It’s incomprehensible that a crime this heinous could take place anywhere, but atop that is the reaction of the onlooking security guard, who not only does not help her, but closes the door. An updated report says that the security guard has been suspended and the assailant Brandon Elliott has been arrested. Elliott is on lifetime parole for killing his mother in 2002. He was released from prison in 2019.
The woman was attacked for nothing more than being who God created her to be. This story took my mind immediately to Matthew 19:16-22 KJV [16] And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? [17] And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. [18] He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, [19] Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. [20] The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? [21] Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. [22] But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
The rich young man was distraught because he had accumulated great wealth. He wasn’t sorrowful for his sin, but was sorrowful for the fact that all he had done was not enough to obtain eternal life and Jesus ask that he would part with his worldly goods. While that certainly does not equate to what happened in the video, it quickly reminded me of the value that we put on material things in this life, and the “me first” attitude we can all be guilty of. The rich young man chose rather to turn his back on God rather than turn away from his wealth, the security guard didn’t act like he even considered coming to the poor woman’s aid even though you would have thought that would have been his first natural reaction. But the nature of man isn’t good. As Christ said, “there is none good but One, that is, God.”
When it came to the crucifixion of our Lord, it doesn’t say that anyone stepped up to His defense. And yet they had seen the miracles He had wrought, many of them had been recipients of His goodness and grace, and yet they stood by and watched as He was beaten, scourged, hung on the cross and subjected to torment and torture by heartless guards. No, there is none of good, not one. But we compare our lives to that of the people like the security guard. And we look pretty good. But then I look deep into the crevices of my “me first” heart and I see so much that could be better for the Lord. Soooooooooo much. If I truly take the time to keep looking, I don’t feel that I’m any better than the security guard at all.
This week should be a week of deep reflection, but I fail miserably at that too. So caught up in the days with things I want to do, not giving heed or attention to the things that Christ would rather I be doing with my time. Not nearly grateful enough for all He’s done for me. Not coming to the aid of people that I see hurting as I should. The video is a visual reminder of the condition of the world we’re in. Why Jesus hasn’t said “enough” and called His children home, I don’t know. But I’m none the less grateful that we are still here with time to see more people saved. But will we step up, or will we close the 🚪 door?.
If we were on parole for our role in the death of Jesus Christ, would it be revoked today because we’ve failed Him yet again? I know for certain mine would. Thank God, O thank You Jesus for your undeserved grace.
One week from today will be the final day of voting. At this point I just want it over. I’m tired of the lies and betrayal. I’m really especially tired of the stupidity. And the fact that they document it on video. When I see some of the young people going into a tirade of a fit that cannot be outdone by the brattiest of toddlers, my thoughts immediately goes to their parents. What must they think? Are they embarrassed, ashamed, heaven help us… proud? We are living in insane times. I’m praying that next Tuesday goes in the Lord’s favor and for His glory, and that when it does the crazies don’t come out of the woodwork. But what are we going to do if it happens? I am the queen of denial! I can just go into my make believe world where it’s all candy bars and gum drops and forget the crazies exist, but then what if they break into my sweet spot?
What happens then?
This morning I read t through the betrayal of Christ. I imagined the sting in the heart of Christ as Judas kissed His cheek, followed by His arrest. I wondered about the fear and confusion in the hearts and minds of the disciples, who had been warned, but were far from ready. I could feel the arrogance in the hearts of the soldiers who thought they were grandiose having captured the Man Who said He was God. But more nauseating than that for me right now, is those same attitudes are alive and well 2000 years later. So what happens if our gardens become war zones next week?
The Followers
Matthew 26:57-60 KJV
[57] And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. [58] But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest’s palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end. [59] Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death; [60] But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses,
Peter had to have been in shock. His best friend, whom he thought was going to establish His Kingdom on earth had been arrested and was being beaten and abused and he stood afar off and watched. He followed Him to His trial. But earlier he had said he would follow Him to the end of time. No doubt Peter’s mind and heart were at odds. His heart said “Defend Him!” But his mind said run.
Yesterday on BlazeTV’s, the Steve Deace show they were taking questions from his Facebook followers. The first question was “If I should be persecuted for Christ, should I fight, or should I stand silent?” That’s a tough question. But it’s why I love the Blaze news. They ask the tough questions. Steve Deace didn’t really have an answer because everything is circumstantial. There is a time to fight, but there is also a time to say, “Come Lord Jesus.” We have to rely on the Spirit for guidance by Seeking Knowledge In Christ.
But in Peter’s day, the Spirit had not yet come.
