OBEYING THE SPIRIT

Acts 8:36 And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents (hinders) me from being baptized?”

What a fantastic response to the preaching of the gospel. When the Ethiopian eunuch heard the gospel he responded and then he wanted to act.

Then as the song says “There’s a new name written down in glory,” and the eunuch went on his way rejoicing. This amazing event was made possible because Phillip was obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Act 8:29 Then the Spirit said to Philip, "Go up and join this chariot." Phillip had been given instructions by the Spirit of GOD to go south on the road that leads from Jerusalem and away he went.

Without questioning, worrying about results or the logic of the directive he obeyed. This can only happen when you are in tune with GOD.

Many years age I heard about a young preacher who was directed to preach at a small country church and when got there at the appointed time there wasn’t anybody in the church. He sat there alone, ill at ease squirming in his chair he finally decided to get and leave. Then he asked himself why am I here? His answer was because the LORD sent me. So after a few moments he decided if he was sent to preach he would preach.

He began to preach a message that got hotter as he continued. Finally he ended with an altar call which was his custom. Since no one responded he left wondering what this was all about but knew he had fulfilled his mission.

As it turned out a man had came down to make fun of the preacher but when he crawled under the floor to make a noise he got the surprise of his life, the preacher’s words began to convict him of his sin and when the altar call was given he accepted Christ under the floor of the church. The preacher left before the man had courage enough to crawl out and confess up to why he had done what he had done.

As the story went on, years later he met the preacher and related the whole embarrassing tale and then the preacher understood why he had been sent to that church and was glad he had been obedient to the Spirits leading.

There are two things every Christian needs to know and do. They need to know if and when they are being led by the Spirit, and then to act as they are directed. A distinction needs to be made as to whether it is the leading of the Spirit or just some thought that popped up in your mind that can send you on a fool’s errand.

You may experience some trial and error before you learn the difference but in the end you will succeed.

1 Samuel 15:22 But Samuel replied, "What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.

This post is Linking up with Tracy at Winsome Wednesday

THE CONSCIENCE

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There are more theories about the conscience than there are chickens in the hen house, but most contribute some understanding of how it works.

The problem is that there is some bias within every definition, and has some ulterior motive to forward a philosophical position. Most religions and secular teachings have there own version of what the conscience is and how it functions.

For the Christian the conscience can be inconvenient at times especially when they want to do that which violates the plain teaching of the Gospel.

“When you can neglect any known duty without the bitterness of remorse, your conscience is seared with a hot iron.” (Finney)

For those interested I suggest reading Finney’s treatise on the conscience.
http://www.gospeltruth.net/1841OE/410428_seared_consci_pt1.htm

“The conscience is a fascinating part of our soul/spirit complex. Simply stated, it is the faculty of our inner man by which we judge what is right and wrong, or make value judgments. It operates on information that we accept as authoritative, coming from an authority that we acknowledge has the right to tell us what is right and what is wrong.” (Keith Blades)

It is amazing how at times there is conflict between the conscience and the emotions. My “Want to” will give my conscience a bad time, this inner battle can really stress me out. While Finney is pretty dogmatic in his pronouncements nevertheless it is dangerous to violate the only thing that keeps you on the straight and narrow.

When the Holy Spirit quickens you, your conscience is fully engaged and involved your actions that follow. Instead of me just rattling on let me say protect your conscience at all costs, and the way to do this is by honoring it and by being obedient to its quickening.

Never allow your emotions to over rule it, and I think you know what I’m talking about.

Linked to Shanda’s On your Heart Tuesday  

THE BENEFITS OF OVERCOMING



Overcomer
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When I was unsaved I accepted most things as normal even though I had some twinges of conscience. While doing harm to other people was unacceptable I didn’t worry about the rest.
My condition was described in; 2 Corinthians 4:4 Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don't believe.

They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don't understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.

Then things changed, I got saved and my whole system of right and wrong had to under go a reevaluation and I ended up with a new set of rules. I now was governed by the Bible and the Spirit of GOD. The easy part was that what was written down but trying to decipher the Spirit’s leading was another issue and to some degree it still is.
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

There have been times when I haven’t taken advantage of the promise given in the foregoing scripture and failed to take the way out. This is only part of the story for there are things beyond personal weaknesses that we are to overcome and they are called the strategies of the Devil.
The second and third chapters of Revelation reveal some of the strategies and the reward for overcoming them.

