I find myself at a crossroads today, the same one I found myself at more than 30 years ago. I never imagined I would find myself back at the beginning of my journey, having to once again fight the same battles I thought I had won so long ago. At that time I was a member of a small Baptist church, comfortable in my faith, my religion. I was part of a community of believers, was active in Sunday School, served as a teacher, was a member of a weekly women's bible study. I was your average Christian I guess, much like most of my neighbors in that small town, living a quiet life, active in my daughter's school as a room mother, helping her with her studies, teaching her the Bible, raising her up to be a good, moral person.
Then one day, God interrupted my quiet, comfortable, peaceful life. He began showing me, through his word, that my "religion" was not as acceptable as I thought. Over time, he began dealing with me about the customs and traditions that the whole of Christianity had adopted, which were in direct violation of his commandments. I must interject here, that some years before, I had been exposed to this same understanding, but my heart was not open at that time to receive such revelation. It was as if a veil covered my eyes so that I was unable to comprehend the truth that God was offering me.
However, this time, I truly received revelation. I hate to admit that it wasn't readily received because it shook my foundation to the core. All that I had believed and lived by was being challenged. My whole world view was crumbling beneath my feet. My acceptance of these truths would result in a massive upheaval of my entire life and isolate me from everything and everyone that had been the sum of my entire existence up to that point. In reality, that's exactly what happened. As I began to repent and turn my life around, I was immediately met with opposition. My family and friends thought I had gone completely mad, my church brethren pleaded with me not to leave the congregation. They questioned my salvation. It's hard to explain but I was filled with joy and wonder over what God was teaching me and, at the same time, extremely saddened by my isolation from my former associations.
The one saving grace was that I lived in a very rural community and had several years to spend alone with God in training, My days were filled with bible study, meditation, and prayer. I would walk and talk with him for hours on end as he fed me the bread of life. When it was time for me to be thrown back into the world, I was like a butterfly emerging from my cocoon. I was able to stand firm in my faith, even after I began working outside of the home to help support my family.
Surrounded by "Christians" of all denominations, as well as non-Christians, I often engaged in biblical discussions where I was able to share my understanding, but rarely was able to break through the denominational strongholds that held them captive. I was surrounded by the pagan customs and traditions that had embedded themselves into the very fabric of our society and my heart was often grieved by the inability to awaken others out of their slumber to embrace the truth. I often had to remind myself that I too was once as they were, a part of it all. But for the grace of God, I would still be deceived and oblivious to God's awesome plan for mankind.
Fast forward to today. I am now retired. Since my husband's passing last September I have been blessed with friends that have taken me under their wings to keep me encouraged and lifted up. One dear friend, who has been an absolute angel to me, invited me to attend a weekly bible study at her church. You would think I would be absolutely thrilled and I am to a certain degree. However, I find myself again facing the same things I thought were buried 30 years ago. The new friends I am meeting are from varying denominations and, the more I associate with them, the more I am reminded of the great gulf that separates us. They want to invite me to attend their Sunday services and other community events that are common this time of year. I have attempted to share my beliefs with them, but they fall on deaf ears. It's not my intention to rail accusations against their chosen denominations, but I know I must separate myself from such worship. I am well aware that the longer I allow myself to be drawn into their fellowship, the more they will attempt to bring me back into "religion". I learned a long time ago that Jesus did not come to start a religion, but to have a personal relationship with mankind. It is a good thing that Christians meet together in worship. I believe everyone benefits from congregational fellowship, but it must be in accordance with the word of God. Unfortunately, the "Church" as we know it today has been infiltrated by the enemy. He has brought in leaven that has diluted the pure word given by God in the beginning, resulting in a mixture of truth and error. God says he will not accept this form of worship. It breeds confusion and contention and corrupts our worship of him. He has instructed his followers to come out of Babylon.
He has given us the knowledge of his ways if we will heed them. They are embedded in the Sabbath and Holy Days he gave to Israel millennia ago. They all point the way to Messiah and his plan for humankind. But modern Christianity has adopted customs and traditions that are diametrically opposite to those of our creator. Each one of these appointed times has been replaced with those of ancient sun-god worship. The Sabbath has been replaced by Sunday, Passover by Easter, Tabernacles by Christmas. Throw in New Year's day, Valentine's Day, Mardi Gras and Halloween. Add to them the days devoted to so-called saints and you have a witch's brew that bears no resemblance to the biblical instructions in the word of God.
