down right silly.
Philippians 4:6-7 "6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.…"
Commitment is the Key
And, I don't see the word "commitment", it's an important word because when things get rough and you don't feel all those other things, the commitment will keep one steady until those things return.
https://www.facebook.com/womenworking/videos/10155754304999523/?pnref=story
https://www.facebook.com/womenworking/videos/10155754304999523/?pnref=story
They Slid Forward and Fell Bachward
I am convinced that many people went forward as young people to proclaim their salvation, but were never broken over their sin.
As they are getting older they seem to be getting worse, as though the "work" of playing Christian is too much for them.
They will be accepted by their church without any fruit or any challenge as to their Spiritual growth, so no need to reflect on their spiritual condition or question whether or not they were born again.
Matthew 7:21-23
As they are getting older they seem to be getting worse, as though the "work" of playing Christian is too much for them.
They will be accepted by their church without any fruit or any challenge as to their Spiritual growth, so no need to reflect on their spiritual condition or question whether or not they were born again.
Matthew 7:21-23
Looking From the Inside Out
How we treat people tells us what is really inside.
A mean person on the inside can only pretend to be kind, eventually, with difficulties approaching, the real him/her will emerge.
A kind person is always that way, it doesn't come and go with difficulties. Kind people do not regularly provoke others, not even the people they don't like.
A mean person will be friendly to someone they like and covertly mean to those they don't like.
A kind person is AUTOMATICALLY kind without having to think. When they have a bad day and are cranky, they apologize and revert to their authentic self, that inwardly kind person.
A mean person has to think about being kind, they work at it because it is not who they are inside. When they get tired of working at it, they revert to their authentic selves, meanness emerges.
Matthew 6:21 - "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
Love of self produces phony responses to life, they are not genuine and they laps easily.
Ephesians 6:7 - "With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men."
Those who genuinely love the Lord will always be aware of their actions and responses toward others.
Love of God and others, produces a response that is always thinking about the feelings and needs of others.
Matthew 22:36-40
"36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 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.’ 38 This is the great and foremost commandment. 39 The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.”
I Corinthians 13:4-8a, "13 - Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. Now abide faith, hope and love, these three; but the greatest of these is love."
Philippians 2:3-7 - "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men."
One who cannot evaluate their own unkind responses, even twisting the truth to seem innocent, is one who is not walking with Christ, but according to their own flesh.
There are those who walk like time bombs, they are almost always on the verge of a visceral response, at the slightest perceived provocation. Often they have no reason, but since they are always on the verge, they will make up a reason, even often believing the perspective they concocted.
I have met several people like this, they hate open and honest straight talk, it flies in the face of their need to hide. Genuineness and openness frightens and infuriates the one who wishes to hide or pretend.
When they see someone being genuine, it reminds them of their own deceit. Facing their real selves is unthinkable to the one who wants to be his own master, accountable to no one other than himself/herself. There is a need for the mean person to cause a negative reaction in the kind person. If they can cause frustration and anger response, the will relieve themselves of any guilt, after all "look how they are" is their thinking. Even choosing to forget that they provoked the anger in others.
The person who is hiding, who must be continually controlling others, will become unhinged when confronted with their own frailties. These people can never bend the knee to Christ, they can never admit their sinfulness. Until they are brought to the end of themselves, completely broken and helpless, they will never submit to Christ or anyone else in a genuine way. They may pretend for a time, to look good, while resenting it the entire time "they have to do it." This resentment is lingering continually, therefore when a rage response to almost nothing comes out of the blue, we can surmise that this inner contempt was present long before the blow up.
Loving and kind people make a practice of submission to others, they are helpful without having to ponder whether or not to do it, they are automatic in their responses to the needs of others.
If anyone has to work-up the desire to help someone, then we can say it is in their flesh they are doing it and it will not last. It's akin to spilling some green paint on the grass, as soon as the grass grows and is cut the paint is gone. In the genuine believer, the grass grows green, it's in the very DNA of the blade of grass, there is nothing that takes it away.
What God produces in us is permanent, to the core and automatic. How do we tell if we are operating in the flesh? My answer would be, does what I do come naturally without much thought? Or, do I have to work it up, try real hard and then become proud of it after, as though it was me that did it. If I work hard and am proud, then it is probably the flesh.
Those who do fleshly kindness will always be a little miffed if someone doesn't notice. They must make a show of it and make sure to mention it to others. There will be an account building up, the more that is done in the flesh, the prouder the deed doer becomes and the angrier when not praised for it.
The believer operating under the power of the Holy Spirit has no need to be recognized, their joy comes from obeying God, there is no need for recognition.
Matthew 6:1-4 "6 “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.
2 “So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.
3 But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,
4 so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you."
A mean person on the inside can only pretend to be kind, eventually, with difficulties approaching, the real him/her will emerge.
A kind person is always that way, it doesn't come and go with difficulties. Kind people do not regularly provoke others, not even the people they don't like.
A mean person will be friendly to someone they like and covertly mean to those they don't like.
A kind person is AUTOMATICALLY kind without having to think. When they have a bad day and are cranky, they apologize and revert to their authentic self, that inwardly kind person.