Revelation 2:17 He who has an ear let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it.

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The white stone spoken of has always fascinated me. No one knows what this means beyond the plain reading of it. I somewhat like the idea of a new name just for me.

Are you living an overcoming life? If not - - why not? You may need to stop long enough to ask yourself what is hindering me from being an over comer? Then pinpoint the problem so it can be dealt with. Then comes the hard part and that is if you are willing to make the adjustments you feel you should.

If you are hesitant to make the changes perhaps it would be helpful to reread Revelations 2:17 and make a choice to become a “White stone believer” or perhaps you could shoot for the standard that David set and was called by GOD, “A man after GOD’S own heart.” In any case I wish you well as you keep on keeping on. Could be you need to hear the song below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7x2IpLSfqp8

Post is linked with Laura’s “Play dates with God.”

MOVING OF THE WATER




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John 5: 6-8 (NKJV) When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.”

On the one hand this is a very sad story, a “Winner Take all” proposition. While one man recovered his health, the rest were still laying around the pool waiting for the moving of the water. If Jesus ministered to anyone else it isn’t mentioned.

One might conclude that the people were looking to the water instead of Jesus for help. Notwithstanding the fact that they had not yet heard of Jesus but after he healed the impotent man they should have then changed their focus.

If we are still standing around the same old water hole hoping for help, and getting none, maybe its time to change the way we think, pray and conduct ourselves.

The pool was a place where misery was flourishing where people were speaking out about their problems, and receiving sympathy from one another. We, the church are not living in the age of sympathy but rather the age of grace where we should build each other up rather than to commiserate with the problem.

There are times when we must endure some hard knocks, for we don’t control the forces aligned against us.

1Corinthians 16:13 encourages us to; Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.

There are times when we can pray and encourage one another but sometimes we have to go through the valley all alone because our closest friend can’t help. It is in a time like this when we need to be reinforced by GOD’S word and remember

Joel 3:10 Let the weak say I am strong and, Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Being strong in the LORD is simply walking and talking according to the demands of His Word any thing less than that is sin. Going against GOD’S word saps our spiritual strength and affects our fellowship with GOD.

1 John 1:6-9 If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

So there you have it, if you are weak, say I am strong in the Lord, if you sin, confess it to GOD along with repentance.


Romans 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Enjoy this great song:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdFzB4MQgEA&feature=related


This post has been linked with Joan Davis Sharing His Beauty
And with Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday Use it on Monday

WHERE IS HE?

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Where is the man who can carry forth the message?

Where is the man that GOD can trust?

Whose heart is consumed with passion for righteousness.

Who has no desire for praise of men

And accepts no commendation save from GOD

Where is that one who speaks no guile?

Where is that man whom GOD can trust?

Whose aspirations now lie in the dust

Save to finish his course at GOD’S behest

Let him be anointed with the Spirits power

Though young or old he may be

No glory will he withhold for himself

For no honor does he need

Where is that man that GOD can trust?

Whose only desire a servant be

Who awaits the call to go forth?

And give a clarion message not his own

Calling all to find their way to home

Could this one be you or me?

Am I the one whom GOD can trust?

Whether or not, be willing to be

Only GOD knows who is he.

Is there no one he can send?

Is there no woman nor a man?

The nation waits so full of sin

Where is he?

This post is linked to Deidra’s Sunday Jump Tandem



THE USA NEEDS HELP LORD

There is a rumor around that Christians aren’t very smart because of the conditioning (the mind renewal process) they go through in becoming like the scriptures define the Christ life.

The turn the other cheek attitude doesn’t set well with the secular way of thinking. In their mind it borders on masochism or in other words the Christian gets validation from being abused. It is impossible for them to comprehend a higher calling that is controlled by the Spirit of GOD.

Should someone even hint at the problems of the USA - - might have at its root cause - - the rejection of JEHOVAH LORD, they turn on the Poo-poo machine, and ridicule the person making it.

One can make a pretty strong case proving this from the Old Testament where each and every time Israel turned from GOD the nation suffered great loss. When their leadership led them to turn to other mediums as a substitute for the real GOD, then the troubles began.

Hosea wrote to warn Israel of the tragic result of their unfaithfulness to the one true and living God. Having left God their sins increased, and they became more and more wicked. Even after being warned of the consequences they pursued wickedness, and reveled in it until their kingdom was taken by foreign forces and they became slaves.

