tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18312367060346728592024-03-13T07:04:08.914-07:00Purpose ProposedPURPOSE PROPOSING
Suppose we never asked the questions, or looked beyond our introspection? to find that life revolves around more, a life of Purpose and living The Call...Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1831236706034672859.post-35766597444706981762012-12-25T16:23:00.000-08:002012-12-26T18:28:01.500-08:00Friendship<br />
In my opinion it seems a lot of relationships are doomed to fail because of the unbalanced weight in the scales. The weights are not level, and so the scale is bound to tip...<br />
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It seems lately I've been thinking a lot about relationships, 'friendships' especially...and what makes a true friend and a good friendship...Here are some of my thoughts on the topic. <br />
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The Question: What makes a good friend/friendship?<br />
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* Good Communication.<br />
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I know, we've all heard this one before. But, it's more true that you can imagine. The results of 'bad communication' are 'secrets', 'offenses', 'assumptions', 'accusations', and 'depression'. Seriously, communication is the most important ingredient in making any relationship 'work'. Almost anything is possible to go wrong, if you and your friend can't communicate. For example;<br />
You "think" you overhear your friend in a conversation to someone else and say something rude about you...'Bad communication' 'assumes' the very worst; your friend is wicked, she hates you, etc etc. 'Good communication' goes and asks your friend "Did you say this about me?" The law remains: 'Innocent until proved guilty', if you always believe the worst of your good friends, it just goes to show that you don't truly 'trust' them or 'know' them. Good communication knows how to speak it's mind, humbly but honestly. Without that honesty in a relationship there cannot be 'trust'. Without 'trust' in a relationship there is lot of 'doubt'. If you cannot 'trust' your friend, there isn't a friendship at all...<br />
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Without honesty in a relationship, there is confusion. A friend can't really be your friend if he or she 'doesn't know you for who you are'.<br />
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* Selflessness<br />
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You would be surprised how much of your actions are truly ruled by 'selfishness' and not love in your relationships. Do you make friends and do you have friends just for what they give to you? Perhaps you have friends so you can just vent to them? Perhaps you just have friends in order to be liked? Or do you have friends because you truly care about them?<br />
The true measure of love is how much you are willing to give without getting anything in return. Of course there is a balance...Christ is our greatest example of a 'true and loving friend'. He laid down his life for people that did not all treat him right. Even his close friends betrayed him, and made mistakes..."No greater love has a man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends" John 15:13<br />
Jesus said that. Yet, he also says "We are His friends if we obey Him". So as Christians, although we should love even the unlovable, even Christ was not 'close friends' with those who did not 'love him'...<br />
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I say this because, there are certain circumstances where you may be the only selfless friend...in that case, to not 'expect' true friendship from the other person involved or else your heart will be broken. There are certain relationships where the other person is an abuser because all they care about is 'getting' and 'having a friend' and don't truly 'love' you.<br />
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A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born from adversity. ~ Proverbs 17:17<br />
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* Forgivness<br />
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People let people down. It's a hard fact to swallow, but it's true. We all make mistakes, and we all fail and falter, because we live in a fallen world...and without constantly living in the example of Christ, we do from time to time show our sinful nature. Knowing this, you should already be antiquated with the act of forgiveness. In order to have a lasting friendship, you are going to have to be willing to forgive. Christ forgave you your sins, you must be willing to forgive others their sins.<br />
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For if you forgive me their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. ~ Matthew 6: 14-15<br />
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Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. - Matthew 5:9<br />
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Make every effort to live in peace with all men. - Hebrews 12:14<br />
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Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. - Romans 14:19<br />
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Let us be the first to give a a friendly sign, to nod first, smile
first, speak first, and - of such a thing is necessary - forgive first. -
author unknown <br />
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* Friendliness<br />
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Yes, it may seem obvious that in order to be a 'friend' you must show yourself 'friendly'...But, this is one area of relationships that many people fail in. They expect people to be friendly to them, and yet they are not friendly themselves. Be the first to smile, the first to say hello, the first to ask how another is doing. You will not only make many friends, but keep your friends. The man who acts friendly one day, and then unenthusiastic the next is in danger of confusing his friends about his/hers feelings for them. You would be shocked at how much this simple truth comes into play. Friendship hinges on 'continuity' and 'consistency'. <br />
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People cannot tell if you are genuinely 'interested in them' if you just expect them to 'know' and don't 'show it'. You could wake up one day and wonder why 'so and so' is not so close a friend to you, but it's really because you didn't 'invest in them' or 'give them your attention'.<br />
I'm not saying to be phony, only to try to put your best foot forward. We all have bad days, but you will not make friends or build up your relationships by being 'moody'. You will not attract true friends if all you do is whine and wear a sour expression. Many people have given the wrong impression to others about their interest in forming a friendship because of their lack of 'friendliness'.<br />
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A man that has friends, must show himself friendly; and there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. ~ Proverbs 18:24 <br />
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* Manners/Respect<br />
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You must respect your friends. A true friend respects your opinions, your feelings, and your beliefs...he does not worship his own opinions, feelings, beliefs, and hold them above his relationships. How can there be a honest and true friendship if a person cannot feel safe? Friends feel safe when they know that their opinions, feelings, and beliefs are respected. There cannot be a 'close friendship' between two people where a friend fears their "friend" will 'bash' his or hers opinions over his head, and 'down' theirs. In a relationship you cannot make the other person 'hide themselves' by always being so ' ungracefully opinionated'. Shut up for a moment and take the time to listen to what your friend likes, and not always talk so forcefully about what you 'do' and 'don't' like to the point that your friend cannot have their own opinions. <br />
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* Understanding/Listening<br />
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So many people cannot be good friends because they lack 'understanding' or the willingness to 'forsake their own opinions' and truly 'understand'. People want to be 'understood', they don't want to enter into a relationship where the other person 'assumes' everything about them...they want to be 'heard' and they want to be 'known' for who they 'really' are...and that's not going to happen in a friendship where one person plays the 'know it all'.<br />
A true friend 'listens' to their friend. Not because they 'have to', but because they 'want to'. You will make and keep more friends by truly 'listening to them' than anything else. And when there are no words, you can still 'listen' by 'observing actions' and 'hearing the unspoken words of the heart'. Care and know your friends well enough that you recognize when they need a word of encouragement, or just a hug. Be there for your friends, without them ever having to 'ask you'.<br />
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Seek to be 'understanding' of them and what they are going through. Don't hold grudges, or be quick to judge...always be quick to truly 'understand'. In friendship you must put your own opinions behind you; in other words, lean not on your own opinions, but seek to truly 'understand'. Ask your friends questions.<br />
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The language of friendship is not in words, but in meanings. - Henry David Threau<br />
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*Giving and Receiving <br />
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A lot of friendships fade because neither is willing to 'give', or someone is afraid to 'receive'. Friendship, and any good relationships is made up of 'giving' and 'receiving'. Give without expecting anything in return, but be willing to 'receive' what you are given. If you are afraid of love, if you are afraid to receive...it's going to show in your friendship, and cause strain. If you are selfish and not willing to give, or afraid to give 'it also' is going to show and cause strain. Generosity is an expression of love. People will see your love from them in your eagerness to give to them...whether that be 'your time', or even in a 'hand made gift'.<br />
A friend can feel it when you are stingy, and the message that come across is, "I'm not willing to give to you, because my 'time', 'money' etc...means more to me than you do". <br />
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But it hurts just as much, when a person gives 'their time', 'other gifts' etc...and the person they give to, doesn't 'receive' them with gratitude and understanding. Because when a friend gives, what they are really saying is "I love you. And here is a token of my love."<br />
And when you ignore their counsel, take for granted their gifts, and trample on their offers of time...what you're really doing is trampling on their expressions of their love for you. And as crazy as it may seem, when you do that, you're ripping at the threads in the fabric of the friendship.<br />
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Accept what people offer. Drink their milkshakes. Take their love. - Wally Lamb <br />
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* Acceptance<br />
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A true friendship is born from 'acceptance'. This doesn't mean you 'approve' of everything that the other person has done, or does...But it means that you 'accept' them/ love them even as they are. If you always put on an air that makes other people feel uncomfortable, most likely you aren't going to have many friends by your side. If you you are always saying things that are critical, or judging everybody...even if it's not always in words...people can tell by your expressions, and your body language whether or not you accept them or are always 'judging' them... and if you are, you most likely aren't going to have friends who will confide in you.<br />
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True friends feel 'safe' around each other, they feel it "shelter" to talk to each other.<br />
"A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter: he who finds one finds a treasure." - Sirach 6:14<br />
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Between loving friends there need be no secrets...the trusting heart is always safe with another who truly cares! - Joan Walsh Anglund<br />
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Oh, the comfort - the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a
person- having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but pouring
them all right out, just as they are, chaff and grain together; certain
that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth
keeping, and then with the breath of kindness blow the rest away. -
Dinah Maria Mulock Craik <br />
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Of course, this also means that a true friend loves his friend enough to help him in 'self betterment'. A true friend encourages his friend to do better, and cheers him on to climb out of the pits he falls into...all because he wants his friend to succeed, and stand on the mountain top.<br />
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* Counsel <br />
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A true friend offers Godly counsel...What can really hurt a good friend though, is when you take their counsel for-granted and/or ignore it. People vary in 'love languages', but the honest counsel of a good friend proves just how much they care about you, and it should never be taken lightly.<br />
Be sure to listen to those who love you, know you, and most importantly love God. You will find that a good friend only says what they hope will build you up and give you hope for your future.<br />
A wise friend that loves you much, may give you counsel or advice that is hard to hear...but it a true friend who thinks of your better well fair, and is willing to do hard things, just to protect you and encourage you to stay on the right track and pursue holiness.<br />
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True friends are honest with eachother.<br />
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Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel. - Proverbs 27:9 <br />
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* Recognizing the Fruit<br />
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You will know people by their fruit. No matter what they tell you, you will know them by not only what they 'do' but what they 'reap'. <br />
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You shall know them by their fruit. Do men gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles? Matthew 7:16<br />
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You will know a "true friend" by how they treat you. But not only 'how' they treat you, but what sort of fruit they reap from their actions. You also, will be able to tell if you are a 'true friend' to others by the sort of fruit you reap in your friendships. Is there always misunderstandings? Is there constantly fighting? Why is their so much strain?<br />
Love reaps the most beautiful fruit. Water a person with kindness, and shine encouragement in their life and you will see a friendship bloom.<br />
What kind of fruits are your friendships producing? Depression? Anger? Worldliness? Sin? <br />
If so, you should reconsider what sort of people you are hanging out with, and what sort of person you are. A good friend can truly bring out the best in you, but a bad friend or even an 'enabling' friend can cause you to become worse for it. Sometimes, it's not that the people you "thought" were your 'friends' that are 'bad people', it's possible that they just aren't mature enough to be a 'good friend', or just don't know what it means to be a "true friend". Talk with them about how you feel. Remember a real friendship is one that involves 'trust', ' good communication', 'honestly', 'love', 'forgiveness', 'generosity', 'friendliness', and 'respect' from both sides/people. If you cannot talk to your friend about 'how you feel', most likely you are not as 'close' a friend to them as you imagined. <br />
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A real friend helps us think our best thoughts, do our noblest deeds, be our finest selves. - author unknown<br />
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Hopefully this blog post has given you some insight into the world of 'friendship'. Friendship is a beautiful thing, and a 'faithful friend' is a gift from God! I pray whoever reads this may be blessed with at least one 'good friend' that will shine the love of Christ in their life. <br />
But also I hope that this post will encourage you to be a 'true friend', and a 'sturdy shelter' to those who cross your paths. May you shine the love of Jesus and make a difference in this dark world where many are 'unfaithful'. Put others and their cares before your own and do unto others as you would have them do unto you. What kind of friend would Jesus be? What kind of friend is He?<br />
Let us follow His example, and love with all our hearts. May we wash the feet of our friends, and may they know just how much we care about them.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1831236706034672859.post-89278208032417982992012-11-15T15:13:00.002-08:002012-11-16T19:16:21.181-08:00The Courage to Change: Pride and AngerYou stand in the center of the crowd, and suddenly the tone changes, and you look up and see what appears to be spite in the eyes overlooking you. The crowd jeers and you search their faces with bewildered anxiety. You stand there for a moment in the sea of emotion and a strange feeling brews deep inside. What is this offense that cannot be disguised? Words pour out from your mouth and stern eyes. And then what will later seem like a few harmless words, at the moment causes your pride to tick and to conjurer defense. Before you know if you are holding yourself back from the anger you're feeling, and from fighting back...<br />
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Ever wonder why some people offend you much easier than others? I tend to believe that the more a person has been "offended", hurt, or abused in a certain area, or by a certain person, they will be more sensitive in that area or to the words/actions of that person.<br />
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And yet there a certain situation or occurrence that causes us to question why we are so protective or easily hurt in a certain area that does not tie to any previous abuse or offense...And that is when we realize that deep down inside it is pride that causes us to stand on our toes and turn our backs in anger. Whether it be 'not wanting to be seen as dumb' or 'not wanting to be proved wrong' or 'not willing to take help'...often times the root is our own 'pride'...and often times in these circumstances it is because we are too caught up in 'our own view of ourselves'. Why are we so concerned with being taken wrong, or being seen as less than we are? Is it truly because we want peace with others, or is it or often times our own desire to be seen as 'perfect'...I've been pondering lately the difference in righteous defense, and selfish defense.<br />
I think as Christians we shouldn't be so adamant about defending ourselves. Yes, that might seem hard. And yes, it does take surrender and humility to do...but truly, 'What would Jesus do'?<br />
Was He so consumed with defending himself? No.<br />
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Why don't we act like Christ in the 'little areas of life'? I mean, Christ said that when we are hit in the face, to turn the other cheek as well. As Christians we are not to fight against persecution. And, yet why do we fight back, and why are we so quick to defend ourselves when people say things that aren't totally accurate about us? Or better still, when we get defend ourselves or get offended when someone just teases us...<br />
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Pride and Anger run 'hand in hand.' Ever notice that a lot of times 'anger' is the direct fruit of 'pride'? I hadn't really thought about that till recently.<br />
Pride taints words and twists meanings... until what had been meant once as harmless, even friendly, is seen as horrid or offensive. Pride is a ugly thing, not just because it's not appealing, but because it is 'destructive'. It's rather strange how a person can suddenly flip, because of pride. Honestly, pride can be one of the most uncomfortable and violent emotions ever felt. Yet, pride is not just a 'feeling' but a 'state of mind'. Pride is the root of many sins, such as jealousy, rebellion, selfishness...and pride can cause us much regret.<br />
Don't let any one fool you, pride is not a silent thing that can be contained. Pride leads to anger, and we all know anger cannot be hidden long, sooner or later it rages, and can even destroy everything in it's path.<br />
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Pride can easily creep into a person's life without them even realizing. The fact is we all have 'expectations', but what if those 'expectations' aren't really much more than our desire for selfish 'adherence from others'? We all want to be respected, we all don't want to be overlooked, or poked fun at, but it's very easy for our self defense to premature, or even unnecessary. That's when we have to check our pride, and ask ourselves, 'why am I doing what I am doing?'<br />
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I think it is so easy for a man's desire also, for what he calls 'justice' to become only a desire for 'control' or 'selfish gain'. Or is it a many times already 'that' from the start? The truth of our motives bare fruit along the way, and throughout the "fight".<br />
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What does it mean to be more like Jesus? Does it mean perhaps letting go of our pride and passion for 'self justice'? Jesus wasn't 'recognized' for who He truly way by most, nor was he treated with respect by most.<br />
That makes me think about how I react to petty misunderstandings, and when I feel a finger pointed at me unjustly, and blush at how easily I am effected or ticked off. It makes me marvel at how humble and meek Jesus was. He was truly amazing.<br />
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In this would we will have tribulation, but be of good cheer...for 'He has overcome the world'...<br />
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As Christians we must set our sights on Jesus and eternity. It is the selfish man, or the man who's eyes are set on earthly fulfillment and gratification who sorrows and angers over his 'lack of respect' from others...There is always a complaint, because man is always failing to show him the "respect" and "understanding" that he deserves. If we always have a mindset of 'expecting the best treatment' we only lead our tempers to explosion.<br />
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Christ was not interested in 'proving' himself or making people 'bow' to Him while he was on earth. He served others and sacrificed himself, and his ego. If we are too concerned with our treatment and what other people think about us, we will never serve others or love others freely and boundlessly. The way to put others before ourselves is not only in actions, but in 'expecting little', yet 'giving much'. How much greater is it to serve a person who is 'undeserving and does not recognize your sacrifice at first, nor "puffs up your ego?" This does not mean we should think that "abuse" is 'righteous' in the eyes of God...but when it comes down to not receiving the expected "attention", "affection", or "gratitude" that we 'think' we "deserve" we should 'think again'. How much are we willing to sacrifice? How much is 'too much' to let go of for the cause of godliness and becoming more like Christ?... Sometimes all it is that we need to 'sacrifice', is our own 'pride'.<br />
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When we truly consider how we complain and fight for 'our rights' and 'our image' we realize just how selfish and close minded we really are...<br />
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This brings to mind the story of Peter and Jesus in John 13:<br />
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3 Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. 4 So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist 5 and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples feet, drying them with the towel he had around him.<br />
6 When Jesus cam to Simon Peter, Peter said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?"<br />
7 Jesus replied, "You don't understand now what I am doing, but someday you will."<br />
8. "No," Peter protested, "you will never ever wash my feet!"<br />
Jesus replied, "Unless I wash you, you won't belong to me."<br />
9 Simon Peter exclaimed, "Then wash my hands and head as well, Lord, not just my feet!"<br />
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....12 After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, "Do you understand what I was doing? 13 You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and you are right, because that's what I am. 14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other's feet. 15 I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.<br />
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I like verse 14 a lot in this passage. Because Jesus tells us to do as He has done. Honestly, Jesus truly humbled himself...He who sat on high came and washed the feet of man. Wow. Amazing.<br />
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3. Do 'nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in 'humility' count others 'more significant' than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only yo his 'own interest's, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, thought he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself ,by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. - Philippians 2:3-7<br />
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In order to change, in order to let down our pride, we need to have a different view of 'ourselves', we need to stop thinking 'so seriously' of ourselves, and realize that we are no better than our neighbor. Pride starts from thinking too highly than we ought of ourselves, or having too high of standards for ourselves and how we're treated by others. How does one let go of pride? Perhaps by following the example of Christ, and realizing that humility is more honorable than pride, and reaps better fruit.<br />
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God, please help us to let down our pride, and surrender our egos. Help us to think more like Jesus, and to walk in humility and not selfish passion. God, may we only ever act out of love and in meekness, and not react in pride and unnecessary anger. Thank you for the example of Christ, and thank you for your Spirit which convicts us and can empower us to live godly and holy lives.<br />
We hand over ourselves, and ask you to give us the proper view/prospective of ourselves. May we think of others as better than ourselves, and serve even when we are not appreciated.<br />
Thank you for your love. We believe that humility is rewarded, and pride is punished. We want to be 'yours' and 'a part of you', so Lord just like Peter help us realize that the path you'd have us walk is surrender to You, and not selfishness. And God help us not to be easily offended, and when we feel like we are persecuted; help us to keep our mouths shut as did Christ when he was judged, and care more about Your view of us...for you know us completely as 'we are'... pride and all. ;-)<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">Next: Blog post: About the Character of Sherlock Homes: The first blog post of many under the title 'Fiction Characters and What We Can Learn From Them'.</span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1831236706034672859.post-77870133065413315512012-11-06T09:29:00.001-08:002012-11-06T12:11:10.448-08:00Trusting in God's Promises<br />
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Most all of us have dreams, or goals that we hope to accomplish or
obtain in life. But along with those dreams and goals we have anxieties.
