The Christian Concept of Servant Hood

In the midst of this current season surrounding us and leading us towards the big Election of 2012, I have been thinking about what made Ronald Reagan such a great president. We could all rattle off many of his accomplishments as president, but I think that the real key to his greatness was the fact that he genuinely saw himself as a servant to the people of the United States of America. Perhaps he is one of the last presidents who genuinely took the admonition of Jesus Christ to heart:

Mar 9:35

And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, "If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all."

The concept of servant hood is often lost among certain politicians these days. Few can be found amongst the chattering elites and clanging gongs that often dominate the airwaves.

 The politicians who use the "I" word most often are usually the ones that put you (the taxpaying citizen who trusted them enough to put them in office in the first place) LAST once they gain the office they are seeking.

WE VOTERS HIRED THEM TO DO A CERTAIN JOB FOR US! BUT OFTEN WE ARE DEEPLY DISAPPOINTED WHEN THEY BREAK THEIR PROMISES AND IGNORE WHY THEY WERE PLACED IN OFFICE IN THE FIRST PLACE!

I urge you to look closely at each and every candidate that you intend to vote for and see if that person has genuinely led a life in service to others.  Has he/she been a servant to God?

This page on Blue Letter Bible describes the fact that many famous biblical persons were (and also considered themselves) servants of God.  We would be wise to imitate their examples of servant hood towards God and man.

Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Savior of our lives for all of eternit,y was the holiest and most righteous servant. All that he did was in servitude to God the Father.  Jesus stated, "not my will, but Your will be done" when speaking about God the Father and the mission he was given on this earth.

  I love the portion of Scripture in Mark where Jesus speaks of the little children:

Mar 9:36  Then He took a little child and set him in the midst of them. And when He had taken him in His arms, He said to them,

Mar 9:37   "Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me."

Pay special attention to what Jesus said in Mark 9:37:

"Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me."

In other words, ONLY those who receive Jesus Christ will be able to be received by God the Father!  That may not be a "politically correct" statement; but it is the truth.

Politicians - no matter who they are -  will always disappoint us in some way.  They could never be perfect because only Christ led the perfect life.  But there are those politicians who would do more harm than others.  Sometimes, unfortunately, it turns out to be a choice between "the lesser of two evils."

We are all evil - to a certain extent. 

While Jesus talked about those who are evil giving good gifts to their children, he stressed  how much more would our holy and righteous Father in heaven give to those who ask Him?

Mat. 7:11 - "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! Luke describes the perfect gift from God as being the Holy Spirit:   Luke 11:13 - "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more   will [your] heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!"

I think that is significant. There is no greater love - no greater gift than the gift of God's Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ our Savior!

If you don't know Christ, please see this page: Angels Helper: Becoming a Christian.

Take the "good" test on that page and see how you do.

If you are a Christian and your are reading this page, please consider the servant hood factor of the candidates when getting into the voting booth this November.  I think that if we seek to elect those (like Ronald Reagan) who genuinely desire to be a servant of the people (rather than served by others for their own political benefits of power, wealth and prestige); we will be back on the road to the Constitutional Republic that was given to us by our Founding Fathers over 230 years ago.

This Is Certainly Disturbing

I did not watch TV yesterday, except for a couple of innings of the Yankees baseball game, so I did not hear about, or read about the latest in a series of shootings that have been happening around America. This is certainly disturbing:

DC Shooter Carried Chick-fil-A Bag With Him to FRC HQ – Was Volunteer at LGBT Center

Jim Hoft at The Gateway Pundit - 8 hours ago

Haters will hate. A LGBT volunteer carrying bag of Chick-fil-A ‘goodies’ shot up the conservative Family Research Center today. The armed man who walked into the Washington headquarters of the Family Research Council and reportedly shot a security guard Wednesday … Continue reading

→

If this man had been even just perceived as a Conservative Christian, the liberal leftist lunatic news reporters would have been all over this story!!  But when it's someone from the protected "class" of LGBT status, such information is downplayed.

 Why is that???

 Read the comments at the Gateway Pundit link, too.

The hate against anyone who disagrees with them that is often spewed by LGBT radicals seems to be downplayed by the media of mass deception.  Just like the radical Muslims, they must be "protected" at all costs. 

I ask again....why is that?

Those who claim that Christian Conservative organizations are "hate groups" are often the arbiters of hatred, dangerous acts, and deadly consequences themselves.  Here's a comment and link to read:

lizzy84 commented:

Human Rights Campaign posted Ryan would speak at ‘hate group’s annual conference’
day before shooting at FRC:
http://p.washingtontimes.com/blog/watercooler/2012/aug/15/picket-human-rights-campaign-posted-ryan-would-spe/

If we are to believe that the "rules" which are often imposed upon Christian, Conservative, Bible-based groups should be equally applied in cases like this LGBT shooter, then what is written in this comment should apply:

Lightwave commented:

I will say this again because it bears repeating:
Time to apply libtard logic for “hate crimes” by “hate groups”.
Every gay rights organization should now IMMEDIATELY:
A) lose their tax-exempt and non-profit status,
B) be singled out for extra scrutiny, harassment and surveillance from law enforcement,
C) have their major donors disclosed and publicly shamed,
D) be the legal subject of new fascist “hate crimes” legislation,
E) be labeled a violent hate group by the government,
F) have their leaders’ phones and computers tapped,
G) should not be allowed to purchase firearms,
H) should by boycotted by Americans.
This is what libtards say should happen to white, Christian Americans as the result of the massacre in Wisconsin, right?
Funny how they are SILENT on this issue.
Obamee didn’t say a word about this until five hours after it happened. MSM is silent on this issue. Not a one of them will say that sexual deviant advocacy groups are a clear and present danger to our society.
Liberalism is a mental illness that leads to deadly violence. The tens of millions who suffer from the disease are your ENEMY.