A mean person has to think about being kind, they work at it because it is not who they are inside. When they get tired of working at it, they revert to their authentic selves, meanness emerges.
Matthew 6:21 - "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
Love of self produces phony responses to life, they are not genuine and they laps easily.
Ephesians 6:7 - "With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men."
Those who genuinely love the Lord will always be aware of their actions and responses toward others.
Love of God and others, produces a response that is always thinking about the feelings and needs of others.
Matthew 22:36-40
"36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 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.’ 38 This is the great and foremost commandment. 39 The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.”
I Corinthians 13:4-8a, "13 - Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. Now abide faith, hope and love, these three; but the greatest of these is love."
Philippians 2:3-7 - "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men."
One who cannot evaluate their own unkind responses, even twisting the truth to seem innocent, is one who is not walking with Christ, but according to their own flesh.
There are those who walk like time bombs, they are almost always on the verge of a visceral response, at the slightest perceived provocation. Often they have no reason, but since they are always on the verge, they will make up a reason, even often believing the perspective they concocted.
I have met several people like this, they hate open and honest straight talk, it flies in the face of their need to hide. Genuineness and openness frightens and infuriates the one who wishes to hide or pretend.
When they see someone being genuine, it reminds them of their own deceit. Facing their real selves is unthinkable to the one who wants to be his own master, accountable to no one other than himself/herself. There is a need for the mean person to cause a negative reaction in the kind person. If they can cause frustration and anger response, the will relieve themselves of any guilt, after all "look how they are" is their thinking. Even choosing to forget that they provoked the anger in others.
The person who is hiding, who must be continually controlling others, will become unhinged when confronted with their own frailties. These people can never bend the knee to Christ, they can never admit their sinfulness. Until they are brought to the end of themselves, completely broken and helpless, they will never submit to Christ or anyone else in a genuine way. They may pretend for a time, to look good, while resenting it the entire time "they have to do it." This resentment is lingering continually, therefore when a rage response to almost nothing comes out of the blue, we can surmise that this inner contempt was present long before the blow up.
Loving and kind people make a practice of submission to others, they are helpful without having to ponder whether or not to do it, they are automatic in their responses to the needs of others.
If anyone has to work-up the desire to help someone, then we can say it is in their flesh they are doing it and it will not last. It's akin to spilling some green paint on the grass, as soon as the grass grows and is cut the paint is gone. In the genuine believer, the grass grows green, it's in the very DNA of the blade of grass, there is nothing that takes it away.
What God produces in us is permanent, to the core and automatic. How do we tell if we are operating in the flesh? My answer would be, does what I do come naturally without much thought? Or, do I have to work it up, try real hard and then become proud of it after, as though it was me that did it. If I work hard and am proud, then it is probably the flesh.
Those who do fleshly kindness will always be a little miffed if someone doesn't notice. They must make a show of it and make sure to mention it to others. There will be an account building up, the more that is done in the flesh, the prouder the deed doer becomes and the angrier when not praised for it.
The believer operating under the power of the Holy Spirit has no need to be recognized, their joy comes from obeying God, there is no need for recognition.
Matthew 6:1-4 "6 “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.
2 “So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.
3 But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,
4 so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you."
Covertly Aggravating is the Intent
Covert means of aggravating others is to minimize and ignore the wishes of others.
When I saw the pictures of Muslims blocking American streets to do their prayers, it reminded me of the narcissists I have known who would do exactly what they know will irritate and aggravate their target to cause trouble.
All they had to do was stay out of the street and pray in their own mosque. Their blocking of the street was, an in your face, "this is our country now", assertion, deliberately designed to create frustration and turmoil.
They are working in the mindset of narcissists who love to start fights and claim they are just needing to be in the street. Of course it's a lie and covertly possessing a modicum of "plausible deniability", this way they can pretend they meant no harm and those that protest are the trouble makers.
Narcissists always love to start fights and claim it was the fault of the victim, when all the victim did was protest the ill treatment. They will even change the version of the events to make themselves appear innocent.
There is no reasoning with someone like this, the only way to deal with them is to stay as far away as possible, any attempt at reasonable dialogue will be met with more harassment. The more one tries to explain and reason with a narcissist the worse things become.
The only way to deal with Islamic narcissists is to keep them out or remove them. The more we placate them, the more we cater to them, the worse things are going to become.
The more ground the narcissists take the more they will demand. We know this from the continual battle in the Middle East, the Palestinians don't want "more" territory, they want all of it and will not rest until they have destroyed Israel.
The concepts here for dealing with narcissistic groups and religions, is also applicable to personal relationships. Those who love power over others, are jealous of others and must feel a sense of superiority will always be this way.
There is no avenue that will work with narcissists, whether overt or covert, they have the same agenda, that is to dominate and frustrate. Destroying relationships and denying truth is the top priority of those who love to harm others.
When I saw the pictures of Muslims blocking American streets to do their prayers, it reminded me of the narcissists I have known who would do exactly what they know will irritate and aggravate their target to cause trouble.
