A man who mocks the Holy Bible?
A man who is in essence a cold-hearted killer?
Monday, September 15, 2008
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Thought of the Day- An Angels Choice vs. Our Choice.
Have you ever thought about the angels in heaven? That they have a choice to serve God, just like we do? And that at any moment they could be cast down out of heaven because they choose to no longer serve our Heavenly Father? That is what happened when Satan and 1/3 of the angels were cast out of heaven. When Satan (who was an angel himself) tried to take over and the angels decided to serve Satan instead of God they were cast down to earth. When did the possibility of getting kicked out of heaven cease? When did the angels cease to have a choice? I personally don’t know the workings of heaven. I can’t even claim to say for sure what happens in any circumstance in the heavenly realms. I can’t say that the angels do have a choice, but I imagine that they still do. Just like God gives us a choice. I can’t imagine that God would take away that choice when we pass through the gates of heaven. God wants us to make the choice, with a no turning back attitude. God wants us to make the choice to live eternally for Him. I'm not saying this to say that once we get to heaven we will even want to make a choice to leave. I could not imagine being in the presence of God and all His glory, hearing the angels sing, and seeing all the beauty around me and wanting to leave. I would, of course, want to stay for ever.
So what does that say to me? That God wants us to purify ourselves through the Word and through living rightly. He wants us to be cleansed so that we are not only worthy of his kingdom, but so that we stand firm, endure, obey, and follow Him up to and beyond the point that He will know we will continue to live for, serve, and worship him throughout eternity. And He hopes that we will do this while still on earth. This is why so few will enter the Kingdom of heaven, because their hearts are not pure. They know God's Word but still their hearts are not reflective of His heart.
1 John 3: 19-24 says “This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him. And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.”
These few verses speak volumes. Read them slowly and meditate on the meaning of each line. It is an awesome promise from God of a sinless life, right here on earth! That when our hearts condemn us, (we often call this conviction of the Holy Spirit) telling us the things we do wrong, we are then able to know that it needs correction, are able to choose to correct it, and through obedience to God, be purified from that sin. As we do this daily, we become cleansed from sin and no longer even desire to sin. Once our hearts quit condemning us, we are then (at least at that moment) sinless and having the heart and desires of God. Then we can be confident that when we ask something of God, we will receive it because we desire what God desires.
2 Corinthians 3:4-5 Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.
Many people claim that we cannot be without sin on earth, usually claiming 1 John 1:8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. But it continues in verse 9. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. And romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. But continues in verse 24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. To say that we cannot stop sinning would be to call God a liar. We can do all things through Christ, even rebuke sin. The previous verses show how through the blood of Jesus we can be purified and become righteous and without sin. I believe it would take more strength and will than what we could muster on our own to be a sinless human. But I believe in the Word which says in Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Our God is faithful and has given us our Lord Jesus to redeem us and free us from the bondage of sin. It is hard to resist temptation, and we may always have the devil there tempting us & trying to turn us back to our worldly ways, but we still have a choice not to listen to him. It isn't easy, and we may fall on occasion, but Jesus is faithful to be there for us and pick us back up again. We may fall but we dont have to fail. The Word of God is living and true, through it our Lord speaks. He tells us to put on the new self, created to be like Him in true righteousness & holiness. God calls us to be righteous. He says "be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect". It takes time and training to be righteous. Just as a hopeful Olympian will practice and train throughout their life to be the best at their sport, making it a way of life, striving for the gold, and striving for perfection, we must train in the Word daily, listening to God, taking our concerns to Him, worshipping him, and striving to be like Him. Just as the olympian, we must be disciplined and obedient. Obedient to God, disciplining our bodies, our hearts, and our minds in the way of the Word, striving for eternal life. Engrave the Word of God into your heart, so that it becomes a way of life. Refuse your sinful nature any control of your life.
There is so much sin in this world today. So much that you don't even have to leave your home to have it seeping in everywhere. TV, books, magazines, internet, friends, the list goes on... We must be watchful. Even through many 'Christian' TV stations, you can be exposed to sin. (1 Timothy 3:1-9) God even tests us through (false) prophets. (Deuteronomy 13: 1-4) So be aware amd beware of the things of this world. The god of this world (Satan) is seeking to devour. He is trying to lure us through selfishness, prosperity, greed, and many other ways, telling us that God wants those things for us. Telling us that we can have our blessings from heaven right here on earth. The problem is that God's definition of prosperity is not the same as the world's definition of prosperity, God's definition of blessing is not the same as the world's definition of blessing. Even God's definition of love is not the same as the world's definition of love. The life we live for our Lord is hard, but through Christ we are able to endure the hardships, and grow through them into the righteous person God calls us to be. God wont hate us or get mad at us for being imperfect. He knew from the beginning that we would be and that is why He sent Jesus. But he has a plan for us, and is happy when we strive to follow His word, refusing the negative ramblings of the devil and of our own minds.
So often other Christians tell me “you can’t” and “it’s not possible”. And I’m not talking about worldly things, but godly things. It's almost like people want to see you fail. I see in those statements a lack of faith in God. And then many say that God can’t. "God can't heal you if you don’t have faith." "God can’t hear you if you don’t pray out loud." God can’t…God can’t…God can’t. Where does any human, created by God himself, get the right to say what God can and cannot do. God CAN do ANYTHING he wants to. He is God. God can even lie! ~~~~GASP~~~~ There I said it. Good thing I’m not standing in front of a group of people, I’d probably get something thrown at me. I am serious though. What gives us a right to limit God? Now here is where my unwavering faith comes from; knowing that God is able to do anything he pleases, good or bad, but He chooses not to. It is not in his nature to lie, or to do anything bad. (1 Samuel 15:29 He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a man, that he should change his mind.) Just as each one of us has our own nature and often we sincerely know someone would not do something because we know them well enough to know they’re nature. I trust God with every aspect of my life because I know His honest and holy nature. And through the Word of our Lord Jesus, we can know Him and His loving, faithful, honest and perfect nature. This is how I have been able to toss aside ALL doubt about God and then trust him in every moment and with every matter…even cleansing me to the point of righteousness. I am not there yet, probably not even for a moment, but I am allowing God to do his work in me and patiently waiting for that day.