We are two thousand years removed from the teachings of the Apostles and many have abandoned the faith once delivered to the saints. I will admit that the majority of Christendom today is totally unaware of how they have been deceived by evil forces that have corrupted what they earnestly believe to be the true worship of God. But being ignorant of it does not make it any less the truth. It has been and remains my deepest desire to educate any and all that I come in contact with and bring them out of deception into the true worship of the living God. With that said, I know that most will choose to remain in their comfort zone, to that which is familiar to them. They will hold tightly to their customs and traditions to the very end. The good news is that Jesus will soon come back to the earth to establish his divine rule and mankind will learn to keep his commandments and live by his standards. He will open the eyes of the "spiritually" blind and lead them into all truth.
Today, he has blessed me with the opportunity of sharing his word through a home Bible study. My friends have requested that I teach them the meaning of the biblical festivals. They have been very receptive and are blown away by the beauty and real meaning of these holy seasons. I sincerely pray that God will increase us in numbers and that we will receive much truth and understanding in this study that will result in untold blessings for those involved in this endeavor.
Monday, November 26, 2018
Thursday, June 14, 2018
The Eye of the Storm
Having lived through three major hurricanes, Betsy in 1965, Camille in 1969 and Katrina in 2005, I am more than familiar with the destructive nature of these powerful storms and the impact they have on the lives of those in their path. They come ashore with a vengeance, their intense winds and torrential rains leaving utter destruction in their wake.
One thing that has always fascinated me is the eye of these storms. While the outer bands, often extending hundreds of miles in diameter, descend upon their target with incredible force, the eye itself remains calm. As the storm moves in, these bands bring in the wind and rains, their intensity growing stronger with each hour. Then, in an instant, quiet settles in. The winds dies down, the rains abate. The eye is passing over. It is short-lived, however. One doesn't let their guard down. Once the eye has passed, there remains another round of intense winds and rain to weather through on the backside.
Although many may have never experienced the fury of a hurricane, everyone must navigate through the storms of everyday life that assail us on many fronts. We are buffeted on every side with a myriad of issues and problems that scream for our attention. There is hope, though, in the midst of our storms. Jesus (Yeshua) is that hope!. Like the eye of the hurricane, in him is peace and calm. The closer we draw to him, the more peace we have. Psalms 91:1 tells us "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." That is comforting to know.
Yeshua told a parable in Matthew 7:24-25 of those who hear his words and obey them. They are likened to a wise man who builds his house upon a rock: Though the rain descends and the floods come and the winds blow and beat upon that house, it does not fall for it is founded upon a rock.
Through a relationship with Yeshua, we can experience total peace in the midst of our storms. In John 14:27 he tells his followers on the night he was betrayed, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
Knowing that, after his death, burial and resurrection, his followers would endure many hardships, he gave them encouragement to see them through. John 16:33 "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."
We will experience many storms in this physical sojourn, but Yeshua is the eye in the midst of them all. If we stay in the center of his will, we will experience the peace that passes all understanding.
One thing that has always fascinated me is the eye of these storms. While the outer bands, often extending hundreds of miles in diameter, descend upon their target with incredible force, the eye itself remains calm. As the storm moves in, these bands bring in the wind and rains, their intensity growing stronger with each hour. Then, in an instant, quiet settles in. The winds dies down, the rains abate. The eye is passing over. It is short-lived, however. One doesn't let their guard down. Once the eye has passed, there remains another round of intense winds and rain to weather through on the backside.
Although many may have never experienced the fury of a hurricane, everyone must navigate through the storms of everyday life that assail us on many fronts. We are buffeted on every side with a myriad of issues and problems that scream for our attention. There is hope, though, in the midst of our storms. Jesus (Yeshua) is that hope!. Like the eye of the hurricane, in him is peace and calm. The closer we draw to him, the more peace we have. Psalms 91:1 tells us "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." That is comforting to know.
Yeshua told a parable in Matthew 7:24-25 of those who hear his words and obey them. They are likened to a wise man who builds his house upon a rock: Though the rain descends and the floods come and the winds blow and beat upon that house, it does not fall for it is founded upon a rock.
Through a relationship with Yeshua, we can experience total peace in the midst of our storms. In John 14:27 he tells his followers on the night he was betrayed, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
Knowing that, after his death, burial and resurrection, his followers would endure many hardships, he gave them encouragement to see them through. John 16:33 "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."
We will experience many storms in this physical sojourn, but Yeshua is the eye in the midst of them all. If we stay in the center of his will, we will experience the peace that passes all understanding.