All they had to do was stay out of the street and pray in their own mosque. Their blocking of the street was, an in your face, "this is our country now", assertion, deliberately designed to create frustration and turmoil.
They are working in the mindset of narcissists who love to start fights and claim they are just needing to be in the street. Of course it's a lie and covertly possessing a modicum of "plausible deniability", this way they can pretend they meant no harm and those that protest are the trouble makers.
Narcissists always love to start fights and claim it was the fault of the victim, when all the victim did was protest the ill treatment. They will even change the version of the events to make themselves appear innocent.
There is no reasoning with someone like this, the only way to deal with them is to stay as far away as possible, any attempt at reasonable dialogue will be met with more harassment. The more one tries to explain and reason with a narcissist the worse things become.
The only way to deal with Islamic narcissists is to keep them out or remove them. The more we placate them, the more we cater to them, the worse things are going to become.
The more ground the narcissists take the more they will demand. We know this from the continual battle in the Middle East, the Palestinians don't want "more" territory, they want all of it and will not rest until they have destroyed Israel.
The concepts here for dealing with narcissistic groups and religions, is also applicable to personal relationships. Those who love power over others, are jealous of others and must feel a sense of superiority will always be this way.
There is no avenue that will work with narcissists, whether overt or covert, they have the same agenda, that is to dominate and frustrate. Destroying relationships and denying truth is the top priority of those who love to harm others.
Denying Christ in Lifestyle
Is it possible to deny Christ in actions and lifestyle while claiming to have believed in Him?
1 John 2:18-24
"18 Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared; from this we know that it is the last hour.
19 They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, so that [a]it would be shown that they all are not of us.
20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you all know.
21 I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it, and because no lie is of the truth.
22 Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son. 23 Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father; the one who confesses the Son has the Father also.
24 As for you, let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father."
1 John 2:18-24
"18 Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared; from this we know that it is the last hour.
19 They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, so that [a]it would be shown that they all are not of us.
20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you all know.
21 I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it, and because no lie is of the truth.
22 Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son. 23 Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father; the one who confesses the Son has the Father also.
24 As for you, let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father."
Sunday, June 25, 2017
Do Not Take the Side of the Abuser
When someone becomes angry that you have rebuked them for a rudeness, it is the clue that they are not being controlled by the Holy Spirit.
A Holy Spirit controlled person would not be mean just to provoke, and if they were having a bad day and were rude without thinking, they would catch themselves, they would be ashamed and say sorry immediately.
No child of God uses tactics such as "the silent treatment" to cause deep hurt in the other person. No child of God could stand that they hurt someone, they want to help, they love to fix.
Those who practice control and intimidation are not walking in the Spirit. The Spirit would convict them of sin.
1 John 3:9
"9 No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God."
A child of God defends those who are being abused, stands with the innocent and seeks to help in recovery. A child of God never takes the side of the abuser.....ever.
Proverbs 31:8-9
"Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy."
Psalm 82:3
"Vindicate the weak and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and destitute."
Zechariah 8:16
"These are the things that you shall do; Speak you every man the truth …"
A Holy Spirit controlled person would not be mean just to provoke, and if they were having a bad day and were rude without thinking, they would catch themselves, they would be ashamed and say sorry immediately.
No child of God uses tactics such as "the silent treatment" to cause deep hurt in the other person. No child of God could stand that they hurt someone, they want to help, they love to fix.
Those who practice control and intimidation are not walking in the Spirit. The Spirit would convict them of sin.
1 John 3:9
"9 No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God."
A child of God defends those who are being abused, stands with the innocent and seeks to help in recovery. A child of God never takes the side of the abuser.....ever.
Proverbs 31:8-9
"Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy."
Psalm 82:3
"Vindicate the weak and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and destitute."
Zechariah 8:16
"These are the things that you shall do; Speak you every man the truth …"
Saturday, June 24, 2017
Friday, June 23, 2017
What We Believe Shapes Our Actions
What we believe shapes our actions. If we feel superior, we will demean others, if we are humble then we will value others.
"We will not believe more than we know, and we will not live higher than our beliefs." Robert Moeller
"We will not believe more than we know, and we will not live higher than our beliefs." Robert Moeller
Snappishness is Sin
There are so many things in our culture today that have been accepted and tolerated that are ungodly. One of those things is the practice of "snappishness."
Snappishness is used to intimidate those who disagree, causing them to become off balance and off guard, leaving them to back down when there was no reason to or when the point that was made was valid and proper.
Snappishness is a sign of anger inside the one who does it. There is pending rage all the time ready to pounce at the slightest perceived provocation. I say "perceived" because often there is nothing wrong with what has been said, it is only seen as an attack because of the insecurity of those who must be agreed with in order to function in a conversation.
We do not snap or rage at those we love. Love does not interpret a disagreement as a fight. When we love someone, we value their right to express themselves and their right to their own opinion. We also even enjoy the differences when they are not sin or rebellion.
Another tactic of those who are hiding inside themselves is to refuse to answer a simple yes or no question. When there is silence rather than openness, it is an indication of someone who will not admit they may be wrong.
