Reach Out and Touch the Lord

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The mind is amazing as it hides stuff away for many years, and out of nowhere it will bring forth a thought.

The song "Reach Out and Touch the Lord" has been hidden for over fifty years in my recollection, and just the other day it came silently out of the darkness and lo it was alive and active in my mind. Things you think have disappeared still abide within your mind.

Reach Out and Touch the Lord

(1) If your heart is sad and lonely, there's no joy anywhere.

If there’s no one left to comfort, and there's no one left to care.

Just cast your cares on Jesus and upon His arms rely,

And reach out and touch the Lord as He walks by.

Chorus:

Reach out and touch the Lord as he walks by

You'll find him not to busy to hear your heart’s cry.

He is passing by this moment your needs to supply.

Reach out and touch the Lord as he walks by.

(2) On a dark and stormy night on the sea of Galilee,

The disciples were so fearful of the fury of the sea.

When upon the raging water walked the blessed Lord of Life,

He calmed the troubled waters as he walked by.

(3)When upon the dusty waste side on his way to raise the dead,

Mighty was the throng that pressed him hungry for the living bread.

I must touch him cried a women, I must touch him ere I die,

She reached out and touched the Lord as he walked by.

Revelations 20:11-12 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works."

This and other scriptures indicate that all will be judged by what is written in the books and I suspect that our minds will bear witness that what is written is true.

Http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spUm8NT7UZc&feature=related

Linking up with Tracy at Winsome Wednesday

A LITLE HUBRIS WILL DO YOU (IN)

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Hubris means extreme haughtiness, pride or arrogance. Hubris often indicates a loss of contact with reality, and an overestimation of one's own competence or capabilities, especially when the person exhibiting it is in a position of power.

It seems that the prince of Cyrus was following the same path that Satan had used, which led to Satan’s downfall. His actions are described in the book of Ezekiel 28:13-16

13 You were in Eden, the garden of God; Every precious stone was your covering:
The sardius, topaz, and diamond, Beryl, onyx, and jasper, Sapphire, turquoise, and emerald with gold. The workmanship of your timbrels and pipes was prepared for you on the day you were created. 14 “ You were the anointed cherub who covers; I established you; You were on the holy mountain of God; You walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones. 15 You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, Till iniquity was found in you. 16 “ By the abundance of your trading You became filled with violence within, and you sinned; Therefore I cast you as a profane thing out of the mountain of God; And I destroyed you, O covering cherub, From the midst of the fiery stones.

As GOD warned the prince of Cyrus so also the warning is to all born again believers. We have a high position in the courts of GOD for he has made us kings and priests

Revelation 1:6 He has made us to be a kings and priests to serve our God and Father--to him be glory and power for ever and ever!

Revelation 5:9 And they sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.

Revelation 5:10 "You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth."

I must remember that hubris is at hand and to beware that pride and arrogance could easily lead me astray as it did Satan.

May Hubris not be found within.

This post is linked with

Joan Davis Sharing His Beauty  on Monday

And with Shanda’s On your Heart Tuesday  

PROPENSITY

I have written that it is my firm belief that babies are born without sin, and remain so until they with full knowledge, do that which they know is wrong. At that point they join the rest of the world in need of a savior.

Even so each and every one of us is born with a propensity toward sin. Sin interacts on this propensity like a magnet to draw us toward it. If you take a young child and tell them “Don’t step on these flowers,” something happens within the child, and they have a strong urge to step on the flowers. It is more than temptation; it is temptation plus the power of sin.

Once man was not indwelled by this force, but when granddaddy Adam disobeyed God, the power of sin came to stay within. When there was no law this power was active, but was not revealed as such.

In the 6th and 7th chapters of Romans, Paul tries to expose the power of sin within man. Then he declares we who are saved are free from its power. He basically says; there is something in us, that is not us, and it tries to cause us to act in conflict with who we are.

I didn’t struggle with sin before I was saved; I just did it and in some cases enjoyed it, consequences not withstanding. My official title was “Servant of sin”.

But now I’m born again and have become “The servant of GOD.” Still there is inner conflict, from which Paul declares most emphatically, we are free from it. But sin has a strong drawing power much like the Sirens of mythology. Their song could not be resisted without aid from outside.

The story of Jason and the Argonauts tells of when they sailed into the sirens lair, and the sailors plugged their ears so they could not hear the song they sang, but Jason had himself tied to the mast, and as he listened to their song it nearly drove him crazy. When one hears the siren calling; his only defense is the deaf ear. What ever you lust after will be your undoing for that is what you will be seeking. Jesus said; take heed how you hear.


The term “World” is used to depict external lures, those things to which you can be drawn toward. Whether wine, women and song; or wine, men and diamonds. Whatever stimuli that causes the target to drool, this the world provides.

Jesus, the man, faced the strongest of temptations that the evil one could present to him. This was done when Jesus was at his physically lowest, and He was weakened from forty days of fasting. The reason He was able to withstand this onslaught was because there was nothing IN him that responded to any of the tempters wiles.

James 1:14-15 Each person is tempted by his own desire, being lured and trapped by it. When that desire becomes pregnant, it gives birth to sin; and when that sin grows up, it gives birth to death.

James understood this principle and warned against it.

Even though we are free from the power of sin, it will attempt to enslave us, and all it requires is our cooperation with it. But if we resist it, the power is broken and that which is in us, and is not us, and sin will not be manifested by us.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKhtD3TsftI&feature=related

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

CROUCHING SIN

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Genesis 4:7 "If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.

"Proverbs 5:18-23
Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth.
As a loving hind and a graceful doe, Let her breasts satisfy you at all times; Be exhilarated always with her love. For why should you, my son, be exhilarated with an adulteress and embrace the bosom of a foreigner? For the ways of a man are before the eyes of the LORD, and He watches all his paths. His own iniquities will capture the wicked, and he will be held with the cords of his sin. He will die for lack of instruction, and in the greatness of his folly he will go astray.

The popularity of adultery, fornication and deviant sexual sins has almost matched the time of the Roman Empire and that of Sodom and Gomorrah.

For the unsaved it just compounds and adds to the difficulty in finding their way to Christ. The desire for emotional and sexual fulfillment is stimulated by both natural and artificial means found in books, magazines, movies, television, and now on the Internet plus the brag- a-dociousness of peers.

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The picture in Genesis 4:7 is you and I standing at the door of decision when opened you and I are going to be overpowered by the force of sin. Once the door is opened we have already sinned in our heart even before any act is consummated. Whoa !!  Bolt that door shut !!

The Christian has no excuse for committing these sins for; one the scriptures forbid it, two the Holy Spirit convicts you at the point of considering it, and three you know it is wrong.

One scripture that should ever be you mind is; John 14:17 That is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be IN you.

As a Christian the Spirit of GOD is “in” you. No matter what the sin may be HE is a party to it. If you fornicate - - HE is in you while you fornicate.

To me this is a scary thought and yet many Christians ignore this fact and proceed to do what they know is wrong. Don’t lose this thought; if I sin the Holy Spirit is in me as I do it whether it is lying, cheating, stealing or any other sin.

Rob Harbison preached a workman like sermon on fornication for those interested. Http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/moral-issues-fornication-rob-harbison-sermon-on-adultery-36096.asp

This post is Linked with Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays

INEQUITY IN THE KINGDOM ??

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“All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others,” declared the revised commandment of the animals in Orwell’s Animal Farm.

In America we aspire to the thinking that all men are created equal. While this is a lofty thought, there is an unrealized reality even within the kingdom of GOD.

Where do you start? Let’s begin with physical stature. Now are all men and women created equal? If you said yes you are ready for the Looney bin. If not equal physically then it must be intelligence where all are intelligently equal. A quick check of school records of grades might disagree on that point especially on the “SAT” scores.

Moving on and looking at social status. I don’t get many invitations to the White House functions or to any uppity social functions. Society pigeon holes us into classes. Even in school there was a great distinction among the students. Some were looked down upon and not accepted based on personal preferences.

But finally we come to the place where we all attain equality, “The church.”

Some churches have artificially tried to make this equality a reality, but it is a strained effort for some just don’t fit in, and further more they don’t want to.

Romans 12, and 1Corinthians 12 try to bridge this anomaly that we see within our brotherhood, but even there we find that there are the weaker brothers. Honor is lavished upon some to a greater degree than others, and it is something we all have participated in doing, and are guilty of it.

Skipping over other examples we come to our final rewards and even there we will experience a difference in the rewards earned; Revelations 22:12 "Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done.

All of the inequities of life will reflect upon our ability to earn a greater reward in heaven.

Christians are being slaughtered around the world just because of where they were born and their ethnicity, while here in America we do not suffer that fate this is an iniquitous position some are placed in.

If the above premises are anywhere near being true, then we are living in a world that isn’t fair, and we shouldn't expect it to be.

The age old question is what should we do? The answer is accept the world as it is for it isn’t going to change.

Accept yourself and refuse to accept the label the world has placed upon you.  Constantly reinvent yourself through faith in yourself. It is okay to have your head in the clouds as long as you keep your feet on the ground.

Find your potential and meet that standard for that will the best you can be. To do less will have wasted your greatness.

While we all have a common salvation it is obvious that there is inequity therein for some receive greater benefits from being born again than others do.

Linked with Laura at Brag on God Friday

ALMOST Persuaded

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There is a reoccurring theme we all experience during our lifetime and that is our list of “ALMOST.”

There are both positive and negative aspects to our almosts.

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The girl that almost married the wrong guy, and is happy she didn’t.

The guy almost didn’t buy that stock when it was cheap.

He almost was on the plane that crashed.

Retrospect is always looking back at things that could have been and both ruing and being joyous about a past event, most of which could have present day implications.

Eve may have looked backed and said, “I almost didn’t listen to that snake in the grass and eat that fruit.” Peter might have said when Jesus said, “Come follow me,” ‘I almost kept on fishing.‘

What ever the case may be we have to live with our decisions and at times they affect others also.

There is an old song I often would hear in the church I attended called, "Almost Persuaded."  It was used as an altar call urging sinners to receive Jesus.  I found the lyrics;

“Almost persuaded” now to believe;” Almost persuaded” Christ to receive;
Seems now some soul to say,” Go, Spirit, go Thy way,
Some more convenient day On Thee I'll call.”
“Almost persuaded,” come, come today; “Almost persuaded,” turn not away;
Jesus invites you here, Angels are lingering near
Prayers rise from hearts so dear; O wanderer, come!
“Almost persuaded,” harvest is past! “Almost persuaded,” doom comes at last!
“Almost” cannot avail; “Almost” is but to fail!
Sad, sad, that bitter wail —“Almost,” but lost!

I fear that many who we know will be in that almost group and they will have to say, " I almost was persuaded to become a Christian, almost but I didn’t."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGZG7BkyPd4

Linking up with Tracy at Winsome Wednesday
And with Jennifer at: God-Bumps and God-Incidences

WHY AM I ME?



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 Why am I me? 

Starting way back to Adam and coming all the way down to my present; how did I turn out to be me?

Some search genealogies hoping to find some clue as to something in their past generations that would help in answering this puzzle thinking that knowing where I came from possibly might help me in my quest for my identity and personage.

It has been said that I basically am the product of all my experience and learning but if I had a different experience and learning would I be someone else?

Joe Finkle; “The theory that meshes best with science is that consciousness is an emergent phenomenon that stems from the biochemical processes in the brain. There need not be any inherent special thing about you. Each of us can only possibly be ourselves and each of us can ask this question equally.”

The above quote from Joe sounds like he has been reading “Questions without answers,” and other scientific novels.

How about this; The "You" of today is the product of your unique set of life experiences, which have generated your unique set of memories, values, morals, and ethics, as well as your unique character and personality.

Your only way of distinguishing yourself from the other people and your environment is the huge content of your memory. If for any reason the memory is paralyzed or lost, the consciousness disappears once again, and a new you appears. Again we ask if we had different experiences would we be a different person?

If we consider that we have changed as we have grown up starting as a babe we could say that it is a different me at each stage of development.

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The intellectual changes along with sexual drives, physical development and psychological perceptions create my concept of who I am at a given period. 

This thought begs a further question; “Am I who I think I am?”

If we start with an absolute which is Almighty God whose declaration was “I AM THAT I AM,” The words express absolute, and therefore unchanging and an Eternal Being. ACTS 17:28 for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, 'For we also are His children.’

We are HIS children, HE is our FATHER creator, and as such we are HIS children by generation. As Christians we are HIS children by generation and regeneration, and as such we have two identities.

Who I was before being saved and who I am after my new birth. The immediate issue for the newly born Christian is to understand this fact that while he has two identities he is to function only as the regenerated child of GOD.

2 Corinthians 5:17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

Any time we act unchristlike, we are doing despite to the Spirit of grace and are not being led by the Spirit as in Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.

In the flesh, meaning walking after the desires of the unregenerate man. We are not in the flesh yet we can walk after the desires of the flesh. So why am I me?

It is because I am a New Creation Man as stated in
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.

Galatians .2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

As long as I keep this reality before me I will not fail to act like the new me.

Think about this; you have to have a fake ID in order to act unchristian for you are not that person any more.

It is only when we don’t know who we are, that we allow sin to dominate us.

This post is Linked with

Joan Davis Sharing His Beauty Monday
And with Shanda’s On your Heart Tuesday  

SPOT REMOVER

spot remover
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If you want to get someone’s attention just mention a tip for getting stains out, and how to remove spots from clothes and carpets.

This is a problem we have to deal with often due to either our own or someone else’s carelessness.

There are literally hundreds of different kinds of stains and some are set to the point where they fall into the category of “Live with it.”  This is especially disturbing when it is a new and expensive garment.

I like the information given in a “Quick and easy stain removal guide.”

“The following general procedures apply to nearly all stains. Fresh stains are much easier to remove than old ones, so take care of stains promptly.”

In the book of Ephesians the fifth chapter right in the middle of how to treat your wives Paul interjects the following verse;

Ephesians 5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

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The church is alluded to as the bride of Christ to whom He is espoused. 

Ephesians 5:31-32 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

If you view this in the context of a young bridegroom taking a wife and behold she comes forth with a spotted and stained wedding dress, all wrinkled up with blemishes, and she expects him to be pleased with her.

Then consider the church, His body with the same imagery and the picture isn’t pretty.

Paul is trying to show forth the church as being chaste, and most desirable to Christ. And even though she has spots and wrinkles He has made provision for his church to be without spot or wrinkle, and expects us to use His cleansing remedy.

In Romans 7 Paul uses the analogy of marriage to illustrate two states of our being. He uses the law to represent us in an unsaved state (being married to the world) and then shows us in a saved condition whereby we are married to Christ.

Romans 7:4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.

So what is it to be; are you going to be the spotted, wrinkled, and blemished bride or the unspotted, fresh, young bride who keeps herself for Christ alone?

Remember; Fresh stains are much easier to remove than old ones, so take care of stains promptly.

Don’t ever go to bed in a spotted condition.



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

GOLD MINE IN THE SKY

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The bad rap used on many Christians was that we are so "Heavenly minded that we're no earthly good."

I must confess that heaven is part of my reason for being a Christian just like Geheena is the reward for being a Non-Christian. I suspect that I have heaven more in the forefront of my mind than the Christ rejecters want to think about Geheena (hell in the common vernacular).

There are many songs about heaven and many more that allude to heaven. On the whole they are few in number that want to believe that this is all there is to existence for so many religions have popped up with a version an after life.

A song that alludes to a happy after life, “A Gold Mine in the Sky” was popular when I was a kid and was recorded by many singers. Pat Boone even sang it several years ago. Probably the most favorite of most people was Kate Smith’s rendition.

For those who have never heard it or those who want to hear it again click and listen;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pd_wpwETqPI

This post has been linked to Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays

THINGS I DARE NOT DO

First and foremost thing I dare not do is do despite to the Spirit of grace;

Hebrews 12:29 How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace?

I dare not partake of the elements of grace, the bread and wine in an unworthy manner or with spotted garments.

1 Corinthians 11:26-27 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

I dare not measure my self by other men because they are not my Lord of Lords.

2 Corinthians 10:12 Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.

2 Corinthians 12:18 For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.

I dare not to create a GOD out of my imagination instead of the Word of GOD defining HIM.

I dare not become a mirror image of the world where no one can distinguish me from the people of the worldliness.

2 Corinthians 6:17 Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the LORD. Don't touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you.

Revelations 18:4 Then I heard another voice from heaven say: "Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues;

I dare not walk in such a way to interrupt my fellowship with GOD.

John 1:3-7 what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.  These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete. This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. 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.

I dare not face GOD on the Day of Judgment being an unfaithful servant

Revelations 22:11 "Let the one who does wrong, still do wrong; and the one who is filthy, still be filthy; and let the one who is righteous, still practice righteousness; and the one who is holy, still keep himself holy.

There are many other things I dare not to do but that is another list.

This post is linked to Faith Barista Jam Thursdays

And with Tracy at Winsome Wednesday

LIL LUKE

We had a couple of dogs already, a Blue Tick Hound and a Black Labrador.

While reading the want ads (a bad thing to do) I noticed that there was some pure bred Labs pups for sale. Reduced price, I told my wife, and she decided to go over to look at them, for we had some Labs in the past and still had one.

After some time she came back with this black puppy and was $150.00 dollars poorer. To me he looked like a Luke so that was the name given to him.

As it turned out Lukey was and is the most selfish dog we have ever had. Even as a young pup he would contest the other dogs for all their toys. He would hang on, and they couldn’t shake him loose. They would turn around and around and he would be sailing in the air hanging onto the toy but he refused to release the toy.

The other dogs finally have given up and just let him have whatever he wanted.

One thing about Lukey is that from the beginning he knew what/who he was; there was no confusion about his nature and the things that was natural to his species. There were a few things he had to learn about what was acceptable to us and for the most part he adjusted his behavior to please us.

Some of his habits had to change or let be droped off in order to be what we considered a good dog.

Lil Luke is a dog’s dog and the other dogs accept him as a dog, this is best illustrated when he approaches a tree, and all three of them do what dogs do on a tree.  (Talk about togetherness).

Wouldn't it be great if all Christians were Christian's Christian in the same sense that Luke is a dog’s dog? Where everything we did was what Christians ought to do, and not do that which is contrary to their new nature.

As I muse (think) about this I conclude that I need to put this in a form that doesn’t confuse me but can be operational in my Christian walk.

Being simple minded I need to have things spelled out for me just “Thou shalt not” is a little too vague for me. Perhaps in my next blog I will have figured things out a little better (or maybe not).

In any case every time I see Lil Luke I’m reminded that he has it all together and for myself - - I need to work on some things.

This post is Linked to Shanda’s On your Heart Tuesday  

MY PRESENT TO GOD

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Romans 12:1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

In the entire 12th chapter of Romans the Apostle Paul gives more than simple advice as it reaches to the level of “Must do things.” When I read this chapter it is like a one sided conversation where I want to get more information (argue with him) about some of the particulars he addresses therein.

The implications of the very first verse just blows me away for this is suppose to be a one time, on going and not a on and off proposition.

Then he follows that verse with 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.

Not only does GOD want my body HE wants my mind to conform to HIS way of thinking when everything worldly around me wants me to do otherwise. To do this I would have to spend a lot of time thinking about GOD and praying.

Hebrews 4:16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most   (WHICH IS ALL THE TIME).

Part of what Paul is getting at is - - do I see myself, as this new creation person he speaks of in
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

It demands that I represent outwardly what I am inwardly, and the way to do this is to change the old mind set.

As I read this my old Mind set wonders if I couldn’t just slowly drift toward being a better Christian over the years without the trauma of any quick or immediate actions, but that doesn’t seem to be what Paul had in mind.

If it wasn’t enough that Paul was on my case along comes Peter and says; 1Peter 2:1-3, Therefore, putting aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander, like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to Salvation, if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.

1 Peter 2:9 But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.

The pressure to shape up and grow up in Christ is almost more than one can bear and yet HE gives grace to the humble. My tendency is to be an actor as Shakespeare said; all the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players: They have their exits and their entrances;  and one man in his time plays many parts.

The reality is there is only one part for me to play and that is the reality of who I am, for it is whom Christ has made me to be. For me to be an actor is unacceptable on the stage of life there can be no pretence of being something I am not, for even though my influence is limited it does affect those I care for.

One of the hardest things about Christianity is accepting who we are in Christ and acting accordingly.

Since I am no longer a sinner and to sin is contrary to my new nature I guess I will have to learn to get along without “Some of my favorite things.”

Cussing and fussing all have to go

Living a life that’s white as snow

Acting like someone who has been saved

Learning the word and trying to behave

This post has been linked with Joan Davis Sharing His Beauty

WHATS IT’S WORTH TO YA?

Luke 15:11-13 And He said, "A man had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of the Estate that falls to me.' So he divided his wealth between them. "And not many days later, the younger son gathered everything together and Went on a journey into a distant country, and there he squandered his estate With loose living.

Today there will be a child born with its whole future ahead of it.
GOD has been gracious and given it all of his inheritance within him,

His talents and abilities are within waiting to be developed to the max. It remains to be seen just what he will do with them. Whether he will persevere or will allow them to languish to a life of neglect.

As in the scriptures above we all have to answer; Are we going to waste our wealth with indolence or maximize our potential for success?

The price of dabbling with failings is too high and the results are debilitating.

Voltaire said; “Indolence is sweet, and its consequences bitter.” - -

As the soul’s journey begins its quest for salvation there are many distractions to hinder its progress. It may be riches or poverty, fame or infamy, indifference or pride.

Still every man must consider the question asked by Jesus; “What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?”

The answer is; I will give my allegiance to GOD and stay the course for then, and then only will I have maximized my life.

Enjoy this great song; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMPIKRjzxtM

This post is linked to some blogs you will enjoy traveling to !!

Deidra’s Sunday Jump Tandem
Michelle’s  Hear it on Sunday use it on Monday !!

THE LAST STRAW

Enough is Enough !!

You have heard it said: “This is the last straw, enough is enough, this is the end of the road,” and other similar words.

When a person comes to this point they are going to have to make some changes in the situation that they are in; or the circumstances are going to transform them in ways they don't want to be altered.

In GOD’S dealing with man, HE has reached the end of HIS patience many times and in order to maintain HIS character HE must do something about it.

This has been shown in His dealing with both Nations and individuals.

Because of the appearance of being involved or acceptance of deeds done by others there are times when you must distance yourself from people who are close to you, even though it might be your own family members. At times it requires an outright repudiation of their actions. So it was at the time of the flood in Noah’s day. A great distinction was made as to what GOD accepted and rejected.

Matthew 24:37 As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man when once again GOD will exercise his judgment upon the people of the earth.

God dealt harshly with the nation of Israel, and their enemies in times past. He did likewise with individual people when it became necessary. Israel was sent into captivity and until 1948 they didn’t have a homeland. Even now they are being challenged by all the Islamic nations in the Middle East.

Jonah’s disobedience escalated to the point where GOD said, “Enough,” and literally had to force him to preach HIS message to the Assyrians in Nineveh. Jonah was a man who had a sectarian spirit and a rebellious nature he missed the whole point of his being sent to Nineveh. He wanted GOD to destroy them but GOD had a different idea.

2nd Peter 3:9, "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."

When the Ninevites repented, GODS purpose had been accomplished, but Jonah couldn’t accept that.

In thinking about the premise set forth in this post, I can't escape the demands made upon me personally as a Christian believer. It would be well to say this is for someone else who needs it but I am as needful as everyone else.

The one thing that stood out while musing on this was “Don’t presume on GOD’S grace” for even with GOD “Enough is enough.”

Never forget; It isn't wise to push the envelope in your walk with GOD.

Just ask those who have experienced “The last straw treatment.”

This post is linked to:
Brag on God Friday with Laura
And Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays

NEIGHBORS

NEIGHBORS

Neighbors are kind, I love them everyone.

We get along in sweet accord.

But when my soul needs manna from above,

Where could I go but to the lord

So goes the verse in “Where could I go but to the Lord.”

Over the years my neighbors have been good to me. I haven’t been able to please them all, all of the time but any cross-purposes were always minor and quickly resolved.

One way to have a good neighbor is to be a good neighbor yourself.

It is sometimes necessary to leave some people alone and just try to be amicable and let it go at that. Usually their problem is with someone else and you are just getting their overflow anger. If that is the case there isn’t much you can do about that since the issue isn’t with you to start with.

The Bible has a lot to say about neighbors not the least is Romans 12:18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.

This is a good one!
Proverbs 3:29 Do not plan evil against your neighbor, who dwells trustingly beside you.

And these scriptures are also excellent: Galatians 5:14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

James 2:8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well.

Mark 12:31 The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Shakespeare’s Hamlet has some of the best advice for us;

Neither a borrower nor a lender be,

For loan oft loses both itself and friend,

And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry.

If you have good neighbors then you are blessed indeed and have much to thank GOD for.

Why don't you bless yourself and sing along.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqRO7DbK86g&feature=related

This post has been linked with these amazing sites - Do visit them!

Jennifer at: God-Bumps and God-Incidences
And with Michelle’s Thought Provoking Thursday

PRECIOUS JEWELS

PRECIOUS JEWELS

Little children, little children,

Who love their Redeemer,

Are the jewels, precious jewels,

His loved and His own.

Like the stars of the morning,

His brightness adorning,

They shall shine in their beauty,

Bright gems for His crown.

This old song reminds us of the verse of scripture which expresses how GOD feels about children

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."

This is one of the most succinct statements in all of scripture. It is so all encompassing that no one could argue against it.

Luke 17:2 It would be better to be thrown into the sea with a millstone hung around your neck than to cause one of these little ones to fall into sin.

This is one of those cautions in the scripture that doesn’t have an expiration date.

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

1 Samuel 1:26-28 And she said, Oh my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD. For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him: Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD.

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Most parents have learned that it is in the first few years you must train your child, if you don’t take them to church and read the Bible to them and tell them the Bible stories when they are young you have missed your chance to direct their path.

Enjoy this great song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPfa54jKApc

Linking up with Tracy at Winsome Wednesday

A FEW LOVE QUOTES - Repost

"The very idea that you could control a man's body was intoxicating; that you could make his head turn, follow your passing steps, that you could lean just so, or speak just so, or simply glance and toss your head, and he would be caught." (Talk about power)

“Love - a wildly misunderstood although highly desirable malfunction of the heart which weakens the brain, causes eyes to sparkle, cheeks to glow, blood pressure to rise and the lips to pucker.” (That’s so true)

“Love me when I least deserve it, because that's when I really need it.” (Okay.)

“You're playing with my heart and it's getting really lame. Decide what you want. The girl or the game?” (she really says it)

“He felt that his whole life was some kind of dream, and he sometimes wondered whose it was and whether they were enjoying it.” (Describes all old men)

“It's not what I feel about him; it's what I don't feel for anybody else.” (What girls have to settle for)

“In a perfect world, there would be no mirrors. Because every girl would have a perfect guy to tell her that she looks beautiful.” (Something guys need too)

“Dear Heart, I met a boy today. Prepare to shatter!” (Whoopee)

“Sometimes the girl has to be the one to step forward. When Prince Charming didn't come to Cinderella, she went to the palace and got him.“  (What P C means to a romantic girl)

“You're not even mine and I'm scared to lose you.” (Great imagination)

“Love doesn't hurt. If it hurts, it isn't love. If it hurts, he isn't worth it. The one person who is worth it won't let anything hurt you.” (Love without a little pain? Humm)

