tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7855259609493830352024-02-20T09:55:58.055-08:00Barbara OggBarbara Ogg, disciple of Christ. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06900219009921881136noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-785525960949383035.post-54838259757241448052015-07-25T07:07:00.000-07:002015-07-25T07:07:56.216-07:00How Do I Love?<i>It is so easy to seek out fleshly efforts to "please" God and also easy to make legalistic efforts to "please" God, but what has He asked from us? He wants us to love others. Why do we prefer works over love? Why do we prefer the law over grace? Why do we always seem to be looking for another way to salvation than through the shed blood of Christ?</i><br /><br /><b>For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” </b><br />
<b>Galatians 5:14<br /><br />So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12</b><br /><br /><b>A Pharisees asked Jesus 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” <br />And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:35-40</b><br /><br /><i>So now we know that regardless of how religious we may be with our "good" works, if we don't have love for one another we have deceived ourselves. </i><br /><b>We love, because He first loved us. 20 If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. 21 And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also. 1 John 4:19-21</b><br />
<br />
<i>But how do we do it? How do we love others? Well we know that love is listed as a fruit of the Spirit. God is love. It is not our love that we are seeking to walk in but Christ's love.</i><br />
<br />
<div class="version-ASV result-text-style-normal text-html ">
<span class="passage-display-bcv"></span><span class="text Gal-5-22" id="en-ASV-29185"></span><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Gal-5-22" id="en-ASV-29185">But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,</span></span></b><span class="text Gal-5-23" id="en-ASV-29186"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><sup class="versenum">23 </sup>meekness, self-control; against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23</b></span></span></div>
<div class="version-ASV result-text-style-normal text-html ">
<span class="text Gal-5-23" id="en-ASV-29186"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span></span></div>
<div class="version-ASV result-text-style-normal text-html ">
<span class="text Gal-5-23" id="en-ASV-29186"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>So, how do we get the fruit of the Spirit in our lives? I think we have to: </i></span></span><span class="text Gal-5-23" id="en-ASV-29186"></span><span class="text Gal-5-23" id="en-ASV-29186"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>seek God and draw near to Him. We need to wash our minds in the word of God, think on God's word, make our thoughts line up with His thoughts, meditate on His word, be kind to one another, deny our flesh, do good works etc., </i></span></span><span class="text Gal-5-23" id="en-ASV-29186"></span><span class="text Gal-5-23" id="en-ASV-29186"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>but all the while seeking His direction that we be with Him and in Him and not our own way. We need to be one with Him in the Spirit. We may want to do one good work when our heavenly Father may have a completely different good work for us to do. His good work may not seem as glamorous and as fruitful and productive as the "good work" we chose for ourselves. We need to surrender our all to Christ and trust Him and follow Him wherever he leads. Today let us seek to truly love one another in Christ as He has loved us. Let us draw near to Him.</i><b> </b></span></span> </div>
<i> </i><b> </b><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06900219009921881136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-785525960949383035.post-85135049232856124612015-07-24T12:35:00.001-07:002015-07-24T12:58:09.553-07:00Take His Hand<i>I think it's about walking out
our faith in fear and trembling, and also letting go and trusting God. (Philippians 2:12) Though they don't
seem to go together, I think they do. Fear, because there is nothing
else to fear but God. Everything is under His power and control. To fear
something other than God is to exalt that thing or person above God.
The beginning of wisdom is to fear God. (Proverbs 9:12)</i><br />
<br />
<i>We tremble
because if we are not alert and we give into temptation or fall into
the snares of the enemy then we are not walking with Christ and we may
not even know it. (Jude 1:24; Psalm 23) We tremble because we see our
brother or sister fall and we know how easily we could be lifted up in
pride and do the same or worse ourselves. If we don't know this than pride has already taken more than a foothold in our lives. We need to humble
ourselves under the mighty hand of God (1 Peter 5:6-7) and seek Him and His will for our lives. We need to lay down our will and do God's will. If we are not going to do the will of our Father then we need to make sure we are not standing in the way of His
dealing with others and correcting His children. God will get to us and He
will deal with us, but let us not stand in the way of our Father's work. It will not
go well for us if we do.</i><br />
<i><br /> We may be walking in a way that seems
right to us rather than walking with Christ. (Proverbs 14:12) Some people live their
whole lives walking in a way that seems good and is good by earthly
standards, yet they are going their own way. Let us seek God in all our
ways, even (and perhaps especially) in the ways that seem right to us.</i><br />
<br />
<i>We
must seek God with our whole heart. (Jeremiah 29:13) We must draw near to Him and get to
know Him so that in that day when we stand before Him we will not
ashamed. (John 2:28) Let us trust God to guide us in the way we should go and not
lean on our own understanding. It is God who will bring us through all
of this and it is God who will bring us home; but like a child we must stay
close and hold His hand. If we wonder off we will get into all sorts of
trouble and we will certainly answer to our Heavenly Father. He disciplines those He
loves and though we do not like it He disciplines us for our own Good.
