WHATS IN A NAME?

 

Suppose I substituted the name Angel for Alien, and the big bang for “GOD spoke and it was created.” The invisible things for spirits and evil personified as the devil.  Would that view point be more acceptable to the masses?

Probably not, but why not?  It is because of that old bug-a- boo “the free will” which in and of itself a misnomer.

All wills are influenced by something.  One of the most forceful drivers is selfishness. Connect lust with selfishness and you have a GOD resistant driving mandate. 

Like it or not both the unsaved and Christians are resistant to the plan of GOD.

It just happens that Christians are a little more in tune with Him than non-Christians. A list of questions could be drawn up that would show what our weaknesses are.

Do you always tell the truth or do you fudge a little at times.  Are all your thoughts pure and clean when you see some desirable member of the opposite sex. Do you get angry and sin not?  Ephesians 4:26  New Living Translation; And "don't sin by letting anger control you." Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry. Do you always win that battle?

How about this one; But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. Whoa now, I might have trouble not resisting that one! 

There are a lot more serious ones than the ones mention and those things keep us from enjoying all the benefits from GOD. They tend to make us double minded and you know what double mindedness causes.

James 1:8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. 

Our unstableness may be the bane of our Christian experience.

The Christian life is a whole and must be taken as a whole not just accepting it in parts. Do you know what the expression “Going whole hog means?”  It means to do something to the fullest extent. That is our portfolio, so lets us go forth and be ambassadors for Christ.

Much controversy straight arose,
These choose the back, the belly those;
By some 'tis confidently said
He meant not to forbid the head,
While others at that doctrine rail,
And piously prefer the tail.

William Cowper

MY CHRISTIAN WALK

Walking by Faith

Sincere Christians seek to improve themselves constantly.

They joyfully accept criticism, educate, and judge themselves to see if they are in the faith.

We start out with the consciousness of Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.   From there comes the gradual progression unto our perfection.  First is perfection in our salvation which is a product of GOD and then in our daily walks which is a pursuit of holiness. 

 When GOD is viewed as our leader and guide, we see his job as being to inspire trust in us.

Oft times the missing link is our acceptance of what HE is trying to accomplish in us. He will further inspire us with meaningful stewardship which inspires our creativity and potential.

God has given us our enablement’s to be successful in our walk before HIM and it is up to the believer to maximize those empowering gifts.  Perhaps we are too short sighted and only see our Christian life in the near term instead of a lifetime project.

There is much more to the Christian life than the beginning (When born again) and the ending (our trip to heaven).

The life in between must have a game plan.  High expectations should be the norm and laying out the course to accomplish them is a must.

If we are constantly hindered by thoughts of failure we will never arrive where God wants us to be.

Make this your creed; “A failure is but a stepping stone to success, I’m going to fulfill GOD’S plan for my life and weaknesses can’t stop me.”

Always view your life as a whole and go forth fulfilling His purpose in you on a daily basis for life is made up of todays.

Didn’t have a good day today?  Move on!

Completely failed today? Move on!

Don’t let seemingly short comings hinder your progress for GOD sees things in a different light than we do. As the old saying says; “Keep on, keeping on.”

When you adopt this attitude your victories will out distance your short comings because just remember; “You are working out your Salvation.”

 

Homophobic???

 

Definition of HOMOPHOBIA:  irrational fear of, aversion to, or discrimination against homosexuality or homosexuals

When one accuses a person of being Homophobic it is a tad short sighted because it is an unreasoned accusation. Unreasoned because it is supposed to be the ultimate put down often used by those who favor a homosexual lifestyle against those who object to it.

There is no consideration of the motivation for the reason behind the Homo-phobia.

Christians are often defined as being in the forefront of Homophobia a classification we agree to readily.

There is part of the equation that is conveniently omitted and that is while admitting to being Homophobic we are also Hades-phobic.

It would be far easier to just accept Homosexuality as being normal but we would have to ignore the fact that according to scripture the final resting place of those who practice said Homosexual life style is in an unimaginable torturous eternity in Hades.

Romans 1: 26-27 for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, ²⁷ and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error.

The so called friends who encourage this life style are not the friends they purport themselves to be for they care not if there is a judgment waiting for them.

Those who they suppose to be their enemies are the ones who do not want them to suffer this eternal fate.

The only hope for those who choose this life style and those who encourage them in it is to repent and walk according to scripture.  They wish to believe there is no creator God and those who violate His original intent won’t be judged by Him.