“I don't like missing you. But I love having you to miss.” (Sounds good)

“One day, all the memories, tears, and pain will go away - - Just like you did.” (I hope, I hope, I hope)

“Love sucks, love is great, love is like a mixed tape filled with everything you love and hate.” (The ins and out)

“You never truly love a person until the mere thought of you hurting that loved one is enough to break your own heart.” (Enough said)

(I invite you to make your own comments about the above quotes)

And this is one of the reasons I love the music of the fifties
Http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GLamMQ3x6o&feature=related

This post has been linked to One Word Carnival.  The Word this week is Romance

BE CAREFUL TO BAPTIZE?

image courtesy photobucket

Baptizing someone by some standards is a rite whereby the one baptized is cleansed, made fit and becomes a part of a Christian group.

Baptism identifies one with Christ as sanctified and holy. Being buried with Him in baptism associates a believer with Christ. It is a testimony to the world.

As a further extension of this rite there have been rituals of blessing animals, fishing fleets and in some cases, houses which in my view may be pushing the envelope too far.

In any case it is an act where something or somebody is considered to be consecrated to GOD for service. There has been an attempt to associate a myriad of things with the Christian faith and be made part of it.

Things that they wish to fall under the Christian umbrella they “Baptize” them in Jesus name in an attempt to give them some spiritual credence.

Some of the lesser items are $25.00 “Jesus Saves” tee shirts and $5.00 “Virgin Mary and baby Jesus decals.” Or perhaps you need a pair of shoelaces imprinted with the slogans "Jesus makes me happy" or "Jesus loves you."

Bumpers stickers are great especially when you cut somebody off in traffic and your bumper sticker says “Christians aren’t perfect only forgiven,” that will win many to Christ.

One of the more blatant attempts is to try to baptize Greed and call it GOD’S prosperity and at the same time the extollers of this heresy are being enriched by preaching their message, one by the way Paul never discovered even though they quote him often.

The attempt to baptize slave music (?) and use it to extol the virtues of Christ is another example of disrespect in worship. It is a “Look at me performance” in disguise as lifting up Jesus.

This blurring of crossing the line allows everything but the vilest of conduct and is accepted by sustainable groups of confessing Christians.

How about baptizing lust and calling it love? No matter how you try to Christianize it - - lust just isn’t love. It may work wonders in the bedroom but won’t sustain a marriage during the difficult times of stress. Desire for ones mate is a must for a happy marriage, and is a long term proposition, for it isn’t only for sexual intimacy and home cooked meals.

So what is your preference; how about some Rose of Sharon postcards or a 1Timothy 4:12 tote bag, and don’t forget the “Seek his will” mouse pad.

"Your word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against You" (Psalm 119:11).

"Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, and so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths" (Proverbs 3:3-6).

I must confess you will find some plaques on my walls with verses on them but if I didn’t have them in my heart they would only be an irritant not a blessing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ii8SNOisvUM

This post has been linked with Joan Davis Sharing His Beauty

Drawing Near

Awhile back, I was sitting around doing nothing and actually just being bored. I didn't want to listen to bad news on the TV. So there I sat. All at once I thought maybe I should read my Bible for awhile. So I found my Bible and opened it, and immediately saw the verse in James 5:8 which says; “Draw near to GOD and He will draw near unto you."

A similar verse I found in 2 Chronicles 15:2; “The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you;”

And then I opened my Bible again and saw Hebrews 4:16; “Let us come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in the time of need.”

I thought is this just a happenstance or perhaps it is divine direction. I mused on this for awhile, and came to the conclusion that I'll just go up to the throne room and see what happens.

By now my mind was in fast mode, I thought, I should take one more look at James 4:8. This time a closer observation revealed a second step which is; “Cleanse your hands you sinners and purify your hearts, you double minded.” Now I didn't think that applied to me but just in case I asked the LORD to forgive any wrong I might have done.

Having prepared myself, I was ready to enter the throne room and once there I thought what should I do now? So I began to bless the Lord and praise Him but every thing was quiet. I didn't know what else to do so I continued to worship.

After some time I was beginning to get nervous when all at once I heard this awesome voice, it wasn't the loudness of it - - but the sound of absolute authority. When I got over my fright I heard the voice saying; “What do you want?” After some time I found myself saying, “Oh nothing, I wanted to hang out here for awhile.” The voice then said, “AND” I had never heard the word “AND” said exactly like that.

I thought I had better answer, but what should I say? Being somewhat of a Wise Guy, I thought, “And - - what?” Well I decided not to say that. Instead I said: “To draw near so you so you would also draw near to me.” I thought that was a good answer! The voice spoke again and said “AND.” By now I began to freak out from that word, “AND.” It was scaring me. I tried once again, mustering enough courage to say, “I'm here to get some grace and mercy.” All the time I was thinking to myself please don't say, "AND" again. This prayer was answered; when the LORD spoke again saying, “Was there anything else?” Quickly I said, now that you mention it there is a couple of things I could use some help on - - - !

