THE BEGGING MODE



image courtesy photobucket.com

 Since I am guilty I will confess just to clear the air. I have caught myself coming to GOD and praying in "The Begging Mode" rather than considering, “I'm only asking for what is mine in Christ.”

Matthew 7:7 Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.

Instead of just accepting the scripture for what it said I interpreted to mean "Get down on your knees and grovel and beg." Anytime I do that I am praying in unbelief and that may be the reason prayer isn't answered part of the time.

I may be the only person who does this, but seriously ask your self; do I believe I have “The right” to receive what I am praying for? If not will begging like kids do to their parents until they relent – will it change GOD'S mind? Praying without the assurance that GOD will answer is akin to unbelief.

There is a principle laid down in James concerning prayer; James 1:6-7 But when you ask God, you must believe. Don't doubt him. Whoever doubts is like a wave in the sea that is blown up and down by the wind.

People like that are thinking two different things at the same time. They can never decide what to do. So they should not think they will receive anything from the Lord.

Before praying it behooves one to find out what GOD has said about prayer and praying and about GOD'S provision for us. It is there that faith is born and nurtured. Get assurance from God’s Word that your prayer will produce the answer.

When you pray you are talking to the best friend you have. He has told you can have whatever you believe He will give you.

If you don't believe He wants you to have it then don't pray for it and waste your time.

There are a lot of situations where we just don't have a clue about how to proceed at a time like this so we must look deeper within ourselves.

Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

When this is the case you are not excluded from the process, actually you are totally involved.

With the background of Matthew 6:9 This, then, is how you should pray: "'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name - - Now proceed to ask (as an adult Christian not as a child begging) your heavenly Father for that He has promised to give you with nothing doubting and with no begging.

Mark 11:24 Therefore I say unto you, All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

This post is Linked up today with Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday  Use it on Monday

SING YOUR BLUES AWAY?

Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say, Rejoice! Philippians 4:4

Everyone gets a little blue once in awhile; if you didn't you wouldn't be normal.

Of course there are a few liars who would deny this, but we forgive them cause we know better.

Since we all have these times, the key to success in life is to get by and get over the troubling cause.

Of course you can take the other tact and learn to enjoy being miserable but who needs that?

Our subject matter is to sing your blues away.

Lets deal with a couple objections right off and get them out of the way.

image courtesy photobucket

Number 1  is "I can't sing," but of course you can. I have heard some that should have sang to themselves, but that notwithstanding everybody can sing if they can think.

Number 2  is "I don't think it will help." Let me assure you "It will help." It may not cure what ails you but in the time of "dread" every little bit of help is welcome.

You need to ask yourself why should I remain this unhappy?  Is my being unhappy attitude making things better? The answer to that is obvious; Nooooo.

Number 3  is "I don't know what to sing." The way to handle this is plan ahead. Get you a repertoire (definition--. A list or supply of dramas, operas, pieces, or parts that a company or person is prepared to perform) of songs that lift you up and have them ready for a time of need.

image courtesy photobucket

Sometimes words are hard to come by when we suffer loss of a love one or our goods, but there is something you can start with and that is to HUM.

Humming is something, that will help you get started and will assist you to calm yourself down.

Then go to Jude 1:20 But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.

Listen to the sweet music on the sites below on Youtube and they should cheer you up!

Http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUrBUC91FBI&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmLPxpCsqVA&feature=g-vrec

This post is linked with Fresh Brewed Sundays
And at: Sunday Jump Tandem

DRIVE A STAKE IN THE GROUND

Driving a Stake !!
image courtesy photobucket.com

Driving a stake in the ground is a reference marker where time and distance is measured.

Furthermore it is a metaphor for taking a definite stand on some issue; perhaps on an ethical matter, or a stated intention to do something.

Bad memories; I got some!

Memories are like poor relatives or the itch it’s something that is hard to get rid of.  At times bad memories are easier to remember than the good ones.

They come uninvited, and stay too long. When ever they appear my stomach feels like it is tied up in a knot and on its way comes high blood pressure and with it stress.

Joseph was a young man who had family troubles. He was treated very badly and sold to slave traders who took him to Egypt away from the land of promise.

After a series of bad memory moments it is recorded in; Genesis 41:51 Joseph called the name of his first-born Manasseh, saying, For God has made me forget all my toil and all my father's house.

With the help of GOD he drove a stake in the ground and now treated the pain of the past as having no effect on him.

Bad memories hurt the one who is remembering them while the cause of them escapes unscathed.

Once an episode is over make a decision to do as Paul did;

Philippians 3:12-13 I don't mean that I am exactly what God wants me to be. I have not yet reached that goal. But I continue trying to reach for it and make it mine. That's what Christ Jesus wants me to do. It is the reason he made me his. Brothers and sisters, I know that I still have a long way to go. But there is one thing I do: I forget what is in the past and try as hard as I can to reach the goal before me.