If He allows us to wonder off perhaps we are not His? Perhaps He doesn't
know us? Let us today seek to know God. Let us walk with Jesus and hold His hand.</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06900219009921881136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-785525960949383035.post-48276327272814158832015-03-16T07:37:00.000-07:002015-03-16T07:37:02.638-07:00The Praise of Man<span style="font-size: large;"><i>“How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?”<br />
John 5:44</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>
</i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>I think this may be one of the foundations to actually living a
surrendered life to Christ… giving up our own glory and seeking God’s
glory. Talk about a major “paradigm shift.” Before regeneration our
focus is on our glory, but a surrendered life to Christ crucifies self
on the cross with Christ and takes up His cross and FOLLOWS Him. It is
no longer I, but Him. We truly die to self and selfish ambition. It is
only at this point that we truly bow down and worship our creator. Up
until this point of recognition and understanding of the scriptures it
is all about us. But when we bow down and lift up Christ truly seeking
to glorify Him and not ourselves can we say we are living for Christ.</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>
</i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>“For they loved human praise more than praise from God.”<br />
John 12:43</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>
</i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Oh, what a piercing scripture this is. Let us each from our own heart
ask ourselves this question: Do we love human praise more then the
praise of God? Heaven help us if we do and Lord help us to surrender our
hearts to you completely that we would not seek our own glory and
praise and that we would not give glory and praise to another. You alone
are God and to you alone belong all glory, honor and praise.</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>
</i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Who do we long to hear praise from? Who or what are we following
after? Do we twist the understanding of scriptures to fit with our
deception, our pride? Did we exchange the truth of God for a lie? Are we
even following the one true God or are we following a deceiving spirit,
one who appears as an angel of light but is in fact an impostor?</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>
</i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>“For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the
voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, ‘This is my beloved Son,
with whom I am well pleased,’”</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>2 Peter 1:17</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>
</i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Is this the kind of Glory we crave? The praise from God that comes
from being obedient to Him or do we praise the glory from man for what
our flesh can accomplish?</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>
</i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the
one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him there is
no falsehood.<br />
John 7:18</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>
</i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>If we are truly walking with God then we do not get ahead of
ourselves, but we do the things we see Him doing and He gives us His
words to say.</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>
</i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Thought provoking scriptures:</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br />
<br />
“I do not accept glory from human beings.”</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i> </i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>John 5:41</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>
</i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>“Yet you refuse to come to me to have life.”<br />
John 5:40</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>
</i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>“After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great
multitude in heaven, crying out, ‘Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and
power belong to our God.'”<br />
Revelation 19:1</i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06900219009921881136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-785525960949383035.post-24739519317873336462014-07-16T11:20:00.001-07:002014-07-16T11:20:03.758-07:00How Do You Know It Was God?<i><span style="font-size: large;">A friend recently asked me: "How do you know you heard from God? How do you know it was not an imposter?"</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">That is such a good question. I decided to ask that same question in a Facebook group. So many people in this particular group have had visual and audible experiences with Jesus and also demonic spirit manifestations. So I decided to ask them how they knew which spirit was which. Certainly demonic manifestations can be obvious, but not always.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">We do know that Satan appears as an angel of light. He is not (the light) and he is not (the angel of light), but he appears (as) an angel of light. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">So we can expect Satan to appear as light, to appear as a good thing, and not as something we can easily recognize. It is our pride that makes us feel secure and believe we would (just know) because we have such discerning abilities.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Satan deceives and he is the master of deception. If he reveals himself as darkness, where is the deception? But Satan appears as a light, he gives us a false confidence, a false comfort, a mimicking of the holy things of God. He convinces people he is God and that they are on the right path. Many will even perform miracles in "god's name" but Jesus will say in that day, "Depart from me; I never knew you you." Matthew 7:23</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: large;"> The Bible tells us to test every spirit to see where it is from. We are admonished to NOT believe every spirit.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">So, how can we know the spirit that manifests itself to us is from God?</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Is it the really good and comforting feeling we get from this spirit? The feeling that says "this is all good, listen to this person or me for that matter? That "knowing" feeling, where you "just know."</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Is it because we feel special and loved possibly for the first time? Is it because we see a glow or aura that we believe this is a sign or confirmation from God?