The Failures
Matthew 26:69-75 KJV
[69] Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee. [70] But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest. [71] And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth. [72] And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man. [73] And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee. [74] Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.
I’m sure he never thought it would happen. But it did. Suddenly he found himself between a rock and hard place and fear consumed him. And so he denied God.
What would we have done? What will we do if we are put in this place? For us, we hope we stand strong in the Spirit of God. But what about the people who have professed Christianity but have refused to stand on His word when they were not being persecuted. What will happen to them? Are they even saved? Will they see the error of their ways, or jump on the band wagon of persecutors.
The number of people who say they’re Christian is huge! The number of people sitting in the church on Sunday morning is not. That should tell us where they’re going to stand in the day of persecution. It unfortunately gives us a glimpse of where they’ll be when it comes to defending the people of God, or crying crucify.
The Faithful
[75] And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.
Peter knew he had failed. Nobody needed to tell him. Reality kicked in, and he was no longer in his world of candy bars and gumdrops. If he ever was. But this is where I find great hope! Yes, there were hard times ahead, but in the midst of the hard times there was the Pentecost!
Acts 2:1 KJV
[1] And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
The church had reunited. Thousands were saved!! How exciting is that! The Holy Spirit had come upon and in God’s people and they had found the strength needed to make great things happen in His name and for His glory. Hey folks! We have the Spirit too! This is not a time to feel as though we’re failures as followers. No, we are given the power in Jesus Christ to do great things. And now I’ve wrote myself happy.
Thinking on next week I know in my heart of hearts, that as a child of God He has me covered and He has a plan for me. Regardless of the outcome I am a disciple of God meant to tell the world about Jesus. My job is laid out. If you’re a child of God, so is yours. Walk in hope!!! Our God is faithful to the faithful!!!
First off, me using a football reference is somewhat comical, because I know nothing about football, well…. except when they score. But it doesn’t prevent me from watching the game and cheering when the rest of the crowd cheers as if I knew all along what happened. But a football analogy is kind of appropriate when it comes to speaking about the Rona (Corona Virus) and the Radicals, because apparently nobody can give us a clue about their next move either. And now pro football is completely political just like the virus and radicals. But the fear involved is very real for a lot of people.
What do you fear most right now in your life? How much of your day does that fear monopolize? What would you rather be thinking about? Good questions to begin our topic of today.
The Rona and the Radicals
Both are current events out of our control! When the disciples in Mark 6 were without Jesus on the boat in the middle of the storm, they were suddenly faced with the possibility of death.
We know from experiencing storms that they either calm down, or grow more fierce and we can’t aid in either direction, we can only buckle down and get ready. Life is much the same way. There are some things right now that are so far out of control, it’s ridiculous. I have no problem comparing it to how the disciples must have felt before Jesus got tin the boat.
But where we differ; Jesus is never outside of our boat!
Mark 6:46-53 KJVS
[46] And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.
What do you suppose Jesus talked about with God that day? Do you think they discussed current events? I have to think they did. Not that either God or Jesus was surprised at any of the events, but maybe they talked about they human reaction of the people involved.
“Did you see the look on Peter’s face when he realized the bread basket wasn’t going empty, that was priceless!?”
What about the look on Matthew’s face when I told him to feed the 5,000 with that little bitty 🧺 basket! He almost swallowed his tongue trying to figure out the math on that one!
I would have loved to have been in on some of their conversations during Jesus’ prayer time.
But while Jesus was up in the hills talking to His Father, the disciples were down in the boat in the middle of a storm. And it says they were toiling and rowing in contrary winds.
[47] And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land. [48] And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them. [49] But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out: [50] For they all saw him, and were troubled.
In the process of their fighting the waves, they were so caught up in that fight that they almost didn’t see Jesus walking on the water. But that was not a common happening in the day, or in our day! I don’t know if I seen Him walking that I would have immediately thought, “Oh, that’s gotta be Jesus, who else could do that?” No, I would have been shaking in my shoes, or worse! The same is true in the happenings of today. When something goes down with the virus or with the current uprising, I’m more apt to immediately feel fear of the unknown, rather than asking myself, “Okay, where is this coming from and who or what is responsible, and what should my reaction be.”
We are quick to say, oh, it’s Satan. While he’s having a field day, we can’t always blame him. Sometimes it’s evil people struggling for power. So once I’ve determined who might be responsible, what am I to do with that information in order to calm myself down.
Do what they did. Talk to Jesus.
(50b) And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.
Nothing said Jesus started the storm. But He showed up in the middle of it and talked to them and told them to “be of good cheer.” I can’t help but sing the song, “don’t worry, be happy.”