Today this country is being overrun by the same type of people as brought Israel to it knees.

There were times when Israel repented and turned back to GOD that they were saved from destruction but the question we face today is will this country our USA repent, and turn back to GOD?

Repent, Seek God and Pray!

Well it is possible, but what is represented as the Christian church today is greatly fragmented and doesn’t speak with a united voice.

There may be a glimmer of hope from the example of Sodom and Gomorrah where GOD said if there were only a few righteous souls there, HE would spare the cities.

The lesson we can take from this is it is up to those who worship GOD in spirit and truth to hold steadfast in the faith and go down fighting the good fight of faith as those in South Africa pray.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5jKnP8sKXc&feature=related g

This post has been linked to  Thankful Thursdays hosted by Laurie during January

ME WORRY?

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Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength. Corrie Ten Boom

Matthew 6:25-27 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?

Now here is the deal; if you are a Christian it is your duty to believe and accept these verses as true.

Now herein lies a problem as spoken to us in Hebrews 2:1 For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it.

Ho there, did you get that? Even if you are strong in the Word you can allow the impact of it to lessen and the first thing you know you slip into the worry land of unbelief. The picture here is like unto a boat tied up to the pier and due to the constant waves rocking it (sounds like life’s misadventures) its mooring loosens and the boat drifts away from the harbor powerless having been disconnected from the safe harbor.

The Philippians must have been plagued with worry for Paul wrote in; Philippians 4:6-7 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Now, that is good stuff, "Don’t worry; pray!"  Paul isn’t talking about mumbling a few words but some get down and do business with GOD where you connect and go away knowing HE got the message. Pardon me for saying this maybe we need some “How to pray” lessons taught by the Spirit of GOD.

Try this on for size; the energy that we spend worrying can be put too much better use in prayer. Here's a little formula to remember: Worry replaced by Prayer equals Trust. I read that somewhere and it made sense to me.

If every time you find yourself starting to worry you stop it and start to pray you will find yourself worrying far less.

JOIN THE “I DON’T WORRY - - I PRAY CLUB.”

This post has been linked to Laura’s, Brag on God Friday
Linked with Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays  

IT’S PERSONAL

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If there ever was a day when we must use our smarts it is today.

We are being victimized by so many forces not the least of which are the media, the politicians, corporate entities, spiritual forces and in some cases our spiritual leaders.

Now is the time that we must evaluate everything that is being dumped upon us from whatever source and judge for ourselves the merit of it. All these forces are designed to do one thing and that is to tell us how we should live and to control us as far as they possibly can.



ABC NBC CNN all guilty
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 The media; I suppose we should be thankful that there is some resistance to the onslaught social engineering that is going on.  The half lie is the modus operandi of these people and to be controled by regulation instead of law is the order the day.  

They tell us what lifestyles we must accept and what vices we must embrace as normal.  They would have us believe that a measure of drugs is useful for both clouding the mind as well as creating a dependency which leads to control of the willing victim.

If there is a master plan the key component is total dependency upon the ruling force with a penalty for non-compliance.

They invent illusions when it comes to elections, creating false images much like the zealots in the Old Testament did with their false gods.

They capture the imaginations of our children with fantasies and lead them in ways they should not go.

Politicians are the servants of those who control their future with philosophy and dollars. They are not allowed to act and think for themselves as they only follow orders. Just examine their voting records.

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Clergy; today in so many cases the clergy (not all) are a prime case of the blind leading the blind into the ditch and then convincing these ditch dwellers that this is GOD’S plan.

If you have a leader who is truly faithful to GOD and his word you are most fortunate and should be most grateful.

For the Christian we are again at the point of choosing whom we will serve. Whether it be the societal ogre that wishes to rule us, or staying on course being a free thinking servant of GOD, who refuses to bow to the great image set up as in the days of Esther.

May we refuse to be deterred from being a Spirit led Bible believing servant of GOD, and let the rest of the world go to hell if they chose to do so.

It’s time to stop whining about what other people are doing and stand tall without being apologetic to anyone or under any circumstances.

This post has been linked to Joan’s Grace Café
Linking up with Tracy at Winsome Wednesday
This post has been linked to Michelle’s Thought Provoking Thursday

LOST

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Each and every year there are people lost either skiing or mountain climbing, about half of the time they will be found alive. Today hunters and hikers, when lost, are better discovered if they remain in the area where they are hunting. They are usually found in a few days.