*******

Until most people wake up and realize that there IS SUCH A THING AS THE MILITANT HOMOSEXUAL AGENDA, which is intent on destroying what is good about straight Americans and America in general, we will all be vulnerable to the devastation that is being imposed upon our children and grandchildren.

The indoctrination that is happening in this country in order to push the homosexual agenda into the hearts, minds, physical bodies, and spiritual entity of the future generation is absolutely mind-boggling!

 Of course, not all homosexual individuals are part of the radicalized gay agenda. Many want to live their own lives and be left alone.

However, those who are intent on destroying God's Word for our lives - especially HIS idea of what marriage is - THE UNION OF ONE MAN AND ONE WOMAN; will NEVER relent in their efforts to destroy everyone and anyone who disagree with their radicalized homosexual views, ideology, and propaganda!

Such individuals are being trained like the Hitler youth were - to believe in a cause that is evil and filled with hatred that they would kill in order to get there way.

When the angelic visitors in the Sodom and Gomorrah episode in the Bible came to warn Lot and his family to flee from there before it was destroyed, they were almost assaulted so that the homosexual men of the city could "know them" (which meant have sex with them). God blinded the sexual deviants so that they could not find the door which they intended to burst into in order to homosexually rape the angelic visitors. Despite the fact that Lot said to the men, "do not do so wickedly," the men were so crazed with their sexual intentions that NOTHING was going to stop them - until God intervened.

I think that this is a lesson for all to learn from. It is only when confession of sinful thoughts, words, and deeds are done that forgiveness can be given by God to rescue men from their evil ways.

Homosexuality is nothing new. It occurred in biblical times and throughout history. But today's generation is pushing to completely normalize it and demonize anyone who disagrees with them!!  Thus, the blindness of such individuals about their sinful state of being (especially as it is compared to God's holiness and righteousness) is so great that they and their supporters would do anything in order to avoid facing the reality of their sinfulness and repenting of their reprobate minds, actions, thoughts, words, and deeds.

The politics of the radical left; in fact, the Democratic platform in D.C. now totally embraces the idea of "gay" marriage. No wonder people are leaving that party in droves! Have you heard about the dozens of black pastors who disagree with Barack Hussein Obama on this issue??  Are you going to label THEM as a "hate group"? 

Today, it is certainly not the Democratic party of the era of John F. Kennedy, where one could be genuinely proud of being a Democrat.

My 88 year old mother ( a Democrat her entire life) told me that when Barack Hussein Obama stated that he supported "gay" marriage, that was the last straw in her book. She could NEVER vote for an individual who believed that! She thought it was AWFUL!  She is part of "the greatest generation," and I totally agree with her on this issue!!

In conclusion, I'm sure that there will be bloggers who will comment on this post, calling me the usual derogatory names and label me a BIGOT. Go ahead! Because as I have written previously on this blog, I embraced that label because to me, it means:

Bible
Is
God's
One
Truth

*******

Update:

Please see this related post:

Hate Crimes and Lefty Double Standards

Bill Muehlenberg at CultureWatch - 3 hours ago

Take the loony left, a biased media, and a baloney legal concept such as hate crimes, and you have a recipe for real trouble. I have written before about the dangers of hate crime legislation. Not only is the very concept flawed, but the problem of fake or hoax hate crimes continues to worsen and [...]

 

Hat tips to all links.

Go Ahead - Call Me a BIGOT!

I dare you!  Call me a BIGOT all you want.  C'mon....don't be shy!  I truly am a BIGOT.  I admit it!

Why?

Because I DO believe that the:

Bible

Is

God's

One

Truth!

Jesus said it...and I believe it!!

Psa 119:160 The entirety of Your word [is] truth, And every one of Your righteous judgments [endures] forever.

Jhn 17:17

"Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

1Ki 17:24

Then the woman said to Elijah, "Now by this I know that you [are] a man of God, [and] that the word of the LORD in your mouth [is] the truth."

Remember Who Holds You Today

I once heard a descriptive quote in the cartoon movie called "The Prince of Egypt" that described what God is building here on this earth can be seen as a beautiful tapestry, perfect in every way, from the perspective of heaven. Yet, here on earth we can only see the underside of jumbled threads, colors and knots that cannot reveal the finished product. I thought that was a great description of our imperfect, sinful, human struggles here on earth. Yet, in eternity, all of the "whys," "what ifs," "how comes," "why me," "why not me," "why him/her," "hows," "whens," "wheres" and "whats" that we encounter in this life that often become questions for God; will be finally revealed to us. We just have to remain patient, even when we do not comprehend or understand all of the "whys" of this world.

You can be sure that evil, sin, and death are the causes of much pain, grief, sadness, crying and suffering. Whatever we, as Christian believers, can do to alleviate such sufferings for the sakes of others, can be counted as good. But we can't expect to do it all. It would be way too overwhelming. What we can do within our sphere of influence, should be done for the sakes of those who are in our lives at the moment and those in need around us who need help.

In the chapter entitled, "Remember Who Holds You" in Max Lucado's book, Outlive Your Life: You Were Made to Make a Difference, Max writes:

Frightening thing, this pride. It would rather kill the truth than consider it.