I think it’s important for us to key in on the fact that it didn’t say Jesus started the storm. God is not starting this nonsense in our world today. But He for certain is here with us and He’s telling us, “Don’t be afraid, I have this under control.” The question is, are we talking to Him, and then listening to Him.
He’s not going to come in and stand in the middle of the room, but through prayer and the Bible we can get the peace we need to calm our souls in the middle of the storm.
Don’t forget your miracles.
[51] And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered. [52] For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.
They were “sore amazed.” They just couldn’t believe that Jesus did that. Well that might be our problem too, When we’re in the middle of a miracle, we’re like, “Yeah baby, that’s my God!” But then we get in the middle of a crisis, and we think, “this is it, we’re going down!”
What happened to our miracle mentality? And I don’t mean Moses parting the water, but the very fact that God is Who scripture says He is. He spoke the world into existence. And this world is trying to speak us out of existence. He parted the water, He really did. He fed the 5,000. That’s not a fable, He really did that, He has huge plans for us, but we’re letting the current state of our world cloud our thoughts until we can’t see or remember those miracles of God.
When I started watching blaze news, it was almost more than I could stomach. It often times caused anxiety. So I have to keep life in perspective, even watching a show that focuses much of the news on Bible. Every day we are given the opportunity to live our lives in a way that shows our faith in God or our fear of the world.
What’s scaring you today? Who’s responsible? Where is God in it? How is He speaking to you? Those are the questions that we need to ask. Maybe even journal. It would be interesting to read what some of our thoughts today are, or a year from now, or a decade… or maybe we won’t even have to read it…Maybe Jesus will come back and we can just go home! Glorrraaay!
But until then. Let’s keep telling the world about the amazing God we serve, so that they will desire what we have.
The Spirit got a hold on me in 1996, and my life drastically changed. I don’t know if that adequately describes it, you’d have to ask my family. The same family for which some of them are still not saved. But I guarantee that they know there was a time when I become a new person. And although they still don’t understand it, they know it happened. I guess I’m in good company with that, because the same thing happened to Jesus.
John 7:3-5 KJV
[3] His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest. [4] For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world. [5] For neither did his brethren believe in him.
What happened from the age of 12 to 30 years of age with Jesus isn’t spoken about in scripture. But at the age of 30, after His Baptism by John, things were certainly happening in Jesus’ life that made it clear, He was not the average man. Miracle after miracle was going down and the people were following Him like God groupies. They wanted to see more. It wasn’t about their relationship with Him, it was about the curiosity of what He would do next. Even His family. It’s why, I’m not shocked that as outspoken as I am about Christ, there are many in my family who do not know Him. Why should it come as a surprise, when those who were with Jesus Himself, had the same problem. So what are we to do in order to see our family saved?
Miracles? Nope, not in my wheelhouse. Preach to them or at them? Nope, it will likely drive them further away. Bring attention to our holiness. Nope, that’s a sure fire way to fall on your face. I’m doing the only thing i know to do, and I believe it’s working.
Black and White
I speak not of the color of skin,but rather the color of lies and truth according to the word of God. When it comes to what all is going on in our world right now we have to speak the truth as it is according to the word of God. If God says it’s wrong, it is. If God says it’s right, it is. And there is no middle ground. No shades of gray. Jesus never viewed a man differently because of their race or nationality, nor should we. He didn’t discriminate because of social status, nor allowed the past of a person to ruin their future. A person’s life could change on a dime if they truly came into a relationship with Jesus. That’s what happened to me.
All my life I had heard of Jesus, but in 1996 I came to know Him and began forming a relationship with Him and it changed the way I talked and walked. And people noticed. I knew from that point forward I could no longer ride the fence about socially acceptable issues that were against the word of God. I had to take a strong stand, do no wavering, and know what I believed and why I believed it. Because people would question who I was.
I’ve failed many times. But that’s black and white too. I failed. I said I’m sorry to Jesus and I started over…. again…. and again. I’m still not perfect and will not be on this side of Heaven. The last thing the world needs to see is a “Hoooooly” saint of God. They need to see a real saint of God. Accepted and professed flaws and all.
When Red Runs
When I think of the shamed face of a child of God I think of a red cotton towel in a white load of laundry that’s soon to be pink. That’s what happens when a child of God fails, the purest of white is blemished by sin and the blood of Jesus is obvious and needed again and again. And while the pink towel may or may not come white again, the child of God does become as white as the driven snow with a repentant heart. But an action has to be taken. God can’t wash clean what never makes it to the laundry. And when an unsaved person sees that stain in a child of God’s life, they’re not impressed. I guess todays blog is about failure. We all make mistakes and “I’m sorry” or “I should have done or said that” goes a long way to impress those we care about.