Being lost is a frightful experience. I can’t remember very much around the tender age of about 3 or 4, but the one thing that stuck in my mind was being in what in those days was a large store and getting lost.

I had this habit of biting my mothers hand till she let me go and during my freedom I got separated from her. It wasn’t long before I was running the aisles screaming, “Bea, Bea” my mothers name. I thought my world had come to an end. I finally got my tears to stop when she found me, and my hand biting was over for that day.

Being spiritually lost is far worse than my being lost in the store experience. We are told stories about near death experiences where some go floating away on a cloud and others where they descended into Hades itself.

I can’t feel what they felt because I didn’t experience what they did.  But having been born again I did experience the transformation from spiritual death to spiritual life as described in the Bible and that reality convinced me that I was no longer lost but had been found.

People do not want to believe that there is a place called Hell or Hades where the unsaved go at death and there are as many denials of its existence as there are unbelievers. Neither do they want to believe there will be a final judgment.

As for myself I availed myself of the remedy provided by Christ to escape from that unhappy ending.

In Luke 16 the rich man finds himself in Hades waiting for the final judgment and; Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send Lazarus that he might dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am tormented in this flame.

There are two scriptures that stand out in relationship to the spiritual lost and the final judgment. Revelations 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. Revelations 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

In today’s world people do not want to follow the rules, they want to set up their own standards for righteousness and tell GOD take it or leave it.

This conduct wasn’t acceptable in Genesis 6 and isn’t today. “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.”


Jesus Found Me
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His Grace is available for us also so that we will not need to be lost.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDDlxmsciqY&feature=related


This post is Linking with Jennifer at God Bumps and Incidences Wednesdays

OLE HARRY RANDALL TRUMAN

It is almost 32 years ago since the fateful day when Mt. Helens erupted. 

The 1980 event was the deadliest and most destructive volcanic eruption in the history of the United States of America.

Harry Randall Truman became a celebrity because he refused to leave what geologist had declared a danger zone.

Having been a soldier and survived the torpedoing of the Tuscania on February 5, 1918, off the coast of Ireland, he was acquainted with danger.

In 1926 he became caretaker of the Mount St. Helens Lodge, located at the foot of Mount St. Helens beside Spirit Lake and remained so until his death.

He became somewhat of a folk hero due to his stubbornness when the rangers tried to get him to move out of danger. He refused to leave this most beautiful Edenic spot saying, "If the mountain goes, I'm going with it.” I saw him several times on television for reporters thought it was a great human interest story, they interviewed often. Songs and poems were written about him and a movie with Art Carney was made.

Harry had all the information about the danger the mountain posed but still he refused to budge. The notoriety, and all the attention may have had something to do with his determination to remain even though he had been thrown from his bed by several occurring earthquakes.

Then came the day when the mountain exploded and devastated much of the surrounding area including the lodge where Harry and his 16 cats are now entombed beneath 150 feet of volcanic debris.

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Cigarette packages have warnings about the danger of cancer due to smoking yet people by the millions still smoke.

Many people still do not accept the harm that alcohol can do to their bodies, despite government warnings and the multitude of derelicts on Skid Row and the families destroyed by drinking.

The church of Christ Jesus has issued the warning that those who do not receive Christ as their savior will end up in Geheena forever. There are many like Harry that still refuse to accept GOD’S offer of salvation.

Just like Harry who could not stop Mt. Helens eruption by his stubbornness - - those who refuse God's salvation will be lost and that without remedy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGwa3N43GB4&feature=related

This post has been linked with Joan Davis at:  Sharing His Beauty

WARFARE OR WELFARE

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This is a subject that will be touted over the next few months though the way it will expressed may be different than the way I put it.

If you want to cloud an issue - - just mix some truth with a false pretence and you have a possible winning position. This is where the government welfare program stands today.

While there are some recipients who are in an extreme helpless state, there are others who are taking advantage of this give away program.

The reason I used warfare as the counter point is because those who support their cause, are in a war fighting off everything that would attack them and keep them from succeeding.

This includes people who rip you off, overcharge you and a government that over taxes and regulates you.

Certain forces were put into play in Genesis 3 and will continue until Christ returns, one of which is painful child birth, another is hard work to make a living and the third is death or dying. None of these forces were annulled in the age we live in by the death of Christ.