A yes or no answer, in the mind of the person being asked, is a giving away of their power. Since everything is a competition that must be won, the person asked must not allow the questioner to win, so they remain silent as if to say, you are not worthy of an answer. This makes them feel they have their power back. However, what non-responsiveness really does is reveal they were wrong and cannot admit it.
The rolling of the eyes is another tactic to demonstrate contempt to those who wish to discuss a matter to resolve it.
Non-verbal communication can be denied but speaks loudly to those who are the target of such covert demonstrations. It communicates, "your unworthy of respect", "you are stupid", it fosters a frustration in the target, the purpose is to goad the target into a negative response so the perp can further abuse.
Know-it-alls, often use these tactics when they are wrong. Instead of discussing a matter to resolve it, which requires open, honest and attentive communication, they would much rather play games to hurt their target emotionally.
As a child I lived with this kind of covert abusive tactic regularly. I have an older narcissistic brother who was the golden child of the family. In the eyes of our parents he could do not wrong.
This brother used a tactic that was effective in upsetting others while pretending to "just be kidding." He would poke me in the arm, I would say stop it, he would poke again, I would say stop it and the third time he poked me I would yell at him to stop. His response was, "see how you are, you are out of control." I was not out of control, I was just defending myself, but he used my adamant response to get him to stop, as an excuse to accuse me of irrationality.
Sadly, my mother would see me angry and crying and tell me to pull myself together I was acting like a baby, while never chastising my older brother for picking on his sister.
The saddest of all is that this brother never stopped doing that. He continued to poke at me, not physically, but emotionally, every time we were together even for a short time, he would find a reason to insult me about something. One time it was that I was "too dressed up", I was not, but that was his way of mocking me, to make me feel stupid.
Every encounter with my brother down through the years has been this way. He used to say, "you are too sensitive", when I told him it was mean and rude. Instead of feeling ashamed for hurting me, he made me to be the silly one. There was never a kind word for me on any level, only put downs.
When I began to study the phenomena of narcissism to discover what on earth I was living with all my life, I realized I was not the one doing stupid, bad or mean things, it was him and others in the family who defended him. The psychological community calls the facilitators "flying monkeys." They see what happens but fail to see that he was the one causing the trouble, I should just stand there and take it or I was accused of being foolish.
The frustration was high for a few years when other family members elevated him as special, not knowing how he treated those he chose not to respect.
When someone defends their mean behavior instead of feeling ashamed they hurt someone, we know there is a deep spiritual pride problem. When the abuse continues over many years, we know they enjoy demeaning and mocking those they feel don't measure up to themselves. OR, those they don't want to be measuring up.
Many people who have gone through this kind of emotional abuse for many years, have the sense they must be a bad person for someone to pick on them all the time, so they become withdrawn lacking confidence. They have been trained to believe they have no value and their feelings and desires are stupid.
I have a personality that questions things, when I see something happening that doesn't make sense I can see who the problem is pretty quickly, but many victims of these people are held back from their full potential in life because they are so beaten down, they feel they cannot get back up. I am here to tell these people, you can get back up, when you begin to realize you were not the stupid one, then you can recover from this abuse.
It is only through prayer and consulting with the Holy Spirit that can bring a victim out of the filthy mire of abuse. When we no longer care if the narcissist changes, move on to healthier more genuine relationships that we can heal.
Sadly, there are "Christian" people I have met who are just like my brother, he claims to be a Christian, but the evidence of the fruit of the Spirit is lacking. He has a lot of Bible knowledge, thinks he is wise but often gives wrong or bad advice because he is so worldly.
Galatians 5:22-23
"22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
When we sense a complete lack of empathy and kindness in someone, it is a clue that they may not have the Holy Spirit they claim to have, they may be unsaved. I cannot imagine someone walking in the Spirit that can act so cruelly without being convicted and ashamed by that Spirit.
Those who must demean others to elevate self are being used of the devil to diminish the work and life of the one who follows hard after Christ. These are the kind of people who will invite you to the family gathering so you will see them ignoring you. They have no interest in you, their only interest is in showing you how insignificant you are to them.
These same people who mock and demean are continually denying the value of those they target. They cannot validate them on any level, to do so is to make their target equal with them or even above them and they just cannot have that.
This phenomena of narcissism is growing exponentially as we are nearing the very "end of the end" in this world. Most people who call themselves "Christian" are not obeying very much of the Bible, but they will say they are Bible believing. This is when we realize our culture is more about words than it is about substance.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 tells us we would encounter this, God's word comfort us, it helps us not to retaliate, but rather to move away from contact with these kind of people.
2 Timothy 3:1-5
“Difficult Times Will Come”
3 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."
Notice the last verse of this passage, "avoid such men."
Snappishness is used to intimidate those who disagree, causing them to become off balance and off guard, leaving them to back down when there was no reason to or when the point that was made was valid and proper.
Snappishness is a sign of anger inside the one who does it. There is pending rage all the time ready to pounce at the slightest perceived provocation. I say "perceived" because often there is nothing wrong with what has been said, it is only seen as an attack because of the insecurity of those who must be agreed with in order to function in a conversation.
