RIDING THE RANGE FOR JESUS OR FENCE RIDING

image courtesy photobucket.com

It is a toss up between whether the Church needs the most encouragement or correction.

I lean toward the correction side for some reason, possibly because I took a page out of David's book.

1 Samuel 30:6 And David was greatly distressed; for the people space of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters; but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.

I like this verse for it has to do with every day life and the problems therein. David knew what to do in that situation and he looked to GOD for strength for the moment.

The church at Laodicea was characterized by lukewarm ness, something GOD hates and will not tolerate.

Revelation 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

Revelation 3:16 So because thou art lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spew thee out of my mouth.

This is akin to coughing up luggies it’s so icky.

There are many words that describe the Laodicen church but neutral, a state of insincerity and hypocrisy having made peace with the world's system and still claiming to be totally faithful to GOD.

One thing to keep aware of is GOD doesn't buy it and it is (in GOD'S sight) a despicable state to be in.

Surface wise everything looks great but underneath things are rotten.

Such a man never applies the truth to himself.

Strange that it is put in stark contrast either being saved or unsaved is better than to be in this ambivalent condition. It is like being a drug induced state where you feel as if everything is great and you are doing just fine.

Ephesians 5:18 Stop getting drunk with wine, which leads to wild living, but keep on being filled with the Spirit.

Something I used to hear as a kid was, "Either come in or go out but shut the door." This is what GOD is saying either get in (hot) or get out (cold).

A kind of being self satisfied instead of Spirit edified. The language of Revelation is quite severe because it is dealing with harsh realities.

GOD doesn't accept compromise and even though HE is a GOD of grace in the end each must measure up to HIS standard.

The church age was ushered in by tongues of fire, and people were filled with the HOLY SPIRIT. As one man described his Spirit filled condition; I guess it must have leaked out, hence the need for a continual coming back to the fountain for a spiritual refreshing.

There is no such thing as an ambivalent relationship with GOD nor will there be. It must be "All in," and nothing else!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqJQv5gH5Gg

This post has been linked to Michelle’s Thought Provoking Thursday

FOUR LITTLE WORDS

image courtesy photobucket.com

Some three months before his passing Nat "King" Cole recorded the song "Three Little Words"

"Three little words, oh what I'd give for that wonderful phrase,

To hear those three little words, that's all I'd live for the rest of my days.

And what I feel in my heart, they tell sincerely.

No other words can tell it half so clearly.

Three little words, eight little letters which simply mean I love you."

The Bible says it a little differently, it uses four little words in - -

Ephesians 5:25a "Husbands love your wives".

Perhaps it is a little more personal to say "Husband love your wife" specifically. On the surface this seems like a simple task but in reality it may be a little harder than first thought.

1Peter 3:7 In the same way, you husbands should live with your wives in an understanding way, since they are weaker than you. You should show them respect, because God gives them the same blessing he gives you--the grace of true life. Do this so that nothing will stop your prayers from being heard.

Right off this eliminates physical and mental abuse, cheating, a violation of trust and selfishness. I thought this was an interesting statement by Dr. Dar "Being in love is not long lasting. Loving someone is long lasting. If you have LOVE, keep it because LOVE is the staying power, LOVE is what lasts, LOVE is what has you make choices for the benefit of the relationship.

I am not saying that the 'in love' fluttering feeling goes away, I am saying that it is not a sustainable feeling, it comes and goes throughout the relationship." Marriage should be a partnership and understood as such with contributing and receiving what they need from it. It also requires commitment, a rare kind of commitment which includes first total commitment to GOD and then to each other.

Having been to several weddings including my own, loving your wife seems to be off to a great start at the end of the ceremony. 

All the kissing and hugging and the honey moon, and everything, but the fact is that sometimes, some how things change and the husband stops loving his wife or vice versa and the outcome is separation. Husbands love your wife isn't a suggestion it is a commandment so men; choose ye carefully because;

1Corinthians 7:3 The husband should give his wife what she deserves as his wife. And the wife should give her husband what he deserves as her husband.

This writer has some interesting insight on the cause of separation at;
http://theadventurouswriter.com/quipstipsrelationships/reasons-relationships-fail-couples-split-up/

And listen to Nat sing Three Little Words. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3tvkhy8qqM

Linked up with Jennifer at God Bumps and Incidents
http://gettingdownwithjesus.com/

MEEK AND MILD

Jesus is Angry at the Money Changers !!
image courtesy photobucket.com

Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Philippians 2:5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

Luke 6:29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also.

Matthew 5:39 But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.

These and many more scriptures like them when followed to the letter reduces the church to a state of impotence where any and every anti- Christ can run rough shod over it.

This emaciated state allows entities like Hollywood to have no more respect for GOD'S name than they would a rat.

They wouldn't dare to use the name "Allah" in such a way for fear of their lives and with good reason.

While we sit around being "meek and mild" the world system disrespects our Creator in the most dastardly way possible.

Should some believers rise up and challenge these heathen the first ones to criticize them would be the so called church trying to their to keep their skirts clean of this defilement by zealots.

When we look around us at the filth around us isn't it time for this powerful organism called the church to act like the church of Christ, that Jesus died for and begin to speak out without fear of censure ?????

Ask those who were defiling the temple if Jesus was a "Sit backer" that ignored the present conditions so he could be meek and mild.

This post is Linked with Jen’s Soli Deo Gloria

FUTURISM

image courtesy photobucket.com

Futurism; definition: a point of view that finds meaning or fulfillment in the future rather than in the past or present.

Many years ago I heard the statement, "They are so heavenly minded they are no earthly good."  As I thought about that I reasoned the reverse could be "They are so earthly minded they are no heavenly good."

