Yes, you are a poem, written by the hand of Almighty God. The etymology of the word "poem" goes back to the greek "poiema".
"Poiema" is found in the Greek New Testament book of Ephesians chapter 2 verse 10 which translated to English reads, "For we are God's workmanship (poiema), created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Yes, you are God's poem in progress. It won't be finished until it is presented at His throne in Heaven without any imperfections whatsoever.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Don't Tell God!!
A missionary colleague posted this on Facebook. It's the kind of things I like to get and to pass on to others.
"Don't tell God how big your problems are. Tell your problems how big your God is."
"Don't tell God how big your problems are. Tell your problems how big your God is."
Monday, September 27, 2010
Troubling Thoughts?
---and the peace of God ...will guard your hearts.
"---whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good report, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, DWELL on these things."
---and the God of peace will be with you.
"---whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good report, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, DWELL on these things."
---and the God of peace will be with you.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
What Prayer Is NOT
"Prayer is not us giving God free advise on how to run His universe."
Russell Stendal at the Voice of the Martyrs conference in Scottsdale, AZ
Russell Stendal at the Voice of the Martyrs conference in Scottsdale, AZ
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
My Advice to you is this.....
"My advise to you is this: Go to God and present your case to Him. For He does great works too marvelous to understand. He performs miracles without number."
Job 5:8 The Holy Bible
Job 5:8 The Holy Bible
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Dreams vs. Reality
"I dreamt and saw that life was beauty,
I awoke and saw that life was duty."
by L.E. Maxwell A solid, down to earth Christian who influenced me greatly as a new Christian and whose vision helped me to catch a glimpse of a world in need of a Savior.
I awoke and saw that life was duty."
by L.E. Maxwell A solid, down to earth Christian who influenced me greatly as a new Christian and whose vision helped me to catch a glimpse of a world in need of a Savior.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Prayer Therapy
Yes, it is true that prayer changes things. But it has been said that prayer changes you as well.
One of the prayers that can be most helpful to you as you deal with the unpleasantries of life is the prayer our Lord Jesus made from the cross of Calvary.
FORGIVE THEM FATHER, THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO.
One of the prayers that can be most helpful to you as you deal with the unpleasantries of life is the prayer our Lord Jesus made from the cross of Calvary.
FORGIVE THEM FATHER, THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
The Martyrdom of Michael Sattler - A rerun
Have you ever read a martyr's trial?
Articles or Charges against Michael Sattler (1527)
First, that he and his adherents have acted contrary to the mandate of the Emperor.
Secondly, he has taught, held and believed that the body and blood of Christ are not present in the sacrament.
Thirdly, he has taught and believed that infant baptism does not conduce to salvation.
Fourthly, they have rejected the sacrament of extreme unction.
Fifthly, they have despised and condemned the mother of God and the saints.
Sixthly, he has declared that men are not to swear before the authorities.
Seventhly, he has commenced a new and unheard of custom in regard to the Lord's supper, placing the bread and wine on a plate, and eating and drinking the same.
Eightly, he has left the order, and married a wife.
Ninethly, he has said that if the Turks should invade the country, no resistance ought to be offered them; and if it were right to wage war, he would rather take the field against the Christians than against the Turks; and it is certainly a great matter, to set the greatest enemies of our holy faith against us.
After his short defence which quoted Bible verses it is recorded "the judges laughed and put their heads together, and the town clerk of Ensisheim said, 'O you infamous, desperate villain and monk, shall we dispute with you? The hangman shall dispute with you, I assure you."
Michael said, "God's will be done."
The town clerk said, "It were well if you had never been born."
Michael replied, God knows what is good."
Town Clerk, "You arch-heretic, you have seduced the pious; if they would only now forsake their error, and accept grace."
Michael: "Grace is with God alone."
One of the prisoners also said, "We must not depart from the truth."
Town Clerk: "You desperate villain and archheretic, I tell you if there were no hangman here, I would hang you myself, and think that I had done God service."
Michael: "God will judge aright."
Thereupon the town clerk said a few words to him in Latin, what we do not know.
Michael Sattler answered him Judica.
The town clerk said, "The hangman shall convince you; he shall dispute with you, arch-heretic."Michael: "I appeal to the Scriptures."
The judges arose, and went into another room, where they remained for an hour and a half, and determined on the sentence.
The judges having returned to the room, the sentence was read. It was as follows, "In the case of the Governor of his Imperial Majesty versus Michael Sattler, judgement is passed, that Michael Sattler shall be delivered to the executioner, who shall lead him to the place of execution, and cut out his tongue; then throw him upon a wagon, and there tear his body twice with red hot tongs; and after he has been brought without the gate, he shall be pinched five times in the same manner."
After this had been done in the manner prescribed, he was burned to ashes as a heretic. His fellow brethren were executed with the sword, and the sisters drowned. His wife, also, after being subjected to many entreaties, admonitions and threats, under which she remained very steadfast, was drowned a few days afterwards. Done the 21st day of May, A.D. 1527
from "The Martyrs Mirror"
Are we so weak that we won't even dispute the very things for which our spiritual forefathers were tortured and died at the hands of the Papists and Reformers? God have mercy upon our pitiful souls.
Articles or Charges against Michael Sattler (1527)
First, that he and his adherents have acted contrary to the mandate of the Emperor.
Secondly, he has taught, held and believed that the body and blood of Christ are not present in the sacrament.
Thirdly, he has taught and believed that infant baptism does not conduce to salvation.
Fourthly, they have rejected the sacrament of extreme unction.
Fifthly, they have despised and condemned the mother of God and the saints.
Sixthly, he has declared that men are not to swear before the authorities.
Seventhly, he has commenced a new and unheard of custom in regard to the Lord's supper, placing the bread and wine on a plate, and eating and drinking the same.
Eightly, he has left the order, and married a wife.
Ninethly, he has said that if the Turks should invade the country, no resistance ought to be offered them; and if it were right to wage war, he would rather take the field against the Christians than against the Turks; and it is certainly a great matter, to set the greatest enemies of our holy faith against us.
After his short defence which quoted Bible verses it is recorded "the judges laughed and put their heads together, and the town clerk of Ensisheim said, 'O you infamous, desperate villain and monk, shall we dispute with you? The hangman shall dispute with you, I assure you."
Michael said, "God's will be done."
The town clerk said, "It were well if you had never been born."
Michael replied, God knows what is good."
Town Clerk, "You arch-heretic, you have seduced the pious; if they would only now forsake their error, and accept grace."
Michael: "Grace is with God alone."
One of the prisoners also said, "We must not depart from the truth."
Town Clerk: "You desperate villain and archheretic, I tell you if there were no hangman here, I would hang you myself, and think that I had done God service."
Michael: "God will judge aright."
Thereupon the town clerk said a few words to him in Latin, what we do not know.
Michael Sattler answered him Judica.
The town clerk said, "The hangman shall convince you; he shall dispute with you, arch-heretic."Michael: "I appeal to the Scriptures."
The judges arose, and went into another room, where they remained for an hour and a half, and determined on the sentence.
The judges having returned to the room, the sentence was read. It was as follows, "In the case of the Governor of his Imperial Majesty versus Michael Sattler, judgement is passed, that Michael Sattler shall be delivered to the executioner, who shall lead him to the place of execution, and cut out his tongue; then throw him upon a wagon, and there tear his body twice with red hot tongs; and after he has been brought without the gate, he shall be pinched five times in the same manner."
After this had been done in the manner prescribed, he was burned to ashes as a heretic. His fellow brethren were executed with the sword, and the sisters drowned. His wife, also, after being subjected to many entreaties, admonitions and threats, under which she remained very steadfast, was drowned a few days afterwards. Done the 21st day of May, A.D. 1527
from "The Martyrs Mirror"
Are we so weak that we won't even dispute the very things for which our spiritual forefathers were tortured and died at the hands of the Papists and Reformers? God have mercy upon our pitiful souls.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Our Responsibility
"Our responsibility in this hostile world is to defend successfully the concept of human freedom from every assault, ideological, economic or military." Barry Goldwater
Barry Goldwater was a candidate for President of the United States. He lost the election largely because his opponent said Goldwater would use the atomic bomb, which was a lie.
Goldwater's philosophical statement inscribed on his memorial in Paradise Valley, AZ was in a sense a prophetic statement about future threats to our nation, threats which at the time were encompassed in Communism which proved to be a failure.
The world has changed but the threats to freedom everywhere remain: ideological, economic and military.
Barry Goldwater was a candidate for President of the United States. He lost the election largely because his opponent said Goldwater would use the atomic bomb, which was a lie.
Goldwater's philosophical statement inscribed on his memorial in Paradise Valley, AZ was in a sense a prophetic statement about future threats to our nation, threats which at the time were encompassed in Communism which proved to be a failure.
The world has changed but the threats to freedom everywhere remain: ideological, economic and military.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Fatal Attraction - Revisited
Fatal Attraction, Garlic Girls, Delilah and HIV
Fatal Attraction
I didn't see the 1987 movie but it got a lot of press, nominated for 6 Oscars, and headers were splashed all over the media. I read a couple of reviews. You know the plot; an unfaithful husband gets more than he bargained for. The "love cocktail" of powerful brain chemicals (phenylethelamine, dopamine and oxytocin) helped create an extremely strong neural pathway in Alex Forrest's brain. She became obsessed with Dan then psychotic. "I guess you thought you'd get away with this. Well, you can't", says Alex. "I'm not going to be ignored, Dan!"
Glenn Close, the actress who played Alex, reported that after the film was released she was approached a number of times by men who said, "You scared the beegeebees out of me. You saved my marraige." However, many men, throwing all caution to the wind, watched the movie then went on to have their own affair. The "love cocktail" had done it's work in their own brain.
The Garlic Girls
Karl Johann's Gata (street) in downtown Oslo, Norway, is for the most part, a traffic free walking street running from the Central Train Station to the Royal Palace. A very interesting and popular place to hang out. Street musicians and one man bands from around the world make their way here in the summertime to entertain and earn a few "kroner". The Garlic Girls used to make regular public appearances. Seated on the edge of a fountain in the public square, four or five beautiful young "women" sat for hours chatting, gesturing to the crowds of passersby, and acting very feminine. But it was all an act. They were all young college students, men in drag, having the time of their lives. One would have to get up in their faces to realize who and what they were, and even then it was difficult.
I watched COPS on TV a few years ago where a "John" was arrested for soliciting. He was shocked when the police informed him that the prostitute he had picked up was a transvestite. I read in the newspaper of a another incident where a prostitute was murdered when the "John" realized "she" was a "he". Yet, many people, knowing that these kinds of deceptions take place, throw caution to the wind, and walk on like a lamb to the slaughter. Lust and the "love cocktail" blinds them to the destructive nature of their behavior.
Delilah
Who would ever name their child Delilah? Samson, on a lustful high, thought that she was his friend and entrusted her with the secret of his superhuman strength. He was blind to her deception and eventually had his wandering eyes gouged out. How many have read the story then gone out and done the same thing? She wasn't his friend at all, she was in fact his worst enemy! But, the "love cocktail" had skewed his perception of the truth, he threw caution to the wind, and paid for it with his life.
HIV
The initials, HIV, used to be on every front page and every newscast. No so much any more but it is still there, it is no longer a "gay" disease, and it is still as destructive as ever with no cure in sight. Knowing the dangers of HIV and a plethora of other STD's, has not changed the moral tone of our nation. Immorality is rampant -much worse that it was 30 years ago when doctors became concerned over what they dubbed "gay cancer". Yet, many throw all caution to the wind and live a permiscuous lifestyle. Lust and the "love cocktail" drive them on.
All this to demonstrate the power of brain chemicals to distort a person's perceptions of what is good and what is bad, of what is right and what is wrong. It's as if "rose colored glasses" cloud the dangers which should be obvious. Again, be careful about who and what you get "stuck" on. Especially if the "hot" factor is present in any way, shape, or form. What you tell yourself is rational may be nothing more than the Hormonal Choice.
Fatal Attraction
I didn't see the 1987 movie but it got a lot of press, nominated for 6 Oscars, and headers were splashed all over the media. I read a couple of reviews. You know the plot; an unfaithful husband gets more than he bargained for. The "love cocktail" of powerful brain chemicals (phenylethelamine, dopamine and oxytocin) helped create an extremely strong neural pathway in Alex Forrest's brain. She became obsessed with Dan then psychotic. "I guess you thought you'd get away with this. Well, you can't", says Alex. "I'm not going to be ignored, Dan!"
Glenn Close, the actress who played Alex, reported that after the film was released she was approached a number of times by men who said, "You scared the beegeebees out of me. You saved my marraige." However, many men, throwing all caution to the wind, watched the movie then went on to have their own affair. The "love cocktail" had done it's work in their own brain.
The Garlic Girls
Karl Johann's Gata (street) in downtown Oslo, Norway, is for the most part, a traffic free walking street running from the Central Train Station to the Royal Palace. A very interesting and popular place to hang out. Street musicians and one man bands from around the world make their way here in the summertime to entertain and earn a few "kroner". The Garlic Girls used to make regular public appearances. Seated on the edge of a fountain in the public square, four or five beautiful young "women" sat for hours chatting, gesturing to the crowds of passersby, and acting very feminine. But it was all an act. They were all young college students, men in drag, having the time of their lives. One would have to get up in their faces to realize who and what they were, and even then it was difficult.
I watched COPS on TV a few years ago where a "John" was arrested for soliciting. He was shocked when the police informed him that the prostitute he had picked up was a transvestite. I read in the newspaper of a another incident where a prostitute was murdered when the "John" realized "she" was a "he". Yet, many people, knowing that these kinds of deceptions take place, throw caution to the wind, and walk on like a lamb to the slaughter. Lust and the "love cocktail" blinds them to the destructive nature of their behavior.
Delilah
Who would ever name their child Delilah? Samson, on a lustful high, thought that she was his friend and entrusted her with the secret of his superhuman strength. He was blind to her deception and eventually had his wandering eyes gouged out. How many have read the story then gone out and done the same thing? She wasn't his friend at all, she was in fact his worst enemy! But, the "love cocktail" had skewed his perception of the truth, he threw caution to the wind, and paid for it with his life.
HIV
The initials, HIV, used to be on every front page and every newscast. No so much any more but it is still there, it is no longer a "gay" disease, and it is still as destructive as ever with no cure in sight. Knowing the dangers of HIV and a plethora of other STD's, has not changed the moral tone of our nation. Immorality is rampant -much worse that it was 30 years ago when doctors became concerned over what they dubbed "gay cancer". Yet, many throw all caution to the wind and live a permiscuous lifestyle. Lust and the "love cocktail" drive them on.
All this to demonstrate the power of brain chemicals to distort a person's perceptions of what is good and what is bad, of what is right and what is wrong. It's as if "rose colored glasses" cloud the dangers which should be obvious. Again, be careful about who and what you get "stuck" on. Especially if the "hot" factor is present in any way, shape, or form. What you tell yourself is rational may be nothing more than the Hormonal Choice.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
The Hormonal Choice Revisited
Months ago, on another blog, http://2knowthetruth.blogspot.com , I posted this thought and was highly criticized for it, God knows why. After a recent discussion concerning irrational behaviour I decided that it's time to get it up again. Here it is for your enjoyment.
The Hormonal Choice
Scientists exploring the chemistry of the brain write about a group of "chemicals which are registered together only during the initial stages of courtship". They are sometimes referred to as the "love cocktail". They are: phenylethelamine, dopamine and oxytocin. Prof. Hazan of Cornell Univ.
These chemicals help create neural pathways in the brain that are extremely difficult if not impossible to remove. Just a glance at a beautiful woman stimulates the production of these chemicals at lightning speed and the poor guy gets "zapped". If the cocktail is potent enough he can get hooked or stuck on her and even obsessed with her without even knowing who she is. (Come on guys, you know this is true). Remember the '50 song, "I love you, I need you, won't you tell me your name"?
Advertisers intentionally use this chemical reaction to help fasten the image of their products in the minds of those who see their ads. It's always a breathtakingly beautiful model demonstrating the toilet bowl cleaner. And the focus of the ad will not be on the toilet bowl, toilet brush or the nasty stains being removed. Something else will be present, maybe some cleavage, to give a little zap of "love cocktail" with the hope that the product will be included in the neural pathway just formed and fortified by these brain chemicals.
News anchors are famous for this little maneuver. Katie Couric flopped as soon as they put her behind a desk! (my wife asked me, "What is that? I don't get it." Of course! She is a woman)
Now, all this to say, be careful about who and what you get "stuck" on. Especially if that "hot" factor is present in any way, shape, or form
The Hormonal Choice
Scientists exploring the chemistry of the brain write about a group of "chemicals which are registered together only during the initial stages of courtship". They are sometimes referred to as the "love cocktail". They are: phenylethelamine, dopamine and oxytocin. Prof. Hazan of Cornell Univ.
These chemicals help create neural pathways in the brain that are extremely difficult if not impossible to remove. Just a glance at a beautiful woman stimulates the production of these chemicals at lightning speed and the poor guy gets "zapped". If the cocktail is potent enough he can get hooked or stuck on her and even obsessed with her without even knowing who she is. (Come on guys, you know this is true). Remember the '50 song, "I love you, I need you, won't you tell me your name"?
Advertisers intentionally use this chemical reaction to help fasten the image of their products in the minds of those who see their ads. It's always a breathtakingly beautiful model demonstrating the toilet bowl cleaner. And the focus of the ad will not be on the toilet bowl, toilet brush or the nasty stains being removed. Something else will be present, maybe some cleavage, to give a little zap of "love cocktail" with the hope that the product will be included in the neural pathway just formed and fortified by these brain chemicals.
News anchors are famous for this little maneuver. Katie Couric flopped as soon as they put her behind a desk! (my wife asked me, "What is that? I don't get it." Of course! She is a woman)
Now, all this to say, be careful about who and what you get "stuck" on. Especially if that "hot" factor is present in any way, shape, or form
Monday, September 13, 2010
I took the challenge
A few days ago (Sept. 6) I gave the challenge to read III John with the purpose of examining the character of three men mentioned in the the letter; Gaius, Diotrephes and Demetrius. Here are the results of my examination.
Gaius - was a man who was "walking in the truth". What does it mean to "walk" in the truth? Well, first of all, it implies a knowledge of the truth. "Thy Word is Truth". A person cannot walk in the truth if he has no knowledge or a distorted knowledge of the Word of God. For example: a man in a foreign place without a map or with an inaccurate map will not be able to find his way. The Bible admonishes us to let the Word of God dwell in us richly and to study the Word. We cannot walk in the truth if we do not know what it is! Then, "walking in the truth" means to put our knowledge of the Word of God into practice. It is not enough to know what the Bible says, the devil can quote scripture. We read in James 1:22 "But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves." Gaius was a man who knew the Word of God and put it into practice in his daily life.
Diotrephes - was the "pickle in the middle" or the "thorn" among the roses. Nothing good was said of him. If you list his characteristics in vs. 10, they are:
loves to be first - egotistic
does not accept what the Apostle says - ignorant of the Word of God
unjustly accuses us - slanderous
uses wicked words - foul mouthed
puts hospitable people out of the church - drives decent people away
In vs. 11 John admonishes us not to imitate evil (Diotrephes).
In the common language of today we would say that he was an evil and egotistical Biblical ignoramus with a foul mouth full of slander who drove decent people out of the church. vs. 10,11
Demetrius - had a good reputation. Everyone testified of his integrity even the Apostle John himself who added, "and our testimony is true". I wonder why John added that phrase? Could it be that Diotrephes slanderous, lying tongue had slashed away at Demetrius to sully his good name? But John said, "our testimony is true."
Gaius - was a man who was "walking in the truth". What does it mean to "walk" in the truth? Well, first of all, it implies a knowledge of the truth. "Thy Word is Truth". A person cannot walk in the truth if he has no knowledge or a distorted knowledge of the Word of God. For example: a man in a foreign place without a map or with an inaccurate map will not be able to find his way. The Bible admonishes us to let the Word of God dwell in us richly and to study the Word. We cannot walk in the truth if we do not know what it is! Then, "walking in the truth" means to put our knowledge of the Word of God into practice. It is not enough to know what the Bible says, the devil can quote scripture. We read in James 1:22 "But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves." Gaius was a man who knew the Word of God and put it into practice in his daily life.
Diotrephes - was the "pickle in the middle" or the "thorn" among the roses. Nothing good was said of him. If you list his characteristics in vs. 10, they are:
loves to be first - egotistic
does not accept what the Apostle says - ignorant of the Word of God
unjustly accuses us - slanderous
uses wicked words - foul mouthed
puts hospitable people out of the church - drives decent people away
In vs. 11 John admonishes us not to imitate evil (Diotrephes).
In the common language of today we would say that he was an evil and egotistical Biblical ignoramus with a foul mouth full of slander who drove decent people out of the church. vs. 10,11
Demetrius - had a good reputation. Everyone testified of his integrity even the Apostle John himself who added, "and our testimony is true". I wonder why John added that phrase? Could it be that Diotrephes slanderous, lying tongue had slashed away at Demetrius to sully his good name? But John said, "our testimony is true."
Sunday, September 12, 2010
"Good Choices for Dummies" handbook
Adam and Eve made a choice (not in God's will) and the "curse" fell on all creation.
Cain made a choice (not in God's will) and murdered his brother.
Noah made a choice (in God's will) and he and his family were saved.
His descendants made a choice to build a tower (not in God's will) and were scattered.
Abraham made a choice to obey (in God's will) and became the "father of the faithful".
Joseph made a choice to keep himself pure (in God's will) and became 2nd to Pharaoh.
Moses made a choice to kill an Egyptian (not in God's will) and became a shepherd for 40 years.
Moses made another choice to obey (in God's will) and Pharaoh let God's people go.
The people made a choice to not cross Jordon (not God's will) and died in the wilderness.
We could go on and on from Genesis to Revelation. The Bible is a history of man's good and bad choices, and tells us what is "in God's will" and what is "not in God's will".
We are continually being faced with choices. Does everything that happens happen because God is Sovereign. No, then God would be the author of sin, which he is not. He is Holy and can not look upon sin. God, in His Sovereignty, has granted us the freedom of making either good choices or bad choices. He wants us to make the good ones and has given us a "Good Choices for Dummies" handbook, the Bible. The bad choices and the consequences are not "in the sovereign will of God", to the contrary, they are outside of the sovereign will of God.
God is not willing that any should perish. But, "the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it." Matt. 7:13
I choose this day to follow God's Holy Word and to depend upon Him for the grace and strength to do it.
Cain made a choice (not in God's will) and murdered his brother.
Noah made a choice (in God's will) and he and his family were saved.
His descendants made a choice to build a tower (not in God's will) and were scattered.
Abraham made a choice to obey (in God's will) and became the "father of the faithful".
Joseph made a choice to keep himself pure (in God's will) and became 2nd to Pharaoh.
Moses made a choice to kill an Egyptian (not in God's will) and became a shepherd for 40 years.
Moses made another choice to obey (in God's will) and Pharaoh let God's people go.
The people made a choice to not cross Jordon (not God's will) and died in the wilderness.
We could go on and on from Genesis to Revelation. The Bible is a history of man's good and bad choices, and tells us what is "in God's will" and what is "not in God's will".
We are continually being faced with choices. Does everything that happens happen because God is Sovereign. No, then God would be the author of sin, which he is not. He is Holy and can not look upon sin. God, in His Sovereignty, has granted us the freedom of making either good choices or bad choices. He wants us to make the good ones and has given us a "Good Choices for Dummies" handbook, the Bible. The bad choices and the consequences are not "in the sovereign will of God", to the contrary, they are outside of the sovereign will of God.
God is not willing that any should perish. But, "the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it." Matt. 7:13
I choose this day to follow God's Holy Word and to depend upon Him for the grace and strength to do it.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
You're no Jesus!!
I overheard two men talking in the barber shop about judging a person's character. One man said, "You can judge a man's character by the people he associates with." Everyone kind of shook their heads or nodded that they pretty much agreed with that statement. After a short pause another man said, "Yah, and you can also judge a man's character by who he avoids!" Again, everyone kind of nodded in agreement. Then someone said, "Yes, but doesn't the Bible say that Jesus was the friend of sinners, tax collectors and prostitutes?" "I'm like Him?" To which the first man replied, "I know Jesus Christ, and you're no Jesus!"
Moral of the story: Jesus "associates" with sinners in order to take them out of their sin. Men all to often associate with "sinners" because they enjoy both the friendship and the sin. Jesus closest associates were His disciples and it is His followers He calls His friends.
Birds of a feather, flock together!!
Moral of the story: Jesus "associates" with sinners in order to take them out of their sin. Men all to often associate with "sinners" because they enjoy both the friendship and the sin. Jesus closest associates were His disciples and it is His followers He calls His friends.
Birds of a feather, flock together!!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
The "Wise" and the "Foolish"
I would rather be seen as a fool before men than to be seen as a fool before Almighty God.
I Corinthians 3:18-19
"Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a "fool" so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight."
I Corinthians 2:14
"The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned."
We live in a day when evil is counted as good and good is counted as evil. This is true of behaviour, ideas, things, and people
I Corinthians 3:18-19
"Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a "fool" so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight."
I Corinthians 2:14
"The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned."
We live in a day when evil is counted as good and good is counted as evil. This is true of behaviour, ideas, things, and people
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Trials and Tests
Another thought from Charles R. Swindoll gleaned from the Living Insights Study Bible.
"Generally speaking there are two kinds of tests in life: adversity and prosperity. Of the two, the latter is the more difficult.
When adversity strikes, things get simple; survival is the goal. It is a test on maintaining the basics of food, clothing and shelter.
But when prosperity comes, watch out! Things get complicated. All kinds of subtle temptations arrive, pleading for satisfaction. It is then that one's integrity is put to the test."
Charles R. Swindall
"Generally speaking there are two kinds of tests in life: adversity and prosperity. Of the two, the latter is the more difficult.
When adversity strikes, things get simple; survival is the goal. It is a test on maintaining the basics of food, clothing and shelter.
But when prosperity comes, watch out! Things get complicated. All kinds of subtle temptations arrive, pleading for satisfaction. It is then that one's integrity is put to the test."
Charles R. Swindall
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
The Gift of Prophesy
Many godly Biblical scholars will tell you that the gift of prophesy in our present times, with the completion of the N.T. Scriptures, is the "forth-telling" of the Word of God, rather than "fortelling future events". Good men have made predictions about the future only to have to wipe the egg off of their faces and adjust their calculations when things didn't turn out the way they had "prophesied".
In 1 Corinthians 14 we read of the New Testament gift of prophesy. We are told to "pursue love, yet desire spiritual gifts, but especially the gift of prophesy". (vs.1)
"-One who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation." vs. 3. A gifted person will have an unusual ability to make God's word clear and applicable to everyday life and to special circumstances so that the hearers are built up in their faith (edified), encouraged to press on (exhortation), and comforted (consolation) in the difficult times which all who live godly in Christ Jesus must endure.
There is another element in vss. 24,25. "--the secrets of his heart are revealed." I have heard many times of people who visit a church, listen to the preacher, and become angry because they are absolutely certain that someone has been talking to the preacher about them. Somehow, the sermon, which may have been prepared days or weeks before its delivery, contained elements, given by God, that were meant for one particular person in the audience.
Then there are the insights God gives a "prophetic" person into the lives and thinking of people around him (or her). An uncanny ability to see behind the smoke and mirrors into what is really going on. Some of this is, I am sure, a natural ability gained through years of interaction with people on various levels. But at times, I believe, it is something God reveals in order to bring conviction, edification, exhortation and consolation.
The Gift of Prophesy. Use it carefully and use it wisely, but use it, it is a gift from God, and a gift to be desired.
In 1 Corinthians 14 we read of the New Testament gift of prophesy. We are told to "pursue love, yet desire spiritual gifts, but especially the gift of prophesy". (vs.1)
"-One who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation." vs. 3. A gifted person will have an unusual ability to make God's word clear and applicable to everyday life and to special circumstances so that the hearers are built up in their faith (edified), encouraged to press on (exhortation), and comforted (consolation) in the difficult times which all who live godly in Christ Jesus must endure.
There is another element in vss. 24,25. "--the secrets of his heart are revealed." I have heard many times of people who visit a church, listen to the preacher, and become angry because they are absolutely certain that someone has been talking to the preacher about them. Somehow, the sermon, which may have been prepared days or weeks before its delivery, contained elements, given by God, that were meant for one particular person in the audience.
Then there are the insights God gives a "prophetic" person into the lives and thinking of people around him (or her). An uncanny ability to see behind the smoke and mirrors into what is really going on. Some of this is, I am sure, a natural ability gained through years of interaction with people on various levels. But at times, I believe, it is something God reveals in order to bring conviction, edification, exhortation and consolation.
The Gift of Prophesy. Use it carefully and use it wisely, but use it, it is a gift from God, and a gift to be desired.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Take up the Challenge
I am reading a devotional by Charles R. Swindoll (one of my favorite author/preacher) "Come Before Winter and Share My Hope". At the end of a chapter entitled Letters of Reference he makes a challenge to study closely the New Testament book of III John to see what criteria the Apostle John used to evaluate the character of three men; Gaius, Diotrephes and Demetrius.
I have read III John countless times but never with this thought in mind. It was very revealing and touched my heart as I know it will your's if you TAKE UP THE CHALLENGE.
I have read III John countless times but never with this thought in mind. It was very revealing and touched my heart as I know it will your's if you TAKE UP THE CHALLENGE.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Selective Indignation
I knew a man who became very indignant about the infanticide commonly practiced against female babies in a certain Asian country. But he seldom said a word about the abortion of millions in his own nation.
A business man expresses deep indignation toward lying politicians in general and lying liberal politicians in particular, but routinely swindles his customers by not delivering the "goods" he has promised.
A lady became highly indignant when someone spoke negatively about her best friend but she remained strangly quiet as the conversation shifted focus and someone with whom she had only a casual acquaintance was sliced, diced and hung out to dry.
Indignant, highly indignant.
Silent, strangly quiet.
Next time you feel "indignation" rising, pause, take a deep breath, count silently to 10 then ask yourself, "Is my indignation selective or am I consistently reacting to the violation of a principle."
A business man expresses deep indignation toward lying politicians in general and lying liberal politicians in particular, but routinely swindles his customers by not delivering the "goods" he has promised.
A lady became highly indignant when someone spoke negatively about her best friend but she remained strangly quiet as the conversation shifted focus and someone with whom she had only a casual acquaintance was sliced, diced and hung out to dry.
Indignant, highly indignant.
Silent, strangly quiet.
Next time you feel "indignation" rising, pause, take a deep breath, count silently to 10 then ask yourself, "Is my indignation selective or am I consistently reacting to the violation of a principle."
Saturday, September 4, 2010
GO FOR THE SWEET SPOT
Upmmh -- Whack! You can hear the ball meeting the "sweet spot". Nothing quite like that sound! It rises off the bat like an arrow in flight arching high - up, up over the field, over the stands - it's out of the park. The fans rise from their seats, victory shouts fill the air and the batter, poised for a sprint to first, loosens up and settles into a comfortable lope around the bases into the arms of his teammates. What a way to make it home!
Upmmmh, spreechkk! A fast grounder into right field. Come on! come on! faster, faster, whap AHhh, safe at first. Steals second - another grounder and he's on third. A line drive along the right field foul line - run, run, the ball is at first and streaks toward home. He's sliding in at full speed hands outstreched toward home base. The umpire yells and waves his arms - he made it. SAFE but almost out.
Next batter up - same scenario- but the umpire yells- waves his arms. OUT but almost in.
Reminds me of a couple of verses in God's Word, the Bible.