Doesn't it sneak up on us? We begin spiritual journeys as small people. The act of conversion is a humbling one. We confess sins, beg for mercy, bend our knees. We let someone lower us into the waters of baptism. We begin as self-effacing souls. Timid children who extend muddy hands to our sinless God. We relate to the thief on the cross, identify with David's forgiven adultery, and find hope in Peter's forgiven betrayal. We challenge Paul's claim to the chief-of-sinners title, wondering if anyone could need or treasure grace as much as we do.

We come to God humbly, no swagger, no boasts, no "all by myself" declarations. We flex no muscles and claim no achievements. We cup sullied hearts in hands and offer them to God as we would a crushed, scentless flower: "Can you bring life to this?"

And he does. He does. We don't. He works the miracle of salvation. He immerses us in mercy. He stitches together our shredded souls. He deposits his Spirit and implants heavenly gifts. Our big God blesses our small faith.

[We] need a big God because we've made a big mess of our lives.

Boy...ain't that the truth! Who hasn't had to admit that they have "made a big mess" of something in their own lives? We all have had one or more experiences where we say, "I should have," "I could have," "I wish I did this, or that," or "I wish I DIDN'T DO THAT," haven't we? Some choices are much more profound than others and bother us for not having listened to the urging of the Holy Spirit guiding our lives. Been, there, done that. We suffer from guilty feelings.

Max Lucado goes on in that chapter to say that "gradually God changes us." It certainly doesn't happen in one felled swoop.

As God gradually changes us, we find that we don't want to do the sins that we used to do quite frequently in the past (and probably without guilt feelings before being saved.) But after being saved by Christ on the cross, His sacrifice for our sakes changes us forever. There is no turning back to that "old lifestyle." This isn't forced upon us, because we still have that sin nature and free will to carry it out if we want to. But our desire to please Him changes us and we look towards His righteousness to guide our lives. We look heavenward more.

Max goes on to say that our good deeds then can often get recognized by more people and if we aren't careful, can result in pride. The Bible warns us, "pride comes before a fall." We should never forget who brought us here. Max describes it this way:

"We think we're shaking up the world when actually we're just along for the ride."

Take time to remember. "look at what you were when God called you" (1 Cor. 1:26 NCV). Remember who held you in the beginning. Remember who holds you today.

Morally and Spiritually Speaking

If you haven't bookmarked Bill Muehlenberg's Culture Watch blog on your blogroll, then you are certainly missing many excellent Christian, Bible-based essays and commentary on issues of the day. His latest essay, Living in Sodom certainly applies to California, in particular, since one rogue openly homosexual judge overturned the will of 7 million voters who voted to keep marriage defined as the union of one man and one woman. It also applies to America, as a whole because the ongoing battle between the states (where millions of voters in dozens of states have written into their state constitutions that marriage is the union of one man and one woman) and the liberal-leftist progressive "judges" who create - by judicial fiat - the made-up "right" for homosexuals to change that definition. Marriage precedes earthly government opinion simply because it was originally given by God in His Word - the Bible. Therefore, this is much more than just a political or legal battle - it is also a spiritual battle.

Here is an excerpt from Bill's essay:

Let’s face it folks: Morally and spiritually speaking, Australia – or America, or England, etc – is now on a par with ancient Sodom and Gomorrah. These two wicked cities, along with three others, were destroyed by a righteous and holy God who finally had enough of their filth, perversion and ungodliness.

But it is hard to see how Australia or any other Western nation can be said to be much better today. Indeed, in many respects we are much worse. As proof, one only needs to read some the articles on this site, documenting the daily descent into the pit.

The West is going down the tubes fast, and the levels of iniquity and unrighteousness seem almost incomparable to past evil. A quick look at some of my pieces under the ‘Culture Wars’ section, or the ‘Political Correctness’ section should make clear the moral and spiritual free fall we are now in.

And we are far more responsible and guilty than were Sodom and Gomorrah. As Leonard Ravenhill reminds us, “Sodom had no Bible”. If Sodom was ripe for judgment without special revelation, how much more are we with it?

Continue reading:

Living in Sodom
posted by Bill Muehlenberg at CultureWatch - 11 hours ago
Let’s face it folks: Morally and spiritually speaking, Australia – or America, or England, etc – is now on a par with ancient Sodom and Gomorrah. These two wicked cities, along with three others, were dest...

Let's read that last sentence from the quote above again:

If Sodom was ripe for judgment without special revelation, how much more are we with it?

What a great question!

My comment there, still in moderation because it's 3:00 a.m. in Australia:


Christinewjc
13.8.10 / 3am Your comment is awaiting moderation.
Bill,

Your essay is filled with much truth. It could also apply to America, as well as Australia. Our nations are going through the same types of chaos and lack of respect for God and His Word. The days are certainly evil.

When I feel myself getting down because “the days are evil,” I pick up my study guide called “Revealing The Mysteries of Heaven” by Dr. David Jeremiah. It is a great little book – thoroughly Bible-based, too. It gives me comfort during times of fear, doubt, worry and turmoil.

My son has the following Bible verse on his Facebook page today:

He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.
Titus 1:9

That describes our work today. This is what you, Bill, are doing via this wonderful blog and on Facebook. I can only imagine Jesus looking at your heart and saying, “well done, good and faithful servant.”

I continue to learn a lot from you, my Christian brother! And I am so grateful that I found your blog “for such a time as this.” God bless you and keep up the great work!

In Christ,
Christine

We need to live lives in righteousness and holiness, and teach others to do so as well, and help others to find Christ.

