Proverbs 13:24 "24 He who withholds his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him diligently."
We must train babies to be kind and loving, we do not have to train them to be mean and selfish.
Why?
Because babies are born sinful, full of self. They must be trained not to poke in the doggies eyes or pull the cats hair. I have met two year olds who were horrible to be around, they were not just untrained, they were down right mean because there had been no training in their lives.
I once saw a four year old slapping his Daddy in the face for not buying him a candy bar. The man, feeling somewhat embarrassed, turn to me in line and said, "what can you do", while giggling. My response to him was, "you better spank him for disrespecting you or he will be punching you out when he is bigger than you."
The man in front of me in line didn't know how to respond, he turned back around and continued to ignore and put up with the terrible disrespect and defiance of that little brat.
Interesting isn't it, parents are afraid to be seen as the bad guy by disciplining their children, but can't see that their children are an embarrassment to them because of their evil.
People actually think that children should be given a pass for evil behavior because they are children. These same parents end up in a life of utter turmoil and frustration when these children become adults and refuse to move out and make their own way in the world. They are not assets to their parents, they are burdens and the parents facilitated it by their own lack of courage to do the right thing.
Proverbs 13:24 "24 He who withholds his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him diligently."
Monday, July 31, 2017
Black as Coal or White as Snow?
It is always sad when we meet people who base their worth on their own skin tone.
It is not the outer shell that God cares about, it is the inner soul. What does our soul look like? Is it black as coal controlled by the devil or is it white as snow controlled by the Holy Spirit? These are the important questions.
Anyone who thinks they are superior to others or pretends to be simply to boost their own arrogance, generally has a soul as black as coal.
It is not the outer shell that God cares about, it is the inner soul. What does our soul look like? Is it black as coal controlled by the devil or is it white as snow controlled by the Holy Spirit? These are the important questions.
Anyone who thinks they are superior to others or pretends to be simply to boost their own arrogance, generally has a soul as black as coal.
Separateness is a Blessing
The believers are being called to separateness and boldness in these last days. And, as in the days of Noah, few will listen, while everyone does what is right in their own eyes, refusing to seek Christ, even those who claim to be "Christian."
I am convinced this is the reason many are leaving the organized churches, they are weary of the foolishness that goes on in them. I used to believe something was wrong with those Christians who didn't attend church, and perhaps back in the day that was true, but now I believe the born again believers who love Christ are leaving the organized, 501c3 churches because of the worldly goings on in them.
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.’"
There are those who live in parts of the country where they can find a humble and obedient gathering, but because of what they have surrounded themselves with, they don't believe there is such a problem as not being able to find a gathering.
The gatherings in our area are nearly all into a social gospel of good works. They love the "Purpose Driven Life" model for doing church. They embrace those who are shacking up, it is common for the pastors to be divorced and remarried and most pastors will marry divorced people.
We are living in a region that is full of apostasy, having a form of religion, even conservative, but lacking any desire to please Christ. YES, it is true, there are entire regions like this!
Just 40 miles down the road from us is one of the largest cities, across the river in Oregon, there are deplorable "gay rights" parades that are so vile one cannot even mention what goes on in the streets. There is the 10,000 person naked bike ride through the streets of Portland every year. There are "indecency" laws on the books, but as long as the group gets a legal "permit", they can ride through the streets big as you please without conscience over it.
The news media makes sure it gets plenty of publicity and laughs at it as though it is as normal as anything.
Someone might be arrested and deemed a pervert if they are alone walking the streets without clothes, but if they join the bike ride they are safe.
The annual beer festival, full of debauchery and drunkenness is held every year in the center of down town.
You see, even though the wickedness of this city is 40 miles away, it influences the thinking of those within an hours drive of it.
Yes, we live in a godless area, with churches all over the town that are preaching "don't judge" without ever preaching repentance, holiness or devotion to Christ. You see, this is what apostasy looks like.
When someone like us comes along to correct these things while giving the gospel of repentance, we are dismissed and forced out through manipulation, the manipulation takes the form of "subtle ignoring." If they just ignore us, showing us how much we are not wanted, then they can effectively get rid of us without telling us to leave.
We are living in the days of Noah in our region. No one will listen while most people believe, as long as they want to believe something, it is must be true. "Don't judge" is the most use phrase in my presence, as though it were true. This is just how bankrupt this culture is, they want the freedom to do anything and everything vile they wish without anyone telling them they are in sin.
Exposing sin is the new evil, those who speak truth are the ones who are maligned and mocked. Welcome to our world, a world of nearly total rebellion and arrogance.
I am convinced this is the reason many are leaving the organized churches, they are weary of the foolishness that goes on in them. I used to believe something was wrong with those Christians who didn't attend church, and perhaps back in the day that was true, but now I believe the born again believers who love Christ are leaving the organized, 501c3 churches because of the worldly goings on in them.
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.’"
There are those who live in parts of the country where they can find a humble and obedient gathering, but because of what they have surrounded themselves with, they don't believe there is such a problem as not being able to find a gathering.
The gatherings in our area are nearly all into a social gospel of good works. They love the "Purpose Driven Life" model for doing church. They embrace those who are shacking up, it is common for the pastors to be divorced and remarried and most pastors will marry divorced people.
We are living in a region that is full of apostasy, having a form of religion, even conservative, but lacking any desire to please Christ. YES, it is true, there are entire regions like this!
Just 40 miles down the road from us is one of the largest cities, across the river in Oregon, there are deplorable "gay rights" parades that are so vile one cannot even mention what goes on in the streets. There is the 10,000 person naked bike ride through the streets of Portland every year. There are "indecency" laws on the books, but as long as the group gets a legal "permit", they can ride through the streets big as you please without conscience over it.
The news media makes sure it gets plenty of publicity and laughs at it as though it is as normal as anything.
Someone might be arrested and deemed a pervert if they are alone walking the streets without clothes, but if they join the bike ride they are safe.
The annual beer festival, full of debauchery and drunkenness is held every year in the center of down town.
You see, even though the wickedness of this city is 40 miles away, it influences the thinking of those within an hours drive of it.
Yes, we live in a godless area, with churches all over the town that are preaching "don't judge" without ever preaching repentance, holiness or devotion to Christ. You see, this is what apostasy looks like.
When someone like us comes along to correct these things while giving the gospel of repentance, we are dismissed and forced out through manipulation, the manipulation takes the form of "subtle ignoring." If they just ignore us, showing us how much we are not wanted, then they can effectively get rid of us without telling us to leave.
We are living in the days of Noah in our region. No one will listen while most people believe, as long as they want to believe something, it is must be true. "Don't judge" is the most use phrase in my presence, as though it were true. This is just how bankrupt this culture is, they want the freedom to do anything and everything vile they wish without anyone telling them they are in sin.
Exposing sin is the new evil, those who speak truth are the ones who are maligned and mocked. Welcome to our world, a world of nearly total rebellion and arrogance.
Sunday, July 30, 2017
Coming Soon! Hallelujah!
One day soon this is what we will be involved in, it is so hard to have to wait.
Revelation 19:11-16
"11 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. 13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. 14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule[b] them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.
Revelation 19:11-16
"11 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. 13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. 14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule[b] them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.
Confessed and Forgiven Sin
We need to become strong enough to put out of our life those who don't understand confessed and forgiven sins. I had to do this, what a relief the day I realized I no longer had to answer to it or think about it.
There is no born again believer who didn't have to confess sinfulness and accept the forgiveness of God. Everyone who claims to be born again, can never hold a past sin against another born again believer.
Romans 3:10-12
10 as it is written:
“None is righteous, no, not one;
11 no one understands;
no one seeks for God.
12 All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;
no one does good,
not even one.”
If we are seeking Christ we WILL heal and it will allow us to put EVERYTHING behind us that is no longer us. We all have to do this. Anyone who thinks they never had to do this, is lying and perhaps still in their sin of pride. Perhaps they are not born again, or they would understand the brokenness of the heart of someone who has confessed and trusted Christ. Christ has removed all the stain of past forgiven sin, we no longer have to answer to anyone for it. We can openly tell others we were sinful to encourage them, that we all have sin and that we all have to confess. But we never have to listen to those who would love to operate as though we were never forgiven.
1 John 1:7 "But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin."
There is no born again believer who didn't have to confess sinfulness and accept the forgiveness of God. Everyone who claims to be born again, can never hold a past sin against another born again believer.
Romans 3:10-12
10 as it is written:
“None is righteous, no, not one;
11 no one understands;
no one seeks for God.
12 All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;
no one does good,
not even one.”
If we are seeking Christ we WILL heal and it will allow us to put EVERYTHING behind us that is no longer us. We all have to do this. Anyone who thinks they never had to do this, is lying and perhaps still in their sin of pride. Perhaps they are not born again, or they would understand the brokenness of the heart of someone who has confessed and trusted Christ. Christ has removed all the stain of past forgiven sin, we no longer have to answer to anyone for it. We can openly tell others we were sinful to encourage them, that we all have sin and that we all have to confess. But we never have to listen to those who would love to operate as though we were never forgiven.
1 John 1:7 "But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin."
The Leader is the Servant
A wise leader listens to their subordinates. Any leader, whether in business, politics or in the home, that attempts to be the sole decision maker without counsel, is not a good leader, but a foolish dictator. Has anyone noticed the state of a country that has a dictator for their leader? Countries like this nearly always have a high level of poverty and very few freedoms.
Proverbs 18:2
"A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion."
Proverbs 28:26
"Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered."