Tuesday, June 5, 2018
LABELS
Labels, as they apply to each of us, are the major source of division in the world today. They are used to divide us on every level imaginable, from our individual families to the collective family making up humanity as a whole. We are all guilty of using labels to identify one another in a myriad of ways. Consider for a moment the divisions these labels cause in every area of our lives. We relegate people into boxes, categorized by gender, race, nationality, education, social standing, political affiliation, appearance, personality......the list is endless.
I believe the most dangerous label of all is "denomination", as it pertains to our religious beliefs and practices. Our world is so divided by religion. It is estimated in 2018 that there are 4,200 different religions in the world. That is incredible! Why do I find that to be such a frightening statistic? Because, as a Christian (here I go labeling myself), I believe God hates division. In this great, big universe (uni =one, verse = song), humanity is meant to live in harmony and unity under the leadership and guidance of it's creator. We are breaking down the very fabric of our world through our divisions, our intolerance of any and all who are not "one of us".
Now, I know there are many religions that do not believe in the Holy Bible as the word of God or Jesus as the Son of God and savior of the world. I cannot speak to those. Christianity, encompassing 32% of the world's population and 2.5 billion adherents, has division enough to fill volumes without focusing on the other 4,199 religions on the planet. What is the primary cause of division within the Christian churches? Denomination!
Denominations are a man-made invention. It is estimated by some that there are more than 30,000 different denominations of Christianity today and some sources believe this number to be much higher. Jesus didn't come to earth 2,000 years ago to build religious institutions but to build a bridge between God and man through a relationship. Religion is as old as man's sojourn on earth. The dominant religion in Judea at the time Jesus came into the world was Phariseeism, which was developed 300 years prior to his birth. The Pharisees had instituted many man-made laws and commandments into their religion, replacing God's instructions to the nation through Moses. This was in direct violation of Torah, in which they were told not to add to or take away from any of the words given them by the Almighty at Mt. Sinai. (Deuteronomy 4:2). Throughout his ministry, Jesus vehemently spoke against and violated their customs and traditions, by which they held the Jewish population in bondage, exposing their so-called authority over the people as worthless. He came to set his people free from religion and into a relationship with his Father. He came to reveal the true character of the Father, that of never-ending love, mercy, grace, forgiveness and acceptance. Rather than bondage, Jesus brought us a message of hope and freedom, a message of oneness with our heavenly Father.
The accurate definition of the word "church" is not a building, but the collective body of called out, set apart believers in Jesus.....his body. According to Ephesians 4:13, we are to grow in the unity of the faith and knowledge of the Son of God, unto perfection, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:4-14 "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many."
1 Co 12:27-28 "Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues."
God intends the body, though many members, to work together as one unit for the edification of all. However, what the church has been more than successful at for almost two thousand years is dividing the body up into pieces. Labels, under the guise of denominations, keeps believers sequestered in their own camps, where "never the twain shall meet". Each focuses on one gift of the body, i.e. miracles, prophecy, healings, or tongues for example and dismisses anyone not holding to their particular doctrinal viewpoint. This ought not to be. Unless the collective body learns to work together, sharing in the unique gifts each individual member has to offer, it will never be fully effective in sharing the gospel with the unbeliever. I don't care how many "mega" churches we build, if we don't build up the body according to the Word of God, removing the labels that divide us, we will never grow into the spiritual house Jesus sacrificed himself for.
I believe the most dangerous label of all is "denomination", as it pertains to our religious beliefs and practices. Our world is so divided by religion. It is estimated in 2018 that there are 4,200 different religions in the world. That is incredible! Why do I find that to be such a frightening statistic? Because, as a Christian (here I go labeling myself), I believe God hates division. In this great, big universe (uni =one, verse = song), humanity is meant to live in harmony and unity under the leadership and guidance of it's creator. We are breaking down the very fabric of our world through our divisions, our intolerance of any and all who are not "one of us".
Now, I know there are many religions that do not believe in the Holy Bible as the word of God or Jesus as the Son of God and savior of the world. I cannot speak to those. Christianity, encompassing 32% of the world's population and 2.5 billion adherents, has division enough to fill volumes without focusing on the other 4,199 religions on the planet. What is the primary cause of division within the Christian churches? Denomination!