Anxieties that those same dreams and goals, won't come to pass, or that we
won't obtain them. Ever. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Have you ever felt like though, no matter your fears, that God has
promised you something? Perhaps you haven't actually heard His voice wake
you out of a deep sleep, or reveal himself and his promise to you in a
vision...or maybe you have...yet, perhaps you were made aware of God's promise
to you in another fashion; though the words of a friend, in your quiet time
with God, in his word, a sign... confirming occurrences, or words
that appear over and over again to you... However you were awakened to the "voice of God", He did
"speak to you", and you know it...Sometimes you may 'doubt' the
fact that God made a promise to you, but you know that He ‘did’. How do you
know? Because even when you may fear that perhaps God didn't promise something
to you, still, deep inside you keep 'waiting', you keep 'expecting' what you
hope for, to one day happen. You haven't given up on your desire for ‘what’ God
has promised...but perhaps you just don't know if God will really keep his word
in 'fulfilling it'? <o:p></o:p></div>
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'Promise' definition: <o:p></o:p></div>
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Noun: A declaration of assurance that one will do a particular
thing, or that guarantees that a particular thing will happen.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Verb: Assure someone that one will definitely do, give, or arrange
something; undertake or declare that something will happen.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ever read the story of Abraham in Genesis? If so, did you notice
that almost in every chapter of his story God tells Abraham that he shall have
his own son…but Abraham has to be constantly reminded of God’s promise to him,
because what God promises seems impossible. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Genesis 12: 1-2 The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your country,
your people and your Father’s household and go to the land I will show you. 2 “I
will make you into a ‘great nation’ and I will ‘bless you’; I will make your
name great….<o:p></o:p></div>
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Then in chapter fifteen:<o:p></o:p></div>
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Genesis 15: 2 But Abram said, “O Sovereign Lord, what can you give
me since I ‘remain’ childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer
of Damascus?” 3 And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in
my household will be my heir. “ 4 Then the word of the Lord came to him: “This
man will not be your heir, but a son coming from your own body will be your
heir. “ 5 He took him outside and said, “Look up at the heavens and count the
stars – if indeed you ‘can’ count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your
offspring be”. 6 Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as
righteousness. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Then in Genesis seventeen:<o:p></o:p></div>
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Genesis 17: 15 And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife,
thou shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be. 16 And I will
bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she
shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her. 17 Then Abraham
fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born
unto him that is an hundred years old? And shall Sarah, that is ninety years
old, bear? 18 And Abraham said unto God, “O that Ishmael might live before
thee! 19 And God said “Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shall
call his name Issac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting
covenant and with his seed after him.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Notice here how Abraham says unto the Lord; “O that Ishmael might
live before thee!” There are a few ways one might take this, but when I read it
I think of all our failed attempts to ‘bring about’ God’s “will” in our lives.
We do this, and we ‘do’ that, and there comes a time when we look up and ask
God “O if only my attempts, if only my works could bring about your will!” But that's not the way it goes is it? We cannot 'make' providence happen in our lives, only the Holy Spirit can do that. If it were 'us' that made all the good things in our lives come to pass, and our dreams be fulfilled, then life would be all about 'us'. And it's not. What I think is that, if a man can 'make' happen his dreams all without God's help, then there's good cause to believe that his dreams were never Christ Centered, or focused on anything but the gratification of 'self'. Worthless dreams, that will not live after the individual is gone. I don't know about you, but I want what I do, my dreams to make an impact on the world, and those around me. I don't want something that will only bring happiness to 'myself'. <br />
<br />
In Genesis eighteen 10- 14 God's messanger tells Abram and Her husband again, that they shall have a son.<br />
<br />
And in Genesis 21:1-3 God's promise is fulfilled: And the Lord visted Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did unto Sarah as he had spoken.....5 And Abraham was an hundred years old, when his son Issac was born unto him.<br />
<br />
Sometimes God's promises take a long time to be fulfilled, but wow, He 'always' keeps his word. <br />
Notice it took 25 years in this case, for what God promised concerning Abraham to come to pass. He was 75 when the promise first came to him that he would have a son, and 100 years old when it was fulfilled. Isn't God amazing? His timing is perfect. He perhaps waited until there was no possible way Abraham could 'do it on his own', and did the "impossible". I tend to believe God likes doing that. He comes/acts when we realize that we can't possibly make our dreams come true on our own. His promises are like tickets. Tickets that never expire, nor are made void by impossibility. The train will 'chug' no matter the weather, no matter what. God's promises are true 'garantees'. <br />
<br />
Sometimes though we get tired of waiting for God to 'answer our prayers' or 'keep his word' and in result we go to other things, or go for 'second best' or even doing things the 'world's way' (sinning) to get what we want...to take the place of what 'God has promised'; like Sarah and Abraham did in involving Hagar in their desire for a son. Genesis 16: 2- 5. Notice though what happenes when we 'jump the gun' and don't trust in God's promises? We bare fruit that doesn't line up to God's perfect will. I feel like we have the tendency to do the same thing, we we go to things, or do things that we know 'isn't what we should be doing' because God has promised more to us. But when God finall does fulfill his promises to us and our lives...we regret our hasty actions that we did when we didn't trust God would act on his promises; just like Sarah and Abraham did in Genesis 21:9-11...<br />
<br />
God always keeps his promises, and fulfills what he has promised. <br />
<br />
So what sort of promises has God made to you? There are some promises that God has made to all of his children.<br />
<br />
He has promsied that he will never leave us or forsake us.<br />
He has promised that he will supply all our needs according to Christ Jesus.<br />
He has promised that we will be taken care of.<br />
He has promised that those who trust in Him, He will direct their paths.<br />
He has promised us eternal life.<br />
He has promsied to give rest to those who come to Him.<br />
He has promised peace and joy to those who's minds are set on Him.<br />
He has promised victory for those who surrender to Him.<br />
He has promised strength to those who seek it from Him.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/the-promises-of-god-10-powerful-bible-verses-1/">http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/the-promises-of-god-10-powerful-bible-verses-1/</a><br />
<br />
The list goes on, and on, and on! <br />
Do you trust God to make good his promises to you as his child? <br />
Sometimes peace seems unibtainable. Sometimes shadows hider your sight. Sometimes the night stretches long into the morning. But peace can be yours, and the light can penetrate the darkness that surrounds you.<br />
<br />
Trust in God. And for those of you who feel God has given you dreams, goals, visions...made a promise to you of a better life, or a life of influence...Don't settle for less. Joy comes with the sun rise, and one day you will wake up and God's will has had it's way in your life. If God has promised anything to you, you can be asurred that he will fulfill it in your life. Trust in the Lord and lean not unto your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct your paths. - Proverbs 3:5-6<br />
<br />
Go with God. And keep your eyes on Him. He is God over all impossibilty, He is 'God' and you are not. Imagine all that you could do to make good possible, make your dreams possible...God can do far more. Have faith. <br />
<br />
Philipians 1:6 - God will complete His good work in You. <br />
<br />
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1831236706034672859.post-35219090226370704082012-10-25T09:10:00.003-07:002012-10-25T09:21:58.004-07:00Purpose Proposed On A Cross'Purpose Proposed on a Cross'...those words are some of the first that started this blog. Purpose Proposed on a Cross...What do those words mean to you? They mean to me, that Christ is Purpose...and He proposed to all the world, and to each individual when He died on the cross. What did He propose?<br />
Well;<br />
For God 'so loved' the word, that He gave His 'Only Begotten Son', that 'whosoever' believeth in him should not perrish but have 'everlasting life'. ~ John 3:16<br />
<br />
Christ is proposing not only 'eternal life' to you, but 'purpose it's self'. All You have to do is believe in what He's done for you...and follow Him. <br />
<br />
Christ is reaching out His hand, will you take it? He calls you Beloved, He calls you by name...There is a world awaiting out there, and there is more to the gospel than just receiving a Savior...God saves our souls, as well as places His purpose within us.<br />
And it's not just a 'feeling', but a true 'cause'. Christ wants to give your life purpose. Will you say 'Yes'? Will you receive it?<br />
<br />
'Taste' and 'see', for the Lord is good...Pslam 34:8<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1831236706034672859.post-61742566710507763652012-10-25T09:00:00.000-07:002013-10-25T22:29:29.249-07:00A Longing Heart: ProseWhen there aren't any words, there is a pause in my heart. When there aren't any words, there is a pause in my soul. I can feel it, like a
great distancing, I can fill it like the tide that never came in. But, I
can't...I just can't wait for the tide...If I don't have words, I don't
have my life. Oh, I know, I know where the creativity comes from, I
know, I know where the lyrics start. I know, I know, where my sanity
comes from...it's sown and harvested in your heart. And I've tried to
understand it, I've tried to keep on going, but without your divine
inspiration, I can feel my gears slowing. Why don't I just go for a
reload in fuel? Why do I run it out to the very last gallon? It's as if
the station was a fragment of my imagination, I know it's there, but I
keep on racing. <br />
<br />
But I know life is not a 'rat race',
yet I try to believe it to be true...If only I didn't feel the constant
ignition in my mind to just do, do, do. And it's not the same as being
active like an athlete, it's deep down in my stomach, where no one can
see it. It's a churning for fulfillment, like a hamster on his wheel; he
runs to no goal in sight, and yet he can't stop for what is real. I
know what it all comes down to, I know what it is I seek. It's the truth
that I need to ignite me, it's love that I need to calm me, and slow me
down to breathe. Cause deep down inside I'm like the hamster on his
wheel, I need the gospel to cut past my bubble, and take me further than
I feel.<br />
<br />
Nothing can fill, but Jesus himself. You can
travel the world, ride high on a balloon, or even mount an elephant, but
nothing can fill the heart that longs for it's true love, no nothing,
it just can't. You can run away from your making,you can try to escape,
but there will always be a timer ticking in your soul, just waiting for
the day...<br />
<br />
I've heard that God is beckoning from His
place on high, and that He comes down to every man and can open up his
eyes. I've seen the Master's hand, I've read the words so true...yet why
is it that every once in awhile I feel the weight of what it's like
with only a "gallon" of you? It's ridiculous in a way, cause why don't I
just take the time to fill? I get frustrated at our connection when,
it's only my own time that I've got to kill. And I've made myself a
servant of my own demand of your time, and I repent for my doubts, as if
it's all required to fit 'my' own mind. But, perhaps you could have
mercy and consider where I am? Sometimes I wish I'd just shut up, and
wait patiently on your hand. And if I had the choice, I know I'd pick
your majesty, but you know that I'm selfish and could tend to worship
the 'produce' instead of the 'Guarantee'.<br />
<br />
So here I am
again, my only truly devoted friend. Your lovely, and your awesome, and
yet I stand here with empty hands. And in times of darkness I have
doubted that you want to fill my heart, but when I look back on those
moments, I think it was truly my 'self' that reflected on what I thought
was 'your' part. Please open up your word, open up these eyes, and run
away the complacency, run away the lies. I'm a sick soul, without the
grace to fill, I'm a blank canvas, with a gaudy frame. Because no matter
how much I run, no matter how much I scrape, all my ambitions will
only work to make the 'filler' and not the 'cake'.<br />
<br />
And I
don't want to live a life that's 'meatless', a life without the
'weight', I don't want to build up my own world, and not your body...for
your<i> name's sake</i>. And I sometimes I wish it was instantaneous,
like you could just breathe it into me, and then I see the endurance,
the patience it takes to get down and stay on my knees. And I want a
balanced faith, I don't want it all to be too easily attained, but God
please have mercy and don't stay away too long, cause It's hard to trust
that I'll wake up out of the 'distancing' game.<br />
<br />
A
heart of longing deep inside...a heart wanting to lay down the pride...a
heart that needs you to survive...here I am...make it
rehabilitation...let me remember the joy of my salvation...God I ask for
a heavenly visitation...just You...take it from here...here's my
doubts, here's my fears...run away the lies, and open these new
skies...the horizon awaits, and I know it's there...a purpose, and
fulfillment in you...that doesn't die 'anywhere'. And take this longing
heart, and make it into a piece or art. Be the produce of my life, and
paint it with your colors. That everywhere I may leave a trail or
reflections of Your light...that the colors may be bright...and point to
you.<br />
<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1831236706034672859.post-10896188334555851372012-09-26T07:36:00.001-07:002012-09-26T07:36:00.448-07:00Rend Collective Experiment - Christ Has Set Me Free<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGqyi-WpHU4?fs=1" width="480"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1831236706034672859.post-48430945617115720392012-06-17T15:47:00.001-07:002012-06-19T08:34:23.599-07:00The Inner Storm of Loneliness<br />
There comes a time in our lives when we realize that there is none
faithful, and there is none truly 'all loving' but Jesus Christ himself.
Even those who we are the closest with. And it's not always because a
friend has forsaken us, or something terrible has happened to bring us
to this realization, it's just life it's self, and this longing for
fellowship and close friendship that you know that your friends, family,
loved ones, just can't fill. The truth is when we spend time away from
prayer, study and our secret place with God, we start to feel all alone,
and we start to panic inside. Something is missing, something is wrong,
and yet why is it so hard to go back to the corner and get on one's
knees and confide in God? Why is it when we really need God, we go to
other people instead?<br />
The truth is life can be like a storm;
waves of confusion and dark clouds of distress, nothing is certain, no
one can be counted on to be there when you 'really' need them. Actually,
it seems like when we really need a friend, that is when they are not
around. When suddenly, we are at our worst and need to sit down and
receive a reply from a pal, there is none. I think the reality is we
just need Christ, and we are so darn blind to the fact that when we are
the neediest, God holds the greatest fulfillment. And honestly, it is
when we are at our neediest that we seem the most repulsive. People
begin to think that you are trying to cling to them, or expect what they
cannot or shouldn't have to give. And as we all know there are different
sorts and types of friendships in this life.<br />
Overall, I don't
blame God for leaving us in these sort of situations though, when we
feel alone...because when we are at our neediest point, God knows that
what we really 'need' is Him. He is the greatest 'filler'. The Lord is
my Shepherd, I shall not <i>want</i>...Lord, teach us to find our
'fulfillment' in You, to find our peace in You. I ask that You would
have mercy on me, and bless all those that I know. I pray that
loneliness would be surrendered for peace. Calm the storm of hurt,
confusion, fear, loss, and doubt in my mind tonight. You know what I've
been through before this moment, you know my anxieties, you know how
this heart full of care, beats for all I cross paths with in this life. I
will never let go...You see the emptiness in loneliness...Lord, here I come. Down on my knees, heart bore out. Here my cries, have compassion on my inner storm. Calm it with your hands, <i>Let me lie down beside still waters...</i>where you restore my soul, and my <i>peace</i>.