Hat Tip:

Bill Muehlenberg's Culture Watch Blog

Hunger and Thirst for RIGHTEOUSNESS

Recall that in this previous post, I mentioned how my blogging friend Neil of Eternity Matters got involved in a discussion with commenters at Jim Wallis' blog. Wallis is a believer in the "social justice" movement, which many biblical scholars believe is a perversion of the true Gospel of Jesus Christ.

This morning, I was listening to the Glenn Beck radio program and Glenn responded to accusations that were made by Wallis. This evening, I checked that blog again and Wallis has posted about the back and forth between Beck and himself in his latest post called Glenn Beck responds to social justice as a perversion of the Gospel.

Glenn provided an audio account on his radio show today of what Wallis has stated in the past about his (Wallis') beliefs.

As it is with any person who claims to share the true Gospel of Jesus Christ, we must compare what a person says against what is written in Scripture. During the audio where Jim Wallis discusses certain verses stated by Jesus, he DOES pervert the Gospel by changing just ONE WORD!

The following are some of the verses that Wallis referred to during his audio interview:

Mat 5:1 ¶ And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:


Mat 5:2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,


Mat 5:3 Blessed [are] the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.


Mat 5:4 Blessed [are] they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.


Mat 5:5 Blessed [are] the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.


Mat 5:6 Blessed [are] they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Which word did Wallis change? He inserted the word "justice" in the place of "righteousness."

You will notice that the only Bible versions that change the word "righteousness" to "justice" are the NLT (New Living Translation) and RVR (Reina Valera). All the rest utilize the word "righteousness."

One of the reasons that the NLT is not considered an accurate version of the Bible is that the word changes used to make it easier and more contemporary for readers often skews the true meaning of many Bible passages. As you will notice from reading this blog post, even the change of just one word can skew the meaning to what men want Scripture to say (i.e. esogesis), rather than what Scripture is accurately telling us (exegesis).

When we look at some commentaries on the term "righteousness" from Matthew 5:6, we see that the meaning of Jesus' word here is not the same as the term "justice."

Chuck Smith commentary excerpt:

IV. WHAT IS RIGHTEOUSNESS?
A. Being or doing the right thing or having right attitude.
1. With God.
2. With fellowman. (To be free from sin. Power, desire.)
B. Being or doing what God would have me.
C. This is the burning desire of my heart.

David Guzik commentary excerpt:

d. Through the first three beatitudes we notice that the natural man finds no happiness or blessedness in spiritual poverty, mourning or meekness. These are only a blessing for the spiritual man, those who are new creatures in Jesus.

5. (6) The desire of the one who has poverty of spirit, mourning for sin, and meekness: righteousness.

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled."

a. Blessed are those who hunger: This describes a profound hunger that cannot be satisfied by a snack. This is a longing that endures and is never completely satisfied on this side of eternity.

b. Hunger and thirst for righteousness: We see Christians hungering for many things: power, authority, success, comfort, happiness - but how many hunger and thirst for righteousness?

i. This is hunger for complete righteousness, not just enough to soothe a guilty conscience.

c. For they shall be filled: This is a strange filling that both satisfies us and keeps us longing for more.

Jamieson Fausset & Brown:

6. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled--"shall be saturated." "From this verse," says THOLUCK, "the reference to the Old Testament background ceases." Surprising! On the contrary, none of these beatitudes is more manifestly dug out of the rich mine of the Old Testament. Indeed, how could any one who found in the Old Testament "the poor in spirit," and "the mourners in Zion," doubt that he would also find those same characters also craving that righteousness which they feel and mourn their want of? But what is the precise meaning of "righteousness" here? Lutheran expositors, and some of our own, seem to have a hankering after that more restricted sense of the term in which it is used with reference to the sinner's justification before God. (See Jer 23:6 Isa 45:24 Rom 4:6 2Cr 5:21 ). But, in so comprehensive a saying as this, it is clearly to be taken--as in Mat 5:10 also--in a much wider sense, as denoting that spiritual and entire conformity to the law of God, under the want of which the saints groan, and the possession of which constitutes the only true saintship. The Old Testament dwells much on this righteousness, as that which alone God regards with approbation ( Psa 11:7 23:3 106:3 Pro 12:28 16:31 Isa 64:5 , &c.). As hunger and thirst are the keenest of our appetites, our Lord, by employing this figure here, plainly means "those whose deepest cravings are after spiritual blessings." And in the Old Testament we find this craving variously expressed: "Hearken unto Me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the Lord" ( Isa 51:1 ); "I have waited for Thy salvation, O Lord," exclaimed dying Jacob ( Gen 49:18 ); "My soul," says the sweet Psalmist, "breaketh for the longing that it hath unto Thy judgments at all times" ( Psa 119:20 ): and in similar breathings does he give vent to his deepest longings in that and other Psalms. Well, our Lord just takes up here--this blessed frame of mind, representing it as--the surest pledge of the coveted supplies, as it is the best preparative, and indeed itself the beginning of them. "They shall be saturated," He says; they shall not only have what they so highly value and long to possess, but they shall have their fill of it. Not here, however. Even in the Old Testament this was well understood. "Deliver me," says the Psalmist, in language which, beyond all doubt, stretches beyond the present scene, "from men of the world, which have their portion in this life: as for me, I shall behold Thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness" ( Psa 17:13-15 ). The foregoing beatitudes--the first four--represent the saints rather as conscious of their need of salvation, and acting suitably to that character, than as possessed of it. The next three are of a different kind--representing the saints as having now found salvation, and conducting themselves accordingly.