Tie Dyed Testimonies
Whether blood relatives, adopted, or just friends in the faith, family is a blending of multiple colors and flavors. Personalities clash, opinions differ and disagreements are inevitable. But the relationships should not suffer. And won’t if Christ is always in the forefront.
I have family who does not agree with my conservative viewpoints. I won’t argue it. Because that’s not going to lead them to Christ. As a matter of fact, it will likely drive them further away, because if they connect Christ to my politics, and my politics disagrees with theirs, they may not view Christ as the answer. I have to separate the two, yet always let it be known that my faith is what drives my political view. It’s a fine line to walk.
It’s much like the tie dyed shirts that I love. I love color!! And I love the blending of color. But there has to be a barrier (like the rubber bands) to prevent to the colors from coming over too far. I can blend a little with a liberal thinker. But there comes a point where I have to take a stand and say, you’re flavor has to stop, I can’t allow it to bleed into mine. That’s where the word of God makes it black and white again. And our need to study and understand scripture is crucial to our testimony to friends and family who are walking another path. We need to be able to explain why we tie our selves to conservative thinking.
Liberal thinkers allow for freedoms that God does not allow. God says in Isaiah 55:8-11 KJV
[8] For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. [9] For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. [10] For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: [11] So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
The Word of God will accomplish His will, but we have to read it and know it in order to sow those seeds with our family and friends. His ways are higher, higher than mine too, not just the liberal thinkers ways. I don’t profess to know what God’s plan is for this earth. But I know I’m a part of His plan and I need to do more to make a difference in my family.
2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV – And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
If God’s strength is made perfect in my weakness, He is REALLY rollin’ in perfection. There’s nothing like a little alone time and reflection to make you realize how very imperfect you are. Or at least so is the case with me. It seems of late that every art project, writing project, music project etc. that I have worked on, I’ve thrown my hands up in defeat and picked it to pieces. It ain’t easy bein’ me.
This isn’t a post in hopes of having the world tell me how wonderful I am. I have great encouragers in my life. The only real discouragement I get is from me. I grow weary of myself. Perhaps you can’t or possibly can identify. But today I turn to the scripture in hopes of finding a happy medium for myself that will restore in me my creative flair in a way that comes with a little more confidence and assurance that what I’m doing makes a difference. It’s not just fluff.
God’s Grace… God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense. Great acronym and great truth.
I love the scripture that leads me away from an identity crisis and into who I am in Christ. That’s the part that I forget when I’m picking myself apart. That’ I’m actually being critical of God’s gifts placed within me. I’ve never liked my self criticism nature. I just don’t do a very good job of shutting her up, even though I have that power in my arsenal of Christian defenses by using the word of God. So, let’s do that today!
Follow the word of God as it tells us who we are “in Christ.” Those of us who know that we know we’ve been saved by the blood of Jesus Christ.
We are Justified! (Just as if I’d never messed up)
Romans 3:24 KJV – Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
He knows my weakness! (And loves me anyway)
Romans 5:6 KJV – For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
There is no condemnation of those who are Spirit lead! (Satan may point a finger, but God never will)
Romans 8:1 KJV – There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
I feel the Spirit of God with me. (Confirming that I am a child of God)
Romans 8:9 KJV – But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
He is my defender! (Everyone needs a Hero)
Romans 8:34 KJV – Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Nobody or nothing can separate me from God. (He’s within my heart)
Romans 8:39 KJV – Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
We are separate from this World. (We are the Saints of God, not a statue on a church lot)
1 Corinthians 1:2 KJV – Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
We are the complete package. (Completed by Christ at the Cross)
1 Corinthians 1:30 KJV – But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
We have hope eternal. (Even in death)
1 Corinthians 15:22 KJV – For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
We have purpose! (He has anointed us to fulfill it)
2 Corinthians 1:21 KJV – Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;
If Satan brings up our past (and he will) Remind him of his future.
2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV – Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Our surety is in the word of God. (Stay in it!)
2 Timothy 1:13 KJV – Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
Glory! Just wrote myself happy. Hoping you just read yourself happy!
Can you believe it? Here we are smack dab in the middle of the Holiday Shopping season. Today is Black Friday, and I can’t say that I’m sad to be working. While Black Friday is fun, kind of… it’s also, at least in my experience, a waste of money. A trip to the big city requires a half a tank of gas, eating out a few times, and buying things that I usually discovered weren’t that great a deal. There would be a few bargains, but the bulk of it was not. This message is brought to you by God. He actually gave it to me, but I decided it was a worthy share! You’re welcome. 😀
My text today is from Hebrews 5:8-14
[8] Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; [9] And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; [10] Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec. [11] Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. [12] For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. [13] For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. [14] But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Wisdom In Common with Jesus
He is the Son of God, for which we too have been made. 2 Corinthians 6:18 tells us “And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” And as the children of God we are entitled to wisdom the world is not. Although I know that, I have a tendency to forget, and it was a commercial for a diet plan that popped up on Instagram that brought it to the forefront of my mind, where it has been for several days. While I truly believe this woman has some wonderful ideas to share about our relationship with God in diet decisions, and her plan wasn’t that expensive, for me I knew wasn’t something I needed to spend $50.00 for. God spoke to my heart and said, “Stick with me kid, and I’ll show you the way.” It’s true! While there are specific diets that I need instructions for, the Bible is truly all I need if I read it, and use it for guidance in every day decisions. We have the Spirit dwelling inside of us, making us in common with Jesus’ wisdom.
Suffering In Common with Jesus
While Christ was indeed the perfect Son of God, one thing that He he not experienced in Heaven was suffering. Verse eight said “yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered.” Which is where some of the greatest lessons in my life have come from, because I am anything but perfect. I make the same mistakes over and over again. Jesus didn’t make a mistake that brought suffering, I made His mistakes, and you did. It was our sins that brought on the suffering of the cross, but what He learned was that He was willing to suffer it all for us to have a relationship with God the way He does. Did that knock a knot on your head like it did mine? Wow! Every time I come to the realization of what the Lord did for me, I stand amazed.
Sense in Common with Jesus
We should have sense in common with Jesus, but as the writer of Hebrews says, many are still suck babies who haven’t moved out of the bottle stage. Truth? I think so. I too can fall into that category. Especially when it comes to making life decisions that I know the right answer too, but go in error because it tastes better. Literally. The young lady with the diet plan speaks of praying her way through the grocery store. Isn’t that a great idea, and it should be common sense, but it’s not something most of us consider because our mind is in the cheesecake isle… or maybe that’s just me.
Verse 14 says “But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
Good and evil speaks to what’s good for us, and what’s bad. Exercising is good. Even though scripture says it “profiteth little.” (1 Timothy 4:8) That’s my favorite part of that verse. But the problem with me, and many others, is that we want the milk of the verse, and not the meat. The full verse says “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the the life that now is, and of that which is to come.”
We all want Heaven. Most of us want it a long time from now. But we make decisions like we want it tomorrow. Ouch. I just felt another knock on the top of my head again. It’s like Black Friday shopping, it’s only a good deal if you need it. Whether it’s dieting or shopping, do you need it? That’s where the wisdom and sense of God come into play. Else there will be suffering.
I don’t know about you… but for me that was good word going into this shopping season of insanity. Amen!
Another church, another thought, as I continue through Revelation. I have to go back and post about two previous churches because those posts got tangled up in web design and technical difficulties. But today I’m doing my best to stay on track like the church of Philadelphia. A faithful lot, without rebuke. I’m sure that it wasn’t that they were perfect, they were faithful. There is a vast difference.
People outside the church look at children of God and expect us to be unscathed in this sinful world. It’s not going to happen. We mess up, we fall down and we get dirty with sin just like the rest of the world; the difference is, I have a spiritual wash cloth that cleans me up. Glory!
I was rebuked by my husband last night in a “joking” manner when I said I didn’t want to answer a message that I’d been sent. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to fix the person’s problems. It was the fact that I couldn’t. It’s a spiritual issue not a physical one. The spirit realm is this abyss of Satan and his minions that continually strive to create confusion, strife and opportunities to sin. And Christians willingly walk into it even knowing that it can destroy. And on the outside of Christianity is the unsaved only seeing the physical realm not the spiritual. And a testimony is destroyed. The unsaved seldom see the acts of repentance and restoration of the child of God.
Life is about doors. Doors that open and doors that close on opportunity.
A person who has accepted the saving grace of Jesus Christ, and His finished work on the cross has walked through a door that will never close. And that is the one to eternal life. But the unsaved who has yet to make that decision is now running the risk of having that door shut for all eternity on the wrong side.
That literally makes my stomach turn.
It’s why I can’t fix the spiritual issues of another. I’m not holding the key 🔑 .