You are the friend of my heart, you are the love of my life, here I am,
arms held high, touch this mind. You know me, in and out, there is
never a misunderstanding between us. Therefore you see my need just as
it is, and you usher me into your presence.<em> Let's talk God</em>...<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/X2jCXwiowzg?fs=1" width="480"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1831236706034672859.post-30641438365614184202012-04-10T09:43:00.000-07:002012-04-10T09:43:21.094-07:00The Courage to Change: The Sin of 'Self Awareness'Do you ever ask the questions: 'Am I loved? 'Do I have purpose in this life?' 'What is my worth?'<br />
Or maybe you do not ask the questions, maybe you just believe that you are unloved, that you do not have a purpose in this life, nor that your life has any real worth. Perhaps you do not only 'believe' it, but it's starting to show in ways that are apparent to others. <br />
<br />
Maybe you've tried to believe the right thing, that 'you are loved by God', that 'your life has a meaning' and that 'you are of worth', but to no avail...every time you think that you can make it, something happens, you step back, you look for your approval or acceptance in another person, in a romantic relationship, in being the best at some particular sport...you just cannot feel confident in your own shoes...just when you thought you were strong enough, you see yourself reaching out to find your purpose and worth in the things of the past....in people, places, or things that never filled before...You know you shouldn't be doing this, and you aren't even doing it on purpose, but you can't help it... because the truth is you must feel loved, your life must have a purpose, you must be of worth...and unconsciously your trying to find all of the above in something or someone other than yourself. Why?<br />
Because you, yourself, are not confident enough on your own. You've tried to trust God, but life is just so hard, and without that feeling of self worth you just cannot go on. <br />
<br />
It is very important to have a right self image...it is destructive to have the wrong image of yourself. Which is why Christ Himself has died on the cross to show God's great love for you, and why Christ is our great purpose, and the Bible says that you are of great worth to God and created in His image. <br />
But what if you do not believe that Christ is all that He says He is? What if there is more to the story than just a desire to feel love? What if 'false guilt' is hindering you from receiving God's love, purpose, and His say on your worth?<br />
<br />
I've known quite a few people who continue to live lives in constant struggle with believing in the Love and forgiveness of God, and the people who surround them. Yes, one of the reasons for this is because they grew up, or experienced offenses from those, usually those close to them, who may have 'acted' or 'said' that they loved them, but really 'did not'. But, another equally popular reason is that the individual had done something wrong, or had sinned against God or others, and 'did not' or 'could not' get themselves to believe that they could be 'forgiven' and 'loved' because, they had done so much wrong. More than, just being in shock about it, they 'disbelieved' that they could or 'should' be loved or forgiven...because inwardly, 'they did not forgive 'themselves' therefore they did not believe they should or could be loved and forgiven by others...<br />
As much as this may seem like a form of humility to the person who has done wrong, or 'feels' like they have done wrong, it is NOT humility at all. Many times a person who cannot or will not forgive themselves, and will not allow themselves to be, or believe in the love and forgiveness of God/ others, (believe they should do so in order to 'punish' themselves, because they do not think they 'deserve' better.) But, the reality is 'rejecting God's love' or 'forgivness' aka (what Christ did/accomplished on the cross) is NOT humility or penitence at all, but 'rather' rebellion stirred by pride. <br />
<br />
<span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/john/13-3.htm"><b>3</b></a></span>Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, <span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/john/13-4.htm"><b>4</b></a></span>rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/john/13-5.htm"><b>5</b></a></span>Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.<br />
<span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/john/13-6.htm"><b>6</b></a></span>He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” <span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/john/13-7.htm"><b>7</b></a></span>Jesus answered him, <span class="woc">“What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.”</span><br />
<span class="woc"></span> <span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/john/13-8.htm"><b>8</b></a></span>Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.”<br />
Jesus answered him, <span class="woc">“If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.”</span><br />
<span class="woc"></span> <span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/john/13-9.htm"><b>9</b></a></span>Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!”<br />
~ John 13: 3-9<br />
<br />
A big problem that a lot of us have...is a problem with an 'over awareness of self'.<br />
We think that we are being 'just' by pushing God's hands away, or protecting others from knowing who we truly are, but in reality we are just too concerned with 'self' and the 'way it makes our pride feel', and that 'hinders' us from freely surrendering to love.<br />
<br />
Here are some other issues that usually actually stirred from Selfishness, (being too self centered)<br />
1. Pity (the most obvious)<br />
2. Depression<br />
3. Doubt<br />
4. 'False' Guilt<br />
5. 'False' Humility/Justice<br />
6. 'False' Love<br />
<br />
I'll explain a few of these points further...Pity (False Guilt) can sometimes disguise it's self as Humility but it is NOT. Do not get confuse self pity, or self inflicted guilt with the work of the Holy Spirit or Biblical sorrow or repentance. It is all possible for a person to feel 'guilt' and it 'wear at their self image' but STILL not be 'repentant' of their sin...sometimes we may feel guilty for things that we need not even feel guilty for! and that is a sign of being too 'self focused'...to the point that you are despising yourself for not being as 'perfect' as 'you' think you 'should' be. Now, it's a good thing to want to better yourself when it is scriptural, but even then 'guilting over something' is not the same as 'repenting' and 'changing'!<br />
<br />
Depression is proven in many cases to be the result of self pity, and too much focus on the 'bad' in a particular Individuals life...God says to think on 'good' things, and not too get caught up in focusing on all that 'isn't going right for you' but rather to worship Him in all circumstances and seek to focus on the blessings in your life.<br />
<br />
Religiosity. Sometimes what we confuse with 'humility' and 'being pleasing to God' - is really our own sense of 'religiousity'. We stress over what clothes we are wearing, what music we are listening to, the way we are acting to an extreme extent; to where what may seem like 'wanting to be pleasing to God' and 'being modest' or worrying about 'not flirting' or 'not seeming prideful' or 'worrying on not listening to certain tones in music' or 'worrying about what we are eating' -when in reality we are actually doing nothing more than keeping up our sense of 'religiousity' and obeying our own standards. And 'then' when we do not 'live up to our own standards' we inflict ourselves with guilt...So that in actuality, we begin without God and end without God. We do not live up to our own sense of 'perfection' and therefore we punish ourselves...by having a pity party, and yet we 'still' do not repent...because why repent? Because it is not God in the first place that we were keeping holy, pure, etc...for...It was 'ourselves'. Therefore God is not even involved.<br />
It is not enough to just 'please ourselves'. <br />
<br />
For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. - Matthew 5:20<br />
<br />
The Pharisees were not only Hypocrites but they made up their own laws to be "holy". They would condemn others who did not obey the laws that 'they' had created, and they thought that just by heeding to their own 'religiousity' and 'self perfection theroy' they would be the greatest in God's eyes. Christ spoke against the Pharisees and their methods of holiness.<br />
<br />
<span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/titus/3-3.htm"><b>3</b></a></span>At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/titus/3-4.htm"><b>4</b></a></span>But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, <span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/titus/3-5.htm"><b>5</b></a> </span>he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, <span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/titus/3-6.htm"><b>6</b></a></span>whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, <span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/titus/3-7.htm"><b>7</b></a></span>so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. - Titus 3:3-7<br />
<br />
Saved by Grace through faith, and not by works least any man should boast!<br />
<br />
It is important to know why you do what you do. Ask yourself if you are, and if so, why you are rejecting God's love or the love of others in your life? Ask yourself if your guilt is truly even genuine? Ask yourself if you are really willing to give up your sin, and receive blessing in it's stead? If so you will be 'repentant', and the thing about repentance is that it is not only 'being humble enough to admit you were wrong, and seeing that you have hurt God, and put yourself in harms way', but also the second part of repentance is being humble enough to receive God's love and brave enough to take the new chance and dropping the chains of the past sins.<br />
Repentance is asking for forgivness, turning from your sin, and receiving God's love and pardon!<br />
The beautiful thing, that just being 'guility' and 'condeming yourself' cannot do - is give you a new start and another chance. Just knowing you've done wrong, and condeming yourself for it, is not what God wants you to do. It is NOT what God wants you to do...It can be very self centered, and cause you to 'instead' of 'change' - 'get stuck focusing on 'your' 'sin' and what 'you've' done wrong, until it's just a pity party and has nothing of Godliness left in it. The only thing that will or can change you, is repentance and receiving God's forgivness and being changed by His love. <br />
It's all an act of God. God is who saves you, God is who convicts you, and God is who forgives you. <br />
<br />
When you insist on refusing God's love and forgivness you are disbelieving in what Christ has done for you on the cross. When you choose to 'guilt yourself' over your sin instead of 'go to Christ with it' you are choosing to let Satan destory you with your mistakes, and stand between the past and the future. <br />
<br />
<div class="NPST"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/ephesians/2-14.htm"><b>14</b></a></span> For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, <span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/ephesians/2-15.htm"><b>15</b></a></span>by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, <span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/ephesians/2-16.htm"><b>16</b></a></span>and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/ephesians/2-17.htm"><b>17</b></a></span>He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/ephesians/2-18.htm"><b>18</b></a></span>For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. - Ephesians 2:14-18</div><div class="NPST"><br />
</div><div class="NPST">Repentance brings peace of mind. It is a lie that we have believed that we must 'guilt' ourselves to such a degree...we form self centeredness instead of godliness when we do that...God's will is that when we have done wrong, we realize what we've done wrong, ask for forgivness, and receive His power to 'sin no more!'</div><div class="NPST"><br />
</div><div class="NPST"><span class="hzrule"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/john/8-3.htm"><b>3</b></a></span>And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, <span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/john/8-4.htm"><b>4</b></a></span>They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/john/8-5.htm"><b>5</b></a></span>Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? <span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/john/8-6.htm"><b>6</b></a></span>This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with <i>his</i> finger wrote on the ground, <i>as though he heard them not</i>. </span><span class="hzrule"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/john/8-7.htm"><b>7</b></a></span>So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/john/8-8.htm"><b>8</b></a></span>And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/john/8-9.htm"><b>9</b></a></span>And they which heard <i>it</i>, being convicted by <i>their own</i> conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, <i>even</i> unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. </span></div><div class="NPST"><span class="hzrule"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/john/8-10.htm"><b>10</b></a></span>When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? </span><span class="hzrule"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/john/8-11.htm"><b>11</b></a></span>She said, No man, Lord. </span></div><div class="NPST"><span class="hzrule">And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. - </span><span class="hzrule">John 8: 3-11</span></div><div class="NPST"><br />
</div><div class="NPST"><span class="hzrule">God's forgivness is so deep and so wide. The enemy would like us to stay in our sin and never live lives free, blessed, and useful; but God wants us to live lives where we are filled more with the 'awareness' of Him and His freedom, blessings, and love than the 'awarness' of ourselves...</span></div><div class="NPST"><br />
</div><div class="NPST"><span class="hzrule">We need to lay down our own pride, fear and standards on the altar before God and receive His humbling love, peace and holiness. We receive the holiness of Christ, by salvation and oneness with 'him'.</span></div><div class="NPST"><br />
</div><div class="NPST"><span class="hzrule">For what shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? <span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/romans/6-2.htm"><b>2</b></a></span>God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? <span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/romans/6-3.htm"><b>3</b></a></span>Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? <span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/romans/6-4.htm"><b>4</b></a></span>Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/romans/6-5.htm"><b>5</b></a></span>For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also <i>in the likeness</i> of <i>his</i> resurrection: <span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/romans/6-6.htm"><b>6</b></a></span>Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with <i>him</i>, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/romans/6-7.htm"><b>7</b></a></span>For he that is dead is freed from sin. </span></div><span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/romans/6-8.htm"><b>8</b></a></span>Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: <span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/romans/6-9.htm"><b>9</b></a></span>Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/romans/6-10.htm"><b>10</b></a></span>For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/romans/6-11.htm"><b>11</b></a></span>Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. <br />
<span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/romans/6-12.htm"><b>12</b></a></span>Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/romans/6-13.htm"><b>13</b></a></span>Neither yield ye your members <i>as</i> instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members <i>as</i> instruments of righteousness unto God. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/romans/6-14.htm"><b>14</b></a></span>For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. <br />
<span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/romans/6-15.htm"><b>15</b></a></span>What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/romans/6-16.htm"><b>16</b></a></span>Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? <span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/romans/6-17.htm"><b>17</b></a></span>But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/romans/6-18.htm"><b>18</b></a></span>Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/romans/6-19.htm"><b>19</b></a></span>I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. <br />
<span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/romans/6-20.htm"><b>20</b></a></span>For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/romans/6-21.htm"><b>21</b></a></span>What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things <i>is</i> death. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/romans/6-22.htm"><b>22</b></a></span>But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/romans/6-23.htm"><b>23</b></a></span>For the wages of sin <i>is</i> death; but the gift of God <i>is</i> eternal life through <u>Jesus Christ our Lord</u>. <br />
- Romans 6:1-23<br />
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Why do you seek to obey? Is it because you want to be 'perfect' in your own eyes? Is it because of your own desire for a a sense of 'acceptablness'? OR it because you do not want to offend the Lord; Is it because you love Him? <br />
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This should be the reason you obey...because you love God, and trust that He knows what is best for your life. You trust him because, you 'know and believe' that He has your best in mind...not just because people tell you he does, or that you've heard that 'God's ways are better than our ways, or the world's ways'...but the beautiful thing that you will discover, is that God only wants you to live a blessed life. And if you obey Him you will not inflict death upon yourself, whether that be death spiritually, emotionally, mentally, or the death of your future happiness and Christian effectiveness...<br />
Sin reaps death. But you have the ability to choose life, which has been made possible for you by the forgivness and unity made by Jesus Christ.<br />
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So do you ever ask the questions: 'Am I loved? 'Do I have purpose in this life?' 'What is my worth?'<br />
The answers to these questions is 'Yes'. You are loved. You do have a purpose in life. And you 'are' of worth! If you get down on yourself too hard and too long after you have made a mistake, or 'Think' you have made a mistakes, it's time to consider whether or not you are doing what you do, or trying to be holy to win your own salvation...or for your own feeling of self worth.<br />
Find your self worth in Christ. Believe in His love. Receive Forgivness. It's a gift. It's undeserved.<br />
See Christ bleeding on the tree? It was for you, it was for me.<br />
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Fact is, if you are trying to find love from others, or a particualr person in order to keep breathing, or fill the hole inside... mostlikely you have not let Christ's love fill you to the place where you can rely on Him. Once you rely on Him, 'He' will send others into your life to bless you and fill the other areas of your life such as romantic love and friendship. But Christ must be first. Will He be your first love? Will HE be the purpose of your life? Will you believe what He says about your worth to Him?<br />
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John 3 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/john/3-17.htm"><b>17</b></a></span>For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/john/3-18.htm"><b>18</b></a></span>He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/john/3-19.htm"><b>19</b></a></span>And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/john/3-20.htm"><b>20</b></a></span>For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/john/3-21.htm"><b>21</b></a></span>But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. <br />
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<span class="reftext">Rom 5: <a href="http://bible.cc/romans/5-6.htm"><b>6</b></a></span>For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/romans/5-7.htm"><b>7</b></a></span>For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/romans/5-8.htm"><b>8</b></a></span>But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, <u>while we were yet sinners</u>, Christ died for us. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/romans/5-9.htm"><b>9</b></a></span>Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/romans/5-10.htm"><b>10</b></a></span>For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/romans/5-11.htm"><b>11</b></a></span>And not only <i>so</i>, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. <br />
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Fight the fight against sin! Fight the fight against self awareness/self centerdness!<br />
You have the power in Christ Jesus to make the Change. Stop the pity party and realize that 'courage to change' comes from the Lord. When you are so down upon yourself, and tell yourself that you cannot change, what you are really doing is being 'selfish' and 'pittiful'.Christ gives you the chance to change, and Your strength comes from Him alone. Believe in Him. <br />
<div class="NPST"><span class="reftext">2 Thess 2:16-17 </span></div><div class="NPST"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/2_thessalonians/2-16.htm"><b>16</b></a></span>And may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who <u>loved us</u> and by his grace gave us eternal <u>encouragement and good hope</u>, <span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/2_thessalonians/2-17.htm"><b>17</b></a></span><u>encourage your hearts and strengthen you</u>!- in every good deed and word. <br />
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<a href="http://youtu.be/wrY0h33coR4">http://youtu.be/wrY0h33coR4</a> - Make War! John Piper: Great video!</div><div class="NPST"></div><br />