We do not snap or rage at those we love. Love does not interpret a disagreement as a fight. When we love someone, we value their right to express themselves and their right to their own opinion. We also even enjoy the differences when they are not sin or rebellion.
Another tactic of those who are hiding inside themselves is to refuse to answer a simple yes or no question. When there is silence rather than openness, it is an indication of someone who will not admit they may be wrong.
A yes or no answer, in the mind of the person being asked, is a giving away of their power. Since everything is a competition that must be won, the person asked must not allow the questioner to win, so they remain silent as if to say, you are not worthy of an answer. This makes them feel they have their power back. However, what non-responsiveness really does is reveal they were wrong and cannot admit it.
The rolling of the eyes is another tactic to demonstrate contempt to those who wish to discuss a matter to resolve it.
Non-verbal communication can be denied but speaks loudly to those who are the target of such covert demonstrations. It communicates, "your unworthy of respect", "you are stupid", it fosters a frustration in the target, the purpose is to goad the target into a negative response so the perp can further abuse.
Know-it-alls, often use these tactics when they are wrong. Instead of discussing a matter to resolve it, which requires open, honest and attentive communication, they would much rather play games to hurt their target emotionally.
As a child I lived with this kind of covert abusive tactic regularly. I have an older narcissistic brother who was the golden child of the family. In the eyes of our parents he could do not wrong.
This brother used a tactic that was effective in upsetting others while pretending to "just be kidding." He would poke me in the arm, I would say stop it, he would poke again, I would say stop it and the third time he poked me I would yell at him to stop. His response was, "see how you are, you are out of control." I was not out of control, I was just defending myself, but he used my adamant response to get him to stop, as an excuse to accuse me of irrationality.
Sadly, my mother would see me angry and crying and tell me to pull myself together I was acting like a baby, while never chastising my older brother for picking on his sister.
The saddest of all is that this brother never stopped doing that. He continued to poke at me, not physically, but emotionally, every time we were together even for a short time, he would find a reason to insult me about something. One time it was that I was "too dressed up", I was not, but that was his way of mocking me, to make me feel stupid.
Every encounter with my brother down through the years has been this way. He used to say, "you are too sensitive", when I told him it was mean and rude. Instead of feeling ashamed for hurting me, he made me to be the silly one. There was never a kind word for me on any level, only put downs.
When I began to study the phenomena of narcissism to discover what on earth I was living with all my life, I realized I was not the one doing stupid, bad or mean things, it was him and others in the family who defended him. The psychological community calls the facilitators "flying monkeys." They see what happens but fail to see that he was the one causing the trouble, I should just stand there and take it or I was accused of being foolish.
The frustration was high for a few years when other family members elevated him as special, not knowing how he treated those he chose not to respect.
When someone defends their mean behavior instead of feeling ashamed they hurt someone, we know there is a deep spiritual pride problem. When the abuse continues over many years, we know they enjoy demeaning and mocking those they feel don't measure up to themselves. OR, those they don't want to be measuring up.
Many people who have gone through this kind of emotional abuse for many years, have the sense they must be a bad person for someone to pick on them all the time, so they become withdrawn lacking confidence. They have been trained to believe they have no value and their feelings and desires are stupid.
I have a personality that questions things, when I see something happening that doesn't make sense I can see who the problem is pretty quickly, but many victims of these people are held back from their full potential in life because they are so beaten down, they feel they cannot get back up. I am here to tell these people, you can get back up, when you begin to realize you were not the stupid one, then you can recover from this abuse.
It is only through prayer and consulting with the Holy Spirit that can bring a victim out of the filthy mire of abuse. When we no longer care if the narcissist changes, move on to healthier more genuine relationships that we can heal.
Sadly, there are "Christian" people I have met who are just like my brother, he claims to be a Christian, but the evidence of the fruit of the Spirit is lacking. He has a lot of Bible knowledge, thinks he is wise but often gives wrong or bad advice because he is so worldly.
Galatians 5:22-23
"22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
When we sense a complete lack of empathy and kindness in someone, it is a clue that they may not have the Holy Spirit they claim to have, they may be unsaved. I cannot imagine someone walking in the Spirit that can act so cruelly without being convicted and ashamed by that Spirit.
Those who must demean others to elevate self are being used of the devil to diminish the work and life of the one who follows hard after Christ. These are the kind of people who will invite you to the family gathering so you will see them ignoring you. They have no interest in you, their only interest is in showing you how insignificant you are to them.
These same people who mock and demean are continually denying the value of those they target. They cannot validate them on any level, to do so is to make their target equal with them or even above them and they just cannot have that.
This phenomena of narcissism is growing exponentially as we are nearing the very "end of the end" in this world. Most people who call themselves "Christian" are not obeying very much of the Bible, but they will say they are Bible believing. This is when we realize our culture is more about words than it is about substance.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 tells us we would encounter this, God's word comfort us, it helps us not to retaliate, but rather to move away from contact with these kind of people.
2 Timothy 3:1-5
“Difficult Times Will Come”
3 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."