Within the Christian realm we find some of the same thinking as those who seek welfare assistance. Their mentality drives them to want something for nothing which in this case they want it from GOD. They go beyond their needs being met by GOD and expect Him to supply their every extreme wants. To admit this is against their religion for they have their favorite verses to support their view.

There are some so called ministers who fan the flames of their greed while they take their followers for a ride for a price.

While some seek welfare there are others who realize what we have is warfare with an enemy so strong only GOD can control him. This enemy will rob us, make us ill, destroy our integrity and render us impotent for GOD. Were it not for GOD’S grace in providing us with weapons of battle we would be as helpless as those who are not servers of Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,

Ephesians 6:11-13 Put on the whole Armour of God that ye may be able to stand against The wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against Principalities against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, Against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole Armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, TO STAND.

In the Second World War there was an overwhelming passion against the enemy that dared to attack us. That passion has been missing in all the wars we have fought since. The Christian community is under an attack from a greater enemy than in WW2 and I fear we do not have the passion to resist him with our weapons of our warfare. It is up to the church to take the battle to him instead of always being on the defensive which is what a passive instead of passionate church does. So onward Christian soldiers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9DHgnKeAxo

Linked to Shanda’s On your Heart Tuesday

CONFESSION GOOD FOR THE SOUL???



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 Confession is good for the soul is an old saying that almost sounds like a verse of scripture.

The nearest thing to this may be; Therefore confess your sins to each other, and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” James 5:16 NIV

I think that when the guilt becomes too great and you need relief from it the next logical step is to own up to the offence. Somehow doing this offers some reprieve from the condemnation brought on from wrong doing.

Often this act will possibly bring on much pain to another especially within a marriage. When a betrayal occurs and in order to get some relief from guilt the perpetrator confesses it, and the innocent party is devastated.

Dumping the guilt on someone else is a way of getting absolution from the deed and it some how alleviates the offender’s pain.

On the whole fessing up is a good thing to do. It clears the air and restores free flow communication that guilt impedes. It also allows the one offended to make decisions as to how they want to deal with it.

While the scriptures say “your sin will find you out” there is a price to be paid by the offended one.

1John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Notice this verse speaks of you and God not the other party. If it is possible to “Go and sin no more,” understand that some things are better dealt with and kept between a person and GOD. I emphasize the ‘Go and sin no more” for if you continue sinning because you got away with it will injure your soul from which it will be hard to recover from if at all possible. This is an internal wounding that will haunt you the rest of your life.

Some people like to use sayings such as, “Well nobody is perfect” as if that validates the sin they are engaged in and they consider their weakness as justification for doing it again.

When an offence occurs nothing will ever be the same again. People never get over it; they just get “By it” and go on.

That being the case perhaps we should give it at least a second thought before doing the dirty deed for it is like the stain that will never wash out no matter what you do or how many times you wash it.
(Or Confess it)

This post is linked with Michelle's Hear it on Sunday  

HE IS DEAD

Kim Jong Il is dead! Hundreds of thousands turned out to morn him and they wept and cried because of their loss.

A few days later his son was elevated to become the supreme leader of North Korea; “Respected Comrade Kim Jong-un is now supreme leader of our party, military and people,” said Kim Yong-nam.

The mourning was quickly over and now the rejoicing has begun. While the people give their allegiance to the new leader, the old one has joined the rich man in Hades and is making a similar request like unto the rich man for a drop of cool water.

Some of the mourners put on quite a show while others were somewhat passive. Several news media suggested that those who gave it up with great exuberance were only acting and playing a part.

This brings me to consider the ability of some to express their inner feelings to a greater demonstration than others, and some can put on a display even though they aren’t real feelings. Using the vernacular of today they were giving it up for the departed old Kim as well as for the new young Kim.

We Christian folks go to our worship service at church and “Give it up” for Jesus and our Father. This is a case of quality over quantity though both are apropos.

A good question to ask your-self is where is this adoration coming from? We can train ourselves to blend in and do the do and look pretty good on the surface, but true worship comes from our spirit. One of the simplest yet most informative statements ever made concerning worship is found in John 4:24 For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth."

We may attain to an intellectual understanding of worship, but true worship comes from a deeper source, our spirits. In order to do this it takes preparation. It must become a lifestyle.

Another probing question that Jesus put forth is; “What think ye of Christ? There were several answers to that but when I ask myself that same question I’m not sure if I am capable of answering it.

I question if I am capable of comprehending either the Father or the Son. Words I am familiar with cannot describe the majesty of GOD. My lack of full comprehension of the totality of GOD limits my ability to worship as I should.