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<div class="NPST"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1831236706034672859.post-47680329320502457642012-04-02T18:20:00.000-07:002012-04-02T18:20:22.710-07:00MemoriesMemories...they come and remind us of the past...sometimes they hearken the laughter of conversations back in time, the remembrance of streets once walked, or the reality of things, or relationships once vivid and living...but the odd thing about memories, the almost uncontrollable and sometimes punishing thing they can do is bring back the feelings of something in the past... Memory doesn't doesn't just hold on to words, images, and sounds, but also 'feelings' and emotions. When a something, someone, or a relationship has passed on, or a situation has changed, memory often and unexpectedly brings back a feeling unneeded or uncalled for; almost like the sensation of pain or touch in a limb that no longer exists...Memory can almost be like a special effect box, or an illusionist.<br />
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How do we make ourselves realize and awaken to the fact that some memories cannot or should not draw us to the past; but are instead hurdles to jump over (in way of the future)? It's almost as if we must forget the missing limb, and what we used to do with it, in order to move on...Ah, the power of memory...sometimes we must learn to let go and move forward; not that we make the past void in terms of lessons learned and feeling felt etc. Nothing can really change the past, it is over, and yet somehow memory can make us believe that memories are still alive in as much as we live in them or believe they are the present. The past does make the journey to where we are in this moment, but what makes tomorrow is what we do in 'this' moment....and how the 'present' is, is not always how the 'past' was. We cannot make the mistake of thinking the present is always the past, or that the past is always the present. Yet, there are things that transcend time, there are memories that relay the continued reality of today - but they are based on unchangeable, and sacred things.<br />
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Even so, feelings may always remain caught up in a moment passed, sealed away by memory...but it is the lasting things, love, diligence, faithfulness, and endurance, that makes the present and will determine the future. We have the choice in life to let the past own us, or let the will of God and the truth of thing (how they were, are, and should be) direct us and motivate us into the future. Thank God for His allowance for new beginnings and His encouragement for change; or else we would be slaves to the our memories, our mistakes, and our past way of viewing thing, when in reality; people change, truth shows it's head, and not all stays the same...We choose whether to escape the memories that would like to keep us rehashing, and or sliding. Another important thing is to realize what memories are of 'false realities' such as stirred from our own 'fantasizing'. Doesn't mean the feelings weren't real, but sometimes the relationship, situation etc...wasn't as 'alive' or real' as we imagined at the time.<br />
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Thank God we are not obligated or slaves to our feelings of the past. There are things deeper than feelings' such as mentioned in the Bible. We are responsible to God first, our actions second (in relation to others and ourselves) and so...may we trust the Lord, give Him our memories, give Him our feelings, and focus on the truth whether reflected also in our memories, or just reveled to us in the present...Thank God for His Guidance, His liberty, and setting us free by His truth! God free us from any attachments whether to the world, things, people, feelings, memories, that would keep us from you, or Your will! It's always the choice - between the 'good' and the 'bad', and the 'good' and the 'best'. We are yours! let's make the moment count, as we place the future in Your hands.<br />
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You belong to Jesus. He comes before everything. You can be free from whatever is hindering you from living to your fullest, whether it's memories: of past mistakes, relationships, or actions, - You don't have to live in the past, You can live in today. Make your future by living today in Christ's Liberty.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1831236706034672859.post-28078636591699945882012-01-13T13:35:00.000-08:002012-01-13T13:39:45.818-08:00Vain Imaginations: Hope DeferredSo I stand and watch you walk by,<br />
the thoughts in my mind I try to hide,<br />
I know the past can never be redone,<br />
so I'll have to let go of what I've made<br />
in my mind,<br />
I'll bury it all in a grave, marked to say<br />
"The things that I once thought". #goodbyetovainimaginations<br />
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Vain Imaginations...We are warned to fend them off, we are warned to keep ourselves from getting caught up in vain imaginations. But how often we do?! I think the 'World' encourages 'Vain imaginations'; It encourages thinking things that aren't based on reality, but instead, the way we 'feel'. <br />
Feelings can't always be trusted, but it all depends on what they are based upon. If feelings are based on obedience and surrender to God, then God can use them to guard us, but if they are based on our own 'vain imaginations' or 'flesh' then they can get us into trouble. <br />
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For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the the pulling down of strongholds) 5 Casting down imaginations, reasoning, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. 7. Do you look on things after the outward appearance? 2 Cor 10: 3-7<br />
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Do you ever imagine something so well that you think it is real? We human beings have a tendency to get ourselves in a lot of trouble because we believe that aren't true. Sometimes we hope for things that will never be, or should never be, but there's something inside that makes us desire what 'we can't have' or the impossible. Sometimes this is just stirred by rebellion, other times I wonder what it is caused by...The Bible says in Proverbs 13:12 that 'Hope' deferred make the heart sick...It's true. You see I don't know what goes on in every person's head, but I know for a fact that some of us have a tendency, to imagine things, believe in their significance (believe things, people, offers are as we imagine them) ... we hope and hope, that things will turn out, or we will happen as we imagine, but it's nothing more than getting caught up in vain imaginations...and having our hope deferred. <br />
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We are warned in the bible to guard our minds and hearts...When we imagine things, get caught up in our dreaming, and base the future on 'things we imagined' but not 'the will of God' we set ourselves up for a emotional let down. We weren't designed to believe or hope for things that won't come to pass. It's because we let our fleshes lead the way, it's because we let ourselves become attached to our own ideas for our lives, relationships, etc...that we come to ruin. <br />
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A lot of times we let our own desire/ 'vanity' lead the way. Not that everything that we hope for that doesn't turn out, is based on unnatural desires, or 'bad' things, but the fact is... anything that isn't surrendered to God, is vanity. Your thoughts, your hopes, your dreams, your goals, your relationships...if they aren't surrendered to God, they are vanity...And so, as Solomon realized in His book of Ecclesiastes:<br />
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I said in mine heart, Go to now, "I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure; and behold this also is vanity....<br />
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In Ecclesiaties2: 4-9 Solomon expresses how he was successful, and did many 'great' things for himself. Kind of like some of us; we go to college, buy a house, land a good job, find a mate...But Solomon realized that in the end, that it all was 'vain' to base his life on. <br />
And in chapter 10 verse 14 he says "A fool...also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him?" <br />
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If we cannot tell what shall be, why is it we put our hope so much in things that are uncertain? And usually, we put our hope in things that is our vanity. Not that we cannot have desires, not that we shouldn't want good things...but they are vain if we 'live' for them, before putting Christ first. I think anyone who isn't willing to place his life in the hands of Christ, not only clings to vanity, but puts his hope in vanity. This is where man puts his trust in 'Vain' Imaginations, before putting it in God himself.<br />
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Even those of us who say 'we give our lives to the Lord to do with them as he sees fit', even those of us who say 'we surrender our past, present, and future to Him'...we tend to get do exactly the opposite and put our faith in vain imaginations, or our own reasoning, or our own desire for vanity. Nothing, my friends is a holy desire, if it comes before God Himself, or 'His' will. <br />
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A lot of times we put our hope in things that aren't even feasible, or beneficial. Thank goodness, we have a God who watches over us, and is 'gracious' towards us. He is merciful, and faithful, even at times when we get distracted by the world and it's offers. What is important though...is that we come to realize 'what it is we are putting our hope in'. If we are putting our hope in things that for our own glory...or putting our hope in things, or 'going hard' after things, people, jobs etc...and then ask God to 'bless' it, after we have 'already' set our heart on it...it's kind of like an oxymoron.<br />
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People have the wrong view on God's Commands... God's will... and 'Surrender'.<br />
They would rather not hear about finding their purpose in Christ, because frankly it just seems too 'ariy'. It's not what they want to hear...and they don't understand it.<br />
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I mentioned that some folks have the wrong view on God's commands. For example; a lot of teens have the wrong view on 'their own parents' commands. Now, not everyone has 'perfect' parents, but we must realize that 'God' 'is' the 'perfect', 'most awesome' 'parent'. He's not fallible, not ever changing in His love and desire for You, and He wants to you be full of 'Joy', 'Peace', and the overwhelming sense of 'belonging' to Him. He doesn't want you to feel like an orphan, and he doesn't want you to act like He isn't the 'inventor' of 'cool', because He is! The Lord has 'plans' for You. His plans aren't always what we imagine, because His plans are based on 'His' 'will'. It's God's 'will' and 'purpose' for You, to be a light in the darkness. It's God will and purpose for you, to not only draw closer to Him, but to become completely dependant, and fall in love with Him. <br />
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Many of us would rather live for our own vanity. What we don't realize is that vanity means (vapor)....Our vanities are passing away, here one day, and gone the other. Everything in life fades away, except the love of God. We are living for things, and pushing God away from consuming us, because we want to live for our 'vain imaginations', before all else. We have made gods, idols, out of our own plans for our lives, and our own hopes.<br />
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What we don't understand is that the only way to truly 'live' and 'be inwardly satisfied' is to be consumed by God's love. This is a great purpose of our lives. We do not live until we experience Love. God is love, and love comes from God. And until we realize that we only truly 'live' by surrendering to His love, will continue to live vane lives that revolve around ourselves...Vapor lives, that will not survive us after we are dead and gone. <br />
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It is all too common for us to plan things, imagine things, hope for things, that aren't reality, or God's perfect will..and then blame Him for not making our plans succeed. We set our selves up to fall down. How? We do not let Him lead us each step of the way. We place our hope in our dreams, before we place our hope in the Lord. We believe in our own ability, more than we believe/Trust God. We don't trust Him with our lives, because we think we are being faithful to our goals or dreams, when in reality we are failing to live our Creator's will for our lives. A lot of times our own imagined fantasies, are more real and legit to us that the truth. Which is why we fight for them, at times against God. When in reality, God is trying to hand us something better, but we want what we have put our hope in, that which we don't realize will only defer our hope, and scar us with disappointment.<br />
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There is so much Joy, inner peace, and contentment to be found in a live totally dependant on God...if we put our hope in God, and place our faith in Him first; we will not let our hope be abused. <br />
Also I know I mentioned that some folks don't have the proper view on God's commands, and Surrender. These are big enough topics to make separate blog posts about, but I will just start up on what I meant...<br />
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I know people, and meet people that wasted their lives away on 'vain imaginations'. They believed the world or the world's way could offer them the fulfillment that they desired, and trust me, none of them, who knew the truth didn't land up scared in some way. I feel bad for so many of the people out there, especially youth, who grew up without knowing or believing the truth, and so they set their hearts up to be broken, they bodies to be soiled, their hopes to be rotted. God tells us the right way to go in all things in His word, but there are some things that it does not say 'right out' this does not mean, that God has not showed us the good way to go about doing things, and living, so that we will not set our hearts on vain imaginations, or things that will only make our hope defer. <br />
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A lot of times we place our hope in vain imaginations, when we do not trust, or live according to the will of God, or by the wisdom He has given those around you to council you. God tells us the right way to go, and gave us commands in scripture....SO that we will be blessed, healthy, fruitful, prosperous!! In life it's always a choice between...the 'bad' and the 'good', the 'good' and the 'best'. Sometimes we think that that we are wise because we aren't living a life of sin, but this doesn't mean that we are always choosing to live in the fullness of what God would have for us...because lot of times we let our own impatience, and desire lead us in settling for mediocre, when we could have 'the best'. But we can only have 'the best' through Christ. <br />
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If we put our hope in our own ability, we will realize that we let ourselves down. If we put our hope, faith in other people, we will come to realize that people can also let us down. If we put our hope in dreams, or earthly desires, we will realize that some things are less certain than we imagine, and that nothing can fill the place of Christ. We may think we know what we want, and that that will fulfill us, but the truth is we resort to vain imaginations many a times, we go back to searching for things we shouldn't, because we have an emptiness inside that only God can fill up. We tell ourselves that's not it, it's because we were made to have what we desire, but truly it's because our hearts want something to pursue, to pursue something that will fill us, something that is worth placing our hope in, something that can take us to places greater than we see around us, something or someone that will make us feel more than a merit less soul. We want purpose, we want to fight for something, we want to imagine something that is greater than what we already have, we want a fulfilling relationship...and none of this is wrong, because honestly, what we want is something we overlook, something that we've been offered, but yet many of us look to replace...<br />
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Jesus.<br />
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Yes.<br />
He is.<br />
What you want.<br />
What you need.<br />
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Proverbs 13:12 ~ Hope deferred makes the heart sick...but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life. <br />
Let's stop setting ourselves up for deferred hope. Let's instead put our faith, hope in God himself. Because He is what we really need most. <br />
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See how Solomon sums his book up: <br />
in chapter 12: verse 8, he says "Vanity of Vanities...all is Vanity"....<br />
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But He concludes thus:<br />
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12:13 'The End of the matter; all has been heard, Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of Man'....<br />
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We must be willing to 'surrender' our thoughts to God...We must not only, 'say' that we give our lives to Him, but we must not let ourselves get caught up in a worship (continual pondering) for what we want, when God tells us not to. The fact is we do this with things that is not God's will. We try to run our own lives, and we place our faith in things that have not be established or approved by God for our lives. We not only place our faith in things that are not reality, or beneficial possibility, but we let our own impatience, or flesh lead the way, and our imaginations soar without holy restraint. We must be willing to give our imaginations, our dreams, and our desires up to God. <br />
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God wants us to place our faith and hope in Him. He won't let us down. 'Seek Him'. Also, seek He will give you the desires of your heart; because the heart that seeks after God, puts Him first, and God will give Him the other things, because He knows they aren't what He 'serves'. Consider, that some of the things you may desire, that you feel God hasn't helped you attain, or given you, may be because the only reason you are seeking God, is to receive them. God wants to be 'God', in your life. Above your hopes, above your dreams, above your relationships, above yourself.<br />
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Don't let your hope be deferred! <br />
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The Lord knows those who put their Trust In 'Him'.<br />
If He's first, you aren't ever missing out. Trust Your life to Him,<br />
He knows what will be the very 'best' for you! <br />
He loves you. <br />
And that my friend,<br />
is not a 'vain imagination'.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1831236706034672859.post-39050982463377770812011-12-31T14:47:00.001-08:002011-12-31T14:47:19.473-08:00New Years Prayer<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4eff90c357afb3069921932">New Years Prayer: <br />
Lord, as this New Year opens before us: Teach us how to love more fully. May our hearts walk more humbly, may our lives be yours more completely, may our passion for You be ignited more strongly, may our hope be more placed in You, may our fears be less strong, may we cease to believe lies, may we put others before ourselves, may we follow you no matter the course, may we find o<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show">ur joy in You, may we be less selfish, may we worship more freely, may we serve more willingly, may we share more easily, may we study more thoroughly, may we pray more without ceasing, may we forsake the worlds offers, and may we become more holy, and become more filled more with Your Holy Spirit. This year Lord, May we become more yours, and less full of of pride…Lord, this year may we become more like You.<br />
For over every selfcentered resolution we may have, and over every hope for the accomplishments ahead, may we instead desire most deeply to be more like You.</span></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1831236706034672859.post-13181798150510435032011-12-27T13:14:00.000-08:002012-01-11T16:17:28.044-08:00The Choice: When Passions Go Dim and Hearts Grow Cold Part 1There's a lot of different choices we can make in life; but this blog post is particularly about a 'certain' choice....<br />
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">I find it rather strange how sometimes I go to do something that I've done a trillion times, and then one day I'm suddenly faced with vast complications. I'm continually discovering that I really have a lot to learn...</span><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"> </span><br />
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Just when you may think you have learned what you need in order to succeed, you are faced with a hindrance. There are two ways you can respond 1. Panic: Give Up, and believe that life is just to hard, and that you will never succeed 2. Face it: Keep moving forward, take the chance to learn, and believe that you can progress! Life takes courage. We have to keep up our stamina, not only physically but mentally and spiritually.</span><br />
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">I'd like to give a few examples of this; First of all, I have this scripture that keeps entering my mind and that is "Do not be surprised at this fiery trial, as if something strange were happening to you". I know that it had a particular meaning in 1 Peter 4:12 about not being surprised if you suffer for Christ, and I don't want to do the verse injustice, but I feel that it relates also to this topic. I think a lot of times, when things are going fine, we do what we need to do, we go about our daily routine, and then one morning we are faced with some strange hindrance.</span><br />
