The Life I Live

Remains IN ME and I IN HIM
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Paul makes this mighty statement expressing a doctrinal truth which is at the very core of Christianity.

Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

The vicarious act of dying in my place; so the Christian can rightly say; when Christ died, I died.  When he was buried, I was buried. When he was raised I was raised and when he was seated in heaven I was seated in heaven.  For I was in him when he died to pay for my sin. 

Jesus told his disciples in Luke 10:20 Yes, even the spirits obey you. And you can be happy, not because you have this power, but because your names are written in heaven."

After viewing these scriptures and many more I begin to get a picture of who I am in him. This is my reality and everything else is a false illusion.  The question I keep asking why is it so hard to accept myself as GOD has now made me and act (think) accordingly?

I always come back to my adversaries "The world, The flesh and the Devil" but yet there seems to be something else! One thing I know is, the Devil doesn't cut anybody any slack he uses everything at his disposal to bring them down.

One of his chief weapons is the one he used in the garden which was, "Hath GOD said?" Those three words have the effect of causing one to question the truth of GOD'S word. When ever you begin to build your faith those words still echo in the memory of man.

The world and all of it's distractions, is almost like being submerged in an ocean where we struggle upward and gasp for air. It is twenty four/ seven, from birth till death that we are put upon.

The all familiar flesh, the desires of the soul which tries to overpower our spirit and keep us tied to the earth when our spirit needs to be free in all spiritual pursuits.

We are handicapped because of our weaknesses and GOD is limited because of it. When HE would like to do more, the miraculous but HE realizes our limited ability.

Psalms 78:39 He remembered that they were only people, like a wind that blows and then is gone. 

Psalms 103:13-14 As a father has pity on his children, so the Lord has pity on his worshippers.

For he has knowledge of our feeble frame; he sees that we are only dust.

It takes boldness to accept the person GOD has made us to be, it is only then we are able to stand up and be our true selves. It is only then we become strong in the LORD and have the strength to do HIS will for us.

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

Shared with Eileen at Into the Beautiful  Seeking Him

I COULDN'T BELIEVE MY EYES

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After having some work done on my car it didn't seem to be tracking right so I took it to a dealer and asked him to rotate the tires, rebalance the wheels and realign the front end.  I knew it would take about two hours so I settled in to wait.  After a long wait, I became restless and walked around and was thinking about asking what progress was being made.

Then the front door opened and in came a young man and a child about two years old.  The guy was scruffily dressed with something on that looked like sleep wear. I figured he wanted some work done on his car so I stepped back away from the counter.  I was surprised at what he wanted! He asked the counter person if he could go to the waiting room and get a bag of popcorn.

What went through my mind was "Wow - - does this guy have a nerve?"  Here he is just walking down the street and now he wants to take some popcorn that was for customers not free loaders.

Perhaps I was wrong thinking that but that's what I thought.  I could never see myself doing something like that. The child was trying to get his attention but the guy was concentrating on getting the popcorn.

Well as you could imagine all the sudden a stream came poring down the child's leg and a puddle began to form. The next question the young man asked was if the woman at the counter had some napkins or paper towels. She told him to go to the rest room and help himself.

He came out and threw down some paper towels and scrubbed it around with his foot. Well this didn't do the job so he returned to the rest room and got another handful and repeated what he had just done and that dried it up somewhat.

He then turned and went and got a bag of popcorn and as he left he was telling the child not to do that anymore.

Then I thought; what gaul he had coming and making a mess like that and then getting the popcorn that was for customers only, then lo there came a scripture to mind;

Matthew 7:7-8 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

While it took some gumption to do what he did it was pretty much what the scripture said.

He was seeking, he came through the door (knocking) and asked the girl who said go ahead and help yourself (he received).

And then another scripture popped up which was; found in Luke 18:10-14

A case where one man felt he had more right to God's grace than the other did.

When one is the recipient of GOD'S grace it is possible to get a little PHARISAICAL and judgmental.

Well it's back to the drawing board for me.

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

This post has been linked with Joan Davis at: Sharing His Beauty
Also shared at:  “Tell Me a True Story” http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/

READ THE INSTRUCTIONS

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Being born and raised when the world was a far simpler age I found most things didn't need a manual.

Those were the days when the "Shade tree mechanic" was where we took our car to get fixed if we were too lazy to do it ourselves.

If we wanted to dig, the pick and shovel were not too complicated.  Our horse power came with four legs and bridle reins.

Then comes this age of confusion where everything was powered by gas or electricity and a flood tide of new inventions arrived on the scene.

Now why did we need a machine to wash and dry our clothes? We had a wash tub, a rub board and a clothes line. After all these years the end result is just the same, clean clothes.

As soon as we were shamed into buying the washer and dryer all kinds of problems rose up. Where to put the new gadget?  The power and water and sewer hook ups which cost a pretty penny and to top it of we didn't know how to turn them on.

I went down to the store where we bought them and talked to the salesman and he said I should read the manual. When I asked him what the manual was, he looked at me as if I was crazy. After three months of just looking at them my wife finally kept reading those manuals till she figured out to operate them. Actually after reading them over and over she got a neighbor to come over and show her how they worked.

Chinese Language
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After reading those books once I vowed never to read another one for though I could read most of the words I didn't know what they meant and the pictures didn't help.  To me it was a foreign language!!
Today I try to figure out how new stuff works without reading the instruction for several reasons; some of it is confusion and I have to study it. Another thing is I'm too busy or I'm just too lazy and to do study it, so is an insult to my intelligence.  

Now you may make fun of me but some people do the same thing when it comes to living their lives.

They think they don't need to read 'The Book of Life" to find out how they should live it. They think they can figure it out as they go along or friends will help them. Talk about the blind leading the blind. 

When All Else Fails - Read the Directions
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When I look at how some people live I can tell they haven't read the "How to live book" for they have put things together wrong. Seems they are too smart to be dumb enough to get it right or they don't realize that they need the instructions plainly laid out in "The Book" 

 Check out an article written in the Cleveland Daily Banner http://www.clevelandbanner.com/view/full_story/10000368/article-It%E2%80%99s-In-The-Book--Whatever-the-need--God-has-the-answer-

This post is shared on Monday with Laura at:  Play Dates With God at the Wellspring

NEED A PICK-ME-UP?

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Misery comes in many forms and there is more than enough to go around.

Seems some people get more than their share for some reason.

I hope you are not one of those, but if you are, then you need a little help from a higher source. The scripture says ask and you shall receive. Sometimes we have to ask more than once but whatever the case the most important thing is to "ask."

If you can't seem to come up with the right words try the words in an old song by Herbert Buffum;

Lift me up above the shadows, Plant my feet on higher ground,

Lift me up above the clouds, Lord, Where the pure sunshine is found;

Lift me up above my weakness, Lift me up into Thy strength,

Lift me up above the shadows, Till I stand with Thee at length.

Refrain:

Lift me up above the shadows, Lift me up and let me stand

On the mountaintops of glory, Let me dwell in Beulah land.

Lift me up above the shadows, For the storms are raging high,

Lift me up, my blessed Savior, Let me to Thy bosom fly;

There no evil thing can touch me, Over on the shining side.

 

 

Lift me up above the shadows, Let me evermore abide.

Lift me up above the shadows, Out of sorrow into joy,

Lift me up above my grief, Lord, Give me gold for my alloy;

Then when death must claim my spirit, And the storms of life are past,

Lift me up above the shadows, Till in heav’n  I stand at last.

Lift us up above the shadows, When to earth You come again,

Let us be in the assembly, As Thy Bride to ever reign;

In Thy kingdom full of glory, With our friends we’ll ever be,

Lift us up above the shadows - -There to dwell eternally.

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

I'M SORRY DON'T PAY THE BILLS

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The quotes soon following are a mishmash of thoughts concerning "Sorry" a word that is used to erase an action that others find objectionable, an attempt to restore your credibility with a person or the masses.

Trying to repair a relationship is next to impossible unless the hurt can be expunged.  Being (not just saying) Sorry with corresponding actions is the only tool you have for accomplishing this. The memory will remain until Alzheimer's sets in and even then it will surface occasionally.

People who bank on saying I'm sorry to correct negative reaction to bad conduct are a sorry lot in themselves.

This especially applies to Christians who outright sin and plan in advance to ask for forgiveness for what they want to enjoy. This taxes GOD'S grace to the limit and a word of caution; don't presume on GOD'S forbearance.

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I thought you might enjoy these quotes.

All successful people these days seem to be neurotic. Perhaps we should stop being sorry for them and start being sorry for me - for being so confounded normal. Deborah Kerr

 Being sorry is the highest act of selfishness, seeing value only after discarding it Douglas Horton

Being Politically Correct means always having to say you're sorry. Charles Osgood

Feeling sorry for yourself, and your present condition, is not only a waste of energy but the worst habit you could possibly have. Dale Carnegie

Girls blush, sometimes, because they are alive, half wishing they were dead to save the shame. The sudden blush devours them, neck and brow; They have drawn too near the fire of life, like gnats, and flare up bodily, wings and all. What then? Who's sorry for a gnat or girl?  Elizabeth Barrett Browning

How does one know if she has forgiven? You tend to feel sorrow over the circumstance instead of rage, you tend to feel sorry for the person rather than angry with him. You tend to have nothing left to say about it all. Clarissa Pinkola Estes

I am immensely contrite. And I'm sorry for the damage I've done. Jayson Blair

I am sorry for what has happened and I know that I need some help. Susan Smith

I am sorry to think that you do not get a man's most effective criticism until you provoke him. Severe truth is expressed with some bitterness. Henry David Thoreau

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Will Saying 'I'm Sorry' Save a Relationship?

By: Todd Pheifer

Without oversimplifying the complexities of various types of relationships, it is fair to say that most connections are built on a particular level of trust and understanding. People make honest mistakes every day. However, in particular relationships there is a general assumption that individuals will not make certain decisions. That may also include an expectation that people will not put themselves into situations where they would be at risk of violating the understood rules and dynamics of the relationship. Therefore, can saying "I'm sorry" save a relationship? Or are there times where it doesn't matter what is said?

Sincerity

When an apology is made, it obviously helps for it to be genuinely sincere. Sometimes an individual will apologize, but the delivery may lack a level of conviction. In addition, there are times when the person making the mistake isn't actually sorry for the offense. Instead, they are simply upset that they got caught, but they feel obligated to make an attempt to apologize. If the violated individual suspects that the apology is not real, the words may not save the relationship.

The reasoning

Another issue with relational difficulties has to do with reasoning. When a breach of trust occurs, there may be a question of intent. In other words, the offended party might inquire as to what the person was thinking when they committed the act in question. If the person doesn't know, or there is a sense that they knew what they were doing, this may cause concern that it could happen again. Sometimes genuine mistakes are made, and particular situations may have a reasonable explanation. However, if it is perceived that a bad situation could have been avoided with relative ease, forgiveness may be difficult.

The type of activity

Whether a relationship can be saved often has to do with the activity itself. For example, in a dating or marital relationship, cheating is a major issue. There are certainly couples that have reconciled after one person cheated on the other, but for some individuals that particular type of activity cannot be forgiven. This is often true for those people who state this expectation in advance. If a partner tells their spouse or significant other that they will leave if cheating occurs, they may feel compelled to fulfill their promise. Again, the issue of trust is key in many types of relationships, and if a person feels like they cannot trust a person anymore, that may cause the connection to erode.

A pattern of behavior

Life is full of second chances, and relationships are no different. A mistake or error in judgment can be forgiven, and while it may change the dynamics of the trust, the relationship may survive. If certain types of behavior turn into a pattern, there may come a point where "I'm sorry" starts to feel very hollow. Forgiveness is often based on the assumption that something has been learned and that behavior will be different in the future. However, a lifestyle pattern may signal that actions are not matching words. In that case, one more verbal apology may not be enough.

SPIRITUAL WATER

Elizabeth courtesy photobucket.com

Elizabeth Taylor was married eight times and was known for that as much as her many movies. She lived her life in parts, some of which were infamies. Nevertheless she was accepted in the community she lived in.

There is another woman who over the years has had as much recognition as Elizabeth though due to her work in the movies Elizabeth has had more exposure.

The woman of whom I speak is found in John the fourth chapter and is identified as "The woman at the well". Along with Jesus she is the stand out character in the ensuing story.

Jesus used the well and the water to reveal his Messiahship and the salvation he brings. As the Word of GOD and the HOLY SPIRIT does today he brought conviction upon her soul by asking a simple question about her husband. She at this time couldn't match Elizabeth with her marriages numerically for up to this point she had only had five husbands and at the present was having a relationship (a shack up) with a man.

Jesus used figurative language to teach a doctrinal truth by saying; John 4:14 but whosoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up unto eternal life. Every true believer has this spiritual water refreshing them daily, keeping them alive spiritually.

John 7:38-39 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, from within him shall flow rivers of living water. But this spoke he of the Spirit, which they that believed on him were to receive: for the Spirit was not yet given; because Jesus was not yet glorified.

Jesus has been glorified and now the Spirit has been given to all who have called upon the Lord.

We have heard; "The joy of the Lord is our strength" and sometimes have wondered where does this joy come from?

First it comes from the knowledge and experience of having the well of water within springing up with refreshing. 

Second allowing this overflowing water to flow out to others in real terms, by showing kindness, patience and caring to those the Lord brings along your path.

Loving kindness withheld restrains joy within while expressing good heartedness results in joyful ecstasy. Love held in bondage blesses no one, neither the potential recipient nor the one held in bondage.

I am reminded of this Song;

Set my spirit free that I might worship Thee,

Set my spirit free that I might praise Thy name.

Let all bondage go and let deliverance flow,

Set my spirit free to worship Thee

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEPmcFw6Q-Q&feature=related

This post is linked with Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays


 

LOVE SONG

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Love is a subject that can't be exhausted for it has so many faces and changes in time.

"Psychology portrays love as a cognitive phenomenon with a social cause. It is said to have three components in the book of psychology: Intimacy, Commitment, and Passion. Also, in an ancient proverb love is defined as a high form of tolerance." (Love Sessions)

Teenage love is a thing to behold because in most cases it is short lived and fleeting due to the sensitivity of the participants.  It has been thus expressed;

"I ran up the door, closed the stairs, said my pajamas, and put on my prayers, turned off the bed, and hopped into the light, all because you kissed me goodnight."  

"Having the love of your life break up with you, and then say .. We can still be friends.. Is like your dog dieing, and your mom says; Keep it!!" (Anon)

One sided love only occupies time without fulfillment, and in the process of trying to make it two sided one is liable to do things they can never live down. They may invest things that should only be given within the lifetime love relationship.

The greatest expression of love is found in John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life."

This is only one sided love wherein GOD has made the first move and waits an answer from each and everyone of us. Having accepted his love and loving HIM in return is the beginning of not just a lifetime relationship but one which lasts an eternity.

This begs the question that if I love GOD is my love for HIM perfect both as to motive and expression. Is there passion and emotion for there cannot be true love without it, furthermore GOD demands it.

Deuteronomy 6:4-5 "Listen, people of Israel! The LORD is our God. The LORD is the only God. You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.

I would add in our songs;  In Moments Like these I sing Out a Song to Jesus

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Wm57-iSYyk&feature=related

In moments like these I sing out a song

I sing out a love song to Jesus

In moments like these I lift up my hands

I lift up my hands to the Lord

Singing, I love You, Lord

Singing, I love You, Lord

Singing, I love You, Lord - - I love You

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

WHY THINGS GO WRONG

Beauty courtesy photobucket.com

 

Beauty is only skin deep, and so is lust.

I must admit that when I read these words I stopped and thought about it for awhile.

Like many old sayings this one is suspect for beauty is a composite of several factors. Of course the outward countenance is what strikes one first and if it is most striking it overrides faults that are evident later on.

As time passes inward beauty far exceeds the outward that fades over time.

To say Lust is only skin deep shows a lack of understanding of the term. Lust if nurtured will go to the very heart of a soul and dictate the mind set and actions.

Wikipedia; Lust is an emotion or feeling of intense desire in the body. The lust can take any form such as the lust for knowledge, the lust for sex or the lust for power. It can take such mundane forms as the lust for food as distinct from the need for food. Lust is a powerful psychic force producing intense wanting for an object, or circumstance fulfilling the emotion.

If we accept Wikipedia's definition of lust then we see it is multifaceted and isn't totally wrong. It can maximize your abilities or drive you to distraction and destruction.

In the spiritual world lust is a driving force that sets up warfare within the soul of man.

Galatians 5:17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

When you realize this is happening it is especially important to side with the Spirit and tilt the balances for righteousness.

James touched upon this; James 4:1 From whence come wars and fighting's among you? Come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?

Sometime we question, "What's wrong with me?"

The answer is there is a war going on within you.   Paul the apostle understood the struggle we have within to one degree or another and told Timothy; Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses.

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Have you heard the word "Overcomer?" This is what we strive to be and what we are to overcome is "The world, The flesh and The devil" these are our only enemies.

Of necessity we pursue and then avoid the fact of life as defined by our conduct but our greatest paradox is to accept the reality of who we are in Christ. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EJSkJlh_fg

(Words to the song)

       Nobody knows the trouble I've seen Nobody knows but Jesus Nobody knows the trouble I've seen Glory, Hallelujah
Sometimes I'm up, sometimes I'm down, ohh, yes Lord Sometimes I'm almost To the ground, oh yes, Lord Nobody knows the trouble I've seen Nobody knows but Jesus.   Nobody knows the trouble I've seen Glory, Hallelujah
If you got there before I do, oh yes Lord Tell all my friends, I'm Coming too, oh yes Lord
Nobody knows the trouble I've seen Nobody knows but Jesus Nobody knows the trouble I've seen Glory, Hallelujah
Although you see me Goin' on so, oh yes I have my trials, here below Ohh yes, Lord
Oh, nobody knows the trouble I've seen Nobody knows but Jesus Nobody knows the trouble I've seen Glory, Hallelujah Ohh, glory, Hallelujah

This post is Linked with Jen’s Soli Deo Gloria

  

COME-PASS- SHUN

Soldier having compassion on a child
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To have compassion and demand justice is a hard mix almost like oil and water. To fully understand the following parable one must realize what was going on in the background. The religious leaders were trying to trip up Jesus and they tried to use trickery to rid themselves of him for he constantly embarrassed them.

The Parable of the Good Samaritan
 
Luke 10:25-37 New International Version (NIV) 

On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

“What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”

He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii's and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

 

Jesus laid out a large cast of players in this parable; there were robbers, a victim, a Priest, the Levite and the Samaritan. The Priest represented religion and it was found wanting. The Levite represented law and order. The Samaritan as presented though looked down upon, he exuded grace and mercy.

I must admit I have a difficult time reaching the Samaritan level in dealing with the downtrodden who inflict damage and distress unto themselves. Part of this is legitimate because their condition is the result of rejection of Christ but still mercy is the benchmark of the Christian faith.   

 "Go thou and do likewise" may be a bitter pill but in the end it is good medicine for you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVwGoSn4YW0

This Post is linked with Laura at:  Play Dates With God at the Wellspring

WHY I HATE SHORT PANTS Repost

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While I wear long pants both winter and summer, many guys will wear shorts.

I was about six years old before I graduated, that is I graduated from short pants to long ones.  As soon as it was warm enough I had to put away my knickers and don the shorties.

It has been suggested by some, that mothers forced their boys to wear the short pants because they were easier to wash and dry. This was when everything was washed by hand on a wash board. While most boys were subjected to this sissy wardrobe some guys graduated earlier than others.

Seeing boys the same age as you wearing long pants was really a put down. Now boys have disagreements and trying to stand up to a guy with long pants while you were in shorts was embarrassing.

Before I made the transition to long pants being naughty was a bad thing to do. The reason for that was the fact that there were bushes growing every where that provided switches for discipline.

Echoing in my ears, I can still hear the words my mother would say “Go out and cut me a switch.” 

I knew that the switch was going to be used on me and with nothing on my legs but short pants the switch marks were a sure sign I had been punished. Every place that switch touched it would leave a red welt and I would sting for hours.   Usually I had a collection of both old and new ones.

I recalled my dad was going to take me to a ball game, I was about six and I very excited.  As it happened shortly before it was time to go I broke the rules and had to pay the penalty for it. I knew better but did it anyway. A few minutes later my legs looked like plaid. There were welts running in all directions.

Then it was time to go to the ball game, and I was really embarrassed for everyone knew I was disobedient, and had been punished. I lost all interest in the game all I could think about was how my legs looked.

Finally the time came when I got my long pants, no more shorts, no more knickers and no more welts showing for the pants covered them.

I still was as ornery as ever but my legs were covered up and the welts didn’t show.

I knew they were there, but my sins weren’t evident to the world any longer!

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

Also shared at: “Tell Me a True Story” http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/

YOU CASPER??

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Caspar Milquetoast was a wimpy cartoon character who apologized for living and considered himself inferior to everyone else.

Webster described Caspar Milquetoast as "the man who speaks softly and gets hit with a big stick".

Wikipedia says "When the term is used to describe a person, it typically indicates someone of an unusually meek, bland, soft or submissive nature, who is easily overlooked, written off, and who may also appear overly sensitive, timid, indecisive or cowardly."

Christians are admonished to be meek and at the same time be very bold.

Proverbs 28:1 The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

In order for this to be a reality in your life your "aura" must project your presence like Christ did. Though he was meek he was not subservient, though he was bold he wasn't dictatorial.

Saving us from sin was the most important thing Jesus came to do.  The next was to deliver us from fear of death.

Hebrews 2:14-15 We are people of flesh and blood. That is why Jesus became one of us. He died to destroy the devil, who had power over death. But he also died to rescue all of us who live each day in fear of dying.

Facing one's mortality can be fearful (Hebrews 9:27 inasmuch as it is appointed unto men once to die) - - but the question that is asked in; Job 14:14 If a man dies, shall he live again?

This has been answered by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:51-53  Behold, I tell you a mystery: We all shall not sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

Our temporal present condition is much like the temporal state of the unborn wherein they await the time for their existence to change to another form of living to another even so we are waiting for the next phase of life. For us to fear the process that ushers us into immortality is understandable but for the Christian it is out of place.

Revelations 12:10-11 And I heard a great voice in heaven, saying, Now is come the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, who accuseth them before our God day and night. And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb, and because of the word of their testimony; and they loved not their life even unto death.

Rejecting the fear of death is an important step in every Christian's life for therein lies the "bold as a lion spirit."

Song; Death hath no terrors

Death hath no terrors for the blood bought one,

O glory hallelujah to the Lamb!

The boasted vict’ry of the grave is gone,

O glory hallelujah to the Lamb!

Refrain

We’ll rise some day just as our Savior rose,

O glory hallelujah to the Lamb!

Till then shall death be but a calm repose,

O glory hallelujah to the Lamb!

This post is Linked with Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays

Also shared with Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday Use it on Monday

HAPPINESS, JOY AND BLISS

YES !!
image courtesy google search

Recently I read on the Internet about these three subjects and thought the author had a pretty good handle on the subject. I would have referenced the writer but they/it had disclaimers and required written consent to use any of the words that was written.

HAPPY; In any case what makes you happy? You might consider happiness the idea that it is a pleasant external force interacting upon you (getting something) but that seems a little narrow. You might say it is anything that gets me beyond neutral negativity. Keeping it simple; happiness is feeling good about your world as it exists this moment.

JOY; Joy goes a little deeper and is far more difficult to upset than being happy for the establishment of it depends upon a deep feeling or condition of happiness or contentment not just a surface excitement. It is based upon illumination rather than titillation. Joy is a feeling of delight so deep and so lasting that one radiates happiness and expresses it spontaneously. For the Christian joy is based upon the relationship with Christ. And that fact alone allows joy to remain even in times of sorrow though pain and sadness may rule for a moment our joy will sustain us.

BLISS; when we think of bliss our minds are drawn the Garden Of Eden. A time when the people on earth had it all. They had peace.  The animal kingdom was not bent upon destruction, all their needs were supplied and their relationship with GOD was perfect.

There is no way we can attain to that state until the return of Christ but certain elements of bliss are available to us now. While we struggle to create that state now through labor, relationships, education, family and social structure but the key thing to be aware of is - - the Christian has the opportunity to enjoy a degree of bliss now.

If there is a problem Christians have - - it is they do not have fullness of joy; the scriptures below indicate the possibility of this fact.

John 16:24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be made full. 

John 15:11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.

From Wikipedia;

The Fruit of the Holy Spirit is a Biblical term that sums up the nine visible attributes of a true Christian life, according to Paul's Letter to the Galatians chapter 5. Though there are nine attributes to the Fruit of the Spirit, the original Greek term translated as "Fruit" is singular, signifying that there is one Fruit, with nine parts.

Galatians 5:22-25 But the fruit that the Spirit produces in a person's life is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these kinds of things.

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their sinful self. They have given up their old selfish feelings and the evil things they wanted to do. We receive our new life from the Spirit, so we should follow the Spirit.

I suggest that if one is running low on Joy it may be because one may be lagging behind in manifesting one of the other fruits of the Spirit.

This is not to be considered a formal treatise upon the subject matter but rather wishes to be a motivator to cause one to study for themselves.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7QTJ_Yev9o&feature=related

This post is Linked with Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays

COMETH TEMPTATION?

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The LORD said to Satan, "Where have you come from?" Satan answered the LORD, "From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it." JOB 1:7

 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

 I'm not sure who wrote the following article but I found it interesting;

Men: Beware of Temptation

Men and women respond to temptation differently. Women tend to flee temptation, while men like to crawl away slowly and hope temptation will overtake them.

No man sets out to succumb to temptation on purpose. Yet every day we learn of men, Christian men, who fail. Unless a man remains perpetually vigilant, his own evil desires carry him into temptation and sin.

Six temptations men face:

1. Emotional neglect. Men are most tempted not to give their wives the thing they desire the most: emotional connection and intimacy; the sharing of yourself at the deepest level, and wanting to know the same level in your spouse. God commanded, Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25). The Bible gives no similar instructions to wives because wives are naturally drawn to an intimate love relationship. For men it must be learned.

2. Lust. Men become sexually stimulated visually. When a man looks and lusts, that does not mean he no longer loves his wife. He is engaged in temptation - physical and spiritual. We live in a sexually over-stimulated culture in which many men are drained of the spiritual energy needed to expose temptation and the moral energy to resist it.  The best way to resist sexual temptation is to flee from it.

3. False gods. You can have only one god. Most men try to worship an idol and God. That, too, is impossible. Idolatry is the error of giving worship or homage to any power or object other than God. It's either going to be Jesus Christ or something else. And whatever the something else is, it will never satisfy (e.g. Accomplishments, money, pleasure, possessions, power, prestige, or position).

4. Money and debt. Men find money intoxicating. Jesus named money as his chief competitor: No one can serve two masters....You cannot serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24). Not only is man tempted to earn more money, but also to borrow more money than he can afford to repay. The temptation is not to love God or money. The temptation is to love them both. To live debt-free within your means, with Jesus as the God of your life, is the goal.

5. Whining. The Bible tells of people who grumbled about the sufficiency of God's care. When men see others advancing more rapidly, frequently resentments, jealousies, envy, and bitterness build up. Slights, perceived and real, grind on his ego. The way to overcome the temptation to complain is to accept your lot in life and get on with a positive outlook. Paul said, I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances (Philippians 4:11).

6. Pride. Stubborn pride often keeps a man from humbling himself and admitting he's wrong. Temptation to pride comes in many disguises. The most common form is for a man to look down with disdain on others. It is a sin of comparison in which a man compares his [perceived] strength with another's weaknesses.  Equally insidious is the temptation for a man to look up in disgust to others who have it better or have accomplished more. Pride can even cause some men to feel they are above talking about "touchy feelings," and so emotionally neglect their wives.

* * * * * * * * * * *

An old song by Bing Crosby; "You were temptation"

You came, I was alone

I should have known you were temptation

You smiled, luring me on

My heart was gone, you were temptation

It would be thrilling

If you were willing

If it can never be

Pity me for you are temptation and I am yours

Here is my heart, take it and say

We'll never part

I'm just a slave

Only a slave to you, temptation

You were born to be kissed

I can't resist.

You are temptation and I am yours

Here is my heart, take it and say

We'll never part

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXXuLSIfL-8

PILGRIM TOM Chapter Four MY ENEMIES?

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On the surface it would seem I have few if any enemies.  Of course this could change on a moments notice possibly without announcement, (especially in the case of road rage.)

There are many classifications of enemies; some would fit as friendly competitors where others might be deadly.

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During the depression of the 30s, I knew young men that would go looking for what you might call trouble.  Some would just carry a knife while others would conceal a gun that would be readily accessible. Often on Monday I would hear of someone I knew that had been wounded or killed during the weekend. Some of these fellows were mean while others wanted to look and act mean. If someone from the family didn’t come home on Sunday it was cause for worry.

This sounds something like the happenings today with gang warfare and all that goes on. Interestingly enough the women were often in the center of the conflict and many times were the cause of the problem.

Well that was then and this is now but the conflicts of today go back to the beginning of time.  There are things that are common to us all that could be considered to be enemies such as; sickness, broken personal relationships, poverty and other things that make life more difficult.

The scripture also has a list of bad news items and the root cause can be found within the phrase, “The world, the flesh and the devil.”  The World, the Flesh and the Devil have been called Satan’s counterfeit Trinity.

The world is not what we call the earth but is rather the way of human power, human planning, human reason, and human wisdom. It is the way that puts Man first and assumes that human life and human perception is all there is. It is the philosophy that excludes GOD’S existence and substitute’s man’s intelligence in God’s place.

It refutes Biblical declarations concerning creation, the fall of man and the need for redemption and explains everything with what James calls in; James 3:15  This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic.

The result of acceptance of the world’s philosophy is what is known as acceding to worldliness. Accepting and promoting a life style that ignores GOD’S directions as to how we should live and conduct ourselves. It rejects in part or all of the righteousness of GOD and replaces it with man’s righteousness.  Many will reject some of that which is worldliness but accept most of it.

When Tom came face to face with this reality he was shocked to learn how far he had slipped in his walk and as the scripture admonishes us prior to taking communion “Let a man examine himself,” and if he is not walking aright he should not partake of the Lord’s supper.

This test needs to be applied to every pursuit of life. What Tom concluded from viewing worldliness is that one must renew his dedication to God each and every day.

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

LIAR, LIAR PANTS.....

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Genesis 3:13-15 The LORD God then asked the woman, "What have you done?" "The snake tricked me," she answered. "And I ate some of that fruit." So the LORD God said to the snake: "Because of what you have done, you will be the only animal to suffer this curse--For as long as you live, you will crawl on your stomach and eat dirt. You and this woman will hate each other; your descendants and hers will always be enemies.

When Adam and Eve were driven from the garden life took on a new meaning. At every hand they were reminded of what they had done. Still Satan wasn't through with them yet and tried to inflict even more pain on them and their offspring all the way down until today.

What began in the garden has borne bitter fruit we are all subjected to. Satan had a field day up until the flood when GOD wiped away his works in one fell sweep.

But Satan once again prevailed until the time of Christ when the power of sin was broken; Matthew 24:37 For as were the days of Noah, (Genesis 6:5 The LORD saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time).

 

So it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. What began in paradise will find its end in the lake of fire!

 

Revelation 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where are also the beast and the false prophet; and they shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

LIAR LIAR by Edwina Reizer

 Liar, liar we see the fire coming from your mouth each day.

The fire that burns the truth as we struggle along our way,

The fire that inflames the heart of those that are tired of the words you speak.
So many deceptions that come our way day after day, week after week.
Liar, liar, pants on fire

What will it take to see you on a burning pyre?
Never a trustworthy thought do you keep.

 How can you close your eyes and sleep?
It has become your way of living.

You say nothing that's worth forgiving.
For you are a liar, liar with your pants on fire.

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