Friday, December 20, 2013

By All Outward Appearances

By all outward appearances, he was a humble man, quiet spoken, and somewhat timid. But he showed another side at home behind closed doors. His family knew him to be a monster, a bully to the most vulnerable inflicting immense terror to children without remorse. My friend shared with me the true man behind the image. I had simply commented to her how I always had an image of him as being so gentle and loving. She gave me such a bewildered look that he could be so perceived in the public view. 

His image and reputation were so important to him to the outside world. But she said to us, he was a monster. We could never do anything right; we were never good enough; we never measured up. There was no correction when we made a mistake it was more like, you opened a new bottle of ketchup and didn't see the one in the refrigerator, "I ought to shove this down your throat!" He said this to an eight year old. Every sentence started with G. d. 

And on top of all this he demanded respect. She said one time she was forced to stand in front of him while he yelled at her at the the top of his lungs uttering all forms of profanity and she got the bright idea, "if I find out what I am doing wrong, maybe I can stop doing it." So she said she decided she would ask why she was in trouble. She was so hopeful with her new revelation and belief that she could and would certainly stop doing whatever it was that was causing her to continually end up in this predicament with this man. Unfortunately, asking what she had done wrong was NOT the right question. She was supposed to know! She barely got out from his wrath with her life. She did learn to never ever ask why she was in trouble though.

I didn't really know how to respond to my friend. I just sorta stood there with my mouth open.  I don't know why some people get families who love them and care about them and others grow up with monsters. And I certainly am astounded that there are those living among us receiving all manner of praise and respect from us...when behind closed doors they behave like monsters. I noticed her eyes were intense like she was trying to make me see him as he showed himself to his family. To his family he demanded respect. He took it by force. Of course he didn't get real respect. He got the phony heart and attitude from his family... like the one he showed to the outside world.

Sunday, December 15, 2013

I CAN'T DO IT!

I can't do it! I can't do any of it.  I try to do good; but I cannot. I come to You Father, confessing that I cannot, by my own power, follow you in obedience to your commandments.  But I thank you that you are beginning to show me that You already know that I cannot do the things I so deeply desire to do; but as I surrender my weaknesses, shortcomings, and even lack of faith to You, You rise up within me and do the things I cannot do. 

 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13 NKJV

"For by You I can run upon a troop; And by my God I can leap over a wall." Psalms 18:29 NASB

"For You light my lamp; The LORD my God illumines my darkness."
Psalm 18:28 NASB

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Don't Compromise the Word of God

It's the little lie that puts us most at risk. When we hear our beloved minister, friend, family member, or neighbor proclaim something that sounds so good and so loving and so inclusive, how can we fault them? Is that where our compromise begins?

What about taking every thought captive and making it line up to the word of God? (2 Corinthians 10:5)


"Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;" 2 Corinthians 10:5)


But is Christ about including every thought and seeming nice belief? How often do we get side tracked by nice sounding teachings?


Did Jesus give us an example that all beliefs are equal and acceptable? 


Do we have ANY examples of Jesus rebuking anyone? 


He called others to repentance and the disciples did the same thing.


He came to give His life so that through His blood we could be free from the bondage of sin. He gave His life so that we could be joint heirs with Him. He paid the ultimate sacrifice for our atonement. We have been bought with a price. Surely we won't cheapen His sacrifice with inclusion of  those who reject Jesus as God (the Word made flesh). He died for their sins also, but they, like us, need to confess their sins and repent. 


We need to lay down our idols and turn to the one true God. We need to be bold and not compromise the Word Of God to be politically correct or go with the flow. The gospel doesn't change to fit into society. Society needs to change to fit into the gospel. 


"Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." John 14:6


"Make sure that the light you think you have is not actually darkness." 

Luke 11:35 

Friday, November 29, 2013

A Holy Kiss


John 21:17 - "He said to him the third time, 'Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?' Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, 'Do you love Me?' And he said to Him, 'Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.' Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep.'"

(I cannot even imagine what it would be like to over hear two men talking about loving each other in a holy manner. Where did we we lose this type of love and the ability to freely express it? Satan likes to desecrate everything holy. Now it seems men (especially) are afraid to love each other in the holy God given meaning of Love. So instead they (we) keep their (our) distance). Have we ever even seen this scripture enacted in the church? "Greet one another with a holy kiss." 1 Corinthians 16:20

Lord I pray that Your Love returns to the body of Christ. Let us love freely without reserve. Let us not be ashamed to give and receive Your holy Love.