The Greek Concordance tells us that the word "dikaiosune" means "justification - righteousness."

The term justification means:

4. Also called justification by faith. Theology. the act of God whereby humankind is made or accounted just, or free from guilt or penalty of sin.

When you compare the dictionary meaning of the term "justice", with what each of the commentary authors describe for the term "righteousness," you can see that it doesn't even come close to the true meaning of what Jesus was referring to in this particular Beatitude.

Hat Tips to all links.

Proving What is Acceptable Unto the Lord

Galatians 5 is an illustration of good vs. evil. In Galatians 5 verses 16-21, we learn how the evil of various sins keeps us from walking in the Spirit of Christ.

Then, Galatians 5:22-25 describes the good that is achieved by the fruit of walking in the Spirit.

Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,


Gal 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.


Gal 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.


Gal 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Paul is instructing us that we first must live in the Spirit, before we can walk in the Spirit. What solid truth this is! If we do not live according to the fruit of the Spirit of God, how could we ever claim to walk in His Spirit?

The answer is: we can't!

It is only with God indwelling within our hearts that we can truly walk in what He declares through His Word - the good that results in following Christ, who alone, is righteous.

What is good?

Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. When we walk in such things as those, notice that the Bible states "against such there is no law."

The law was set into motion in order to show us our sinful nature and to get us to realize that without Christ's sacrifice for our sins, we would not (and could not) EVER be forgiven for them. It is through giving our whole selves over to Jesus Christ that we become His own. And when we are His (e.g. we belong forever to Him) it is then that the miracle of crucifying our own flesh can happen.

Ask anyone who is born again in Jesus Christ how they have been miraculously transformed into a new person! The "affections and lusts" of the past in their lives have now been tossed aside, and they are now a new person in Jesus Christ.

Such transformation happens as a result of sanctification. this is something that occurs to the Christian for the rest of his/her life. We will never completely "arrive" on this side of heaven, but as time goes by we discover that the old desires of the past are now meaningless to us. Eventually- they are destroyed! The desire to do them does not exist anymore. The old self has become transformed into a new life in Christ!

Notice that there is one negative "fruit of the Spirit." It is called longsuffering. The Bible is an honest book. The truth is declared throughout its pages and even Christ himself told us that we would endure longsuffering here on this earth.

Jhn 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

What a paradox that verse is! Jesus speaks to us of having peace - despite the fact that we will have tribulation (trouble) in this world.

So, why (and how) can we be of good cheer?

Answer: Because Christ has overcome the world!

How?

Precisely because of his sacrificial death on the cross for our sins!

I was reading in Max Lucado's book - "Traveling Light" - that even when the time for our physical death on this earth arrives, it pales in comparison to what Christ endured for us on the cross.

Lucado explained via a story. He mentioned that in Psalm 23, David wrote, "Yea though I walk through the shadow of the valley of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me."

Then, he asked a child who was fearful of the concept of death (something that we are all destined to do) if he would rather be run over by a bus or by the shadow of a bus. The child answered - "the shadow of the bus." Lucado continued to explain that the child answered correctly. And, it is because Jesus took the sins of the world upon himself and that Christ experienced the "run over by a bus" kind of death, that we wouldn't ever have to experience such a death. Instead, we will pass through "the valley of the shadow of death." This is another way to say that we do not die spiritually because of what Christ has done for us! What a marvelous Savior we worship and belong to!!

I thought that was a great analogy to put forth the point that Christ's sacrifice for our sakes was the greatest event in human history! And, his subsequent resurrection from the dead shows us that his word is absolutely true! We can confidently trust him with our very lives!


No other spiritual leader ever claimed to die for the sins of mankind. No other savior could prove exactly who he was by rising from the grave. Jesus was the only one who accomplished that!! Therefore, we can trust him wholeheartedly with our lives! We can trust in his promises! Like this one:

Jhn 14:2
In my Father's house are many mansions: if [it were] not [so], I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
Jhn 14:3
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also.

The book of Ephesians, Chapter 5 discusses the fruit of the Spirit. Verse 8 informs us that were all "sometimes[in] darkness. But now, as born again Christians we are now "light in the Lord." The light [meaning holiness, righteousness] shines from Jesus Christ! To walk as children of light, we are to be reflectors of HIS LIGHT [righteousness, holiness]! This is why no one can brag about anything within ourselves. All glory, honor, thanksgiving, and worship belongs to Christ alone!

Here's a verse that humbles each and every believer:

Isa 64:6 But we are all as an unclean [thing], and all our righteousnesses [are] as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

But we are brought back from our uncleanness through the Lord:

Eph 5:8 ¶ For ye were sometimes darkness, but now [are ye] light in the Lord: walk as children of light:


Eph 5:9 (For the fruit of the Spirit [is] in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)


Eph 5:10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.

Reference: Blue Letter Bible

Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge

God gave Solomon . . . largeness of heart, even as the sand that [is] on the
sea shore.

Behold, a greater than Solomon [is] here.--The Prince of Peace.

Scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.--Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.--The love of Christ . . . passeth knowledge.

Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.--In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.--The unsearchable riches of Christ.--Of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.

1Ki 4:29 Mt 12:42 Isa 9:6 Ro 5:7,8 Php 2:6-8 Eph 3:19 1Co 1:24 Col 2:3 Eph 3:8 1Co 1:30

Daily Light on the Daily Path Devotional
Saturday August 22, 2009
http://bible.christiansunite.com/devotionals.shtml

'Gay' is Bustin' Out All Over

Have you noticed this? The 'gay rights' political machine is thoroughly intent on steamrolling over the majority of the public opinion that holds to the definition of marriage to remain as one man and one woman. In addition, those who hold objections to the homosexual mafia's continual bullying and enforcement of 'gay' issues almost have the appearance of not mattering to Christians anymore.