In Acts 26:28 we read that King Agrippa, after listening to the gospel preached by the Apostle Paul, replied, "ALMOST thou persuadest me to be a Christian."
ALMOST in but OUT! ALMOST saved but lost! Almost, almost. Close but not close enough.
The next verses have to do with the believer who barely makes it in. At the Judgement Seat of Christ his life gets reviewed by the all knowing God. All is laid bare, even the hidden motives of the heart. He wasted his life and the record of all he did was destroyed. A child of God, yes, but little to show for it.
In 1 Cor. 3:15 we read, "If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire."
And in Hebrews 6:8, "but if it (the field) yields thorns and thistles, it is worthless and CLOSE to being cursed, and it ends up being burned (off)."
ALMOST SAVED IS COMPLETELY CURSED
ALMOST CURSED IS COMPLETELY SAVED
How much better to go for the "sweet spot". Receive Jesus as Saviour and Serve Him as Lord.
Upmmmh, spreechkk! A fast grounder into right field. Come on! come on! faster, faster, whap AHhh, safe at first. Steals second - another grounder and he's on third. A line drive along the right field foul line - run, run, the ball is at first and streaks toward home. He's sliding in at full speed hands outstreched toward home base. The umpire yells and waves his arms - he made it. SAFE but almost out.
Next batter up - same scenario- but the umpire yells- waves his arms. OUT but almost in.
Reminds me of a couple of verses in God's Word, the Bible.
In Acts 26:28 we read that King Agrippa, after listening to the gospel preached by the Apostle Paul, replied, "ALMOST thou persuadest me to be a Christian."
ALMOST in but OUT! ALMOST saved but lost! Almost, almost. Close but not close enough.
The next verses have to do with the believer who barely makes it in. At the Judgement Seat of Christ his life gets reviewed by the all knowing God. All is laid bare, even the hidden motives of the heart. He wasted his life and the record of all he did was destroyed. A child of God, yes, but little to show for it.
In 1 Cor. 3:15 we read, "If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire."
And in Hebrews 6:8, "but if it (the field) yields thorns and thistles, it is worthless and CLOSE to being cursed, and it ends up being burned (off)."
ALMOST SAVED IS COMPLETELY CURSED
ALMOST CURSED IS COMPLETELY SAVED
How much better to go for the "sweet spot". Receive Jesus as Saviour and Serve Him as Lord.
Friday, September 3, 2010
The Decrees That Give Life
In my Bible reading today I read where God refers to His law as "my life-giving laws". Ezk. 33:15 Other translations read, "the statutes which insure life" (NASB), "the decrees that give life" (NIV) and "the statutes of life" (KJV). Now, so as not to be misunderstood, I am aware that spiritual life does not come as a result of keeping "the law" but through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ who said, "I am the way the truth and the life, no man comes to the Father but through Me."
With that out of the way, consider why the Ten Commandments were called, "the decrees that give life."
1. Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.
2 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image...
3. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
4. Remember the sabboth day, to keep it holy.
5. Honor thy father and thy mother.
6. Thou shalt not kill.
7. Thou shalt not commit adultery.
8. Thou shalt not steal.
9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
10. Thou shat not covet ....anything that is thy neighbor's.
Jesus added some depth to these commands in Matthew's gospel, Chapter 5. It might be good to take a little peek at what He said. And while we are at it, consider for a moment James 2:10 which reads, "For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all."
God is the same yesterday, today and forever. There is a "life-giving" element in His eternal Law for those who keep them and for those who are kept from the transgressors.
The first 3 Commandment have to do with God Himself. The last 6 deal with man's relationship with his fellow man. Consider how a breach of those last six takes away "life" from another and how obedience preserves, enhances, protects, and "gives" life - hence, "The Decrees That Give Life".
With that out of the way, consider why the Ten Commandments were called, "the decrees that give life."
1. Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.
2 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image...
3. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
4. Remember the sabboth day, to keep it holy.
5. Honor thy father and thy mother.
6. Thou shalt not kill.
7. Thou shalt not commit adultery.
8. Thou shalt not steal.
9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
10. Thou shat not covet ....anything that is thy neighbor's.
Jesus added some depth to these commands in Matthew's gospel, Chapter 5. It might be good to take a little peek at what He said. And while we are at it, consider for a moment James 2:10 which reads, "For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all."
God is the same yesterday, today and forever. There is a "life-giving" element in His eternal Law for those who keep them and for those who are kept from the transgressors.
The first 3 Commandment have to do with God Himself. The last 6 deal with man's relationship with his fellow man. Consider how a breach of those last six takes away "life" from another and how obedience preserves, enhances, protects, and "gives" life - hence, "The Decrees That Give Life".
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