Saturday, November 16, 2013

My Sheep Hear My Voice and Follow Me

Are we so easily lead astray?

"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you." John 14:26


Early in the morning the chief priests with the elders and scribes and the whole Council, immediately held a consultation; and binding Jesus, they led Him away and delivered Him to Pilate. Mark 15:1


It has been over 2000 years since these words were written. When we have a question whom do we seek out...the Holy Spirit or the scribes, (the learned men who have studies this thoroughly) and elders? Heaven forbid, after all this time, have we really decided it is our scribes and elders who know best? They are the ones who bound Jesus and delivered Him to Pilate. Where does the Holy Spirit fit in? What place have we given Him? Is it behind the elders? Does He even have a place? Have we deemed education to be superior to the Holy Spirit?


I say this because of the New World Order (NWO). Many of us can tell our constitution is being attacked and that strong forces are attempting to bring our country down. Some of us are undoubtedly aware of the veil that is blinding so many peoples eyes from seeing the obvious. There is so much spiritual sorcery going on all around us. We need to constantly pray for discernment and understanding for ourselves and those who cannot see what is happening right before their eyes. We only see in part ourselves. We need to pray for more understanding and discernment. We are no where close to having all the answers. But we do see prophesy unfolding.


It is imperative that we grasp a hold of the truth and to do this...we must know the Truth! We must draw close to the Truth and listen and follow the Truth. Jesus is the Truth.


Part of the problem is it is not just our government that that has been infiltrated. It is our churches too. In order for them to bring about a one world government, they must have a universal religion. 


So many of the popular national ministries are not biblically sound. They are leading their followers to accept new age teaching and universal doctrines. 


Do not be mislead. I believe a few of these people may have been mislead themselves by these false teachings; but unfortunately, most of them know full well who they are serving, and it's not Jesus. 


We have been trained for years that when we feel something is wrong in our spirit we should listen to our leaders when they assure us this stuff is from God. Let me give you some examples: the NIV Bible has had many many people come forth claiming that this is not an accurate translation and have even shown us how it differs from the KJV. You can check out the differences in the Strongs concordance. The differences are unacceptable. One scripture even calls Satan the Morning Star. Satan is NOT the Morning Star! The Morning Star is another name for Jesus! This is blasphemy! The publisher of the NIV (Zondervan) also publishes the satanic bible and things pertaining to the gay marriage agenda. It sounds like Zondervan has it's own agenda. 


How many of us had felt the tugging of the Holy Spirit and gone to our church leaders only to be told the NIV was a godly translation? Or a popular minister we heard on the radio or TV was met with revolt in our spirit? Or perhaps music or a song seemed to affect us in a negative way. Is this not the Holy Spirit we are quenching and being taught to quench it when we go to the scribes and elders? When did we decide we should listen to the scribes and not Jesus? Jesus said He was leaving us with the Holy Spirit who would teach us all things? Why do we keep going to man? 


Let's fall on our faces before God and seek Him. He would love to talk to us. He does not want us to be ignorant of these things. 


Can you think of some other times the Holy Spirit has told you something that was contrary to what you were being taught in church? 


I call scribes our learned leaders who have gone to Bible school.


Paul Called by God


11 I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. 12 I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.


13 For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. 14 I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased 16 to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being. 17 I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus.


18 Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephasb and stayed with him fifteen days. 19 I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord’s brother. 20 I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie.


21 Then I went to Syria and Cilicia. 22 I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they praised God because of me.


What place does the Holy Spirit hold in your life?


Tuesday, September 24, 2013

God's Love is a holy love

The below article really had a profound impact on me. I have never heard of the things he is saying; but if what he is saying is true, can you imagine the implications of it all? But regardless of whether it is true or not, it got me to pondering about the scripture, " they will know we are Christians by our love," "God is Love," etc. When Christians can stop keeping everyone at a distance and turn and Love each other instead, that would be a real sight to behold. Can you imagine if Christians really loved one another, I mean with a holy love?  Right now the church pretty much loves the same as the world does, don't you think? But God's love is pure, non sensual, I think maybe one of the greatest tragedies of all time may have been Satan perverting the meaning of Love. And it would make so much sense...since God Is Love. Your thoughts?
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Sexual Freedom Always Curtails Other Freedoms

Interact with people in our society about issues related to sex, and you’ll quickly discover how everyone seems to be a libertarian.