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"> For a 'physical example'; I've been singing for a very young age. I never took singing lessons, but I did take music lessons growing up and got a few tips from my teachers, and they encouraged me to project more, and helped me improve my vocals. Well, ever since I've been writing songs, and playing them with instruments and singing away. Until one day recently, I woke up, I went to the piano, try to sing one of my songs, and oddly I become quite aware of my lack of breath. And so I start to practice breathing more, and then I begin to not be able to breathe, and then my voice seems to disintegrate. To top it off my Mom notices and this makes it all the worse, as I'm trying my hardest to be able to sing, more than ever before, and yet it sounded like I was just squeaking out the lyrics.</span><br />
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"> Horrid days...The panic strikes. Of course this isn't 'all' that presided my sudden lose of vocal'ity. First was the fact that I'm going to get a CD recorded of my songs in January. I was rather excited and anxious about it, because I have waited for this for a very long time. I've been wanting to do it for years. So this adds to the horror of my sudden 'reason for panic'. </span><br />
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Fact number two, is before I suddenly became aware of what I thought to be 'shallow breathing' I felt passionless spiritually. I suppose my 'reason' for singing wasn't exactly grounded in what it had before. Yet after all my preparation for this time in my life, when I could actually get a CD recorded of my songs; how could it be that suddenly my passion isn't as strong? ...As I type this I shiver inside. (this may have something to do with the weather ) but really I don't feel all that cold. </span><br />
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Perhaps it is because I'm opening the hatch on some truths that personally need to penetrate my life ... Because really; In this life we have to fight for what we 'have' in order to keep it, and we have to be willing to step out in bravery to receive and accomplish what it is that we haven't attained. At this moment I think of <em>Pilgrim's Progress</em>. I haven't read the book in years. But perhaps now would not be a bad time to pick it up. Right now, if I could easily sketch it, I would draw the picture of a man fighting to protect what He has, and daring forward to attain what He does not. When I think of the title of the book I just mentioned, "Pilgrim's... '<em>Progress</em>'" It reminds me that life is process; of growth, of learning, of fighting...It helps for me to think of my name before 'progress' as the title of my story. In reality, we all live a story much like that of <em>Pilgrim's Progress </em>inside our souls</span><br />
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">. We all have a choice when we are tried or face obstacles, either to: 1. Panic: Give Up, believe that life is just too hard, or that we will never succeed 2. Face it: Keep moving forward, take the opportunity to learn, and believe that we can 'progress'! </span><br />
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you".... ~ 1 Peter 4:12</span><br />
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"> Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. ~ 1 Peter 5:8,9</span><br />
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">This is really in the spiritual sense...I believe though that in life most all of our 'passionlessness', 'doubt' is spiritually connected. Satan doesn't want us to succeed, or be vessels for the Lord's work. He does not want us to be passionate about Christ and the Gospel. Not only does He not want us to be 'on fire' for our God, but he wants us to give up on life. Our fleshes are pretty weak. We give up quickly. At the first sign of hardship, we sit down and pout. We want the finished product, we want the finish line, we want the easy way up and out. Physically, Mentally, Spiritually we can be pretty weak. </span><br />
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">We need to do all things unto the glory of God. If we give our all, in no matter what we do, we are an example to others of someone who 'doesn't slack' and for some reason even non-christans and most all mankind has this respect for those who no matter the odds, 'go hard' and 'accomplish the goal'. I'm sure you've also heard it said "The harder the goal, the more rewarding the triumph"....Sometimes I see myself in the place <em>Pilgrim </em>was when he laid on the dungeon floor in the Giant's castle. Hopeless; because I fail to believe that I can make it out and make it to my destination. I don't really think this so much in the big picture of reaching the Kingdom, but in terms of accomplishing somewhat smaller goals, in various areas, some of which are particularly God centered, others of which are work for others, and even things I must pull through in doing for my own good. But you know, all along I have the key to opening the giant's dungeon door. </span><br />
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Whenever I lay there motionless on the floor of the cell that (either the work of Satan has formed, or a dungeon I have made for myself), I have the key all along. God gave it to me at the cross. And there are sometimes, I must admit, that we can't do things or accomplish things, even if we are re lit with the courage or the 'passion'. Some things can only be accomplished by surrendering to God, and calling out on Him to be our rescue.</span><br />
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak. Even youth will become exhausted, and young men will give up. "But those who wait on the Lord, He will renew their strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. ~ Isaiah 40: 30-31</span><br />
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">There are times when we are without passion, and we can't seem to make ourselves 'feel' anything. Whether mentally, physically, spiritually, or all of the above. There are times when our hearts feel cold, and our desire to move ahead dead. There are some obstacles that we are tired of dealing with, there are those times when all we hope for is the end, but don't know how to get to the destination. We need to not only keep our eyes on the goal, our hearts a fire with love and passion for that which is beyond the finish line, but we must learn how to 'run the race', 'progress', 'learn', 'grow'. </span><br />
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Sometimes our eyes can be so set on having what's ahead that we do not learn how to embrace the opportunities for growth. We do not have open hearts towards learning, only obtaining, completing, or accomplishing. The true prize, is what we have learned in life. What really makes up our prize is not that we ran an easy race, without hindrances, but that we learned how to be victorious through, and over the hurdles. We must cultivate a passion and a patience, for learning. There is no 'success', if there is no 'growth'.</span><br />
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"> We cannot expect to be <em>perfect</em>, or all knowing, in anything we do, whether in physical ways, knowledge, or in the way of the spiritual without refining, or without taking those hindrances ( learning opportunities) and not only enduring them, but taking the step into learning from them. You may be thinking; I can't do this on my own, I just don't always have the stamina, or the passion. And you are right. There are times when this comes down to 'You' and your choice, whether or not you will take the oportunities around, or sit and pout and wish things were completed by the blink of an eye. If you choose the second of the two, You will one day realize that you never get anywhere by sitting and wishing, only by putting a foot in front of the other.</span><br />
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"> And then there is that second synario; where you've tried but you just can't seem to conjur the motivation to move ahead. And no matter what you may be facing, I would encourage you by saying the best you can do is to 1. Remember what it is that you desire 2. Rekindle or let your desire and/or (love) for it be re lit 3. Ask the Lord to give you the stamina/strength you need to do what you need to do and to glory Him with it. But I realize that in my life so far, that the best things I can do are those which God motivates in me. I realize that on my own things are harder to accomplish, even if they are goals that aren't exactly that of ministry, or Christ-centeredness. Of course I want to have a balance in that I want to give my all in everything I do. But most importantly, I have discovered that God's motivation, and the passion that comes from a relationship with Him is the most fulfilling and most meaningful. I am of little worth without Him.</span><br />
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"> So, If you and I can make the right choice to: 1. Not to give up, Face whatever it is that blocks the way. Keep moving forward, take the chance to Learn, and believe that wecan progress; if we do this in the things for ourselves, we will do ourselves a big favor, if we do this in our spiritual walk we will not only do ourselves a favor, we make it possible for the Lord to continue to use us and bless others through us. </span><br />
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">So when passions grow dim, and when your heart seems cold; when the choice stands before you; Choose the way of the Victorious. Don't give up, Keep the Fiath, Don't be lazy, Keep your mind open to learning, and Keep Christ first...You will go far this way.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1831236706034672859.post-42475415547207164312011-12-11T10:49:00.000-08:002011-12-11T10:49:20.164-08:00Discovering God....So this title for a book popped into my head and onto paper. I don't know whether or not it was inspired by something I've read or what, but I think it would be a great name for a new book ;)<br />
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"Discovering God amidst a world of Doubt, Apathy, and Disillusion."<br />
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So...maybe I'll start blogging for this.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1831236706034672859.post-55072519034416805742011-12-01T15:17:00.000-08:002012-10-29T08:19:58.861-07:00The Courage to Change: Jesus is Your 'Friend'Friendship is wonderful. There is really nothing to be compared with it. Friendship is special. <br />
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People motivate us in many ways....and for me, Friendship...It's a big motivator.<br />
I suppose most of us understand the feeling of donating either time, money, attention, care, on someone other than ourselves. Perhaps you are the the kind of person that gives even more, who dons love, and the qualities that love produces such as compassion, long suffering, patience, and servitude... <br />
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How are you motivated by friendship? Everyone wants a good friend. Someone they call talk to about the matters of their heart, and feel safe with. Someone they can laugh with as well as cry with. Someone they can be serious with, and yet be silly with. Someone to whom they can be themselves around, and will love them for who they are. Someone who they can love, make happy, and lend a hand to as well. As much as everyone wants someone who will love 'them'...I believe deep down inside, everyone wants someone whom they can 'love', and 'give' to. Someone they can give of themselves to. Of course there are those who are more on 'wanting to be given to' side, and then there are those who lean more to the 'wanting to give' side. But both are ends of the same string.<br />
Love ignites more Love. When you love someone, they almost can't help but love you back. Maybe not always to the same degree, but 'Love' does stir something in most anybody. You love someone..watch them grow...watch them become more confident, more encouraged...Love is what makes Friendship even more special than just having common interests. Love makes friendships last. <br />
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Personally, I think that most of the horrible friendship breakups are because there was a lack of love somewhere in the equation. Although there are circumstances where people change, or friends drift into different relationships with each other, some beneficial, some not. Some friends remain walking with you the same pace, the same path. They are like life long friends. There are those that pop out, and then pop back in, because although they may not be 'extremely close' they do still consider you a friend and care about you. Life is busy that's all.<br />
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There are different types of so called "friendships" that people create to be sure. But a true friend is really someone who cares about you, shares with you, and prays for you. A true Friend is someone you can count on, someone who is faithful. Friendship is a broad topic, so much can be mentioned. So much can be discussed. Good friendships, Bad 'friendships...It could fit in several blog posts to be sure.<br />
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By now this might not seem to par with what I've been mentioning but, I have this question, and it is this: 'How much do you dedicate, donate, give, to those you love?' Your: "Friends".<br />
Sometimes I feel like we can get to carried away with friends (other people) and our relationships with them, that they become like idols. Have you ever considered how much time and thought you give to friends? Don't get me wrong, friendships are good, and they are necessary...but sometimes they get out of hand. They consume us. We begin to give too much to other people, the time we should be giving to Christ perhaps? We let other people determine our level of joy. This is not how God would have it. Other People are a big happiness factor...but they should never determine our "Joy" before Christ.<br />
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If some relationship, some friendship you are in, has caused you to take your eyes off of Christ, and/or has stolen your joy...you should probably reconsider the direction of the relationship...<br />
Joy and Liberty are two things that we should never consider as things we get by other people. Joy and Liberty have both already been bought for us, by the blood of Christ. He has died for us, and He has risen for us. We are to be Joyful, and derive our joy from the Lord...we must not let the enemy dampen it. Liberty is what we have by Christ, we are free in Him! we must not let others determine our liberty. Yes, there are times when the Christian is held captive, but in his heart, his is free, and he must still shine the light of the Lord. <br />
You may wonder; "What is wrong with putting so much into a friend?" After all, everyone needs someone to give to, and someone who will give back". Yes true...But when it gets overboard is when your best friend, the one you love the most, are willing to give the most to, is not Jesus Christ but _____________. <br />
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Jesus wants to be Your Best Friend. No one else is as Faithful as Him. No one else is more loving, more caring, more compassionate then Him. No one else has given so much for you, and no one else likes you better for who you are. There is no one else who sees You like He sees you. There is no one else who hopes the best for you like He does. And there is no one else who will do for You what He can and will do for you. Why? Because Jesus is the Ultimate Friend. Not only because He 'can' be, but because 'He' is. In his heart there is not yesterday, but today...for If you desire him, every day you are in the best of friendships. <br />
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The best thing is, Jesus is the same...yesterday, today, and forever. His love for you is strong, and not changing with the tide. He desires you, He wants you, and He welcome you. I can't say I'm not doing my own changing, because that wouldn't be honest. That last part especially, that Christ is welcoming me to draw near to Him is a different concept. He is not hiding for me to find Him, not locking the door, and giving me a treasure map instead...but He is always present. <br />
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There is more to being Friends with God than what our human understanding tells us. I've been thinking that in order to get closer with God, I must do certain things. And I know some of these things would be beneficial, but God is calling each of us to give our love to Him, in the ways that we individually show it. Not everyone gives gifts to show that they are thinking about someone, or they love them. Some do. But just because someone doesn't always give gifts doesn't mean that they love less, they may just have another way of giving their love. As long as they do. <br />
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Some people give creative gifts to God to pour out their love for Him. They write songs, they play instruments, kind of like King David...some paint pictures...some do not creatively show their love for the Lord. This does not mean they love the Lord less....Now, there is truth that not everybody knows how to be a true friend to the same degree...in such a way, not everybody has the same relationship with the Lord. We all differ.<br />
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But the fact is, no matter who we be, we need to be focusing on God more. We need to make Him the center of our Universe. We need to sweep our the other cares, and the idols we place before him, we need to set Christ back where He should, and wants to go. He loved you first. Remember that. And so it is, we love others, 'because', he first loved us.<br />
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Lord, I pray that we would care deeply about others, and be true friends. Show us what friendship really means. But teach us not to let friendships determine our livelyhood. May be remember that it is by You that we move, live, and have our being. I know that you want us to care for others, so that we may make differences in their lives. And I know that you search all hearts. But, Lord I just pray that we would draw even closer to You. That we would be in awe of You. That we would look at Your sacrifice on the cross, and we would look to your ressurection, and would realize that that is what should motivate us the strongest of all.<br />
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Forgive us for when we are destracted. Lord, I know that you realize, even more than I realize right now that we are not yet face to face. And until that day, we are not so close as to touch your hands your side....one day we will be face to face, one day you will walk with us, talk with us, and we will hear your voice like running waters, and run into your arms, and let you swing us around. We do not have that yet. <br />
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You know that we are yet awaiting that. You are awaiting your bride groom. You are awaiting your dear friends. Until that day Father I pray we would keep prospective. You would teach us how to have a friendship with You, and realize that you truly are our friend. For there is a Friend closer and truer....and It is You.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1831236706034672859.post-40025004423109127252011-11-25T09:43:00.000-08:002012-01-11T16:26:49.894-08:00The Courage to Change: Praise & ThanksgivingHere in America we celebrate a holiday called 'Thanksgiving'. We cook a big turkey, make mashed potatoes, and have pumpkin pie. A lot of folks though, don't really understand the title of this day of feasting. I hear a lot of people calling it "turkey day" instead. People have forgotten how to give Thanks. The word promotes 'want', 'desire', 'lust', and 'greed'. We have forgotten how to give thanks, and some of us have even forgotten, 'what' Thanks is. We are taught to want more than we have. If we search even deeper, we would find that by 'instinct', we want what we do not, or cannot have. It's a part of the sinful nature of man. <br />
I think it is rather ironic, that the day after "Thanksgiving", is called "Black Friday", and it is a day of want, want, want, greed, greed, greed. Everyone wants what is on sale, even if they don't really need it. <br />
The US has forgotten the meaning of "Thanksgiving"....And we have forgotten the reason for giving Thanks. <br />
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1 Thessalonians 5:18 ~ In everything give thanks: for 'this' is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.<br />
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1 Chronicles 16:34 ~ O Give thanks to the LORD; for He is good; for His mercy endures for ever. <br />
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Psalms 18:49 ~ Therefore will I give thanks to you, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises to Your name.<br />
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Psalms 30:4 - Sing to the Lord, O you saints of His, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness.<br />
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Psalms 30:12 - To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you for ever.<br />
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Why do we give Thanks? We give thanks firstly, because we are blessed. What greater gift have we been given than eternal life? What more moving gift have we been given than the death of Christ in our place for sin? You see...According to the law and sin...you most likely wouldn't even exist right now. But, Christ bore the penalty for your sin on the cross. He also rose again in order to be a victor over not only sin, but death its self. Do we not have something to be Thankful for?? Why do we all live as if we are still under the law? We whine over this, we whine over that. We doubt, we cry, we panic. We fear everything will crumble right under our feet. We fear life, we fear death, we fear every breath. Why? I think a lot of it is because we do not give thanks. And we do not believe that God is in Control.<br />
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"In everything give thanks...How do we do that? Obviously, there are hurdles in our lives that we don't always feel thankful for. There are people in our lives that sometimes we would rather see punished than give thanks... even when they hurt us. We would rather cry ourselves to sleep, sit in misery, or scream out that we are dissatisfied. We see giving thanks as a fantasy, of some sort of 'pretending' to not see the circumstance as it really is. This is not true. Giving Thanks is not a cop out, or refusal of reality. If anything it is the opposite. Read the rest of the Scripture..."In everything give thanks: for 'this' is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."<br />