Sadly too many marriages, churches, businesses and communities are being ruined by narcissistic dictators who think they have all knowledge simply because they are in a position of power.
A wise leader knows they do not have all knowledge, they show understanding, concern and a depth of empathy for those under them. Those who use their leadership position to demonstrate loyalty and deference when needed are those that will be successful.
Proverbs 11:14
"14 Where there is no guidance the people fall,
But in abundance of counselors there is victory."
A good leader takes into account the welfare of those they lead more than their own desires for power. A good leader is selfless, so much so that his own needs seldom come to mind for being pushed out to accommodate the needs of others.
There is a saying that is supported by Scripture, "a good leader, leads by the way that they serve." The objective for the good leader is not to get what they want, but to bring about that which is good for everyone. What is good for others? Scriptural principles are what is good for others. When a leaders leans on the Word of God to make His decisions, he will also value the opinions and advice of his subordinates. His subordinates are not his slaves, they are his helpers who advice him.
A selfish leader dictates his own pleasure, shouting out orders like a range boss, without concern for those he serves. Perhaps they do not serve at all, but merely use those under them for their own glory.
Arrogant leaders tend to be overly harsh in their punishments while eventually causing rebellion against them self for their indifference toward those they pridefully treat as slaves.
Christ showed the ultimate leadership, He died for others and all He asks is that we love and serve Him.
James 4:10 "10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."
The best leaders are those who seek God in all things, they are not too proud to admit they cannot have all the answers. Nor are they too proud to proclaim when they have failed. Those who will not listen to subordinates, nor admit when they have been wrong, very likely don't seek God. Prideful people will not ask anyone under them that they can see, let alone God Whom they cannot see.
Matthew 20:26 "26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,"
Proverbs 18:2
"A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion."
Proverbs 28:26
"Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered."
Sadly too many marriages, churches, businesses and communities are being ruined by narcissistic dictators who think they have all knowledge simply because they are in a position of power.
A wise leader knows they do not have all knowledge, they show understanding, concern and a depth of empathy for those under them. Those who use their leadership position to demonstrate loyalty and deference when needed are those that will be successful.
Proverbs 11:14
"14 Where there is no guidance the people fall,
But in abundance of counselors there is victory."
A good leader takes into account the welfare of those they lead more than their own desires for power. A good leader is selfless, so much so that his own needs seldom come to mind for being pushed out to accommodate the needs of others.
There is a saying that is supported by Scripture, "a good leader, leads by the way that they serve." The objective for the good leader is not to get what they want, but to bring about that which is good for everyone. What is good for others? Scriptural principles are what is good for others. When a leaders leans on the Word of God to make His decisions, he will also value the opinions and advice of his subordinates. His subordinates are not his slaves, they are his helpers who advice him.
A selfish leader dictates his own pleasure, shouting out orders like a range boss, without concern for those he serves. Perhaps they do not serve at all, but merely use those under them for their own glory.
Arrogant leaders tend to be overly harsh in their punishments while eventually causing rebellion against them self for their indifference toward those they pridefully treat as slaves.
Christ showed the ultimate leadership, He died for others and all He asks is that we love and serve Him.
James 4:10 "10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."
The best leaders are those who seek God in all things, they are not too proud to admit they cannot have all the answers. Nor are they too proud to proclaim when they have failed. Those who will not listen to subordinates, nor admit when they have been wrong, very likely don't seek God. Prideful people will not ask anyone under them that they can see, let alone God Whom they cannot see.
Matthew 20:26 "26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,"
Saturday, July 29, 2017
What has happened to America?
We became too wealthy, self righteous and pleasure seeking, it diverted us from the path of righteousness.
America is losing it's standing in the world as a power because we forgot Jesus Christ. We thought we were the ones who made America great, but it wasn't us, it was God who was behind our wealth. He merely allowed us to develop because of the believer that lived here. He blessed those who blessed Israel, as long as we loved Him and Israel, He continued to bless us.
Christ gave us everything and we have not been grateful, so His patience is nearly run out and we are about to experience the consequences of pride and self will.
Numbers 14:18
"'The LORD is slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, forgiving iniquity and transgression; but He will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generations.'"
Nahum 1:3
"The LORD is slow to anger and great in power, And the LORD will by no means leave the guilty unpunished In whirlwind and storm is His way, And clouds are the dust beneath His feet."
Jeremiah 7:26-28 "…26"Yet they did not listen to Me or incline their ear, but stiffened their neck; they did more evil than their fathers.
27"You shall speak all these words to them, but they will not listen to you; and you shall call to them, but they will not answer you. 28"You shall say to them, 'This is the nation that did not obey the voice of the LORD their God or accept correction; truth has perished and has been cut off from their mouth.…"
America is losing it's standing in the world as a power because we forgot Jesus Christ. We thought we were the ones who made America great, but it wasn't us, it was God who was behind our wealth. He merely allowed us to develop because of the believer that lived here. He blessed those who blessed Israel, as long as we loved Him and Israel, He continued to bless us.
Christ gave us everything and we have not been grateful, so His patience is nearly run out and we are about to experience the consequences of pride and self will.
Numbers 14:18
"'The LORD is slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, forgiving iniquity and transgression; but He will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generations.'"
Nahum 1:3
"The LORD is slow to anger and great in power, And the LORD will by no means leave the guilty unpunished In whirlwind and storm is His way, And clouds are the dust beneath His feet."
Jeremiah 7:26-28 "…26"Yet they did not listen to Me or incline their ear, but stiffened their neck; they did more evil than their fathers.
27"You shall speak all these words to them, but they will not listen to you; and you shall call to them, but they will not answer you. 28"You shall say to them, 'This is the nation that did not obey the voice of the LORD their God or accept correction; truth has perished and has been cut off from their mouth.…"
Friday, July 28, 2017
The Devil's Lies
Notice the first thing the devil did was to make Eve question what God said. Doubting God is the biggest ploy of the devil.
Genesis 3:1-3 "3 Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Indeed, has God said, ‘You shall not eat from [x]any tree of the garden’?”
2 The woman said to the serpent, “From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat;
3 but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat from it or touch it, or you will die.’” 4 The serpent said to the woman, “You surely will not die!"
Recently I was struck with the deception that is being propagated among the prosperity preachers. They claim that one lacks faith if they are sick or living in financial difficulties.
Ponder for a moment the fact that the prosperity preachers live lavish and opulent lifestyles that were afforded them by those to which they preach these lies about prosperity.
Notice too that they call God a liar by claiming that we should never be in poverty or illness? The very things God said were an integral part of the believers life.
Matthew 10:22
"22 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved."
Luke 12:52-53 "…52 From now on, five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three. 53 They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”
Prosperity preachers undermine the faith of people by promising wealth and health, when that is not the reality of life. Causing good people to think they are doing something wrong because they don't have these things.
These false teachers desire for the masses to place their trust in them rather than Christ. They do this by claiming untrue thing, getting the people to look to them instead of seeking Christ, while accepting the condition that Christ ordained for them.
Those who look to wealth and health have an attitude of demanding from God that which He may not be willing to give them. Wealth corrupts a person's faith far more than poverty does.
All we have to do in this country is look at what has happened to our culture because we live in wealth. Most people in this country have placed their trust in their wealth, becoming haughty, self righteous and demanding because they think they are special because of their prosperity.
Matthew 19:24 "…23 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is difficult for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.
24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
25 When the disciples heard this they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?"
We should not be treating people with contempt because they lack material wealth, nor should we be treating anyone with great honor because they are wealthy. Both the wealthy and the poor should be treated the same all the time.
James 2:1-7 "2 My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism.
2 For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and there also comes in a poor man in dirty clothes,
3 and you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the fine clothes, and say, “You sit here in a good place,” and you say to the poor man, “You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool,” 4 have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives?
5 Listen, my beloved brethren: did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?
6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Is it not the rich who oppress you and personally drag you into court?
7 Do they not blaspheme the fair name by which you have been called?"
Narcissists will have a tendency to cozy up to both the wealthy and the poor, but their reasons are evil. They cozy up to the wealthy to be elevated in their own eyes, feeling special by association. These people cozy up to the poor to feel superior to them, desiring to control them.
I love God's wisdom, He clearly hates favoritism on any level. All men are equal with God, all have sinned needing a Savior and no one is special. Those who have trusted Christ are not special, it is Christ in them that is Superior to all!
Sadly, many people in this culture elevate those with degrees as though they have a special "in" with God more than anyone else. Each believer has the Holy Spirit and each believer is given a gift and job to do, no gift is better than another, just different. AND, each gift was given to the believer, it is not theirs to claim, as though they are special.
Christ alone is special, He has a purpose in all that we experience and His gifts belong to Him, imparted to us as He sees the need.
Bottom line is this; no one is special, no one is greater than another and only Christ in us is Superior.
Side note: Watch the prosperity preachers a couple of times and it is clear to the discerning eye, that they are full of themselves, deeply invested in wealth and popularity for themselves. These people are narcissists working hard to convince people to send them money. They are scammers and deceivers looking to live lavishly and opulently from the backs of ignorant simple minded people.
Genesis 3:1-3 "3 Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Indeed, has God said, ‘You shall not eat from [x]any tree of the garden’?”
2 The woman said to the serpent, “From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat;
3 but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat from it or touch it, or you will die.’” 4 The serpent said to the woman, “You surely will not die!"
Recently I was struck with the deception that is being propagated among the prosperity preachers. They claim that one lacks faith if they are sick or living in financial difficulties.
Ponder for a moment the fact that the prosperity preachers live lavish and opulent lifestyles that were afforded them by those to which they preach these lies about prosperity.