Denominations are a man-made invention. It is estimated by some that there are more than 30,000 different denominations of Christianity today and some sources believe this number to be much higher. Jesus didn't come to earth 2,000 years ago to build religious institutions but to build a bridge between God and man through a relationship. Religion is as old as man's sojourn on earth. The dominant religion in Judea at the time Jesus came into the world was Phariseeism, which was developed 300 years prior to his birth. The Pharisees had instituted many man-made laws and commandments into their religion, replacing God's instructions to the nation through Moses. This was in direct violation of Torah, in which they were told not to add to or take away from any of the words given them by the Almighty at Mt. Sinai. (Deuteronomy 4:2). Throughout his ministry, Jesus vehemently spoke against and violated their customs and traditions, by which they held the Jewish population in bondage, exposing their so-called authority over the people as worthless. He came to set his people free from religion and into a relationship with his Father. He came to reveal the true character of the Father, that of never-ending love, mercy, grace, forgiveness and acceptance. Rather than bondage, Jesus brought us a message of hope and freedom, a message of oneness with our heavenly Father.
The accurate definition of the word "church" is not a building, but the collective body of called out, set apart believers in Jesus.....his body. According to Ephesians 4:13, we are to grow in the unity of the faith and knowledge of the Son of God, unto perfection, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:4-14 "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many."
1 Co 12:27-28 "Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues."
God intends the body, though many members, to work together as one unit for the edification of all. However, what the church has been more than successful at for almost two thousand years is dividing the body up into pieces. Labels, under the guise of denominations, keeps believers sequestered in their own camps, where "never the twain shall meet". Each focuses on one gift of the body, i.e. miracles, prophecy, healings, or tongues for example and dismisses anyone not holding to their particular doctrinal viewpoint. This ought not to be. Unless the collective body learns to work together, sharing in the unique gifts each individual member has to offer, it will never be fully effective in sharing the gospel with the unbeliever. I don't care how many "mega" churches we build, if we don't build up the body according to the Word of God, removing the labels that divide us, we will never grow into the spiritual house Jesus sacrificed himself for.
Wednesday, March 7, 2018
WHEN TRAGEDY STRIKES
What is your response when your life takes a turn for the worse, when all seems right in your world and everything is flowing smoothly, but suddenly takes a nose-dive? An unexpected situation arises that throws you into a tail-spin, perhaps a job loss, financial set-back, family conflict, an unfavorable health diagnosis, or worse.....the death of a loved one. How do you react? How does it change your perception of God, especially if you are a Christian and feel you have been living a good life? Do you question, "Why would God let this happen?" "Why would he do this to me?"
That is a common response for many and understandable when faced with situations such as mentioned above. None of us are ever really prepared when our lives are being turned upside down and we don't see a way out. It's scary! Our emotions are all over the place and we feel overwhelmed, confused and unable to process the ramifications of our present circumstances.
We've all been there from time to time. It comes with being human. Life is not always good or fair. Our lives are filled with ups and downs, joy and sorrow. We can be standing on the mountaintop one day admiring the view and be hurled into the valley the next. Is there a lesson to be be learned perhaps, or are we being prepared for a new direction or season in our life? Is this part of the process of getting us out of our comfort zone and bringing us to an awakening we would not have discovered but for the present trial we find ourselves in?
If you are a Christian, you should find comfort in the promise given in Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." I know....sometimes it's hard to hang on to that when faced with the unthinkable. God knows that too and, I'm sure, doesn't hold it against us. He understands our human nature. That's why he sent Jesus to this earth to clothe himself with humanity, whereby he could experience the fullness of our earthly sojourn. Hebrews 4:15 tells us "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.". Yes, Jesus sits at the right hand of God, the Father in heaven, making intercession for us as our High Priest.
When we find ourselves drowning in troubled waters, God should be the one we turn to, not away from. Many are quick to praise him in the good times, but curse him in the bad. He is often the one who is blamed for our misfortunes and it's easy to fall into the trap of turning from faith and prayer to unbelief and rejection. May that not be your attitude!
God is not to be compared with a genie in a bottle or Aladin's lamp, whereby he grants our every wish and desire at the drop of a prayer. In Isaiah 55:9 He tell us "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." He is our creator, not the other way around. We have no right to judge His sovereignty. He is the potter, we are the clay. As He works in our lives, it is always for our good. We have limited vision, whereas His is eternal. He sees the big picture, that which we cannot fully fathom in our present state. As the apostle Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 13:12 "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known".
Trials and tribulations are part of this present age. They are never pleasant, but I believe necessary, for our overall growth in preparation for the coming Kingdom of God. They are part of our training and serve a purpose that we may not understand now, but will one day see with renewed clarity and be thankful for. Romans 5:3 tells us that we should glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation works patience and Romans 12:12 says we are to rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, continuing instant in prayer.
