Tuesday, March 30, 2010
My Redeemer
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever!
Love knows no bounderies, it has no end. Christ loves us just as much today as he did the day he hung on the cross for our sins. The world changes, people change, cultures change even religions change, but the love of Christ remains the same.
1 Corinthians 13: 7-8a Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
What's on Your Mind?
Several years ago I wrote this song "My Minds on Heaven." I had come to the realization that what is on my mind can distract me from what is in my heart. This must be why in both Matt 22:37, Mark 12:30 and Luke 10:27 Jesus said “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” This combination is mentioned because what goes on in one directly affects the others.
Sin starts in our mind, we have a thought and then choose whether we will act on it or not. If we have the word of God in our heart, when Satan brings an evil thought, we will follow what is in our heart. Psalm 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Because I know what Jesus did for me, when he took my sins to the cross, I don’t want to sin.
2 Corinthians 10:4-6 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
How do we replace evil thoughts with good ones? I like how Philippians 4:8 says it, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things re pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Sin starts in our mind, we have a thought and then choose whether we will act on it or not. If we have the word of God in our heart, when Satan brings an evil thought, we will follow what is in our heart. Psalm 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Because I know what Jesus did for me, when he took my sins to the cross, I don’t want to sin.
2 Corinthians 10:4-6 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
How do we replace evil thoughts with good ones? I like how Philippians 4:8 says it, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things re pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Monday, March 15, 2010
LOVE
There Is A Man
There is a man, who can move a mountain
That same man, has calmed the sea,
Yet He bled and died on a tree at Calvery
Because of His love, for you and for me.
In this old world, I've climbed many mountains,
With deepest valleys in between
Yet I continue to reach higher ground
With Jesus the light unto my path
And lamp to my feet.
Theres no greater love, than to die for another
And no other love, has suffered such shame
Theres only one man, who's ever lived blameless
Jesus my Lord, is His name.
Last night I spoke to my Son (Matthew) on the phone. It was his 27th Birthday. I’ve come to love these times that I have on the phone with him because, it’s just him and I talking. When I visit, I am surrounded by my Grandchildren whom I love very much. But nothing can replace the joy that a parent has in their own children. Some times we just talk about the kids and what they are doing, other times we may talk about the Bible and what we are reading. Many times we talk about the past, about places we went and fun things we did together as a family.
It was hard being a single parent. Every decision I made was influenced by the love I had for my children. I wanted the best for them and I wanted to protect them from the world, but some decisions I made still hurt me when I’m reminded of them.
There is one memory, one decision I made, that always leaves me with sadness and regret. When Matt was in 7th grade he started a new school, we had moved over the summer so I could go to Indiana University to finish my BA degree. The beginning of the school year seemed to go all right. Matt had made several friends, and I was adjusting to life on the campus.
One Thursday afternoon Matt came home from school. He had been threatened by some boys who wanted to beat him up. Matt was very small for his age, and he was afraid to go back to school. So I let him stay home Friday, knowing that Monday was a holiday, I thought by then maybe over time things would be forgotten. But come Tuesday, he still did not want to go back. Wanting to protect him, I offered to go with him to talk to the principle, the teachers, the boys whatever, but it’s the law kids go to school.
Matt declined my offer to help, he said that would only make the boy madder. So I did the only thing I knew to do, we prayed that the Lord would protect him and give Matt favor with these boys, then I sent him to school. That night I arrived at home to find Matt rolled up in a ball in the corner of the livingroom. He was covering his face and head with his arms. I called to him and asked was he alright. I will never forget what I saw when he looked up at me. He was covered with bruised, cuts and blood from head to toe. His left eye was popping out of his head, his lips bruised and swollen, he had many ribs broken. After these boys had held him up to punch and beat his face and head, they threw him to the ground and kicked him many times over. A teacher gave him a ride home and dropped him off. The school did not want to take responsibility for the incident.
That was one of the many decisions I made as a parent that I regret. If I could have foreseen the outcome, of course I’d have done things differently. I would have never sent my Son whom I love very much, to be beaten. I would have never allowed anyone to hurt him.