Paul had more to forget than any of us will ever have to.

People will take advantage of you, friends may let you down; but - - Proverbs 18:24 A man with many friends can still be ruined, but a true friend sticks closer than a brother.

As Christians we have that friend who seeks to encourage us in time of need and who would tell us to "Drive the stake and do not let the past rule over you."

Along with this forgive yourself, can you do that? Are you willing to forgive yourself even as GOD has forgiven you?

You can't be free from the past until you are willing to no longer condemn yourself for failing.

Drive your stake and be free.

Check out the link below, it will do you good!
Http://www.ccesonline.com/dev/closerthanabrother.htm


This post is Linked with Michelle’s Thought Provoking Thursday
Also linked to Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays

NEGATIVITY SUCKS

Negative image courtesy photobucket

Negativity sucks all right but it is here to stay til' Jesus comes.

You may have a beautiful white blouse and get a small dot of black on it and what was something you were proud of suddenly becomes something you are ashamed of.

You may have a good kid, not great but a good, one you would call a normal child and he/she does a dumb thing and both the child and family have to live with it from then on.

GOD'S first kids Adam and Eve fit that category and the human race has had to live with the consequences ever since.

The Christmas office party where people let their hair down, leaves some without respect from then on. People may laugh about it but there will always be an undercurrent of disdain.

image courtesy photobucket

Because of negativity, the world as a whole has departed from GOD'S standards, and made do with a patch work of ideals.

We are forced to overlook and compensate for lowering standards in conduct, attitudes, and lifestyles. Some would call this democracy in action while others would understand that there is a force of evil at work in the world. The conflict of good and evil can never be resolved the only answer is to start over without the presence of negativity.

Meanwhile we need do to with what we have and make the best of it by resisting evil in all its forms even though it may not be popular by those who have given in.

Many people have declared the end of the world is nigh only to be proven wrong but no can deny we live in apocalyptic times. A time when we face the times revealed in the book of Revelation 21:1 "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea".

Until that time we must find a way to tolerate one another and as much as lies within us, or as Romans 12:18 says If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

" The cycle of God, the good, is broken by a single act of negativity. The cycle of negativity is stopped by choosing the good -- not just once, but again and again until it is goodness that prevails in your life and in our world altogether." JOHN MORTON,

Negativity sucks away energy. If part of the negativity stems from your attitude or perspective, commit yourself at the beginning of each day and each activity to find something positive in yourself and in others around you. TERRY ORLICK,

Matthew 5:3,9 "Great blessings belong to those who know they are spiritually in need. God's kingdom belongs to them. Matt:9 Great blessings belong to those who work to bring peace. God will call them his sons and daughters.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ly8lvP3wDk&feature=relmfu

This post is Linked with Laura’s Faith Filled Friday
Also with Stacy’s New Heartprints Hallelujah Fridays

OUR STRANGE PROGENY

 

image courtesy photobucket

"One of the most important findings that has emerged from human behavioral genetics involves the environment rather than heredity, providing the best available evidence for the importance of environmental influences on personality, psychopathology, and cognition." quote From International Journal of Epidemiology.

image courtesy photobucket

This sounds like - - Error to me - - I think they need to read some more books because that doesn't sound like the right answer.

There are some things everyone can agree on and that is within the same family there are differences that are huge. They share the same genes, same food, same environment, and sometimes the same bed. It goes far deeper than external forces, deeper than heredity, down to the very heart of our being.



image courtesy photobucket

There are those who are border line nut cases in most of every large family. Even if there is only one child some families still have a “Problem child.” This strange phenomena can cause a sensible parent to wonder if this person is really their child.  I hesitate to give examples because everyone has known people similar to what I have described.

Answers to the questions that arise about this subject are difficult to come by. I am guessing when I suggest it is a problem within the "soul" of each individual man.

There are drives within the physical part of man that may contribute to this problem hence the statement, "If it feels good then do it," resulting in a kind of anything goes philosophy ignoring consequences.

But the real problem lies deeper within, and that is in "Who we are."  I accept the spirit, soul, body concept of the constitution of man and look to the scripture for an answer of this question.

Ephesians 6:11 “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil,”

Our personality is pretty well set in our youth, and if we accept Ephesians 6:11 as a premise, then before we receive salvation (for most of us) we are attacked with these wiles - - without the protection of the whole armor of GOD. It is how we respond to those (wiles) that forms our personality. These wiles are at the core of all the wackiness we see manifested around us.