</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">So many times too we hear people making statements such as, "I prayed about this and this is what I think or how I am going to respond" as if to imply that their actions or words are from God when even a small amount of understanding of scripture would make it obvious that God was not in their actions or words. If we will be judged for every idle word how much will we be judged for implying we are speaking or acting for God when we are actually being self serving and acting from our carnal nature?</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">We may think that good and evil seem simple enough to discern, but Satan is the deceiver. Satan has a veil over the mind of unbelievers; it is only through Christ this veil is removed and there are many who believe they are saved yet the veil (of Satan) is coving their eyes and ears. They believed a lie from the deceiver who most likely appeared "as an angel of light."</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">The Wide Gate</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">It is an easy way. It doesn't require any repentance or confession of sin, and certainly no turning from sin. You don't even have to see or pass by the blood of Jesus.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">The Narrow Gate</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. 14"For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it. Matthew 7:13-14</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">We need to know the word of God and recognize ANY no matter how small or seemingly inconsequential we may think it is... If it deviates from scripture, it is a lie and it is major! Back away from that spirit. It is NOT from God! It is the tiny lie (twisting of truth) we need to look out for, not the obvious lie.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Let's look at what the word of God says regarding these spirits:</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Test all things; hold fast what is good.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">1 Thessalonians 5:21 </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. 1 Corinthians 14:29</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">And when they say to you, “Seek those who are mediums and wizards, who whisper and mutter,” should not a people seek their God? Should they seek the dead on behalf of the living? 20 To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. Isaiah 8:19-20 </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, …</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Matthew 7:15</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">17 These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. Acts 17:11</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">2 Corinthians 11:13-15</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">"You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? 17"So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit.… Matthew 7:16-17</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">The Works of the Flesh</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders,[d] drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">The Fruit of the Spirit</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.</span></i><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06900219009921881136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-785525960949383035.post-86126817628606450132014-03-16T08:09:00.001-07:002014-05-06T09:11:48.524-07:00When You have Been Marginalized<span style="font-size: large;"><i>It is difficult to comprehend the effects that being marginalized can have on someone until it has happened to them. To be treated as if you are of no consequence and have no matter or purpose can be quite devastating. We all have a sense of needing to belong somewhere; and when we have been shoved off or possibly never allowed onto this foundation it can really make us question if we even have value or worth. It will certainly make us feel alone, isolated, and unwanted. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>It is so important that we have our foundation in Christ; and trust in Him for our worth and purpose. We need to surrender completely to Christ in our pain and allow Him to do the work in our lives that this pain is surely working to bring about. This most certainly allows for a dying to self which allows for a renewing of our minds through Christ. "Yet not I, but Christ Who lives in me." Galatians 2:20</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>I want to go all the way with God. I want to be completely sold out to Him. I want the "Yet not I, but Christ Who lives in me" scripture to be me.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>How can I do that? </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>There is so much of me that needs to die; so much flesh and worldly thoughts and beliefs. So much doubt and unbelief. So much judging of others. And in the death of my sins/self replace my thoughts with His thoughts (whatever is godly and pure and true etc). I need to allow His Word to become alive in me. I need to walk in the Truth with my eyes focused on Jesus and not on my circumstances.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Now is a time of trial and testing; but I think I recognize my need for this. I have been praying fervently to be completely surrendered to Christ. I've prayed that when I stand before God I don't want to see a vision of God's glorious plan he had prepared for my life if only I would have surrendered and trusted Him. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>But, I want to hear Him say, with open arms: "I know you well! You have followed me diligently and have believed on ALL that I have said without doubting! You have been such a joy to me! I love you. Come here to me!"</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>I really do want Him to say that to me. And surely this is possible. Surely this is something He desires to say to all of us, right? Would He have created a perfect plan for us to walk in victory if he didn't desire and know we could achieve His plan? We know that He is working in us to desire to do His will; and we know that it is Him doing it and not us, right? Because if it was about me I wouldn't bother to try. But it is not me; it is Him working in me. I just need to take all my idols one by one and renounce them. I need to repent. I need to accept this complete dying to self without doubting God's most gracious provision for me to be a new creation in Him.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come." 2 Corinthians 5:17</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>I need to surrender and renounce the old self and be completely clothed in the new clothes Christ has for me. And I need to do this without doubting and through faith that my Heavenly Father really loves me and has glorious plans for me. Plans far better than I can imagine. I know that in my earthly frame I cannot understand the beauty that comes from suffering. But I have seen the effects. God does work righteousness through our suffering.