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Give Thanks in everything 'not' because it is easy, not just in the times you have everything that you want. But also in the times you are going through the worst trials. Give Thanks, Praise God...through 'everything'. For it is 'the will of God' that as His child, you do so. When we give thanks to God, even when we are experiencing hell fire; when we praise the Lord, even when we don't feel like it...We surrender our pity, our pride, our situation to God, and a proclamation that "We trust Him", and we realize that in order for things to get better, we must think on what is good, and not get caught up in pessimism and doubt.<br />
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If we do not praise God in our storms, we get caught up in our pain. We think on it, mull over it, all the way to depression. Those who do harmful things to themselves are the fruit of those who did not 'give thanks, or praise God' in everything. My friends, we no longer have to be under the law of guilt, or sorrow. Jesus Christ has paid the penalty for our sins, and those of others. Giving Thanks even in the hard things, is almost the same as the concept of 'loving those who spitefully use you'. It's like 'praying' for those, who abuse you. God wants our hearts not to be tied down so tightly to this earth. In reality, He wants us to live lives in the light of Liberty. <br />
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Stop being in bondage to your pain, or to the lies of others...Give God praise in all circumstances. He is worthy of your consideration, of your honor, and of your worship. Only when we surrender our pain, our sin, our relationships, our concerns to God will we begin to change. It's by making the decision to Worship Him, even in the hard times of our lives. Choosing to cling to our pain, our hurt, our guilt...is not only prideful, and selfish...it is detrimental to our selves. God knew we would experience trials, and tribulations. He knew that the world's and other peoples' sin still would have their arrows, that bring hurt, and pain etc. <br />
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Life was not fair to Christ, so it is not fair to us...But Christ has left us an example, and He has told us that it is God's will that we do not let sin, or it's fruit overtake us. It is alright to be angry. But do not stay angry over night. It's alright to feel sorrow, Jesus cried...but do not let sorrow steal your Joy away in serving the God of Liberty and Consolation. God wants us to live in the world, but not 'of' the world. Those of the world, who do not know the Christ, have no hope when bad things happen. Do not be like the heathen who have no hope. Do not ignore Christ and the healing He can bring. Remember, His is in You, and you are in Him. You are not your own, nor are you ever 'alone'. When people hurt you, they hurt Christ in You. <br />
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When you are guilty, ask for forgiveness and move on...Christ has died for You. Christ has Risen. Christ is with You. This is enough to give thanks for. Let Christ give you peace, even in the fires of life. The fruit of the Spirit, proves that love, peace, long suffering...are not supposed to be seasonal. Sometimes it may be hard to see God in the bleak moments of life. It may be hard to pray for those who are rude to you. It may be almost impossible you think to love those who have hated you...But listen, every time you choose to love instead of let hate eat you up, every time you let your focus go on a God, who is: FOREVER good, gracious, holy, loving, just, powerful, and merciful you do yourself a giant favor, and you do others a giant favor. <br />
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You save yourself from letting evil, sin, and injustice win. It's similar to what I was mentioning in an earlier blog post, on offenses. People can harm you, bad things can happen, mistakes take place, but if you let them consume you in thought, attitude, and reign over your living you let them win over you. Only believing the truth, praying or praising God...will set you free from not only hatred, bitterness, but lies and brokenness etc, etc!<br />
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<em>I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise will be continually on my mouth. My soul shall boast in the LORD; the humble shall hear and be glad. Magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together! I sought the LORD and he heard me and, and delivered me from all my fears.They looked to him, and were ashamed. This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encamps round about them that fear Him, and delivers them. O taste and see that the LORD is good!; blessed is the man that trusts in him. O fear the LORD you his saints; for there is no want to them that fear Him. ~ Pslam 34: 1-9</em><br />
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Come all ye creation! Come praise the Lord for His Goodnes! He is Forever Faithful, He is Forever Good. Come all ye sinners, come all ye saints, come all ye broken, fearful, and faint. <br />
Come praise the Lord for His Mercy. His Love endures Forever.<br />
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Focus on Christ. You are His child. Everything else should get second dibs. You belong to Jesus, and he has sacrificed all for You. Focus on His goodness today, give Him what He deserves. When you let other things, your circumstances, other people's wrong doings, your own wrong, completely 'consume' you, you are pushing Christ aside, and living as if He is not all that He has proved to Be. Live in the Liberty of Jesus, Praise Him! You have so much to be thankful for...Try and focus on the good things. <br />
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Jesus has given you in your life. And Praise Him in your storms as well. He is Faithful, and He is True.. Taste and See! that the Lord is Good!<br />
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Lay everything else down before His feet.<br />
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Lay Um Down - Music Vid version<br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/3PN-BMHi5L8">http://youtu.be/3PN-BMHi5L8</a> <br />
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Lay Um Down - w/ Lyrics bellow<br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/k1QMmWlOmEQ">http://youtu.be/k1QMmWlOmEQ</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1831236706034672859.post-62175788960702618512011-11-16T17:40:00.000-08:002013-10-13T13:13:30.429-07:00The Courage to Change: Lies & DoubtLies. They tare us apart, they crush us, the consume us, they deter us.<br />
Lies. We believe them and they take us over, they trigger our reactions, they make us change for the worse. Lies. Those things you thought you would never believe, those little whispers you thought<br />
you never listened to. Lies.<br />
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Lies are built upon false evidence, lack of understanding, lack of wisdom, lack of reason, lack of love. Lies are one of Satan's best weapons against us and our faith. What a person <i>believes</i>, no matter who they are, no matter what religion they are, or where they grew up, determines their lives. Discover what a man believes, and you will get an understanding as to what you can <i>expect </i>or <i>not expect </i>of him. Search inside and realize what it is you believe, and you will be able trace how it determines your actions. <br />
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There is no man that does not believe in something. In order to be agnostic, you must first <i>believe</i> that God doesn't exist. What you believe determines not only how you react but who you will become. Every story, every character, can be an example of this, whether fictional or historic. What a man believes, or 'thinks' to be true or not true, determines how he will act. <br />
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Today as I was pondering disbelief, I realize that certain things I have entertained in my mind, certain doubts, are actually 'lies' that I have believed. And I have believed not only these <i>doubts</i>, but the major lie that says '<i>there is no way out of the doubts'</i>. I have come to the understanding that if I am doubting anything, it means I do not <i>believe </i>it, therefore I am either basing that <i>belief </i>on either a truth or lie.<br />
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If a person does not believe that the Bible is true, he will not account to the <i>reality</i> of sin. He will sense that something is 'bad', but he will not have reason to condemn it. In such a cases a landslide takes place... this is how Countries crumble, this is how Empires are formed. Evil becomes nothing more than a<i> point of view</i>, or an <i>opinion </i>of the individual. Humanism begins to break through the ground and spread forth all over. If a person does not believe in the<i> reality </i>of the devil, and<i> lies </i>he will fall prey to every lie, and base his theology on <i>every </i>false hood speakable. Do not let doubt have a grip in your life, not in any area. <br />
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Let your view on the Bible, crumble from truth to fiction, and you loose grip on reality. Let lies root and they will try and take you over. People believe all sorts of lies. They believe that nothing is worth while in life if they are not successful, if they are not married, if they do not have a girl friend...they believe that it is alright to kill children, that it is not sin to have sex outside of marriage...they believe that they are really another gender than they were born as, and that homosexuality is acceptable and good. People believe lies such as 'they aren't pretty', 'they aren't loved', 'they will never change'. Almost any problem you may have, or any <i>change</i> you want to make, comes down to ridding yourself of lies, and breaking your ties to them. <br />
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I sometimes wonder how this is possible, because I give lies too much power, because at times I believe the 'lie' that 'lies are more powerful than my will'. I must instead believe that Jesus has more power than any lie that I may believe. That He can free me, and fill my mind with the truth. I must not put my faith in my own power either, I must put my faith in the Lord. The fact is, If I am in Christ, no one can snatch me out of His hand. Satan would like to pull down the shades, and make me think I am alone, lost, and helpless, but it is not true.<br />
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I like to think of The Voyage of the Dawn Treader movie, where Lucy believes the lie that she is not pretty, or special, and bases her actions on that lie, even to the point of stealing a spell to make her look like her older sister Susan. I think this is a powerful example, because she wakes up as in a dream and looks in the mirror and she is her sister Susan. She opens the mirror like a door, and exits to an outside party. There she meets up with her two brothers. She asks where "Lucy" is. And the brothers both do not know who she is talking of, and say there is only three of them....Lucy doesn't exist. <br />
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Lucy wakes up out of this dream and looks in the mirror to see herself standing there, Aslan, the Great Lion comes beside her and speaks to her, and asks her why she has doubted that she is beautiful the way she was created. Lucy realizes she has been believing a lie. <br />
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Other examples can be found in almost every single piece of literature you can pick up. I like to use movie examples, but recently I've been studying the "classics" of literature, and finding they are perhaps some of the greatest examples of the power of belief, and lies. Especially, when you take a look at the lives of the Authors themselves, it is really insightful.<br />
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Pride and Prejudice, Frankenstein's Monster, Red and Black, I'd say any of the well known books you can pick up, no matter the time period, author, or genre...they all are not only the story of a character who believes something that motivates him in some way, but the Author who writes out of the sack of his own, painting words and ideas with his theology and with what he himself believes. We are most quite aware of 'wordview', every artist is a prophet of his or hers worldview. And you, may or may not be a prophet of your worldview if you are isolated, but you are a product in many ways, of what you <i>believe.</i><br />
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I am a bit amazed at some of the lies I have believed, I realize that I have been affected by them, even though I didn't consciously receive them. It was more like, the lies had seeped in without me realizing it. I must say that most of lies I have ever believed, are not ones that anyone else told me, but ones I told myself. Can you relate? No one perhaps has looked in your face and told you "You are Ugly", but you believe it none the less. Perhaps no one has ever said to you "I do not love you", but you cannot help thinking you are not loved. What scares me the most is the fact that the enemies lies can get away with, and doubt can get away with leading a person, even when they're void of statements, reason, facts, or proof!<br />
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Lies are the basis for Fear and Doubt. Fear is "false evidence appearing real", which means 'fear' is really a 'lie' that one believes and wraps ones emotions around. Doubt is quite similar, only doubt is a lie that one wraps their<i> intellect </i>around, rather than their emotions. I challenge you to break free from the lies that you have believed. You have to <i>want</i> to do it though. You must be brave. Do not believe the lie that says "you are not brave", and "you will never be"...For once step over the red line of fear, doubt, or pride and prove that the lie is mere lie after all. Earlier on I blogged something about "Offenses". <br />
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"Offenses" are usually the breeding ground for lies. If you are offended by someone, whether you are hurt by them, back bitten by them, or yelled at etc.. these circumstances, incidents, are perfect atmospheres for the planting of lies. If someone hurts you, for example you may believe the lie that says "everyone will hurt you", if someone treats you wickedly you may believe the lie that "everyone will treat you wickedly". What lies have you been believing? Have you been believing that perhaps your sin is unforgivable? Have you been believing that God isn't real? Have you been believing that you are all right in our relationship with God, but you are really pushing Him away?<br />
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In my opinion Pessimism can be the produce of a mix of fear, pride, and doubt. Severe Pessimism is usually the fruit of a lie that has been believed by the individual. Sadly, a lot of us believe lies and base our actions and lives around them. Many do not realize they are even doing so. Most do not realize that when they believe something, whether they believe something is true or not, their <i>belief,</i> is leading their lives. May I say...that we all need to surrender our beliefs to God. We need to surrender our beliefs, not only the ones of Him, and of Others, but also of ourselves. We need to hand over our fears, hand over our doubts, and in doing so, kill the lies.<br />
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A lie is not powerful if we do not open our hearts to believe in it. Lies attach our intellect, and they attack our emotions. We must be careful to guard our minds and emotions. May we put on the whole armor of God. Ephesians 6:10-20 The Belt of Truth, the Breastplate of Righteousness, The Sandals of the Gospel, the Shield of Faith, the Helmet of Salvation, the Sword of the Spirit... so that we may fend off the darts of the evil one. Believe that you are God's. Believe that You are in Christ, and He is in you, and that you are in His care. <i>Do not store up marks against God.</i> One of the surest ways to entertain lies is to make a list of all the bad things people do against you, or make a list of all the times God has not answered you in the way you think He should have, and hold this list against your faith, the love of God, or the love of others.<br />
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If you foucs on all the bad, you will overlook how much of the good has passed by your head. That is why God says to focus on what is Good, what is pure, what is praise worthy, to seek out these things, and to dwell on them! He wants you to be filled with what is good, so that instead of dwelling on offenses, (the breeding ground for lies) that you would dwell on 'the good' (the breeding ground for faith). If you dwell on the good, your head and heart will be lighter, and you will be stronger in harder times. You have been given ample opportunity to dwell on what is good, and all the good that God has done for you. <br />
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What will you choose? will you think on the good? or sit in the puddle of gloom and fester lies? Do no such thing! The Lord says, "I am God, and there is no other. Forget not the hand that saved you, nor the love that is stronger than death". If you choose to let fear, doubt, lies consume you, you are letting them take the throne where God should be sitting in your heart, because God has saved you from having to stay in the dark anymore, and He has proved His love for You. <br />
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Do not let anything consume you but Him. <br />
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Are you letting lies rule you? What or who, is your Master? Fear? Doubt? Pessimism? Stop listening to the lies of the enemy, and wake up from your slumber. Stop letting offenses handcuff you, instead let love in where you have been hurt, or backstabbed. God is love. He wants you. this is not a lie! This is true!<br />
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Devil's Been Talkin - Need To Breathe<br />
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Bag of bones and blood red cheeks<br />
Guilty from the words I speak<br />
Say the truth will set you free<br />
But it won't for me<br />
Cause I'm uneasy in my skin<br />
Hangin on by a thread<br />
Life it hasn't left me yet<br />
But I won't forget...<br />
'The Devil's been talkin')<br />
The ship is setting off to sea<br />
But it's sailing without me<br />
I can't help but feel I'm on<br />
An island born to sink<br />
...The devil's been talkin)<br />
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We can't change who we are<br />
We are all alone...<br />
'The devil's been talkin'<br />
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I'm running out<br />
Of this hole alone<br />
These fingers bled<br />
Down to the bone<br />
And I can't move<br />
This hell is cold<br />
The chorus sings<br />
This is home...<br />
'The devil's been talkin'<br />
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Bag of bones and blood red cheeks<br />
Guilty from the words I speak<br />
Say the truth will set you free<br />
But it won't for me;<br />
'The Devil's been talkin'Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1831236706034672859.post-62578996936449766102011-11-15T14:40:00.000-08:002012-02-02T09:08:35.864-08:00The Courage to Change :Desires and Your FutureLately I've been thinking a good bit about the future of the lives of those around me. Most of them have eyes toward marriage and a future relationship. I look at their lives and I try to share with them my point of view...but over all I just want the best for them.<br />
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I think one the biggest topics to blog about right now would be Relationships and Desires and how we tie our Futures to them. I was in the mall the other day and the song I hear playing sang out "Everybody wants to be loved". And it's true. Even the sinful people, even those who are rejecting who God made them to be, really...most everyone wants to be loved. <br />
A lot of us look out over the far field of our distant future, and either tie it's success with one of two things. 1. A Relationship 2. A Status.<br />
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Usually, a person either thinks their future will be worth the living, if it holds a satisfying relationship, or a successful career. What is it that you tie your future's happiness with? Is it a lover? Is it a Musical Career? We all want to 'feel' good. And we have all heard that "God has plans for our lives, plans for good, and not for evil"...and we all expect this easy hay ride down the road to the magical future prepared for us. <br />
The grass is always greener on the other side, am I not right? But what about "today"?<br />
Is today any less of a miracle, or of any less merit than the future that you are always looking towards? What makes today any different from that day a few years from now? Is it because you still don't have what you want? Is it because you still haven't the title or status that you desire? Whether that be "married", or "famous", or "business man", or "artist".....<br />
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What if I said, that you are living 'the future' right now? Once upon a time you were younger. Once upon a time you looked out the window and gazed at that speck up the road that you imagined as yourself, some place in the future. "Right now" you are living in that 'future'. You are living in a moment you have never lived before. This Present, was once, 'the future', and it will one day be 'the past'. <br />
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Are you happy with where you are at right now? Perhaps you don't feel like you've actually 'arrived' at that place, or status of your dreams 'yet'. And that is o.k, there is still 'more future' to come. But what about the 'present'? What will you do with it? Some people get so consumed in 'the waiting' or 'the working' for the future, or for the finsihed project, or 'focusing on the completion' that they do not 'open the gift of today', like the "present" that it is!<br />