The day will come when the blinders shall be removed and we shall see HIM in all HIS glory.

1John 3:2 Dear friends, we are already God's children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is.

 Psalms 104:4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ge9V1cOyVQM&feature=related

This post is linked to Deidra’s Sunday Jump Tandem

MYSTERY OF ANSWERED PRAYER

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Perhaps the word mystery isn’t the word I should have used but this is the way I feel sometimes.

Now I know some people say they can pray for personal issues and order up their request and receive an answer exactly in detail as they outlined it to the Lord. But me, I have to settle for a little less, and just take what my faith can produce for me. I’m not sure that there are others who fit in this same category but there maybe some.

I suspect that there are some girls who have prayed for a husband and had exactly what they wanted in mind, and told the Lord, make him handsome, about six foot tall. I want one who is virile, strong and the ideal weight, and oh yes I want him to be a great lover with money. Well what the Lord sent was a slightly bald, paunchy midriff with an average job and a rather laid back guy. Of course the man I described was what she had twenty years later after the wedding. Even before the marriage she had to compromise a little for he didn’t fit all her specifications. Now she prayed and GOD answered, but there is a mystery that surrounds this whole transaction.

A guy prays and requests a gal. I want her to be the hottest of the lot and all the guys want her but she chooses me. Well guess what; GOD answers his prayer but she isn’t the most popular girl of all. She seldom has a date and was glad the guy asked her out. She is nice but not beautiful, and besides she needs to have her teeth fixed. But now here is the mystery part, she is the only one sent along so she must be the answer to his prayer. But the guy isn’t satisfied, and prays again, and along comes another girl, one who is pretty, but she talks non stop, and when she laughs she sounds like a cackling hen. Now the Lord has answered both prayers, kinda. The guy decides he could get used to the cackling and the occasional snort but he prays once again; Lord perhaps I didn’t make myself clear. I want a wife but I don’t want to be ashamed of her. This time he meets one he is willing to settle for. She isn’t super hot, and only a few guys have asked her out (none for a second date). At least this one doesn’t cackle or need her teeth fixed.

This brings me back to the mystery I referred to, I asked for money and HE gave me a job. I prayed for healing and ended up getting a pill from the doctor. Now I got what I prayed for but not in the way I wanted it. I wanted a miracle, and all I got was a solution.

So wherein lays the mystery? The answer is we don’t know what we really need when we pray and GOD has to sort through all our foolishness and then in HIS mercy give us what we can handle.

On the broader scale there are many things that are not personal but affect the work of GOD where we can only pray and leave it HIS hands.

Who among us could be trusted with the power to always receive a direct answer to prayer from GOD without becoming inflated much like Satan did.  If we were to have that much power to command GOD and have HIM perform our every wish it would make HIM a servant to us.

So what to do? Pray fervently for everything GOD quickens you to pray for. Pray for those who need help. Pray for those who need salvation. Pray for your needs, and learn to accept GOD’S answer in whatever form it comes. Always pray with expectancy and never become passive but with understanding what the will of the LORD is concerning you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQG5wHWGsM0
Linked with Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays.  Please visit there!

THESE KIDS

Psalms 127:3 Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward.

It should be mandatory for every parent to first acknowledge that this verse is a true statement before they could receive their child. It would also be helpful if they had to vow to raise up “This child” in the admonition of the Lord and then let the child chose whether they wished to serve GOD or not.

Of course this is contrary to the present philosophy of; let them become a practicing rank sinner first and then decide when they are grown if they want to become a Christian.

This is contrary to the plain teaching in scripture; Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Christianity is the product of the Word of GOD and Satan knows if a child is deprived of the true Gospel, then chances of them becoming a Christian is greatly reduced.

Matthew 19:14 Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." 

His disciples stopped the parents from bringing the children to Jesus; Mark 10:14 But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, "Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

There are those who do NOTwant parents to bring their children to Jesus today and they stand out as the most despicable humans on the face of the earth.

image courtesy photobucket

One of the greatest experiences a young child will ever have is at bedtime when a mother reads a bible story to them and prays for them. The last thing before they fall asleep is the comfort from the word of GOD and mother’s prayer.

Mothers know so much more than I do about “The mother’s touch” but one important thing they can do is to take their child’s face in their hands, look them straight in the eyes and say “I love you” and pause awhile before releasing them. This can heal some of the upsets of the day, which is common to all parents.