But don't you ever believe that!

It is one of Satan's greatest ploys - to get believers in Jesus Christ to care more about being "liked" rather than to preach the need for sinners to repent and apply the true gospel for the salvation of souls.

There are several articles about the current rapid fire of events being forced upon America by the radical homosexual agenda activists over at World Net Daily.

1. Christian college creates homosexual housing
'It's a chance for students to be part of a unique experience'

2. Iowa, Vermont 'marriage' decisions 'aberrations'
30 states have 1-man, 1-woman definitions in constitutions

There are several more to read over at WorldNetDaily. Even Michael Savage, who became a new columnist at that website today, has his say in The Rising Tide of Pink Fascism .

There is hope, though. There is always hope! When and in Whom? It is when Christians and conservatives don't give up the fight, continue to speak their minds which are guided by the Holy Spirit of God. Share the Gospel of Christ and take a stand against the moral decline happening in our society today. Read and study the Bible so that you are properly equipped in this battle between good and evil.

The following article is just one example that shows how persistence often pays off:


3. 'Gay' promo objections get eHarmony attention
Customer confirms refund after opposing moral change

Last, but certainly not least, we can see why this problem is widening with wishy-washy, namby-pamby pastors like Rick Warren:

4. America's wishy-washy pastors

It is just too good and too important to only post an excerpt, so here is the article in it's entirety:

Quote:

America's wishy-washy pastors

Posted: April 08, 2009
1:00 am Eastern

© 2009

America achieved its independence and freedom in the 18th century in large part because colonial pastors stood up for biblical principles, preached them, lived them and refused to back down from them – even in the face of death.

The American War of Independence has been accurately called a "pulpit revolution" for this reason. It was inspired by great men of God who recognized evil and called it by its right name.

What a difference two centuries, combined with affluence and the corporatization of the 501(c)3 church culture has made.

A good example of this was on display on CNN's "Larry King Live" this week, as "America's Pastor" Rick Warren did a soft shoe act on his role in the same-sex marriage battle over Proposition 8 in California.

"You know, Larry, there was a story within a story that never got told," he said. "In the first place, I am not an anti-gay or anti-gay marriage activist. I never have been, never will be. During the whole Proposition 8 thing, I never once went to a meeting, never once issued a statement, never – never once even gave an endorsement in the two years Prop 8 was going. The week before the – the vote, somebody in my church said, Pastor Rick, what – what do you think about this? And I sent a note to my own members that said, I actually believe that marriage is – really should be defined, that that definition should be – say between a man and a woman.

"And then all of a sudden out of it, they made me, you know, something that I really wasn't," Warren continued. "And I actually – there were a number of things that were put out. I wrote to all my gay friends – the leaders that I knew – and actually apologized to them. That never got out. There were some things said that – you know, everybody should have 10 percent grace when they say public statements. And I was asked a question that made it sound like I equated gay marriage with pedophilia or incest, which I absolutely do not believe. And I actually announced that. All of the criticism came from people that didn't know me. Not a single criticism came from any gay leader who knows me and knows that for years, we've been working together on AIDS issues and all these other things."

What are we to make of such mealy-mouthed, wishy-washy, namby-pamby hokum?

It's a great illustration of America's most prominent church leader equivocating and backtracking and saying almost nothing coherent so that he will offend no one.

Let me lay it on the line: This is not the way Yeshua talked or behaved. It is not the example of the one whom Rick Warren claims to emulate and worship. There is nothing prophetic or biblical or courageous or principled about this kind of Christian witness.

If there is a subject upon which the Bible is crystal clear – from beginning to end – it is homosexuality. Another subject about which no one can misinterpret what the Bible says is marriage. Let's examine the text:

Leviticus 18:22 (KJV): "Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination."


Romans 1:22-27: "Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four footed beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet."

Some suggest Yeshua (Jesus) Himself was silent on these matters. Nothing could be further from the truth. First of all, Yeshua said He did not come to overturn the law but to fulfill it. He taught that He was and is the Word – its living fulfillment. He explained that He is eternal and created the Heavens, the Earth and man. The Bible also says God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. And Yeshua never contradicted any of the law. He quoted from it. He taught from it. He explained it. He affirmed it. On the road to Emmaus, He gave two disciples a Bible study from the Torah, revealing Himself at the very core of it.

The law, in fact, was the measuring stick by which He was judged perfect and worthy of serving as the atonement for the sins of mankind – including the sin of abominations like homosexuality.

But Yeshua also spoke very specifically and clearly on the subject about which Rick Warren appears so self-consciously waffling.

In Matthew 19:4-6, it says: "And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder."

Here Yeshua had a golden opportunity to explain any middle ground in this issue of men and women – if there were any.

There is no middle ground on this issue.

Either you believe the Bible or you don't.

If you don't, there are consequences. If you do, you are obligated to take a stand for righteousness. Of course, there are worldly consequences for that, too – for some apparently too great to accept.

Followers of Yeshua have a choice: They can please God or please men. They can accept God's laws, which are not burdensome, and obey them, or they can reject them and try to tickle the ears of men. They can offend God or offend men.

But followers of Jesus cannot find some happy medium where they can please God and please the world. Nobody can.