Notice too that they call God a liar by claiming that we should never be in poverty or illness? The very things God said were an integral part of the believers life.
Matthew 10:22
"22 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved."
Luke 12:52-53 "…52 From now on, five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three. 53 They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”
Prosperity preachers undermine the faith of people by promising wealth and health, when that is not the reality of life. Causing good people to think they are doing something wrong because they don't have these things.
These false teachers desire for the masses to place their trust in them rather than Christ. They do this by claiming untrue thing, getting the people to look to them instead of seeking Christ, while accepting the condition that Christ ordained for them.
Those who look to wealth and health have an attitude of demanding from God that which He may not be willing to give them. Wealth corrupts a person's faith far more than poverty does.
All we have to do in this country is look at what has happened to our culture because we live in wealth. Most people in this country have placed their trust in their wealth, becoming haughty, self righteous and demanding because they think they are special because of their prosperity.
Matthew 19:24 "…23 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is difficult for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.
24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
25 When the disciples heard this they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?"
We should not be treating people with contempt because they lack material wealth, nor should we be treating anyone with great honor because they are wealthy. Both the wealthy and the poor should be treated the same all the time.
James 2:1-7 "2 My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism.
2 For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and there also comes in a poor man in dirty clothes,
3 and you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the fine clothes, and say, “You sit here in a good place,” and you say to the poor man, “You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool,” 4 have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives?
5 Listen, my beloved brethren: did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?
6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Is it not the rich who oppress you and personally drag you into court?
7 Do they not blaspheme the fair name by which you have been called?"
Narcissists will have a tendency to cozy up to both the wealthy and the poor, but their reasons are evil. They cozy up to the wealthy to be elevated in their own eyes, feeling special by association. These people cozy up to the poor to feel superior to them, desiring to control them.
I love God's wisdom, He clearly hates favoritism on any level. All men are equal with God, all have sinned needing a Savior and no one is special. Those who have trusted Christ are not special, it is Christ in them that is Superior to all!
Sadly, many people in this culture elevate those with degrees as though they have a special "in" with God more than anyone else. Each believer has the Holy Spirit and each believer is given a gift and job to do, no gift is better than another, just different. AND, each gift was given to the believer, it is not theirs to claim, as though they are special.
Christ alone is special, He has a purpose in all that we experience and His gifts belong to Him, imparted to us as He sees the need.
Bottom line is this; no one is special, no one is greater than another and only Christ in us is Superior.
Side note: Watch the prosperity preachers a couple of times and it is clear to the discerning eye, that they are full of themselves, deeply invested in wealth and popularity for themselves. These people are narcissists working hard to convince people to send them money. They are scammers and deceivers looking to live lavishly and opulently from the backs of ignorant simple minded people.
Thursday, July 27, 2017
God's Principles or Man's Rules?
If one believes they can lose their salvation, perhaps they never became born again in the first place.
The belief in loss of salvation is the same belief system of every pagan religion. Cults believe that when they come before God their good works are weighed on a scale against their bad works and if the scale tips in the direction of the good works they get to go into heaven. If it tips the other way then they go to hell.
There is no difference between someone who thinks they can lose salvation and those who think their good works get them into heaven.
Those who believe their good works play a part in their salvation, are counting on their good works to get them into heaven, but they never know if they have enough good works.
Islam, JW, Mormon, Buddhism, Hinduism and every other cult depend on their good works but never know if they will make it. This is the same mentality of the "lose your salvation based on your works" crowd.
God says all our good works are as filthy rags, how could they ever play a role in our salvation? Nonsense.
Legalists often are those who think they have to work to keep a salvation they didn't earn. Sadly they are so deeply invested in appearances that they tend to be harsh and inaccurate in their judgments of those who do not adhere to their particular version of the rules.
When God tells us to be modest in our clothing, the legalist comes along and adds extra words to the Bible such as, no heels, perms, hair color, makeup or nail polish for women. God never said any such thing. These are not things God addressed.
Each person must seek Christ in the things dealing with clothing. Yes, there are clothes that are clearly wicked and immodest, everyone knows what that looks like, but other than immodesty, the displaying of the body, God never mentioned make-up, heels, nail polish, hair color or perms.
Ezekiel 16 shows us that God blessed His people with jewelry and other body enhancements. The problem was not the use of these things, it was the misuse of them.
Often legalists walk in fear, they are afraid if they allow someone the freedom to choose for themselves they will not choose wisely, therefore they have to make extra rules to keep people in line. The wrong thinking is that they need to keep people in line, these people lack faith that God can speak to each one. Yes, we need to correct one another from time to time, but we must be sure that we are using the Word and not human wisdom.
There is only one mediator between God and man and that is Christ, not another human being.
I knew of a church that made rules about make-up and Jewelry, often judging people who use these things as unsaved. But the same group of people had fancy shoes, purses and beautiful dresses. I didn't see a difference between the things that were judged as wrong and the things they allowed themselves to use.
This same church gathering had a 15 foot Christmas tree in their lobby at Christmas time. The tree of pagan worship was allowed but the enhancements in clothing and complexion was disallowed. Those who wore the forbidden things were kept at an arms length, while the ones who followed the human rules and loved the Christmas tree were accepted. It was a silly sight to be sure.
Often mankind's version of righteousness is silly, it elevates the unimportant while diminishing the important. There was very little if any mention of the Holy Spirit in the guidance of individuals while the rules were very important.
When legalists make unBiblical rules they have a tendency toward injustice in their assessment of another person's spirituality. They isolate very good people who love the Lord simply because they use an item that violate the human rule.
The Pharisees made many rules that were disgusting to God, place great burdens on the people that God never intended.
Matthew 23:4 " 4 They tie up heavy, burdensome loads and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. 5 All their deeds are done for men to see. They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.…'
It is important that if we confront someone about their sin, it is supported by God in the Word. NO extra interpretation or human thinking should be in our Biblical assessment. Then, it is also important to pray before taking a brother or sister to task over things God may not care anything about.
I would have rebuked the gathering with the Christmas tree about that, but wouldn't care anything about their choice not to wear jewelry or make-up. If someone doesn't want to use these things, that's their business, between them and God. The problems arise when we make rules on others based on our own decisions for God that are not mandated in Scripture.
The belief in loss of salvation is the same belief system of every pagan religion. Cults believe that when they come before God their good works are weighed on a scale against their bad works and if the scale tips in the direction of the good works they get to go into heaven. If it tips the other way then they go to hell.
There is no difference between someone who thinks they can lose salvation and those who think their good works get them into heaven.
Those who believe their good works play a part in their salvation, are counting on their good works to get them into heaven, but they never know if they have enough good works.
Islam, JW, Mormon, Buddhism, Hinduism and every other cult depend on their good works but never know if they will make it. This is the same mentality of the "lose your salvation based on your works" crowd.
God says all our good works are as filthy rags, how could they ever play a role in our salvation? Nonsense.
Legalists often are those who think they have to work to keep a salvation they didn't earn. Sadly they are so deeply invested in appearances that they tend to be harsh and inaccurate in their judgments of those who do not adhere to their particular version of the rules.
When God tells us to be modest in our clothing, the legalist comes along and adds extra words to the Bible such as, no heels, perms, hair color, makeup or nail polish for women. God never said any such thing. These are not things God addressed.
Each person must seek Christ in the things dealing with clothing. Yes, there are clothes that are clearly wicked and immodest, everyone knows what that looks like, but other than immodesty, the displaying of the body, God never mentioned make-up, heels, nail polish, hair color or perms.
Ezekiel 16 shows us that God blessed His people with jewelry and other body enhancements. The problem was not the use of these things, it was the misuse of them.
Often legalists walk in fear, they are afraid if they allow someone the freedom to choose for themselves they will not choose wisely, therefore they have to make extra rules to keep people in line. The wrong thinking is that they need to keep people in line, these people lack faith that God can speak to each one. Yes, we need to correct one another from time to time, but we must be sure that we are using the Word and not human wisdom.
There is only one mediator between God and man and that is Christ, not another human being.
I knew of a church that made rules about make-up and Jewelry, often judging people who use these things as unsaved. But the same group of people had fancy shoes, purses and beautiful dresses. I didn't see a difference between the things that were judged as wrong and the things they allowed themselves to use.
This same church gathering had a 15 foot Christmas tree in their lobby at Christmas time. The tree of pagan worship was allowed but the enhancements in clothing and complexion was disallowed. Those who wore the forbidden things were kept at an arms length, while the ones who followed the human rules and loved the Christmas tree were accepted. It was a silly sight to be sure.
Often mankind's version of righteousness is silly, it elevates the unimportant while diminishing the important. There was very little if any mention of the Holy Spirit in the guidance of individuals while the rules were very important.
When legalists make unBiblical rules they have a tendency toward injustice in their assessment of another person's spirituality. They isolate very good people who love the Lord simply because they use an item that violate the human rule.
The Pharisees made many rules that were disgusting to God, place great burdens on the people that God never intended.
Matthew 23:4 " 4 They tie up heavy, burdensome loads and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. 5 All their deeds are done for men to see. They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.…'
It is important that if we confront someone about their sin, it is supported by God in the Word. NO extra interpretation or human thinking should be in our Biblical assessment. Then, it is also important to pray before taking a brother or sister to task over things God may not care anything about.
I would have rebuked the gathering with the Christmas tree about that, but wouldn't care anything about their choice not to wear jewelry or make-up. If someone doesn't want to use these things, that's their business, between them and God. The problems arise when we make rules on others based on our own decisions for God that are not mandated in Scripture.