The dominant assumption is that religious people shouldn’t voice their opinions. Government should stay out of the bedroom. People ought to be free to engage in sexual relations with whomever they want whenever they want, as long as it’s not considered harmful to anyone. Even Christians who believe certain sexual activities (adultery, sex before marriage, homosexuality) to be morally wrong often grant the assumption that people ought to be free in their sexual decisions.


But there is no such thing as absolute freedom when it comes to sexuality. The moment we celebrate or endorse certain behaviors, we curtail freedom in other areas. This is the nature of freedom.


Male Friendships


Here is an example.


100 years ago, men were known to be openly affectionate with one another.

Men like Teddy Roosevelt wrote letters to other men that expressed great love and tenderness, to the point it makes modern day readers feel uncomfortable.
Men took pictures of themselves holding hands and demonstrating physical affection.
Abraham Lincoln was open about sharing a bed with Joshua Speed. Though some revisionists have sought to refashion this friendship a homosexual relationship, Lincoln biographer Doris Kearns Goodwin is most certainly right: the fact Lincoln spoke so openly about Speed is a clear sign that his male friendships were just that, friendships.
Today, there is little freedom for men to be physically affectionate toward one another. Writing an affectionate email might be seen as “girly” or “unmanly,” although it’s hard to imagine Teddy Roosevelt as a wimp.

What happened?


The Sexualization of Everything


As society has rushed to embrace homosexual behavior, the normal bonds of friendship between men have been curtailed. When Hollywood produced Brokeback Mountain, a movie that celebrated the relationship of gay cowboys, people began joking about men who go camping together and sleep in pup tents.


Men no longer express affection and friendship in ways they did a generation ago. The increasing acceptance of homosexuality and horror stories about child abusers like Jerry Sandusky  are enough to cause men to think twice before doing anything that could be misconstrued in a sexual manner.


What were once normal expressions of affection and love have been romanticized and sexualized. Our culture is losing the opportunity to have men who resemble Sam and Frodo – lasting friendships forged through trial and suffering, and yet whose affections were not romantic in nature.


The Frightening Future


So what happens next?


Our society’s propensity for sexualizing everything frightens me. What other relationships will get sexualized?


Here’s an example. My four-year-old daughter loves to jump in my arms, kiss me on the cheek, and hold me tightly. She is a physically affectionate little girl, and I hug and kiss her right back. I cherish the moments I have as a dad with a little princess who has no inhibitions of expressing her love to her daddy.


But let’s say society’s path of celebrated sexuality continues to move forward. Let’s say a Lolita type movie were to come out in a few years that celebrates incest. Let’s say the elite in Hollywood praised the movie, scorned those who were morally outraged, and decided to celebrate the sexualization of the father/daughter relationship.


What would eventually happen? Over time, fathers would be less likely to hug and kiss their little girls, to twirl them around like princesses and snuggle with them as they read bedtime stories at night. They’d feel weird about it because the culture has romanticized and sexualized what was once a normal affectionate expression. (I feel sick to my stomach even alluding to such a thing.)


This scenario scares me. But surely it’s not unrealistic. (Want proof? A new movie is out that celebrates an incestuous relationship between a brother and sister.) Our culture’s hyper-sexualization of everything could eventually poison a family’s innocent hugs and kisses.


Once we celebrate all sorts of sexual freedom, we slowly eliminate expressions of normal physical affection between human beings. Everything gets interpreted sexually, and this causes human beings to move farther apart, not closer together. In the name of freedom, we put ourselves in chains.


There is no such thing as absolute sexual freedom. Our society’s choice to celebrate and elevate types of behavior once considered out-of-bounds has ramifications for interpersonal relationships.

Trevin Wax

http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/trevinwax/2012/12/06/sexual-freedom-always-curtails-other-freedoms/

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Commitment to Self


(This is something I recently sent a friend who was struggling with self hatred. I adapted it from wisdom that I believe God gave me when I was a child).