Notice the last verse of this passage, "avoid such men."
Thursday, June 22, 2017
Humility Makes all the Difference
I am so blessed, very blessed by an exchange on another thread. A humble young man was describing his belief, I commented, he took it as a rebuke and humbly accepted it as a rebuke, but it was not, it was a misunderstanding.
I am blessed because he took what he thought was a rebuke in a very humble and accepting way. I don't run into that very often.
We straightened it all out, no fighting, no anger, just explaining and a big "I love you", at the end of it.
Hallelujah!!!! May God put this humility in all of us.
I am blessed because he took what he thought was a rebuke in a very humble and accepting way. I don't run into that very often.
We straightened it all out, no fighting, no anger, just explaining and a big "I love you", at the end of it.
Hallelujah!!!! May God put this humility in all of us.
Actions Must be Deeply Connected
It is vitally important that our actions match our words or we will be seen as a hypocrite and those listening will not believe us.
They might not anyway but we will be true to our words and our God if we say what we mean and live what we say.
They might not anyway but we will be true to our words and our God if we say what we mean and live what we say.
Words Are Not Enough
So many people think their words are enough, they don't actually have to mean them as long as they say them. I experience this all the time. Since we live in a culture that is more about immediate feelings than substance, there is no commitment to carry out what has been said.
Words without action is lying!
Revelation 3:8 "8 I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door, which no one can shut. For you have only a little strength, yet you have kept My word and have not denied My name. "
James 2:14-26 14 What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?
17 Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.
18 But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”
19 You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.
20 But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar?
22 You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected;
23 and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,” and he was called the friend of God.
24 You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone. 25 In the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?
26 For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead."
Words without action is lying!
Revelation 3:8 "8 I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door, which no one can shut. For you have only a little strength, yet you have kept My word and have not denied My name. "
James 2:14-26 14 What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?
17 Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.
18 But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”
19 You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.
20 But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar?
22 You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected;
23 and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,” and he was called the friend of God.
24 You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone. 25 In the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?
26 For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead."
Disrespectful Treatment of our Enemies is Sin
It is alright to remove ourselves from our enemies if possible, but we are never to exact revenge against them, nor are we to withhold blessing when in their presence.
Those who choose to treat with disrespect those they perceive to be their enemies are in disobedience to the Word of God.
Psalm 109:2-5
"For wicked and deceitful mouths are opened against me, speaking against me with lying tongues. They encircle me with words of hate, and attack me without cause. In return for my love they accuse me, but I give myself to prayer. So they reward me evil for good, and hatred for my love."
Romans 12:14
"Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them."
Proverbs 24:17
"Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles,"
Those who choose to treat with disrespect those they perceive to be their enemies are in disobedience to the Word of God.
Psalm 109:2-5
"For wicked and deceitful mouths are opened against me, speaking against me with lying tongues. They encircle me with words of hate, and attack me without cause. In return for my love they accuse me, but I give myself to prayer. So they reward me evil for good, and hatred for my love."
Romans 12:14
"Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them."
Proverbs 24:17
"Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles,"
Leaders Must Be Accountable
There are bullies in the church. Those who expect us to do what they say but what they say is not Biblical.
Measure everything with the Word of God and refuse to adhere to the false doctrines just because of the human pressure.
Do not place "leaders" above God. When the leader disobey's God's Word, respectfully tell them. Often a leader will call it disrespect to question him at all, ignore that and continue to warn them.
No leader is above Christ, every leader is the servant of Christ and of the church. If they are not willing to hear truth or a disagreement, then they should not be leading. If they continue in the rebellion against hearing from those they lead, then they must be removed, they are too arrogant to be a servant of Christ.
Matthew 20:25-27 "…25 But Jesus called them aside and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave—…"
1 Peter 5:2-4 "…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. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.…"
We are subject to Christ alone, a leader is a teacher and helper, he is not a god to be followed unconditionally. He accountable to the people he helps, but above all he is accountable to Christ.
Measure everything with the Word of God and refuse to adhere to the false doctrines just because of the human pressure.
Do not place "leaders" above God. When the leader disobey's God's Word, respectfully tell them. Often a leader will call it disrespect to question him at all, ignore that and continue to warn them.
No leader is above Christ, every leader is the servant of Christ and of the church. If they are not willing to hear truth or a disagreement, then they should not be leading. If they continue in the rebellion against hearing from those they lead, then they must be removed, they are too arrogant to be a servant of Christ.
Matthew 20:25-27 "…25 But Jesus called them aside and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave—…"
1 Peter 5:2-4 "…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. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.…"
We are subject to Christ alone, a leader is a teacher and helper, he is not a god to be followed unconditionally. He accountable to the people he helps, but above all he is accountable to Christ.
Bullies Have No Power Over One Who is Christ Filled
Allow no one to bully you into thinking the way they think. We have the freedom to consider what others say, even go to prayer about it, but we must measure everything by the standards of the Bible.
There are many things that others will tell us that sound very good and reasonable, but are not Biblical. If we believe what others tell us without examination, we will end up allowing others to do our thinking for us, rather than thinking with the mind of Christ.