Crankiness is a Clue
We can "say" anything, it is our actions and attitudes that prove our heart.
Our heart cannot be different from our actions, if we do something mean, then there is something in our heart that needs to be dealt with, it is not just a "bad hair" day making us cranky.
Crankiness is evidence that God still has more work to do in us.
Ephesians 2:10
"10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Our heart cannot be different from our actions, if we do something mean, then there is something in our heart that needs to be dealt with, it is not just a "bad hair" day making us cranky.
Crankiness is evidence that God still has more work to do in us.
Ephesians 2:10
"10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Our New Creation, The Spirit of Christ
Our spirit is replaced with the Holy Spirit of God when we become born again. I believe this because God tells us that we become a "new creation", not our bodies yet, but our Spirit is not the same spirit we had that we were born with, it's a new Spirit, that of Christ.
When we get our new Spirit, we are so deeply changed everyone should notice. When we experience someone who "became a Christian", but they seem to retain the same old attitudes and actions, one has to wonder if they ever became a new creation through Christ.
Many who say they are Christians even deny the altered state in others who have been changed by Christ. There is a spiritual jealousy, that someone would be completely different from who they were before.
It has been my experience that the people that were my friends before I was saved, liked me better then than they did the new me. AND, some of those who disliked me more after I was born again, were the believers that saw me as their personal project before I was saved. Usually busy judging me and placing extraneous rules that God never commanded. I also have to wonder about the Christians who are not excited when we become changed, perhaps they never became changed and it is a conviction to them.
God will have to sort out all this, but I know in my life, as I grew in the Lord, became on fire and addressed everything with the Word of God, the "Christians" were irritated and even got worse in their attitude toward me. Perhaps those who like me better as a non-believer were never born again themselves.
The deception of pretenders is very good often. They can say the right words, but they are cliquey, self righteous and demanding that we obey their version of rules, often unconcerned about the Bible they violate constantly.
We are not born again by following rules, nor do we keep our salvation through good works. However, when we are changed into a new creation, we are so dramatically changed that others notice it, even becoming irritated about the change.
Praise the Lord that we no longer have to walk according to the principle of man, we can obey the principles of God without guilt and even with great joy, even if no one goes with us.
God says that Jesus Christ is the WORD!
Psalm 119:105 "105 Your Word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."
John 1:1 "1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning."
We follow Christ the Word, not man who loves to make up things to satisfy their own pride.
When we get our new Spirit, we are so deeply changed everyone should notice. When we experience someone who "became a Christian", but they seem to retain the same old attitudes and actions, one has to wonder if they ever became a new creation through Christ.
Many who say they are Christians even deny the altered state in others who have been changed by Christ. There is a spiritual jealousy, that someone would be completely different from who they were before.
It has been my experience that the people that were my friends before I was saved, liked me better then than they did the new me. AND, some of those who disliked me more after I was born again, were the believers that saw me as their personal project before I was saved. Usually busy judging me and placing extraneous rules that God never commanded. I also have to wonder about the Christians who are not excited when we become changed, perhaps they never became changed and it is a conviction to them.
God will have to sort out all this, but I know in my life, as I grew in the Lord, became on fire and addressed everything with the Word of God, the "Christians" were irritated and even got worse in their attitude toward me. Perhaps those who like me better as a non-believer were never born again themselves.
The deception of pretenders is very good often. They can say the right words, but they are cliquey, self righteous and demanding that we obey their version of rules, often unconcerned about the Bible they violate constantly.
We are not born again by following rules, nor do we keep our salvation through good works. However, when we are changed into a new creation, we are so dramatically changed that others notice it, even becoming irritated about the change.
Praise the Lord that we no longer have to walk according to the principle of man, we can obey the principles of God without guilt and even with great joy, even if no one goes with us.
God says that Jesus Christ is the WORD!
Psalm 119:105 "105 Your Word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."
John 1:1 "1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning."
We follow Christ the Word, not man who loves to make up things to satisfy their own pride.
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
Difficulties Reveal the Real Us
Difficulties and challenges do not make us what we are, it reveals what is inside. Our flesh can only hide and pretend so long, then eventually the first good bit of stress will bring out the real us!
James 1:2-4
"2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Those who are stubborn will not grow, their only result in trials is to become even more staunch in their rebellion, resulting deeper lack of kindness and empathy. Their heart becomes harder as apposed to the heart of a repentant person who becomes softer and more loving.
James 1:12 "12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."
Resistance to correction only brings hardness and lack of understanding.
Compliance to Christ in trials brings kindness, empathy and devotion to Him and others.
James 1:2-4
"2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Those who are stubborn will not grow, their only result in trials is to become even more staunch in their rebellion, resulting deeper lack of kindness and empathy. Their heart becomes harder as apposed to the heart of a repentant person who becomes softer and more loving.
James 1:12 "12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."
Resistance to correction only brings hardness and lack of understanding.
Compliance to Christ in trials brings kindness, empathy and devotion to Him and others.
Monday, July 24, 2017
He Prays For Us
Jesus Christ in us prays on our behalf!
Romans 8:26-27 "26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know how we ought to pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words. 27 And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.…"
Romans 8:26-27 "26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know how we ought to pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words. 27 And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.…"
We Can Understand Revelation
The book of Revelation is NOT hard to understand, it is only hard to believe.
Only through the Holy Spirit will we be able to understand it. The signs are everywhere now as we are living out the very end of the end.
Hallelujah, those of us who know the Lord know what is happening and where we are going when it is all over.
Only through the Holy Spirit will we be able to understand it. The signs are everywhere now as we are living out the very end of the end.
Hallelujah, those of us who know the Lord know what is happening and where we are going when it is all over.
Praying Isn't Evidence of Salvation
Most people are in denial and practice "pretending" often. They make up things in their head that they want to believe and repeat it as though it is truth. I am running into this all the time, people will say things that are clearly not true and when challenged about it's authenticity according to the Bible, they say, "we just have to believe." My answer is, that it is important "what" we believe, just believing doesn't make something true. They do this same thing with "praying", they get all excited when a public official prays, even when we know that person is not born again, as though praying is evidence of something good.
Buddhists pray, Catholics pray, Jehovah's Witness pray, all the cults pray even Satanist. Praying is not an indication that someone is saved or that they are spiritual.
Praying has become a ritual in this country merely as a means of comforting ourselves in difficult or sad situations, it means nothing unless we are praying to the One True God and in the name of Jesus Christ.
I have to wonder about those who say, "but at least he prayed", in reference to our president when in a public place, such as the western wall. God hates the prayers of unbelievers, He hates for unbelievers to proclaim Him. It matters who witnesses Christ and it matters Whom to which we pray.
Acts 16:17-19 "…17 This girl followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation.” 18 She continued this for many days. Eventually Paul grew so aggravated that he turned and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” And the spirit left her at that very moment. 19 When the girl’s owners saw that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them before the authorities in the marketplace.…"
The demon possessed girl was a seer, Paul didn't want her going around saying the right things, it would have given her credibility in her divination.
Please do not get excited merely because someone prayed publicly, it is often a show and means nothing. Get excited when someone becomes broken over their sin, is changed into a new creation and the evidence they exhibit will be the fruit of the Spirit and a completely changed outlook as well as behavior.
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."
Those who have become born again don't have to go around bragging about the new them, everyone who knew them will see the change in everything about them. They will have a love for the Lord and a fervor that is evident to all. Galatians tells us all about it in chapter 5.
Buddhists pray, Catholics pray, Jehovah's Witness pray, all the cults pray even Satanist. Praying is not an indication that someone is saved or that they are spiritual.
Praying has become a ritual in this country merely as a means of comforting ourselves in difficult or sad situations, it means nothing unless we are praying to the One True God and in the name of Jesus Christ.
I have to wonder about those who say, "but at least he prayed", in reference to our president when in a public place, such as the western wall. God hates the prayers of unbelievers, He hates for unbelievers to proclaim Him. It matters who witnesses Christ and it matters Whom to which we pray.
Acts 16:17-19 "…17 This girl followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation.” 18 She continued this for many days. Eventually Paul grew so aggravated that he turned and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” And the spirit left her at that very moment. 19 When the girl’s owners saw that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them before the authorities in the marketplace.…"
The demon possessed girl was a seer, Paul didn't want her going around saying the right things, it would have given her credibility in her divination.
Please do not get excited merely because someone prayed publicly, it is often a show and means nothing. Get excited when someone becomes broken over their sin, is changed into a new creation and the evidence they exhibit will be the fruit of the Spirit and a completely changed outlook as well as behavior.
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."
Those who have become born again don't have to go around bragging about the new them, everyone who knew them will see the change in everything about them. They will have a love for the Lord and a fervor that is evident to all. Galatians tells us all about it in chapter 5.
Sunday, July 23, 2017
Shame Shame Shame!
It is shocking these days what people will do that just one generation ago few would, or at least those who want to be considered decent would hate.
This reminds me too, of the Cannabis crowd. Only foolish young people smoked it in the 70's, the wild and the rebellious fringe partook.
Now we see old people and their adult children in our town going into those pot stores. People we never thought would ever indulge are now doing it because it is legal. This just goes to show that often laws keep people from things while their heart wants to indulge.
We need these laws to keep people under control to protect society. When we legalize sin, that's when the pulse of the culture is revealed.
Decent people who care about others don't need laws, they will do what is right no matter what the law says is legal. It's those who harbored rebellion in their heart all along who jump on the next band wagon that allows them to be immoral through the removing of laws that restrain behavior, who will be seen engaging in sin as soon as the law allows.