Through this situation, I have a better understanding of how much our Heavenly Father really does love us. You see, God knew when He sent His only Son, Jesus, to this earth, that he would be rejected, despised, brutally beaten, and killed. Yet He allowed it to happen so we could be save, that’s how much he loves us. John 3:16 “ For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
There is a man, who can move a mountain
That same man, has calmed the sea,
Yet He bled and died on a tree at Calvery
Because of His love, for you and for me.
In this old world, I've climbed many mountains,
With deepest valleys in between
Yet I continue to reach higher ground
With Jesus the light unto my path
And lamp to my feet.
Theres no greater love, than to die for another
And no other love, has suffered such shame
Theres only one man, who's ever lived blameless
Jesus my Lord, is His name.
Last night I spoke to my Son (Matthew) on the phone. It was his 27th Birthday. I’ve come to love these times that I have on the phone with him because, it’s just him and I talking. When I visit, I am surrounded by my Grandchildren whom I love very much. But nothing can replace the joy that a parent has in their own children. Some times we just talk about the kids and what they are doing, other times we may talk about the Bible and what we are reading. Many times we talk about the past, about places we went and fun things we did together as a family.
It was hard being a single parent. Every decision I made was influenced by the love I had for my children. I wanted the best for them and I wanted to protect them from the world, but some decisions I made still hurt me when I’m reminded of them.
There is one memory, one decision I made, that always leaves me with sadness and regret. When Matt was in 7th grade he started a new school, we had moved over the summer so I could go to Indiana University to finish my BA degree. The beginning of the school year seemed to go all right. Matt had made several friends, and I was adjusting to life on the campus.
One Thursday afternoon Matt came home from school. He had been threatened by some boys who wanted to beat him up. Matt was very small for his age, and he was afraid to go back to school. So I let him stay home Friday, knowing that Monday was a holiday, I thought by then maybe over time things would be forgotten. But come Tuesday, he still did not want to go back. Wanting to protect him, I offered to go with him to talk to the principle, the teachers, the boys whatever, but it’s the law kids go to school.
Matt declined my offer to help, he said that would only make the boy madder. So I did the only thing I knew to do, we prayed that the Lord would protect him and give Matt favor with these boys, then I sent him to school. That night I arrived at home to find Matt rolled up in a ball in the corner of the livingroom. He was covering his face and head with his arms. I called to him and asked was he alright. I will never forget what I saw when he looked up at me. He was covered with bruised, cuts and blood from head to toe. His left eye was popping out of his head, his lips bruised and swollen, he had many ribs broken. After these boys had held him up to punch and beat his face and head, they threw him to the ground and kicked him many times over. A teacher gave him a ride home and dropped him off. The school did not want to take responsibility for the incident.
That was one of the many decisions I made as a parent that I regret. If I could have foreseen the outcome, of course I’d have done things differently. I would have never sent my Son whom I love very much, to be beaten. I would have never allowed anyone to hurt him.
Through this situation, I have a better understanding of how much our Heavenly Father really does love us. You see, God knew when He sent His only Son, Jesus, to this earth, that he would be rejected, despised, brutally beaten, and killed. Yet He allowed it to happen so we could be save, that’s how much he loves us. John 3:16 “ For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
NO FEAR?
The words NO FEAR have been popular for several years now. The clothing line suggests a person with no fear is considered to be, bold, or brave, and a risk taker. My question is,What exactly are they not afraid of ?
It is may concern that this phrase has penetrated the Body of Christ. If we know the Word of God we should realize that when it comes to man we should have no fear, because God is on our side. But instead of fearing man, we are to fear God. This however is a portion of the Bible that many today would like to ignore.
I am not one to say God did this or that,with out hearing directly from Him on a situation. But I am concerned about the great number for people who are stating what he can and can’t do. I would not take it upon myself to announce to anyone that the disasters that have happened lately, where a result of sin, or an action of God. On the other hand nor would I say God can’t do such a thing because He only responds in love. According to the Bible the only thing God can’t do is lie. Heb 13:8 states “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.”