Another important aspect of tribulation is given in 2 Corinthians 1:4, which is the capacity to comfort others who are in trouble. Have you ever gone through some horrible situation and had well-meaning friends tell you, "I know how you feel"? Do they really? Oftentimes not. Unless they have experienced what you are facing, they can't really know what it is like. However, a person who has faced what you are currently facing can truly empathize with you and often be a source of strength and encouragement. You don't feel you have to go it alone. Someone understands. That is powerful!
The important thing I want you to remember is not to blame God or turn away from him. He is the one you most need to turn to when troubles assail. He loves you so very much and always wants what is best for you. Trust His providence. Trust that He knows what He is doing. When He allows trials and tribulations in your life, know that it has a future blessing attached to it. You may not understand now, but if you keep the faith, it will become clear as time goes by and you will be thankful that you remained committed to Him.
If there is ever a break in your relationship with God, it can only be on your part, not His. He will never leave you or forsake you. The apostle Paul writes in Romans 8:38-39 "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 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."
That is a common response for many and understandable when faced with situations such as mentioned above. None of us are ever really prepared when our lives are being turned upside down and we don't see a way out. It's scary! Our emotions are all over the place and we feel overwhelmed, confused and unable to process the ramifications of our present circumstances.
We've all been there from time to time. It comes with being human. Life is not always good or fair. Our lives are filled with ups and downs, joy and sorrow. We can be standing on the mountaintop one day admiring the view and be hurled into the valley the next. Is there a lesson to be be learned perhaps, or are we being prepared for a new direction or season in our life? Is this part of the process of getting us out of our comfort zone and bringing us to an awakening we would not have discovered but for the present trial we find ourselves in?
If you are a Christian, you should find comfort in the promise given in Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." I know....sometimes it's hard to hang on to that when faced with the unthinkable. God knows that too and, I'm sure, doesn't hold it against us. He understands our human nature. That's why he sent Jesus to this earth to clothe himself with humanity, whereby he could experience the fullness of our earthly sojourn. Hebrews 4:15 tells us "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.". Yes, Jesus sits at the right hand of God, the Father in heaven, making intercession for us as our High Priest.
When we find ourselves drowning in troubled waters, God should be the one we turn to, not away from. Many are quick to praise him in the good times, but curse him in the bad. He is often the one who is blamed for our misfortunes and it's easy to fall into the trap of turning from faith and prayer to unbelief and rejection. May that not be your attitude!
God is not to be compared with a genie in a bottle or Aladin's lamp, whereby he grants our every wish and desire at the drop of a prayer. In Isaiah 55:9 He tell us "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." He is our creator, not the other way around. We have no right to judge His sovereignty. He is the potter, we are the clay. As He works in our lives, it is always for our good. We have limited vision, whereas His is eternal. He sees the big picture, that which we cannot fully fathom in our present state. As the apostle Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 13:12 "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known".
Trials and tribulations are part of this present age. They are never pleasant, but I believe necessary, for our overall growth in preparation for the coming Kingdom of God. They are part of our training and serve a purpose that we may not understand now, but will one day see with renewed clarity and be thankful for. Romans 5:3 tells us that we should glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation works patience and Romans 12:12 says we are to rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, continuing instant in prayer.
Another important aspect of tribulation is given in 2 Corinthians 1:4, which is the capacity to comfort others who are in trouble. Have you ever gone through some horrible situation and had well-meaning friends tell you, "I know how you feel"? Do they really? Oftentimes not. Unless they have experienced what you are facing, they can't really know what it is like. However, a person who has faced what you are currently facing can truly empathize with you and often be a source of strength and encouragement. You don't feel you have to go it alone. Someone understands. That is powerful!
The important thing I want you to remember is not to blame God or turn away from him. He is the one you most need to turn to when troubles assail. He loves you so very much and always wants what is best for you. Trust His providence. Trust that He knows what He is doing. When He allows trials and tribulations in your life, know that it has a future blessing attached to it. You may not understand now, but if you keep the faith, it will become clear as time goes by and you will be thankful that you remained committed to Him.
If there is ever a break in your relationship with God, it can only be on your part, not His. He will never leave you or forsake you. The apostle Paul writes in Romans 8:38-39 "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 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."
Saturday, December 30, 2017
Lessons From Psalms 1
Psalms 1 has always been a favorite of mine and I often return to it in my meditations. I love verse 3, that speaks of the reward of the righteous. "And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." I love the imagery of that verse. It speaks of security and safety. But, in order to experience verse 3, we must take to heart verse 2, " But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night."