Another thing I want to talk about is how we have been told by pastors and teachers to “ask according to His will and we will receive.” (1 John 5:14) And we have probably all tried it too. “Dear God, please do this for me, according to your will, in Jesus name, Amen” And thinking that it is something that God would want also, such as salvation for the masses, healing the amputees, or opening the eyes of everyone on earth to see the sin they are drowning in (But more likely something more on a personal level.) And then when God does not provide, we begin to doubt Him. We tend to forget that God is almighty, all knowing and works for the good of those who love Him. (Romans 8:28) We need to accept that God can see all and knows all. He may be saving us from something we cannot forsee. He might be letting us go through a trial because it will strengthen us and purify us and make us able to do the work he needs us to do in the future. He may be helping someone else (possibly someone we don’t even know) through us. So we must accept God’s will at all times, even when we want it done another way. Selfishness is sin. Desiring God’s will is righteousness. “According to God’s will” is not a phrase we say in a prayer, but an attitude that belongs in our hearts. Only then will we truly be praying and asking in God’s will. Going back to 1 John 3 This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. We can have peace in our hearts knowing that God is in total control of everything, even the things we perceive as a struggle or painful. God is making sure that all things (even the bad things caused by satan, sin, or the world) work for good. And also we can even rest when we are being convicted of our sins, because as we are convicted and make changes, God is freeing us from our sin and purifying our hearts. It is an accomplishment to be aware of your sin not through guilt and shame but through a desire to be clean, and then to remove it from your life. It is exhilirating and gives a peace that is undescribable.
Therefore, everyone, everyday, should strive for righteousness. If God calls us to it, why aren't we striving for it? Why aren't we at least making an attempt to be worthy of His kingdom? As humans, we may never be worthy, and so enters the grace and mercy of God. But don't we owe it to him to at least give it our very best effort?
Definition of Righteousness-
Greek= dikaiosune – meaning equity of character.
1. In a broad sense: state of him who is as he ought to be, righteousness, the condition acceptable to God.
The doctrine concerning the way in which man may attain a state approved of God.
Integrity, virtue, purity of life, rightness, correctness of thinking feeling, and acting.
2. In a narrower sense, justice or the virtue which gives each his due.
Righteousness is not of man, but is something we can achieve as a man, from God, through the blood of Jesus Christ. Righteousness is something we can attain little by little in obedience to the lord. As we are cleansed of sin, we should turn away from it completely and never return to it. (Ezekiel 18:24)
Remember that there is also self-righteousness. Which is when you trust in your righteousness (doing good deeds) rather than in God. Trust in God for your salvation and your righteousness. Strive to have the heart of God within you, and doing good will be a product of it. Strive for the desires of His heart, and you cannot fail.
Righteousness Scriptures:
Proverbs 11:6 The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires.
Daneil 9:18 We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy.
Proverbs 21:21 He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.
Ezekiel 18:23-25 Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign LORD. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live? "But if a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits sin and does the same detestable things the wicked man does, will he live? None of the righteous things he has done will be remembered. Because of the unfaithfulness he is guilty of and because of the sins he has committed, he will die.
Hosea 10:12 Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers righteousness on you.
Ezekiel 33:13 If I tell the righteous man that he will surely live, but then he trusts in his righteousness and does evil, none of the righteous things he has done will be remembered; he will die for the evil he has done.
Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Matthew 5:10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Romans 1:17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."
Ephesians 4: 22-24 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
1 Timothy 6:11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
2 Timothy 2:22 Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
Hebrews 5:13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness.
Hebrews 12: 7-11 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
1 Peter 2:24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.
Psalm 34:17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.
Proverbs 9:9 Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.
Proverbs 11:19 The truly righteous man attains life, but he who pursues evil goes to his death.
Proverbs 11:23 The desire of the righteous ends only in good, but the hope of the wicked only in wrath.
Proverbs 14:32 When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge.
Proverbs 15:28 The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.
Proverbs 20:7 The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him.
Isiah 3:10 Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds.
Hoseah 14:9 Who is wise? He will realize these things. Who is discerning? He will understand them. The ways of the LORD are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.
Romans 2:13 For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.
Romans 3:5 Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.
James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
1 PETER 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."
1 John 2:28-29 And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming. If you know that he is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been born of him.1 John 3:4-6 Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin. No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.
So what does that say to me? That God wants us to purify ourselves through the Word and through living rightly. He wants us to be cleansed so that we are not only worthy of his kingdom, but so that we stand firm, endure, obey, and follow Him up to and beyond the point that He will know we will continue to live for, serve, and worship him throughout eternity. And He hopes that we will do this while still on earth. This is why so few will enter the Kingdom of heaven, because their hearts are not pure. They know God's Word but still their hearts are not reflective of His heart.
1 John 3: 19-24 says “This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him. And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.”
These few verses speak volumes. Read them slowly and meditate on the meaning of each line. It is an awesome promise from God of a sinless life, right here on earth! That when our hearts condemn us, (we often call this conviction of the Holy Spirit) telling us the things we do wrong, we are then able to know that it needs correction, are able to choose to correct it, and through obedience to God, be purified from that sin. As we do this daily, we become cleansed from sin and no longer even desire to sin. Once our hearts quit condemning us, we are then (at least at that moment) sinless and having the heart and desires of God. Then we can be confident that when we ask something of God, we will receive it because we desire what God desires.
2 Corinthians 3:4-5 Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.
Many people claim that we cannot be without sin on earth, usually claiming 1 John 1:8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. But it continues in verse 9. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. And romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. But continues in verse 24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. To say that we cannot stop sinning would be to call God a liar. We can do all things through Christ, even rebuke sin. The previous verses show how through the blood of Jesus we can be purified and become righteous and without sin. I believe it would take more strength and will than what we could muster on our own to be a sinless human. But I believe in the Word which says in Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Our God is faithful and has given us our Lord Jesus to redeem us and free us from the bondage of sin. It is hard to resist temptation, and we may always have the devil there tempting us & trying to turn us back to our worldly ways, but we still have a choice not to listen to him. It isn't easy, and we may fall on occasion, but Jesus is faithful to be there for us and pick us back up again. We may fall but we dont have to fail. The Word of God is living and true, through it our Lord speaks. He tells us to put on the new self, created to be like Him in true righteousness & holiness. God calls us to be righteous. He says "be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect". It takes time and training to be righteous. Just as a hopeful Olympian will practice and train throughout their life to be the best at their sport, making it a way of life, striving for the gold, and striving for perfection, we must train in the Word daily, listening to God, taking our concerns to Him, worshipping him, and striving to be like Him. Just as the olympian, we must be disciplined and obedient. Obedient to God, disciplining our bodies, our hearts, and our minds in the way of the Word, striving for eternal life. Engrave the Word of God into your heart, so that it becomes a way of life. Refuse your sinful nature any control of your life.