Some are not blessed with motherhood, but there are so many children who need a little love. It is an opportunity to enjoy what is second best and that is to be an “Auntie” to one or more children.

Behold children are a gift from the Lord even if they are not your own.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTViRzfyla0

This post has been linked to Laura’s, Brag on God Fridays  

FISHERS OF MEN

Matthew 4:19 And he said to them, Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.

Jesus went down into the waters of the Jordan River and was baptized. As He came up out of the river the heavens opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him. Then the Father announced that this was His son and He was pleased with Him. Although many people witnessed this momentous event none had a clue as to what really happened, not even John fully understood it.

Immediately Jesus was driven out into the desert and experienced the most rigorous testing man ever would be subject to. None other than Satan himself was the chief tester, throwing all his might against Christ during forty days of fasting.

So often just when you have had a spiritual victory the enemy comes against you with such force you can’t help but wonder, “Why is this happening to me?”

It is a pattern played out over and over for the enemy doesn’t want even the smallest saint to enjoy any victory over his evil works.

James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.                    

As you study what Jesus did during his preparation for his ministry you will notice that he first submitted himself to GOD, and was empowered by the Spirit, and resisted Satan by using the WORD of GOD to defeat him.

The word of GOD is established. It doesn’t fade away or lose its power; therefore Jesus was able to say, “It is written” or established as an eternal truth, and Satan had to yield to it. If there was no other reason for reading and studying the Bible, knowing that you are able to use it to defeat the devil would suffice and justify it.

Another reason is found in the Psalms 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

These are the things Jesus began to teach these fishers of men he had called and are things each of us need to know. The more of GOD’S word we hide in our heart the stronger spiritually we become.

This is why some of these little old lady missionaries are as giants spiritually while others who are much more impressive as to stature - - are weak and nearly impotent concerning spiritual battles.

Enjoy this song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18eLs9A1Nqo&feature=related

This post has been linked to Michelle’s Thought Provoking Thursday
And to Thankful Thursday hosted by Laurie during January

THE VOW

image courtesy photobucket.com

My family took a vow of poverty.

image courtesy photobucket.com

It had nothing to do with a religious experience but rather it just showed up and we embraced it like the croup or mumps.  In other words it was ours whether we wanted it or not.

As it turned out our family crest was a man with a patch on the seat of his pants, and the only accessory he wore was a sweatband to soak up that which he expired.

As to schooling we had some but it was got when the crops were safely in the barn and cellar. We learned figures using apples of which we had plenty. One apple and one apple was two apples and so on and fractions were harder because you had to cut up the apple into pieces. One half apple and one half apple was a whole apple. This was testy but we learned it even to the point of figuring out a half apple and half of a half was three fourths of an apple.

The test of whether you were educated or not was if you could spell a word with six letters. Some could spell two or three while others only learned one. Being a proud people we didn’t want to seem to be ignorant to outsiders so the ones who couldn’t spell good always kept in the background.

My folks liked poetry especially that which was in the Bible so when the preacher came to visit he always read the psalms which sounded good but we never completely understood them. For the most part we liked the Song of Solomon because it seemed he knew a lot about farming and doing what comes naturally. Some of it embarrassed the younger sisters but us boys liked it a lot.

Of course being country we loved music, one of our favorite singers was little Jimmy Dickens and his song “Out behind the barn.” It described us somewhat and it sure sounded good.

Because all our folks worked hard - - slowly but surely our vow of poverty faded away. When the young’ens finished schooling they were just like the rest of the town kids, although it seemed to me there was something missing. We older ones had something those hard times taught us when we just did things naturally.

This has been a fun post and I hope you will also enjoy this fun song - -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1w5DgFHj_gA&feature=related

This post has been linked to Joan’s Grace Café.