Law? Is that the law that has been done away with, the one Jesus nailed to the cross? If so, then verse 3 cannot apply to us. Oh, but it does. The English word "law" is from the Hebrew "torah", which means instructions. The biblical term torah simply means the instructions of our heavenly Father. Picture, if you will, a sheepfold. While in the sheepfold, under the protection of the shepherd, you are safe from harm. When you venture out on your own, you are in danger of that which lurks without and the enemy who comes only to kill, steal and destroy. Jesus tells us in John 10 that he is both the door to the sheepfold, as well as the good shepherd that protects the sheep. Verse 7 "Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.", and in verse 11 "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." Verses 27-28 "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." How do we follow him? We keep the torah! Isn't that trying to be saved by works? No! We are not given access to the protection of the sheepfold because we have kept torah, but keep torah because the good shepherd has brought us into his sheepfold by grace through faith, and then teaches us his instructions for righteous living, whereby we remain in his care. Now we can read again verse 3 and see the blessings that are the reward of those whose delight is in the torah.
The role of earthly parents should be patterned after our heavenly Father. They are to train up their children according to rules and guidelines that are given to keep their children safe and happy. It has been proven that children who are raised with parental boundaries feel loved and secure. They may test those boundaries, but often it is in hopes that their parents will prove to be consistent in their upbringing. Those of us who are parents know the pain and sorrow brought on by disobedient children and the fruit of their willful defiance of the teachings that would bring them innumerable blessings. It breaks our heart. Our heavenly Father feels that pain all too often as he sees his children turning from the ways of eternal life to that which leads to death. His instructions for righteous living are never meant to be seen as bondage, but as a loving father's desire to bless us with abundant life.
Deuteronomy 6:5-7 "And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart. And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."
Do we see this, even in Christian households today? No, for all our advancements and technology, we see families growing farther apart. We are in bondage to TV, the internet, IPhones, Facebook, twitter, instagram, etc. Families rarely sit down together for a meal or engage in any meaningful conversation. Our children have lost the art of communication and socialization. Their method of "conversation" is through a cell phone attached to their hands every waking hour. Sadly, their parents are doing the same thing. This is not the abundant life our Father intended for us.
Many today grow nostalgic when thinking of the "good old days." Well, if you ask your grandparents or great-grandparents, those days were not all good. What was good though was that they lived in simpler times. They didn't have the distractions we live with today. They knew what it was to join hands at the dinner table in thanksgiving and enjoy the togetherness of family and friends, sharing and laughing with one another. After a hard day's work, they would often sit out on the porch, gazing up at the moon and stars, sharing stories with one another. Children would play outside under the watchful eyes of their elders long after the sun set, chasing fireflies, burning off excess energy, ensuring a restful night's sleep. Children respected their elders and found joy in sitting at their feet listening to tales of days gone by. Their education consisted of the bible and it's teachings, at church and at home. Today, bibles often sit on the bookshelf collecting dust, thought to be ancient tales of ancient times, no longer applicable to our day.
I will close with two passages, one from Jeremiah and the other from Revelation. Deuteronomy 19:15 tells us that at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established. The passages I will share both witness to Psalms 1
Jeremiah 17:7-8 " Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.
Revelation 22:1-2, 14 "And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."
What a mystery! The bible reveals to us that, by our obedience to the creator, we will be as a tree of life and will one day be given access to THE TREE OF LIFE in the eternal city of our God.
Law? Is that the law that has been done away with, the one Jesus nailed to the cross? If so, then verse 3 cannot apply to us. Oh, but it does. The English word "law" is from the Hebrew "torah", which means instructions. The biblical term torah simply means the instructions of our heavenly Father. Picture, if you will, a sheepfold. While in the sheepfold, under the protection of the shepherd, you are safe from harm. When you venture out on your own, you are in danger of that which lurks without and the enemy who comes only to kill, steal and destroy. Jesus tells us in John 10 that he is both the door to the sheepfold, as well as the good shepherd that protects the sheep. Verse 7 "Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.", and in verse 11 "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." Verses 27-28 "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." How do we follow him? We keep the torah! Isn't that trying to be saved by works? No! We are not given access to the protection of the sheepfold because we have kept torah, but keep torah because the good shepherd has brought us into his sheepfold by grace through faith, and then teaches us his instructions for righteous living, whereby we remain in his care. Now we can read again verse 3 and see the blessings that are the reward of those whose delight is in the torah.
The role of earthly parents should be patterned after our heavenly Father. They are to train up their children according to rules and guidelines that are given to keep their children safe and happy. It has been proven that children who are raised with parental boundaries feel loved and secure. They may test those boundaries, but often it is in hopes that their parents will prove to be consistent in their upbringing. Those of us who are parents know the pain and sorrow brought on by disobedient children and the fruit of their willful defiance of the teachings that would bring them innumerable blessings. It breaks our heart. Our heavenly Father feels that pain all too often as he sees his children turning from the ways of eternal life to that which leads to death. His instructions for righteous living are never meant to be seen as bondage, but as a loving father's desire to bless us with abundant life.
Deuteronomy 6:5-7 "And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart. And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."
Do we see this, even in Christian households today? No, for all our advancements and technology, we see families growing farther apart. We are in bondage to TV, the internet, IPhones, Facebook, twitter, instagram, etc. Families rarely sit down together for a meal or engage in any meaningful conversation. Our children have lost the art of communication and socialization. Their method of "conversation" is through a cell phone attached to their hands every waking hour. Sadly, their parents are doing the same thing. This is not the abundant life our Father intended for us.
Many today grow nostalgic when thinking of the "good old days." Well, if you ask your grandparents or great-grandparents, those days were not all good. What was good though was that they lived in simpler times. They didn't have the distractions we live with today. They knew what it was to join hands at the dinner table in thanksgiving and enjoy the togetherness of family and friends, sharing and laughing with one another. After a hard day's work, they would often sit out on the porch, gazing up at the moon and stars, sharing stories with one another. Children would play outside under the watchful eyes of their elders long after the sun set, chasing fireflies, burning off excess energy, ensuring a restful night's sleep. Children respected their elders and found joy in sitting at their feet listening to tales of days gone by. Their education consisted of the bible and it's teachings, at church and at home. Today, bibles often sit on the bookshelf collecting dust, thought to be ancient tales of ancient times, no longer applicable to our day.
I will close with two passages, one from Jeremiah and the other from Revelation. Deuteronomy 19:15 tells us that at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established. The passages I will share both witness to Psalms 1
Jeremiah 17:7-8 " Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.
Revelation 22:1-2, 14 "And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."
What a mystery! The bible reveals to us that, by our obedience to the creator, we will be as a tree of life and will one day be given access to THE TREE OF LIFE in the eternal city of our God.
Sunday, October 15, 2017
King of kings, Lord of lords
The gospel message, according to the Christian church, is the story of Jesus and his free gift of salvation to all who believe in him as savior and call upon his name in repentance for the remission of sins. Following their conversion, believers have a deep desire to minister the message of salvation to others, that they too may experience this saving grace and the fellowship of the brethren. The death, burial and resurrection of our LORD is truly the greatest event in the history of the world to date. The apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 "For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures. And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures". He is indeed the lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.
The message, however, does not stop there. At his first coming to earth to take flesh upon him and tabernacle with men, he fulfilled the prophecies concerning the suffering servant, the sinless lamb of God who willingly laid down his life for his creation, who bore in his own body the penalty for our transgressions. He came to break the bondage of sin that held us captive in it's grasp, to be the mediator between God and man, for he was the Son of God and the son of man. However, he will once again come to earth to fulfill the prophecies concerning his reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. I believe that Christianity has, for the most part, failed in it's understanding of the significance of that day yet in the future.
Our LORD is no longer a babe in a manger or the suffering servant who died for our sins. He is seated at the right hand of the Father on high, where he has received all power and authority in heaven and on earth. The second time he returns to this earth, it will be as reigning King to establish the Kingdom of God and lay down the rules of the Kingdom. Many who have been taught that those rules no longer apply or have been nailed to the cross at his crucifixion will have a rude awakening when they stand before the judgment seat of the Almighty.
The "gospel" Jesus brought during his first coming was not about himself, but about the Kingdom of heaven. Everywhere he went throughout Judea and the Galilee, we are told that he taught the people concerning the gospel of the Kingdom. Fifty-four times in Matthew's gospel alone, his message was the Kingdom. Matthew understood the prophecy of old. Jeremiah 23:5 "Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth." The parables in Luke's gospel were teachings on the Kingdom. The apostle Paul, in his letters, often spoke of the Kingdom. The gospel of the entire New Testament was primarily that of the Kingdom of God. Yet the message of the Church remains one about Jesus rather than what he taught. He is accepted as savior but rarely, if at all, as our Lord or master, the one whom we are commanded to obey.
Do we even have any concept of who Jesus is today? The apostle John, while exiled on the Isle of Patmos, was transported by the Spirit unto the future Day of the Lord. He heard a voice behind him as the sound of a trumpet. He turned and beheld the glorified Jesus standing before him amidst seven golden candlesticks. The sight was so awesome and fearful that John fell as a dead man at his feet. He wasn't looking at a baby in a manger or a suffering messiah, but the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end, a King of such mind-numbing majesty that words failed him, as it would us as well.
Revelation 1:13-16 "And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength."
I believe, if the Church could get even a small glimpse of their savior as a ruling King on the throne of his glory, as was revealed to John, there would be an awakening and a revival such as the world has never seen. One day we will honor him as King of kings and Lord of lords and every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that he is LORD!
Do we even have any concept of who Jesus is today? The apostle John, while exiled on the Isle of Patmos, was transported by the Spirit unto the future Day of the Lord. He heard a voice behind him as the sound of a trumpet. He turned and beheld the glorified Jesus standing before him amidst seven golden candlesticks. The sight was so awesome and fearful that John fell as a dead man at his feet. He wasn't looking at a baby in a manger or a suffering messiah, but the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end, a King of such mind-numbing majesty that words failed him, as it would us as well.
Revelation 1:13-16 "And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength."
I believe, if the Church could get even a small glimpse of their savior as a ruling King on the throne of his glory, as was revealed to John, there would be an awakening and a revival such as the world has never seen. One day we will honor him as King of kings and Lord of lords and every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that he is LORD!
Peace in the Storm
(NOTE: This is a reprint of a post I wrote on 9/7/15, that was accidentally deleted)
It's one thing to say prayer changes things, but another altogether to stand on that affirmation when the going gets rough. Prayer is not something we put on like clothes. A better analogy would be armor. An even better would be skin. Life brings with it many challenges, but God is sufficient to meet them all. It's easy to say that when it's someone else fighting the battle, but not so much when we are the one under attack. Prayer can be far from our lips when we are the one facing the enemy.
Enemies abound, both physical and spiritual. We encounter them each and every day. Some of us may be facing huge challenges at this moment from any number of events. However, it's not the challenges that do us in; illness, financial difficulties, family disputes, etc. It's the inability we seem to have in these moments to keep the faith, to pray to the only One who can change things. He is our strength, our rock, our fortress, our high tower. If we will turn to Him in our hour of need, He will hide us under the shadow of His wings.
I heard a story recently about a contest. The participants were told to paint a picture of the most peaceful scene they could think of. Of course, most of the entries were of beaches, meadows, beautiful mountain scenes, fields of wildflowers. The winning entry, however, was of a raging storm replete with lightning and thunder, heavy rain and high winds. In the corner of this picture was a small cleft in the side of a mountain where a mother bird sat peacefully with her babies tucked safely under her wings.
That is what real faith is all about. It's not the absence of the storm, but the peace that God gives in the midst of it. May He grant peace to each of us as we face the storms in our lives.
Psalm 91:1 "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." (NKJV)
It's one thing to say prayer changes things, but another altogether to stand on that affirmation when the going gets rough. Prayer is not something we put on like clothes. A better analogy would be armor. An even better would be skin. Life brings with it many challenges, but God is sufficient to meet them all. It's easy to say that when it's someone else fighting the battle, but not so much when we are the one under attack. Prayer can be far from our lips when we are the one facing the enemy.
Enemies abound, both physical and spiritual. We encounter them each and every day. Some of us may be facing huge challenges at this moment from any number of events. However, it's not the challenges that do us in; illness, financial difficulties, family disputes, etc. It's the inability we seem to have in these moments to keep the faith, to pray to the only One who can change things. He is our strength, our rock, our fortress, our high tower. If we will turn to Him in our hour of need, He will hide us under the shadow of His wings.
I heard a story recently about a contest. The participants were told to paint a picture of the most peaceful scene they could think of. Of course, most of the entries were of beaches, meadows, beautiful mountain scenes, fields of wildflowers. The winning entry, however, was of a raging storm replete with lightning and thunder, heavy rain and high winds. In the corner of this picture was a small cleft in the side of a mountain where a mother bird sat peacefully with her babies tucked safely under her wings.
That is what real faith is all about. It's not the absence of the storm, but the peace that God gives in the midst of it. May He grant peace to each of us as we face the storms in our lives.
Psalm 91:1 "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." (NKJV)
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