There is so much sin in this world today. So much that you don't even have to leave your home to have it seeping in everywhere. TV, books, magazines, internet, friends, the list goes on... We must be watchful. Even through many 'Christian' TV stations, you can be exposed to sin. (1 Timothy 3:1-9) God even tests us through (false) prophets. (Deuteronomy 13: 1-4) So be aware amd beware of the things of this world. The god of this world (Satan) is seeking to devour. He is trying to lure us through selfishness, prosperity, greed, and many other ways, telling us that God wants those things for us. Telling us that we can have our blessings from heaven right here on earth. The problem is that God's definition of prosperity is not the same as the world's definition of prosperity, God's definition of blessing is not the same as the world's definition of blessing. Even God's definition of love is not the same as the world's definition of love. The life we live for our Lord is hard, but through Christ we are able to endure the hardships, and grow through them into the righteous person God calls us to be. God wont hate us or get mad at us for being imperfect. He knew from the beginning that we would be and that is why He sent Jesus. But he has a plan for us, and is happy when we strive to follow His word, refusing the negative ramblings of the devil and of our own minds.
So often other Christians tell me “you can’t” and “it’s not possible”. And I’m not talking about worldly things, but godly things. It's almost like people want to see you fail. I see in those statements a lack of faith in God. And then many say that God can’t. "God can't heal you if you don’t have faith." "God can’t hear you if you don’t pray out loud." God can’t…God can’t…God can’t. Where does any human, created by God himself, get the right to say what God can and cannot do. God CAN do ANYTHING he wants to. He is God. God can even lie! ~~~~GASP~~~~ There I said it. Good thing I’m not standing in front of a group of people, I’d probably get something thrown at me. I am serious though. What gives us a right to limit God? Now here is where my unwavering faith comes from; knowing that God is able to do anything he pleases, good or bad, but He chooses not to. It is not in his nature to lie, or to do anything bad. (1 Samuel 15:29 He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a man, that he should change his mind.) Just as each one of us has our own nature and often we sincerely know someone would not do something because we know them well enough to know they’re nature. I trust God with every aspect of my life because I know His honest and holy nature. And through the Word of our Lord Jesus, we can know Him and His loving, faithful, honest and perfect nature. This is how I have been able to toss aside ALL doubt about God and then trust him in every moment and with every matter…even cleansing me to the point of righteousness. I am not there yet, probably not even for a moment, but I am allowing God to do his work in me and patiently waiting for that day.
Another thing I want to talk about is how we have been told by pastors and teachers to “ask according to His will and we will receive.” (1 John 5:14) And we have probably all tried it too. “Dear God, please do this for me, according to your will, in Jesus name, Amen” And thinking that it is something that God would want also, such as salvation for the masses, healing the amputees, or opening the eyes of everyone on earth to see the sin they are drowning in (But more likely something more on a personal level.) And then when God does not provide, we begin to doubt Him. We tend to forget that God is almighty, all knowing and works for the good of those who love Him. (Romans 8:28) We need to accept that God can see all and knows all. He may be saving us from something we cannot forsee. He might be letting us go through a trial because it will strengthen us and purify us and make us able to do the work he needs us to do in the future. He may be helping someone else (possibly someone we don’t even know) through us. So we must accept God’s will at all times, even when we want it done another way. Selfishness is sin. Desiring God’s will is righteousness. “According to God’s will” is not a phrase we say in a prayer, but an attitude that belongs in our hearts. Only then will we truly be praying and asking in God’s will. Going back to 1 John 3 This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. We can have peace in our hearts knowing that God is in total control of everything, even the things we perceive as a struggle or painful. God is making sure that all things (even the bad things caused by satan, sin, or the world) work for good. And also we can even rest when we are being convicted of our sins, because as we are convicted and make changes, God is freeing us from our sin and purifying our hearts. It is an accomplishment to be aware of your sin not through guilt and shame but through a desire to be clean, and then to remove it from your life. It is exhilirating and gives a peace that is undescribable.
Therefore, everyone, everyday, should strive for righteousness. If God calls us to it, why aren't we striving for it? Why aren't we at least making an attempt to be worthy of His kingdom? As humans, we may never be worthy, and so enters the grace and mercy of God. But don't we owe it to him to at least give it our very best effort?
Definition of Righteousness-
Greek= dikaiosune – meaning equity of character.
1. In a broad sense: state of him who is as he ought to be, righteousness, the condition acceptable to God.
The doctrine concerning the way in which man may attain a state approved of God.
Integrity, virtue, purity of life, rightness, correctness of thinking feeling, and acting.
2. In a narrower sense, justice or the virtue which gives each his due.
Righteousness is not of man, but is something we can achieve as a man, from God, through the blood of Jesus Christ. Righteousness is something we can attain little by little in obedience to the lord. As we are cleansed of sin, we should turn away from it completely and never return to it. (Ezekiel 18:24)
Remember that there is also self-righteousness. Which is when you trust in your righteousness (doing good deeds) rather than in God. Trust in God for your salvation and your righteousness. Strive to have the heart of God within you, and doing good will be a product of it. Strive for the desires of His heart, and you cannot fail.
Righteousness Scriptures:
Proverbs 11:6 The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires.
Daneil 9:18 We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy.
Proverbs 21:21 He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.
Ezekiel 18:23-25 Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign LORD. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live? "But if a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits sin and does the same detestable things the wicked man does, will he live? None of the righteous things he has done will be remembered. Because of the unfaithfulness he is guilty of and because of the sins he has committed, he will die.
Hosea 10:12 Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers righteousness on you.
Ezekiel 33:13 If I tell the righteous man that he will surely live, but then he trusts in his righteousness and does evil, none of the righteous things he has done will be remembered; he will die for the evil he has done.
Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Matthew 5:10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Romans 1:17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."
Ephesians 4: 22-24 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
1 Timothy 6:11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
2 Timothy 2:22 Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
Hebrews 5:13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness.
Hebrews 12: 7-11 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
1 Peter 2:24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.
Psalm 34:17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.
Proverbs 9:9 Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.
Proverbs 11:19 The truly righteous man attains life, but he who pursues evil goes to his death.
Proverbs 11:23 The desire of the righteous ends only in good, but the hope of the wicked only in wrath.
Proverbs 14:32 When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge.
Proverbs 15:28 The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.
Proverbs 20:7 The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him.
Isiah 3:10 Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds.
Hoseah 14:9 Who is wise? He will realize these things. Who is discerning? He will understand them. The ways of the LORD are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.
Romans 2:13 For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.
Romans 3:5 Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.
James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
1 PETER 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."
1 John 2:28-29 And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming. If you know that he is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been born of him.1 John 3:4-6 Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin. No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
My Way or the Highway
Today I read a short article titled "My Way or the Highway" and it talked about letting God be in control of our lives. The title led me to deeper thinking that was based more on the title rather than the article. It mentioned Galatians 2:20 “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” and how Paul chose the way of Christ rather than his own. Which is definitely the way Christians need to live. But the scripture that immediately came to my mind was from Matthew 7:13-14 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." If that is not the Ultimate Savior telling us "It's my way or the highway", then I don't know what is.
When I was young my Grandmother always sent Christian tracts in with birthday cards and other correspondence. She was a very godly woman choosing to serve God in every way and keeping away from worldly things. She was 70 years older than me, and died when I was 26. One time there was a "to do list" page sent with my card. On it she wrote out Matthew 7: 13-14 and then at the bottom wrote "Read Psalms and Proverbs". I kept it in my bible for years. Unfortunately, I rarely opened my bible except for at church (when I was even going to church). When I was about 31, I started searching. I knew I needed a real relationship with God. I was raised in a Christian home with an extended family who were mostly Christians, but somehow I had missed something. I went to church for a few years but just wasn’t finding what I needed. Then when I finally did start going to my current church, my pastor would start every Sunday sermon with Psalm 1:1-3 "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers." From that time, it didn't take long to instill in me the importance of reading and studying the Word of God. As I did, I found that old "to do list" and realized my grandmothers concern for my soul. She was inadvertently, but in a deliberate way, giving me the message "It's Gods way or the Highway". Take the narrow path, not the highway, and you will see the glory of God. What awesome promises those scriptures hold! Pursue God’s Words, and live. Study His word and you will be blessed. Now, as I live and serve my Lord, I am blessed daily. Even in bad circumstances, sometimes doing things for the Lord that I really would rather not do, even when I am criticized for standing on and for the Word of God, I am blessed.
Sometimes in this world it is easier to just keep quiet, and do our own thing, rather than get involved in exposing sin (Luke 17:3) and standing unashamed of the gospel (Romans 1:16) I have experienced this first hand, and even in my church, but I can say that God is always encouraging me daily through His Word, and showing me love and blessing when I do what is right. Just knowing that I am sharing Christ and just knowing that He is living in and through me is a blessing in itself. And through the pain, heartache, sorrow, trouble, criticism, and rejection, I am continually revived by God. I am given peace and understanding through all situations. God is so faithful.
2 Corinthians 4: 8-12 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.
You could take the highway, it’s easy, it’s fast, and it will get you where you’re going a lot quicker. But you know what it’s like to be in a crowd. It’s aggravating, annoying, hot and miserable. The people don’t care about you. And if you stumble, you’ll be run over. Your friends will leave you behind if they find a faster lane. And what if your car breaks down? And do you even know where that highway is taking you?
Take the narrow path...
The path may be covered with sticks and rocks so you might stub your toes or get a scratch, but God will heal you.
You might or trip on a log lying across the path, but God will pick you up.
The path may be overgrown from little use and difficult to walk through, but God will make your feet steady.
The path may be muddy and you will get dirty sometimes, but God will cleanse you.
Following the path may be lonely because there are few others that travel it, but God will always be there to keep you company.
The path may seem dark at times when you are in a valley covered by the trees, but God’s light is always present even when it seems dark.
The path may be scary, but God will give you peace.
Walking the path might make you tired and weary from all the hard work, but when you get to the end of the path, God will give you rest in his arms and give you an eternal home in heaven and you can rejoice with the others that you showed the path to.
And did I mention all the awesome scenery along the way? God gives us a joy in this life that we can never know without Him!
Psalm 19:8 The precepts (a commandment or direction given as a rule of action or conduct.) of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart.
The Word (Which is Jesus, by the way- John 1:1-5) is the only way. The work and study is hard, but if we learn and follow, the results are incredible. When we learn and follow God’s voice, through his Word, we will be enlightened in a way we have never known before. And if we have any difficulties along the way, all we need do is ask the Lord and whether it is love, peace, joy, wisdom, or whatever we truly need, he will give it to us. He is faithful beyond what we can imagine! As earthly beings we can’t even comprehend His ways, but rest assured they are good and will lead you through this life of love, peace, and joy, to a new life of eternally being in His presence.
When I was young my Grandmother always sent Christian tracts in with birthday cards and other correspondence. She was a very godly woman choosing to serve God in every way and keeping away from worldly things. She was 70 years older than me, and died when I was 26. One time there was a "to do list" page sent with my card. On it she wrote out Matthew 7: 13-14 and then at the bottom wrote "Read Psalms and Proverbs". I kept it in my bible for years. Unfortunately, I rarely opened my bible except for at church (when I was even going to church). When I was about 31, I started searching. I knew I needed a real relationship with God. I was raised in a Christian home with an extended family who were mostly Christians, but somehow I had missed something. I went to church for a few years but just wasn’t finding what I needed. Then when I finally did start going to my current church, my pastor would start every Sunday sermon with Psalm 1:1-3 "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers." From that time, it didn't take long to instill in me the importance of reading and studying the Word of God. As I did, I found that old "to do list" and realized my grandmothers concern for my soul. She was inadvertently, but in a deliberate way, giving me the message "It's Gods way or the Highway". Take the narrow path, not the highway, and you will see the glory of God. What awesome promises those scriptures hold! Pursue God’s Words, and live. Study His word and you will be blessed. Now, as I live and serve my Lord, I am blessed daily. Even in bad circumstances, sometimes doing things for the Lord that I really would rather not do, even when I am criticized for standing on and for the Word of God, I am blessed.
Sometimes in this world it is easier to just keep quiet, and do our own thing, rather than get involved in exposing sin (Luke 17:3) and standing unashamed of the gospel (Romans 1:16) I have experienced this first hand, and even in my church, but I can say that God is always encouraging me daily through His Word, and showing me love and blessing when I do what is right. Just knowing that I am sharing Christ and just knowing that He is living in and through me is a blessing in itself. And through the pain, heartache, sorrow, trouble, criticism, and rejection, I am continually revived by God. I am given peace and understanding through all situations. God is so faithful.
2 Corinthians 4: 8-12 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.
You could take the highway, it’s easy, it’s fast, and it will get you where you’re going a lot quicker. But you know what it’s like to be in a crowd. It’s aggravating, annoying, hot and miserable. The people don’t care about you. And if you stumble, you’ll be run over. Your friends will leave you behind if they find a faster lane. And what if your car breaks down? And do you even know where that highway is taking you?
Take the narrow path...
The path may be covered with sticks and rocks so you might stub your toes or get a scratch, but God will heal you.
You might or trip on a log lying across the path, but God will pick you up.
The path may be overgrown from little use and difficult to walk through, but God will make your feet steady.
The path may be muddy and you will get dirty sometimes, but God will cleanse you.
Following the path may be lonely because there are few others that travel it, but God will always be there to keep you company.
The path may seem dark at times when you are in a valley covered by the trees, but God’s light is always present even when it seems dark.
The path may be scary, but God will give you peace.
Walking the path might make you tired and weary from all the hard work, but when you get to the end of the path, God will give you rest in his arms and give you an eternal home in heaven and you can rejoice with the others that you showed the path to.
And did I mention all the awesome scenery along the way? God gives us a joy in this life that we can never know without Him!
Psalm 19:8 The precepts (a commandment or direction given as a rule of action or conduct.) of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart.
The Word (Which is Jesus, by the way- John 1:1-5) is the only way. The work and study is hard, but if we learn and follow, the results are incredible. When we learn and follow God’s voice, through his Word, we will be enlightened in a way we have never known before. And if we have any difficulties along the way, all we need do is ask the Lord and whether it is love, peace, joy, wisdom, or whatever we truly need, he will give it to us. He is faithful beyond what we can imagine! As earthly beings we can’t even comprehend His ways, but rest assured they are good and will lead you through this life of love, peace, and joy, to a new life of eternally being in His presence.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Why should I read & study my bible everyday?
(Not necessarily in order of importance)
1. It's the human instruction book. Read the manual so you know how to operate the machine.
2. The Word of God has the power to transform us into an amazing masterpiece of God.
3. It shows us how we may possess and enjoy real life.
4. It teaches us how not to be Christians in the flesh but be a Christian within our heart.
5. The Bible is the key to your heart.
6. The Bible will bring you great understanding that you have never before possessed.
7. The bible will bring you close in your relationship with God. Just like prayer it is a way of communication. When we pray, we talk to God. When we read God's Word, He talks to us.
8. The Bible lets us learn from the mistakes others have made so that we will not have to experience the pain and grief that they had.
9. It will teach you happiness in your heart. Free you from depression, anxiety, anger, and any mental attitude that has been holding you back or destroying you life.
10. It's Miracle Grow for the heart, mind, and soul.
11. We are commanded by God to do so.
12. The bible reveals the future.
13. The bible is alive. It is a living letter from God.
14. The Bible provides the answers to all of life's questions.
1. It's the human instruction book. Read the manual so you know how to operate the machine.
2. The Word of God has the power to transform us into an amazing masterpiece of God.
3. It shows us how we may possess and enjoy real life.
4. It teaches us how not to be Christians in the flesh but be a Christian within our heart.
5. The Bible is the key to your heart.
6. The Bible will bring you great understanding that you have never before possessed.
7. The bible will bring you close in your relationship with God. Just like prayer it is a way of communication. When we pray, we talk to God. When we read God's Word, He talks to us.
8. The Bible lets us learn from the mistakes others have made so that we will not have to experience the pain and grief that they had.
9. It will teach you happiness in your heart. Free you from depression, anxiety, anger, and any mental attitude that has been holding you back or destroying you life.
10. It's Miracle Grow for the heart, mind, and soul.
11. We are commanded by God to do so.
12. The bible reveals the future.
13. The bible is alive. It is a living letter from God.
14. The Bible provides the answers to all of life's questions.
FREE NIV MP3 Bible for download
What an awesome resource! I just found this free MP3 Audio Bible to download to your computer or MP3 player, in the Old and New Testaments.
Old Testament: http://jcsm.org/1on1/OTBibleonMP3.htm
New Testament: http://jcsm.org/1on1/NTBibleonMP3.htm
Or if you prefer the King James Version: http://jcsm.org/Contents/MP3KJVBible.htm
Old Testament: http://jcsm.org/1on1/OTBibleonMP3.htm
New Testament: http://jcsm.org/1on1/NTBibleonMP3.htm
Or if you prefer the King James Version: http://jcsm.org/Contents/MP3KJVBible.htm
Monday, April 21, 2008
Christian Slang Words and Phrases
I recently ran across an old blog topic and discussion about the word “sucks”. In this case it was a t-shirt that was printed with the words “hell sucks”. The blogger questioned whether people (other Christians) would think he was a fuddy-duddy because he felt it was inappropriate. Further on in the discussion, other phrases and words were questioned as well, such as “darn”, “oh my god”, and even “crap”. All of these word are questionable when we are trying to be an example of Christ, but later on I'll get into the ones that use God's name specifically.
As far as the t-shirt and the marketing tactics used, I think they call this type of product a conversation starter. Seems like some Christians want non-Christians to think that they are "cool". I assume, figuring that they think that they can get their foot in the door with this person long enough to tell them about Jesus...hopefully. But, unfortunately, slipping ever so slightly over the edge of morality. The problem with that is that this is also something that sometimes leads non-Christians to think that all of the church is full of hypocrites. At times non-believers are more aware of morals than many so-called Christians are, and that is exactly what they will call you, a “so-called” Christian. Don’t get me wrong, Christians do mess up, Christians even sin sometimes, but making the solid choice to sin or even to let your morals slip slightly, can allow Satan to pull a non-believer even farther away from God than they already are. And the main goal here is to save souls, right?
You might say, “But it’s just a joke, it’s funny, doesn’t God have a sense of humor?” I’m sure He does. But is this funny? No. You might even tell me to lighten up, loosen up, that it’s not a big deal. But it is a big deal. It is serious. God expects us to have great morals. If we're following Jesus, not just believing in God but believing in what God believes in, then we have a book that tells us how to live, the Bible. And if we have truly given our lives to Christ, then we will obey the law of God. Ephesians 5:4 says "Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving." Could this be a form of the coarse joking mentioned in this verse? (The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction. Proverbs 16:21) God wants us to have fun, be happy, and even joke around. (He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.- Job 8:21) But JOY does not come from crude jokes and sayings, but from the LORD! The Word even says that the joy of the LORD is our strength. That’s pretty powerful considering the context of this topic. Think about it: That is saying that when we are happy because we believe in God, we follow His word and we share it with others, then they will see that joy as our strength. They will desire that same impenetrable joy that we have, and we can show them how they can have it.
About the phrase “oh my god”. So, you’re out shopping and you see something that you have been looking for but haven’t been able to find. You exclaim “Oh! My God! That will look perfect in my living room!” Or when someone jumps out from around the corner and says boo! You say “Oh my god! You scared me!” Or when you see something gross you say “Oh my god, that is the most disgusting thing I have ever seen!” Do you think that is okay? That it is not using God’s name in vain? Here are a few definitions for the word vain from dictionary.com.
Vain:
Senseless or foolish.
Without effect or avail; to no purpose.
In an improper or irreverent manner.
Not yielding the desired outcome; fruitless.
Lacking substance or worth.
Devoid of real value, unprofitable.
Idle, empty.
Having no real substance, value, or importance.
Void, worthless, unsatisfying.
The following are a few questions related to the definition of the word vain. These will help you check your words before God. Ask yourself these questions when you say or preferably before you say one of these slang phrases that involve God's name:
Reverence: Is it showing profound respect for God? How about affection? Is it an example of devotion to God?
Fruitful: Is it beneficial? Does it produce good results? Is it profitable for the kingdom of God?
Substance: Does it show solid character or quality? Does it come from the heart?
Value: Does it have worth or importance? Does it show your love and affection for God? Does it show God’s excellence? Does it show that you have high esteem for Him?
How about “oh my gosh!” you ask? That’s just slang, isn’t it? It really has nothing to do with God. So you say? Well, lets look into that definition. The only definition I found for gosh that does not describe it as an expression or exclamation (in other words a slang or phrase.) is this:
GOSH-- 1757, altered pronunciation of God. Probably from 'by gosse' (mid-16c.).
Now that we know right where that slang or phrase came from, do we still want to use it? I should hope not. You wouldn’t say “oh my holy spirit” or “oh my father” or something similar to that unless you were talking directly to our LORD in worship and reverence. Why say something that is hurtful to the heart of our Father in heaven? Hurting God is sin. "I have resolved that my mouth will not sin." Psalm 17:3
And now you ask, what about “oh my gawd!” Here you must realize that gawd is not even a word in the English language. What is it? It’s a slang word to replace God in this particular expression so that people can make themselves feel comfortable assuming that they are not taking the LORD’s name in vain, therefore twisting the Word of God to their own benefit. If I’m going to blurt out a blasphemy, changing how I spell the word isn’t going to change the way God feels about my saying it. The guy who wrote the blog that got me started on this topic, his name was Todd. So I’m going to use his name as an example, mostly just because it rhymes and therefore gets the point across better. What if I said “Todd dammit” every time I got upset or “oh my Todd!” when something scared me out of my wits. Let’s say Todd and I are good friends and he comes up to me and says “ you know, that really upsets me when you say that. It feels like you’re being disrespectful and don’t value me as a friend. As a matter of fact, it makes me feel like you downright don’t like me at all. It also makes others think that you’re just making fun of me. If you really value our relationship at all, you would try not to say my name that way anymore.” and so I say, “Oh, Todd, I am so sorry, now that I know how it bothers you, I wont say it anymore because I don’t want to hurt your feelings and I do want to continue to be friends.” So, I go on my way and a few days later Todd hears me say it again. He would come up to me furious, saying something like “Why are you still saying that? You told me you wouldn’t say it anymore! I told you it hurt my feelings! I guess you just don’t care about me or our friendship at all!” and then I say, “Oh, but Todd, I wasn’t saying your name. I was saying 'Oh my T-A-W-D', not 'oh my T-O-D-D'. I changed the spelling of it so I’m not saying your name anymore and now we can still be friends.” What a conversation! Huh? Todd was still offended!!! Why? Because first of all it’s still said the same way and still means the same thing, although spelled differently, and because when others hear it, they are still hearing the same thing they’ve always heard and thinking about how disrespectful I am being to my friend. Nothing has changed at all. Even though I didn’t think it should be offensive to Todd anymore, because I changed the spelling, he was still offended. I imagine it’s the same way with God. He still finds it disrespectful and wrong and although we may not understand why, the “why” doesn’t matter, the fact that it hurts His feelings does. And the fact that it lowers the value of his name to others, is also disrespectful. The “why” can be summed up in one bible verse. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.” Isiah 55:8-9
This is all about what’s in our heart. If we truly have it in our heart to please God we will learn what he likes and dislikes. We will truly get to know him so that we will know what upsets him and what makes him happy and we will live our lives accordingly. The word of God is a refining fire. It will purify your heart. Keep reading and studying the word of God and it will cleanse you.
The word of God is living and active…it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12) So whether you eat, drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31) Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:48)
Proverbs 22:10-12 (NKJV)
Cast out the scoffer, and contention will leave;
Yes, strife and reproach will cease.
He who loves purity of heart
And has grace on his lips,
The king will be his friend.
The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge,
But He overthrows the words of the faithless.
And last but not least, this is about love and respect. Love and respect for God and for His children. Do you love someone enough to save them from hell? Do you love someone enough to be truthful and honest with them? Do you love someone enough to be a perfect example to them of how to show reverence to God? Sadly, many don’t. In our world, children are not taught how to show reverence to God or respect him in any way. They are taught to believe in what makes them feel good, and that God is what they want him to be, expecting Him to believe in what they believe in rather than them believing in what God believes in. In being taught selfish ways, they have little respect for parents, other adults or even authority figures. Respect is not taught, it’s learned. It is communicated by the respect that the parents (or caregivers) and mentors show others and the respect that they show God. If my children observe that I respect God and other people, they will learn respect as well. I can’t just demand that they respect someone without showing them how. If you love all of God’s children, you will want to teach respect by example. One way to do that is showing reverence to God in the words you speak.
The bible says “Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.” (Ecclesiastes 5:2) That verse is a bit vague as to why, but I believe it is saying that there is more to heaven than we know, it is God’s Kingdom! Not some quaint little town with some little mayor who thinks he knows it all. His kingdom contains and is more than we could ever imagine. And God is the creator of it all! He is the only King and is in control of everything. He can do anything! So in the end, would you, standing in the presence of God most High on judgment day, feel completely comfortable saying one of these ‘slang’ words or phrases in front of him? Or would you keep your mouth shut because you know it would hurt him and knowing his powers and abilities, even be afraid of what he might do or say to you?
Enjoy your day and let God do his work in you, convicting you, refining you, purifying you, and loving you.
Have a blessed day!
As far as the t-shirt and the marketing tactics used, I think they call this type of product a conversation starter. Seems like some Christians want non-Christians to think that they are "cool". I assume, figuring that they think that they can get their foot in the door with this person long enough to tell them about Jesus...hopefully. But, unfortunately, slipping ever so slightly over the edge of morality. The problem with that is that this is also something that sometimes leads non-Christians to think that all of the church is full of hypocrites. At times non-believers are more aware of morals than many so-called Christians are, and that is exactly what they will call you, a “so-called” Christian. Don’t get me wrong, Christians do mess up, Christians even sin sometimes, but making the solid choice to sin or even to let your morals slip slightly, can allow Satan to pull a non-believer even farther away from God than they already are. And the main goal here is to save souls, right?