THIS CHILD

THIS CHILD by Robert Moon

Oh Lord won’t you bless this child

I am lifting him up to you today

Look down upon him, see his face

Oh Lord bless this child

Oh Lord won't you bless this child

Cause him to grow up without any guile

And with your hand upon him

He will have reason to smile

And as a young man draw him nearer

As he learns of you things will be clearer

I fear that he is so much like me

When I want him to be like you

Lord won’t you bless this child

Transform his thinking, renew his mind

And one day help him find

Your perfect will for his life

Oh Lord won’t you lead this child

In the way that he should go

From the paths of righteousness

Never let him go astray

Keep his feet upon the narrow way

In the hour of temptation never let him go

For I fear he is so much like me

When I want him to be like you

Oh Lord won’t you use this child

Let him show your love to the world

Helping people who are in need

Oh Lord won’t you use this child

Oh Lord won’t you bless this child

So his life will not be in vain

Here he is I bring him to you

This is what I can do

Oh Lord, I will teach him your ways

I will be there for him all my days

I am glad that you are willing

To make him the man that he should be

Oh Lord, help me raise this child

Help me to understand all his ways

And when I’m in need of patience
Oh Lord, help me raise this child

For I fear he is so much like me

When I want him to be like you

Linking up with Tracy at Winsome Wednesday
And with Jennifer at God Bumps & Incidences Wednesdays

 

 

 

THE SILLY ONES

Timothy 2:6 For of this sort are they who creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, who are led away with divers desires.

“There are always weak-minded women enough in any community to give an opportunity of practicing these arts, and often the aims of the impostor and deceiver can be best secured by appealing to them.

Such women are easily flattered; they are charmed by the graceful manners of religious instructors; they lend a willing ear to anything that has the appearance of religion.” (Barnes notes)

This form of debauchery is not the exclusive property of women alone, for men also are deceived. It just happens that men are more apt to be a deceiver than women are.

I have personally seen cases where men from the outside come in and took married women away from their families. They did this all the while professing to love GOD and worship HIM. Their goal was to con the woman into believing lies they had mastered and to separate them from their faith and friends.


Naïve innocent girlimage courtesy photobucket

If this had only happened once it would be more bearable but in the small church I attended it happened several times. All the while the gospel was faithfully preached each week but it had no effect on them for they did not mix faith with it.

Hebrews 4:2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

Without uniting faith with the gospel it is not effectual to the hearer.  Single women are not exempt from this deception for they may be even more susceptible to these wiles of the devil.

There ever have been artful men, who, by pretence and flatteries, creep into churches and gain the favor and confidence of those who are gullible and ignorant. The idea is that women are under the influence of sinful desires and propensities, (fantasies) and hence, are better adapted to the purposes of deceivers.

These deceivers take advantage of the church’s graciousness in welcoming strangers but mature men and women need to “Watch and pray” over these new ones. They can appear as an “Angel of light,” but underneath they are ravenous wolves seeking some Cutie they can devour.

2 Timothy 3:13 But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived, they being a partaker of their own deception.

The last thing we need is a suspicious mind that goes about being mistrustful of everyone, yet this is the perfect time to watch and pray and let GOD reveal illicit circumstances should they exist.

This Post is linked with Laura’s “Play dates with God.”

ARTIFICIAL REALITY

image courtesy photobucket.com

There are two realities in the world that we deal with.


One is that which is artificial. That which we create ourselves; such as games of every description and play acting - - and the reality which is the stark circumstances that accompany everyday living.


We try to entertain ourselves with things that have little to do with the survival of the races. It is a form of escapism; it allows us to create an environment where we substitute realities.

Much of what we do is aimed at keeping us in our pleasure zone. Since there isn’t a “One size fits all,” it has required a multiplicity of genres to meet our needs.


Whether it is music, sports or hallucination pursuits all of which lull us into a feeling of security and pleasure and it becomes our lifestyle.


Contests are created whereby people are set against each other with winners and losers. This is a form of class warfare not unlike the old caste system of yesterday that establishes a superior/inferior status.


We try to compensate for intentional dissipation with health restoration processes of various kinds.


In the real world it is a far simpler process whereby we are only dealing with survival. Only those things that are expedient need to be considered worthwhile.


The sophistication of society has blurred the difference between the real and the artificial to the point we have a hybrid form of existence which can’t distinguish the difference between them.


This same modus operandi has invaded the relationship of GOD and man where we have developed certain forms of communication with HIM that bear the stamp of artificiality.


We are admonished to sing songs unto our GOD, to gather together and encourage each other, but when we are conditioned to depend on this in order to communicate with HIM we ignore the “One on one,” which is important to maintain.


The point I try to make is that the raw unembellished relationship with HIM is just you and GOD in personal fellowship with nothing or no one else involved. When you are alone, just you and GOD, it is here where you find out what reality truly is.


1John 1:7 but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

This is as personal a reality as it gets.

This post is linked to Deidra’s Sunday Jump Tandem
Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday