The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle, or the ship; the axe had enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years, with large increase of freedom.No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.Done at the city of Washington, this third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the independence of the United States the eighty-eighth.
A. Lincoln
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
True Praise Comes From A Crucified Life...
True Praise Comes From A Crucified Life - Zac Poonen
God is a great King, but the throne He sits on is not made of silver or gold. Such a throne would be too cheap for Him. "Thou art enthroned upon the praises of Thy people", says the psalmist (Psa. 22:3). Praise forms the throne on which God sits as a King. This is why heaven is a place of perpetual praise. The angels are constantly praising God. This is the throne on which God sits in heaven. When the Holy Spirit comes into our hearts, He brings heaven down into our hearts and we too can prepare a throne of praise for our God to be enthroned upon - in our hearts, in our homes and in the church.
This is why it is so important to work out our salvation from all grumbling and complaining, with fear and trembling, for God (the Holy Spirit) is working in our hearts to prepare a throne for the Father (See Phil. 2:12-14 together). God is also working outside of us in all our circumstances to make them work together for our good. So there is really nothing to grumble or complain about - if we have faith in Rom.8:28.
It is not possible to praise God effectively in the church, if we are grumbling and complaining at other times at home or in the office. True praise can only come from a crucified life. It is significant that the only verse in the Bible that tells us that God sits on the throne of the praises of His people is found in the midst of a psalm that vividly portrays the crucifixion (Psa. 22:3). The psalm begins with the cry of Jesus on the cross and it refers to His hands and feet being pierced (Psa 22: 16); and then in the midst of this very psalm, Jesus refers to us as His younger brothers and invites us to join Him in preparing a throne of praise for the Father (Psa 22: 22,23). We too are crucified with Him on the same cross - and there, while crucified with Him to the world, and to our lusts, we sing the praise of the Father. Herein lies the hollowness of a lot of praise and worship that is found in many churches, where the word of the cross does not have the central place. Some who have seen this hollowness have reacted against praise and worship altogether and decided that it has no place in the new covenant worship. But this is to fall over the cliff on the opposite side!
On the cross, crucified with Christ, we prepare a throne of praise for the Father. Psa. 118 is another psalm of the cross and of Christ (Psa 118: 11-14, 22). We lay ourselves on the altar and bind ourselves with cords to the cross (Psa 118:27), and lying there we "give thanks to the Lord" (Psa 118:28,29) and say, "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" (Psa 118: 24).
Jesus has been anointed as our Head to give us "the oil of gladness and the garment of praise" (Isa. 61:1-3), instead of the spirit of heaviness and depression. If you are living under the spirit of depression, you can be sure that it is the work of Satan. Jesus has come to cast out that spirit from your life permanently, and to clothe and cover you with the garment of praise. It is never God's will for us to be depressed or discouraged or in a bad mood - for Jesus was never depressed, discouraged or in a bad mood at any time; and we are called to walk even as He walked (1 Jn. 2:6). But this is only possible if we take up the cross each day, as Jesus did.
In Psa. 8:2 we read that from the mouths of infants and nursing babes, God establishes strength to defeat the enemies. Jesus quoted this verse at the time when the chief priests criticised the children for shouting and praising God (Matt. 21:15,16). The chief priests, like many today, felt that in the house of God no one should shout or raise their voice in praise and worship. They thought that people should be long-faced and quiet in God's presence. But Jesus was thrilled to hear the noise of praise, for it reminded Him of His heavenly home where the angels praise God in voices that sound like loud thunders! This is one reason why Satan and his hosts cannot dwell in heaven - for they cannot stand the shouts of sincere praise to God. Neither can they stand it when such praise is found in any church here on earth. And so they will try one of two methods - either to rob the sincerity out of the praise or to stop the shouts of praise altogether. As one looks around at the various Christian denominations, one finds that Satan has succeeded almost everywhere with one of these two methods.
Why does Satan hate sincere praise to God? Jesus quoted Psa. 8:2 and said the 'strength' spoken of in that psalm was actually 'praise' (Matt. 21:16). Praise is the strength by which the enemy is driven out (Psa. 8:2).
Empty shouts of praise that do not come from a holy life, however, do not have any power. In Ex. 32, we read that the Israelites made a golden calf and even called it 'Jehovah' (v. 5) and danced and shouted to their 'Jehovah' with such a loud voice that Moses and Joshua heard it miles away (v. 17-19). But Satan was right in the midst of all that charismatic praise! There was immorality in their midst just as there is in the midst of many today who shout and dance in the name of 'Jesus'.
Our praise becomes powerful only when it comes from a crucified, holy life.
www.cfcindia.com
God is a great King, but the throne He sits on is not made of silver or gold. Such a throne would be too cheap for Him. "Thou art enthroned upon the praises of Thy people", says the psalmist (Psa. 22:3). Praise forms the throne on which God sits as a King. This is why heaven is a place of perpetual praise. The angels are constantly praising God. This is the throne on which God sits in heaven. When the Holy Spirit comes into our hearts, He brings heaven down into our hearts and we too can prepare a throne of praise for our God to be enthroned upon - in our hearts, in our homes and in the church.
This is why it is so important to work out our salvation from all grumbling and complaining, with fear and trembling, for God (the Holy Spirit) is working in our hearts to prepare a throne for the Father (See Phil. 2:12-14 together). God is also working outside of us in all our circumstances to make them work together for our good. So there is really nothing to grumble or complain about - if we have faith in Rom.8:28.
It is not possible to praise God effectively in the church, if we are grumbling and complaining at other times at home or in the office. True praise can only come from a crucified life. It is significant that the only verse in the Bible that tells us that God sits on the throne of the praises of His people is found in the midst of a psalm that vividly portrays the crucifixion (Psa. 22:3). The psalm begins with the cry of Jesus on the cross and it refers to His hands and feet being pierced (Psa 22: 16); and then in the midst of this very psalm, Jesus refers to us as His younger brothers and invites us to join Him in preparing a throne of praise for the Father (Psa 22: 22,23). We too are crucified with Him on the same cross - and there, while crucified with Him to the world, and to our lusts, we sing the praise of the Father. Herein lies the hollowness of a lot of praise and worship that is found in many churches, where the word of the cross does not have the central place. Some who have seen this hollowness have reacted against praise and worship altogether and decided that it has no place in the new covenant worship. But this is to fall over the cliff on the opposite side!
On the cross, crucified with Christ, we prepare a throne of praise for the Father. Psa. 118 is another psalm of the cross and of Christ (Psa 118: 11-14, 22). We lay ourselves on the altar and bind ourselves with cords to the cross (Psa 118:27), and lying there we "give thanks to the Lord" (Psa 118:28,29) and say, "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" (Psa 118: 24).
Jesus has been anointed as our Head to give us "the oil of gladness and the garment of praise" (Isa. 61:1-3), instead of the spirit of heaviness and depression. If you are living under the spirit of depression, you can be sure that it is the work of Satan. Jesus has come to cast out that spirit from your life permanently, and to clothe and cover you with the garment of praise. It is never God's will for us to be depressed or discouraged or in a bad mood - for Jesus was never depressed, discouraged or in a bad mood at any time; and we are called to walk even as He walked (1 Jn. 2:6). But this is only possible if we take up the cross each day, as Jesus did.
In Psa. 8:2 we read that from the mouths of infants and nursing babes, God establishes strength to defeat the enemies. Jesus quoted this verse at the time when the chief priests criticised the children for shouting and praising God (Matt. 21:15,16). The chief priests, like many today, felt that in the house of God no one should shout or raise their voice in praise and worship. They thought that people should be long-faced and quiet in God's presence. But Jesus was thrilled to hear the noise of praise, for it reminded Him of His heavenly home where the angels praise God in voices that sound like loud thunders! This is one reason why Satan and his hosts cannot dwell in heaven - for they cannot stand the shouts of sincere praise to God. Neither can they stand it when such praise is found in any church here on earth. And so they will try one of two methods - either to rob the sincerity out of the praise or to stop the shouts of praise altogether. As one looks around at the various Christian denominations, one finds that Satan has succeeded almost everywhere with one of these two methods.
Why does Satan hate sincere praise to God? Jesus quoted Psa. 8:2 and said the 'strength' spoken of in that psalm was actually 'praise' (Matt. 21:16). Praise is the strength by which the enemy is driven out (Psa. 8:2).
Empty shouts of praise that do not come from a holy life, however, do not have any power. In Ex. 32, we read that the Israelites made a golden calf and even called it 'Jehovah' (v. 5) and danced and shouted to their 'Jehovah' with such a loud voice that Moses and Joshua heard it miles away (v. 17-19). But Satan was right in the midst of all that charismatic praise! There was immorality in their midst just as there is in the midst of many today who shout and dance in the name of 'Jesus'.
Our praise becomes powerful only when it comes from a crucified, holy life.
www.cfcindia.com
Saturday, November 7, 2009
A 5yr old dying with cancer has this request...
A friend of a friend has a 5yr old son Noah who is in the last stages of a 2 1/2yr battle with Neuroblastoma Cancer. The family is celebrating Christmas NEXT WEEK and Noahs request is to get lots of Christmas cards. Please send cards to:
Noah Biorkman
1141 Fountain Viewcircle
South Lyon MI 48178
Lets see how many cards we can get to this little guy.
Noah Biorkman
1141 Fountain Viewcircle
South Lyon MI 48178
Lets see how many cards we can get to this little guy.
Monday, October 19, 2009
The Pharisee's
I know it has been awhile since I have posted anything. I have been posting mainly on God's Living Word Network. I get a lot more feedback there.
I wanted to post this, but I could only add it as a gadget. So, on the right hand side of my blog, please click on the upper right corner and view full screen the teaching of the Pharisee's in the modern day church. It is very interesting reading.
I wanted to post this, but I could only add it as a gadget. So, on the right hand side of my blog, please click on the upper right corner and view full screen the teaching of the Pharisee's in the modern day church. It is very interesting reading.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
The Cost of Discipleship
While a cadet at The United States Military Academy, my class was shown a unique geographical site. A ‘point’ on the west side of the campus jutted out into the Hudson River. In fact, this west point is what gave the US Military Academy its colloquial name of West Point.
Across the river on the far bank and inland a way, a rich man started building a castle on par with the great European castles or estates. Unfortunately, he ran out of money before he could complete his construction. The remains of what could have been is now a reminder of what happens when you fail to count the costs of completing a project.
This story is actually used to teach the costs of military operations to West Point cadets.
There is a cost of being a Christian too — a cost that isn’t spoken of very often; a cost that if taught would build stronger disciples of Jesus; a cost that would separate Christians from the rest of the world; a cost that would make a difference.
In Luke 24:25-35, Jesus spoke of such a cost. Anyone who does not love Jesus and is not committed to him over all others, even family and job, isn’t worthy of being called a disciple of Jesus.
In fact, Jesus says that such a person cannot be his disciple. He expects us to deny ourselves and take up our cross and follow him without any hesitation or equivocation. The meaning of the word translated as “deny,” as in deny ourselves, means to “break fellowship with.” To be a disciple of Jesus, we must break fellowship with our self; we must stop doing what gives us our pleasure when it conflicts with God’s time and Godly living; we must not even fellowship with our self, care for our own desires and even needs when they conflict with the call of discipleship to Jesus.
This is a portion of an article in our local paper from a Pastor at a local church. His name is William Thrasher.
I love how he defined the word deny, to break fellowship with. That brings a whole new meaning to the verse for me.
Across the river on the far bank and inland a way, a rich man started building a castle on par with the great European castles or estates. Unfortunately, he ran out of money before he could complete his construction. The remains of what could have been is now a reminder of what happens when you fail to count the costs of completing a project.
This story is actually used to teach the costs of military operations to West Point cadets.
There is a cost of being a Christian too — a cost that isn’t spoken of very often; a cost that if taught would build stronger disciples of Jesus; a cost that would separate Christians from the rest of the world; a cost that would make a difference.
In Luke 24:25-35, Jesus spoke of such a cost. Anyone who does not love Jesus and is not committed to him over all others, even family and job, isn’t worthy of being called a disciple of Jesus.
In fact, Jesus says that such a person cannot be his disciple. He expects us to deny ourselves and take up our cross and follow him without any hesitation or equivocation. The meaning of the word translated as “deny,” as in deny ourselves, means to “break fellowship with.” To be a disciple of Jesus, we must break fellowship with our self; we must stop doing what gives us our pleasure when it conflicts with God’s time and Godly living; we must not even fellowship with our self, care for our own desires and even needs when they conflict with the call of discipleship to Jesus.
This is a portion of an article in our local paper from a Pastor at a local church. His name is William Thrasher.
I love how he defined the word deny, to break fellowship with. That brings a whole new meaning to the verse for me.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Sin Not...By Connie Giordano
"Still a saint he must be, one whose vocation it is to be holy, and who strives daily to obey the Divine voice within him saying 'Sin not, sin not, sin not,' or he can have no interest in the Saviour's righteousness." - Biblical Illustrator - New Testament
"Let that be your aim, to 'sin not.' Let it be your fixed purpose, not merely that you are to sin as little as you can, but that you are not to sin at all.""But not only would I have you to make this your aim, I WOULD HAVE YOUR AIM ACCOMPLISHED AND REALIZED; and therefore 'I write these things unto you, that ye sin not.'
We are to proceed upon the anticipation not of failure but of success in all holy walking and in every duty. Believe these things, realize them, act them out. For they are such things as, if thus apprehended, change the character of the whole struggle. They transfer it to a new and higher platform. We are brought into a position in relation to God in which holiness is no longer a desperate, negative strife, but a blessed, positive achievement. Evil is overcome with good."- both quotes are from the Biblical Illustrator - New Testament
In 1 John 2:1, the Apostle John wrote - "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not..."Most people - when quoting this Scripture - emphasize the latter part of the verse - "...And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." It is as if they simply cannot accept the words that say - "that ye sin not."It is almost as though there is an epidemic in the Church today called the "Christian Sin" epidemic. This epidemic plainly and clearly advocates that all believers in Jesus cannot help but sin a little each day in thought, word, and deed.
Yet, to think that someone is "abiding in the Vine" (John 15:7) or walking hand in hand with Jesus and looking at a woman to lust or is lying, railing, or bitter of spirit is totally absurd. How can one have his one hand in the hand of Jesus and the other in the hand of the devil and still believe that he is in right standing with God? According to the truths of the Bible, it is heretical to imagine "a loose liver" as a Child of God.
Let's look again at 1 John 2:1 and see what John was saying here - "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not..."The Apostle was stating that his main objective in writing this entire epistle was one - namely, "that ye sin not." In other words - it was written to keep you from sin...that you wouldn't sin...that you may not sin...that you will not sin...to guide you out of sin... and to induce you to live a holy life.
It can't get any plainer than that!A writer may have many objectives in writing his message. But "watch out" when he specifically mentions his goal or aim. It is crucial that you don't miss it.In this case, John stressed his major design in writing this epistle as - "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not..."Sin not...sin not...sin not!
In looking through the Bible, we can easily realize that John was simply emphasizing a Biblical principle - as seen from cover to cover.
Psalm 4:4 says - "Stand in awe, and sin not..."
Isaiah 1:16 says - "Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before Mine eyes; cease to do evil."
Ezekiel 3:21 says - "Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin..."
John 5:14 says - "Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee."
John 8:11 says - "She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more."
Romans 6:2 says - "God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?"
Romans 6:12 says - "Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof."
Romans 6:15 says - "What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid."
1 Corinthians 15:34 says - "Awake to righteousness, and sin not..."
Ephesians 4:26 says - "Be ye angry, and sin not..."
Titus 2:11-12 says - "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world."
1 Peter 4:1 says - "Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin."
Some would question - Was John referring to any specific sins?Although he was referring to sin as the general violation of God's commandments, he did go on to suggest several specific sins that we should guard against.
1 John 2:3 says - "And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments."The first sin to watch out for is - disobedience - not keeping the commands of faith and love.1 John 2:4 says - "He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in Him."
1 John 2:6 says - "He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked."The second sin to watch out for is lying - making a false profession ...claiming to have a walk with Jesus while covering up personal unholiness...in words professing to know God yet in works denying Him...and pretending to have religious knowledge yet no truth of grace.
So many today are living a lie - saying that they - are abiding in Him... know Him...are communing with Him...are walking as He walked...are living and acting as He did...are imitating Him in all things...are walking after His pattern and example - yet on closer examination of their lives, the opposite is evident.
1 John 2:9 says - "He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now."
The third sin is hatred - hating one's brother or sister in the Lord so much so that you wish to do them evil.
1 John 2:15-16 says - "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world...For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world."
The fourth sin that John mentions is loving the world - seeking happiness in visible things...fixing your affection on worldly objects... and being influenced by worldly maxims and feelings.
He then breaks this "sin" down to three specific ones -"the lust of the flesh" - unchaste thoughts, words, and actions... sensual appetites...and impure desires"
the lust of the eyes" - lascivious looks...seeking mental pleasure using the imagination...and an inordinate desire for fineries
"the pride of life" - empty, braggart talk...vain assurance in one's resources or in the stability of earthly things...desire of praise... and hunting after honors and titles."My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not...""Let that be your aim, to 'sin not.' Let it be your fixed purpose, not merely that you are to sin as little as you can, but that you are not to sin at all."If you will listen closely, you will hear the Divine Voice within you saying -"Sin not...sin not...sin not!
"May God Bless His Word,Connie© COPYRIGHT Connie Giordano - All Rights ReservedSubscribe to Daily Bible Messages at - connie@walkingintruth.org.Walking In Truth Ministry P.O. Box 383016 Duncanville TX 75138
"Let that be your aim, to 'sin not.' Let it be your fixed purpose, not merely that you are to sin as little as you can, but that you are not to sin at all.""But not only would I have you to make this your aim, I WOULD HAVE YOUR AIM ACCOMPLISHED AND REALIZED; and therefore 'I write these things unto you, that ye sin not.'
We are to proceed upon the anticipation not of failure but of success in all holy walking and in every duty. Believe these things, realize them, act them out. For they are such things as, if thus apprehended, change the character of the whole struggle. They transfer it to a new and higher platform. We are brought into a position in relation to God in which holiness is no longer a desperate, negative strife, but a blessed, positive achievement. Evil is overcome with good."- both quotes are from the Biblical Illustrator - New Testament
In 1 John 2:1, the Apostle John wrote - "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not..."Most people - when quoting this Scripture - emphasize the latter part of the verse - "...And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." It is as if they simply cannot accept the words that say - "that ye sin not."It is almost as though there is an epidemic in the Church today called the "Christian Sin" epidemic. This epidemic plainly and clearly advocates that all believers in Jesus cannot help but sin a little each day in thought, word, and deed.
Yet, to think that someone is "abiding in the Vine" (John 15:7) or walking hand in hand with Jesus and looking at a woman to lust or is lying, railing, or bitter of spirit is totally absurd. How can one have his one hand in the hand of Jesus and the other in the hand of the devil and still believe that he is in right standing with God? According to the truths of the Bible, it is heretical to imagine "a loose liver" as a Child of God.
Let's look again at 1 John 2:1 and see what John was saying here - "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not..."The Apostle was stating that his main objective in writing this entire epistle was one - namely, "that ye sin not." In other words - it was written to keep you from sin...that you wouldn't sin...that you may not sin...that you will not sin...to guide you out of sin... and to induce you to live a holy life.
It can't get any plainer than that!A writer may have many objectives in writing his message. But "watch out" when he specifically mentions his goal or aim. It is crucial that you don't miss it.In this case, John stressed his major design in writing this epistle as - "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not..."Sin not...sin not...sin not!
In looking through the Bible, we can easily realize that John was simply emphasizing a Biblical principle - as seen from cover to cover.
Psalm 4:4 says - "Stand in awe, and sin not..."
Isaiah 1:16 says - "Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before Mine eyes; cease to do evil."
Ezekiel 3:21 says - "Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin..."
John 5:14 says - "Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee."
John 8:11 says - "She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more."
Romans 6:2 says - "God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?"
Romans 6:12 says - "Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof."
Romans 6:15 says - "What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid."
1 Corinthians 15:34 says - "Awake to righteousness, and sin not..."
Ephesians 4:26 says - "Be ye angry, and sin not..."
Titus 2:11-12 says - "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world."
1 Peter 4:1 says - "Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin."
Some would question - Was John referring to any specific sins?Although he was referring to sin as the general violation of God's commandments, he did go on to suggest several specific sins that we should guard against.
1 John 2:3 says - "And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments."The first sin to watch out for is - disobedience - not keeping the commands of faith and love.1 John 2:4 says - "He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in Him."
1 John 2:6 says - "He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked."The second sin to watch out for is lying - making a false profession ...claiming to have a walk with Jesus while covering up personal unholiness...in words professing to know God yet in works denying Him...and pretending to have religious knowledge yet no truth of grace.
So many today are living a lie - saying that they - are abiding in Him... know Him...are communing with Him...are walking as He walked...are living and acting as He did...are imitating Him in all things...are walking after His pattern and example - yet on closer examination of their lives, the opposite is evident.
1 John 2:9 says - "He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now."
The third sin is hatred - hating one's brother or sister in the Lord so much so that you wish to do them evil.
1 John 2:15-16 says - "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world...For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world."
The fourth sin that John mentions is loving the world - seeking happiness in visible things...fixing your affection on worldly objects... and being influenced by worldly maxims and feelings.
He then breaks this "sin" down to three specific ones -"the lust of the flesh" - unchaste thoughts, words, and actions... sensual appetites...and impure desires"
the lust of the eyes" - lascivious looks...seeking mental pleasure using the imagination...and an inordinate desire for fineries
"the pride of life" - empty, braggart talk...vain assurance in one's resources or in the stability of earthly things...desire of praise... and hunting after honors and titles."My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not...""Let that be your aim, to 'sin not.' Let it be your fixed purpose, not merely that you are to sin as little as you can, but that you are not to sin at all."If you will listen closely, you will hear the Divine Voice within you saying -"Sin not...sin not...sin not!
"May God Bless His Word,Connie© COPYRIGHT Connie Giordano - All Rights ReservedSubscribe to Daily Bible Messages at - connie@walkingintruth.org.Walking In Truth Ministry P.O. Box 383016 Duncanville TX 75138
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Honesty...
Word For The Week - Zac Poonen CFC website address
Helping Others Through Honest Acknowledgement of Our Struggles - Zac Poonen
We can encourage our fellow-believers often by an honest admission to them of our humanness and of our struggles.
We are called to be witnesses of Christ. But if in our testimony, we give others a false impression of our lives, then we are actually false witnesses. The vast majority of believers fall into this category. They give others a glorious account of their triumphs but never say a word about their struggles or their failures. They testify to many prayers God has answered, but mention nothing about the prayers for which God's answer was No. They describe all their mountain-top experiences in detail, but never so much as mention a word concerning the many long valleys that lay between those mountain-tops. They are false witnesses, for they give an unreal picture of the Christian life.
I remember, as a young Christian, struggling to live a life that was pleasing to God, hearing many such testimonies from other Christians. Not one of them told me, either from the pulpit or in personal conversation, that they too had fears and unresolved problems and unanswered prayers, or that there were things in the Bible that puzzled them too. I assumed therefore that such problems and queries were peculiar to me. The result was that all their testimonies only discouraged me; and discouragement in turn, led me further away from the Lord.
Then I read in the Bible of how the great Apostle Paul was often perplexed, how he despaired, how some of his prayers were not granted, how some of the sick people he prayed for were not healed, and how he even had fears, and was comforted in his depression by fellow-believers (2 Cor. 4:8; 1:8; 12:8,9; 2 Tim. 4:20; 2 Cor. 7:5,6). Paul's honesty lifted my spirit and I was encouraged to press on.
Paul never wanted others to have a false impression of him (2 Cor. 12:6). And so, he told them in plain words that he was a human being - not an angel. He lived in victory over all known sin, but he was still a human being who could make mistakes and in whom the flesh was still not eradicated. Paul's aim was always to help others, not to impress them. Through his honesty about his humanness, he became an instrument of encouragement to many.
It is the desire to impress others which makes many of us unwilling to be honest with them about our struggles and our anxieties. This shows that we are not really interested in helping them to a closer walk with God. We are not concerned that they are discouraged by the unrealistic standards that we have set before them. We seem to be quite content as long as we ourselves are held in high esteem.
There is a price to be paid if we are to be channels through which the Holy Spirit encourages others - the price of honesty.
Helping Others Through Honest Acknowledgement of Our Struggles - Zac Poonen
We can encourage our fellow-believers often by an honest admission to them of our humanness and of our struggles.
We are called to be witnesses of Christ. But if in our testimony, we give others a false impression of our lives, then we are actually false witnesses. The vast majority of believers fall into this category. They give others a glorious account of their triumphs but never say a word about their struggles or their failures. They testify to many prayers God has answered, but mention nothing about the prayers for which God's answer was No. They describe all their mountain-top experiences in detail, but never so much as mention a word concerning the many long valleys that lay between those mountain-tops. They are false witnesses, for they give an unreal picture of the Christian life.
I remember, as a young Christian, struggling to live a life that was pleasing to God, hearing many such testimonies from other Christians. Not one of them told me, either from the pulpit or in personal conversation, that they too had fears and unresolved problems and unanswered prayers, or that there were things in the Bible that puzzled them too. I assumed therefore that such problems and queries were peculiar to me. The result was that all their testimonies only discouraged me; and discouragement in turn, led me further away from the Lord.
Then I read in the Bible of how the great Apostle Paul was often perplexed, how he despaired, how some of his prayers were not granted, how some of the sick people he prayed for were not healed, and how he even had fears, and was comforted in his depression by fellow-believers (2 Cor. 4:8; 1:8; 12:8,9; 2 Tim. 4:20; 2 Cor. 7:5,6). Paul's honesty lifted my spirit and I was encouraged to press on.
Paul never wanted others to have a false impression of him (2 Cor. 12:6). And so, he told them in plain words that he was a human being - not an angel. He lived in victory over all known sin, but he was still a human being who could make mistakes and in whom the flesh was still not eradicated. Paul's aim was always to help others, not to impress them. Through his honesty about his humanness, he became an instrument of encouragement to many.
It is the desire to impress others which makes many of us unwilling to be honest with them about our struggles and our anxieties. This shows that we are not really interested in helping them to a closer walk with God. We are not concerned that they are discouraged by the unrealistic standards that we have set before them. We seem to be quite content as long as we ourselves are held in high esteem.
There is a price to be paid if we are to be channels through which the Holy Spirit encourages others - the price of honesty.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
This Speaks Volumes...
A group of graduates, well established in their careers, were talking at a reunion and decided to go visit their old university professor, now retired. During their visit, the conversation turned to complaints about stress in their work and lives.
Offering his guests hot chocolate, the professor went into the kitchen and returned with a large pot of hot chocolate and an assortment of cups - porcelain, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the hot chocolate.
When they all had a cup of hot chocolate in hand, the professor said: "Notice that all the nice looking, expensive cups were taken, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress.
The cup that you're drinking from adds nothing to the quality of the hot chocolate. In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was hot chocolate, not the cup; but you consciously went for the best cups... And then you began eying each others' cups.
Now consider this: Life is the hot chocolate; your job, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain life. The cup you have does not define, nor change the quality of life you have. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the hot chocolate God has provided us. God makes the hot chocolate, man chooses the cups.
The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything that they have. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. And enjoy your hot chocolate.
Offering his guests hot chocolate, the professor went into the kitchen and returned with a large pot of hot chocolate and an assortment of cups - porcelain, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the hot chocolate.
When they all had a cup of hot chocolate in hand, the professor said: "Notice that all the nice looking, expensive cups were taken, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress.
The cup that you're drinking from adds nothing to the quality of the hot chocolate. In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was hot chocolate, not the cup; but you consciously went for the best cups... And then you began eying each others' cups.
Now consider this: Life is the hot chocolate; your job, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain life. The cup you have does not define, nor change the quality of life you have. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the hot chocolate God has provided us. God makes the hot chocolate, man chooses the cups.
The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything that they have. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. And enjoy your hot chocolate.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Change Your Thinking...
It will take just 37 seconds to read this and change your thinking.
Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room.
One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to
help drain the fluid from his lungs.
His bed was next to the room's only window.
The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.
The men talked for hours on end..
They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their
involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation..
Every afternoon, when the man in the bed by the window could sit up,
he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he
could see outside the window.
The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods
where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity
and color of the world outside.
The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake.
Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model
boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color
and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.
As the man by the window described all this in exquisite details, the
man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine
this picturesque scene.
One warm afternoon, the man by the window described a parade passing by.
Although the other man could not hear the band - he could see it in
his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with
descriptive words.
Days, weeks and months passed.
One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only
to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died
peacefully in his sleep.
She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.
As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be
moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and
after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.
Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his
first look at the real world outside.
He strained to slowly turn to look out the window besides the bed.
It faced a blank wall.
The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased
roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.
The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall.
She said, 'Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.'
Epilogue:
There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own
situations.
Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled.
If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that
money can't buy.
Today is a gift, that is why it is called The Present.'
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you saith the
Lord, to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you hope and a
future.
Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room.
One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to
help drain the fluid from his lungs.
His bed was next to the room's only window.
The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.
The men talked for hours on end..
They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their
involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation..
Every afternoon, when the man in the bed by the window could sit up,
he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he
could see outside the window.
The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods
where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity
and color of the world outside.
The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake.
Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model
boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color
and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.
As the man by the window described all this in exquisite details, the
man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine
this picturesque scene.
One warm afternoon, the man by the window described a parade passing by.
Although the other man could not hear the band - he could see it in
his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with
descriptive words.
Days, weeks and months passed.
One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only
to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died
peacefully in his sleep.
She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.
As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be
moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and
after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.
Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his
first look at the real world outside.
He strained to slowly turn to look out the window besides the bed.
It faced a blank wall.
The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased
roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.
The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall.
She said, 'Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.'
Epilogue:
There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own
situations.
Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled.
If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that
money can't buy.
Today is a gift, that is why it is called The Present.'
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you saith the
Lord, to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you hope and a
future.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
"Embracing The Mess"
Embracing the Mess
TGIF Today God Is First
Volume 1 by Os Hillman
Sunday, August 09 2009
"Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest." Proverbs 14:4
My wife and I run together through a new home subdivision. Often we see the street filled with red clay from the land as bulldozers clear it to lay a foundation. The job site is littered with lumber, all sorts of trash from workers, and is generally a mess. The house looks ugly; it has all its insides exposed as it is being pieced together, yet this process is necessary to get to the finished product. When completed, the home is beautiful. The landscaping looks like it came out of a home-design magazine. Everything is clean and perfect in order for the new homeowner to move in.
Our walk with God is much the same process. Often we must go through a messy period of our lives in which all aspects of it are in disarray. It is in these times that God builds a new structure. He might remove some structural timbers in our lives and replace them with new ones. He might even add on another room. And unless this process takes place, we will never see the end product. The goal is more Christlikeness. In order to achieve this in us, He requires a period of removing all that is not of Him. It can be a painful process.
It would be impossible to keep oxen in a barn without having to clean up the mess from time to time. It just comes with the territory, but the result of the oxen is an abundant harvest. God may be allowing a mess in order to ensure a fruitful harvest in your life. Learn from Him so that you might experience the fulfillment of His purposes for you in these times.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Spiritual Authority and the things we love/Francis Frangipane
While the doctrines of Christianity can be taught, Christlikeness can only be inspired. By their humble and holy lives, this next generation of leaders will inspire multitudes. They will truly walk in Christ’s love; they will be granted great authority.
The Church has many administrators, but few examples of Christ; many who can explain the doctrines of Christianity but few who walk as Jesus walked. Indeed, while many stand in leadership today, not many function in the higher realms of authority that Christ purchased for His Church. However, a new badge of authority is coming to the Church. It will bring deliverance on a scale unprecedented; in some cases, entire cities will be turned toward God.
What is spiritual authority? It is nothing less than God Himself confirming with power the word of His servant. Moses exemplified spiritual authority when he warned unrepentant Pharaoh. The Spirit of God confirmed Moses’s judgments with power that broke the pride of Egypt. Jesus manifested spiritual authority when He confronted demons in people, silenced storms, healed diseases, and then fulfilled redemption in resurrection power. The Father let none of Christ’s words go unfulfilled.
The Bible provides us with many examples of those with spiritual authority. Every example tells us the same underlying principle: those who are raised up by God are backed up by God. They will "decree a thing, and it will be established" (Job 22:28). Such is the nature of spiritual authority.
The Source of Authority
Obviously, as pastors, leaders, and intercessors, we need to operate in greater authority. Yet while we enjoy a variety of graces that add to our personal edification, God gives us authority for one specific purpose: to fulfill His purposes on the earth. What are God’s purposes? One main unveiling of the divine purpose is seen in the Great Commission. Jesus said, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations" (Matt. 28:18-19).
Christ gave the Church authority to make disciples. We have been much more successful in making converts than disciples. In our day, many are believers in Jesus, but few are truly followers of Christ. If the goal is discipleship, how do we accomplish this? We are to take our converts and teach "them to observe all that [Jesus] commanded" (v. 20). When the Church returns to teaching all that Jesus taught, our disciples will have authority to do all that Jesus did.
Yet, spiritual authority is not something we possess merely because we strive for it. We cannot buy it as Simon the magician attempted to do (Acts 8:18). The power of authority will not function simply because we copy the methods of another, as the sons of Sceva realized (Acts 19:14-16). Nor can it be attained automatically because we read books about building the Church. We cannot pretend to have spiritual authority. As we focus upon obeying the words of Christ, there are divinely ordained ways for Christ’s authority to unfold in our lives.
From the beginning of our salvation we have enjoyed the Father’s unconditional love. As we mature, however, there comes a time when the Father’s love toward us seems conditional. As it was for Christ, so it is for those who follow Him. He said:
For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life.---John 10:17
Jesus lived in the deepest intimacies of the Father’s love because He laid down His life for the sheep. If we will grow in true authority, we will do so by laying down our lives for His sheep. Have you felt the drawing, the divine working of the Father bringing you into Christlike surrender? Be encouraged: He is equipping you for this next outpouring of His Spirit. But also be advised: your authority will be an outgrowth of your life laid down in love.
As leaders, we do indeed have administrative authority due to our positions in church government; however, spiritual authority transcends administrative authority. Here is the path to true spiritual authority: in full possession of our souls, without fear or intimidation by any outside source, we choose to lay down our lives for Christ’s sheep. Yes, in full freedom, with avenues of escape plainly within view, we fearlessly surrender our souls to God.No one controls us but God, yet our lives are laid down, like Christ’s, in intercession for others. When we could easily fight and win, yet turn the other cheek; when we are unjustly opposed, yet quietly endure---at those moments spiritual authority is entering our lives
.No one has taken [My life] away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative.---John 10:18
Jesus was not forced to accept crucifixion; He chose crucifixion. Christ’s Gethsemane prayer was not an entreaty to escape the cross, for while Jesus was still in the garden, He told Peter, "Do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?" (Matt. 26:53). Jesus had a choice: legions of warring angels and immediate personal deliverance, or death on the cross and deliverance for the world. He chose to die for us. The willful decision to lay down our lives as Jesus did is the very path upon which true authority develops. Jesus said, "I have authority to lay [My life] down" (John 10:18). His authority came in the laying down of His life. Our authority comes from the same source: picking up our cross and laying down our lives for others.
Authority, Not Control
Spiritual authority is the provision of God to transform the temporal with the power of the eternal. It is not something our flesh can imitate, nor is it found in the tone of our words or the gaze of our eyes. Divine authority requires divine sanction. This sanction comes from passing the tests of love.
When authority is administered without love, it degenerates into control. God does not call us to control His people but to inspire and guard them. The outcome of control is oppression, witchcraft, and strife. But the result of love is liberty and the power to build up and protect God’s people.
True spiritual authority exists above the realm of fleshly control. Our lives, and the lives of those who follow us, are laid down on our own initiative. It is a choice we make because of love. Since true authority itself is born in freedom, freedom is what it breeds.
We will walk in either the true authority of love, the false authority of control, or no authority at all. Both false authority and no authority are rooted in fear, and we react to fear in either of two ways. The first reaction, which produces false authority, is to seek to control those around us, thus making the circumstances around us more predictable and less threatening. The other response to fear is to refuse to accept and exercise any authority at all. Many relationships are simply the pairing of these symbiotic needs: the desire to control and the willingness to be controlled. Both are fueled by overreactions to fear.
Scripture tells us, however, "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear" (1 John 4:18). Since true authority is built upon love, its goal is to liberate, not dominate. Therefore, before one can truly move in spiritual authority, he must be delivered from fear and its desire to control; he must be rooted and grounded in love.
Authority to Inspire Christlikeness
When our teaching about God and our obedience to Him are one, spiritual authority accompanies our lives. Jesus astounded the multitudes, for He spoke "as one having authority" (Matt. 7:28-29). What He taught was consistent with how He lived. Therefore, we also must live and display the virtue we seek to teach.
Dear pastor, if we seek to train our congregations to pray, we ourselves must first be intercessors. You may say, "But out of a congregation of several hundred, only three people join me for prayer." Then with those three develop your intercessor base. Do not be discouraged, for you will win others. But the measure of our success is not the numbers in attendance on Sunday mornings. God has given us people so we may train them, not merely count them. Of this group, those whom we inspire to live like Christ are actually the measure of our success, the test of our effectiveness in the ministry.
Another may say, "But I’ve never been a leader." When anyone lays down his or her life in Christ’s love, others will see and follow. Whether you are a business owner, a housewife, or a teen, such a one can speak with confidence and authority as Christ’s disciple. In truth, if you are following Christ, others are following you. You are, indeed, a leader.
This next generation will not just teach the people; they will inspire the body of Christ to live like Jesus. Their example in all things will awaken godliness in those around them. From true virtue shall the leaders of tomorrow draw true authority, for when the nature of Christ is revealed, the authority of Christ soon follows.
The Church has many administrators, but few examples of Christ; many who can explain the doctrines of Christianity but few who walk as Jesus walked. Indeed, while many stand in leadership today, not many function in the higher realms of authority that Christ purchased for His Church. However, a new badge of authority is coming to the Church. It will bring deliverance on a scale unprecedented; in some cases, entire cities will be turned toward God.
What is spiritual authority? It is nothing less than God Himself confirming with power the word of His servant. Moses exemplified spiritual authority when he warned unrepentant Pharaoh. The Spirit of God confirmed Moses’s judgments with power that broke the pride of Egypt. Jesus manifested spiritual authority when He confronted demons in people, silenced storms, healed diseases, and then fulfilled redemption in resurrection power. The Father let none of Christ’s words go unfulfilled.
The Bible provides us with many examples of those with spiritual authority. Every example tells us the same underlying principle: those who are raised up by God are backed up by God. They will "decree a thing, and it will be established" (Job 22:28). Such is the nature of spiritual authority.
The Source of Authority
Obviously, as pastors, leaders, and intercessors, we need to operate in greater authority. Yet while we enjoy a variety of graces that add to our personal edification, God gives us authority for one specific purpose: to fulfill His purposes on the earth. What are God’s purposes? One main unveiling of the divine purpose is seen in the Great Commission. Jesus said, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations" (Matt. 28:18-19).
Christ gave the Church authority to make disciples. We have been much more successful in making converts than disciples. In our day, many are believers in Jesus, but few are truly followers of Christ. If the goal is discipleship, how do we accomplish this? We are to take our converts and teach "them to observe all that [Jesus] commanded" (v. 20). When the Church returns to teaching all that Jesus taught, our disciples will have authority to do all that Jesus did.
Yet, spiritual authority is not something we possess merely because we strive for it. We cannot buy it as Simon the magician attempted to do (Acts 8:18). The power of authority will not function simply because we copy the methods of another, as the sons of Sceva realized (Acts 19:14-16). Nor can it be attained automatically because we read books about building the Church. We cannot pretend to have spiritual authority. As we focus upon obeying the words of Christ, there are divinely ordained ways for Christ’s authority to unfold in our lives.
From the beginning of our salvation we have enjoyed the Father’s unconditional love. As we mature, however, there comes a time when the Father’s love toward us seems conditional. As it was for Christ, so it is for those who follow Him. He said:
For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life.---John 10:17
Jesus lived in the deepest intimacies of the Father’s love because He laid down His life for the sheep. If we will grow in true authority, we will do so by laying down our lives for His sheep. Have you felt the drawing, the divine working of the Father bringing you into Christlike surrender? Be encouraged: He is equipping you for this next outpouring of His Spirit. But also be advised: your authority will be an outgrowth of your life laid down in love.
As leaders, we do indeed have administrative authority due to our positions in church government; however, spiritual authority transcends administrative authority. Here is the path to true spiritual authority: in full possession of our souls, without fear or intimidation by any outside source, we choose to lay down our lives for Christ’s sheep. Yes, in full freedom, with avenues of escape plainly within view, we fearlessly surrender our souls to God.No one controls us but God, yet our lives are laid down, like Christ’s, in intercession for others. When we could easily fight and win, yet turn the other cheek; when we are unjustly opposed, yet quietly endure---at those moments spiritual authority is entering our lives
.No one has taken [My life] away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative.---John 10:18
Jesus was not forced to accept crucifixion; He chose crucifixion. Christ’s Gethsemane prayer was not an entreaty to escape the cross, for while Jesus was still in the garden, He told Peter, "Do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?" (Matt. 26:53). Jesus had a choice: legions of warring angels and immediate personal deliverance, or death on the cross and deliverance for the world. He chose to die for us. The willful decision to lay down our lives as Jesus did is the very path upon which true authority develops. Jesus said, "I have authority to lay [My life] down" (John 10:18). His authority came in the laying down of His life. Our authority comes from the same source: picking up our cross and laying down our lives for others.
Authority, Not Control
Spiritual authority is the provision of God to transform the temporal with the power of the eternal. It is not something our flesh can imitate, nor is it found in the tone of our words or the gaze of our eyes. Divine authority requires divine sanction. This sanction comes from passing the tests of love.
When authority is administered without love, it degenerates into control. God does not call us to control His people but to inspire and guard them. The outcome of control is oppression, witchcraft, and strife. But the result of love is liberty and the power to build up and protect God’s people.
True spiritual authority exists above the realm of fleshly control. Our lives, and the lives of those who follow us, are laid down on our own initiative. It is a choice we make because of love. Since true authority itself is born in freedom, freedom is what it breeds.
We will walk in either the true authority of love, the false authority of control, or no authority at all. Both false authority and no authority are rooted in fear, and we react to fear in either of two ways. The first reaction, which produces false authority, is to seek to control those around us, thus making the circumstances around us more predictable and less threatening. The other response to fear is to refuse to accept and exercise any authority at all. Many relationships are simply the pairing of these symbiotic needs: the desire to control and the willingness to be controlled. Both are fueled by overreactions to fear.
Scripture tells us, however, "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear" (1 John 4:18). Since true authority is built upon love, its goal is to liberate, not dominate. Therefore, before one can truly move in spiritual authority, he must be delivered from fear and its desire to control; he must be rooted and grounded in love.
Authority to Inspire Christlikeness
When our teaching about God and our obedience to Him are one, spiritual authority accompanies our lives. Jesus astounded the multitudes, for He spoke "as one having authority" (Matt. 7:28-29). What He taught was consistent with how He lived. Therefore, we also must live and display the virtue we seek to teach.
Dear pastor, if we seek to train our congregations to pray, we ourselves must first be intercessors. You may say, "But out of a congregation of several hundred, only three people join me for prayer." Then with those three develop your intercessor base. Do not be discouraged, for you will win others. But the measure of our success is not the numbers in attendance on Sunday mornings. God has given us people so we may train them, not merely count them. Of this group, those whom we inspire to live like Christ are actually the measure of our success, the test of our effectiveness in the ministry.
Another may say, "But I’ve never been a leader." When anyone lays down his or her life in Christ’s love, others will see and follow. Whether you are a business owner, a housewife, or a teen, such a one can speak with confidence and authority as Christ’s disciple. In truth, if you are following Christ, others are following you. You are, indeed, a leader.
This next generation will not just teach the people; they will inspire the body of Christ to live like Jesus. Their example in all things will awaken godliness in those around them. From true virtue shall the leaders of tomorrow draw true authority, for when the nature of Christ is revealed, the authority of Christ soon follows.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Where's My Heart?...From Jentzen Franklins Blog
Where your treasure is, there your heart will be. Matthew 6:21 NIV
William Randolph Hearst lived in Hearst Castle. It was 90,000 square feet sitting on 265,000 acres. At one time he owned 50 miles of California coastline. And he collected stuff for 88 years. He had 3500-year-old Egyptian statues, medieval Flemish tapestries, centuries-old hand-carved ceilings, and some of the greatest works of art of all time. After eight decades of collecting stuff William Hearst died. Now people go through his house by the thousands and they all say the same thing:˜Wow, he sure had a lot of stuff.'We go through life, get stuff, then die, leaving all our stuff behind. And what happens to it? Our kids argue over it. Our kids, who haven't died yet, go through our stuff. Like vultures, they decide which stuff they want to take to their houses. They say to themselves, ˜Now this is my stuff,' then they die and new vultures come to get it. Nations go to war over stuff, families are split apart over stuff. Husbands and wives argue more about stuff than any other single issue. Prisons are full of street thugs and CEO's who committed crimes to acquire it. Why? It's only stuff. This is what Jesus was addressing when He said, ˜Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also' (Mt 6:19-21 NIV). Now, having read those words, ask yourself the question, ˜Where's my heart?'
William Randolph Hearst lived in Hearst Castle. It was 90,000 square feet sitting on 265,000 acres. At one time he owned 50 miles of California coastline. And he collected stuff for 88 years. He had 3500-year-old Egyptian statues, medieval Flemish tapestries, centuries-old hand-carved ceilings, and some of the greatest works of art of all time. After eight decades of collecting stuff William Hearst died. Now people go through his house by the thousands and they all say the same thing:˜Wow, he sure had a lot of stuff.'We go through life, get stuff, then die, leaving all our stuff behind. And what happens to it? Our kids argue over it. Our kids, who haven't died yet, go through our stuff. Like vultures, they decide which stuff they want to take to their houses. They say to themselves, ˜Now this is my stuff,' then they die and new vultures come to get it. Nations go to war over stuff, families are split apart over stuff. Husbands and wives argue more about stuff than any other single issue. Prisons are full of street thugs and CEO's who committed crimes to acquire it. Why? It's only stuff. This is what Jesus was addressing when He said, ˜Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also' (Mt 6:19-21 NIV). Now, having read those words, ask yourself the question, ˜Where's my heart?'
Friday, July 31, 2009
SOW YOUR SEED TO MEET YOUR...GREED! By Carl Giordano Read all the way to the end, VERY enlightening.
Here is another message by my husband Carl. It addresses the issue of giving. As we all know, there has been such a perversion of this topic in the Body of Christ. This message brings things into a beautiful Scriptural balance.May you read this and be enlightened on what God says about the "seed."
Sow Your Seed To Meet Your -- Greed !by Carl Giordano
"For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows" ---1st Timothy 6:10( please, at your convenience, read all of chapter 6 of 1st Timothy to see this verse in it's entire context )Do you remember the "good ol' days", when amongst Christians who knew their Bibles, the "Seed" used to be--The Word of God ?Well, lo and behold, while nobody was looking, all of a sudden somebody changed the "Seed" into---MONEY !It seems in our modern day church, especially the "Charismatic" version ( of which I am one, so to speak ), it does not matter so much what The Word of Almighty God says, as much as what the slick talking Evangelist / Bible Teacher says. In other words, the Holy Bible teaches that the Seed to be sown is---The Word of God. But, if you have watched "Christian TV" any time, in the last few years, you may have noticed that the slick talkers --who call themselves "Minister" "Reverend" "Doctor" "Bishop" "Evangelist" "Pastor" "Teacher"-- have now changed the Seed from the Word of God into ---Money ! And, boy oh boy, they want you to sow a whole lot of this new seed into their "ministry" ( pockets ) .It's kind of a neat little Magic Trick ! You know, where the magician turns his empty hand upside down, and then back again, and now there is a coin in it ! Abra-Cadabra ! Bingo ! "Now there is nothing in my hand, as you so plainly see....but, a little 'slight of hand' ( slick talking ) and now my hand is full of -- Money-- Your Money ! " And "God's People" keep on being ignorant enough to say---" That's neat ! Let's see that trick again, and again, and again "....In the book of Exodus Pharaoh had a lot magicians in his court... and we have a whole lot of them in our churches, and on "Christian TV" . They say, so to speak,---"You thought these Bible verse meant this -- but I have had a 'new revelation' and Wallah !--now they mean something altogether different--and if you're smart, you will get in on the action ! "Now, hopefully, I'm going to make this present message of mine short. Basically, what I want to get across to you, the reader, is this---Beware ! Wolves still do dress up in sheep's clothing ! You may have heard the old saying--"If it waddles like a duck, quacks like a duck, swims like a duck and flies like a duck--that's because --It's a DUCK ! " I'd like to warn you, today, that if it looks like a False Teacher, acts like a False Teacher, lives like a False Teacher, talks like a False Teacher, and TWISTS SCRIPTURE like a False Teacher --that's because--It's a FALSE TEACHER !Study. I said Study. Study the Bible for yourself. Stop being lazy wanting somebody else ( the Reverend, Doctor, Bishop, Pastor, Teacher etc. ) to do it for you. The SCRIPTURE TWISTERS are counting on you being ignorant of the Bible; because, if you are not ignorant of the Bible, they will not be able to CON you.Now, the worst part of all this is not so much that the seed is now money, whereas it used to be The Word of God--this is sure enough blasphemous enough--but, along with the "Sow your Seed" ( Money ) teaching is the grandiose, as well as blasphemous promises made to you--"That if you will just sow that One Thousand Dollar seed, my friend, then God will surely bring salvation your way and all your kids, grand kids, and your grandma will surely be swept into the kingdom ! Yes Sir ! My Brother and My Sister, go to that phone right now ! Call in ! Don't Doubt ! Get that seed sown into 'good ground' ( MY POCKET ) and God will save everybody you know... and don't know; and then, guess what, ---God will make you RICH ! "..... ( and then you can send in some BIGGER seeds )Let's go to the BIBLE. What a novel idea. The BIBLE ?! Well, ok...guess it can't hurt.Now, when we open our Bibles, rather than turn on Christian TV, we see that THE LORD JESUS CHRIST says that the SOWERSOWS the SEED and that the SEED is---THE WORD OF GOD ! So, put your check book away. Get out a PACK OF GOSPELTRACTS, instead, and start SOWING ! Go over to your neighbor's house, hand them a TRACT, then open your BIBLE, and get to SOWING ! Go to a street corner, open your Bible and let er' rip ! Throw those SEEDS all up and down the streets, on your job, at your neighbors ! Throw some SEEDS at your friends ! Chuck a bunch of them at your enemies ! SEEDS ! SEEDS! SEEDS! Go and show "Johnny Apple Seed " that he ain't got nothin' on you! He threw his seed, everywhere, and grew trees. You go and throw your SEED, everywhere, and GROW DISCIPLES for JESUS !Amen !!! If I have to shout it myself ! Glory !!!!!!!!Now, let's calm down, Brother Carl, and actually quote some SCRIPTURE here. Ok ? Ok.Jesus said--- " A sower went out to sow his seed "....Luke 8:5 ( later, during your study time, read the rest down to verse 11 )In verse 11 of Luke 8 we see that Jesus says--- " Now the parable is this: The seed is the Word of God .""But, brother Carl ?! Evangelists Slick Sam, Brother Twister the Teacher, and Dr. Dumbbell, all said that the SEED is-- my LOVE OFFERING --sent in to them...and that if I would just 'have enough faith to obey ( them ), then God would get my son and daughter off of drugs, and all, and everything else I ever wanted will be mine. "..... " I sent my thousand dollar seed in...my kids are still on drugs...I'm still broke....but, maybe, it will take a LARGER SEED ...ok...ok...ok...Where's my Check Book !? "Do you want your loved ones saved ? ASK JESUS to SAVE THEM. He doesn't NEED your SEED---It's only HIS SEED that will get the job done-- and His SEED is---FREE OF CHARGE ! So, don't send any "seeds" to Jesus...( or those who pretend to work for Him)...rather, ASK JESUS to send HIS SEED ( the Word of God ) to your loved ones.Again, what a novel idea. Jesus IS the seed and HAS the seed ?!Yes, a thousand times--Yes !Do you or your loved ones need a healing in body. I've got GOOD NEWS ! You can keep your money in the bank and your pocket. Don't send any SEEDS to anybody. Don't send for your lucky handkerchief, or rabbit's foot ( it's almost become this bad ) but rather just KEEP ON sending UP your PRAYERS to---THE LORD JESUS CHRIST !!! HE IS WHAT HE IS !!! He said- "I AM". Brother ! Sister !---He ( JESUS ) is---the SAVIOR, the HEALER, the BAPTIZER with THE HOLY GHOST and FIRE, and THE SOON COMING KING of all kings, and LORD of all lords !Now, in closing, let's be fair and balanced. ( "But, brother Carl all these CAPITAL LETTERS and EXCLAMATION POINTS--- !!!!!! ---Brother Carl, you don't write, nor act like one who is very--'BALANCED' ?! " )Yeah, Yeah, I know. I get a little carried away...I even bounce up and down, sometimes, as I sit on my chair, while I type here at the computer. But, still, we will now briefly mention something, in the name of balance.... so that, hopefully, we ( me ) will not become a Scripture Twister ourselves---In God's Word ( Bible ), we DO find reference to money--a LOVE OFFERING--being SEED SOWN. But these are the very Scriptures that the SCRIPTURE TWISTERS--TWIST--in order to line their OWN POCKETS.Because I'm tired of typing, I'll let you STUDY it out for yourself. In 2nd Corinthians chapters 8 & 9, we find the Apostle Paul lifting a Love Offering and he does refer to it as-- SEED SOWN. See Chapter 9 verse 6 etc. etc.. But, Paul was NOT lifting this offering for himself nor to enrich himself . He WAS taking this offering from one particular church group to HELP OTHER POOR CHRISTIANS who were SUFFERING because of their faith in The Lord Jesus.Now, again, let's be fair and balanced. Should we SUPPORT trueMinisters of The Gospel with our MONEY ???Of course !!! That's also BIBLE. Study it out. "The laborer is worthy of his reward" etc. etc. etc.. All over the BIBLE we are taught to GIVE to help the TRUE man or woman of God. But, a REAL man or woman of God will not suck you dry like some sort of foul leech! They will feed you ALL THE COUNSEL OF GOD, and they will NOT major on LOVE OFFERINGS, TITHES, etc. BUT, rather they will FEED YOU GOD'S WORD, AS HE GIVES IT TO THEM, AS THEY FAITHFULLY STUDY HIS WORD AND SEEK HIS FACE IN PRAYER.If these "preachers" and "teachers" would REPENT of their CON GAMES, and get on TV and in their pulpits, and PREACH and TEACH so as to get PRECIOUS SOULS delivered, saved, healed and ready for the soon coming KING---Then I believe ALL THE MONEY--that they would ever NEED-- would come FLOWING IN like a MIGHTY STREAM.Let's stop all the BEGGING. Let's stop giving to all the Beggars.Let's stop PLAYING CON GAMES. Let's stop being CONNED.
May God Bless His Word,
Connie© COPYRIGHT Connie Giordano - All Rights Reserved
Comment on Connie's Blog on God's Living Word Network by Karen Martin
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I am sooo tired of the fleecing of the flock that goes on. I have been going to charismatic churches for 25 yrs and I am so sick of the begging that is done at offering time and the sermonette they give you about how blessed you will be if you give. How about something like, "it is time for offering, time to give back to God a portion of what He has given you, let's give to further His Kingdom, period.
Praise God for you Connie, thanks for spreading the truth
Sow Your Seed To Meet Your -- Greed !by Carl Giordano
"For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows" ---1st Timothy 6:10( please, at your convenience, read all of chapter 6 of 1st Timothy to see this verse in it's entire context )Do you remember the "good ol' days", when amongst Christians who knew their Bibles, the "Seed" used to be--The Word of God ?Well, lo and behold, while nobody was looking, all of a sudden somebody changed the "Seed" into---MONEY !It seems in our modern day church, especially the "Charismatic" version ( of which I am one, so to speak ), it does not matter so much what The Word of Almighty God says, as much as what the slick talking Evangelist / Bible Teacher says. In other words, the Holy Bible teaches that the Seed to be sown is---The Word of God. But, if you have watched "Christian TV" any time, in the last few years, you may have noticed that the slick talkers --who call themselves "Minister" "Reverend" "Doctor" "Bishop" "Evangelist" "Pastor" "Teacher"-- have now changed the Seed from the Word of God into ---Money ! And, boy oh boy, they want you to sow a whole lot of this new seed into their "ministry" ( pockets ) .It's kind of a neat little Magic Trick ! You know, where the magician turns his empty hand upside down, and then back again, and now there is a coin in it ! Abra-Cadabra ! Bingo ! "Now there is nothing in my hand, as you so plainly see....but, a little 'slight of hand' ( slick talking ) and now my hand is full of -- Money-- Your Money ! " And "God's People" keep on being ignorant enough to say---" That's neat ! Let's see that trick again, and again, and again "....In the book of Exodus Pharaoh had a lot magicians in his court... and we have a whole lot of them in our churches, and on "Christian TV" . They say, so to speak,---"You thought these Bible verse meant this -- but I have had a 'new revelation' and Wallah !--now they mean something altogether different--and if you're smart, you will get in on the action ! "Now, hopefully, I'm going to make this present message of mine short. Basically, what I want to get across to you, the reader, is this---Beware ! Wolves still do dress up in sheep's clothing ! You may have heard the old saying--"If it waddles like a duck, quacks like a duck, swims like a duck and flies like a duck--that's because --It's a DUCK ! " I'd like to warn you, today, that if it looks like a False Teacher, acts like a False Teacher, lives like a False Teacher, talks like a False Teacher, and TWISTS SCRIPTURE like a False Teacher --that's because--It's a FALSE TEACHER !Study. I said Study. Study the Bible for yourself. Stop being lazy wanting somebody else ( the Reverend, Doctor, Bishop, Pastor, Teacher etc. ) to do it for you. The SCRIPTURE TWISTERS are counting on you being ignorant of the Bible; because, if you are not ignorant of the Bible, they will not be able to CON you.Now, the worst part of all this is not so much that the seed is now money, whereas it used to be The Word of God--this is sure enough blasphemous enough--but, along with the "Sow your Seed" ( Money ) teaching is the grandiose, as well as blasphemous promises made to you--"That if you will just sow that One Thousand Dollar seed, my friend, then God will surely bring salvation your way and all your kids, grand kids, and your grandma will surely be swept into the kingdom ! Yes Sir ! My Brother and My Sister, go to that phone right now ! Call in ! Don't Doubt ! Get that seed sown into 'good ground' ( MY POCKET ) and God will save everybody you know... and don't know; and then, guess what, ---God will make you RICH ! "..... ( and then you can send in some BIGGER seeds )Let's go to the BIBLE. What a novel idea. The BIBLE ?! Well, ok...guess it can't hurt.Now, when we open our Bibles, rather than turn on Christian TV, we see that THE LORD JESUS CHRIST says that the SOWERSOWS the SEED and that the SEED is---THE WORD OF GOD ! So, put your check book away. Get out a PACK OF GOSPELTRACTS, instead, and start SOWING ! Go over to your neighbor's house, hand them a TRACT, then open your BIBLE, and get to SOWING ! Go to a street corner, open your Bible and let er' rip ! Throw those SEEDS all up and down the streets, on your job, at your neighbors ! Throw some SEEDS at your friends ! Chuck a bunch of them at your enemies ! SEEDS ! SEEDS! SEEDS! Go and show "Johnny Apple Seed " that he ain't got nothin' on you! He threw his seed, everywhere, and grew trees. You go and throw your SEED, everywhere, and GROW DISCIPLES for JESUS !Amen !!! If I have to shout it myself ! Glory !!!!!!!!Now, let's calm down, Brother Carl, and actually quote some SCRIPTURE here. Ok ? Ok.Jesus said--- " A sower went out to sow his seed "....Luke 8:5 ( later, during your study time, read the rest down to verse 11 )In verse 11 of Luke 8 we see that Jesus says--- " Now the parable is this: The seed is the Word of God .""But, brother Carl ?! Evangelists Slick Sam, Brother Twister the Teacher, and Dr. Dumbbell, all said that the SEED is-- my LOVE OFFERING --sent in to them...and that if I would just 'have enough faith to obey ( them ), then God would get my son and daughter off of drugs, and all, and everything else I ever wanted will be mine. "..... " I sent my thousand dollar seed in...my kids are still on drugs...I'm still broke....but, maybe, it will take a LARGER SEED ...ok...ok...ok...Where's my Check Book !? "Do you want your loved ones saved ? ASK JESUS to SAVE THEM. He doesn't NEED your SEED---It's only HIS SEED that will get the job done-- and His SEED is---FREE OF CHARGE ! So, don't send any "seeds" to Jesus...( or those who pretend to work for Him)...rather, ASK JESUS to send HIS SEED ( the Word of God ) to your loved ones.Again, what a novel idea. Jesus IS the seed and HAS the seed ?!Yes, a thousand times--Yes !Do you or your loved ones need a healing in body. I've got GOOD NEWS ! You can keep your money in the bank and your pocket. Don't send any SEEDS to anybody. Don't send for your lucky handkerchief, or rabbit's foot ( it's almost become this bad ) but rather just KEEP ON sending UP your PRAYERS to---THE LORD JESUS CHRIST !!! HE IS WHAT HE IS !!! He said- "I AM". Brother ! Sister !---He ( JESUS ) is---the SAVIOR, the HEALER, the BAPTIZER with THE HOLY GHOST and FIRE, and THE SOON COMING KING of all kings, and LORD of all lords !Now, in closing, let's be fair and balanced. ( "But, brother Carl all these CAPITAL LETTERS and EXCLAMATION POINTS--- !!!!!! ---Brother Carl, you don't write, nor act like one who is very--'BALANCED' ?! " )Yeah, Yeah, I know. I get a little carried away...I even bounce up and down, sometimes, as I sit on my chair, while I type here at the computer. But, still, we will now briefly mention something, in the name of balance.... so that, hopefully, we ( me ) will not become a Scripture Twister ourselves---In God's Word ( Bible ), we DO find reference to money--a LOVE OFFERING--being SEED SOWN. But these are the very Scriptures that the SCRIPTURE TWISTERS--TWIST--in order to line their OWN POCKETS.Because I'm tired of typing, I'll let you STUDY it out for yourself. In 2nd Corinthians chapters 8 & 9, we find the Apostle Paul lifting a Love Offering and he does refer to it as-- SEED SOWN. See Chapter 9 verse 6 etc. etc.. But, Paul was NOT lifting this offering for himself nor to enrich himself . He WAS taking this offering from one particular church group to HELP OTHER POOR CHRISTIANS who were SUFFERING because of their faith in The Lord Jesus.Now, again, let's be fair and balanced. Should we SUPPORT trueMinisters of The Gospel with our MONEY ???Of course !!! That's also BIBLE. Study it out. "The laborer is worthy of his reward" etc. etc. etc.. All over the BIBLE we are taught to GIVE to help the TRUE man or woman of God. But, a REAL man or woman of God will not suck you dry like some sort of foul leech! They will feed you ALL THE COUNSEL OF GOD, and they will NOT major on LOVE OFFERINGS, TITHES, etc. BUT, rather they will FEED YOU GOD'S WORD, AS HE GIVES IT TO THEM, AS THEY FAITHFULLY STUDY HIS WORD AND SEEK HIS FACE IN PRAYER.If these "preachers" and "teachers" would REPENT of their CON GAMES, and get on TV and in their pulpits, and PREACH and TEACH so as to get PRECIOUS SOULS delivered, saved, healed and ready for the soon coming KING---Then I believe ALL THE MONEY--that they would ever NEED-- would come FLOWING IN like a MIGHTY STREAM.Let's stop all the BEGGING. Let's stop giving to all the Beggars.Let's stop PLAYING CON GAMES. Let's stop being CONNED.
May God Bless His Word,
Connie© COPYRIGHT Connie Giordano - All Rights Reserved
Comment on Connie's Blog on God's Living Word Network by Karen Martin
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I am sooo tired of the fleecing of the flock that goes on. I have been going to charismatic churches for 25 yrs and I am so sick of the begging that is done at offering time and the sermonette they give you about how blessed you will be if you give. How about something like, "it is time for offering, time to give back to God a portion of what He has given you, let's give to further His Kingdom, period.
Praise God for you Connie, thanks for spreading the truth
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Thumps...
Count it all joy.
James 1:2 NKJV
Max Lucado writes: 'When a potter bakes a pot he checks its solidity by pulling it out of the [furnace] and thumping it. If it 'sings,' it's ready. If it 'thuds,' it's put back in. Character is also checked by thumping...Late night phone calls...grouchy teachers...burnt meals...flat tires...you've-got-to-be-kidding deadlines. Thumps trigger the worst in us...They aren't big enough to be a crisis, but if you get enough of them, watch out. Traffic jams...long lines...empty mailboxes...dirty clothes on the floor...Thump. Thump. Thump. How do you respond? Do you sing or do you thud? Jesus said, 'People speak the things that are in their hearts' (Lk 6:45 NCV), and there's nothing like a good thump to reveal the true nature of a heart...it's not in momentary heroics, but in the thump-packed humdrum of day-to-day living. If you've a tendency to 'thud' more than you 'sing,' take heart. There's hope for us 'thudders.' Begin by thanking God ...not a half-hearted thank-you...but a rejoicing, jumping-for-joy, thank-you from the bottom of your heart. James says: 'Count it all joy when you fall into various trials...the testing of your faith produces patience.' God's doing the thumping...for your own good...You're going to be tested...you might as well learn from the thumps. See it as an opportunity to develop patience and persistence. Each thump helps or hurts you, depending on how you use it. Be aware of 'thump-slumps'...For all of us there are times during the week when we can anticipate an unusual amount of thumping. Handle them head on...bolster yourself with extra prayer... don't give up...and remember no thump is disastrous. All thumps work together for good when you love and obey God.'
Copied from Jentzen Franklin's Blog
James 1:2 NKJV
Max Lucado writes: 'When a potter bakes a pot he checks its solidity by pulling it out of the [furnace] and thumping it. If it 'sings,' it's ready. If it 'thuds,' it's put back in. Character is also checked by thumping...Late night phone calls...grouchy teachers...burnt meals...flat tires...you've-got-to-be-kidding deadlines. Thumps trigger the worst in us...They aren't big enough to be a crisis, but if you get enough of them, watch out. Traffic jams...long lines...empty mailboxes...dirty clothes on the floor...Thump. Thump. Thump. How do you respond? Do you sing or do you thud? Jesus said, 'People speak the things that are in their hearts' (Lk 6:45 NCV), and there's nothing like a good thump to reveal the true nature of a heart...it's not in momentary heroics, but in the thump-packed humdrum of day-to-day living. If you've a tendency to 'thud' more than you 'sing,' take heart. There's hope for us 'thudders.' Begin by thanking God ...not a half-hearted thank-you...but a rejoicing, jumping-for-joy, thank-you from the bottom of your heart. James says: 'Count it all joy when you fall into various trials...the testing of your faith produces patience.' God's doing the thumping...for your own good...You're going to be tested...you might as well learn from the thumps. See it as an opportunity to develop patience and persistence. Each thump helps or hurts you, depending on how you use it. Be aware of 'thump-slumps'...For all of us there are times during the week when we can anticipate an unusual amount of thumping. Handle them head on...bolster yourself with extra prayer... don't give up...and remember no thump is disastrous. All thumps work together for good when you love and obey God.'
Copied from Jentzen Franklin's Blog
Monday, July 20, 2009
A Heart Ablaze
I have been re-reading "A Heart Ablaze" by John Bevere. I say re-read because I have read it several times and never tire of reading it. It is a real eye opener. Anyone who wants a deeper walk with God should read John Bevere's books.
Here are some highlights from the book:
Fast from whatever keeps you from seeking the Lord. It may be television, videos, computer games, newspapers, excessive shopping and phone conversations and so forth.
Therefore also now, says the Lord, turn and keep on coming to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning (until every hindrance is removed and the broken fellowship is restored.) Rend your hearts and not your garments. Joel 2:12, 13 amplified
God instructs us to rend our hearts and not our garments. I have seen believers and churches that by appearance seem to have it all together, yet not touch the heart of God. The reason? They may fast, hold prayer meetings, and abstain from outward indulgences, causing them to look good as far as the outward "garment" is concerned, but inwardly they conceal stubborn hearts. They still live for their own agendas rather than for the service of others. God is more impressed with inward submission than outward appearances of Christianity.
The church has pursued their carnal appetites and called them the blessings of God.
How many christians visit the hospitals and nursing homes? How many go out with the street teams to bring people the Word of God? Most of us live our lives basically for ourselves and immediate families. On the other hand, we would attend a miracle service or the service of the "prophet" who will tell us we are going to have success in business or a glamorous ministry. We will drive for miles for a double-portion anointing service or a renewal meeting. Why? Most likely not to serve Jesus more effectively, but to learn about benefits for themselves.
Yes, this man's books will make you examine yourself. I have several of his books, and I read and re-read them, they are that good. His wife, Lisa, is also an excellent author.
Here are some highlights from the book:
Fast from whatever keeps you from seeking the Lord. It may be television, videos, computer games, newspapers, excessive shopping and phone conversations and so forth.
Therefore also now, says the Lord, turn and keep on coming to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning (until every hindrance is removed and the broken fellowship is restored.) Rend your hearts and not your garments. Joel 2:12, 13 amplified
God instructs us to rend our hearts and not our garments. I have seen believers and churches that by appearance seem to have it all together, yet not touch the heart of God. The reason? They may fast, hold prayer meetings, and abstain from outward indulgences, causing them to look good as far as the outward "garment" is concerned, but inwardly they conceal stubborn hearts. They still live for their own agendas rather than for the service of others. God is more impressed with inward submission than outward appearances of Christianity.
The church has pursued their carnal appetites and called them the blessings of God.
How many christians visit the hospitals and nursing homes? How many go out with the street teams to bring people the Word of God? Most of us live our lives basically for ourselves and immediate families. On the other hand, we would attend a miracle service or the service of the "prophet" who will tell us we are going to have success in business or a glamorous ministry. We will drive for miles for a double-portion anointing service or a renewal meeting. Why? Most likely not to serve Jesus more effectively, but to learn about benefits for themselves.
Yes, this man's books will make you examine yourself. I have several of his books, and I read and re-read them, they are that good. His wife, Lisa, is also an excellent author.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Christian Pimps...A Real Eye Opener Posted by Jim Whitaker on July 16, 2009 at 10:47pm
CHRISTIAN PIMPS By Coach Dave Daubenmire July 9, 2009
“Christianity started in Palestine as a fellowship; it moved to Greece and became a philosophy; it moved to Italy and became an institution; it moved to Europe and became a culture; it came to America and became an enterprise.” -Sam Pascoe
“An enterprise. That’s a business.” After a few moments Martha, the youngest student in the class, raised her hand. I could not imagine what her question might be. I thought the little vignette was self-explanatory, and that I had performed it brilliantly. Nevertheless, I acknowledged Martha’s raised hand, “Yes, Martha.” She asked such a simple question, “A business? But isn’t it supposed to be a body?” I could not envision where this line of questioning was going, and the only response I could think of was, “Yes.” She continued, “But when a body becomes a business, isn’t that a prostitute?” as told by David Ryser
I’ve been fighting for a long time the prompting of my inner man to take on this subject. Although I have chewed around the edges like I used to do as a child when I would break off the crust from a hot, home-made apple pie in attempt to appease my hunger without my mother finding out, I never really stuck my thumb into the middle of the pie.I have been a sellout. A pimp, if you will. Not on purpose. It is easy to justify our lack of courage when confronted with difficult issues. I try to faithfully deliver the mail as the Lord hands it to me, but I have been negligent by eating the crust out of fear of spoiling the pie.You see, I have pulled my punches. I have softened the blow. I have spanked with a newspaper when they deserved a belt. I have sold out on the Truth. I have not called a spade a spade. I have nibbled at the crust when I should have been hammering the pie. I have taken the be-nice approach and have listened to the “touch not God’s anointed” mentality. I have prostituted the Truth. For that I am sorry.Oh, my intentions were good. I had hoped that as I exposed the “unfruitful works of darkness” that the churches would eventually awaken and begin to push back against the enemy. After ten years of trying to awaken “The Church” to the problem I have finally mustered the courage to say what I have known all along. “The Church” IS the problem. It has become a pimp, selling the works of “the body” for personal satisfaction. Most of the pulpits are filled by “hirelings” (more on that in a future commentary), men and women who stand in the pulpit without a calling, without an anointing, and without courage. They are man pleasers, living off of “the Body” as they sell it out for their own whims and pleasures. Greedy Dogs, Isaiah called them. Blind watchmen…loving to sleep…leading the flock astray.Not all of the churches. If you are a pastor and have read this far then I am probably not talking about you. I have met many courageous men who boldly live out the command to “lead them out.” You know who you are. You are the one’s who have been criticized, belittled, and called names by the “pimp in the pulpit” at the big church downtown.You see, to him, the church is a business…an enterprise…a social club totally dependant on butts and bucks. It is a place to make business contacts, network with others in the community, and soothe one’s conscience through weekly attendance and philanthropy. It is no different from a whore house where a woman’s body is sold for the pleasure of another. Love-less intercourse is prostitution. Most church goers love the service that Jesus provides (membership has its privileges) but don’t really know the Jesus who provides it.I’ll be honest. I’ve been afraid to say some of these things for fear of alienating even more pastors. I was afraid that my harshness might alienate those “frozen chosen” pastors and eliminate opportunities to “minister” to their congregations. That’s where I have pimped-out my call. The pastors are not the answer, they are the problem.Instead of cleaning out Congress perhaps we should start by cleaning out the pulpit. Judgment begins first in the house of God. America is a reflection of the churches and the churches are a reflection of the pulpits. It is time to “throw the bums out”…even if they do hide behind the “touch not my anointed.” When a football team is under-performing who gets the boot? Yep, the coach.Allow me to be frank as I cut to the chase. Pick up your family and get out of the mausoleum you are attending and find a place that serves the Lord. I couldn’t care less how many generations your family has been a member, how many pews your family has donated, and how many of your friends attend. Sitting on your butt every Sunday is not serving the Lord, it is the Lord serving you. The feel-good Gospel is a fraud. Jesus taught self-sacrifice not self-fulfillment. “Greater love has no man than this than he would lay down his life for his friends….” Love demands sacrifice. What have you sacrificed for your faith? You are engaging in Spiritual welfare…living off of the efforts of others.Start fighting back by no longer giving them your money. Don’t allow them to hit you over the head with the “bring all of the tithes into the storehouse” hammer without asking yourself some very important questions. What is a storehouse and what is its purpose? What does the Scripture mean by “meat in my house” and who is the meat for? Are there families in your “church” who are losing their homes? Is that not who the “meat in the house” was stored up for or were the storehouse funds used for a new parking lot?Is the purpose of the tithe (by the way, my wife and I believe in tithing) to pay senior pastors, associate pastors, youth ministers, worship leaders, and secretaries to do “ministry?” Can’t you “tithe” different places? Did the New Testament church teach the concept of “professional” Christians or were the elders of the church also tent-makers? Does “meat in my house” mean bigger buildings, paved parking lots, and padded pews? Is your “church” experiencing a budget crunch right now because they have eaten the meat that should have been placed in the storehouse? I know, “let them eat blacktop.”Is storehouse money supposed to be spent on the already converted or on seeking and saving that which is lost? What percent of your church’s budget go to “missions”…as if that is a separate job…in comparison to utilities, paper, salaries, and operating expenses?Don’t stop giving, just change where you give. Find a ministry that is using the money to reach out to the community and send your tithe there. Remember, it is the “Lord’s house” into which your finances are to be offered….not some social club to which your tithe is nothing more than monthly dues. It is time you asked yourself if the Spirit still dwells in your church.My wife and I have spent the last few weeks reading the book of Acts in our morning devotionals. You should do the same. They spread the Gospel around the world at great personal peril and sacrifice. The self-serving American-Church is a pathetic step-child to Christianity’s founding fathers.Most churches love money, chase money, compromise over money. A pastor in New York was just fired from his $600,000 salary! The national average for pastors is $84,426! No wonder they won’t speak against sin! Why not include those wealthy homosexuals in the congregation!People have asked me to start a church. I tell them that they are nuts. Truth empties churches, it doesn’t fill them. My friend Flip Benham says guys like me would be the Dr. Kervorkian of church growth. What man of God would want to wipe noses when he could fight evil? No thanks. At least on the streets I can recognize the enemy.“And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.” Yep, the pimps are the ones wearing the nice clothes. Funny isn’t it? The pimps in the pulpits accuse street preachers of being undignified.
“Christianity started in Palestine as a fellowship; it moved to Greece and became a philosophy; it moved to Italy and became an institution; it moved to Europe and became a culture; it came to America and became an enterprise.” -Sam Pascoe
“An enterprise. That’s a business.” After a few moments Martha, the youngest student in the class, raised her hand. I could not imagine what her question might be. I thought the little vignette was self-explanatory, and that I had performed it brilliantly. Nevertheless, I acknowledged Martha’s raised hand, “Yes, Martha.” She asked such a simple question, “A business? But isn’t it supposed to be a body?” I could not envision where this line of questioning was going, and the only response I could think of was, “Yes.” She continued, “But when a body becomes a business, isn’t that a prostitute?” as told by David Ryser
I’ve been fighting for a long time the prompting of my inner man to take on this subject. Although I have chewed around the edges like I used to do as a child when I would break off the crust from a hot, home-made apple pie in attempt to appease my hunger without my mother finding out, I never really stuck my thumb into the middle of the pie.I have been a sellout. A pimp, if you will. Not on purpose. It is easy to justify our lack of courage when confronted with difficult issues. I try to faithfully deliver the mail as the Lord hands it to me, but I have been negligent by eating the crust out of fear of spoiling the pie.You see, I have pulled my punches. I have softened the blow. I have spanked with a newspaper when they deserved a belt. I have sold out on the Truth. I have not called a spade a spade. I have nibbled at the crust when I should have been hammering the pie. I have taken the be-nice approach and have listened to the “touch not God’s anointed” mentality. I have prostituted the Truth. For that I am sorry.Oh, my intentions were good. I had hoped that as I exposed the “unfruitful works of darkness” that the churches would eventually awaken and begin to push back against the enemy. After ten years of trying to awaken “The Church” to the problem I have finally mustered the courage to say what I have known all along. “The Church” IS the problem. It has become a pimp, selling the works of “the body” for personal satisfaction. Most of the pulpits are filled by “hirelings” (more on that in a future commentary), men and women who stand in the pulpit without a calling, without an anointing, and without courage. They are man pleasers, living off of “the Body” as they sell it out for their own whims and pleasures. Greedy Dogs, Isaiah called them. Blind watchmen…loving to sleep…leading the flock astray.Not all of the churches. If you are a pastor and have read this far then I am probably not talking about you. I have met many courageous men who boldly live out the command to “lead them out.” You know who you are. You are the one’s who have been criticized, belittled, and called names by the “pimp in the pulpit” at the big church downtown.You see, to him, the church is a business…an enterprise…a social club totally dependant on butts and bucks. It is a place to make business contacts, network with others in the community, and soothe one’s conscience through weekly attendance and philanthropy. It is no different from a whore house where a woman’s body is sold for the pleasure of another. Love-less intercourse is prostitution. Most church goers love the service that Jesus provides (membership has its privileges) but don’t really know the Jesus who provides it.I’ll be honest. I’ve been afraid to say some of these things for fear of alienating even more pastors. I was afraid that my harshness might alienate those “frozen chosen” pastors and eliminate opportunities to “minister” to their congregations. That’s where I have pimped-out my call. The pastors are not the answer, they are the problem.Instead of cleaning out Congress perhaps we should start by cleaning out the pulpit. Judgment begins first in the house of God. America is a reflection of the churches and the churches are a reflection of the pulpits. It is time to “throw the bums out”…even if they do hide behind the “touch not my anointed.” When a football team is under-performing who gets the boot? Yep, the coach.Allow me to be frank as I cut to the chase. Pick up your family and get out of the mausoleum you are attending and find a place that serves the Lord. I couldn’t care less how many generations your family has been a member, how many pews your family has donated, and how many of your friends attend. Sitting on your butt every Sunday is not serving the Lord, it is the Lord serving you. The feel-good Gospel is a fraud. Jesus taught self-sacrifice not self-fulfillment. “Greater love has no man than this than he would lay down his life for his friends….” Love demands sacrifice. What have you sacrificed for your faith? You are engaging in Spiritual welfare…living off of the efforts of others.Start fighting back by no longer giving them your money. Don’t allow them to hit you over the head with the “bring all of the tithes into the storehouse” hammer without asking yourself some very important questions. What is a storehouse and what is its purpose? What does the Scripture mean by “meat in my house” and who is the meat for? Are there families in your “church” who are losing their homes? Is that not who the “meat in the house” was stored up for or were the storehouse funds used for a new parking lot?Is the purpose of the tithe (by the way, my wife and I believe in tithing) to pay senior pastors, associate pastors, youth ministers, worship leaders, and secretaries to do “ministry?” Can’t you “tithe” different places? Did the New Testament church teach the concept of “professional” Christians or were the elders of the church also tent-makers? Does “meat in my house” mean bigger buildings, paved parking lots, and padded pews? Is your “church” experiencing a budget crunch right now because they have eaten the meat that should have been placed in the storehouse? I know, “let them eat blacktop.”Is storehouse money supposed to be spent on the already converted or on seeking and saving that which is lost? What percent of your church’s budget go to “missions”…as if that is a separate job…in comparison to utilities, paper, salaries, and operating expenses?Don’t stop giving, just change where you give. Find a ministry that is using the money to reach out to the community and send your tithe there. Remember, it is the “Lord’s house” into which your finances are to be offered….not some social club to which your tithe is nothing more than monthly dues. It is time you asked yourself if the Spirit still dwells in your church.My wife and I have spent the last few weeks reading the book of Acts in our morning devotionals. You should do the same. They spread the Gospel around the world at great personal peril and sacrifice. The self-serving American-Church is a pathetic step-child to Christianity’s founding fathers.Most churches love money, chase money, compromise over money. A pastor in New York was just fired from his $600,000 salary! The national average for pastors is $84,426! No wonder they won’t speak against sin! Why not include those wealthy homosexuals in the congregation!People have asked me to start a church. I tell them that they are nuts. Truth empties churches, it doesn’t fill them. My friend Flip Benham says guys like me would be the Dr. Kervorkian of church growth. What man of God would want to wipe noses when he could fight evil? No thanks. At least on the streets I can recognize the enemy.“And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.” Yep, the pimps are the ones wearing the nice clothes. Funny isn’t it? The pimps in the pulpits accuse street preachers of being undignified.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Three Bulletts of Wisdom...
There once was a man who had nothing for his family to eat. He had an old rifle and three bullets. So, he decided that he would go out hunting and kill some wild game for dinner. As he went down the road, he saw a rabbit. He shot at the rabbit and missed it. The rabbit ran away. Then he saw a squirrel and fired a shot at the squirrel and missed it. The squirrel disappeared into a hole in a cottonwood tree. As he went further, he saw a large wild 'Tom'turkey in the tree, but he had only one bullet remaining. A voice spoke to him and said, 'Pray first, aim high and stay focused. However, at the same time, he saw a deer which was a better kill. He brought the gun down and aimed at the deer. But, then he saw a rattlesnake between his legs about to bite him, so he naturally brought the gun down further to shoot the rattlesnake. Still, the voice said again to him, 'I said'Pray, Aim high and Stay focused.' So, the man decided to listen to God's voice. He prayed, then aimed the gun high up in the tree and shot the wild turkey. The bullet bounced off the turkey and killed the deer. The handle fell off the gun and hit the snake in the head and killed it. And, when the gun had gone off, it knocked him into a pond. When he stood up to look around,he had fish in all his pockets, a dead deer and a turkey to eat for his family. The snake (Satan) was dead simply because the man listened to God.
Moral of the story: Pray first before you do anything, aim and shoot high in your goals, and stay focused on God. Never let others discourage you concerning your past. The past is exactly that, 'the past.' Live every day one day at a time and remember that only God knows our future and that he will not put you through any more than you can bear. Do not look to man for your blessings, but look to the doors that only He has prepared in advance for you in your favor. Wait, be still and patient: keep God first and everything else will follow.
Today is the best time to find peace with God. Tomorrow may be tolate.........Heb. 4:7
Moral of the story: Pray first before you do anything, aim and shoot high in your goals, and stay focused on God. Never let others discourage you concerning your past. The past is exactly that, 'the past.' Live every day one day at a time and remember that only God knows our future and that he will not put you through any more than you can bear. Do not look to man for your blessings, but look to the doors that only He has prepared in advance for you in your favor. Wait, be still and patient: keep God first and everything else will follow.
Today is the best time to find peace with God. Tomorrow may be tolate.........Heb. 4:7
Sunday, July 12, 2009
America...
Ezekiel 16:48-50 (King James Version)48As I live, saith the Lord GOD, Sodom thy sister hath not done, she nor her daughters, as thou hast done, thou and thy daughters.49Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.50And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.
This portion of scripture written many years ago sounds like America today. An overabundance of material goods, sin of homosexuality, etc. I heard one congressman say he never thought he would be voting on marriage being the union of two people of the same sex. Our country has been on a moral downhill slide for too long. Fullness of bread. Gluttony is so prevalent in America today even our youth is battling it. America is now ranked as the most obese nation on the face of the earth. The church doesn't address the issue, rather it overlooks it. It ignores gluttony as being a sin even though the Bible is full of warnings about it. Abundance of idleness sure speaks of our welfare system. We pay people to sit at home and do nothing even though they are able to go to work. Young girls are having 2,3 or even more babies just to draw additional money. America doesn't strengthen the hand of the poor and needy they enable the lazy. Our country has gotten so greedy even the church has joined in. All you hear from most pulpits today is how to get blessed. The words sin or repent are never mentioned, and that is why we have a church full of people deep in debt, in poor health, etc. America has become so proud and haughty, we brag that we are the greatest nation on the face of the earth and yet we enable young girls to get pregnant thru planned parenthood and other secular means. We teach them sex ed in grade school and if they do get pregnant we will either support the babies for them or they can easily get an abortion if they so choose.
How does this portion of scripture end? Re-read verse 50, yes judgement is coming to America, you can count on it.I blame the church for most of it. The church has been so busy trying to get everyone blessed, increased in material goods, that they igonored the most important part, repentance.
We can quote IIChronicles 7:14, we can humble ourselves and pray, even seek His face, but until we turn from our wicked ways, God is not going to heal our land, instead He is going to judge it.
We need to wake up and get out of the bless me mode the church has been in for too long and get serious about the things of God.
This portion of scripture written many years ago sounds like America today. An overabundance of material goods, sin of homosexuality, etc. I heard one congressman say he never thought he would be voting on marriage being the union of two people of the same sex. Our country has been on a moral downhill slide for too long. Fullness of bread. Gluttony is so prevalent in America today even our youth is battling it. America is now ranked as the most obese nation on the face of the earth. The church doesn't address the issue, rather it overlooks it. It ignores gluttony as being a sin even though the Bible is full of warnings about it. Abundance of idleness sure speaks of our welfare system. We pay people to sit at home and do nothing even though they are able to go to work. Young girls are having 2,3 or even more babies just to draw additional money. America doesn't strengthen the hand of the poor and needy they enable the lazy. Our country has gotten so greedy even the church has joined in. All you hear from most pulpits today is how to get blessed. The words sin or repent are never mentioned, and that is why we have a church full of people deep in debt, in poor health, etc. America has become so proud and haughty, we brag that we are the greatest nation on the face of the earth and yet we enable young girls to get pregnant thru planned parenthood and other secular means. We teach them sex ed in grade school and if they do get pregnant we will either support the babies for them or they can easily get an abortion if they so choose.
How does this portion of scripture end? Re-read verse 50, yes judgement is coming to America, you can count on it.I blame the church for most of it. The church has been so busy trying to get everyone blessed, increased in material goods, that they igonored the most important part, repentance.
We can quote IIChronicles 7:14, we can humble ourselves and pray, even seek His face, but until we turn from our wicked ways, God is not going to heal our land, instead He is going to judge it.
We need to wake up and get out of the bless me mode the church has been in for too long and get serious about the things of God.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
I Admire Diana Chandler's Boldness and Honesty...
Miss Chandler writes for the New Orleans Baptist Examiner. She published this article a few days ago. It is still available on her webpage. Someone needed to say what she has said instead of everyone acting like MJ was a hero. He was a very talented man with a lot of serious problems and for some reason everyone wanted to ignore his psychological problems because of his talent. Ignoring his obvious problems and hailing him as a hero does nothing for our youth. I appreciate her boldness as a christian to stand up for her beliefs. I also appreciate the fact that even though she is a black woman she didn't feel because of that she had to follow what everyone else was doing, instead she stood her ground as a christian. I say 2 kudo's to Miss Chandler, a mighty warrior of God in my opinion.
Below is her article:
Christians ask whether Michael Jackson was savedJuly 8, 11:35 AM
Are you feeling a bit out of the loop during all of the hoopla over the life and legend of Michael Jackson?Perhaps like me, in the midst of a world extolling him for his musical contributions, you're simply concerned that he might not have known Jesus as his personal savior.Soon after Jackson's untimely death, word circulated that he prayed the sinner's prayer with Andrae and Sandra Crouch, who quickly denied the rumors. www.assistnews.net/Stories/2009/s09070001.htm
While we don't know whether Jackson made a last-minute confession, as did the thief on the cross, we know his life showed little or no evidence of a personal relationship with Jesus. As Christians, we have little for which to memorialize him. Instead, we are troubled by his endless plastic surgeries and his propensity to tuck little boys into his Neverland Ranch bed for the night . www.time.com/time/interactive/0,31813,1908637,00.html
On the day of his televised memorial, a family member judged that I did not understand the love of God because I showed no interest in the service. Instead, I was busy writing."Not interested.How could you not be interested?" she asked."He did not live a Christian life," I responded. "When you fall in love with the Lord, you'll understand."Needless to say, the family member did not understand, and continued to proclaim this as evidence of why she didn't like me.Actually, I had no idea she disliked me. But because I held no respect for Jackson's work, she felt emboldened to voice her displeasure.
Keenly aware of the gulf Michael Jackson's memorial places between me as a Christian and the world in which I live, I recalled Jesus' warning that the world would hate those of us who follow him."If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you."(John 15: 18 - 19 NIV*)
The family member, some 30 years my junior was concerned that I did not share her opinion of the pop star. My only concern was whether he was saved.
Perhaps you've had a similar experience, if not during the Jackson memorial publicity, then at another time in your life.God's word encourages us to stand firm in our faith and in our hope that evangelism will reach the uttermost parts of the earth.
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33 NIV)(Scripture marked NIV is from the New International Version.)
Author: Diana Chandler
Below is her article:
Christians ask whether Michael Jackson was savedJuly 8, 11:35 AM
Are you feeling a bit out of the loop during all of the hoopla over the life and legend of Michael Jackson?Perhaps like me, in the midst of a world extolling him for his musical contributions, you're simply concerned that he might not have known Jesus as his personal savior.Soon after Jackson's untimely death, word circulated that he prayed the sinner's prayer with Andrae and Sandra Crouch, who quickly denied the rumors. www.assistnews.net/Stories/2009/s09070001.htm
While we don't know whether Jackson made a last-minute confession, as did the thief on the cross, we know his life showed little or no evidence of a personal relationship with Jesus. As Christians, we have little for which to memorialize him. Instead, we are troubled by his endless plastic surgeries and his propensity to tuck little boys into his Neverland Ranch bed for the night . www.time.com/time/interactive/0,31813,1908637,00.html
On the day of his televised memorial, a family member judged that I did not understand the love of God because I showed no interest in the service. Instead, I was busy writing."Not interested.How could you not be interested?" she asked."He did not live a Christian life," I responded. "When you fall in love with the Lord, you'll understand."Needless to say, the family member did not understand, and continued to proclaim this as evidence of why she didn't like me.Actually, I had no idea she disliked me. But because I held no respect for Jackson's work, she felt emboldened to voice her displeasure.
Keenly aware of the gulf Michael Jackson's memorial places between me as a Christian and the world in which I live, I recalled Jesus' warning that the world would hate those of us who follow him."If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you."(John 15: 18 - 19 NIV*)
The family member, some 30 years my junior was concerned that I did not share her opinion of the pop star. My only concern was whether he was saved.
Perhaps you've had a similar experience, if not during the Jackson memorial publicity, then at another time in your life.God's word encourages us to stand firm in our faith and in our hope that evangelism will reach the uttermost parts of the earth.
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33 NIV)(Scripture marked NIV is from the New International Version.)
Author: Diana Chandler
Thursday, July 9, 2009
A Song of Thankfulness...
1 Samuel 21
And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.2There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.3Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.4The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength.5They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.6The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.7The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.8He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD's, and he hath set the world upon them.9He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.10The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.
Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:1-10 (Matthew Henry)Hannah's heart rejoiced, not in Samuel, but in the Lord. She looks beyond the gift, and praises the Giver. She rejoiced in the salvation of the Lord, and in expectation of His coming, who is the whole salvation of his people. The strong are soon weakened, and the weak are soon strengthened, when God pleases. Are we poor? God made us poor, which is a good reason why we should be content, and make up our minds to our condition. Are we rich? God made us rich, which is a good reason why we should be thankful, and serve him cheerfully, and do good with the abundance he gives us. He respects not man's wisdom or fancied excellences, but chooses those whom the world accounts foolish, teaching them to feel their guilt, and to value his free and precious salvation. This prophecy looks to the kingdom of Christ, that kingdom of grace, of which Hannah speaks, after having spoken largely of the kingdom of providence. And here is the first time that we meet with the name MESSIAH, or his Anointed. The subjects of Christ's kingdom will be safe, and the enemies of it will be ruined; for the Anointed, the Lord Christ, is able to save, and to destroy.
And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.2There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.3Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.4The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength.5They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.6The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.7The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.8He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD's, and he hath set the world upon them.9He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.10The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.
Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:1-10 (Matthew Henry)Hannah's heart rejoiced, not in Samuel, but in the Lord. She looks beyond the gift, and praises the Giver. She rejoiced in the salvation of the Lord, and in expectation of His coming, who is the whole salvation of his people. The strong are soon weakened, and the weak are soon strengthened, when God pleases. Are we poor? God made us poor, which is a good reason why we should be content, and make up our minds to our condition. Are we rich? God made us rich, which is a good reason why we should be thankful, and serve him cheerfully, and do good with the abundance he gives us. He respects not man's wisdom or fancied excellences, but chooses those whom the world accounts foolish, teaching them to feel their guilt, and to value his free and precious salvation. This prophecy looks to the kingdom of Christ, that kingdom of grace, of which Hannah speaks, after having spoken largely of the kingdom of providence. And here is the first time that we meet with the name MESSIAH, or his Anointed. The subjects of Christ's kingdom will be safe, and the enemies of it will be ruined; for the Anointed, the Lord Christ, is able to save, and to destroy.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
The Truth Is Out...
The investigation into Steve McNair's death has determined it was definitely a murder/suicide. It seems that the young girl was having financial problems and thought Steve McNair was her answer, then she found out he had another girlfriend, besides her and his wife, and we know the outcome.
What a tragedy for the McNair family. I can only imagine the flood of emotions going thru his widow's mind and his children. How betrayed, angry, embarassed, and every emotion you could probably imagine, they must be feeling. The McNair family and the family of the mistress really need our prayers. Time to take off the judge's robe and put down the gavel, and pray for these families. They need strength and peace and to feel God's presence at this terrible time in their life.
Please join me in praying for these families.
What a tragedy for the McNair family. I can only imagine the flood of emotions going thru his widow's mind and his children. How betrayed, angry, embarassed, and every emotion you could probably imagine, they must be feeling. The McNair family and the family of the mistress really need our prayers. Time to take off the judge's robe and put down the gavel, and pray for these families. They need strength and peace and to feel God's presence at this terrible time in their life.
Please join me in praying for these families.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
The Lord Is Not In It...
TGIF Today God Is First
Volume 2 by Os HillmanTuesday, July 07 2009
"The LORD said, 'Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by'" (1 Kings 19:11).
"I don't believe that God is in it," I said to Angie. A situation had arisen in which a friend was about to engage in something they felt God was leading them into. Later, the truth of the situation was revealed and our friend made a bad mistake. God was not in it.
Elijah was in a crisis in his ministry. God had just corrected him about his perspective of his situation. If any man needed a touch from God, it was Elijah because he was in such distress he wanted to die.
The Lord intervened and told Elijah that He was coming to talk to him. However, God did not tell Elijah how He was going to reveal Himself. It was up to Elijah to tell whether God was in the situations about to take place.
"Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave (1 Kings 19:11-13).
We often think God is in our grand projects only to discover that He is not. We may also assume because of the success or visibility of a situation that God is in it. He may, in fact, be in the project. However, God's ways are not always highly visible. Sometimes He chooses to come in the soft, gentle whisper. It is sometimes difficult to recognize it as the Lord because He shows Himself in such subtle ways.
We need to be able to discern when God is actually part of our situation. Only then can we avoid being deceived in thinking God is not behind our projects. Ask God for wisdom in knowing when He is involved in it.
Volume 2 by Os HillmanTuesday, July 07 2009
"The LORD said, 'Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by'" (1 Kings 19:11).
"I don't believe that God is in it," I said to Angie. A situation had arisen in which a friend was about to engage in something they felt God was leading them into. Later, the truth of the situation was revealed and our friend made a bad mistake. God was not in it.
Elijah was in a crisis in his ministry. God had just corrected him about his perspective of his situation. If any man needed a touch from God, it was Elijah because he was in such distress he wanted to die.
The Lord intervened and told Elijah that He was coming to talk to him. However, God did not tell Elijah how He was going to reveal Himself. It was up to Elijah to tell whether God was in the situations about to take place.
"Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave (1 Kings 19:11-13).
We often think God is in our grand projects only to discover that He is not. We may also assume because of the success or visibility of a situation that God is in it. He may, in fact, be in the project. However, God's ways are not always highly visible. Sometimes He chooses to come in the soft, gentle whisper. It is sometimes difficult to recognize it as the Lord because He shows Himself in such subtle ways.
We need to be able to discern when God is actually part of our situation. Only then can we avoid being deceived in thinking God is not behind our projects. Ask God for wisdom in knowing when He is involved in it.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Another Warning For Everyone...
Once again the media is buzzing with the news of the untimely death of another celebrity. For those of you who don't watch football, the name Steve McNair means nothing, but for the many football fans it sent shock waves thru the world of sports.
I have been reading about his many charitable gifts, both monetarily and his personal help with the victims of Katrina. He has paid for several kids to go to football camp, and numerous other noble things he has accomplished. He was a very disciplined athlete, a hard worker his fellow players described him.
In the end what will he be remembered for? His accomplishments or the fact he died in the middle of an adulterous affair with a lady 16yrs his jr? The Bible says in Proverbs 6: 32But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.
33A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.
Is anyone paying attention to what is going on in the lives of the rich and famous? Open your spiritual ears, God is sending a strong message. One thing is obvious, it doesn't matter how rich, how famous, how much the world may idolize you, God is no respecter of persons. It is sad that people think if they have enough wealth they are untouchable, God is proving otherwise.
IITimothy 3:1-9
1This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. 9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as their's also was.
Luke 21:34-36 (King James Version)
34And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.
35For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
36Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
I have been reading about his many charitable gifts, both monetarily and his personal help with the victims of Katrina. He has paid for several kids to go to football camp, and numerous other noble things he has accomplished. He was a very disciplined athlete, a hard worker his fellow players described him.
In the end what will he be remembered for? His accomplishments or the fact he died in the middle of an adulterous affair with a lady 16yrs his jr? The Bible says in Proverbs 6: 32But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.
33A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.
Is anyone paying attention to what is going on in the lives of the rich and famous? Open your spiritual ears, God is sending a strong message. One thing is obvious, it doesn't matter how rich, how famous, how much the world may idolize you, God is no respecter of persons. It is sad that people think if they have enough wealth they are untouchable, God is proving otherwise.
IITimothy 3:1-9
1This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. 9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as their's also was.
Luke 21:34-36 (King James Version)
34And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.
35For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
36Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Bitterness and Emotional Wholeness...
We all have a past that God wants us to acknowledge, understand and respond to in a Biblical manner. Our response determines our happiness, hope and harmony.There are many wounded people walking the streets of our city. They have never been healed from the wounds of their past. Yesterday's hurts affect how we respond to people today.I have become aware that the health of our relationship with God is linked to our earthly relationships. That's why Jesus said, "Don't come and worship me if you have something against your friend. Patch the relationship and then bring your gift to the altar." (Matt. 5:24)
Every adult has an incredible story to tell about the things that shaped their lives. The most instructive part of that story is how you are integrating the reality of the past with the cold hard facts of the present. If your stories were told with clarity and candour they would be powerful messages motivating positive change in others.
"He gave me beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.
That we might be trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord,
That we might be glorified."
Forgiveness sets you free from the bondage of the negative emotions. It does not set the person who hurt you free. Every one will answer to God for their sins. God is just and fair, and every evil act will be answered for.
What are bitter roots, or bitter root judgements?
* They are our sinful reactions to circumstances that occur in our lives.
* They are condemning judgements of other people.
* They are the inability or refusal to forgive someone.
* They are the operations of the unchangeable Laws of God, which cause us to reap in kind what we have sown.
Bitter roots are not:* Hurtful or terrible things that happen to us, nor are they the sins of those who have wronged us. They are OUR sinful responses to those things that have happened to us, planted deeply within us due to our refusal or inability to forgive.
Every adult has an incredible story to tell about the things that shaped their lives. The most instructive part of that story is how you are integrating the reality of the past with the cold hard facts of the present. If your stories were told with clarity and candour they would be powerful messages motivating positive change in others.
"He gave me beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.
That we might be trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord,
That we might be glorified."
Forgiveness sets you free from the bondage of the negative emotions. It does not set the person who hurt you free. Every one will answer to God for their sins. God is just and fair, and every evil act will be answered for.
What are bitter roots, or bitter root judgements?
* They are our sinful reactions to circumstances that occur in our lives.
* They are condemning judgements of other people.
* They are the inability or refusal to forgive someone.
* They are the operations of the unchangeable Laws of God, which cause us to reap in kind what we have sown.
Bitter roots are not:* Hurtful or terrible things that happen to us, nor are they the sins of those who have wronged us. They are OUR sinful responses to those things that have happened to us, planted deeply within us due to our refusal or inability to forgive.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
OUT OF A WORTHLESS THING - GOD CAN BRING 5 IMPORTANT LESSONS
Hey everyone, I copied this from Connie Giordano's daily blog. She is an AWESOME Bible teacher. You can read her daily blogs @ God's Living Word Network. Click on the box to the right that says, join me on God's Living Word. An awesome website, a social network for christian bloggers. Connie is fast becoming my favorite teacher! I look forward every morning to see what she is blogging about, it is always a blessing.
Throughout the Scriptures, ashes are used to speak of - trusting in something which can never give help at all...a time of great mourning...God's power in nature...words spoken that are utterly valueless...and total victory over the enemy.Man has really no use for ashes - except to throw them away.But God can take something so worthless and teach us some valuable lessons.Let's see what they are.Isaiah 44:20 says - "He feedeth on ashes..."
Imagine a people grazing...pasturing...delighting...or taking pleasure in something so repulsive, unprofitable, and injurious as ashes!Yet that is exactly what an idolater does. He is one who delights in that which is vain, unsubstantial, and unsatisfactory...pleases himself, seeks comfort and satisfaction from, and fills himself with hopes of being helped and delivered by someone or something other than the true and Living God...uses ineffectual means and labors to no purpose ...hunts and strives after that which is degrading, worthless, perishable, and easily scattered ...and feeds his soul with that which is disgusting and loathsome - like sinful lusts - rather than that which is nutritious and wholesome - the Word of God.
Said another way - He is one who seeks happiness in riches and honors and makes the world his portion.Psalm 102:9 says - "For I have eaten ashes like bread..."Dust and ashes - as used in the Bible - are figures of grief. A person in deep sorrow is often pictured as sitting or lying in ashes. As a token of his mourning, he is pictured as casting ashes upon his head or throwing them all over himself. Since his food - daily sustenance - is in his midst, the scattered ashes easily become mixed with his "bread."Psalm 147:16 says - "...He scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes."The "hoarfrost" is dew that has been congealed by the intense cold night air. In its color, smallness, and burning quality - it resembles ashes.As when men cast ashes in the air which powder the earth - causing a sort of whiteness where they fall - even so does God in His mighty power cover the ground with His fine frozen dew.This dew - like hot ashes - shrivels up leaves, herbs, and plants - giving it the appearance of being burnt.Job 13:12 says - "Your remembrances are like unto ashes..."Ashes - for the most part - are valueless. So are memorable sayings which do not apply to the situation at hand.These "remembrances" or well remembered, proverbial maxims are nothing more than "proverbs of ashes" - because they carry as much weight as a pile of ashes. They are pious platitudes that are weak and worthless. They have as much connection to true wisdom as ashes have to a nutritional meal.They can apply to any contemptible, unprofitable, or dishonest charges brought against a believer...preaching that is void of life and usefulness ...or all that is in you for which you hope to be remembered when you are gone.Malachi 4:3 says - "And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the LORD of hosts."The Day of Judgment is coming. In that day, the wicked - who are presently arrogant and living in prosperity - will be consumed by the fires of God's Wrath. They will easily resemble ashes - left after the fire consumes the stubble.The tables will be reversed as Perfect Justice prevails. The wicked's prosperity and the adversity of the godly will come to an end. The believers will rise to a "New Boldness" and trample down the wicked as ashes under their feet - signifying total victory.What do you think of when you hear the word - "ashes" ?Hopefully, after reading this message, you will be reminded of -...the idolater who - seeking after the vain and empty things of this world - is "feeding on ashes"...the mourner who is undergoing such a time of grief that his life seems to be engulfed with sorrow or "ashes"...God's power to blanket the earth with a tiny substance - the "hoarfrost" - which resembles the "ashes" in many different aspects...dishonest and contemptible charges or foolish arguments... "dead," unanointed, and lifeless preaching...as well as carnal boastings - all amounting to nothing but "ashes"...and the day of retribution coming to the wicked when they will appear as "ashes" under the believers' feet.What message are you receiving here?Are you "feeding on ashes" - the worthless things of this world which can never satisfy your soul?Does it seem as though your life is consumed with sorrow at this time - where "ashes" are your daily meal?If God can take something so small as the "hoarfrost" and blanket the earth with it like "ashes" - then can He provide for your many needs at this time?Have you been speaking "proverbs of ashes" to anyone lately -arguments that make no sense whatsoever and carry no weight at all?Does it seem as though the wicked all around you are prospering beyond measure and not reaping for their sins or transgressions? The day is coming when their "party time" will be over. You can be assured of that!Out of a seemingly worthless thing like ashes, only God can bring forth 5 important lessons.He doesn't waste anything, does He?May God Bless His Word,
Connie© COPYRIGHT Connie Giordano - All Rights Reserved
Subscribe to Daily Bible Messages at - connie@walkingintruth.org .
Walking In Truth Ministry P.O. Box 383016 Duncanville TX 75138
Throughout the Scriptures, ashes are used to speak of - trusting in something which can never give help at all...a time of great mourning...God's power in nature...words spoken that are utterly valueless...and total victory over the enemy.Man has really no use for ashes - except to throw them away.But God can take something so worthless and teach us some valuable lessons.Let's see what they are.Isaiah 44:20 says - "He feedeth on ashes..."
Imagine a people grazing...pasturing...delighting...or taking pleasure in something so repulsive, unprofitable, and injurious as ashes!Yet that is exactly what an idolater does. He is one who delights in that which is vain, unsubstantial, and unsatisfactory...pleases himself, seeks comfort and satisfaction from, and fills himself with hopes of being helped and delivered by someone or something other than the true and Living God...uses ineffectual means and labors to no purpose ...hunts and strives after that which is degrading, worthless, perishable, and easily scattered ...and feeds his soul with that which is disgusting and loathsome - like sinful lusts - rather than that which is nutritious and wholesome - the Word of God.
Said another way - He is one who seeks happiness in riches and honors and makes the world his portion.Psalm 102:9 says - "For I have eaten ashes like bread..."Dust and ashes - as used in the Bible - are figures of grief. A person in deep sorrow is often pictured as sitting or lying in ashes. As a token of his mourning, he is pictured as casting ashes upon his head or throwing them all over himself. Since his food - daily sustenance - is in his midst, the scattered ashes easily become mixed with his "bread."Psalm 147:16 says - "...He scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes."The "hoarfrost" is dew that has been congealed by the intense cold night air. In its color, smallness, and burning quality - it resembles ashes.As when men cast ashes in the air which powder the earth - causing a sort of whiteness where they fall - even so does God in His mighty power cover the ground with His fine frozen dew.This dew - like hot ashes - shrivels up leaves, herbs, and plants - giving it the appearance of being burnt.Job 13:12 says - "Your remembrances are like unto ashes..."Ashes - for the most part - are valueless. So are memorable sayings which do not apply to the situation at hand.These "remembrances" or well remembered, proverbial maxims are nothing more than "proverbs of ashes" - because they carry as much weight as a pile of ashes. They are pious platitudes that are weak and worthless. They have as much connection to true wisdom as ashes have to a nutritional meal.They can apply to any contemptible, unprofitable, or dishonest charges brought against a believer...preaching that is void of life and usefulness ...or all that is in you for which you hope to be remembered when you are gone.Malachi 4:3 says - "And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the LORD of hosts."The Day of Judgment is coming. In that day, the wicked - who are presently arrogant and living in prosperity - will be consumed by the fires of God's Wrath. They will easily resemble ashes - left after the fire consumes the stubble.The tables will be reversed as Perfect Justice prevails. The wicked's prosperity and the adversity of the godly will come to an end. The believers will rise to a "New Boldness" and trample down the wicked as ashes under their feet - signifying total victory.What do you think of when you hear the word - "ashes" ?Hopefully, after reading this message, you will be reminded of -...the idolater who - seeking after the vain and empty things of this world - is "feeding on ashes"...the mourner who is undergoing such a time of grief that his life seems to be engulfed with sorrow or "ashes"...God's power to blanket the earth with a tiny substance - the "hoarfrost" - which resembles the "ashes" in many different aspects...dishonest and contemptible charges or foolish arguments... "dead," unanointed, and lifeless preaching...as well as carnal boastings - all amounting to nothing but "ashes"...and the day of retribution coming to the wicked when they will appear as "ashes" under the believers' feet.What message are you receiving here?Are you "feeding on ashes" - the worthless things of this world which can never satisfy your soul?Does it seem as though your life is consumed with sorrow at this time - where "ashes" are your daily meal?If God can take something so small as the "hoarfrost" and blanket the earth with it like "ashes" - then can He provide for your many needs at this time?Have you been speaking "proverbs of ashes" to anyone lately -arguments that make no sense whatsoever and carry no weight at all?Does it seem as though the wicked all around you are prospering beyond measure and not reaping for their sins or transgressions? The day is coming when their "party time" will be over. You can be assured of that!Out of a seemingly worthless thing like ashes, only God can bring forth 5 important lessons.He doesn't waste anything, does He?May God Bless His Word,
Connie© COPYRIGHT Connie Giordano - All Rights Reserved
Subscribe to Daily Bible Messages at - connie@walkingintruth.org .
Walking In Truth Ministry P.O. Box 383016 Duncanville TX 75138
Friday, July 3, 2009
Hey Everyone, You Don't Want to Miss This...
My pastor is doing a verse by verse study in Proverbs and he is blogging it @
www.pastordavevcc.blogspot.com
It is very interesting, and he is receiving a lot of comments. So join in, read and get blessed, and leave a comment about whatever the Lord has revealed to you about a verse. It is how we learn. God can say many different things to different people and it is good to get a wide variety of thoughts.
My prayer is that Pastor Dave will put his audio sermons on his blog page. It would be a HUGE blessing to the whole world. I have listened to many preachers around the world on the web and it is a blessing and a good learning tool. Sooooo, Pastor Dave, something to pray about!
www.pastordavevcc.blogspot.com
It is very interesting, and he is receiving a lot of comments. So join in, read and get blessed, and leave a comment about whatever the Lord has revealed to you about a verse. It is how we learn. God can say many different things to different people and it is good to get a wide variety of thoughts.
My prayer is that Pastor Dave will put his audio sermons on his blog page. It would be a HUGE blessing to the whole world. I have listened to many preachers around the world on the web and it is a blessing and a good learning tool. Sooooo, Pastor Dave, something to pray about!
"Heart" Trouble - The Church Is Full Of It...
My pastor has been teaching on the heart, which is very interesting to study. I came up with this today. I enjoy creating things like this using spiritual truths.
When your doctor suspects heart trouble one of the first tests he will give you is an EKG.
Let's have a spiritual EKG and see if we have heart trouble.
E - EXAMINE yourself and see whether you be in the faith. IICorinthains 13:5
K - KNOW what is in your heart, Have you died to sin and live unto righteousness?
IPeter 2:24
G - GET on your knees and ask God to show you what is in your heart. Psalm 19:12
Doing these 3 things can be a real eye opener. One thing is sure, if you are serious, God will show you the truth about yourself. The good, the bad and the ugly. The great thing about God is He won't leave you that way. The more I learn about God's love, mercy and grace, the more I want to know Him. I no longer feel like I HAVE to read His Word, or pray. When you truly love God works will follow. You will pray because you want more of His presence, you will read His Word because you want to know Him better, and you will give because you want to further His Kingdom. You won't pray and read His Word to win points with Him. You won't give to Him only to get a blessing in return. I long for the day that we can go to church and when the offering is taken up all you will hear is, "it is time to give to further the Kingdom of God." Instead you hear a 10 minute sermonette on giving to get yourself blessed. I cringe every time I hear it. But I haven't been to a church where they don't do it. I love when God blesses me financially, but I think the church dwells on it WAY too much.
This is a good reason to examine yourself, especially if you are an altar worker. The Lord showed me something in the Spirit many years ago in a church service during altar call. There are 3 main things people ask prayer for, spiritual blessings, financial blessings, and physical blessings. The problem is, not always, but sometimes the person praying for the one wanting a financial blessing is in deep debt themself, the one praying for the physical need does not take care of their own body, God's Temple, and the one praying for someone's spiritual need is a lot of the times in a worse spiritual condition than the one they are praying for. Spirits are transferable, and you must be very careful who you let lay hands on you. When the Lord showed me this, it blew me away. It was life changing for me.
EXAMINE yourself, have you found the abundant life of abiding in Jesus
KNOWING He loves you in spite of yourself?
GET on your knees and meet the real Jesus, the One who loves you unconditionally. If you do that, you can't get enough reading, praying, praising, or giving.
Yes, the church needs to have a spiritual EKG.
When your doctor suspects heart trouble one of the first tests he will give you is an EKG.
Let's have a spiritual EKG and see if we have heart trouble.
E - EXAMINE yourself and see whether you be in the faith. IICorinthains 13:5
K - KNOW what is in your heart, Have you died to sin and live unto righteousness?
IPeter 2:24
G - GET on your knees and ask God to show you what is in your heart. Psalm 19:12
Doing these 3 things can be a real eye opener. One thing is sure, if you are serious, God will show you the truth about yourself. The good, the bad and the ugly. The great thing about God is He won't leave you that way. The more I learn about God's love, mercy and grace, the more I want to know Him. I no longer feel like I HAVE to read His Word, or pray. When you truly love God works will follow. You will pray because you want more of His presence, you will read His Word because you want to know Him better, and you will give because you want to further His Kingdom. You won't pray and read His Word to win points with Him. You won't give to Him only to get a blessing in return. I long for the day that we can go to church and when the offering is taken up all you will hear is, "it is time to give to further the Kingdom of God." Instead you hear a 10 minute sermonette on giving to get yourself blessed. I cringe every time I hear it. But I haven't been to a church where they don't do it. I love when God blesses me financially, but I think the church dwells on it WAY too much.
This is a good reason to examine yourself, especially if you are an altar worker. The Lord showed me something in the Spirit many years ago in a church service during altar call. There are 3 main things people ask prayer for, spiritual blessings, financial blessings, and physical blessings. The problem is, not always, but sometimes the person praying for the one wanting a financial blessing is in deep debt themself, the one praying for the physical need does not take care of their own body, God's Temple, and the one praying for someone's spiritual need is a lot of the times in a worse spiritual condition than the one they are praying for. Spirits are transferable, and you must be very careful who you let lay hands on you. When the Lord showed me this, it blew me away. It was life changing for me.
EXAMINE yourself, have you found the abundant life of abiding in Jesus
KNOWING He loves you in spite of yourself?
GET on your knees and meet the real Jesus, the One who loves you unconditionally. If you do that, you can't get enough reading, praying, praising, or giving.
Yes, the church needs to have a spiritual EKG.
Path to Victory Over Sin...
As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him. Colossians 2:6
This is going to sound real elementary, but the gospel is. It is simple enough that a child can understand it. We are the ones that complicate it.How did you receive Christ? It wasn't anything you did, you just simply believed. Simple faith. We get victory the same way, by walking in faith. Sounds simple enough doesn't it? Well, it must not be. The church is full of people trying to get set free by works. Let me explain. When you first get saved no matter your age, you are like a child, you simply believe, and all you want to do is learn about Jesus and please Jesus.
Afterwards you get in the works mode, feeling like you must do something. But the thing is, you can't. When Christ died on the Cross, it was finished. Faith in what Christ did at the Cross, what brings salvation, also brings victory. You can't sanctify yourself by works no more than you can save your self by works. Everyone's favorite thing is in tithing and giving hoping for a mighty breakthrough and their debt will be erased. I am a tither and a giver, I believe in tithing and giving. But that is not what will solve your money problems. Does God bless givers? YES, He does. As long as you manage your money properly and are a good steward of what He gives you, yes, blessings will come. Unfortunately, the church usually leaves the stewardship part out and leads everyone to believe all they have to do is give and a mighty breakthrough is coming and all of their debt will be erased. Don't think just because you give you can force God's Hand, you can't. You can't buy His favor no matter how much you give, pray, or read His Word, or do good works. His grace is why any of us has anything, not because of anything we do. That is what we must get in our spirits. To think otherwise is self-righteousness, and legalistic.
Even though there is no condemnation to those who believe, the devil is constantly trying to condemn us saying we don't pray enough, or read the Bible enough, we didn't give enough money, etc.
Read below what Charles Finney has to say about freedom. I copied and pasted this from the prodigals only webpage. http://www.prodigalsonly.com/
Overcoming Sin by Charles Finney:
They said therefore to Him, 'What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?' Jesus answered and said to them, 'This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.'" - John 6:28-29There are multitudes of anxious Christians who are inquiring what they shall do to overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil. They overlook the fact that "this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith" (I John 5:4) that it is with "the shield of faith" that they are to "extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one." (Eph. 6:16) They ask, "why am I overcome by sin? Why can't I get above its power? Why am I the slave of my appetites and passions and the sport of the devil?" They look all around them for the cause of all this spiritual wretchedness and death. Sometimes they think they have discovered the answer in the neglect of one duty, and at another time in the neglect of another duty. Sometimes they imagine they have found the cause of their wretchedness to be that they have yielded to one sin and sometimes in yielding to another. They put forth efforts in this direction and patch up their righteousness on one side, while they make a tear in the other. Thus they spend years running around in a circle, making dams of sand across the current of their own corruptions. Instead of at once purifying their hearts by faith (Acts 15:9), they are engaged in trying to stop the overflow of its bitter waters."Why do I sin?" they inquire; and looking around for the cause, they come to the same conclusion: "It is because I neglect such and such a duty!" "But how shall I get rid of sin?" Usual answer: "By doing my duty, that is by ceasing from sin." Now the real question should be: Why do they neglect their duty? Why do they commit sin at all? Where is the foundation of all this mischief? But all this only brings us back to the real question again: How are we to overcome this corrupt nature, this wickedness, and our sinful habits? I answer, BY FAITH ALONE. No works of law have the least tendency to overcome our sins, but rather they strengthen the soul in self-righteousness and unbelief.The great and fundamental sin which is at the foundation of all other sin is unbelief. The first thing to do is to give that up - to believe the Word of God. There is no breaking away from one sin without this. "Whatever is not from faith is sin." (Rom. 14:23) "Without faith it is impossible to please Him." (Heb. 11:6) Thus we see that the backslider and convicted Christian, when agonizing to overcome sin, will almost always try to use the works of law to obtain faith. They will fast and pray and read and struggle and outwardly reform, and thus endeavor to obtain grace. But all this is in vain and wrong. Do you ask, "Shall we not fast and pray and read and struggle? Shall we do nothing but sit down in cheap security and inaction?" I answer: You must do all that God commands you to do; but begin where He tells you to begin, and do it in the manner in which He commands you to do it. That is - in the exercise of that faith that works by love. (Gal. 5:6) Purify your hearts by faith. Believe in the Son of God! (I John 5:10)What Is "Faith"?The first element of saving faith is realizing the truth of the Bible. But this alone is not saving faith, for Satan also realizes the truth of the Bible, which makes him tremble. (James 2:19) But a second element in saving faith is the agreement of the heart (or will) to the truth understood by the mind. It is a cordial trust or resting of the mind in those truths, and yielding up the whole being to their influence. Now it is easy to see that without the consent of the will, there can be nothing but an outward obedience to God. A wife without confidence in her husband can do nothing more than outwardly perform her duty to him. Works of law may be performed without faith, that is, we may serve from fear or hope or some selfish motive, but without the confidence that works by love, obedience from the heart is naturally impossible.By what I've already said, I mean that to seek the grace of faith by mere human works is an utter abomination. It is as abominable as to attempt to purchase the Holy Ghost with money. (Acts 8:20) It is to set aside the testimony of God's Word concerning our utter depravity (helplessness) and attempt to pawn off our unbelieving, heartless works upon an infinitely Holy God. It is an attempt to purchase His favor, instead of accepting grace as His sovereign gift.To give any other answer to one in unbelief, and to tell him to perform any work with the expectation that by it he shall obtain faith, is to confirm him in self-righteousness, to prolong his rebellion, to lead him to settle down in a self-righteous hope to produce in the end, discouragement and blasphemy.Because repentance, faith, love, and every other holy exercise both imply and proceed from faith - without confidence in the character and requirements of God, it is impossible to repent. For what is repentance but heartily to justify God and condemn ourselves? So it is equally impossible to exercise a trusting love in God without faith. Submission to God implies the exercise of confidence in God and in His requirements.Faith is the only exercise that receives Christ with all His powerfully sanctifying influences into the heart. The Bible everywhere represents the sanctified soul as being under the influence of an indwelling Christ. Now the exercise of faith is an opening of the door by which Christ is received to reign in the heart. If this is so, the proper direction plainly is to do that which receives Christ. If this is done, all else will be done. If this is neglected, all else will be neglected, of course!Some Helpful RemarksYou see why the Church is not sanctified. They overlook the office and necessity of faith as that which alone can produce acceptable obedience to God. They are engaged in efforts to obtain faith by works, instead of first exercising that faith which will produce within them a clean heart. And in this way they seek in vain for sanctification. How common it is to see Christians bustling about with outward efforts and works - fasting and praying, giving and doing and struggling - and after all this, they do not have the fruits of the Spirit: "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance, against such there is no law." (Gal. 5:22-23 KJV)You see why the Bible lays so much stress upon faith.You see what the difficulty is for those who are constantly in a complaining state in their walk with the Lord. They seem to know they are wrong, but do not understand what the foundation of their wrong consists of. They sometimes think that a neglect of a certain duty is the grand difficulty, and sometimes their mind fastens upon something else that is the prime difficulty in their case. They set themselves to break off from one sin and another, they practice this self-denial and that duty, and all without that faith that fills the heart with love. Thus they go round and round in a circle and do not see that unbelief is their great, their damning sin, without the removal of which no other sin can be repented of or forgiven. All their efforts are entirely legal, hypocritical, and vain until they exercise faith.If persons without faith, in an unsanctified state, set themselves to obey the commandments of God, their efforts must necessarily be legal, self-righteous, and destructive. To them the directions of the Gospel, as well as the commandments of the law, are a horrible pit of miry clay. And when you cast a man into a horrible pit of miry clay, the more he struggles the deeper he sinks. Every effort at obedience without faith is sin, and as it confirms self-righteousness, is sinking him further and further from God and rational hope. And the more violently he struggles, the more desperate and alarming his case becomes. The clay surrounds him and cleaves to him, suffocates and kills him. Just so the commands of God to an unbelieving heart are a snare and a pit. Without faith, there is ruin and damnation in them.To the careless, unawakened sinner who knows nothing of his lostness, it might be important and proper to direct his attention to the law of God to bring conviction - not with the expectation of promoting holiness in him, but of convicting him of sin. Thus we find Christ requiring the rich young man who is wrapped up in self-righteousness to keep the commandments, bringing out before his mind his supreme love of the world and of things. (Luke 18:18-23)You see how to the Jews and to all unbelievers, the commandments of God are a stumbling block. All outward conformity to them is useless and ruinous. Love without faith is impossible. And consequently, the merciful directions and instructions contained in the dos and don'ts of the Bible are made the food of self-righteousness and the snare of death. But to those whose souls are full of faith and love, the commandments of God are just the instruction which they need when, in their ignorance, they earnestly inquire what they shall do to glorify God. "Do this and avoid that," and the like, are just the things upon which hearts of love will seize as the needed directions of their Heavenly Father.But someone may inquire, "Do not men learn to exercise faith by what you call legal efforts and an obedience to the legal directions?" No. They only learn by experience that all such directions are vain, and that they are totally depraved and dependent, which they ought to have believed before. They set themselves to pray and read and struggle, expecting at every meeting they attend, with every prayer they make, to obtain grace and faith. But they never do until they are completely discouraged and despair of obtaining help in this way. And the history of every self-righteous sinner's conversion and every anxious Christian's sanctification would develop this truth: that deliverance does not come until their self-righteous efforts are proved by their own experience to be utterly vain, and abandoned as useless - and the whole subject thrown upon the sovereign mercy of God. This submitting a subject to the sovereign mercy of God is that very act of faith which they should have put forth long before, but which they would not exercise until every other means had been tried in vain!But perhaps you will say, "If by this self-righteous struggle they learn their depravity and dependence, and in this matter come to prove by their own experience the truth of God, why not encourage them to make these efforts as at least an indirect way of obtaining faith?" Answer: Blasphemy and drunkenness and any of the most shocking sins may be, and often have been, the means of working conviction which has resulted in conversion. Why not encourage these things to possibly bring about ultimate salvation for some?The truth is, when a sinner's attention is awakened and he is convicted and puts forth the inquiry, "What shall I do?" and when a Christian, struggling with his remaining corruption, puts forth this same inquiry, why should they be thrown into the horrible pit of which I have spoken? Why not tell them at once, in the language of the text, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent"? (John 6:29)Let me say to you who would make the inquiry, "How can I overcome sin?" don't wait to fast, read, pray, or anything else - don't expect to break off from any sin in your unbelief! You may break off from the outward commission - you may substitute praying for swearing, reading your Bible for reading magazines, outward employment and honesty for theft and idleness, soberness for drunkenness, and anything you please - but this, without faith, is after all, only exchanging one form of sin for another - it is only varying the mode of your rebellion towards God. For remember that in unbelief, whatever your conduct is, you are still in rebellion against God. Faith would instantly sanctify your heart, sanctify all your doings, and render them in Christ Jesus, acceptable to God.My dear friend, you inquire whether you shall obtain holiness by reading the Bible, or by prayer, fasting, or by all these together. Now let this sermon answer you and know that by neither nor by all of these, in the absence of faith, are you to grow any better or find any relief. You speak of being in darkness and of being discouraged. No wonder you are so, since you have plainly been seeking sanctification by outward works. You have "stumbled over the stumbling stone." (Rom. 9:32) You are in that pit of miry clay. Immediately exercise faith upon the Son of God! It is the first, the only thing you can do to rest your feet upon the Rock - and it will immediately put a new song into your mouth!
This is going to sound real elementary, but the gospel is. It is simple enough that a child can understand it. We are the ones that complicate it.How did you receive Christ? It wasn't anything you did, you just simply believed. Simple faith. We get victory the same way, by walking in faith. Sounds simple enough doesn't it? Well, it must not be. The church is full of people trying to get set free by works. Let me explain. When you first get saved no matter your age, you are like a child, you simply believe, and all you want to do is learn about Jesus and please Jesus.
Afterwards you get in the works mode, feeling like you must do something. But the thing is, you can't. When Christ died on the Cross, it was finished. Faith in what Christ did at the Cross, what brings salvation, also brings victory. You can't sanctify yourself by works no more than you can save your self by works. Everyone's favorite thing is in tithing and giving hoping for a mighty breakthrough and their debt will be erased. I am a tither and a giver, I believe in tithing and giving. But that is not what will solve your money problems. Does God bless givers? YES, He does. As long as you manage your money properly and are a good steward of what He gives you, yes, blessings will come. Unfortunately, the church usually leaves the stewardship part out and leads everyone to believe all they have to do is give and a mighty breakthrough is coming and all of their debt will be erased. Don't think just because you give you can force God's Hand, you can't. You can't buy His favor no matter how much you give, pray, or read His Word, or do good works. His grace is why any of us has anything, not because of anything we do. That is what we must get in our spirits. To think otherwise is self-righteousness, and legalistic.
Even though there is no condemnation to those who believe, the devil is constantly trying to condemn us saying we don't pray enough, or read the Bible enough, we didn't give enough money, etc.
Read below what Charles Finney has to say about freedom. I copied and pasted this from the prodigals only webpage. http://www.prodigalsonly.com/
Overcoming Sin by Charles Finney:
They said therefore to Him, 'What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?' Jesus answered and said to them, 'This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.'" - John 6:28-29There are multitudes of anxious Christians who are inquiring what they shall do to overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil. They overlook the fact that "this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith" (I John 5:4) that it is with "the shield of faith" that they are to "extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one." (Eph. 6:16) They ask, "why am I overcome by sin? Why can't I get above its power? Why am I the slave of my appetites and passions and the sport of the devil?" They look all around them for the cause of all this spiritual wretchedness and death. Sometimes they think they have discovered the answer in the neglect of one duty, and at another time in the neglect of another duty. Sometimes they imagine they have found the cause of their wretchedness to be that they have yielded to one sin and sometimes in yielding to another. They put forth efforts in this direction and patch up their righteousness on one side, while they make a tear in the other. Thus they spend years running around in a circle, making dams of sand across the current of their own corruptions. Instead of at once purifying their hearts by faith (Acts 15:9), they are engaged in trying to stop the overflow of its bitter waters."Why do I sin?" they inquire; and looking around for the cause, they come to the same conclusion: "It is because I neglect such and such a duty!" "But how shall I get rid of sin?" Usual answer: "By doing my duty, that is by ceasing from sin." Now the real question should be: Why do they neglect their duty? Why do they commit sin at all? Where is the foundation of all this mischief? But all this only brings us back to the real question again: How are we to overcome this corrupt nature, this wickedness, and our sinful habits? I answer, BY FAITH ALONE. No works of law have the least tendency to overcome our sins, but rather they strengthen the soul in self-righteousness and unbelief.The great and fundamental sin which is at the foundation of all other sin is unbelief. The first thing to do is to give that up - to believe the Word of God. There is no breaking away from one sin without this. "Whatever is not from faith is sin." (Rom. 14:23) "Without faith it is impossible to please Him." (Heb. 11:6) Thus we see that the backslider and convicted Christian, when agonizing to overcome sin, will almost always try to use the works of law to obtain faith. They will fast and pray and read and struggle and outwardly reform, and thus endeavor to obtain grace. But all this is in vain and wrong. Do you ask, "Shall we not fast and pray and read and struggle? Shall we do nothing but sit down in cheap security and inaction?" I answer: You must do all that God commands you to do; but begin where He tells you to begin, and do it in the manner in which He commands you to do it. That is - in the exercise of that faith that works by love. (Gal. 5:6) Purify your hearts by faith. Believe in the Son of God! (I John 5:10)What Is "Faith"?The first element of saving faith is realizing the truth of the Bible. But this alone is not saving faith, for Satan also realizes the truth of the Bible, which makes him tremble. (James 2:19) But a second element in saving faith is the agreement of the heart (or will) to the truth understood by the mind. It is a cordial trust or resting of the mind in those truths, and yielding up the whole being to their influence. Now it is easy to see that without the consent of the will, there can be nothing but an outward obedience to God. A wife without confidence in her husband can do nothing more than outwardly perform her duty to him. Works of law may be performed without faith, that is, we may serve from fear or hope or some selfish motive, but without the confidence that works by love, obedience from the heart is naturally impossible.By what I've already said, I mean that to seek the grace of faith by mere human works is an utter abomination. It is as abominable as to attempt to purchase the Holy Ghost with money. (Acts 8:20) It is to set aside the testimony of God's Word concerning our utter depravity (helplessness) and attempt to pawn off our unbelieving, heartless works upon an infinitely Holy God. It is an attempt to purchase His favor, instead of accepting grace as His sovereign gift.To give any other answer to one in unbelief, and to tell him to perform any work with the expectation that by it he shall obtain faith, is to confirm him in self-righteousness, to prolong his rebellion, to lead him to settle down in a self-righteous hope to produce in the end, discouragement and blasphemy.Because repentance, faith, love, and every other holy exercise both imply and proceed from faith - without confidence in the character and requirements of God, it is impossible to repent. For what is repentance but heartily to justify God and condemn ourselves? So it is equally impossible to exercise a trusting love in God without faith. Submission to God implies the exercise of confidence in God and in His requirements.Faith is the only exercise that receives Christ with all His powerfully sanctifying influences into the heart. The Bible everywhere represents the sanctified soul as being under the influence of an indwelling Christ. Now the exercise of faith is an opening of the door by which Christ is received to reign in the heart. If this is so, the proper direction plainly is to do that which receives Christ. If this is done, all else will be done. If this is neglected, all else will be neglected, of course!Some Helpful RemarksYou see why the Church is not sanctified. They overlook the office and necessity of faith as that which alone can produce acceptable obedience to God. They are engaged in efforts to obtain faith by works, instead of first exercising that faith which will produce within them a clean heart. And in this way they seek in vain for sanctification. How common it is to see Christians bustling about with outward efforts and works - fasting and praying, giving and doing and struggling - and after all this, they do not have the fruits of the Spirit: "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance, against such there is no law." (Gal. 5:22-23 KJV)You see why the Bible lays so much stress upon faith.You see what the difficulty is for those who are constantly in a complaining state in their walk with the Lord. They seem to know they are wrong, but do not understand what the foundation of their wrong consists of. They sometimes think that a neglect of a certain duty is the grand difficulty, and sometimes their mind fastens upon something else that is the prime difficulty in their case. They set themselves to break off from one sin and another, they practice this self-denial and that duty, and all without that faith that fills the heart with love. Thus they go round and round in a circle and do not see that unbelief is their great, their damning sin, without the removal of which no other sin can be repented of or forgiven. All their efforts are entirely legal, hypocritical, and vain until they exercise faith.If persons without faith, in an unsanctified state, set themselves to obey the commandments of God, their efforts must necessarily be legal, self-righteous, and destructive. To them the directions of the Gospel, as well as the commandments of the law, are a horrible pit of miry clay. And when you cast a man into a horrible pit of miry clay, the more he struggles the deeper he sinks. Every effort at obedience without faith is sin, and as it confirms self-righteousness, is sinking him further and further from God and rational hope. And the more violently he struggles, the more desperate and alarming his case becomes. The clay surrounds him and cleaves to him, suffocates and kills him. Just so the commands of God to an unbelieving heart are a snare and a pit. Without faith, there is ruin and damnation in them.To the careless, unawakened sinner who knows nothing of his lostness, it might be important and proper to direct his attention to the law of God to bring conviction - not with the expectation of promoting holiness in him, but of convicting him of sin. Thus we find Christ requiring the rich young man who is wrapped up in self-righteousness to keep the commandments, bringing out before his mind his supreme love of the world and of things. (Luke 18:18-23)You see how to the Jews and to all unbelievers, the commandments of God are a stumbling block. All outward conformity to them is useless and ruinous. Love without faith is impossible. And consequently, the merciful directions and instructions contained in the dos and don'ts of the Bible are made the food of self-righteousness and the snare of death. But to those whose souls are full of faith and love, the commandments of God are just the instruction which they need when, in their ignorance, they earnestly inquire what they shall do to glorify God. "Do this and avoid that," and the like, are just the things upon which hearts of love will seize as the needed directions of their Heavenly Father.But someone may inquire, "Do not men learn to exercise faith by what you call legal efforts and an obedience to the legal directions?" No. They only learn by experience that all such directions are vain, and that they are totally depraved and dependent, which they ought to have believed before. They set themselves to pray and read and struggle, expecting at every meeting they attend, with every prayer they make, to obtain grace and faith. But they never do until they are completely discouraged and despair of obtaining help in this way. And the history of every self-righteous sinner's conversion and every anxious Christian's sanctification would develop this truth: that deliverance does not come until their self-righteous efforts are proved by their own experience to be utterly vain, and abandoned as useless - and the whole subject thrown upon the sovereign mercy of God. This submitting a subject to the sovereign mercy of God is that very act of faith which they should have put forth long before, but which they would not exercise until every other means had been tried in vain!But perhaps you will say, "If by this self-righteous struggle they learn their depravity and dependence, and in this matter come to prove by their own experience the truth of God, why not encourage them to make these efforts as at least an indirect way of obtaining faith?" Answer: Blasphemy and drunkenness and any of the most shocking sins may be, and often have been, the means of working conviction which has resulted in conversion. Why not encourage these things to possibly bring about ultimate salvation for some?The truth is, when a sinner's attention is awakened and he is convicted and puts forth the inquiry, "What shall I do?" and when a Christian, struggling with his remaining corruption, puts forth this same inquiry, why should they be thrown into the horrible pit of which I have spoken? Why not tell them at once, in the language of the text, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent"? (John 6:29)Let me say to you who would make the inquiry, "How can I overcome sin?" don't wait to fast, read, pray, or anything else - don't expect to break off from any sin in your unbelief! You may break off from the outward commission - you may substitute praying for swearing, reading your Bible for reading magazines, outward employment and honesty for theft and idleness, soberness for drunkenness, and anything you please - but this, without faith, is after all, only exchanging one form of sin for another - it is only varying the mode of your rebellion towards God. For remember that in unbelief, whatever your conduct is, you are still in rebellion against God. Faith would instantly sanctify your heart, sanctify all your doings, and render them in Christ Jesus, acceptable to God.My dear friend, you inquire whether you shall obtain holiness by reading the Bible, or by prayer, fasting, or by all these together. Now let this sermon answer you and know that by neither nor by all of these, in the absence of faith, are you to grow any better or find any relief. You speak of being in darkness and of being discouraged. No wonder you are so, since you have plainly been seeking sanctification by outward works. You have "stumbled over the stumbling stone." (Rom. 9:32) You are in that pit of miry clay. Immediately exercise faith upon the Son of God! It is the first, the only thing you can do to rest your feet upon the Rock - and it will immediately put a new song into your mouth!
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