1 Corinthians 2:15-16 "…15 The spiritual man judges all things, but he himself is not subject to anyone’s judgment. 16 “For who has known the mind of the Lord, so as to instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ."
We will run across those who think their way is right, when we do not accept their way, they will bully us in an attempt to make us look bad or mean by not adhering to the standards of others that are not in the Bible.
Proverbs 21:2 "2 Every man's way is right in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the hearts."
God is the authority over us, He has the final say as to what we should believe and how we should act.
1 John 2:26-28 "…26 I have written these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. 27 And as for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But just as His true and genuine anointing teaches you about all things, so remain in Him as you have been taught. 28 And now, little children, remain in Him, so that when He appears, we may be confident and unashamed before Him at His coming.…"
The world is working to convince us that their way is best and kinder, when often it is not only not kinder but damaging and disobedient to Christ.
Romans 15:7 "7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God."
We do not do what we do to be accepted by men, but rather to be acceptable to God. We build an amazing relationship with Christ in us when He always comes first.
Those who want to control you but cannot, will isolate you from them and others, even gossiping to gain the support of others against you. Be glad when these people are gone, they bring nothing of value to the table, only continual contempt and conflict.
We do not have to live under the expectations of others continually. We desire to please those we love when we can, but we are not obligated to follow their unBiblical standards. And, we are never expected to facilitate or accept their disobedience against God.
We are living in a rebellious world right now, not only in the world but in the church. We can expect to be alone often, but we are never completely alone because we have Christ living in us, the One Who created us, the One Who is Truth. What could be more wonderful than that? Nothing, nothing is better than Christ as our Guide.
There are many things that others will tell us that sound very good and reasonable, but are not Biblical. If we believe what others tell us without examination, we will end up allowing others to do our thinking for us, rather than thinking with the mind of Christ.
1 Corinthians 2:15-16 "…15 The spiritual man judges all things, but he himself is not subject to anyone’s judgment. 16 “For who has known the mind of the Lord, so as to instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ."
We will run across those who think their way is right, when we do not accept their way, they will bully us in an attempt to make us look bad or mean by not adhering to the standards of others that are not in the Bible.
Proverbs 21:2 "2 Every man's way is right in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the hearts."
God is the authority over us, He has the final say as to what we should believe and how we should act.
1 John 2:26-28 "…26 I have written these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. 27 And as for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But just as His true and genuine anointing teaches you about all things, so remain in Him as you have been taught. 28 And now, little children, remain in Him, so that when He appears, we may be confident and unashamed before Him at His coming.…"
The world is working to convince us that their way is best and kinder, when often it is not only not kinder but damaging and disobedient to Christ.
Romans 15:7 "7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God."
We do not do what we do to be accepted by men, but rather to be acceptable to God. We build an amazing relationship with Christ in us when He always comes first.
Those who want to control you but cannot, will isolate you from them and others, even gossiping to gain the support of others against you. Be glad when these people are gone, they bring nothing of value to the table, only continual contempt and conflict.
We do not have to live under the expectations of others continually. We desire to please those we love when we can, but we are not obligated to follow their unBiblical standards. And, we are never expected to facilitate or accept their disobedience against God.
We are living in a rebellious world right now, not only in the world but in the church. We can expect to be alone often, but we are never completely alone because we have Christ living in us, the One Who created us, the One Who is Truth. What could be more wonderful than that? Nothing, nothing is better than Christ as our Guide.
Wednesday, June 21, 2017
Abiding in Christ
Amen, Amen!!!! Can You be a Born Again Believer and not be Abiding?
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We Don't Work Up the Fruit
Galatians 5:22-23
"22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
The fruit, not the works, will say more to us than anything else about someone, we discern them by the Holy Spirit in us. I have known many people who say they are Christians, even proclaiming they have the gift of the Spirit, but their character had no evidence of this fruit.
We do not get the fruit of the Spirit by saying we have them, by pretending we have them or even trying to fake them. This fruit comes by the power of the Holy Spirit. Many who think they have them do not, we know because of the anger and rebellion against God's Word that they display on a regular basis. We know them too for their disrespect for particular brothers and sisters who are more open and prone to telling the truth.
No one who has the fruit of God's Spirit will be angry to hear the Word of God, nor will they target an individual for mocking, demeaning or ruining their lives because they don't like what they hear.
There is no fruit in those who are covertly or overtly harming a brother or sister in Christ. Targeting others for attack is evidence there has not been a born again experience.
1 John 3:13-15 "…13 So do not be surprised, brothers, if the world hates you. 14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. The one who does not love remains in death. 15 Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that eternal life does not reside in a murderer.…"
"22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
The fruit, not the works, will say more to us than anything else about someone, we discern them by the Holy Spirit in us. I have known many people who say they are Christians, even proclaiming they have the gift of the Spirit, but their character had no evidence of this fruit.
We do not get the fruit of the Spirit by saying we have them, by pretending we have them or even trying to fake them. This fruit comes by the power of the Holy Spirit. Many who think they have them do not, we know because of the anger and rebellion against God's Word that they display on a regular basis. We know them too for their disrespect for particular brothers and sisters who are more open and prone to telling the truth.