I know you and I know your heart and thoughts. You have made mistakes. But you have always done the best you could with the information that you had. I know you would be a wonderful friend. You would be someone I could always count on. I know the mistakes you have made and I would not hold any friend accountable or even find blame with them for the things that you have done. If I look at you through friend glasses---You are clean in my eyes. Yet instead of loving you as a friend I have always judged you harshly and even hated you. I have tried to kill you---knowing it would kill me. Today I want to make peace. I want to be your friend. I pledge before you this day and forward--- I will believe the best about you! I will rebuke any negative reports that attempt to come my way about you! I forgive you for everything you have done in the past, present, and even the future! I can do this because I know you, I love you, and I trust you. And that is how I treat my friends.

(The above commitment is almost verbatim to what I now believe God gave me to release Satan's stronghold in my life. I was still a child at the time and I have no doubt I would not have survived my childhood had God not given me this tool. I used to be tormented by what I believe to be an evil spirit who wanted me dead. Looking back on that time in my life it was impossible to resist Satan on my own. I cannot remember how many times this demonic spirit over took me and 
attempted to get me to kill myself. I didn't even know it was Satan. This demonic spirit always came in as a rush and overtook me suddenly. I just thought it was me wanting to die. But not just wanting to die...I felt I had to die! But as usual, one day Satan overplayed his hand and I was able to see that this was not me wanting to die, but an outside force. An anger rose up within me. I said. If I die it will be my choice and not some outside force! It may have been that same night. God gave me these tools to over come that demonic spirit completely.

Ponder the exact things you have been accusing yourself of doing. Could your actions really just be the result of deep wounds? I discovered the things I hated myself for were not things I had done, but things that were done to me. Allow yourself to receive healing in these areas and if you need to...forgive yourself.

Under NO circumstances receive any negative report about yourself! (You wouldn't receive a negative report about a friend would you)? Learn to be vigilant in taking control of your thought life. 

This is a demonic spirit that wants you dead. God wants you to live. You must learn and practice spiritual warfare. You were called to be a great warrior! You can and will have victory in this area of your life!

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

The Real Haters


It is interesting that those who hate Jesus and deny him as God, call evil good and good evil. Who could ever imagine the Truth would become so twisted by so many perverse people? They say that unless they have proof that God exists they will never believe in Him. They demand God do things their way. They mock that which they have no understanding; they have no fear of God; they dare Him to show Himself. They don't understand that God loves to show Himself. They don't understand His patience and compassion for them...thinking instead that it is His weakness that keeps them alive and even claim that His silence to their demands proves He doesn't exist. "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." Romans 1:20 NIV 

When they stand before God they will know in their heart and mind that God exists. "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" Jeremiah 17:9

They chose to believe a lie; they constantly feed this lie to their mind. They are constantly trying to fully convince themselves that their darkness is light and that God's light is darkness; they try to kill the Truth thinking they can. That same spirit of anti-Christ that killed Jesus is even running more frantic now as the days are approaching their end. Satan knows his time is nearing.

"…19Who say, "Let Him make speed, let Him hasten His work, that we may see it; And let the purpose of the Holy One of Israel draw near And come to pass, that we may know it!" 20Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! 21Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes And clever in their own sight!…"

 Lord give me wisdom in how to respond to these people. And give me wisdom on when not to respond. I am believing that You will send one last great revival. Your word says  "I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” Luke 18:8 New International Version (NIV)

Lord I pray, help us stand and be faithful.




God is Near the Humble in Heart

We can learn so much about God, yet still not know Him. Knowledge puffs up. God is near the humble in heart.

Matthew 7:22"Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' 23"And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.'

I have heard many people say that Satan really attacks those in the music ministry. Sometimes I hear someone sing with such passion and seemingly anointing, yet their personal life is so filled with sin. When I hear them sing I think surely this person is a mighty man or woman of God. But I have to look at the fruit. If the fruit they bare is disharmony and rebellion, whose child are they? I think what may be happening is pride has set in. When someone has such a special gift as music or teaching, it is easy for them to get puffed up. So many people praise them. We really need to pray for those who have these gifts. And if we have these gifts we need to use them and not sit on them. These gifts were given to edify the body of Christ. These gifts are about who Christ is and they are not about us or because of us.

Ephesians 4:12-13
12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Barbara Ogg