You might say, “But it’s just a joke, it’s funny, doesn’t God have a sense of humor?” I’m sure He does. But is this funny? No. You might even tell me to lighten up, loosen up, that it’s not a big deal. But it is a big deal. It is serious. God expects us to have great morals. If we're following Jesus, not just believing in God but believing in what God believes in, then we have a book that tells us how to live, the Bible. And if we have truly given our lives to Christ, then we will obey the law of God. Ephesians 5:4 says "Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving." Could this be a form of the coarse joking mentioned in this verse? (The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction. Proverbs 16:21) God wants us to have fun, be happy, and even joke around. (He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.- Job 8:21) But JOY does not come from crude jokes and sayings, but from the LORD! The Word even says that the joy of the LORD is our strength. That’s pretty powerful considering the context of this topic. Think about it: That is saying that when we are happy because we believe in God, we follow His word and we share it with others, then they will see that joy as our strength. They will desire that same impenetrable joy that we have, and we can show them how they can have it.
About the phrase “oh my god”. So, you’re out shopping and you see something that you have been looking for but haven’t been able to find. You exclaim “Oh! My God! That will look perfect in my living room!” Or when someone jumps out from around the corner and says boo! You say “Oh my god! You scared me!” Or when you see something gross you say “Oh my god, that is the most disgusting thing I have ever seen!” Do you think that is okay? That it is not using God’s name in vain? Here are a few definitions for the word vain from dictionary.com.
Vain:
Senseless or foolish.
Without effect or avail; to no purpose.
In an improper or irreverent manner.
Not yielding the desired outcome; fruitless.
Lacking substance or worth.
Devoid of real value, unprofitable.
Idle, empty.
Having no real substance, value, or importance.
Void, worthless, unsatisfying.
The following are a few questions related to the definition of the word vain. These will help you check your words before God. Ask yourself these questions when you say or preferably before you say one of these slang phrases that involve God's name:
Reverence: Is it showing profound respect for God? How about affection? Is it an example of devotion to God?
Fruitful: Is it beneficial? Does it produce good results? Is it profitable for the kingdom of God?
Substance: Does it show solid character or quality? Does it come from the heart?
Value: Does it have worth or importance? Does it show your love and affection for God? Does it show God’s excellence? Does it show that you have high esteem for Him?
How about “oh my gosh!” you ask? That’s just slang, isn’t it? It really has nothing to do with God. So you say? Well, lets look into that definition. The only definition I found for gosh that does not describe it as an expression or exclamation (in other words a slang or phrase.) is this:
GOSH-- 1757, altered pronunciation of God. Probably from 'by gosse' (mid-16c.).
Now that we know right where that slang or phrase came from, do we still want to use it? I should hope not. You wouldn’t say “oh my holy spirit” or “oh my father” or something similar to that unless you were talking directly to our LORD in worship and reverence. Why say something that is hurtful to the heart of our Father in heaven? Hurting God is sin. "I have resolved that my mouth will not sin." Psalm 17:3
And now you ask, what about “oh my gawd!” Here you must realize that gawd is not even a word in the English language. What is it? It’s a slang word to replace God in this particular expression so that people can make themselves feel comfortable assuming that they are not taking the LORD’s name in vain, therefore twisting the Word of God to their own benefit. If I’m going to blurt out a blasphemy, changing how I spell the word isn’t going to change the way God feels about my saying it. The guy who wrote the blog that got me started on this topic, his name was Todd. So I’m going to use his name as an example, mostly just because it rhymes and therefore gets the point across better. What if I said “Todd dammit” every time I got upset or “oh my Todd!” when something scared me out of my wits. Let’s say Todd and I are good friends and he comes up to me and says “ you know, that really upsets me when you say that. It feels like you’re being disrespectful and don’t value me as a friend. As a matter of fact, it makes me feel like you downright don’t like me at all. It also makes others think that you’re just making fun of me. If you really value our relationship at all, you would try not to say my name that way anymore.” and so I say, “Oh, Todd, I am so sorry, now that I know how it bothers you, I wont say it anymore because I don’t want to hurt your feelings and I do want to continue to be friends.” So, I go on my way and a few days later Todd hears me say it again. He would come up to me furious, saying something like “Why are you still saying that? You told me you wouldn’t say it anymore! I told you it hurt my feelings! I guess you just don’t care about me or our friendship at all!” and then I say, “Oh, but Todd, I wasn’t saying your name. I was saying 'Oh my T-A-W-D', not 'oh my T-O-D-D'. I changed the spelling of it so I’m not saying your name anymore and now we can still be friends.” What a conversation! Huh? Todd was still offended!!! Why? Because first of all it’s still said the same way and still means the same thing, although spelled differently, and because when others hear it, they are still hearing the same thing they’ve always heard and thinking about how disrespectful I am being to my friend. Nothing has changed at all. Even though I didn’t think it should be offensive to Todd anymore, because I changed the spelling, he was still offended. I imagine it’s the same way with God. He still finds it disrespectful and wrong and although we may not understand why, the “why” doesn’t matter, the fact that it hurts His feelings does. And the fact that it lowers the value of his name to others, is also disrespectful. The “why” can be summed up in one bible verse. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.” Isiah 55:8-9
This is all about what’s in our heart. If we truly have it in our heart to please God we will learn what he likes and dislikes. We will truly get to know him so that we will know what upsets him and what makes him happy and we will live our lives accordingly. The word of God is a refining fire. It will purify your heart. Keep reading and studying the word of God and it will cleanse you.
The word of God is living and active…it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12) So whether you eat, drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31) Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:48)
Proverbs 22:10-12 (NKJV)
Cast out the scoffer, and contention will leave;
Yes, strife and reproach will cease.
He who loves purity of heart
And has grace on his lips,
The king will be his friend.
The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge,
But He overthrows the words of the faithless.
And last but not least, this is about love and respect. Love and respect for God and for His children. Do you love someone enough to save them from hell? Do you love someone enough to be truthful and honest with them? Do you love someone enough to be a perfect example to them of how to show reverence to God? Sadly, many don’t. In our world, children are not taught how to show reverence to God or respect him in any way. They are taught to believe in what makes them feel good, and that God is what they want him to be, expecting Him to believe in what they believe in rather than them believing in what God believes in. In being taught selfish ways, they have little respect for parents, other adults or even authority figures. Respect is not taught, it’s learned. It is communicated by the respect that the parents (or caregivers) and mentors show others and the respect that they show God. If my children observe that I respect God and other people, they will learn respect as well. I can’t just demand that they respect someone without showing them how. If you love all of God’s children, you will want to teach respect by example. One way to do that is showing reverence to God in the words you speak.
The bible says “Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.” (Ecclesiastes 5:2) That verse is a bit vague as to why, but I believe it is saying that there is more to heaven than we know, it is God’s Kingdom! Not some quaint little town with some little mayor who thinks he knows it all. His kingdom contains and is more than we could ever imagine. And God is the creator of it all! He is the only King and is in control of everything. He can do anything! So in the end, would you, standing in the presence of God most High on judgment day, feel completely comfortable saying one of these ‘slang’ words or phrases in front of him? Or would you keep your mouth shut because you know it would hurt him and knowing his powers and abilities, even be afraid of what he might do or say to you?