Why should someone to change their life style they are accustom to is a question many must ask themselves and the simple answer is there is one who will judge us all according to what is written in the scripture.

In any case I am one who wears the Homophobic badge proudly because I do care.

The Normal Christian

The Normal Christian

 

While many desire to be flaming heralds for Jesus; I have wanted to be just a normal Christian.

The problem with that idea was I had to find out what was being normal in the world of Christianity was.

In the process of discovery I found that it was the duty of the believers to search out what their calling was.  Once they knew for sure found their place in the body of Christ then the next step was to equip themselves to fulfill their position.

This entails educating themselves to do what was required of them; Whether it was teaching, or counseling, or only sitting in the pew.

There is much to be learned about pew sitting. Briefly it requires an attentive mind, a prayerful spirit, and a receptive heart. The minister needs the support that the pew sitter can give him while it is his duty to be in tune with the needs of his congregation and GODS solution for their problems.

As the minister looks at the congregation it is needful for the member to be in a receiving mode and not have a rejecting spirit. There is much more for the successful pew sitter to learn to be the normal Christian.

Whenever you find your place in the body of Christ fulfill that place with all your heart and might. Then be willing to be moved up and be more productive for Christ. It is normal for the maturing process to increase you value to the cause of Christ. Then most importantly allow the Spirit of GOD to increase your spirituality.

From the beginning of your Christian experience the Holy Spirit is calling you to a higher plane. The words of a song goes something like this; 

I’m pressing on the upward way,

New heights I’m gaining every day;

Still praying as I’m onward bound,

“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”

Refrain:

Lord, lift me up and let me stand,

By faith, on Heaven’s tableland,

A higher plane than I have found;

Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYCkqCG933M

TIMIDITY IS NOT A CHRISTIAN GRACE

TIMIDITY IS NOT A CHRISTIAN GRACE

 

Related Words to TIMIDITY  are ; bashfulness, constraint, embarrassment, inhibition, limitation , shyness, skittishness; hesitation, indecision, wavering, irresoluteness, irresolution; alarm , anxiety, apprehension, concern, discomposure, dismay, fear, panic, upset, worry; cowardice, cowardliness, cravenness, spinelessness.

Near Antonyms of Timidity are; assurance, confidence, self-assertiveness, self-assurance, self-confidence; composure, coolness, insouciance, nonchalance, backbone, decisiveness, determination, fiber, firmness, fortitude, gameness, grit, gumption, mettle, resoluteness, resolution, spunk; bravery, courage, courageousness, daring, dauntlessness, doughtiness, fearlessness, gutsiness, intrepidity, intrepidness, valor; brazenness, cheek, effrontery, gall, temerity

And antonyms, audaciousness, audacity, boldness, [slang], guts, nerve.

Hebrews 11 The chapter where many heroes of the faith are spoken of, all of which were strong in stance and in the Lord.

Being truly strong in the Lord will cause one to see themselves as being small and meek as did Moses but when the chips were down he became a force to be reckoned with.  

Hebrews 11:26 He regarded abuse suffered for Christ to be greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for his eyes were fixed on the reward.

The church is under attack as never before because of the increase in would be Anti-Christs and their access to the media.

It is a time to show forth your testimony for Christ without being obnoxious.

Only speak words fitly spoken as in Proverbs 25:11 Like apples of gold in settings of silver, is a word spoken in right circumstances.

Always measure your response carefully to those who are by nature contrary but do not hesitate to speak firmly; 1 Peter 3:15  But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.

Fear and intimidation flee when we walk, listen, and obey the Lord we serve.

WHERE THE ACTION IS

WHERE THE ACTION IS

 

Mark 6:7 And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits.

Matthew 10:1 Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.

While it isn’t popular to speak of Demons and Evil Spirits nevertheless it is part of the gospel according to Jesus Christ. Much of his ministry revolved around casting demons out of people but today many ministers consider it beneath them and somewhat degrading.

It would serve one well to study the subject and garner all the information available before attempting to cast out unclean spirits and to be empowered as were the disciples. This isn’t a glamorous ministry for it is dealing with the filthiest of Satan’s cohorts.

Further the subjects infected by these spirits have a certain harmonious relationship with them. One man who exercised authority over evil spirits was rebuked by the spirit he was dealing with; saying “You can’t cast me out.”  Upon asking the spirit, “Why not?” the spirit said; “She don’t want me to leave so you can’t make me go.”  In this case he said, “You’re exactly right,” and left her in the same condition because she wanted the spirit’s influence in her life.