</i></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06900219009921881136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-785525960949383035.post-50166243596523752112014-02-17T20:23:00.004-08:002014-02-17T20:27:13.545-08:00It's a Choice<span style="font-size: large;"><i>When I think of my choices and my uncertainty when I don't know what to do, I think of Moses seeing 3-4 millions Egyptians coming towards him and his people, and 2.5 million Israelites looking at him like "What have you gotten us into?" </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Did he doubt? Did he think perhaps he wasn't listening and didn't hear from God completely? Was he reviewing all his past actions and thinking what he should have done differently?</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>We are not given any reason to believe he doubted. In fact, it seems like when the people came complaining to him saying Moses should have left them alone in Egypt, that they would have been better off serving the Egyptians, and now they would surely die in the wilderness, Moses received an immediate word from God regarding Pharaoh and his army. "Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:13</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>We have such a contrast between the faith of Moses and that of his followers. They saw the same miracles Moses saw, so that couldn't be it. What makes the difference. Why do some stand in faith and others right next to them fall into doubt and unbelief?</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>I think I know the answer.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Doubt and unbelief are sin. They are no different than any other sins. Doubt and unbelief are a choice. Moses chose to believe God.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Choose this day whom you will serve." Joshua 24:15</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"You cannot serve two masters." Matthew 6:24 </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Exodus 33:13 gives us a glimpse of Moses humanity. Moses asked God to show him His plan; he wanted to avoid the uncertainty, the unknown. But God said no. He said "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."</i></span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06900219009921881136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-785525960949383035.post-44993648104178473232014-02-09T13:21:00.000-08:002014-02-09T13:21:00.768-08:00Our Love is Increasing<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>I believe God would use more people to bring healing and nurturing to a hurting damaged world if He could just find them. But so often we harden our hearts and go our own ways with little regard to God's commandments. It was after all, His design that the world would recognize Christians by their love. Yet it seems hard for those in the body of Christ to find loving and nurturing people even in the "church." We may go on Sundays but do we pick and choose who we will love? Do we love one another? Do we forgive others their wrongs against us?</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>2 Thessalonians 1:3 says " We must always thank God for you, brothers and sisters this is only right, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love that everyone of you has for each other is increasing."</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>I am repenting of my lack of love. I know that true Love comes only from God...for God is Love. I cannot judge others for their lack of love because I also stand condemned. But now I repent. And though it seems impossible that God could even use me as a vessel of Love, I know that He has called me to be that vessel. He has called us all to be that vessel. God does not command us to do something that we cannot do. We may not be capable of being a vessel of Love. But with Christ IN us, as surrendered vessels, we will be vessels who do His good will. Because it is God who completes the good work He began. It is Him doing it, not us. He is faithful; He will do it. Let us surrender ourselves to Him today, completely. Let us not quench the Holy Spirit.</i></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06900219009921881136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-785525960949383035.post-74239521520721984122014-01-20T02:38:00.000-08:002014-05-04T21:41:21.578-07:00Do Not Consume One Another<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Do Not Consume One Another</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>I heard this woman on the radio taking about her pet peeve and she said she was a grammar nazi. Actually, it sounded more like she was bragging about it and attempting to justify this. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>As I listened to her I thought this sounds like pride!</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>I began to think about my deduction and I wondered if we all had pet peeves like that and if perhaps I had a pet peeve? I asked myself what my pet peeve might be? And I immediately and also quite pridefully said my pet peeve is people who answer a question before hearing it and people who don't really listen, but answer a different question than was asked. Then these two scriptures came to my mind: </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Luke 6:31 </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another." Galatians 5:15 (ESV)</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>It seems to be taking me so long to learn some of this stuff. But God is breaking down my walls of denial, unbelief, and self righteousness.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>It seems like in my life there have always been an enormous amount of people knocking me down. I almost never made it back up the last time. But God has been showing me how to lean on Him and fall on Him. He has also been showing me I can trust Him. My faith has increased greatly. But still, there seems to be so many people who want to knock me down. I have to ask myself the question.....</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Am I one of those people who knocks others down? Do I bite and devour others?" </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>I so much want to say that I never do that and I never have. But I can't say that. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>While I firmly believe we are to recognize sin when we see it, (Sin is a terrible thing. If we can't recognize sin, how can we help a brother or sister who has become tangled up in sin be set free?) I think the point is, when we recognize sin what do we do with that knowledge? </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>For starters, I think it depends on our relationship to the person. But we should certainly pray for wisdom and guidance from our Heavenly Father. Perhaps that is as far as He would have us take it. But if He does direct us to go to the person, then we need to approach them in a spirit of meekness and fear least we also fall prey. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>I think when He says we are not to judge, He means like we are not to have the attitude of "Thank God I am not like that person!" Or "I would never do that!" </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Watch out that you are not consumed by one another." </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>This seemed to explain everything. I was consuming others and being consumed by others! I would even judge them for consuming me, but I would justify my consuming others.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Christians destroying Christians! Oh my! This really is as bad as it sounds. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Lord help us love one another. Help us to "not return evil for evil or insult for insult, but give a blessing instead." 1 Peter 3:9 </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>I have such a long way to go. But thankfully, God IS God and he is faithful to complete the good work He began. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass." </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>1 Thessalonians 5:23-24</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Thank God we have hope in Christ!!! Amen.</i></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06900219009921881136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-785525960949383035.post-89366158139103086882014-01-15T08:34:00.001-08:002014-01-15T08:34:30.439-08:00Only Him to Lean On<span style="font-size: large;"><i>I was feeling sorry for myself because I realized as always it seems, I am alone. Who stands with me? Who understand? Who believes in me? Yes, true pity, potty, party. Ever been there? :)</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Then I think about Jesus; in times past, I have told myself that He at least had a good foundation. His parents loved Him. They took care of Him. Anyway, I would tell myself that with a good foundation I think one can do most anything in life. Later he had His disciples. True one was bad, but the others loved Him and were faithful. What have I? Sure most of what I don't have is my fault, but not all. Some things I think God Himself has deprived me from for the purpose of teaching me to lean on Him. My lack is actually an answer to prayer. I do want to know Him and walk with Him. He helps me in my endeavor by eliminating my people idol and crutches. When I look around and see only Him walking beside me how can I get lost?</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>But today I had an interesting thought. Did Jesus ever really have anyone He could share His heart with? Was there ever anyone who understood Him? Could it be that His only true communication was with His Heavenly Father? Did He perhaps recognize His need to walk in the spirit rather than the flesh to get His needs met? Is that not what we are all called to do once we have been born again? We are now made anew in Christ. It is nice when we can share are hearts and dreams with others. But many times that cannot be. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>I say I want to walk with God. That I want true fellowship with Him, yet I continually seek to be understood by man. Is my purpose to be understood or to understand? Perhaps God has called me to listen and hear His people and not seek to speak and be heard.</i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06900219009921881136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-785525960949383035.post-84124405568100947752014-01-01T13:00:00.001-08:002014-05-04T22:14:26.181-07:00He Made Every Provision <span style="font-size: large;"><i>He Made Every Provision</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>You know He didn't have to do any of it. He could have just made us angels or let everyone choose if they wanted to go with Him or with Satan, but He had a much better plan for us than that. He wanted us to be His children, joint heirs with Jesus and live with Him in heaven forever and ever as members of His kingdom. (He wants us to know Him; He loves us.) He spared nothing for us, but made every provision, even to the point of offering his own son- and Jesus Himself, willingly laid down His life to be the final Passover sacrificial lamb for our sins.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>I was listening to an apologetic debate between a Christian theologian and a man who used to be a "minister" debating "the existence of God." You know I don't recall anywhere reading that Paul or any other person in the Bible actually tried to convince an atheist that God exists. Though the Bible does specifically address this. But it seemed like everyone already understood there was a god of some sort.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"…because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. 21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.…" Romans 1:19-21</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>I personally would no longer attempt to convince someone of God's existence. God already did that and they rejected Him. I cannot presume to do a better job of convincing them He exists if they choose not to see His evidence. What I would attempt though is to point out their rebellion. Because I perceive rebellion is the root of their unbelief. And unbelief is a sin that God does not take lightly. We are responsible for our unbelief (rebellion) and we will answer to God for it.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>In the debate where Dan Barker and John Mark Reynolds debated the existence of God, Dan Barker asserted that almost all Christians are nicer than Jesus and that he himself is nicer than Jesus.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>I think it is pretty obvious that He doesn't know Jesus and never did. He claimed that he had the same type of spiritual experiences with "Jesus" that we did. Apparently Dan doesn't realize that Satan also likes to go by the name of Jesus and is ready to slip in there with anyone who will receive him. Satan is not only a liar but a thief.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"My sheep hear my voice and will not follow another." And also, "they went out from us because they were never really with us." John 10:26</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>1 John 2:19</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Dan also told us how he really loved his "Jesus." Like this was some kind of proof that he understood what being a Christian was all about. I used to really love the Tooth Fairy. I mean I really really loved the Tooth Fairy. But once I realized the Tooth Fairy wasn't real, I was able to walk away. I just lost a false belief system. I didn't lose Jesus and neither did Dan. Dan lost a lie that he had embraced and loved and counted as the truth.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>You know Satan also has plans for our lives and it appears that Satan had big plans for Dan's life. But does Dan want the Truth or is he happy with his deception? Dan is doing the will of his father (Satan) whether he means to or not. He is encouraging and heralding the lost onto a more sure footed road to damnation.