Why in the same family there are such differences it is not easy to understand.  You can't excuse bad behavior. Each individual is responsible for their conduct otherwise GOD would say well done enter in to heaven because it wasn't your fault.

Within families the most difficult thing to deal with is how to reject bad behavior without rejecting the person. Sometimes the only answer is to put some distance and have little or no contact.

Having eaten a lot of nuts in my time, I know some nuts are rotten to the core while others are only half bad.

It’s a good time for GOD'S wisdom to come into play when forced to face this issue

This post is linked with Jennifer at: God-Bumps and God-Incidences

ALL-MOST

Paiul before King Agrippa
image courtesy of Free Bible Art

Acts 26:28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost you persuade me to become a Christian.

King Agrippa just missed it by an inch.

Call it, “A day late and a dollar short,” All of which speak of coming up short of success and failing.

I knew two brothers who were always in competition with one another. There was a day when the older brother stood up on his bicycle's bar and the seat - - standing straight up with arms stretched out as he rode down the street. We younger boys were amazed at the feat he just pulled off.

The younger brother said he could do that, and we just laughed at him.

A few days later we goaded him into showing us his skills on a bike. Here he came down the street, he got up on the bar and put his foot on the seat but as he stood up the bicycle went one way and he the other. The street was paved but sharp rocks penetrated the street surface and this brother hit the pavement hard with his knees and hands.

As he was writhing in extreme pain he ran home with both hands and knees tore up. We removed what was left his brothers bike and carried it home for him. About three weeks later he was healing fine with soon to be scars galore. But he, "Almost" did it.

image courtesy photobucket

The revival meeting was going strong and there were some Christian brothers who finally got the sinner brother to come to the church, and at the altar call they forced him to the altar to pray. After this they never were able to get him back in church again, he “Almost” got saved.  

This world operates on "Almosts." People look back and say "I almost" and then list many things they failed to succeed at.

There are some almosts that we are better off with such as; I almost married the wrong person or I almost committed a crime.

When it comes to our service for the Lord let it NOT be said, "I was almost faithful to Him" but rather let it be said "I was altogether committed to Him".

There is another almost to consider and that is; The servant who was given a bag of money to invest. He came to the master and said; “I was afraid. I went and hid your money in the ground. Here is the one bag of money you gave me.”

We must never fear to almost do things for the Lord.  To try and then come short is no disgrace.

The sad thing is to take what the Lord has given you and do nothing with it. That is like hiding your light under a bushel when we are commanded to so let our light shine.

The key to success is to use what you have for the Lord. He tells us that; Everyone who uses what they have will get more. . Don't miss this song!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVeB7ACVgO0&feature=related

Linking up with Tracy at Winsome Wednesday

I NEVER GAVE THANKS

image courtesy photobucket.com

Giving thanks is an act that can easily be feigned.

If they are words without meaning to you then it is just a pretence and is not worthy of the giver or receiver.

The 1929 stock market crash is conventionally said to have occurred on Thursday the 24th and Tuesday the 29th of October. These two dates have been dubbed "Black Thursday" and "Black Tuesday," something happened in between those dates; I was born on the 26th of October 1929.

During the days that followed some people suffered greatly in the great depression that was the result.

My father was employed but was sent from place to place to ply his trade.  As was the custom in those days, out-of-towners stayed in boarding houses and so it was, my father, my mother and I dwelled in many places.

Paper diapers hadn't yet been invented, so my mother had the pleasure of having to use a wash tub to wash my dirty diapers. It wasn't unusual to have to change the diapers a dozen or more times a day so you can see it was a busy time for her.

Of all the hundreds things she did for me as I was growing up, I can't remember ever really saying, "Thank you mom."  I may have grunted out the expected obligatory thanks, but I did that sparingly.

As I think back - - I just expected her to do all those things for me because of some unknown reason, thinking that I deserved it. Instead of being grateful, to me it was no big thing.

She carried me for 9 months, suffered through a home birth, and then put up with my foolishness for all those years, and still it wasn't until I had a family of my own that I started to return her kindness to me.

After being born again my attitude improved somewhat but there probably was and is still room for improvement.

When someone does something good for you, gratitude should be shown for their deed. It doesn't necessarily obligate you to them for some will use a suppose kindness as a control device over you.

If you have been saved by Christ one of the easiest things for you to do should be to thank him for his mercy to you. Since we continually need forgiveness we should continually give thanks to HIM for his grace and long suffering

The Psalmist incessantly does this very thing through the book of Psalms!

Psalms 106:1 Hallelujah! Give ye thanks unto Jehovah; for he is good; for his loving-kindness endures for ever.