The church of Philadelphia was a loving, faithful church that used their spiritual gifts for the Kingdom of God. They just kept going in the face of what ever came their way, bad or good. And that’s all any of us can do.
It is my prayer that you know which side of the door you’re on when eternity calls.
If not, follow the link to the plan of salvation. Please don’t wait.
There hath no temptation taken you but such
as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted
above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
1 Corinthians 10:13
We all have them, yours are different than mine, but it’s still the same
emotion, days of victory and days of utter defeat.
There’s not any new temptations according to Apostle Paul. And even though
sometimes I think mine are so pathetic that everyone else has won their battle
with it, the scripture says I’ve gone through nothing that someone else hasn’t
already faced. You may be facing it today.
You and I are not that weird.
Satan does not have anything new to use against us that he didn’t have
in the day of Paul.
When I was a teen alcohol was an issue. Do you know that in Paul’s day,
the people of the church would come in and get drunk on the communion wine? If
you don’t believe me read 1 Corinthians 11. It’s in there.
It’s why the Baptist use grape juice. We can’t be trusted in the wine barrel.
How big of an issue is alcohol today? Not with teens only, but more so
with adults who should know better. It’s an issue that can so easily out of
control, and blind side the strongest of Christians even. Especially those
prone to addiction. For which I have that personality and it would take nothing
to get me over the edge of any addiction.
They didn’t have pornography as we do in Paul’s day, but they were so
brazen, they were having scandalous relationships to the point Paul had to
preach on it in 1 Corinthians 6 and it’s captured in the eternal word of God.
So Satan doesn’t have anything new there either, he just has a new outlet. The
internet. And while it’s done in secret with man, God still knows
Paul preached on corrupt conversations (Ephesians 4:29) How many things
could fall into that category? Gossip, anger, criticism?) Finance issues, 1
Timothy 6:10,
Tell me these aren’t the same issues that we’re facing today. There is
not new sin. Nothing’s changed since the garden. Man is still trying to make it
on his and her own, without getting busted by God.
I heard a really deep sermon on this topic this week. A lot of bible study had gone into it. I’m
not going to tell you that I’ve done a lot of studying. But I can tell you that
I’ve done a lot of thinking about how to speak on relevant topics of discussion
for today. And going into tent meeting I wanted something for my own life to
jerk a knot in me and say, “Shari, you can do better.â€
If you want to be successful, you cannot continue dragging your heels in
the dirt of this world, you’ve got to get up in the heavens where the air is
clean and the sky is clear.
We’re seated in heavenly places the bible says.
That may sound metaphoric, but it’s not.
This earth is disgusting. The preacher reminded us of a story of Billy
Sunday, who was asked by a woman why he found the need to hold revivals all the
time? And he asked her why she found the need to take a bath all the time? We
need a bath for the same reason we need a revival. Because we’re dirty.
So I wanted to speak on something that is relevant and something that we
can all agree is an issue. Dirt.
1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
The
Lust of the Flesh
John Gill described it as “All unchaste
thoughts, desires, words, and actions.â€
Have you ever seen a time when there
was more exposure to corrupt immoral behaviors? You can’t watch a commercial, a
television show, movie, or even a child’s cartoon that it’s not there. It’s not
only there, we don’t think twice about it. That is the scariest part. It’s on
us and we don’t even try to wash it off.
I’m not sure how much it affects your
world, but it certainly has been affecting mine. I don’t watch a lot of television
during the day, but late at night, Netflix has been my go to source for
entertainment. There’s hardly anything fit to watch. I finally resorted to
watching kid shows because I needed to get a break from “too much adult content.â€
I’m not that grown up. My mind goes places it shouldn’t go. I’m just being real…
And it always pops up in the middle of a sermon, or when I’m trying to be
spiritual. It’s like someone is trying to sabotage my relationship with God. I
wonder who that could be?
It ends up being two sabotages’. Satan,
and me. I don’t want too, but I do.
The
Lust of the Eyes
Sinful pleasures most generally begin
with the eyes. Covetousness, vanity, idolatry… if we see it, we want it. We
want to look like them, be like them, live like them… who are they? Anyone with
something we don’t have. It takes over
our thoughts and desires and soon God is pushed to the side for stuff… It’s
what takes people into a world of debt and destruction.
One poll that I read said that financial
issues were 1/3 (it was the leading cause) of marriages ending. I don’t think
that’s a shock. And I would dare to say that most of those debts came from the
lust of the eyes. $50,000 dollar cars are standard issues for families. And the
houses are beautifully insane.