It's time for America's pastor class to decide where they stand – with the world or with the God of the universe.


Joseph Farah is founder, editor and CEO of WND and a nationally syndicated columnist with Creators Syndicate. His book "Taking America Back: A Radical Plan to Revive Freedom, Morality and Justice" has gained newfound popularity in the wake of November's election. Farah also edits the online intelligence newsletter Joseph Farah's G2 Bulletin, in which he utilizes his sources developed over 30 years in the news business.


Hat Tip:

World Net Daily

Jesus the King: Righteous and Having Salvation

Today we celebrate Palm Sunday. The Bible tells us how the crowds cheered as Jesus road into Jerusalem riding on a donkey (See Matthew 21). Six days later, the crowds were calling for Him to be crucified.

Look at what they missed from the Old Testament Scriptures that would have helped to inform them who He is:

Zec 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Mat 21:5 "Say to the Daughter of Zion, 'See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.' "

This is just one prophecy that was exactly fulfilled by Jesus Christ. In fact, Jesus fulfilled hundreds of prophecies!

For a crowd to cheer Jesus one day, and jeer at him and scream "crucify him!" just six days later shows how utterly faithless people can be.

How they can turn from the truth so easily when they are not anchored in God's Word and Truth?

My friend and sister in Christ, Susan Smith, shared this statement in the previous post comment thread:

Jesus is the faithful one. He is faithful even when I am not (2 Timothy 2:13).

That is the crux of the matter. Even when we aren't faithful, Jesus ALWAYS IS!! That is why we can trust Him with our very lives - now and for all eternity. How great is our God! He is the TRUE hope for our lives.

Susan also shared this timeless truth:

I no longer live, but Christ lives in me and the life I live today in the body is by faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave his life for me (Galatians 2:20).

Jesus loved us all THAT MUCH - that He would die for our salvation. We know we can trust His promises, for three days later, he rose from the dead.

What a joy that first Easter morning must have been!! May we NEVER forget to praise Jesus Christ each and every day for the new life He gives us when we repent of our sins and are born again in Him!

*******

Photo credit:

Faith Peek Blogspot.com

God's Call For Righteousness

I thought it was really good that Rick Warren brought up the two most controversial social subjects that Christians must deal with in society today - abortion and homosexuality. We needed to hear the clear differences between the two candidates who are running for the presidency in 2008. One of them will most likely be president. The differences between the two are like night and day!

I you already watched the videos and/or read the transcript at the links provided in my post about the Civil Forum, then you already know where each candidate stands - particularly on these two issues.

When I hear arguments being bantered about in favor of same-sex marriage, I have to share the fact that those who would ignore God's laws and admonitions in the Bible obviously just don't care what the truth is - they only want to further their own agenda. What's more, their "agenda" is not new. It has been done before. The story of Sodom and Gomorrah testifies to what happens when people ignore God's call for righteousness.

Jesus told us that one of the clear signs that we are getting closer and closer to the end times would be that the world would be "as in the Days of Lot" and "as in the Days of Noah."

Luk 17:28 Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;

Luk 17:29 But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed [them] all.

Luk 17:30 Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.

Mat 24:37 But as the days of Noe [were], so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

Mat 24:38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,

Luk 17:26 And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.

Luk 17:27 They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.

Over the weekend, I heard a preacher's sermon that gave a little more insight into God's mercy demonstrated within the biblical account of Sodom and Gomorrah. If you are familiar with the story, Abraham asked God to spare the two cities if he could find 50 righteous people there. When Abraham realized that it would probably not be possible to find 50 righteous people in such wicked cities, he asked if God would spare them if he found 20 righteous people. Each time, God gave Abraham the grace he was asking for in finding righteous people. Of course, God knew that Abraham wouldn't even find 10 righteous people - which was Abraham's last request.

Think about this for a moment. Lot's family was led out of Sodom by angels (who actually almost had to force them to leave!) and Lot's family of four were saved from the carnage. Except for one person. Lot's wife disobeyed the command not to look back. She did and was instantly turned into a pillar of salt! So, in total, only three people were saved that day. What if Lot and his daughters had found six or seven people and converted them to be righteous in the eyes of the LORD God? Would God not have spared Sodom and Gomorrah? He is a God of His Word - isn't he?

I thought that was a great point. It shows that any effort that we put into evangelism is not wasted. We'll never know whose heart (or how many hearts, for that matter) could be turned back towards God if we don't try! We'll never know, this side of heaven, what affect converting people to Christ will have in saving a city, a town, a state, or even a nation!

We have been given The Great Commission by Jesus Christ. It was his final command before ascending into heaven to be seated at the right hand of God the Father. Shouldn't we take this command seriously all the days of our lives?

The trouble is, many Christians appear to be afraid to speak out against the evils of our times. What's worse, as one controversial pastor shared in a sermon, "the church (meaning all believers, not a building or denomination) sounds like a house cat purring on the couch!"

Ouch!!

Contrast that with what the Bible says:

Pro 28:1 ¶ The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

Amo 3:8 The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy?

Personally, I think that the tendency of many Christians not to speak out against abortion and homosexuality is because they want to be loved and accepted. Therefore, many have become silent.

I have news for you - THE MEDIA WILL NEVER LOVE YOU!

In fact, Jesus told us that "the world hated me first" and "they will hate you, too."

Why?

Jesus tells us, "because of me."

And, the second reason is because their deeds were evil and Jesus exposed them for who they follow (your father - the devil) and for what they are (sinners in need of Him! The Savior!)!