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I think most of us, have a common case of "completion anxiety". We want what we desire, and nothing else matters in life, if we do not have it. We strive and think about what it is we do not have, or haven't achieved, and we let the desire consume us. I feel a lot of single folk do this. This get so consumed in the idea of getting married, or falling in love with Mr. or Ms. Fireworks that they let it lead their lives. All that begins to really matter, is finding or uniting with that other person. Life is miserable without them, and less worth the living. This is a lie. Desire can actually blind us from the beauty of today. We want something, so much that we let the thought of it rule our lives, determine our happiness, and we begin to believe that we shall 'never be happy' if we do not have what it is we desire most of all other things. <br />
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I am learning the fact that life is not all about what we want. It is not all about what we think we should have, or should be doing. Life is a matter of the more overlooked things. Each day is what makes up life, not just every want that fulfilled, every desire that is satisfied. One day we will live in paradise and we shall not longer long and doubt like we do here. <br />
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What does your life revolve around? Does it revolve around 'attaining the future'? "getting there"? "becoming better?" "being in that relationship"? Don't let your life become consumed by anything, so that you believe that life is not worth the momentary living. Focus on what has 'already been accomplished' for you ;) and live life in that light. You can strive, and strive for a closer relationship with Christ, but unless you live believing that he is with you every moment, unless you stop focusing so much on 'what you should do', and realize that what really matters is what 'He has done for you' then you shall not grow like you desire.<br />
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There is nothing 'you' can do to become closer. It is the reality of what "he" Christ has already done that changes a person, and brings a hope and a joy to every moment, and to the future. People have told me "draw closer to God" "do this, do that, come into his presence", but it just all sounded to 'self centered to me'. I don't believe any more so much, that really it was "I" who needed to grow more, but rather "Christ" who needed to grow more in me, until He took me over. And the only effort I needed to take was to let Him. To focus on Him, and what he's already done, rather than what "I" need to do, or the relationship I "should" have had with Him. <br />
Because, that relationship could only come into being, if I lived like I was always in His presence, if I feel in love with "Him", by focusing on what He had done for 'me', and not what 'I' should do to make Him bigger somehow in my life. That isn't reality...to think that we can 'make God bigger in our lives by going through the motions more'. It's ridiculous. <br />
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The way God becomes bigger in our lives, is by focusing on what "He's" done, and the awesomeness of "Him". That's how we fall in love with Him; not by praying more, not by merely by reading the words of the bible more, not merely by singing more, or fellowship with other Christians on Sundays or week day nights. But, by discovering what He has done for us, focusing on who He is, by reading how he reacted, served, loved, in scripture. By Believing He is who He says He is, and believing in what he has done. If you do not believe, truly believe, what he has done for you, than the rest doesn't really matter. You can go through all the reading, singing, studying, fellowshiping, but if Christ doesn't move you with who He is, none of that will draw you closer. But once you realize the reality of God, the God who Was, and Is, and Is to come...in Your life and in others. Then every day has meaning. What He's done gives purpose for today, for tomorrow, and for eternity.<br />
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It's time to ask yourself...Instead of what you want from your future...What does God want?<br />
What would God live right here, and right now? If it's a closer relationship with Him than I recommend you open up your heart, receive again the truth of what He has done for You, and let it motivate you to worship Him in return. "God" has a purpose for You, your life, and your future. And that is for it to fist Glorify Him and for You to be blessed by Him. And even if your desires are good desires, and even if they could easily be fulfilled by God.<br />
I recommend you to lay them down before the throne of God, and tell Him to align your priorities and your desires. Live in the moment. Live in today. The person who lives in the moment and lives in the present, are those who 'believe'. <br />
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If you do not believe that anything else is worth while in life, but the one thing you desire most, than you will not enjoy the other gifts surrounding you. God Has given you "Life". He has given you emotions, He has given you senses, He has given you a mind, He has given you a body, He has given you a Soul. He has formed you in your Mother's whom. God has made made the flowers, stirred the wind, formed the sun to shine, and the moon to glow. God has put in you the breath that you are breathing right now. God has died for your own sin by the sacrifice of His Son, and taken your penalty.<br />
God has said that He has gone to prepare a place for You, and that Heaven will come down to earth. This is Hope. This is Future. God said He has plans for us, a "future" and a "hope", and He has. It's o.k to have desires. God has placed some of them inside you. But, don't let them get out of hand. Don't let them rule your living, so that you cannot enjoy all else that you were intended to enjoy. "Live", not some day in the future, but "right now"! Breathe! most importantly...Believe.<br />
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<a href="http://youtu.be/5MI76zIAe1g">http://youtu.be/5MI76zIAe1g</a> - All Along<br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/8A-2jhdN0Vc">http://youtu.be/8A-2jhdN0Vc</a> - I'm Letting GoUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1831236706034672859.post-36708920143085010152011-10-29T10:01:00.000-07:002012-01-11T16:39:09.039-08:00The Courage to Change: BelievingYou can tell someone over and over about how they should find their purpose in living for Christ, but just you telling them that, won't make them "change".<br />
You can tell a person that her guy friend is only bringing her down in life, but it doesn't mean she will do anything about it. You can have all the facts, fruit, and proof in the world to preach with, but that doesn't mean those you share it with will change or "act" on it.<br />
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Because you can (and should) plant the seed, but it's their choice whether or not to let it take root in their life. You may find it insane, because after all, if you told someone their "house was burning down", you'd expect them to want to "put out the fire". Or maybe you are someone who imagines everyone wants to live "Their Utmost for 'His' Highest". But that is not so. You can tell your closest friend about how you have been inspired to sell everything you own and give it to the poor, to follow Christ.... if they don't think you are stupid, they might even agree with what you are doing, but inside many think "That's their life, I'm Scott free...I don't have to sacrifice at all, not in any way." <br />
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It's the same when you tell someone about their need for the Savior. Without blinking they may listen to you, but it doesn't mean they will start a relationship with Him tomorrow.<br />
When you say to someone "God is Your Friend", or "God is your Lover", or "God is your King", or "God is your Father", it won't change the way the hearer comes to God and lives their lives, 'unless' they 'believe' it. <br />
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You can be told multiple times that God is Your Best Friend, but unless you discover it for yourself, or desire it for yourself you won't experience that 'friendship'.<br />
A lot of people are 'told' in Church that they must do this, do that, don't do this, don't do that, but unless it's discovered, realized, or believed in the heart of the person, it's not going to make a difference.<br />
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God would rather we did everything out of trust in Him and His will than have to be told everything to do. I've heard it many times, over and over "come into God's presence", "God wants a closer relationship with you", "draw nearer to God", but that could not help me much. I wanted to give all of me, and I wanted to experience God more, but the fact is just saying "You must come into God's presence" wasn't the answer for me. In order to do that I needed to first, believe I could go deeper, second, "know"/discover what God's presence 'was', to begin with!<br />
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I want to say...It's important for you to know that, every person does not, and should not, have to have the same 'relationship' with God. Other than the fact that they see Him as a All Powerful God, and Savior or their Soul...Because everyone has a different piece of God to see and share. For example; the difference in the Gospel Writers prospectives of Christ. It's said from reading the gosepls, that Mark seen Him more in the light of "Servant" God, Matthew in the light of Him being "King", Luke's vantage on Christ as our " Good Shepherd and Savior", and John's prospective of Christ as "Friend" and "One with the Father".<br />
<br />
It's important to note that all these vantage points on Christ though, were not only their 'own'. God has proven, expressed himself, and even described himself as each of these things throughout the entire bible. My point is that not every person has the exact same relationship or need for Christ to fill in order to reach them and grow in a deeper relationship with Him. So how do you see God? Is He your "Best Friend"? Your faithful "Lover"? Your Compassionate "Father"? Your "Mighty King"? Your "Judge"? Or do you see Him on the other side of Salvation? As your "Condemner", Your "Slave Master"? Is He even real to you at all?<br />
<br />
To you, is He just a fragment of others imaginations? Is He just the words that your Preacher ? or who Your Parents say that He is? Maybe He is impersonal to You, perhaps He's just "out there" somewhere...<br />
<br />
Everyone has a place where only God can go. No man or woman can go there. No one can say they have 'your' relationship with God. It's not so. And it won't matter what people tell you, or they say you should or shouldn't do, if it doesn't touch you enough to be "open" to change, or encourage you to go before "God" and work at it with Him, then it's not bloomed...This doesn't mean it happens right away, most times in people's lives it doesn't...because not everyone is willing to change...they are not ready to "move forward" or "let go" of what they are holding to. So it blooms later on, sometimes the seeds add up, sometimes it takes something more drastic in their lives...They make a big mistake...and need God to come or else they are done for. <br />
<br />
Don't wait until it's a drastic decision between "God" or committing Harry Carry. Find Him while you are skipping through the posies. Find him before the dark falls, and the curtains pin you to the floor. How? I encourage you to take a moment and think about how you view God...Then, consider what you are ready and willing to give. Thridly, ask God to expose the doubts you have entertained. Be willing to let the truth break the lies.<br />
<br />
It's up to You and God. That's where change takes place. God uses others, he can use their words and actions to make you consider, to make you think, to prove to You that He is Sovreign, Alive, and Working. But it is ultimately between you and God. Doing things, going through the motions of change, just because you "know" you "should" be...does not make you different inside. You will just go back to the same old, same old. And God doesn't want tokin prayers, or just compromise. He wants "You". Because He made You, and You are to be a part of Him; to share His Kingdom, to share His love, to see his Glory, to feel His grace, to embrace His love. Only by believing in Who God is, can You worship Him back. Otherwise you will not feel the need, or the desire.<br />
<br />
1. Take a moment and think about how you view God<br />
2. Consider what you are ready and willing to "give" <br />
3. Ask God to expose the lies you have entertained.<br />
4. Be willing to let the truth your discover, break hold of doubts<br />
<br />
Your view on God determines how you reacte to His hand in Your life. It determines how open you<br />
are you are to Him. What you're willing to give, and what you aren't willing to let<br />
go of, determines how much you will venture on Christ, and how much you will live for 'Him'<br />
and embrace His will for Your life. Discovering the lies you've entertained can change your<br />
perspective on a habit of actions you may have, and being willing to let the truth in Christ<br />
break those lies can change you greatly.<br />
<br />
Are you willing to change? Do you "believe" you should? Are you just going on the words of others;<br />
that say "You need to stop", or "You need to change"? Unless you really believe it, examine yourself, and realize what kind of relationship you have with God, and want with God...just going through the motions isn't much of a help. It's not change. <br />
<br />
Change is an inward thing. Being willing to change means, believing...that you are not where you should be, and you want to be somewhere else.<br />
And then it means, being willing to let go of the sin or what is bad for you, and letting the truth of God, and the perfect will, love, peace, fulfillment of God takes the past's place. It means first realizing your mess, wanting better, giving up the bad, and filling it's place.<br />
<br />
God wants "good" for You. He wants you to eat the meat off of His table, and not the food in the doggie bowl. He misses you at His table, He'd like to see your smiling face. He'd like to see you nurished, and fit for what he'd like to give you. Come all you who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for you will be filled! Knock and it will be opened unto you, seek and you will find...if you seek with all your heart ;) <br />
<br />
You must believe He is worth it. Discover the God that you have always needed, and has always known you, just for who you are. He does not expect you to be someone else before Him, he wants "You". Which means buddy time, which means you and Him, which means the road to more, which means not only the road to change, but the road to eternity. <br />
<br />
Be willing to let God fill the spot of the Lover who isn't Faithful, because God is Faithful. And if you trust God, He will give you the desires of You heart...If they are good for you, and lead you uphill.<br />
God wants you to know love, peace, hope etc...Stop looking for it in other places, and believe He knows everything. You can tell someone over and over, that there is more of God. You will never know unless you seek Him with all your heart. Change is (=) turning, forsaking the past...and moving ahead into something new, something worth changing for. Is God worth changing for? Is true love worth sacrificing for? What do you believe?<br />
It all hangs on that.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1831236706034672859.post-59472587537811313642011-10-26T12:10:00.000-07:002012-01-11T16:42:45.243-08:00The Courage to Change: RepentanceThe remorse sets in for what you've done. It hits you like a wave. You didn't have to let it happen, more accurately, you didn't have to engage it it. Sin. The word that haunts you after you've taken it's hand, the word that defines your worst deeds and actions. If only you could be rid of it completely. If only you could forget about it. <br />
<br />
Sin. The thing that has hurt those around you, the very thing you've been hurt by yourself, it's something you've let take a hold in your life. Now the curtain is falling, the dark curtain of sorrow and pity. You take it for what it is, and cry at the consequences you've brought upon yourself. The pain is too much, it's too much to bare. All you wanted was to be was liked, all you wanted was to fit in, all you wanted was to be free, all you wanted was to dull the emotions of yesterday. The consequence is unbearable, certainly God could remove the suffering, that is, if He was still there with you, maybe He'd gone out with those you'd let down.<br />
<br />
You didn't deserve this, did you? You "will" be better, you shall you shall. You will move on and take the new chance ahead. You stand from your puddle of tears. God has given you a second chance, you know He has. You wipe the tear stains from your eyes, put on a song of change and pump your fist in the air. "I am Innocent, I am blameless".<br />
<br />
Next month, there you are again. Sin. That ugly, ugly, thing, has captured your heart again. Push repeat, push replay, it plays the same, again and again.<br />
<br />
Have you ever repented for your sins? I mean "truly" repented. No just feeling sorry about your mistakes, and than pushing them under the covers under the label of "another chance".<br />
When you make a mistake, when you sin, how do you feel about it? Do you feel defeated? Do you feel remorseful? Do you feel terrible? What to you,is the worst thing about sinning? Is it the way it hurts<br />
other people? The way it makes you feel? What it does to you? The consequence?<br />
<br />
A lot of people, especially those who seem to be stuck in continually sinning, or sinning in one<br />
particular area over and over again, feel either one of two things. Either they live in remorse after<br />
every sin, and drown in the consequence. Or they become numb towards their sin, and give up trying or wanting to become different. After all change is "too" hard, for someone to do alone...<br />
Which is what a lot of people try to do, they think they can just sin, and claim they're going to be<br />
different and go at it again. <br />
<br />
Do you know though that neither of these ways are the road to change? It is not enough for you to feel remorse over what you've done wrong. Because you can Not want to sin any more because of what it does to yourself and others, and you can mourn over what you've been through and the pain you've experienced because of your sin, but you will not change inwardly.<br />
<br />
You will continue to make the same mistakes. Because if you do not see what Christ has done for you on the cross, if you do not see the sacrifice that has been made for you. If you do not see "what" sin is in a nutshell, then you will not be changed. A lot of people, Pity, Pity, Pity over their constant sin, and in doing so "push God" out of the picture. Repentance isn't "just" feeling sad over what you have done, because anyone who has had to face the consequence of his mistakes has felt "sorry" about their choices. Yet, you must feel sorry over your sin, but not just because it is like a ball that you throw that hits you back in the head, nor a Frisbee that comes back around to hit home, but because it hurts the one who made You. Sin, not only is bad for your health, and those around you, but hurts God. Matter of fact, it hurt God "soo much"...<br />
<br />
Christ was blameless, but yet He died for us sinners. That through belief and repentance we may all receive forgiveness and new life. Stop rejecting Christ, by weeping over your sins, and then not coming to repentance. Repent from your sins.<br />
<br />
Unless you realize that your sins hurt and disobey a perfect God, you will not stop the constant sinning. You must realize that if Christ hadn't died in your stead, you would be eternally guilty of all<br />
of your sins. You would be punished for every sin not only be consequence but by punishment by death. God is all holy. He will not tolerate sin, that is not covered by the blood of Christ through Repentance. Without Christ you would be guilty, guilty, guilty. <br />
<br />
Have you ever watched the movie or read the book "The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe"? In the film adaption a young boy named Edmund, has betrayed His siblings for selfish reasons, (sin), and in doing so has become property of the 'White Witch', because anyone who sins belongs to her, and must die, be sacrificed on a stone table. Because only the shedding of blood can end the guilt of sin, someone must die for the sin committed. Aslan, the Lion King of this story is a representation of God. He sets the boy free, and dies in his place, fulfilling the law of the land that one must die for his sin. But because He is blameless, He breaks the curse and the stone table cracks in two. Aslan resurrects and saves the day.<br />
<br />
Aslan is a Christ figure. This is what Christ did for us. He let us go free, and died in our place. He is the only truly blameless being, because He is the Son of God. God made mankind, mankind rebelled against him in the garden, bringing the pain and consequences of their disobedience along with them. And than God, out of His love, died for Mankind. <br />
<br />
We are all guilty of sin. We have all done things that are sins. Lies, cheated, lusted, etc...We all must be covered by the blood of Christ. We all must repent in order to be Saved.<br />
What is true repentance though? It is believing in what Jesus did for You. That He rose from the grave, to prove your sin can be forgiven you, and that death cannot contain the Son of God. The cross is the symbol of the guilt of sin, the empty tomb of the new life in Christ!<br />
True repentance is followed by a turning from the sin of the past, true repentance is surrendering ones sinful desires. True repentance is life change.<br />
<br />
Fall on your knees. Ask God to forgive you of your sins. Surrender your sinful desires to Him. If you do not, you will not change, you will continue sinning, and continue hurting God, and others. God is the one you do most wrong to when you sin, God is the one who made you, and hurts when you hurt, hurts when you don't listen to Him, when you disregard Him, when you hurt His other creations, when you try to disprove him by living like he doesn't exist or reward those who trust Him.<br />