Being more of the average type of a Christian I have not majored in dealing with demons but on one of several occasions I was greeting people as they came into the church and the Spirit of GOD spoke to me in a firm voice saying; “This woman is possessed by the devil.”

This came out of the blue so to speak. She looked alright so I questioned my sanity. I knew what I had heard but had to think on it till I came to my senses and realized I had heard rightly. The fact I don’t get these messages like that very often causes me to be a little shocked.

I began to focus my attention on her from that moment on. She sat in the middle of a row in the middle of a section where it wasn’t easy to get to her if she acted up. As the service started I joined the orchestra and everything seemed to be in order until she stood up and yelled out many things we didn’t need to hear.

When the ushers began to get near to her she stopped and said; “And now I will leave” and left.

I only related that to show there are many varied way these spirits will cause an individual to conduct themselves. She came back again and asked for prayer but to my knowledge she wasn’t delivered for she didn’t want the spirit to leave. There was enough of a desire to be rid of this spirit that was driving her to come and asked to be prayed for but not enough to release his hold on her.

GOD uses whatever is at hand and you might find yourself being used on an occasion and never again but one who is used on a continuous basis needs to have the anointing of the Holy Spirit and some of the other gifts of the Spirit operating in their life.

Three gifts that reveal the unknown; the word of wisdom, word of knowledge and the discerning of spirits are a must in order to be effectual in this ministry. These gifts can give you inside information needful for not making mistakes.

Not everyone who acts crazy is possessed. Some people are just naturally nuts and silly. Also the gifts of Miracles and Healing may be a part of the person’s deliverance.

While anyone who is a Christian may be used of God;  people who are called and enabled as were the disciples will have the greater success in dealing with unclean spirits so don’t self-anoint yourself and get into trouble.  Here are some examples of Jesus dealing with evil spirits;

Luke 11:14 Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute. When the demon left, the man who had been mute spoke, and the crowd was amazed.

Matthew 8:16 When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick.

Mark 1:34 And He healed many who were ill with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He was not permitting the demons to speak, because they knew who He was.

Luke 4:34-35  Let us alone! What business do we have with each other, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are-- the Holy One of God!" But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be quiet and come out of him!" And when the demon had thrown him down in the midst of the people, he came out of him without doing him any harm.

Mark 16:15-17 And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation "He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned. "These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues.

The bottom line is; this world is plagued by Unclean Spirits. In every phase of life they are active. To deny this begs the answer; why are people so base and evil? It also insults the spirits themselves to deny their existence.

 

Much of the ministry of Jesus was involved in casting out spirits and the need for this ministry continues today.

 

WHERE AM I?

WHERE AM I?

 

I hadn’t been feeling well and people kept saying I should see a doctor. I would put them off by saying I will, I will.

This evening I was both tired and not feeling so good, and I told my wife I was going to bed early leaving her to lock up and prepare the house for the night. After a few restless minutes I dropped off to sleep and some time later I woke with a start.

I found myself being drawn toward a huge entrance where this high pitched sound was coming from. All at once I found myself surrounded by a mass of people and the entrance was somewhat smaller than my first notice.  

 

It was then I realized I was in a large mass of people and was being carried further toward the big door in front of me.  I tried to stop and evaluate what was happening but the souls all around me were being drawn forth by the same force.

I became aware that I was passing through the entrance and down into this huge room that was so large that you could hardly see the walls they were so far in the distance. I tried to stop and question someone as to what was happening.

Obviously this must be a dream but I couldn’t wake up, and was carried forward by the crowd. This went on for what seemed to be hours. Even though the room was almost without measure and there wasn’t enough air because of so many crowded together.

The further we went the hotter it seemed, but it might have only been my imagination I told myself.

Hours later suddenly we stopped. I looked around for an exit but there was none only an entrance.

It was then I realized there is no way out, no way out, no way out kept echoing in my mind.

It was then I saw it … “it” was a sign that said, “Welcome to Hades” as the crowd surged forward taking me down into the pit as the temperature began to rise…

I remembered the scripture verse, “Behold, Today is the day of Salvation,” but I had missed that day. 

Suddenly with sweat on my brow, I woke up  - -   Where am I?  Where are YOU?