Enjoy your day and let God do his work in you, convicting you, refining you, purifying you, and loving you.
Have a blessed day!
Friday, March 28, 2008
The Ten Commandments
In the world today the Ten Commandments are viewed as a list of rules that Christians are to follow, a foundation of morality in that if one follows these ten specific rules, they would be a moral person. Many in turn believe that if they follow the Ten Commandments of God and are a "good person" they will go to Heaven. Of course that is wrong, because there is no other way to Heaven but with the grace of God through Jesus Christ.
But when it comes to living a Christian life, these commandments are important because it helps us understand the condition of our hearts. The Ten Commandments are really just a much broader version of the simple explanation of the ultimate law of God, which is:
So then, you will see, that ALL of the Law (God's law) hangs on these two commandments. I see it pretty much boiling down to one simple word. Unselfishness. Giving your life to the Lord and giving of your life to others. It's all about true love. Loving God and loving others. The Ten Commandments are 10 ways to be sure you do not have evil in your heart. We could re-phrase the Ten Commandments into questions to help you see how they affect your life.
The Ten Questions:
1.) Are you putting God first in your life?
2.) Are you worshiping other things? Money? A Person? A Job? Belongings? Do you kneel before a statue to pray? Do you have pictures or statues of Jesus, Angels, or other heavenly things that you feel protect you, or make you holy?
3.) Do you cuss using the name of God or Jesus? Do you think it's funny, or even okay, when someone else does? Do you misuse His name by saying "Oh my God" when something surprises or excites you?
4.) Do you keep the sabbath day holy? Do you rest and spend your time with God on your sabbath day, learning and growing in the Lord?
5.) Do you respect your parents? Do you show them love? Do you care for them regardless of how they have raised or treated you?
6.) Do you have a murderous heart in which that you desire someones death? Do you hold grudges or seek revenge on others? Do you hate another person? (1 John 3:14-15)
7.) Do you have sex outside of marriage? Do you have sex or a personal intimate relationship with someone besides your spouse? Do you desire these types of relationships, whether ongoing or short term? Do you enjoy viewing pornographic or objectionable material? (Matthew 5:27-28)
8.) Do you take things that don't belong to you, from other people, businesses, or a job? Do you use people, by asking favors and for help with a selfish attitude, never intending to pass it on?
9.) Do you lie about other people? Do you gossip and spread things about people that you are unsure are true?
10.) Do you desire to have something that someone else has? Do you wish strongly to have things of another, desiring their spouse, car, house, or other belongings? Do you desire something that would be unobtainable (belonging to someone else) without hurting someone else by getting it?
One last thing, do you accept that it's okay that others do these things? Does it make you cringe when you see others do these things? Does it make your heart ache? Do you feel the sorrow that God feels when these sins are committed?
The Lord gave us these commandments because he knows and sees what is in our hearts. He wants us to understand that it is not a list of rules that will get us into heaven by following them, but the Ten Commandments are a window to our own heart. God already knows what is there, but sometimes we do not even realize the evil desires of our hearts without them being pointed out to us. God is pointing out to us, through His Commandments, the evil within us. When it comes down to it, what we need do is love God with all of our heart, and love other people like we love ourselves, being unselfish and giving of ourselves, and having the heart of God rather than the desires of the world.
Additional related scripture:
James 2:8-11
8) If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right. 9) But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. 10) For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. 11) For he who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.
2 John 1:6
6) And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.
1 John 3: 14-15
14) We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death. 15) Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him.
But when it comes to living a Christian life, these commandments are important because it helps us understand the condition of our hearts. The Ten Commandments are really just a much broader version of the simple explanation of the ultimate law of God, which is:
Matthew 22: 36-40
36) "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 37) Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38) This is the first and greatest commandment. 39) And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' 40) All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
36) "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 37) Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38) This is the first and greatest commandment. 39) And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' 40) All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
So then, you will see, that ALL of the Law (God's law) hangs on these two commandments. I see it pretty much boiling down to one simple word. Unselfishness. Giving your life to the Lord and giving of your life to others. It's all about true love. Loving God and loving others. The Ten Commandments are 10 ways to be sure you do not have evil in your heart. We could re-phrase the Ten Commandments into questions to help you see how they affect your life.
The Ten Questions:
1.) Are you putting God first in your life?
2.) Are you worshiping other things? Money? A Person? A Job? Belongings? Do you kneel before a statue to pray? Do you have pictures or statues of Jesus, Angels, or other heavenly things that you feel protect you, or make you holy?
3.) Do you cuss using the name of God or Jesus? Do you think it's funny, or even okay, when someone else does? Do you misuse His name by saying "Oh my God" when something surprises or excites you?
4.) Do you keep the sabbath day holy? Do you rest and spend your time with God on your sabbath day, learning and growing in the Lord?
5.) Do you respect your parents? Do you show them love? Do you care for them regardless of how they have raised or treated you?
6.) Do you have a murderous heart in which that you desire someones death? Do you hold grudges or seek revenge on others? Do you hate another person? (1 John 3:14-15)
7.) Do you have sex outside of marriage? Do you have sex or a personal intimate relationship with someone besides your spouse? Do you desire these types of relationships, whether ongoing or short term? Do you enjoy viewing pornographic or objectionable material? (Matthew 5:27-28)
8.) Do you take things that don't belong to you, from other people, businesses, or a job? Do you use people, by asking favors and for help with a selfish attitude, never intending to pass it on?
9.) Do you lie about other people? Do you gossip and spread things about people that you are unsure are true?
10.) Do you desire to have something that someone else has? Do you wish strongly to have things of another, desiring their spouse, car, house, or other belongings? Do you desire something that would be unobtainable (belonging to someone else) without hurting someone else by getting it?
One last thing, do you accept that it's okay that others do these things? Does it make you cringe when you see others do these things? Does it make your heart ache? Do you feel the sorrow that God feels when these sins are committed?
The Lord gave us these commandments because he knows and sees what is in our hearts. He wants us to understand that it is not a list of rules that will get us into heaven by following them, but the Ten Commandments are a window to our own heart. God already knows what is there, but sometimes we do not even realize the evil desires of our hearts without them being pointed out to us. God is pointing out to us, through His Commandments, the evil within us. When it comes down to it, what we need do is love God with all of our heart, and love other people like we love ourselves, being unselfish and giving of ourselves, and having the heart of God rather than the desires of the world.
Additional related scripture:
James 2:8-11
8) If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right. 9) But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. 10) For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. 11) For he who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.
2 John 1:6
6) And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.
1 John 3: 14-15
14) We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death. 15) Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