Jesus died to give you a new life in Him. Believe in what He has done for you on the cross. I don't mean just to "accept" it, I mean really, really, "Believe" it. You see, unless you realize that Believe that He died because of sin, and that He rose from the dead to save you from it. <br />
<br />
Truly repent of your sin. Sorrow over how you've hurt God. And ask not only forgive Him to forgive you for your rebellion, but to forgive you for harming His creation, harming yourself, and ask Him to change your desires to give Him glory. Ask for a new heart, a new mind, the making of a new man. Become a new Creation in Christ Jesus. You cannot, and will not become a new creation if you are not truly repentant, because being truly repentant means you are "sorry for your "sin"...not just sorry for the consequence. Let your heart be softened to true repentance, and a desire for holiness. <br />
<br />
If you are not willing to give up the sin, you are not willing to change. Just wanting to change for "yourself", and the way others view you, is not good enough, because it is still selfish. Selfishness is the root of sin.<br />
Selfishness is the cause of the Devil's fall, Selfishness will not change you. Morning over you sins, because it hurts "you" is not the way of change, morning because it hurts God, because sin is truly "sinful" is different. I pray you will be given a new view on your sin, that you will see it for what it is, and see what Christ has done for you as it really is. May you truly repent; and in result be Changed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D0j3Lr6YaFY/TqjHloFUzuI/AAAAAAAAALQ/WaHuhmneKd0/s1600/Edmund%2526Aslan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D0j3Lr6YaFY/TqjHloFUzuI/AAAAAAAAALQ/WaHuhmneKd0/s320/Edmund%2526Aslan.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Aslan and Edmund</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1831236706034672859.post-82443766173822748742011-10-25T08:05:00.000-07:002012-01-11T16:54:13.849-08:00The Courage to Change: offense and courageYour legs are unsteady, your heart in bruised, the fear inside wells up and leads you to dread. All that has happened around you, the loved ones that walked out the door, the friendships that are no more...It's just too much...Where will you fall? and what will break your fall? Pain, hurt, can lead us to sin. <br />
Offenses can lead us to doubt, or lose our courage in who we are in Christ. Do not let hurt or uncertainty weaken the fact that in Christ we are more than conquerors! Christ is waiting outside your door, arms wide to hold you in your time of need. He says "Do not fear, for I am with You, do not be dismayed for I am your God". In this life, we face constant change and disappointment.<br />
<br />
I've always believed that "it is my choice how I am affected by what goes on around me". I've always thought, that the true sting of the offense, had to do with whether or not I believed it, dwelt on it, or surrendered it to Christ. We are affected by much around us, other people, circumstances, etc etc etc...But, think back for a moment about the time when you were yelled at, and the words were thrown into your face, and pierced at your very core of faith, what did you do afterward? Did you dwell on those words, did you inwardly believe them? even for a moment? Did you quickly surrender those things spoken against you or your faith to God, and His world? <br />
<br />
Most likely, if you were seriously affected by what was spoken, it is because you it settle within you, or you didn't quickly combat it with the truth. It's like being wounded in battle, and not putting something on your wound, or quickly getting your wound sown together; instead it's like letting that wound stay open, and when you do the air getting to it, and the bugs getting to it, and germs etc...and it just gets worse! That's how offenses are. But offenses don't only come in the form of words, they come in the form of actions, as well. <br />
<br />
A lot of teens are destroyed by offense. It is the reason for most their confusion, doubt, apathy, addictions, and weaknesses. Parents walking out on their families, friends putting them down at school, break ups with the opposite sex, it all jabs at their hearts, and without God, and without belief in the truth they only grow worse. <br />
<br />
Let truth invade the lies that you have built upon, the lies that say your "aren't worth it", that is why your parents aren't there for you, or "you won't succeed" and shouldn't try at anything, or "you will never love again", because your heart has been crushed. You will never grow into who you were meant to be in life, and along the journey - if you are living whether consciously or not, on the lies of the past. If you do not believe you are loved, or you are weakened by the offenses of others, whether in words or deeds, you will not only not be able to live in Joy (which is power), but you will live in weakness as well. You will be more prone to falling into sin...because any lie, or untruth result not only in breaking down emotions, but breaking down the spiritual courage inside to do what you know is right.<br />
<br />
I've seen this happen in many young folks lives, and only recently has it become curious to me. A young man is angry at his Father who has let Him down, and suddenly their standards begin to slide. A young girl is heartbroken because her lover has dumped her, and suddenly she begins to fall down in a dark hole...It is "offenses", "hurts", "let downs", and lead a lot of people to become the Gothic, the bum, the suicidal fellow, the girl that cuts herself. It is usually hurt, anger, because of an offense - that brings them there. Interesting isn't it, that offense can actually become the root of sin? A young boy can be treated wrong, and in result grow up to "harm" others. <br />
<br />
Also, it's important to note, that not always is this conscious, most good people that were done wrong, they hurt others in result, not on purpose, but because hurt unattended, because offense unattended, or rebuked can destroy you. You might be one of those people who think "I'm not willing to give up the hurt, I have right to feel hurt, or angry, about what has happened" but be ye careful, and be ye wise, it is better to be free from hurt than it is to let offense fester. God says it is alright to be angry, but not to hold onto that anger. God says to think on these things: "Whatever is lovely, whatever is good, whatever is pure, whatever is praiseworthy, if there is anything of such worth, think on these things!" <br />
<br />
God also says to have Joy no matter what the situation is. If you are being persecuted for righteousness sake, if you were walked out on, if you were cursed, if you be in Christ, consider it jewels on your crown. Christ was persecuted, Christ was not only scorned, whipped, and spit upon, but He was deserted by His own friends! But what did He do? He did not revile them, He did not let offense make Him bitter or disobedient to God. Instead, upon the very cross where he died, he said "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do!" And so must we be, when we are done wrong to, we must forgive, and not let anything steal our power, our Joy is our power, and our peace is our power, if we let Satan have his way, and steal our Joy and peace in Christ we are not only doing ourselves an injustice, but the people around us, and disappointing Christ.<br />
<br />
Be courageous. And if you realize that within yourself, you have held to offenses, let them go, and do not let satan have a hold on your life. If you do not let the Truth set you free, you cannot live a Victorious life. If you are not willing to let go of the hurt, the pain, the anger, (even if it is real, or rightfully yours) - than you will never experience the liberty you have in Christ Jesus. You must be willing to let go of the pain, and forget the offenses of yesterday. You must be willing to pray "Father, forgive he or she, or them...for they know not what they did/do". And pray for those who have offended or hurt you, that they will also become willing to let go of whatever offenses they hold inside, so that they will not continue to harm others around them. <br />
<br />
The most dark and sinful people can be made out of the smallest dissapointment, because they let a lie live inside them and in doing so, accepted even more lies, therefore the built their lives upon them. I encourage those who are realizing that they have been letting hurts rule their lives, and hearts, so much that they have lowered their standards, and have looked to belong in all the wrong places, I enourage you who are such to take the step neccessary to change. <br />
<br />
Be willing to embrace Liberty, and let Truth fill you. You will live a life to the fullest then. Do not let anything weaken you to fall into that dark hole in the ground. Give Jesus the wheel, and when you well that offenses, or hurts, whether from loss or fear are weakening you to less than you should or can be, surrender them to Christ, let them go. Know that He gives good to all that love Him, and that He has the earth in His hands, he will not leave you or forsake You. "His" love never faulters, and His yoke is easy, and His burden is Light...He says "Come to me, all who are heavy laden, and I will give you rest". "Forgive", and embrace my "Love". <br />
<br />
He gives power to those who have been hurt, or worn down, He gives strength to the weak, even youth will faint, and young men become exhausted, but those who wait upon the Lord, those who Trust in Him, those who come to Him, He will renew their strength, and they will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint. God give you the Courage to Overcome, and the Courage to Change. Taste and See that "The Lord" is good, he will not let you go, or leave you alone, "His" love endures forever, In His presence is the fullness of Joy.<br />
<br />
Man may fail you, but cling to hope, God is lasting in His love and purpose for You.<br />
Do not let satan have his way, you do not have to be weak, you "can" be strong in Jesus!<br />
Say to yourself "I "am" strong in Christ! Thank God, You have fought the battle for my soul,<br />
you have paid the price on Calvery"! I am free by believing in your Truth! The truth that I am loved<br />
and a Victor by the blood of Christ! <br />
<br />
Keep your eyes on what Christ has done for you, the lovely, and the good, do not let evil or depressing, doubt or hurt take your eyes off of the truth. God has already supplied a way out from sin, by forgiveness and love. He loved and forgave you, and He wants you to forgive and to love too. Be strong in the Lord and the power of His might to say "no" to the power of offense, and yes to liberty in truth! You are loved, You are Free, You are His. Be uplifted, God is on your side.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1831236706034672859.post-35836607054283147322011-10-20T15:38:00.001-07:002011-10-20T15:38:58.761-07:00Needing YouThis may not be a very significant blog post...but then again who knows!<br />
I just want to write, and put something out there to the world, so here goes.<br />
Every think yourself into a stupper?<br />
Every desire something, but aren't patient enough to actually study or<br />
wait for it?<br />
<br />
At this time in my life, I'm seriously in need of other people's interaction.<br />
This has been going on for awhile.<br />
It's a chore for me to read, study etc...and it seems the only thing my heart<br />
has been really open to has been learning and growing by interaction with<br />
other people.<br />
I am the type of person that is inspired by other people in many ways...<br />
Other than God Himself, People/Characters and their lives are what <br />
inspire me to study, pray, sing, and proclaim the goodness of Christ.<br />
This can be a good thing, but also I'm beginning to wonder if it is <br />
actually all "right". I know that every personality, and temperment has<br />
their own way they are inspired by God.<br />
For me it seems, a lot of the time I am drawn to God, and the Knowledge<br />
of God, by becoming a mediator in the lives of others. Or seeing someone<br />
other than myself in need of God, and I recognize the need in them, and<br />
it stirs me to want God, and want to share His love.<br />
<br />
Yet, at this time I feel like I should not let this way of inspration, take<br />
the place of a personal relationship stirred out of my own heart and<br />
need of God. So I've taken a few steps. I've bought a book. For me,<br />
this is big, because I don't like reading. The name of the book is<br />
"Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. I'm hoping that within the pages I will<br />
be stirred even more to know, and seek out my Creator.<br />
I know, that in order to fall more in love with God, I must first realize more <br />
considering who He is, and what He offers.<br />
<br />
Will I be patient enough? Will I actually sit in a room, and my mind not<br />
be taken away by other thoughts. Can sharing become an idol?<br />
Maybe I've just become deprived of fellowship, and that is why whenever<br />
even the slightest thought about God that is relevant to me, pops into my<br />
head, all I can think of doing is "share it". So I stop studying, and race<br />
to the computer or my phone.<br />
God, I want You to be the most important thing to Me. It's hard to keep<br />
things in proper focus. <br />
I seem to have feed an attitude of lack of patience when it comes to learning<br />
most times. I like the quick fixes, or person at the other end of the line.<br />
God, sometimes because You are not physically here beside me, I think of<br />
You like another thing to learn. Like studying a text book, filled with things<br />
I may, or may not ever use or experience personaly in my life.<br />
I don't want to feel the same way about You that I felt about learning other<br />
things in my life. I want to love You, and I want to find You.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1831236706034672859.post-30749606549392035122011-10-17T07:27:00.000-07:002011-10-17T09:02:36.503-07:00"Searching" for that Special Someone : Day 287 of Teen DevoIf you're still searching for that special someone,<br />
be patient, be prudent, and be picky.<br />
Look for someone whose values you respect, whose<br />
behavior you approve of, and whose faith you admire.<br />
<br />
Remember that appearances can be deceiving and tempting,<br />
so watch your step. And when it comes to the important<br />
task of building a lifetime relationship, pray about it!<br />
<br />
If you happen to be one of those persons who have already<br />
fallen madly in love, say a great big thanks to the <br />
Matchmaker in heaven. But if you haven't yet found your love,<br />
don't fret. Just keep trusting God, and keep yourself open to<br />
the direction in which He is leading you.<br />
<br />
And remember : When it comes to selecting someone, God<br />
wants to give His approval - or not - but He won't give it<br />
until He's asked. So ask, listen, and decide accordingly.<br />
_____________________________________________________<br />
<br />
When feeling becomes the dominant force in a relationship, the<br />
relationship is bound for trouble, because feelings change.<br />
- Ed YoungUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1831236706034672859.post-564913155100030142011-10-17T07:20:00.000-07:002011-10-17T07:20:44.267-07:00Change from Continual SinI find that there are really four things<br />
that prevent us from continual stumbling after being reconciled with Christ.<br />
1. Being willing to 'give up' our sin<br />
2. Believing that we 'don't have to sin' anymore<br />
3. Heeding to the Holy Spirit's conviction before we again commit a sin<br />
4. Strengthening our distaste for sin and recognizing the pull of temptation...<br />
God is Forgiving; but sin seems to always be facing us. What can we do? Fristly, we must truly be willing to give up the sins of the past. A lot of times we do not do this; we say that we want to change, but we are only afraid of the consequences, and do not truly give up the root of our sin. In Christ our desires must change. If we do not surrender our desires to Him, we cannot expect to change our ways. Surrendering our desires to Him, means no longer letting our fleshes rule over us. Secondly, we must believe that "we do not have to sin". We are new creatures by the blood of Christ. A person must believe 'that they no longer have to sin'. Sin is like a Master, and in the past we were servants to sin, but by Christ we no longer have to remain in our shame, nor does sin have to rule over us. Believing that is a big step to change, because the past can haunt us and tell us we 'are still' who we used to be, but we must learn to disregard those lies, and remember that we have a new Master, and He is Christ. We are made Holy, new, and blameless in Him, and in Him we find our new Idenitiy, we are given a new name...<br />
Thridly, we must heed to the Holy Spirit's Conviction in our lives. According to the Bible, there is always a way of excape from temptation, which means when we do sin, we have "chosen" sin over the way of excape. If a person never seems to feel previous conviction before their sin, they are in need of deep prayer to receive the Holy Spirit. For if a person has the Holy Spirit living inside of them, they "do" feel conviction before they act in sin. An important grasp on change and domanance over the flesh, is to not only "be aware of the conviction of the Holy Spirit", but to learn to "listen to it". A lot of the wrong choices we make, are because we rushed into sin, or chose not to listen or heed to the way out. Fourthly, we must truly grow in our distate for the world, sin, and pleasing the flesh. We must truly see the evil in what we do, in order to stop doing it. We must recognize the pain that it brings. One reason that some of us continue to sin, in the same area, over and over again, is because we never learned our lesson the first time. The heartache, and the distate has never truly taught us to hault before making the same choice over and over again. Satan likes to blind us to the fact that we never get what we want from sinning. He wants us to forget how we felt after we have sinned, and he wants us to only think about "the feeling" or "how good the sin felt", he doesn't want us to remember how we felt afterward, or how God feels, or felt about what we had done. God has already freed us from the chains that hung around our necks and bound our hands and feet, but we go look back at them and think to ourselves "oh that was fun", or "that sin was actually not so bad", and we pick "back up" those chains, and "we" "put them back around our neck, and lach them onto our wrists and ankels. God frees us, but we chain ourselves again, and once we realize what we have done...we go to God and ask Him to remove them again. If only we would not look back at those chains, and if we happen to come across them again, instead of picking them back up, kick them into the dust. Be Strong Siblings, God is God, and may You grow a true distate for the sin of the past. <br />
Another important aspect to change, would be a replacment of desire or thought. Ask God to give you His pefect thoughts on what is pure, good, lovely, and uplifting for your life, build your actions upon these things and become so consumed in God's way, that the old ways are not longer as appealing. God's ways are such as these; He wants to present you blameless and pure before Him and others. God strokes your hair and prepares for you a white robe of beauty and righteousness. You have always been wanted by Him, worthy of His pursuit, and usable for His glory. May this fall only be a reminder of the ugliness and unsatisfaction of sin, and the Goodness of God. Fill your mind and time with spiritualy uplifting activites, entertainment, fellowship, and thoughts...Merciful is the Lord! may You be strengthened in His might.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1831236706034672859.post-22232097016195254442011-09-29T10:26:00.000-07:002011-09-29T10:32:11.998-07:00New Posts and Books to be Written: Please Comment!I just wanted to make a post to remind myself of what I need to write and blog hehe,<br />
and I wanted to get some outside encouragment, advice etc...<br />
I want to write two books one called 'Art of the Heart' and the other called 'The Courage to Change'.<br />
I came up with the ideas last year for both of them, and I do enjoy writing, but I just<br />
need a bit of a shove in the right direction.<br />
Feel free to leave your oppinions and encouragment bellow :)<br />
<br />
Art of the Heart: is about being a messenger of your worldview through art and creativity.<br />
It's about realizing where your heart is before God, and being able to recognize where<br />
it is heading and how things art influences you and the others around you. <br />
Growing in a realationship with Your Creator, and imitating Him and shinning His light<br />
through your art. Also I want to infuse it with some factual stuff on the history of spirituality<br />
in art.<br />
<br />
The Courage to Change: is about exactly that, "finding the courage to change". It's based on<br />
encouraging the next step towards change whether that means overcoming addiction, <br />
overcoming doubt, guilt, temptation, or insicurity...though finding the will power, surrendering<br />
to the One who can give you power to overcome, and discovering how to embrace the life we<br />
have have in Christ.<br />
<br />
So what do you think? Would you be interested in reading either of these books?<br />
I'm thinking about making a blog for each one of these topics/books...and first blogging<br />
a section or blogging them chapter for chapter. Or I could just get to writing, and <br />
make blogs for each book once I've finished them. <br />
Right now I'm also working on finishing/re-editing a novel I wrote a few years ago,<br />
so I might be multitasking in writing. But writing is always a good thing to do in the winter,<br />
when there is plenty of time to be spent indoors. <br />
Ok. so leave me a comment if you'd like! And let me know what you think.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1831236706034672859.post-49340186568389549202011-09-09T15:52:00.000-07:002011-09-09T15:56:23.743-07:00Audrey Assad - Known (Slideshow With Lyrics)<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZB5ye2tGyHM?fs=1" width="425"></iframe><br />
<br />
" ...Savior You have known me as I am, and Healer You have known me as I<br />
was, as I 'will be'...In the morning and the evening You have known me..."Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0