To only look at one characteristic of God will cause a person to be out of balance. Many mighty men of God have fallen because they became unbalanced in the word. Grace and love are wonderful, but sometimes we need to fear God. Some who consider theirselves holy and sanctified may think that grace is enough. But the Bible tells us there are benefits in fearing God and we are to obey Him. They are there for a reason.
Many people have a hard time understanding Gods love for them. If you grew up in a Christian home with a wonderful Father and Mother, it is easier to understand the kind of love God has for us. But people who grew up in abusive situations, do not understand this type of love.
Others think that because we are in New Testament times, we don’t need to fear God. But if you look in the book of Acts, you will read about 3 people who may have lived longer is they had feared God. Yes, even after Christ died for the sins of the world, there where people who died because they sinned against God.
Acts 12:21-23 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.
Herod was a prideful man, but haven’t we all been guilty at sometime of pride?
Earlier in Acts 5 a man named Ananias and his wife Saphira sold a piece of land and kept a portion of the money and gave a portion to the church. But they said they gave it all to the Church. This was also a matter of pride. It did not matter to God if they kept some of their own money but they wanted people to think they had made a great sacrifice by giving all. When they told Paul about their actions, they both fell down dead. Paul said they lied to the Holy Ghost.
Acts 9:31 gives a good description of the balance of freedom and fear that we are to maintain.
"Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied."
These scriptures are in the New Testament for a reason. I believe its' because God knows that many will come to him because he loves us, but many will use, and pervert his word in the last days. Read the book of Revelation if you can not believe that God becomes angry at sin. What make things worse is that we have his word available to us more than any other generations and we still can’t get it right. We still miss interpret and pick and choose our favorite parts.
I am thankful that God gave me a choice, to choose Jesus as my Savior and to follow only Him and His Word. Philippeans 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
It is may concern that this phrase has penetrated the Body of Christ. If we know the Word of God we should realize that when it comes to man we should have no fear, because God is on our side. But instead of fearing man, we are to fear God. This however is a portion of the Bible that many today would like to ignore.
I am not one to say God did this or that,with out hearing directly from Him on a situation. But I am concerned about the great number for people who are stating what he can and can’t do. I would not take it upon myself to announce to anyone that the disasters that have happened lately, where a result of sin, or an action of God. On the other hand nor would I say God can’t do such a thing because He only responds in love. According to the Bible the only thing God can’t do is lie. Heb 13:8 states “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.”
To only look at one characteristic of God will cause a person to be out of balance. Many mighty men of God have fallen because they became unbalanced in the word. Grace and love are wonderful, but sometimes we need to fear God. Some who consider theirselves holy and sanctified may think that grace is enough. But the Bible tells us there are benefits in fearing God and we are to obey Him. They are there for a reason.
Many people have a hard time understanding Gods love for them. If you grew up in a Christian home with a wonderful Father and Mother, it is easier to understand the kind of love God has for us. But people who grew up in abusive situations, do not understand this type of love.
Others think that because we are in New Testament times, we don’t need to fear God. But if you look in the book of Acts, you will read about 3 people who may have lived longer is they had feared God. Yes, even after Christ died for the sins of the world, there where people who died because they sinned against God.
Acts 12:21-23 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.
Herod was a prideful man, but haven’t we all been guilty at sometime of pride?
Earlier in Acts 5 a man named Ananias and his wife Saphira sold a piece of land and kept a portion of the money and gave a portion to the church. But they said they gave it all to the Church. This was also a matter of pride. It did not matter to God if they kept some of their own money but they wanted people to think they had made a great sacrifice by giving all. When they told Paul about their actions, they both fell down dead. Paul said they lied to the Holy Ghost.
Acts 9:31 gives a good description of the balance of freedom and fear that we are to maintain.
"Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied."
These scriptures are in the New Testament for a reason. I believe its' because God knows that many will come to him because he loves us, but many will use, and pervert his word in the last days. Read the book of Revelation if you can not believe that God becomes angry at sin. What make things worse is that we have his word available to us more than any other generations and we still can’t get it right. We still miss interpret and pick and choose our favorite parts.
I am thankful that God gave me a choice, to choose Jesus as my Savior and to follow only Him and His Word. Philippeans 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
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