Not all these events happened as portrayed, but when you need to access GODS grace there are some things the born-again believer must keep in mind. First, you are going to address your awesome GOD and give Him the respect that is due Him. When you draw near Him He will draw near to you but chances are he will give you the same respect back to you that you give to Him.

There are several other things I could list for you, but you will need to learn them for yourself. This is a maturing process needed for each individual to personally go through.

This post is linked with Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays 

SHUT UP FOOL



image courtesy photobucket.com


“Shut up fool,” is the message that Christians are being fed at every turn.

The Christian kids are not allowed to have a Biblical opinion unless they keep it to themselves.

Young women are considered freaks and are ostracized unless they are sperm dumps at a young age.

Young men are looked upon with disdain if they don’t hump everything in sight.

This is the message being spread abroad in our educational system, in magazines, books, movies and TV, and some Christians are dumb enough to fall for it.

Ministers are told to “Shut up fool” when it comes to certain subjects for they are not acceptable to these hell bound people of sin.

Entire denominations have kowtowed to these objections regardless of plain scriptural teaching against such conduct.

What an opportunity to shine forth in this world of darkness so let your light shine. It is time to wear the label of “Fool” proudly because we are fools for Jesus or in other words their characterizations have no meaning to us they are only a pitiful attempt to bring us down to their level.

Matthew 5:37 Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.

Never before has this scripture had a greater meaning for we are not falling for the wiles of you know who.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FCgc6Paj2c

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

DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE WORD OF GOD

Matthew 4:4 Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.

This was in response to Satan’s taunting Jesus saying “If you are the son of GOD then turn these stones into bread.” When Jesus said “Man shall not live by bread alone” he was quoting from Deuteronomy 8:3.

Jesus as a boy, instead of joining the homeward bound caravan, stayed at the temple and was having a question and answer time with the teachers of the Old Testament

Luke 2:47 And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers.

What we can take from this is; Jesus knew the word of GOD and when it came time for the temptation of Satan he was prepared, and just quoted the Word Of GOD to him.

Isaiah 55:11 So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.

The word of GOD has power within it and when it meets faith it will accomplish what it was sent forth to do.

image courtesy photobucket

There were two men that were broke and hungry, one of which knew something of the Bible though he was not a Christian. He convinced the other one to go down to a busy corner, and he started to give forth the words of the Bible. He carried the pretence further and gave an altar call like he had seen preachers do. There were some people who stepped forward and were saved that evening. The two men had passed a hat around and collected some money and off they went on their way laughing about how they had pulled it off.

The fact was that God’s Word went forth regardless and it did not return void!

Perhaps this explains how unfaithful ministers seemingly get results even though they are not walking the way they should. It is the Word that when sent forth does not return to GOD without results.

Jesus knew the written Word and could without any hesitation declared “It is written” and he knew the power that resided within it. It is a must for every Christian to know for themselves the written word so in every situation they can say with Jesus; “It is written."

Psalms 119:11 I have stored up your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

You might enjoy this song:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SLHWFpSlq4

This post has been linked to Michelle’s  Thought Provoking Thursday
And with Iris, Hostess for February at: Thankful Thursdays  

DON’T PLAY WITH THE SNAKE

image courtesy photobucket

When GOD placed Adam and Eve in the garden perhaps HE should have told them, “Don’t play with the snake.”

It is obvious that they developed a friendly relationship with the snake, and they trusted him to do them no harm.

From the time that Adam and Eve were deceived, mankind has been deception challenged or prone to it. You only have to look at the relationships men and women have gotten into which resulted in heartaches and misery. The root of this deception is from the very core of evil himself, Satan.

John 8:44 "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it."

Just as the serpent yielded himself to Satan so also do the deceivers of today give themselves to him for Satans purposes. One paradoxical thing is that those who take advantage of people in a deceitful way are victims of Satan themselves for they have been also been deceived. They are snared and cannot seem to free themselves from his grasp.

In today’s world “The Snake” comes to us in many forms. It may be shady business dealings, illicit affairs, giving false impressions or whatever the case may be.  Behind it is the same entity that deceived Adam and Eve.

Paul gives some snake proof actions in Philippians 4:8-9 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

If the opposite of these things is evident then they are to be avoided at all costs for you are about to “Play with the snake.”

Ya’ll forgive for putting this song on here, but I thought you would enjoy it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceaLH8WmZ2E&feature=related

Linking up with Tracy at Winsome Wednesday