1 Timothy 1:8-10 "…8 Now we know that the Law is good, if one uses it legitimately. 9 We realize that law is not enacted for the righteous, but for the lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinful, for the unholy and profane, for killers of father or mother, for murderers, 10 for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave traders and liars and perjurers, and for anyone else who is averse to sound teaching…"
Is anyone righteous really shocked at the explosion of homosexuality and other perversions? Perhaps when the laws are removed that restrain sin, we are exposed to the true hearts of those that will openly indulge. Not only are they openly indulging in sin, they are getting up in the faces of those who want nothing to do with it. Their goal is to intimidate everyone in the culture to fear rejection when they speak truth boldly against sin.
Since all shame has been removed, allowing full expression of it, things we thought we would never see openly in our culture are walking the streets blatantly and unashamedly.
Jeremiah 6:14-15 "…14"They have healed the brokenness of My people superficially, Saying, 'Peace, peace,' But there is no peace. 15"Were they ashamed because of the abomination they have done? They were not even ashamed at all; They did not even know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; At the time that I punish them, They shall be cast down," says the LORD."
Notice verse 14 of the Jeremiah passage above? "They have healed the brokenness of My people SUPERFICIALLY."
The modern solution of saving people from illegal conduct, is to legalize it so there is no penalty for it. Instead of counseling them to turn from sin, they remove the restraint, only managing to increase the problem while offering no escape from the sin.
AND, I don't believe the lie the sellers are propagating that Cannabis is needed for medical problems. There are many legal drugs out there that help with all kinds of pain, this is just a pile of bovine fecal matter.
Portland Oregon has been handing out clean needles to hard drug addicts for years. The powers that be, are perverse enough to think they are being kind in doing this. They can keep them drug addicts, living in the streets, destroying their families as well as themselves, but at least the clean needle will keep them from getting AIDS. This is what God calls the "foolishness of the worlds wisdom."
God's solution is to bring the addict to Christ, give them the means to clean up their lives while encouraging them in the ways of righteousness. When God cleans us up, families are restored, immorality is removed and a life of purpose and productivity returns.
The world can't stand that someone will be unhappy for a short time for a cure to be administered. They would rather see the person on drugs remain a despicable, a drain on themselves and society, than to see them successful and productive.
This is the world's idea of love, let someone stay sick and miserable until they die in a dark place alone one day. The world's way is not love nor is it helpful! The devil is the author of these worldly methods, he loves that people are destroyed at their own hands through weakness.
This idea of helping someone to die or laughing at their calamity through indifference, reminds me of the story in Florida, of teenagers this last week who watched a man drown while mocking and laughing at him without lifting a finger to help him. Why is giving illegal drugs to addicts any different from this story of the drowning man.
Evil men throw a 50 pound weight to someone who is drowning, laughing mockingly as the life is sucked out of him. If anyone gives a clean needle to an addict so he can continue his destruction is no different from the teenagers who watched the man drown.
God's love doesn't look like that, He cares about helping someone become what He intended for them, that is holy, righteous and clean in body soul and spirit.
No one but a devil could help someone harm themselves or stand by and watch them struggle without help. Shame on these devils, shame shame!!!!
This reminds me too, of the Cannabis crowd. Only foolish young people smoked it in the 70's, the wild and the rebellious fringe partook.
Now we see old people and their adult children in our town going into those pot stores. People we never thought would ever indulge are now doing it because it is legal. This just goes to show that often laws keep people from things while their heart wants to indulge.
We need these laws to keep people under control to protect society. When we legalize sin, that's when the pulse of the culture is revealed.
Decent people who care about others don't need laws, they will do what is right no matter what the law says is legal. It's those who harbored rebellion in their heart all along who jump on the next band wagon that allows them to be immoral through the removing of laws that restrain behavior, who will be seen engaging in sin as soon as the law allows.
1 Timothy 1:8-10 "…8 Now we know that the Law is good, if one uses it legitimately. 9 We realize that law is not enacted for the righteous, but for the lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinful, for the unholy and profane, for killers of father or mother, for murderers, 10 for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave traders and liars and perjurers, and for anyone else who is averse to sound teaching…"
Is anyone righteous really shocked at the explosion of homosexuality and other perversions? Perhaps when the laws are removed that restrain sin, we are exposed to the true hearts of those that will openly indulge. Not only are they openly indulging in sin, they are getting up in the faces of those who want nothing to do with it. Their goal is to intimidate everyone in the culture to fear rejection when they speak truth boldly against sin.
Since all shame has been removed, allowing full expression of it, things we thought we would never see openly in our culture are walking the streets blatantly and unashamedly.
Jeremiah 6:14-15 "…14"They have healed the brokenness of My people superficially, Saying, 'Peace, peace,' But there is no peace. 15"Were they ashamed because of the abomination they have done? They were not even ashamed at all; They did not even know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; At the time that I punish them, They shall be cast down," says the LORD."
Notice verse 14 of the Jeremiah passage above? "They have healed the brokenness of My people SUPERFICIALLY."
The modern solution of saving people from illegal conduct, is to legalize it so there is no penalty for it. Instead of counseling them to turn from sin, they remove the restraint, only managing to increase the problem while offering no escape from the sin.
AND, I don't believe the lie the sellers are propagating that Cannabis is needed for medical problems. There are many legal drugs out there that help with all kinds of pain, this is just a pile of bovine fecal matter.
Portland Oregon has been handing out clean needles to hard drug addicts for years. The powers that be, are perverse enough to think they are being kind in doing this. They can keep them drug addicts, living in the streets, destroying their families as well as themselves, but at least the clean needle will keep them from getting AIDS. This is what God calls the "foolishness of the worlds wisdom."
God's solution is to bring the addict to Christ, give them the means to clean up their lives while encouraging them in the ways of righteousness. When God cleans us up, families are restored, immorality is removed and a life of purpose and productivity returns.
The world can't stand that someone will be unhappy for a short time for a cure to be administered. They would rather see the person on drugs remain a despicable, a drain on themselves and society, than to see them successful and productive.
This is the world's idea of love, let someone stay sick and miserable until they die in a dark place alone one day. The world's way is not love nor is it helpful! The devil is the author of these worldly methods, he loves that people are destroyed at their own hands through weakness.
This idea of helping someone to die or laughing at their calamity through indifference, reminds me of the story in Florida, of teenagers this last week who watched a man drown while mocking and laughing at him without lifting a finger to help him. Why is giving illegal drugs to addicts any different from this story of the drowning man.
Evil men throw a 50 pound weight to someone who is drowning, laughing mockingly as the life is sucked out of him. If anyone gives a clean needle to an addict so he can continue his destruction is no different from the teenagers who watched the man drown.
God's love doesn't look like that, He cares about helping someone become what He intended for them, that is holy, righteous and clean in body soul and spirit.
No one but a devil could help someone harm themselves or stand by and watch them struggle without help. Shame on these devils, shame shame!!!!
Saturday, July 22, 2017
Submission to Christ
We are never to be in total submission to any human being. We are to be in total submission to Christ.
Submission to humans is limited based on what they want us to do. When someone asks us to disobey God, then we are to ignore the request of the human to obey God first.
When others desire us to do things with them or on their behalf, then we are to evaluate the request in terms of God's principles.
We enjoy doing things for others when it is in line with the principles of God, but we are in sin when we obey an authority that commands us to disobey God.
There will be many consequences as we obey Christ. Family members will be angry at us for not participating in events and rituals that we know dishonor God.
On more than one occasion we have been asked to attend the wedding of divorced people. We have declined because we know that divorce and remarriage dishonors and disobeys God, therefore we cannot participate to validate these things.
We can be friendly with a divorced person, many are in this condition through no fault of their own and they did not want the divorce, but we cannot validate a remarriage by attending or congratulating a remarriage.
Psalm 40:8
"I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your Law is within my heart."
Psalm 143:10
"Teach me to do Your will, For You are my God; Let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground."
Matthew 12:50
"For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother."
Romans 12:2
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."
Ephesians 6:6
"not by way of eye service, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart."
Submission to humans is limited based on what they want us to do. When someone asks us to disobey God, then we are to ignore the request of the human to obey God first.
When others desire us to do things with them or on their behalf, then we are to evaluate the request in terms of God's principles.
We enjoy doing things for others when it is in line with the principles of God, but we are in sin when we obey an authority that commands us to disobey God.
There will be many consequences as we obey Christ. Family members will be angry at us for not participating in events and rituals that we know dishonor God.
On more than one occasion we have been asked to attend the wedding of divorced people. We have declined because we know that divorce and remarriage dishonors and disobeys God, therefore we cannot participate to validate these things.
We can be friendly with a divorced person, many are in this condition through no fault of their own and they did not want the divorce, but we cannot validate a remarriage by attending or congratulating a remarriage.
Psalm 40:8
"I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your Law is within my heart."
Psalm 143:10
"Teach me to do Your will, For You are my God; Let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground."
Matthew 12:50
"For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother."
Romans 12:2
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."
Ephesians 6:6
"not by way of eye service, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart."
Tolerating Sin is Sin
We should never "tolerate" sinful things, we should remove ourselves from those who practice them, so as not to give the impression that we approve.
To remain silent is the same as approving. Tolerance is just another word for letting everything be as it is to make everyone comfortable.
Why should we "tolerate"? So as not to bring any sadness to the one who is sinning. Being silent in the face of blatant sin, is helping the sinner to enjoy their sin without bad feelings.