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Dan Barker and John Mark Reynolds debated the existence of God. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>What Do You Believe? Does God Exist?</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>http://confidentchristianity.blogspot.com</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Dan Barker- Co- president, "Freedom From Religion Foundation" Also known for his advocacy of atheism and rationalism</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Criticism of religion.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>John Mark Reynolds from Houston Baptist University.</i></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06900219009921881136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-785525960949383035.post-61159670632092434222013-12-20T10:57:00.003-08:002013-12-21T06:35:57.473-08:00By All Outward Appearances<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>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. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>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. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>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></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>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.</i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06900219009921881136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-785525960949383035.post-16059848626715594872013-12-15T08:39:00.001-08:002013-12-15T08:39:26.794-08:00I CAN'T DO IT!<span style="font-size: large;"><i>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></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i> "I can do all things <b>through</b> Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13 NKJV</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"For by <b>You</b> I can run upon a troop; And by my <b>God</b> I can leap over a wall." Psalms 18:29 NASB</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"For <b>You</b> light my lamp; The LORD my <b>God</b> illumines my darkness."</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Psalm 18:28 NASB</i></span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06900219009921881136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-785525960949383035.post-87308322972445569712013-12-07T08:01:00.003-08:002013-12-07T08:09:19.966-08:00Don't Compromise the Word of God<i><span style="font-size: large;">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?</span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i>
<i>What about taking every thought captive and making it line up to the word of God? (2 Corinthians 10:5)</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i>
<i>"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)</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i>
<i>But is Christ about including every thought and seeming nice belief? How often do we get side tracked by nice sounding teachings?</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i>
<i>Did Jesus give us an example that all beliefs are equal and acceptable? </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i>
<i>Do we have ANY examples of Jesus rebuking anyone? </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i>
<i>He called others to repentance and the disciples did the same thing.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i>
<i>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. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i>
<i>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. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i>
<i>"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</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i>
<i>"Make sure that the light you think you have is not actually darkness." </i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Luke 11:35 </span></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06900219009921881136noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-785525960949383035.post-44621205779491930412013-11-29T06:56:00.001-08:002013-12-07T08:10:47.779-08:00 A Holy Kiss<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><i>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></span></div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: large;"><i><br style="text-align: justify;" /></i></span>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><i>(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</i></span></div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: large;"><i><br style="text-align: justify;" /></i></span>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><i>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.</i></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06900219009921881136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-785525960949383035.post-68649594777186460442013-11-16T18:04:00.001-08:002013-12-07T08:11:14.147-08:00My Sheep Hear My Voice and Follow Me<i><span style="font-size: large;">Are we so easily lead astray?</span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i>
<i>"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</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i>
<i>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</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i>
<i>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></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i>
<i>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.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i>
<i>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.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i>
<i>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. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i>
<i>So many of the popular national ministries are not biblically sound. They are leading their followers to accept new age teaching and universal doctrines. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i>
<i>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. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i>
<i>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. </i></span><br />
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<i>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? </i></span><br />
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<i>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. </i></span><br />
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<i>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></span><br />
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<i>I call scribes our learned leaders who have gone to Bible school.</i></span><br />
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<i>Paul Called by God</i></span><br />
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<i>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.</i></span><br />
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<i>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.</i></span><br />