Paul says in Colossians 3:2 Set your mind on things above, not on the things that are on earth,”

C.S. Lewis said; It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this one.

N.T. Wright; Evangelicals, he says, are in danger of reducing Christianity to little more than a "Ticket to heaven" with an excessive focus on the Cross without much concern for the Holy Spirit-inspired service that should follow the acceptance of Christ.

Our focus on--even the anticipation of--the Second Coming has encouraged a blindness to the extreme need for Christ-like service in the world around us.

Clay Jones; The problem with most of the Christians in the Western world today isn’t being too heavenly minded. Just the opposite: most Christians are so worldly minded they are of little heavenly good.

And so goes the argument concerning the proper Mindset for Christians. Trying to manage the three worlds we live in is a full time job. Perhaps this is why people space out on occasion trying to blank out or have a time out from the pressure that accompanies just living.

The past is always following me around I cannot get away from it. My best hope is to try to improve upon it is by the way I live in the present. The future is wholly dependent upon the present.  All we can do is prepare for it and build a solid foundation for it.

Paul the Apostle certainly had his eye on Heaven; Philippians. 1:23-24 It would be a hard choice. Sometimes I want to leave this life and be with Christ. That would be much better for me; however, you people need me here alive.

2 Corinthians 6:3-4 We don't want people to find anything wrong with our work. So we do nothing that will be a problem to others. But in every way we show that we are servants of God. We never give up, even though we face troubles, difficulties, and problems of every kind.

The vision of Heaven and all its glory energizes our service for GOD in such a way that nothing else can. Heavenliness thinking is our motivator to go into this world and preach the Gospel to every creature.

Change will come but while we wait we need to be a: “Finger on the trigger, with an eye on a hog" and every ready to do His will type of a person.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGcz0AOxLSc

This post has been linked with Joan Davis Sharing His Beauty

also Linked  with Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday

INNEVIBILITY

INNEVIBLE

There's a famous, if depressing, scene that ends the classic 1974 movie, "Chinatown." Faye Dunaway's character has just been shot and killed by the police.

Jack Nicholson's character, a private eye, wants to do something, but his associates dissuade him. "Forget it, Jake," one says. "It's Chinatown."

This scene depicts a situation in which if anything could go wrong it will because they were in Chinatown L.A. And it had to be accepted on the basis that certain things are inevitable.

The characters were trapped in circumstances of their own making, and there was no resolution to the problem because each was desperate to have their own way. They felt desperate situations required desperate measures, that was dominated by their thinking and the outcome was tragic.

It is possible for Christians also find themselves in similar situations due to being unwise. In this case being unwise means doing that which you know is wrong and shouldn't be done. The outcome of this is you find yourself in Chinatown.

There are manifold ways for this to come about including being a victim of circumstance or just plain bad luck but in most cases the person plays a part in bringing it about while neglecting the power of avoidance.

There is a list of things to be avoided for starters found in Proverbs 6:16-19

There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him:

Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.

This especially applies to false teachers; 2 Peter 2:14 Every time they look at a woman, they want her. They are always sinning this way. And they lead weaker people into the trap of sin. They have taught themselves well to be greedy. They are under a curse.

Within the Christian community everyone is suspect;

Galatians 6:1 Brothers and sisters, someone in your group might do something wrong. You who are following the Spirit should go to the one who is sinning. Help make that person right again, and do it in a gentle way. But be careful, because you might be tempted to sin too.

This doesn't mean we just stand off with a suspicious mind but rather understand that sin can be contagious, and any one who values friendship more than walking uprightly will also fall into sin.

That isn't to say you must have the "Chinatown" experience in your life and as long as you don't accept it as being inevitable you can avoid it. When Mr. Inevitability is in charge it takes God out of the picture and you are helpless.

You are having a "Que sera sera" moment, faith takes a holiday and you are in a state of spiritual impotence.

The power of Mr. Inevitability can be broken as in the case of the father whose son would be attacked by an evil spirit. On the surface it looked hopeless and it was inevitable he would remain in that condition. But upon seeing Jesus the father said;

Mark 9:22-24 If you can do anything, please have pity on us and help us." Jesus said to the father, "Why did you say 'if you can'? All things are possible for the one who believes." Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"

His prayer ranks up in importance very high among all prayers that have been prayed. The coexistence between belief and unbelief leads us away from faith to acceptance of the inevitable.

If unbelief was always viewed as sin perhaps we would deal more harshly with it rather than acceptance it as a norm.

"Slow are the steps of repentance, but swift are the feet of forgiveness.

God can run where we scarcely limp if we are limping towards Him. The more willing thou art to own up to thy sin, the more willing is God to forgive thee. When thou dost make a clean breast of it, God will soon make a clear record of it." Spurgeon

http://home.earthlink.net/~ronrhodes/Faith.html

This post is Linked with Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays

THEM BAD BOYS Part 2

As was advised previously. we are not to be preoccupied with Satan, demons or the principalities and powers of the air, and yet we are told to resist the devil. (James 4:7)

In order to do that we must understand something about him and his methodologies.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh (for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the casting down of strongholds), casting down imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.

Revelation 20:2-3 And he laid hold on the dragon, the old serpent, which is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, and cast him into the abyss, and shut it, and sealed it over him, that he should deceive the nations no more.

Deception is the key power of Satan in simple terms "He fools us." In the end times this power will be taken from him but in the present we are subject to His attacks.

We are not without weapons with which to resist the devil, but we are our own worst enemy if we scum to his deceptions (devices).

The question is why should Satan attack me? Whether a person is saved or not we are all created in GOD'S image, and Satan hates us because of it. We are capable of blessing and praising GOD, this alone is enough to cause him great distress.

We are to cast down strongholds in our lives. These strongholds are things that keep us from excelling in all phases of our Christian walk; from fulfilling His will for our life.

Interesting Study Book

The battle is situated in the mind, wild imaginations that feed us on things without substance and many times focus on things sinful. Our thought life can be fertile ground for seeds of doubt and unbelief to prosper so we must allow the word of GOD to control our thoughts.

This is putting into action the admonition of "giving no place to the devil". You might say this isn't easy; of course not but we are wrestling with principalities, with powers, with the spiritual forces of wickedness in celestial places.

This struggle is unending but what makes the difference is your obedience strengthens you and causes you to be an over-comer in this life.

The important thing to know is Christ has defeated the devil and we are just occupying until Jesus returns.

Luke 19:13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.

I like this song; WE'LL WORK 'TIL JESUS COMES
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGcz0AOxLSc

This post has been linked to Michelle’s Thought Provoking Thursday

THEM BAD BOYS Part 1

image courtesy photobucket.com

Jesus used illustrations to teach and to make a point more clear.

Such was the case in; Matthew 12:43-45 When an evil spirit leaves a person, it travels through the desert, looking for a place to rest. But when the demon doesn't find a place, it says, "I will go back to the home I left." When it gets there and finds the place empty, clean, and fixed up, it goes off and finds seven other evil spirits even worse than itself. They all come and make their home there, and the person ends up in worse shape than before. That's how it will be with you evil people of today.

Had I been in that crowd I would have thought "WOW".

It my personal belief that we should not give over our minds to thinking about the devil and demons.

However the scripture validates their existence.

A close reading of the scripture above makes demonic character self explanatory.

One might surmise that the reason the demon left was because the person wasn't cooperating with him but since the picking elsewhere was sparse he returned with an entourage.

While I reject the notion that a Christian can be possessed by a demon spirit but I can't deny that Christians are motivated by something that causes them to flat out sin.

While I would like to dismiss the idea of demonic temptation Jesus spent much of his ministry dealing with these unclean spirits;

Matthew 4:3 And the tempter came and said unto him, If thou art the Son of God, command that these stones become bread. Jesus said; (paraphrasing) get out of here Bad Boy,

This is a good pattern to follow when tempted.

Perhaps I'm getting too far out for some people's taste but humor me a little.

Suppose you are tempted to commit the sin of stealing an item. It is just laying there all you have to do is reach down and take it. Beyond just wanting it there is something prodding you to act that isn't you.

I would submit that their communication is on a spirit to spirit basis. When you are tempted an idea comes to mind seemingly out of nowhere and you must deal with it.

image courtesy photobucket.com

The cartoonist have pictured this scene as being the good angel on one shoulder and the bad angel on the other with the person in between the two who are both giving instructions.

This may be more viable than we want to admit for there is a certain strangeness about these temptations, that we wouldn't want to be open about.

If there is any truth in the premise that these Bad Boys exist then we would understand why giving in to them once makes it easier to yield to them next time. It’s a case of familiarity where we are more familiar and comfortable with them, hence their name "familiar spirits".

Francis Barrett, in his book The Magus (1801), offered this classification of demons, making them princes of some evil attitude, person or thing:

Beelzebub: idolators

Pythius: liars and liar spirits

Belial: vessels of iniquity and inventors of evil things

Asmodeus: vile revenges

Satan: witches and warlocks

Merihem: pestilences and spirits that cause pestilences

Abaddon: powers of war and devastation

Astaroth: inquisitors and accusers

Mammon: tempters and ensnarers

The best solution is to give them no place and the way to do this is to be obedient to GOD'S word, and be led by the Holy Spirit.

The next time you are tempted to sin (which will be soon) just say no and get lost Bad Boys! Having to say no is always a struggle that can be won.

Check out the song and see the battle of temptation in action!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjL1IzM2oGQ

This post has been linked to Michelle’s Thought Provoking Thursday

THE OLE SOUTHREN HOSPITALITY

image courtesy photobucket.com



Being partly raised in the South I experienced a certain element of the courtesy of southern folks.

As a young lad arriving in California during depression days in 1936, I had to get used the cosmopolitan environment.

In the first place they spoke so many languages which I couldn't understand, and their English was highlighted with an accent common to their language.  I was used to people greeting you whether they knew you or not, and here no one was friendly unless they knew you very well, and then they seemed reserved.

During the period of the World War II, many people from the south came West and though they were southerners they didn't bring with them all of the common southern courtesy as practiced in the south.

Several years later I was in the roofing business and while in the process of installing the roof about eleven o'clock the little old woman came out and said to me; I usually feed my hands when they work for me, but I just don't have anything to fix.  I assured her that we had our lunch and we would be all right. It was good to see that a vestige of southern hospitality still remained.


The Fundamentals of Good Old Fashioned Southern Manners

These five fundamentals should set you in good stead. Good manners are extended to everybody, regardless of whether you know them, on which side of town they live, or whether they tithe.

1. Be Humble: Others first, yourself last. Self-denial and deference to others ("After you") is the cornerstone of good manners, acting selfishly or uppity is not. This commandment is indisputably rooted in the Bible Belt theology ("the first shall be last, and the last shall be first").

2. Be Courteous: Remember the Golden Rule.  Go out of your way to be helpful and kind to everyone you encounter.

3. Behave Yourself: Don't be uncouth, rude, brash, loud, coarse, or cause a commotion in public.  Only trashy types do such things.....and obviously this is because they weren't raised to know better.

4. Be Friendly: Put your friendliest foot forward, whether you've been properly introduced or don't know the person from a hole in the ground. Be sociable and neighborly, just like you learned in Sunday School ("Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself").

5. Be Modest: Never be highfalutin'. Practice modesty in all situations. "Why, shucks, I guess I was in the right place at the right time" would work just fine upon learning that you had won the Pulitzer Prize. "Of course I won it, I deserve to" would absolutely categorize you as too big for your britches.

The Bible says much about good manners, and should always be practiced by all who name the name of Christ.

This post is linked with Jennifer at:  God-Bumps and God-Incidences
and with Good Morning Girls Wednesday

THE DRY PLACE

image courtesy photobucket.com

In the 1930s as a boy we were traveling West in New Mexico, the land was very dry with a few cactus and wiry looking shrubs growing in that land without the needed refreshing.

There was a small red cloud ahead driven by a strong wind adding to the arid landscape.

As the minutes passed the cloud became larger and soon enveloped us to the point where we couldn't see to drive. We had to stop and were enclosed in a dryness you could feel as the dust entered the car and choked us.

Time passed and the sky began to clear, our water bag on the front of the car was caked with red mud and was hardly palatable to drink.

We drove on and came upon a cafe where we immediately sought some refreshment to relieve the effects of what we had just experienced.

The dry land was still around us but the ill wind was nowhere to be seen and we continued West seeking deliverance from the heat and dryness.

The time came when we approached the well watered valleys of California and it was a sight to behold.

image courtesy photobucket.com

Our entire demeanor was changed from of one feeling desperation to one of hope for the present and future. We were dried out but all we needed was a refreshing.

Christians sometimes find themselves spiritually in a dry place and as time passes they feel the effects of the drought. Endurance is tested and one's manner begins to change.

At a time like this we question everything and who we are. When this happens we need to understand there is nothing wrong with us all we need is to be refreshed and we will be better than we were before.

Isaiah 41:17-18 "The poor and needy look for water, but they cannot find any. Their tongues are dry with thirst. I, the LORD, will answer their prayers. I, the God of Israel, will not leave them to die. I will make rivers flow on dry hills. I will make springs of water flow through the valleys. I will change the desert into a lake filled with water. There will be springs of water in that dry land.

If you find yourself being spiritually the question arises "Why am I like this?" The answer may be that people are drawing on you so much that you have nothing left for yourself! Paul seemed to experience this:

Corinthians 11:26-28 During my many travels, I have been in danger from rivers, robbers, my own people, and foreigners. My life has been in danger in cities, in deserts, at sea, and with people who only pretended to be the Lord's followers. Besides everything else, each day I am burdened down, worrying about all the churches.

You don't happen to be in a dry place now are you? When this happens you must seek the refreshing that comes from the Lord and when the refreshing comes you will be more energized than ever before.

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

ALIBI HEAVEN

Image courtesy Archivo

Exodus 20:23 So you must not make idols using gold or silver to compete with me. You must not make these false gods.

Exodus 32:1-4 So they gathered around Aaron. They said to him, "Look, Moses led us out of the land of Egypt, but we don't know what has happened to him. So make us some gods to go before us and lead us."


Aaron said to the people, "Bring me the gold earrings that belong to your wives, sons, and daughters." So the people collected all their gold earrings and brought them to Aaron. He took the gold from the people and used it to make an idol.

Using a special tool, he shaped the gold into a statue of a calf. Then the people said, "Israel, here are your gods! These are the gods that brought you out of the land of Egypt!"

Exodus 32:7-8 At the same time, the LORD said to Moses, "Go down from this mountain. Your people, the people you brought out of the land of Egypt, have committed a terrible sin.

They have very quickly turned away from what I commanded them to do. They made a calf from melted gold for themselves. They are worshiping that calf and making sacrifices to it. The people have said, 'Israel, these are the gods that led you out of Egypt.'"

Exodus 32:24 So I (Aaron) told the people, 'If you have any gold rings, then give them to me.' Aarons Alibi! - - "The people gave me their gold. I threw the gold into the fire, and out of the fire came this calf

This story in Exodus is a picture of human nature when the flesh is in ascendancy and is why Paul address the need of being spirit led as in Romans 8.

They knew better but went ahead and violated GOD'S commandment given to them. While they came up with an alibi it didn't wash with GOD and they paid the price of disobedience.

Matthew 7:21-23 "Not everyone who calls me Lord will enter God's kingdom. The only people who will enter are those who do what my Father in heaven wants.

On that last Day many will call me Lord. They will say, 'Lord, Lord, by the power of your name we spoke for God. And by your name we forced out demons and did many miracles (Alibi).

Then I will tell those people clearly, 'Get away from me, you people who do wrong. I never knew you.”

Through the Bible we find people who knowingly sinned and then thought their Alibi would save them but it was to no avail.

There is a place called "Alibi Heaven" perhaps you know it by the name "The Lake Of Fire" found in Revelation 20.

This post is linked with Laura’s Beholding His Beauty   

WORSE AND WORSER

Deceived and Confused
Image courtesy photobucket.com

2Timothy 3:13 But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived.

Barnes notes; And being deceived - Under delusion themselves. The advocates of error are often themselves as really under deception, as those whom they impose upon. They are often sincere in the belief of error, and then they are under a delusion they are equally deluded in supposing that they can make error pass for truth before God, The worst victims of delusion are those who attempt to delude others. The word rendered “seducers” - γόης goēs - occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. It means, properly, a “juggler, or diviner;” and then, a “deceiver, or impostor.” Here it refers to those who by seductive arts, that lead persons into error.

As one might say "This is today, baby." 

For the Christian it is important who we identify with, whether by slogans, causes or markings not unlike the Nazi Swastika.  Most Christians will agree that we are not to love the world system, and I would submit it includes not to take on the "Look and attitudes of the worldly."

Luke 14:28 For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it.

When it comes to counting the cost of Christianity one might say "I thought it was free!" Then we learn that the "Getting" is free but the "Living" has a price tag.

I suppose there are some "Fire sale believers" who want to be indemnified against the fires of Gehenna, but yet hesitate to pay the price of full surrender to the Lordship of Christ.

I reckon there is nothing worse than falling short of the standard (short of the glory of GOD) set by Christ.

Titus 1:16 They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.

The disturbing thing about this verse is that it could be anyone of us if we do not continue to observe and obey the warnings in scripture.

Hebrews 3:12 Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God.

The words in this scripture "Fall Away" indicate that someone was careless and like Demas; (Paul speaking) Demas, having loved this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica.

I John 2:15 believers are challenged Not to love this world, or the things of the world and as is in

2 Peter 1:12 So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have.

This post is linked to Deidra’s Sunday Jump Tandem

THE GIFTS AND THE FRUITS

image courtesy photobucket.com

Having lived in the most exciting times since our world has existed I still find it interesting the changes that are occurring.

When I was born, radios were just coming into vogue. It always intrigues me to think that the Assemblies Of God church organization was formed 14 years before my birth and some 25 years before it the famous Azusa Street revival was in full swing.

The teaching emphasis in those days was on the Gifts of the Spirit in the Pentecostal movement with tongues and interpretation being a major part of the practice. As time went by they began to emphasize the fruits of the Spirit more.

When the Charismatic movement came along they opted to be known as Charismatics instead of Pentecostals. Their feelings were that the Pentecostals were a little crude and out of touch with “What’s happening now.”

The Charismatics were a little more liberal than the Pentecostals in the daily walk and were sometimes chided for it.

It seems strange that the Charismatic movement is about 50 years old depending on when you set the beginning date and you don’t hear many who go around saying I’m a Pentecostal or a Charismatic any more.

The fifties were exciting because of the healing evangelists and the praying for the sick. I attended several of these meetings with Oral Roberts, A.A. Allen, William Branham, and several others.

Sadly when some non-anointed ones saw where the action was they went where GOD had not sent them and the move of GOD died down and God moved on.

The church has endured several new teachers that were not mainline. One who comes mind was Bob Munford and the Shepherding Movement. While its goal was to make people more moral in their daily walk the process of placing shepherds over the flock soon become abusive in nature and was abandoned.

There have been several localized revivals where hungry souls have flocked to, but after awhile excitement cools off and people look elsewhere for the supernatural and reality.

Much of what is happening today is little more than self enrichment programs, self promotion and spouting out scripture out of their mind and not out of their spirit. There is a desperate need for the next true move of GOD.

Perhaps what is lacking and keeping a move of God on hold is there isn’t a person whom God can trust, and is an individual after GOD’S own heart.

Someone whose only goal is to do GOD’S will, and win the lost, and to whom self-aggrandizement is an offence to them.

* * * * * * * *

This post is Linked with Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays

and with Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday Use it on Monday

DOING WHAT COMES NATURALLY

image courtesy photobucket.com

As I was musing about the Natural Man, I was reminded of the silly song from "Annie get your gun"

Folks are dumb where I come from,

They ain't had any learning.

Still they're happy as can be

Doin' what comes naturally (doin' what comes naturally).

This pre-supposes that our evolved instincts are enough to guide us through life without outside interference.

Thomas Hobbes got the "State of nature" just about right 350 years ago: No arts; no letters; no society; and worst of all, continual fear and danger of violent death; the life of man is, solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short. In other words "The natural man."

In defining the natural man the scripture says;

1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness to him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Christianity can be approached in two ways: by living it, or by studying how it should be done.

We are the product of the Word, and the Spirit and as such must continue therein. One without the other leaves us in a compromised position which is trying to live the Christian life . . . un-enabled.

One could compare this to trying to play baseball without either the ball or the bat. It takes both to play the game.

Since we function by habit either on objectivity or subjectivity or a mish mash of both, we bring this approach to our Christian walk. While in fact we are human animals, we are not merely an animal. We have the power of choice and are spirit and flesh with the capacity to receive the Spirit of GOD into our very being for we are GOD'S creation, born anew from above.

If I were inexpugnable as regarding my faith then my dependence upon GOD'S word and his SPIRIT would of necessity be somewhat lessened but due to my subjective viewpoint I must constantly rely objectively on both.

Part of the lyrics to the song "Getting to know you "are as follows;

Getting to know you, Getting to know all about you. Getting to like you,

Getting to hope you like me. Getting to know you,

Putting it my way, But nicely, You are precisely, My cup of tea

Getting to know you, Getting to feel free and easy. When I am with you,

Getting to know what to say, Haven't you noticed Suddenly I'm bright and breezy?

Because of all the beautiful and new Things I'm learning about God, I am getting to KNOW HIM better day by day.

This post is linked with Lori’s Word Filled Wednesday

IN THE NAME OF JESUS

MGM - Leo the Lion

My wife (Hazel) and I visited the Reno MGM grand hotel some thirty years ago and while we were there we decided to have our picture taken with Leo the MGM lion. Leo was a pretty good actor and appeared in many movies including some Tarzan movies.

Leo was older now and didn't like to work too many hours so we made our appointment to be photographed when he was well rested. There have been 5 different lions used as the MGM logo, but for the last 50+ years Leo has been the popular one.

There is a certain awesomeness about a lion, and the scripture used that characterization to describe Satan.

1 Peter 5:8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour

 Ephesians 6:12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

The powers of darkness are the Christian's greatest enemy and they will try to inflict this darkness which results in depression upon every soul touched, especially those who name the name of Christ.

In John 1:4-5 In him there was life, and that life was a light for the people of the world. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not defeated it.

Most Christians will experience this almost overwhelming oppression from our arch enemy at sometime and it will be difficult to comprehend.

One of the best methods of dealing with this is to sing yourself happy. The song "In the name of Jesus" should be sung until the darkness is lifted.

In the name of Jesus, in the name of Jesus

We have the victory (hallelujah!)

In the name of Jesus, in the name of Jesus

Satan will have to flee

Tell me who can stand before us

When we call on this great name

In the mighty name of JESUS

We have the victory!

In the name of JESUS In the name of JESUS

Demons will have to flee

In the name of JESUS In the name of JESUS

We have the victory

Tell me who can stand before us

When we call on this great name

In the mighty name of JESUS

We have the victory!

Please enjoy the song below!

Http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=506XVfkkFjw&feature=related

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

PAINLESS PARKER

image courtesy photobucket.com

Years ago there was a dentist and he called himself “Painless Parker.”

Wikipedia says about him; Edgar R.R. "Painless" Parker (1871–1951) was a flamboyant street dentist and huckster. At one point he claimed to have pulled 357 teeth in one day, which he strung on a necklace. He legally changed his first name to "Painless," when he was accused of breaking a false advertisement law by claiming that his dentistry was truly painless.

In the end, Parker ran about 30 West Coast dental offices, employing over 70 dentists, and grossing $3 million per year.

Easing the pain of life whether at the dentist office or in all our pursuits, pain is to be avoided if possible at all costs. Pain has many faces some of which are emotional, physical (injury or health) and some financial. All have at their root - - loss in some form.

It has been said pain is a friend in as much as it tells us something is wrong but it would be more helpful if it warned us something is going to be wrong. Pain is something that is common to all men for no one escapes its tentacles.

Is there any profit in pain? The answer to that is no, but from out of pain has come the will to overcome to the disastrous effects that accompanies it.

The pain that is the result of broken relationships can teach us to be more prudent in choosing our friends and mates. The saying; "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me."

The pain that results in poor health can teach us to take care of ourselves.

Financial losses can teach us to have greater value concerning money.

The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything they just make the most of everything that comes along their way.

The way to get the most out of pain is to allow it to make the changes necessary in you to be wiser.

As an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is myself. Pain can show me the necessity of change. Someone came up with the four questions concerning change which are;

1. Do I want to?

2. Can I?

3.Will I?

4. When?

The only way to ease the pain is to make the necessary changes in your life (style.)

Change is what Jesus is all about; he is there for those who need a little extra help in dealing with their pain.

This post is Linked with Jen’s Soli Deo Gloria

CLEANSE ME

image courtesy photobucket.com

During the great New Zealand revivals of 1936, Dr. Orr overheard some Aborigine girls singing a beautiful song, Maori Song of Farewell.

The melody of that song stayed with him until following a stirring Easter morning service he put words to it, using Psalm 139:23-24 as his inspiration. You may know it as "Search Me.

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24)

This prayer is one of the most contrite attitudes (if real) a person may evolve to.

Each verse is a challenge to every Christian to walk in Holiness and be cognizant of need of constant cleansing as witnessed by the scriptures:

1John 1:6-7 If we say that we have fellowship with him and walk in the darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

Dr. Orr's words should be etched in the memory of everyone who names the name of the Lord;

"Search me, O God, And know my heart today;

Try me, O Savior, Know my thoughts, I pray.

See if there be Some wicked way in me;

Cleanse me from every sin And set me free."

Our failures in life bring us down but we should fear our successes even more, simply because of the effect on our egos. Jesus told of a rich man of yore whose success lead to a boastful mind but GOD saw him as a failure.

Hosea 12:7-9 The LORD says, "The people of Israel are as dishonest as the Canaanites; they love to cheat their customers with false scales. 'We are rich,' they say. 'We've made a fortune. And no one can accuse us of getting rich dishonestly.' But I, the LORD your God who led you out of Egypt, I will make you live in tents again, as you did when I came to you in the desert.

A warning such as this should keep us from getting inflated and convoluted ideas about ourselves. GOD has given more talents to some than to others but to whom much is given much is required.

Hopefully we will always keep what we have become - - in focus with what we are in GOD'S sight.

Our GOD is always searching us and knowing our hearts hence the need to invite HIM to do so and really mean it when we say; "See if there be some wicked way in me; Cleanse me from every sin And set me free."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rY8bMkUipM&feature=related

This post is Linked up today with

Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday Use it on Monday

And with Joan Davis Sharing His Beauty

GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS

image courtesy photobucket.com

The good news there is plenty of room in Heaven for everyone who wishes to be saved.

Not only is there lots of room but the New Jerusalem will have deluxe accommodations in every area.

No need for air conditioning or heat the temperature will be just right for all who dwell within. The transportation system will be simple, just think it and you are there.

You will be related to everyone and all will be friends. There will be no need for gossip and some of our other pleasurable past times. The worship services will be out of this world and singing will be the song of the redeemed.

Thinking about Heaven can get me a little carried away but

2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

In things pertaining to GOD, "if it sounds too good to be true, it will be true and even better".

image courtesy photobucket.com

Alas and alack there is some bad news and that is - - for some reason some people aren't interested in Heaven and in order to accommodate their wishes GOD has had to expand their future dwelling place;

Isaiah 5:14 Therefore Sheol has enlarged its throat and opened its mouth without measure; And (the ole) Jerusalem's splendor, her multitude, her din of revelry and the jubilant within her, descend into it.

Now there will be plenty of room in hell, for all who reject the opportunity to live in Heaven.  I don't quite understand whey anyone would want to go there!

The old song "when we all get to Heaven" fits my thinking and makes my moving on to the next phase of my existence what some would say; A-OK.

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


This post has been linked to
Michelle’s Thought Provoking Thursday

MADE ME DO IT ?




image courtesy photobucket.com

 Clerow Wilson, Jr. Better known as Flip Wilson made his fortune telling stories about characters he made up in the early 1970s.

Wilson won a Grammy Award for his comedy album "The Devil Made Me Buy This Dress." Wilson's characters included Reverend Leroy, pastor of the 'Church of ‘What’s Happening Now', his most popular character, Geraldine Jones, always referred to her boy friend as Killer and whose favorite line was “The devil made me do it”

For a spell America used that phrase as a cover for anything questionable.

Today some of the best known ministers use "Don't let the devil make you do it" - - whatever the subject matter under discussion is and this seems to go over pretty well with their audiences.

Scriptures like 1Peter. 5:8 "Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour" sets the tone for the preaching that follows which is in my opinion elevating Satan to a higher plane than he deserves and further diminishes the work of Christ on the cross.

Colossians 2:15 He (Jesus) defeated the rulers and powers of the spiritual world. With the cross he won the victory over them and led them away, as defeated and powerless prisoners for the whole world to see.

As someone said "This roaring lion is toothless and the worst he can do to you is Gum you".

Is there such a thing as demon activity? I hesitate to use the words possession for such real occurrences are rare but you can bet that evil spirits will go any where they are invited, and will be in manifestation one way or another.

James 4:7 "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." What I find is resisting the Devil doesn't occur very well unless I first submit myself to GOD and HIS commandments.

Isaiah 59:19b: When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him.

The excuse the devil made me do it isn't true.  If you yielded to temptation, it was because you wanted to. There was something in you that responded to the temptation that came your way.

James 1:13-15 Whenever you feel tempted to do something bad, you should not say, "God is tempting me." Evil cannot tempt God, and God himself does not tempt anyone. You are tempted by the evil things you want. Your own desire leads you away and traps you. Your desire grows inside you until it results in sin. Then the sin grows bigger and bigger and finally ends in death.

So says James on temptation, and while evil can't tempt GOD it sure can tempt men.

Whether you are old or young it is well to know yourself, your weaknesses for it is there temptation will cross your path, and you are subject to be tempted.

Even back as far as the Garden, Eve and Adam were subjected to the tempter's wiles. While the source was from Satan he had to use something (some one) else to pass on the temptation.

The pattern hasn't changed, usually a friend or acquaintance will lead you into temptation where Lust is conceived and you succumb to sin.

No matter what, remember this: "the Devil can't make you do it."

This post is Linked with Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays 

CHICKEN HEART

image courtesy photobucket.com



Bill Cosby is one of the funniest story tellers of the recent past. One of his best stories was "Chicken heart."
There is a part of the bit where his parents are going out, and they tell him they have put snakes in his room and he better stay in his bed. Since he only half believes them he goes through a testing process. At first he talks to the snakes, and as time passes he tells the imaginary snakes that he is going to put his toe on the floor and not to bite it. Then he tells the snakes they can bite it a little, but don't put any juice in it. He keeps testing until he is out of bed and having a gay old time through out the house.

In the downward spiral of America this is what the leaders of this nation are doing much like the boy in the story they don't believe that GOD'S judgments will fall on this nation.

While they profess to be Christian their actions tell otherwise. The cloak of Christianity is just an aid in order to get votes. After all who wants a professing atheist for president?

Like the boy in the story they keep testing GOD to see how far they can go in disrespecting HIM.

Jude 1:4 For some godless people have slipped in unnoticed among us, persons who distort the message about the grace of our God in order to excuse their immoral ways, and who reject Jesus Christ, our only Master and Lord. Long ago the Scriptures predicted the condemnation they have received.

Jude 1:8 In the same way also, these people have visions which make them sin against their own bodies; they despise God's authority and insult the glorious beings above.



image courtesy photobucket.com

 The only question that remains is, "How far" will GOD allow this country to go before judgment will fall? It is not a case of; “If it will happen,” but “When will judgment will come.”

In the time to come there will be a weighing in the balances. and at that time will there be enough righteous people to stave off the judgment of GOD?
Enjoy Bill Cosby's chicken heart story.  (Part 1 and part 2)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhwF2d8QyvU&feature=relmfu
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vPimtcK3-A&feature=relmfu

This post has been Linked with Paula’s Welcoming Spirit

AS I SEE IT

Happy Marriage
image courtesy photobucket.com

As I sit and muse; many thoughts twist their way through my mind with only a few finding lodging for more than a moment.

Most of those reflections that do remain are not taken seriously enough to spend time necessary for reaching any conclusion about them. This in part is because at my age many things don't matter any more.

Some things that catch my attention are things that seem a little odd.

There is a verse of scripture in Exodus 21:9-10 But if the slave's owner arranges for her (a slave) to marry his son, he may no longer treat her as a slave but as a daughter and If a man who has married a slave wife takes another wife for himself, he must not neglect the rights of the first wife to food, clothing, and sexual intimacy.

Except for the sexual intimacy part it sounds like alimony. Of all people the Christian should be out front as good examples in husband and wife relations for it is there where many problems in Christian marriages start.

The church at Corinth wrote Paul about the husband and wife relationship and he responded by saying in;

1Corinthians 7:1-5 Now, to deal with the matters you wrote about. A man does well not to marry. But because there is so much immorality, every man should have his own wife, and every woman should have her own husband.

A man should fulfill his duty as a husband, and a woman should fulfill her duty as a wife, and each should satisfy the other's needs. A wife is not the master of her own body, but her husband is; in the same way a husband is not the master of his own body, but his wife is.

Do not deny yourselves to each other, unless you first agree to do so for a while in order to spend your time in prayer; but then resume normal marital relations. In this way you will be kept from giving in to Satan's temptation because of your lack of self-control.

There are other scriptures that deal with marriage duties but these deal with necessary intimacy issues. I like the way Paul puts it for he describes the ideal marriage we all wish to have. Along with daily obligations there are other components that will make this work.

Due to the fact men can be brutes, often demanding and unreasonable (bless their dear hearts) they must take to heart other words of wisdom such as;

Ephesians 5:28 Men ought to love their wives just as they love their own bodies. A man who loves his wife loves himself.

1Peter 3:7 In the same way you husbands must live with your wives with the proper understanding that they are more delicate than you. Treat them with respect, because they also will receive, together with you, God's gift of life. Do this so that nothing will interfere with your prayers.

Colossians 3:18-19 Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, for that is what you should do as Christians. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

Hebrews 13:4 Honor your marriage; keep it pure by remaining true to your wife in every way.


This is part of what Jesus meant when He said "This is the way walk ye in it".

Some of the best advice given on a happy marriage can be found in Proverbs chapter five at least for the man's side of marriage.

Proverbs 5:15, 18 Be faithful to your own wife and give your love to her alone. So be happy with your wife and find your joy with the woman you married

Marriage is GOD'S plan, and it is a good plan, if you follow the directions.

This post is linked with Jennifer at: God-Bumps and God-Incidences
Also Linking up with Tracy at Winsome Wednesday

ALL BOYS ARE LIARS



image courtesy photobucket.com



This is an issue where most mothers are in denial for they don't want to believe their sons could lie even when they know that they do.

Girls fall into this category also for they want to believe boys don't lie because then they must squelch their driven need for romance.

Lying by boys is greatly increased in the teens and perfected in the twenties for it is there they fully understand the power of words and how to get what they want by using them.

image courtesy photobucket.com

There are few if any teen age boys who understand the words "I love you," this is in part due to the fact that their Libido comes into full swing.

This new force in their lives is something they don't understand, and have little desire to control but rather they wish to express it in many ways.

At this time they are venerable to suggestion and can be led into that which is unnatural in GOD'S sight. They can be given a false identity from which they may never recover. Satan himself is the author and finisher of this pseudo faith and convinces the subject that this is their norm.

It becomes a sign of manhood when lying turns into a power over girls, and uses their natural desire for love to control them. The desire for hearing the words" I love you,” is overwhelming and it can only be repressed and sublimated to a standard of righteousness that is built into the girl's sub consciousness by Biblical principles.

Biological instincts were built into mankind by GOD for the needs of His creatures and are at the root of the family unit where real love can be nurtured. The family unit is highest form of humanity and was created and blessed by the providence GOD.

But getting back to the proposition that all boys are liars I offer the testimony of all teen age girls who have had their hearts broken (temporally) by some teen boy.

And as for the men, well they are just boys grown up and only tell the truth when necessary.

To the question by a girl in China, as she asked, “Why are all boys liars?” she received interesting answers; - -

Some answers were;  Well, it's just because most girls like liars;  Most girls don't like truthful guys; It's all about a game; It is because all girls can't stand the truth; God gives each one of us one heart, but he gives boys two heads!

It's kinda cute to watch young boys make some beautiful vows with their tongues tangling and their eyes distracting!

Lastly; all human beings are liars; more men are liars because women are always in need of illusions, so it's just a way to meet their demands.  :-)

This post has been Linked with Jen’s Soli Deo Gloria
Also with Laura at: Play Dates With God

SIGNED SEALED AND DELIVERED

image courtesy google free clip art

In legal terms the words sign, sealed and delivered is an Acknowledgment that the referred document (instrument) was properly executed by the intended entity, secured in a suitable envelope, and handed over to the intended recipient.

In scripture we find a similar scenario concerning the salvation process.

Preceding any agreement there must be a meeting of the minds and conditions laid out prior the execution of the document.

The salvation process is as follows; an offer is made to any individual free of any charge in order that they may be the recipient of salvation with all amenities therein and it is accessed by faith.

In the world there is the hand shake agreement whereby two or more parties agree concerning some action and after discussion they shake their hands and the deal is done.

There is another saying of substance which, "My word is my bond," simply meaning I will do whatever I say I will do.

This is closer to the salvation contract where Christ says you may receive salvation if you believe in me and my words. When one agrees to those terms by an act of faith the deal is signed and registered by writing the believers name in the book of life.

Concurrently with the signing of the name in the book of life there is another process that transpires and the deal is sealed. The seal authenticates that the document is true and in a like manner the Christian is sealed by the Spirit of GOD indwelling the believer.

Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16)

After the signing and sealing the final act is - - being delivered up;

1Thesselonians 4:16-17 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Ephesians 1:13“In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.”


I Corinthians 15:24 Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power.

Signed, Sealed and soon to be Delivered.

This post has been linked with Joan Davis Sharing His Beauty