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? :)
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?
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 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.
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
He Made Every Provision
He Made Every Provision
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 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.
"…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 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.
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 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.
"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
1 John 2:19
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.
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.
Dan Barker and John Mark Reynolds debated the existence of God.
What Do You Believe? Does God Exist?
http://confidentchristianity.blogspot.com
Dan Barker- Co- president, "Freedom From Religion Foundation" Also known for his advocacy of atheism and rationalism
Criticism of religion.
John Mark Reynolds from Houston Baptist University.
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 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.
"…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 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.
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 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.
"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
1 John 2:19
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.
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.
Dan Barker and John Mark Reynolds debated the existence of God.
What Do You Believe? Does God Exist?
http://confidentchristianity.blogspot.com
Dan Barker- Co- president, "Freedom From Religion Foundation" Also known for his advocacy of atheism and rationalism
Criticism of religion.
John Mark Reynolds from Houston Baptist University.
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.
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
"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
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?
"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?
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