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<i>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.</i></span><br />
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<i>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.</i></span><br />
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<i>What place does the Holy Spirit hold in your life?</i></span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06900219009921881136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-785525960949383035.post-35756737805641304412013-09-24T08:33:00.001-07:002013-12-07T09:08:49.520-08:00God's Love is a holy love<i><span style="font-size: large;">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?</span></i><br />
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<i>Sexual Freedom Always Curtails Other Freedoms</i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Interact with people in our society about issues related to sex, and you’ll quickly discover how everyone seems to be a libertarian.</span></i><br />
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<i>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.</i></span><br />
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<i>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.</i></span><br />
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<i>Male Friendships</i></span><br />
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<i>Here is an example.</i></span><br />
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<i>100 years ago, men were known to be openly affectionate with one another.</i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">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.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Men took pictures of themselves holding hands and demonstrating physical affection.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">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.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">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.</span></i><br />
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<i>What happened?</i></span><br />
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<i>The Sexualization of Everything</i></span><br />
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<i>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.</i></span><br />
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<i>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.</i></span><br />
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<i>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.</i></span><br />
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<i>The Frightening Future</i></span><br />
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<i>So what happens next?</i></span><br />
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<i>Our society’s propensity for sexualizing everything frightens me. What other relationships will get sexualized?</i></span><br />
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<i>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.</i></span><br />
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<i>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.</i></span><br />
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<i>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.)</i></span><br />
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<i>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.</i></span><br />
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<i>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.</i></span><br />
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<i>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.</i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Trevin Wax</span></i><br />
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<i>http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/trevinwax/2012/12/06/sexual-freedom-always-curtails-other-freedoms/</i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06900219009921881136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-785525960949383035.post-68732746474129632332013-09-15T14:26:00.001-07:002013-09-15T14:26:41.946-07:00Commitment to Self<br />
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<i>(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></div>
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<i>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.</i></div>
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<i>(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 </i></div>
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<i>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.</i></div>
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<i>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.</i></div>
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<i>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. </i></div>
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<i>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!</i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06900219009921881136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-785525960949383035.post-67009674517283056372013-09-03T13:39:00.003-07:002013-12-07T09:09:58.297-08:00The Real Haters<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">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 </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">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</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">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.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">"…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!…"</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"> 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)</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Lord I pray, help us stand and be faithful.</span></i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06900219009921881136noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-785525960949383035.post-88677224532952466952013-09-03T11:49:00.000-07:002013-09-03T12:18:13.747-07:00God is Near the Humble in Heart<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">We can learn so much about God, yet still not know Him. Knowledge puffs up. God is near the humble in heart.</span><br />
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<i>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></div>
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<i>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.</i></div>
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<i>Ephesians <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://0" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">4:12-13</a></i></div>
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<i>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.</i></div>
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<i>Barbara Ogg</i></div>
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