I tolerate someone who is taking a long time to get out of a parking lot, because parking is not all that important and it is not sin to take longer than someone else would like you to.
But I cannot tolerate sin by using pleasing words or remaining in the presence of those who practice sin. Especially if that someone claims to be a believer.
1 Corinthians 5:11-12 "11 But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a verbal abuser, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat. 12 What business of mine is it to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?…"
We might ask ourselves the question, "why are so many churches tolerating sin in their midst. Many churches are ignoring the sin and embracing people who claim to be Christian, who are shacking up, outside of the bonds of marriage. Those who shack up and those who approve by their friendliness and silence are all sinning.
Romans 1:31-32 "…31 They are senseless, faithless, heartless, merciless. 32 Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things are worthy of death, they not only continue to do these things, but also approve of those who practice them."
To remain silent is the same as approving. Tolerance is just another word for letting everything be as it is to make everyone comfortable.
Why should we "tolerate"? So as not to bring any sadness to the one who is sinning. Being silent in the face of blatant sin, is helping the sinner to enjoy their sin without bad feelings.
I tolerate someone who is taking a long time to get out of a parking lot, because parking is not all that important and it is not sin to take longer than someone else would like you to.
But I cannot tolerate sin by using pleasing words or remaining in the presence of those who practice sin. Especially if that someone claims to be a believer.
1 Corinthians 5:11-12 "11 But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a verbal abuser, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat. 12 What business of mine is it to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?…"
We might ask ourselves the question, "why are so many churches tolerating sin in their midst. Many churches are ignoring the sin and embracing people who claim to be Christian, who are shacking up, outside of the bonds of marriage. Those who shack up and those who approve by their friendliness and silence are all sinning.
Romans 1:31-32 "…31 They are senseless, faithless, heartless, merciless. 32 Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things are worthy of death, they not only continue to do these things, but also approve of those who practice them."
Rest in Christ, the Cure
Friday, July 21, 2017
It is a Command From God
2 Timothy 3:5 "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power: from such turn away 2 Timothy 3:5
I take this as a command, if we remain with those who hate God and have made their choice against Him, we are COMMANDED to turn away from them.
2 Corinthians 6:14-15 " 14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? 15 What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?…"
Many believers refuse to remove themselves from ungodly people who refuse to obey Christ. Even those who say they are Christians but refuse to listen when they are in sin, we are commanded to remove ourselves from them.
I take this as a command, if we remain with those who hate God and have made their choice against Him, we are COMMANDED to turn away from them.
2 Corinthians 6:14-15 " 14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? 15 What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?…"
Many believers refuse to remove themselves from ungodly people who refuse to obey Christ. Even those who say they are Christians but refuse to listen when they are in sin, we are commanded to remove ourselves from them.
Justifying Sin Reveals the Heart
I have a hard time believing a born again believer would "justify" their sin when God clearly hates it and cannot even come in the presence of sin, so much so that Christ had to die to atone for it.
I am beginning to be more blatant in my dealings with those who claim to be Christian, those are the ones who are suppose to hate sin and feel shame if they have a weak moment of sin. A strong rebuke is in order for the believer who defends sin.
Those who love their sin cannot be born again, it's pretty simple.
Believers who have been changed by Christ into a new creation hate their sin and want to be cleansed. They even feel terrible at having a wrong attitude, before it even becomes an action.
SO!!!! Here's the thing, if you still love your sin, become enraged when confronted about it and refuse to confess it as sin, then you are not born again, you are a pretender, a faker and will not see the Kingdom of God.
John 3:18-20 "…18 Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness more than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.…"
If you do not hate the sin in you, then you have not been changed into a new creation, you do not have the Holy Spirit and you have never been born again.
Sadly, there are many in the church gatherings like this, they have no concern about sin, are not broken over it and often refuse to seek God for cleansing. Why do I think this? It is because those who love Christ love to walk in the light and they hate the darkness.
I am beginning to be more blatant in my dealings with those who claim to be Christian, those are the ones who are suppose to hate sin and feel shame if they have a weak moment of sin. A strong rebuke is in order for the believer who defends sin.
Those who love their sin cannot be born again, it's pretty simple.
Believers who have been changed by Christ into a new creation hate their sin and want to be cleansed. They even feel terrible at having a wrong attitude, before it even becomes an action.
SO!!!! Here's the thing, if you still love your sin, become enraged when confronted about it and refuse to confess it as sin, then you are not born again, you are a pretender, a faker and will not see the Kingdom of God.
John 3:18-20 "…18 Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness more than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.…"
If you do not hate the sin in you, then you have not been changed into a new creation, you do not have the Holy Spirit and you have never been born again.
Sadly, there are many in the church gatherings like this, they have no concern about sin, are not broken over it and often refuse to seek God for cleansing. Why do I think this? It is because those who love Christ love to walk in the light and they hate the darkness.
Loving the Lord Shows
Those who love the Lord cannot get enough of the Word of God, they also love to hear it from others. When there is a sense of embarrassment at the mention of the name of Christ we are witnessing a clue about the one who shrinks from speech about God.
1 Corinthians 4:10 "…9 For it seems to me that God has displayed us apostles at the end of the procession, like prisoners appointed for death. We have become a spectacle to the whole world, to angels as well as to men. 10 We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honored, but we are dishonored. 11 To this very hour we are hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clad, we are brutally treated, we are homeless.…"
1 Corinthians 4:10 "…9 For it seems to me that God has displayed us apostles at the end of the procession, like prisoners appointed for death. We have become a spectacle to the whole world, to angels as well as to men. 10 We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honored, but we are dishonored. 11 To this very hour we are hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clad, we are brutally treated, we are homeless.…"
There Must Be Shame
An authentic believer senses a deep shame when they sin. If someone does not have this sense of shame, even defending their sin, then I am doubtful that they have the Holy Spirit.
One who does not have the Holy Spirit is not born again and never has been.
Many who call themselves "Christian" have never been born again, they have merely made the decision to join a group or church gathering, there was never a sense of shame or regret over their sinfulness.
Without brokenness over sin, a person cannot become born again.
Matthew 5:3-4 "3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.…"
A refusal to admit sinfulness is the biggest clue that someone has never become born again.
Those who have mourned, leaned their sinfulness and turned to Christ to be changed into a new creation by Him, are deeply comforted, while the joy floods into their hearts from the realization that Christ paid the penalty of sin and will be the one to do the work in them.
Ephesians 2:10
"10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
If someone believes they are keeping their salvation by their own works, good deeds or lack of bad behavior, they cannot be trusting Christ, they are still attempting to make into heaven by their own efforts.
Ephesians 2:8-9
"8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast."
One who does not have the Holy Spirit is not born again and never has been.
Many who call themselves "Christian" have never been born again, they have merely made the decision to join a group or church gathering, there was never a sense of shame or regret over their sinfulness.
Without brokenness over sin, a person cannot become born again.
Matthew 5:3-4 "3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.…"
A refusal to admit sinfulness is the biggest clue that someone has never become born again.
Those who have mourned, leaned their sinfulness and turned to Christ to be changed into a new creation by Him, are deeply comforted, while the joy floods into their hearts from the realization that Christ paid the penalty of sin and will be the one to do the work in them.
Ephesians 2:10
"10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
If someone believes they are keeping their salvation by their own works, good deeds or lack of bad behavior, they cannot be trusting Christ, they are still attempting to make into heaven by their own efforts.
Ephesians 2:8-9
"8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Thursday, July 20, 2017
Play Acting Produces Nothing
Play acting producing nothing of substance, merely fools some people part of the time, it never fools God.
Actors in movies are not the people they portray, they are merely pretending.
So many people are "play acting" in their Christianity. They pretend they walk with God but have no real desire to please Him. We know this because they violate more of God's principles in His Word than they obey, even becoming hostile when it is pointed out.
An authentic believer who desires to please God will be ashamed rather than angry when told they are violating one of God's principles. It is those who rage that reveal a heart of pride and rebellion.
Those that are ashamed and go to prayer, will not rage or become angry, they will go to prayer to see if it is true and then begin to have a changed heart that results in changed behavior. The change in the authentic believer is permanent, they will not repeat the same things again because the desire to do it has left them entirely.
John 14:15 "15 If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever—…"
Actors in movies are not the people they portray, they are merely pretending.
So many people are "play acting" in their Christianity. They pretend they walk with God but have no real desire to please Him. We know this because they violate more of God's principles in His Word than they obey, even becoming hostile when it is pointed out.
An authentic believer who desires to please God will be ashamed rather than angry when told they are violating one of God's principles. It is those who rage that reveal a heart of pride and rebellion.
Those that are ashamed and go to prayer, will not rage or become angry, they will go to prayer to see if it is true and then begin to have a changed heart that results in changed behavior. The change in the authentic believer is permanent, they will not repeat the same things again because the desire to do it has left them entirely.
John 14:15 "15 If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever—…"
Confession is the Key
As believers we must confess our sin to remain in fellowship with Jesus Christ Who lives in us. If we do not confess He will not hear our prayers and we can expect discipline, sometimes very devastating consequences for stubbornness.
1 Peter 3:7 "Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with your wives with understanding, giving honor unto the wife as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers be not hindered."
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?…"
When we refuse to admit our sin and confess it, God will discipline, ignore our prayers and leave us to the wiles of the devil to bring us to the end of ourselves. Without confession there will be no turning from the sin, only the appearance of turning, the heart remains the same. Pretending to confess without a heart change is not a turning but a remaining. When we confess sin with the desire to be cleansed by Christ, only then will there be a change of heart that results in a change in behavior.