No one who has the fruit of God's Spirit will be angry to hear the Word of God, nor will they target an individual for mocking, demeaning or ruining their lives because they don't like what they hear.
There is no fruit in those who are covertly or overtly harming a brother or sister in Christ. Targeting others for attack is evidence there has not been a born again experience.
1 John 3:13-15 "…13 So do not be surprised, brothers, if the world hates you. 14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. The one who does not love remains in death. 15 Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that eternal life does not reside in a murderer.…"
He Changed Us
Christ changed everything when He came and died for us. We no longer look to the Law which could not save us, but to Christ Who has the power to save to the uttermost.
We can obey because of Christ in us, but we will fail at times, we forget to keep trusting Christ even though we trusted Him for salvation, we can be willful and choose to trust ourselves for everything else. When that happens, then God has provided an advocate for us that is Christ Jesus. Unbelievers do not have an advocate with the Father, only believers do.
1 John 2:1-2 "1 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate before the Father — Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He Himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours alone, but also for the sins of the whole world.…"
When God's children sin, He does not throw them away, He disciplines them.
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?…"
God wrote this to believers,
1 John 1:7-9 "…7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.…"
Believers do sin, the size of the sin is irrelevant, since God cannot be in the presence of any sin at all, not even the smallest sin. That's why Christ had to cover our sin with His own blood.
We should be growing in holiness, but not all do, this following Scripture shows us that there are those who will barely make it into heaven because they had no works. The thief on the cross had no works at all when he confessed Christ, but he was saved.
1 Corinthians 3:14-16 "…14 If what he has built survives, he will receive a reward. 15 If it is burned up, he will suffer loss. He himself will be saved, but only as one being snatched from the fire. 16 Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?…"
We can obey because of Christ in us, but we will fail at times, we forget to keep trusting Christ even though we trusted Him for salvation, we can be willful and choose to trust ourselves for everything else. When that happens, then God has provided an advocate for us that is Christ Jesus. Unbelievers do not have an advocate with the Father, only believers do.
1 John 2:1-2 "1 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate before the Father — Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He Himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours alone, but also for the sins of the whole world.…"
When God's children sin, He does not throw them away, He disciplines them.
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?…"
God wrote this to believers,
1 John 1:7-9 "…7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.…"
Believers do sin, the size of the sin is irrelevant, since God cannot be in the presence of any sin at all, not even the smallest sin. That's why Christ had to cover our sin with His own blood.
We should be growing in holiness, but not all do, this following Scripture shows us that there are those who will barely make it into heaven because they had no works. The thief on the cross had no works at all when he confessed Christ, but he was saved.
1 Corinthians 3:14-16 "…14 If what he has built survives, he will receive a reward. 15 If it is burned up, he will suffer loss. He himself will be saved, but only as one being snatched from the fire. 16 Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?…"
Sin Was Dealt With Forever
If our past, present and future sins were not taken care of at the cross then Christ would have to die over and over again. When we come to Christ His blood covers ALL our sins, He does all the changing and keeping for us.
Only His death could cover any sin.
Hebrews 9:24 "24 For Christ did not enter a holy place made with hands, a mere copy of the true one, but into heaven itself, NOW to appear in the presence of God for us; PRESENT
Hebrews 9:26 "26 Otherwise, He would have needed to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now once at the consummation of the ages He HAS BEEN manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. PAST
Hebrews 9:28 "28 so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him. FUTURE
Christ died once for sins, that sin for the believer is covered in His blood. They have been changed into a new creation, they will no longer need another covering for later. The first covering is permanent until we go home to Him.
Only His death could cover any sin.
Hebrews 9:24 "24 For Christ did not enter a holy place made with hands, a mere copy of the true one, but into heaven itself, NOW to appear in the presence of God for us; PRESENT
Hebrews 9:26 "26 Otherwise, He would have needed to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now once at the consummation of the ages He HAS BEEN manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. PAST
Hebrews 9:28 "28 so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him. FUTURE
Christ died once for sins, that sin for the believer is covered in His blood. They have been changed into a new creation, they will no longer need another covering for later. The first covering is permanent until we go home to Him.
Tuesday, June 20, 2017
Do You Have the Holy Spirit
I am convinced that far more "Christians" than we realize do not have the Holy Spirit at all. The reason I think this is because of their hostility toward the Word when we use it to correct. Most people are living on the island of "don't judge." They have little interest in seeking God for truth, only in His blessing and the safety He provides, but they don't realize they do not belong to Him and do not have these things.
Matthew 7:21-23
"21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’"
Matthew 7:21-23
"21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’"
The Law Does Not Save
1 Timothy 1:9-10
“Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;”
Romans 8:2-4 "2 For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life has set you free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the Law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin. He thus condemned sin in the flesh, 4 so that the righteous standard of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.…"
“Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;”
Romans 8:2-4 "2 For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life has set you free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the Law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin. He thus condemned sin in the flesh, 4 so that the righteous standard of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.…"
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