Have you ever watched the shows where
people are looking for a new home? I’ve pretty much stopped watching them because
I couldn’t stand the bratty attitudes of the people who were appalled that a
home only had 2,000 square feet. My home is less than ½ that. I lived in a tiny
house before it was cool. Raised two girls here. And always felt inadequate
because of people’s comments about other people’s houses and the fact that they
unknowingly were speaking of me.
I’m not throwing stones. I have my own
wants and desires that I could spill a list of. Some of which I need, and some
of which, I just want. The lust of the eyes will take our eyes off what’s
important.
The final of the three is
The
Pride of Life
What seems to be meant is, “ambition
and honor.†Titles.
Again have you seen it any worse than
now when people are far less concerned about the ethics of work as they are
about their position. Children are brought up in a world of entitlement and our
next generation of employees just think they deserve a pay check for the same
reason they deserved a trophy. Because they showed up. Not because they
excelled.
The same thing is happening in the
church. People feel like they’ve done enough because they showed up on Sunday morning
and participated. They sang a song, they put their dollar in the offering, they
shook the Pastor’s hand and told him he did a great job, now. Bring on the week
and don’t think about it until next Sunday! And if you have a revival, don
expect them to be their every night because that’s just too much.
I can guarantee some of our people feel
that way, and I’m not worried about saying it, because I can almost guarantee
they’re not watching me. Most of them don’t know I’m even on here, or what the
Jesus Chick ministry is about.
This is where I broke down this
morning.
I know this is what I’ve been called to
do. But … those first two issues. The flesh and the eyes, have put me in a
position that causes my family great issues financially. I want stuff. And
stuff costs money, and I’m not really upset that I don’t have what I want, I’m
more discouraged because sometimes I don’t have what I need to ministry work.
And that causes me to want to go back into the world to get it. But there’s
issues.
So this is where it got very relevant
with me this morning. Do I trust God, or do I turn to man? And I think it’s
where we all are in this world of dirt. This world gets on us and causes us to
be uncertain about Heavenly things, because we can’t see them. It’s like my
glasses most of the time. They have so much dirt and grime I can’t see clearly.
Well, God cleared it up for me. I have to make a living… but not in the world.
And that’s where I need to focus.
It’s true. As I wrote the outline for this blog, I
arrogantly thought, “Oooo that’s good, I didn’t deserve that.”
And then I heard in my soul… “No. You didn’t.”
And I knew in my heart that this was going to be a
teachable moment between me and the Lord. As a “Father and child. Go to your
room and I’ll be in later.” Kind of moment.
And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord,
that is wisdom; and to depart from evil
is understanding. ~ Job 28:28
A Healthy
Respect
I’d lost it. The (fear). I’d grown selfish in my walk
with Christ as I grew weary from responsibilities. And not overwhelming responsibilities,
just your ordinary, everyday life kind of duties. I’d finish doing what had to
be done and I’d think, “I deserve a break.” And that break would consist of
mindless television (Netflix) or a game on my phone rather than going to the
word of God or simply having a conversation with Him.
This morning I came to my desk knowing what was on
my heart and before me was a bluegrass song I’d been working on the chords for,
and lo and behold I got out the guitar and figured them out. Knowing that the
Bible was laying there beside me and the Lord wanted to talk.
So… when I finally decided that I could spare a few
moments for Him, the conversation turned very serious. I had been disrespecting
the Savior.
I don’t believe that God wants me to set with the
Bible every second of the day, He knows that life happens and that I need to be
with people, else, how will they see Jesus. But there comes a time that He and
I should be conversing along the way.
When He speaks, regardless of what’s going on around
me, I should pause to listen. Unfortunately the world was too loud in my ear
because I had opened that door.
A
Hallowed Reverence
Matthew 6:9
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father
which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Note that Hallowed is capitalized. It’s
a part of God’s name, meaning Holy. Separate (depart) from the world.
There comes a time when God expects us to shut the
door to the world and be separate from those things that draw our minds away
from Him. Things that when we see them we know in our heart of hearts, this isn’t
good for me. This takes my mind to places it should not be.
For example. Netflix.
I’m not talking R rated movies but just the average
sitcom is filled with content not fit for the mind of a child of God.
I love to laugh. It allows me to forget about the
cares of the world and escape reality for just a bit. But that bit can turn
into hours on Netflix because it literally doesn’t stop. And I get wrapped up in
it and ignore the calling of God. I forget that God said, Be ye holy; for I am Holy. ~ 1 Peter 1:16
To be holy is to separate ourselves from everything
worldly. Including the mindset that “I deserve this.”
I don’t deserve anything more than God. That’s a
hallowed reverence.