If there is an attempt at changing the behavior without confession then pride remains and the change is temporary and fleshly. It is only through Christ changing the heart that brings on permanent and authentic change, the heart has been changed by Christ, rather than just a man attempting to change their behavior without confessing. It is only through confession with the desire to be changed, that brings about a transformation of the spirit.
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."
This phrase is very important but many people miss it entirely in human relationship and their relationship with Christ, "IF WE CONFESS OUR SINS."
Until we recognize that we are nothing before God, that we have no wisdom to offer within ourselves, He will leave us to ourselves, often the consequences of this are life long.
Refusal to confess is the proof that someone remains in pride.
Those who are not born again, must confess their sinfulness and trust Christ for their salvation. God does not bless those who are not His, He will leave them to their own devices while life will be their teacher and discipline. Those who live according to their own flesh, don't know that their way gets them nothing spiritually and will become more and more depraved in their thinking the longer they resist Christ.
Romans 1:28-32 "28 And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper,
29 being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips,
30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents,
31 without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful;
32 and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them."
Even though one may not engage in the depraved actions of others, they will be held accountable for what they accept and endorse in the depravity of others.
So many people think all they have to do is pretend their offenses didn't happen, act better next time and all will be over for a better relationship. This does not only NOT work for human relationships but it also does not work between man and God.
God wants repentance, sorrow and an earnestness to be changed by Him. Attempting to change oneself without confession and without God's help will only result in a phony appearance that will not last. The slightest challenge by anyone in the next encounter will reveal the lack of authenticity in a person's heart. Play acting producing nothing of substance, merely fools some people part of the time, it never fools God.
Proverbs 15:3
"The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good."
The solution to sinfulness in the believers heart is to confess it and ask Christ to change us to become more holy.
2 Peter 3:18 " 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen."
The solution for the unsaved, is to confess before God their need for salvation in Jesus Christ, then He will come to live in them and begin the lifelong process of cleansing them.
Luke 19:10
"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
John 14:6
"Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
No one gets away with anything, even if it looks that way. Believers who sin will be disciplined and non-believers are lost in their sin without hope unless they come to Christ.
1 Peter 3:7 "Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with your wives with understanding, giving honor unto the wife as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers be not hindered."
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?…"
When we refuse to admit our sin and confess it, God will discipline, ignore our prayers and leave us to the wiles of the devil to bring us to the end of ourselves. Without confession there will be no turning from the sin, only the appearance of turning, the heart remains the same. Pretending to confess without a heart change is not a turning but a remaining. When we confess sin with the desire to be cleansed by Christ, only then will there be a change of heart that results in a change in behavior.
If there is an attempt at changing the behavior without confession then pride remains and the change is temporary and fleshly. It is only through Christ changing the heart that brings on permanent and authentic change, the heart has been changed by Christ, rather than just a man attempting to change their behavior without confessing. It is only through confession with the desire to be changed, that brings about a transformation of the spirit.
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."
This phrase is very important but many people miss it entirely in human relationship and their relationship with Christ, "IF WE CONFESS OUR SINS."
Until we recognize that we are nothing before God, that we have no wisdom to offer within ourselves, He will leave us to ourselves, often the consequences of this are life long.
Refusal to confess is the proof that someone remains in pride.
Those who are not born again, must confess their sinfulness and trust Christ for their salvation. God does not bless those who are not His, He will leave them to their own devices while life will be their teacher and discipline. Those who live according to their own flesh, don't know that their way gets them nothing spiritually and will become more and more depraved in their thinking the longer they resist Christ.
Romans 1:28-32 "28 And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper,
29 being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips,
30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents,
31 without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful;
32 and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them."
Even though one may not engage in the depraved actions of others, they will be held accountable for what they accept and endorse in the depravity of others.
So many people think all they have to do is pretend their offenses didn't happen, act better next time and all will be over for a better relationship. This does not only NOT work for human relationships but it also does not work between man and God.
God wants repentance, sorrow and an earnestness to be changed by Him. Attempting to change oneself without confession and without God's help will only result in a phony appearance that will not last. The slightest challenge by anyone in the next encounter will reveal the lack of authenticity in a person's heart. Play acting producing nothing of substance, merely fools some people part of the time, it never fools God.
Proverbs 15:3
"The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good."
The solution to sinfulness in the believers heart is to confess it and ask Christ to change us to become more holy.
2 Peter 3:18 " 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen."
The solution for the unsaved, is to confess before God their need for salvation in Jesus Christ, then He will come to live in them and begin the lifelong process of cleansing them.
Luke 19:10
"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
John 14:6
"Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
No one gets away with anything, even if it looks that way. Believers who sin will be disciplined and non-believers are lost in their sin without hope unless they come to Christ.
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
We Were Taught To Work
Follow the Link and then read the below comments?
https://www.facebook.com/coolgoodolddays/photos/a.584086731776739.1073741828.580909025427843/704635399721871/?type=3&theater
YEP! My cousin and I went out with a wagon one day and collected more than 200 beer bottles. LOL We got a whole penny apiece for them. Those were the days when many people still threw their bottles out the window and, driving and drinking was norm. We lived in the country, we wandered all over the countryside collecting those bottles from ditches and beside barns.
Of course the bottle collecting had to be on the days when the berries were not ready for picking. When the fields were ripe we spent all day six days a week in the fields picking blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, boysenberries, beans, blue berries and thornless blackberries toward the end of the summer. We began our work in the berry fields when we were eight years old.
We got whooped if we were found too late in the bed in the morning, when there was money to be made in the fields. I never looked upon those days as bad, they were how we learned to work and save money to buy our bicycles, school clothes and school supplies.
The child labor laws began in the seventies and have ruined the next generations, taking from them the valuable lessons of the berry fields. How to work in the hot sun of the afternoon and the cold mornings, even when we were miserable for a short time, we did it anyway. Nowadays children whine at the sight of work, practically demanding that they not have to do any or thinking they have to be paid union wages for their menial work.
We never had a dull moment in the country, we climbed trees, built forts and dams across the creek, when we were not working. We never dared say to our parents that we were bored, if we did we were given some more work to do. There was always work in the country.
We were too tired at the end of the day in the summer to even think about getting into trouble, not to mention we knew if we were naughty, not only were we in trouble with the neighbors but with our parents too. Parents backed one another up back then. Only the bad parents defended their children when they were naughty. I think it was because good parents cared more about their children's character than their feelings about getting whooped.
Those were the "good ole days" that I remember, not that they were easy or perfect, but we learned far more lessons than the children can learn now, life is just simply too easy for American children.
We didn't have many toys, we had the entire outdoors for our adventure, no need for lots of fancy toys. I don't miss those days really, for me they are over, but I miss them for the children of today who miss out on this life of adventure to keep their faces in meaningless and time wasting electronics.
Lord Come Quickly!!!!!
https://www.facebook.com/coolgoodolddays/photos/a.584086731776739.1073741828.580909025427843/704635399721871/?type=3&theater
YEP! My cousin and I went out with a wagon one day and collected more than 200 beer bottles. LOL We got a whole penny apiece for them. Those were the days when many people still threw their bottles out the window and, driving and drinking was norm. We lived in the country, we wandered all over the countryside collecting those bottles from ditches and beside barns.
Of course the bottle collecting had to be on the days when the berries were not ready for picking. When the fields were ripe we spent all day six days a week in the fields picking blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, boysenberries, beans, blue berries and thornless blackberries toward the end of the summer. We began our work in the berry fields when we were eight years old.
We got whooped if we were found too late in the bed in the morning, when there was money to be made in the fields. I never looked upon those days as bad, they were how we learned to work and save money to buy our bicycles, school clothes and school supplies.
The child labor laws began in the seventies and have ruined the next generations, taking from them the valuable lessons of the berry fields. How to work in the hot sun of the afternoon and the cold mornings, even when we were miserable for a short time, we did it anyway. Nowadays children whine at the sight of work, practically demanding that they not have to do any or thinking they have to be paid union wages for their menial work.
We never had a dull moment in the country, we climbed trees, built forts and dams across the creek, when we were not working. We never dared say to our parents that we were bored, if we did we were given some more work to do. There was always work in the country.
We were too tired at the end of the day in the summer to even think about getting into trouble, not to mention we knew if we were naughty, not only were we in trouble with the neighbors but with our parents too. Parents backed one another up back then. Only the bad parents defended their children when they were naughty. I think it was because good parents cared more about their children's character than their feelings about getting whooped.
Those were the "good ole days" that I remember, not that they were easy or perfect, but we learned far more lessons than the children can learn now, life is just simply too easy for American children.
We didn't have many toys, we had the entire outdoors for our adventure, no need for lots of fancy toys. I don't miss those days really, for me they are over, but I miss them for the children of today who miss out on this life of adventure to keep their faces in meaningless and time wasting electronics.
Lord Come Quickly!!!!!
Entering God's Rest
How to enter Godly rest?
Believe God's promises, He never breaks His promises.
2 Timothy 2:13-14 "13 if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself. 14 Remind the believers of these things, charging them before God to avoid quarreling over words; this is in no way profitable, and leads its listeners to ruin.…"
Believe God's promises, He never breaks His promises.
2 Timothy 2:13-14 "13 if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself. 14 Remind the believers of these things, charging them before God to avoid quarreling over words; this is in no way profitable, and leads its listeners to ruin.…"
Worship of the Body
The fads that catch us off guard making us believe, to enjoy excellence, we must use extra measures to make things perfect and that we should only listen to the experts, says something about us.