As I said it is easy to feign giving thanks, just saying the words, but the Lord knows the difference.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmSjw8ZaiBs&feature=related

This post has been

Linked to Shanda’s On your Heart Tuesday  

Thank You Everyone for Your Kind Comments
image courtesy photobucket.com

 

MY DEBT

Looking Back
image courtesy photobucket.com

Born not of my will but at the will of others nevertheless - - When I arrived I owed many debts none of which were of my making.

image courtesy photobucket.com

All of these were great debts that would take a lifetime to satisfy. Due to the fact my debts were Trichotomous in nature I must deal with three levels of existence.

Starting with the first obligation I owe a great debt to the past. My past began at my first breathe and continues each day. While I'm creating the past here and now in the present I must use great care to be wise in its creation.

The past is unchangeable but has a strong impact upon both my present and future. An ill begotten past can and will strongly affect the present and future. Though the past is unchangeable there is a force in play that can modify the effect it has upon the present and future.

This is done by letting wisdom prevail today, for today is where the ongoing past is being created. I owe a debt to today.

There is a duality in play in the "today" because a new past is being created and it is where life is always being lived. Today is the battleground where the total existence of a person is being tested and weighed in the balances by people both known and unknown and also yourself.

Your goals and aims must conform to who and what we are - - so self discovery is a prerequisite to any and all successes you may have. Only GOD can change who I am but I can control how I conduct myself and relate to other pilgrims.

The heavy burden of the present carries with it part of the "present past" and future "future" for the basis of the future and the past is being formed and established here and now.

There is a sense where we live in all three dimensions of existence all at the same time therefore it behooves one to take heed how you live for it is a revelation of who you were, who you are and who you will be.

There is one other issue worth considering and that is your future, Future.

Your life after your present life has run its course. Your past, present and future life is going to establish your Future, Future.

Matthew 16:27 for the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.


1Thessolonians 4:16-17 The Lord himself will come down from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. And the people who have died and were in Christ will rise first.
After that we who are still alive at that time will be gathered up with those who have died. We will be taken up in the clouds and meet the Lord in the air. And we will be with the Lord forever.

Take heed how you live!


Linked up today with Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday
Also linked with Joan Davis Sharing His Beauty

FIG LEAF SYNDROME

image courtesy Christian free Clip Art

In evaluating my standing before GOD it is solid, but the conditional aspect always needs to be improved on. I have come to the conclusion that I suffer from the "Fig Leaf Syndrome," where I am always trying to cover up some fault with a fig leaf. (Simply an excuse for failing).

"ALL IN" is a phrase that is used in the game of Poker where a player bets everything he has, nothing is held back, every thing depends upon his cards he's holding and what his opponent has.

Within the Christian sphere there is a counter part of the "All In" scenario and that is called "Full Surrender."

It is hard to define in total because of different interpretation of its meaning. Having come from a holiness church organization it was laid out in certain terms while other faiths extend a more liberal view point.

Regardless of your position, one thing never changes and that is the word of GOD and the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT. The only variable is one's response to those absolutes.

We can be some what satisfied with our positional standing before GOD because that is based upon what Christ did for us; but then we come the conditional standing which is based upon our walk before GOD.

We can grow toward the full surrender state but it will only be accomplished by a dramatic change within us.

Moses had such a moment in his life at the burning bush. From that moment on he gave himself fully over to GOD'S direction.

This world is getting to look more like a mental facility every day where the patients out number the health aides 10,000 to one. In the midst of this chaotic world GOD WANTS his children to have sound thinking

2Corinthians 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

In the midst of this chaos the Christian has the great opportunity to stand out and be set apart from the world because of the world's condition.

Being All In for GOD means we live our life according to GOD'S standard not just a little better than the world's standard.

Check David Wilkerson's take on Full Surrender!
Http://www.tscpulpitseries.org/English/undated/tsjabbok.HTML

This post is Linked with Charlotte’s  Spiritual Sundays

AND LEAVE IT THERE ??

image courtesy photobucket.com

Early in my Christian life I learned to love an old hymn, "Take your burden to the LORD and leave it there."

Along with verses of scripture (by the dozens) I have formulated a certain comfort zone, but there are times when outside pressures are difficult to withstand and are almost overpowering.

I find myself leaning toward the psalmist in Psalm 40:17 "Yet I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; O my God, do not delay."

Instead of leaving it there I pick it back up and take with me.

Then I remember Psalms 55:22 Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.

1 Peter 5:7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Then when the wolf is at the door and there are troubles ahead I console myself with Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

Trials bring with them stuff that can really bother me and I try to numb out and embrace unreality and call it faith. This kind of faith wavers when trying to embrace the promises of GOD.

There three basic problems the Christian has to deal with; The World, The Flesh and The Devil. We have been given the answers to all these issues.

The World: John16:33 I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

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

This leaves only the Flesh. Romans 8:5-7 People who live following their sinful selves think only about what they want. But those who live following the Spirit are thinking about what the Spirit wants them to do.

If your thinking is controlled by your sinful self, there is spiritual death. But if your thinking is controlled by the Spirit, there is life and peace. Why is this true? Because anyone whose thinking is controlled by their sinful self is against God. They refuse to obey God's law. And really they are not able to obey it.

The most famous Pogo quotation is "We have met the enemy and he is us"! This quotation along with Paul's teachings tells us succinctly wherein lies most of our problems. Lord I need help, in the now (the ever present).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRUNNAo0l3o&feature=related

This post is Linked with Laura’s Faith Filled Friday
And with Stacy’s Heart prints of God, Hallelujah Link Up

ERR, MY WEAPONS

2 Corinthians.10:4 "The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds".

That sure sounds encouraging now if I only knew what they were, perhaps;

Ephesians 6:10-18 "Finally, let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. Put on all the armor that God gives, so you can defend yourself against the devil's tricks.

We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world.

So put on all the armor that God gives. Then when that evil day comes, you will be able to defend yourself. And when the battle is over, you will still be standing firm.

Be ready! Let the truth be like a belt around your waist, and let God's justice protect you like armor.
Your desire to tell the good news about peace should be like shoes on your feet.

Let your faith be like a shield, and you will be able to stop all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

Let God's saving power be like a helmet, and for a sword use God's message that comes from the Spirit.


Never stop praying, especially for others. Always pray by the power of the Spirit. Stay alert and keep praying for God's people."

2Corinthians 6:6-7 "We show that we are God's servants by our pure lives, by our understanding, by our patience, and by our kindness. We show it by the Holy Spirit, by genuine love, by speaking the truth, and by depending on God's power. This right way of living has prepared us to defend ourselves against every kind of attack."

image courtesy photobucket

Romans 13:12 "The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light."

Before I can put on the armor of light I must cast off the works of darkness; for the armor of righteousness will not fit over works of darkness. The effect of that is I must leave off part of GOD'S armor, and that is where trouble comes in. You will be hit where there is no protective armor.

While you think about this I'm going to check and see if I have all GOD'S armor on for there may be an attack coming my way.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbIvlYjfnD4

Linking up with Tracy at Winsome Wednesday

OLD AGE AND PRAYER

Older Lady Praying
image courtesy photobucket.com

The only thing sure is death and taxes so says Ben Franklin.

On the way to demise is old age unless the grim reaper intervenes and takes you sooner.

There is a prayer in Old Age, attributed to a Seventeenth Century Nun which in part reads; "Lord, you know better than I know myself that I am getting older and will someday be old. Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion. Release me from craving to straighten out everybody's affairs. Make me thoughtful but not moody, helpful but not bossy. With my vast store of wisdom it seems a pity not to use it all, but you know, but Lord, that I want a few friends at the end.

I dare not ask for improved memory, but for a growing humility and a lessening cocksureness when my memory seems to clash with the memories of others. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally I may be mistaken. Keep me reasonably sweet. I do not want to be a saint-some of them are so hard to live with-but a sour old woman is one of the crowning works of the devil."

My mother-in-law just passed on to glory at age 100, but until the very end she would pray for people. She never gave up the privilege of prayer.  One of her favorite songs was, "What a friend we have in Jesus."  It has the line "What a privilege to carry everything to GOD in prayer," and says it very well.

Knowing this should elevate prayer in our view to a higher plane.

Psalms 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."   Our access to this help is through prayer in the name of Jesus.

It behooves the believer to experience prayer and praying for it will be that which sustains you to the end and will be your power source when all other strength fails.

Strange as it may sound it will serve you well to become proficient in prayer, to learn how to pray and what works for you in your time of need.

One of the most humbling things I know is that at different times in my life there has been someone who cared enough for me to pray for me.

The prayer of Jesus in John 17:20 "I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message" 

That is ever a comfort to me, for Jesus included me. A beautiful song of prayer!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu3o8W5JMuU

This post is linked with Jennifer at: God-Bumps and God-Incidences
Also Linked with Paula’s Welcoming Spirit

JUST ONE OF THE BOYS

JUST ONE OF THE BOYS
image courtesy photobucket.com

There was a movie where a girl took her twin brother’s place at a boy’s school, and the theory was no one could tell she was a girl. Notwithstanding there was some difficulty during the locker room scenes. As the story went on; she was just one of the boys.
 

Today there are groups throughout the world trying to reduce Christ to being just one of the boys.

Below just a sampling of different kinds of religious groups, all have their personal “inventor” for that is the best word I can think of to describe their creators.


image courtesy photobucket


Hare Krishna, Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormonism, Transcendental Meditation, Theosophy, EST, The Unification Church, "Moonies" Christian Science, Unity, Astrology, Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Confucianism Taoism, Shintoism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Islam, Sikhism, Atheism, Agnosticism, and Skepticism, Secular Humanism, and Existentialism to name a few.

While some have all but excluded Christ from their belief system others have decided to reduce him to "Just one of the boys." Islam, Mormonism, Jehovah witnesses and Unity have remade him into another image suitable for their taste.

The Bible has a different take on this issue;

John 1:1-3 Before the world began, the Word (Jesus) was there. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was there with God in the beginning. Everything was made through him, and nothing was made without him.

Jesus isn't "Just one of the boys" he is not only the MAIN man he is the ONLY man.

Matthew 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

In a way I feel somewhat slighted because these want-a-be Christs that are showing up can't do squat, and still people flock to them hoping for some supernatural occurrence to happen.

2 Timothy 3:5 Who have a form of God-worship and are far from his power; remove from you those who are such.

2 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus and there is only one book and that is the Bible.

Give me the real Jesus as found in the Bible, God’s Holy Word. 

Jesus is the ONLY one who can truely change lives!!

This post is linked with Laura at: Play Dates With God at the Wellspring
Also Linked to Shanda’s On your Heart Tuesday  

HAVE FUN WITH JESUS

image courtesy photobucket.com

"People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing." 

Have you ever considered that being a Christian should be fun?

Being a Christian requires you to be happy, sincere, concerned and one other thing and that is diplomatic.

It is a big mistake when you try to open the door of happiness with wrong keys. Happiness is more than a feeling it is a state of being. Being happy feels good but feelings are so transient they don't produce a contented state merely a moment of ecstasy.

Attaining goals produces real happiness and conditions one for further success. Remember happiness doesn't depend upon who you are or what you have; it depends solely on what and how you think.

Thankfulness rewards the good, but too much self-criticism punishes everything - - It kills both the good and the bad.

The Bible says in Proverbs 3:27, "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he."

You will eventually become what you think. And you can't think one thing and become something else. If you allow yourself to think negative worried, fearful thoughts, then you will become a negative, worried, fearful person.

"You cannot think defeat and expect victory. You can't think poverty, and expect wealth. You can't think the worst, and expect the best.

Joel Osteen says,  “Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain - and most fools do. But it takes character and self-control to be understanding and forgiving.”

"A great man shows his greatness, "by the way he treats little men." says Carlyle."

Dale Carnegie “I didn't bait the hook with strawberries and cream. Rather, I dangled a worm or grasshopper in front of the fish and said: "Wouldn't you like to have that?" Why not use the same common sense when fishing for people?

To some extent you are selling yourself to everybody you meet, the value they place upon you depends on two things their perception of you (first impression) and their discovery of who you really are. As Christians we are in the people business.

This is upheld by Jesus' final words Mark 16:15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.

Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SmXC689g8Y&feature=related

Linked up today with Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday
Also linked with Joan Davis, Sharing His Beauty

DIRTY FEET

image courtesy photobucket.com

I was visiting at a country church and having a good time worshipping GOD and since I was a guest, as I watched the people enjoying themselves my attention was drawn to one man who appeared to be a local.

He wore a suit without a tie and the thing that made him stand out was - - he had no sox’s on.  I then couldn't help but stare at his feet. His feet were black with dirt. I hadn't seen feet that dirty since I left the farm in my youth. In any case he was there and I was glad he came to worship.




Jesus Washes Peters Feet
image courtesy photobucket

  Jesus gave some instructions about what to do when you have dirty feet. In Biblical times they had community baths so I have been told, and on the way home the sandaled feet would pick up dust, dung and other unmentionables.

Upon arriving home their habit was to wash their feet and thereby be clean. Now many sermons have been preached upon this subject but it is still a good word for us today.

John 13:10 Jesus said, “After a person has a bath, his whole body is clean. He needs only to wash his feet. And you are clean, but not all of you.”

Traveling through this world today it doesn't matter how careful you walk you are going to get your feet dirty by things you hear, see and do. There is much filth on our pathway and it cannot be avoided.

It is up to the believer to walk cautiously, and with awareness;

Ephesians 5:15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise.

Ephesians 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. Even though we follow these instructions some of the garbage of the world will adhere to our feet and need to be cleansed.

The Apostle John speaks of the sin problem Christians must deal with;

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

Lord Wash My Feet too!
image courtesy Christian Art

I must admit that it is somewhat humbling for me to admit my feet have gotten dirty as I travel thorough this veil of tears but even as Jesus washed the feet of his disciples Jesus is still is in the foot washing business. Our daily prayer should be

“Lord I need my feet to be washed.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rY8bMkUipM

This post is Linked with
Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays
Also linked to Deidra’s Sunday Jump Tandem

TELL IT LIKE IT IS!

A Little Talk with Jesus
image courtesy photobucket.com

In our daily lives we interact with many people and in dealing with all types we develop certain skills so as to “Not rock the boat” and create conflict.

So many times we aren’t able to be completely honest in our exchanges because experience has taught us that oft times people won’t accept the truth.

At this point we to limit our concerns to what they can handle and try again another day to take them a little farther. In this case decorum is preferred over rightness.

Because we must manipulate our way through life or pay the consequences for being too outspoken at those times when we can” let our hair down” and just tell it like it is.

Our lives are full of “I should have said” or if “It was to do over again” moments where we have to suck it up and then it becomes our natural demeanor and manner.

Unfortunately this is the way we have to deal with brothers and sisters in Christ so they can maintain some air of dignity.

A problem develops when this attitude carries over into our relationship and dealings with GOD. All things are naked and open unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do" (Hebrews 4:13).

In one verse GOD strips away all pretenses that we insulate ourselves with and we are laid bare before HIM. We enter into the land where truth prevails and the lie in any form sets off the smoke alarms.

Psalms 66:18 If I regard wickedness in my heart, The Lord will not hear;

The same thing applies when we do not come to HIM openly and without guile. There aren’t very many with whom we can be completely honest with because there has to be a trust relationship that has developed over a period of time. Even when people go to a psychologist it takes several visits before they can fully open up, and in most cases they can never do completely.

Those deep inner feelings are too private to be exposed. The question is how much do I trust GOD and how honest can I be with HIM?

Even though we know HE already knows all there is to know about us we still have the tendency to deal with HIM as we do the outside world. A key feature of trusting GOD is that HE will never gossip about you and that removes one of our greatest fears. You can tell HIM anything and it will go no farther. You will proceed no farther in GOD than your trust in HIM goes.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9pJvPqmZto&feature=related

This post has been linked with - -
Stacy’s Heartprints Hallelujah Fridays
Laura’s Faith Filled Friday   

WHEN DARKNESS PREVAILS

image courtesy photobucket.com

Ephesians 5:8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.

The contrast between light and darkness reveals the state of being saved and unsaved. Being light in the Lord speaks to our conduct in our daily walk and our attitudes toward what GOD commands us to do.

The defiant child who was reprimanded and told to sit down, said to himself, "I may be sitting down on the outside but I'm standing up on the inside."

Within the Christian experience this attitude can provoke resistance to the things that pertaining to GOD. This is contrary to the commandment found in Ephesians 5:8 "Live as children of light."

This is not just a suggestion but is one of those pesky "Do it" things.

Darkness is much like the seeds that are wafted about by the winds of life going to places they are not welcome yet they seek refuge wherever they go. In the garden the seed of darkness found root in Eve first and then Adam, it bore the fruit of death.

Today we are surrounded by aggressive seeds of darkness seeking fertile soil where they can take root and grow. As these seeds grow they bring forth a harvest which is not what we had in mind when we accepted the harmless looking seed. The seeds of darkness have but one purpose and that is to destroy us.

You might say that darkness is a one size fits all, for it has something for everyone. What doesn't attract one person may be exactly what tempts another. The operative word is "Beware of the darkness."

Do not underestimate the power of darkness, in the time of Noah darkness enveloped the whole of humanity save for Noah and his family. This same darkness found and used a man named Judas and the darkness prevailed over him.

These verses say it so much better than I can Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

1Peter 5:8-9 Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour, whom withstand stedfast in your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world.

Knowing these things will keep us on our toes and allow us to be what is termed as, "Overcomers" in this life.

John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeSjucb6Dbw&feature=related

Linking up with Tracy at Winsome Wednesday

THE TRUTH

Jesus the Truth
image courtesy photobucket

Jesus himself declares that he is “The Truth” in John 14:6. This is the absolute form of the truth.

Everything we hear or think is an abridgement of the truth. We function with our version of what truth is. It is a collection of things we feel have established themselves as trustworthy, and we then in turn filter everything new through this filter of our truth.

In trying to comprehend truth as spoken of by Christ we are hamstrung by this filter that measures everything by our truth. This prevents us from fully seeing the truth as it is. If we totally understood the statement made by Christ when He said “I Am The Truth,” then our faith would be perfected.

We would then be capable to believe without any contradiction. Our prayer life would be transformed and answered prayer would be guaranteed.

Within our truth filter is doubt and unbelief, and as we peruse the scripture it is processed through the inability to accept without question the words as presented. This results in a form of warfare within our soul that creates an aura of questioning in all of our relationships with GOD. This is because we are using our natural wisdom to evaluate “The Truth” as GOD sees it.

How to get beyond this and grasp the fullness of truth one must leave the truth as presented by the soul and allow one’s spirit to communicate with GOD.

Because our spiritual communication is oft times very limited, we tend to be soulish by nature. The big question is; How is this overcome by the normal everyday believer?

I can’t fully answer this, the best I can do is to offer something to think about and see where it takes you.

We often find ourselves in the same position as the father did when he asked Jesus to heal his son. Jesus’ response was “If you can believe all things are possible,” to which the father answered “I believe help my unbelief.” Mark 9:23-24.

What he needed was to build himself up and the answer to do that is found in Jude 1:20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit.

You will need to read the answer offered here over and over until you see that this is what you must do.

What happens when you really and sincerely pray in the Spirit is the exercise of the spiritual language given to you when you received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Keep these things in mind; 1Corinthians 14:2, 4. 14, 15 For he that speaks in an unknown tongue speaks not unto men, but unto God. One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit.

Using your Spiritual language to talk to GOD is the communication of your spirit to the Spirit of GOD the result being that you will be built up in faith. This is where many problems are solved as GOD speaks to your spirit.

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

GOD SEES YOUR HEART

A ratio is a relationship between two numbers of the same kind that is units of whatever identical dimension.

Much of our performance is based upon potential and success.

Our Christian life could be evaluated by using ratios and come up with an interesting result we might not want to know. We usually beg forgiveness and just go on. Relying upon this modus operandi tends to weaken the Christian for it allows them to not deal with their failures.

In general using ratios to evaluate our prayer life might give us some idea how successful we are when we pray but since our success depends on so many facets it is hard to draw our conclusion based upon that alone.

Might I suggest that the heart of all prayer is found in;

1 John 5:14-15 And this is the confidence that we have toward Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.


1 John 3:22 whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight.

Those who have prayed realize that it is much more complicated than the simply uttering of words for we can only visualize what the impact of answered prayer will be in temporal terms while GOD sees it in the eternal view.

Have you ever wondered why some small insignificant old woman has more success in prayer than you do?
Perhaps the answer may be found in; 1 Samuel 16:7 For man looks on the outward appearance, but Jehovah looks on the heart.

Our motives can be the deciding factor in successful praying. While beseeching GOD for a needful thing, there is something we must accept and that is our prayer must not only be in the will of GOD but also within the plan of GOD.

Our prayers will always be a reflection of our spiritual condition of the one who is praying. Do we personalize prayer for getting only what we want or for the expansion of the kingdom of GOD?

Colossians 3:17 Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

There is more to prayer than finding a verse of promise and trying to apply it to your situation for it is a part of your lifestyle. Like Belshazzar of old our prayers may weighed in the balances and be found wanting.

Always keep this thought before you when you pray; you are speaking to ALMIGHTY GOD !! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1y_R7DnMc2I


This post has been linked with
Deidra’s Sunday Jump Tandem
Joan Davis Sharing His Beauty

WAITING FOR GOD



image courtesy photobucket.com

 There was a British TV series named, "Waiting for GOD,” that was a comedy about some older people who had "Been there and done that." They lived in what seemed to be an Assisted Living Care Home. They were bored with most of life and were only interested in creature comforts.

Older people tend to become somewhat crotchety and want things done their way, and their interests wane as days go by. Of course there are some exceptions but it is a matter of degree of loss of interest.

Jesus gave all people old and young these words "Occupy until I come." If you are young, occupy. If you are old, occupy, and if you are in between occupy.

To occupy means making the most with what you have.

Luke 19:12-27 tells the story of a rich man who went into a far country and before he left he did two things.

1. He called his servants and provided them with the means to prosper
2. He told them to occupy until I return, meaning to be diligent in his business.

As the story goes there were different degrees of faithfulness ending up with greater or lesser rewards.

Christianity can be viewed as being judged upon effort more than result for we cannot control outcome but we can control our effort.

The obvious question we need to ask ourselves is, “Am I making the most out of what GOD has entrusted to me?” If the answer is, “I could do better.” (this is the most popular answer) then do better. Doing a little more might make the difference and we mustn't let that opportunity pass us by.

Usually when we are faced with a challenge we do one of two things. We either respond by trying to meet the demands placed upon us or we loll into condemnation and live under the cloud of self pity.

The scripture admonishes us to stand fast;
1Corinthians 16:13 Be vigilant; stand fast in the faith; quit yourselves like men; be strong.

And I might add to move on.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWdNgXSd46Y&feature=related


This post is Linked with Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays
And to Michelle’s,  Hear it on Sunday