A Heavy Reliance
A reliance is a belief and dependence (understanding)
on the Lord Jesus Christ for every breath of life. After all, He holds it all
in His hand, does He not?
THAT IS WISDOM
Job was so much wiser than his friends who looked at
life from a very human perspective. As if they could see inside the mind of Job
and know who he was in the secret hours of the days and nights before that
dreadful day when he lost it all.
To them, it was surely because of sin. But it was
not. It was because God knew the inward strength and character of Job.
We’re not God to know the hearts of other men and
women. It’s our own hearts that we have to be concerned about. I’m not Job. I
doubt my character would stand the testing and trials he experienced. I don’t
want to know if it would. I can’t even resist Netflix. How on earth would I
submit to the level of testing that Job did?
This morning God needed me to understand that I was
not submitting to Him as I should be. Not even close. I want Him to fix all of
my life’s woes: take care of my family, fix my finances and make me healthy,
wealthy and wise. And yet when He call on me, I turned a deaf ear.
Without fear.
Without reverence.
Without understanding.
Forgetting that He gave His all, so that I could
have life and have it abundantly.
Whoever coined the
phrase “getting old ain’t for sissies” was so in tune with my life right now. So
by way of confession, I’ll let you in on a secret, 2018 was brutal on me and
2019 isn’t so great either!
I stopped going to
cardiac rehab at the hospital because I’m a wimp with cold weather. It was just
easier to stay home. But I didn’t want to lose the progress that I’d made so I
was doing some exercises at home. Which included a step aerobic that I really
enjoyed when it was pain free. I was having some knee issues but I was
determined to fight my way through. So as I step step stepped on my little Gold
Gym ® stepper I misplaced my foot and stepped backward really hard. I
immediately knew I was in trouble when a blood curdling scream proceeded from
my mouth that brought the critters running to my rescue. Except Callie the cat,
she is way too important to worry about her handler.
I refused to go to the
hospital because it was cold outside. I told you I’m a wimp. So I waited 24 hours,
for which worked really well for me because the temperature outside dropped to
the negatives. But after x-rays and exams it was determined (as best they could
without an MRI) that I have a torn meniscus. So I’m “peg leg pete” as my
daughter Whitney now calls me, and I’m feeling very feeble. And not just
physically.
Psalm 38 was written by
David as a Psalm of remembrance. Although there is debate whether the Psalm was
written to remember his sin with Bathsheba or the distress of Israel, for me it
matters not. I only know that it resonated with my heart today.
Physical pain, and the
pain of sin and regret take its toll on the body. It weakens me spiritually and
causes an angst in my soul.
David penned it well
when in verse 8 he wrote “I am feeble and sore broken: I have roared
by reason of the disquietness of my heart.”
Feeble Folk
Feebleness is a state
of frailty, weakness or delicacy. None of which I care to be described as. But
I doubt I’m alone. We all have times when we feel weak whether or not it’s
physical or emotionally in times of life’s woes. It brings to mind our
mortality and just how very little we are in control.
While my torn meniscus
could have been remedied by using a little common sense when exercising on
laminate floors, my sins can be remedied by using a little common sense in my
brain. Neither of which I overly skilled at. Obviously a trait King David bore
as well.
I recently have been
following a couple of gals on Instagram that are just a tad too perfect. Their
actually not, they’re very human, but they’re posts are “pretty”. Their homes
are pretty, their lives are pretty, their spirituality is pretty. They make me
nauseous. Yes. I’m sinning in thought. But it’s the truth. I can’t handle all
the “pretty” stuff. I need some reality. They really do inspire me to be
better. But I also tune into a preacher who has been an utter failure! But he’s
fighting back and roaring through the hard times and allowing me to see into
his life of blunders and mishaps and helping me to understand, I’m not alone.
When I fell off the
step, I roared both in my soul and in my physical being. I let the puppies
know, momma was hurt. I believe we need to do that spiritually as well to a
world of perfectionistic attitudes that see only the “pretty” images on social
media and in life. We come into church with our perfect attire and attitudes
having just left the brokenness of life at home and the reality that all is not
necessarily as well as it looks.
It’s why I appreciate
people like my preacher friend who lets me see his realness. Then my realness
doesn’t make me feel like a complete failure, just a recovering failure. Which
is truthfully what I am.
If there was an F.A.
meeting (Failures Anonymous) I’d go. But there’s not. And once you attend you’re
no longer anonymous. Everyone knows! So I’ll just go to church, read the word,
talk to God and share with you. My therapist. Thanks for not charging me an arm
or a leg (for which I only have one left.)