About 30 years ago there was a fad that everyone should have their "colors" done in order to be sure they are wearing the colors than enhance their complexion.
A friend wanted me to do my colors at a cost that would have been considered expensive then.
I asked a couple of questions to clarify why anyone would spend that kind of money just to find out which colors looked best on them .
"What if I had something in my closet that was the wrong color for me, but I liked it." My friend told me that I probably didn't have any colors in my closet that I couldn't wear because we naturally gravitate toward the colors that look best on us. But then the question remained, what would I do if I had something in my closet that doesn't look good with my skin. The answer came back, "you would have to get rid of it and buy new things."
O.K. Then, why would I need to have someone hold swatches up to my face to determine the right colors for me if my natural tendency was to gravitate toward the colors that look good on me? I am not the kind of person who does excellence when it would only produce a very small improvement that would hardly be noticeable. Also it makes no sense to have my colors done when I already gravitate to those that look good on me. Next, I am the kind of person who would wear something I like even if the color were not perfect for me. Whether it impresses someone else is not very important to me, I wear what I like to wear.
Excellence is a good thing but striving for perfection is an exercise in futility, since we live in an imperfect world. Doing a great job should be good enough, perfection is not attainable.
So often these marketing schemes that sell us things are geared toward those who do not think for themselves. Appealing to their desire to look great in their appearance, the clothing and cosmetic industries can thrive while unthinking people spend mountains of money on completely unnecessary and the almost worthless illusion of perfection.
We are dealing with this same "have your colors done" mentality in many others things today. The obsession with diet and exercise. There may be an small benefit from micro-managing ones food intake or extreme exercise to maintain a thin looking body, but the benefits are so small they are hardly worth it. In fact, in some cases the extreme exercise, running miles every day has been proven to be detrimental.
Eating the basic four food groups without eating too much and walking a couple of times a week to spend time with the Lord, can be beneficial, however our culture has gone to the extreme in these things expecting to attain perfection or near perfection and mostly to be elevated in the eyes of the world.
People are living and dying the same way as they have for thousands of years. Our life span is a little longer than it was 200 years ago because of health care and the availability of a greater variety of foods, but it is right in line with Biblical prophesy that says we will live 70 or 80 years if we have the strength. God determined this, not us.
It is not the food or the exercise that makes us healthier nor do these things make us live longer. We will live as long as the Lord wants us to live and we will be as sickly or healthy as the Lord decides.
Yes, you heard it, illness is also in God's plan for His purposes, as well as finances and food. It's all in the plan, we have only to accept it, as we act responsibly with the resources He gives us, we will still encounter difficulties in this life because they are the means through which God trains and teaches us.
Perhaps if we stopped spending so much time on health, wealth and exercise, we would have more time to spend worshiping, praying and blessing God.
I like the title of this passage in the Word, "The Cure for Anxiety."
Matthew 6:25-34
The Cure for Anxiety
25 “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
26 Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?
27 And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?
28 And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin,
29 yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these.
30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith!
31 Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’
32 For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
34 “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Notice in verse 33 God did not say, not to take care of our bodies, He said not to worry about it. When I hear more about food and exercise from a person but rarely hear them speak of Christ, I am suspect of where their mind goes most of the time.
Perhaps we ought to take one week to monitor all the times we speak of food and exercise in one column on a piece of paper and in another column write how many times we speak of Christ, His principles and the gospel. It might open our eyes to what is the most important to us.
About 30 years ago there was a fad that everyone should have their "colors" done in order to be sure they are wearing the colors than enhance their complexion.
A friend wanted me to do my colors at a cost that would have been considered expensive then.
I asked a couple of questions to clarify why anyone would spend that kind of money just to find out which colors looked best on them .
"What if I had something in my closet that was the wrong color for me, but I liked it." My friend told me that I probably didn't have any colors in my closet that I couldn't wear because we naturally gravitate toward the colors that look best on us. But then the question remained, what would I do if I had something in my closet that doesn't look good with my skin. The answer came back, "you would have to get rid of it and buy new things."
O.K. Then, why would I need to have someone hold swatches up to my face to determine the right colors for me if my natural tendency was to gravitate toward the colors that look good on me? I am not the kind of person who does excellence when it would only produce a very small improvement that would hardly be noticeable. Also it makes no sense to have my colors done when I already gravitate to those that look good on me. Next, I am the kind of person who would wear something I like even if the color were not perfect for me. Whether it impresses someone else is not very important to me, I wear what I like to wear.
Excellence is a good thing but striving for perfection is an exercise in futility, since we live in an imperfect world. Doing a great job should be good enough, perfection is not attainable.
So often these marketing schemes that sell us things are geared toward those who do not think for themselves. Appealing to their desire to look great in their appearance, the clothing and cosmetic industries can thrive while unthinking people spend mountains of money on completely unnecessary and the almost worthless illusion of perfection.
We are dealing with this same "have your colors done" mentality in many others things today. The obsession with diet and exercise. There may be an small benefit from micro-managing ones food intake or extreme exercise to maintain a thin looking body, but the benefits are so small they are hardly worth it. In fact, in some cases the extreme exercise, running miles every day has been proven to be detrimental.
Eating the basic four food groups without eating too much and walking a couple of times a week to spend time with the Lord, can be beneficial, however our culture has gone to the extreme in these things expecting to attain perfection or near perfection and mostly to be elevated in the eyes of the world.
People are living and dying the same way as they have for thousands of years. Our life span is a little longer than it was 200 years ago because of health care and the availability of a greater variety of foods, but it is right in line with Biblical prophesy that says we will live 70 or 80 years if we have the strength. God determined this, not us.
It is not the food or the exercise that makes us healthier nor do these things make us live longer. We will live as long as the Lord wants us to live and we will be as sickly or healthy as the Lord decides.
Yes, you heard it, illness is also in God's plan for His purposes, as well as finances and food. It's all in the plan, we have only to accept it, as we act responsibly with the resources He gives us, we will still encounter difficulties in this life because they are the means through which God trains and teaches us.
Perhaps if we stopped spending so much time on health, wealth and exercise, we would have more time to spend worshiping, praying and blessing God.
I like the title of this passage in the Word, "The Cure for Anxiety."
Matthew 6:25-34
The Cure for Anxiety
25 “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
26 Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?
27 And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?
28 And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin,
29 yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these.
30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith!
31 Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’
32 For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
34 “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Notice in verse 33 God did not say, not to take care of our bodies, He said not to worry about it. When I hear more about food and exercise from a person but rarely hear them speak of Christ, I am suspect of where their mind goes most of the time.
Perhaps we ought to take one week to monitor all the times we speak of food and exercise in one column on a piece of paper and in another column write how many times we speak of Christ, His principles and the gospel. It might open our eyes to what is the most important to us.
Sleep Apnea, the Big Joke
I think doctors might also be getting bonuses for talking people into believing they have "sleep apnea." Lately many people I know in our children's generation, mostly those on a form of welfare are using these machines at night.
I was asked to take the test, I said no three times then the third time I agreed, mostly out of curiosity. I sleep just fine, no problems, but because my passages are small, so the doctor says, I should have the test.
The test showed me with a high number when the number should be low. I am convinced that this test is being pushed on us as an experiment. I refuse to have a noisy machine attached to me all night long, and I have a high deductible so I pay for everything and that machine costs upwards around a thousand dollars, then you need a special machine to clean the mask.
I think many of these tests are bogus, getting people to buy equipment or at least having the insurance companies to buy them for their clients, causing insurance rates to sky rocket.
I do not attach myself to machines nor do I let them vaccinate me. These things are all worldly silly and I want nothing to do with them.
By the way, if I die in my sleep, hallelujah, I know where I am going and I can't think of a better way to get there. LOL
Let me ask one more important question; "how many of you know of someone who has died in their sleep from "sleep apnea"? I have heard of some dying in their sleep from a heart attack or stroke, but not the sleep apnea. Something just isn't right about all this testing and these vaccinations.
I was asked to take the test, I said no three times then the third time I agreed, mostly out of curiosity. I sleep just fine, no problems, but because my passages are small, so the doctor says, I should have the test.
The test showed me with a high number when the number should be low. I am convinced that this test is being pushed on us as an experiment. I refuse to have a noisy machine attached to me all night long, and I have a high deductible so I pay for everything and that machine costs upwards around a thousand dollars, then you need a special machine to clean the mask.
I think many of these tests are bogus, getting people to buy equipment or at least having the insurance companies to buy them for their clients, causing insurance rates to sky rocket.
I do not attach myself to machines nor do I let them vaccinate me. These things are all worldly silly and I want nothing to do with them.
By the way, if I die in my sleep, hallelujah, I know where I am going and I can't think of a better way to get there. LOL
Let me ask one more important question; "how many of you know of someone who has died in their sleep from "sleep apnea"? I have heard of some dying in their sleep from a heart attack or stroke, but not the sleep apnea. Something just isn't right about all this testing and these vaccinations.
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Tuesday, July 18, 2017
The Seeking Heart Grows in Wisdom
The stubborn heart does not learn, but the heart seeking after truth will learn many wonderful things, things God has for them.
James 1:4-6 "…4 Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
6 But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.…"
If anyone lacks wisdom it is because they are not seeking God. Many people like their ignorance, hating the wisdom of God they resist the efforts of anyone to point them to Christ.
James 1:4-6 "…4 Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
6 But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.…"
If anyone lacks wisdom it is because they are not seeking God. Many people like their ignorance, hating the wisdom of God they resist the efforts of anyone to point them to Christ.
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