I heard a saying that should encourage you - even when you are verbally attacked because of your beliefs:

"Crows only attack the best fruit!"

Back to the Civil Forum questions.

When the abortion question was answered by Obama, he gave a flippant (IMO) answer. Over the past two days, I have noticed that some news analysts have tried their best to try and spin his answer so that it wouldn't appear to have been as bad as it surely was!

Bottom line? Obama had no defense for his wayward position on the important issue regarding the truth about when life begins.

Because of his rabid, baby-killing positions (someone once quipped that Obama never met an abortion method he didn't like) he actually trapped himself - which caused him to look even more ridiculous.

Let's see what God's Word has to say about "when life begins."

Isa 49:1 ¶ Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.

Isa 49:5 ¶ And now, saith the LORD that formed me from the womb [to be] his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the LORD, and my God shall be my strength.

Jer 1:4 ¶ Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,


Jer 1:5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, [and] I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

Yes. I think that God's Word is quite clear when life begins - and the answer is AT THE MOMENT OF CONCEPTION!

Let's look at what happened in Luke:

Luk 1:41 And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:

Luk 1:42 And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed [art] thou among women, and blessed [is] the fruit of thy womb.

The baby in Elisabeth's womb - who would be John the Baptist - leaped in her womb when Mary's name - who was carrying Jesus our Savior - was heard.

In Genesis 25:21-26 we read:

Gen 25:20 And Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah to wife, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Padanaram, the sister to Laban the Syrian.


Gen 25:21 And Isaac intreated the LORD for his wife, because she [was] barren: and the LORD was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.


Gen 25:22 And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If [it be] so, why [am] I thus? And she went to enquire of the LORD.


Gen 25:23 And the LORD said unto her, Two nations [are] in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and [the one] people shall be stronger than [the other] people; and the elder shall serve the younger.


Gen 25:24 And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, [there were] twins in her womb.


Gen 25:25 And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau.


Gen 25:26 And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau's heel; and his name was called Jacob: and Isaac [was] threescore years old when she bare them.

Notice that these two twin babies in Rebekah's womb represented two nations. God knew their names! They were not just a "blob of flesh."

An abortion takes away the life of a baby. Period. End of story. What does God think about the killing of innocent life?

Gen 4:10 And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.

God avenges the taking of innocent blood!

In Matthew 27:3-5, we read that Judas, after having turned Jesus over to be crucified hung himself. The guilt was too much for him. He knew that his evil deed led to the shedding of innocent blood.

A pastor once said, "Do not allow abortion to steal our future."

Amen??!!

Pro 14:34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin [is] a reproach to any people.

Mat 5:13 ¶ Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.


Mat 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.


Mat 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.


Mat 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Faith Proved Genuine

When Jesus taught us to pray, he started with, "Our Father, who art in heaven. Hallowed be thy name."

We are to start our prayers with recognition of Who God is, where He reigns, and how Holy and Righteous He is. This is the start of praise and worship.

Today, I found myself thanking God for the fact that my loving family are each born again in Jesus Christ! I love the fact that both of my adult children are believers in Christ and the inerrancy of God's Eternal Word, the Bible.

Oftentimes, young adult children stray from their Christian upbringing. Statistics (see Barna research) share that attending a secular college can lead 20-something-year-olds away from the Christian faith that they had grown up in. It is a very sad statistic, indeed. There can be many diverse reasons for the backsliding. It could also indicate that the person was never genuinely saved in the first place.

Suffering can be one of the culprits that tests the faith of us all. Been there, done that! The title of this post is "faith proved genuine." I will be sharing a wonderful essay from Max Lucado's book, "On The Anvil." I have been enjoying this book immensely over the past few weeks. I have bookmarked several sections that I'd like to share on this blog.

Before I get to today's post, I wanted to share just a bit about the great relationships that both my husband and I share with our adult children.

For Mother's Day, my son bought tickets for us to attend the last day of the Spirit West Coast Concert. He left that 18 inning Padre game early in order to meet me for dinner and attend the concert!

It was the final night of the three day event. The stadium was packed! I was excited to see two of my favorite Christian bands!

The first to appear early that evening was "Kutless." At Christmas, my son bought me their worship CD and I play it all the time while driving in my car. I must admit, however, that I was a bit disappointed at the concert. The group chose to play many secular songs from their upcoming album which is to be released this month. The songs were a bit too hard rock (and secular) for my taste. Even my son was surprised. They only played three songs that I recognized from their worship CD. I looked around at the crowd. We were in the upper portion of the stands where many families were seated. The rockin' kids were right up near the front of the stage - jumping up and down to the hard rock songs.

When Kutless played the worship songs, I glanced around and noticed that all of the adults (ages 30-up) were singing the lyrics of each song along with the band! I thought to myself that many others probably felt the same way I did...wished there were more worship songs.

Later that evening, Third Day took the stage. What a marvelous concert! Every song was a worship song that lifted up the name of Jesus Christ! My son became a new fan of theirs!

They also shared a story about being the first Christian band to join with additional entertainers during a recent USO tour into Iraq. The band member who spoke about the experience shared that they thought they were going there to minister to the soldiers. However, they were SO MOVED by these great men and women of the military that they found THEMSELVES being ministered back by THEM! The band member said that their flight home was called an "angel flight." They had the body of a brave soldier who had been killed by a roadside bomb on the plane back to the United States.

I would imagine that there was not a dry eye in the stadium!

The gratefulness of these band members for the sacrifice of our brave men and women fighting over in Iraq for freedom was very evident. No politics involved...just gratefulness. The lead singer mentioned the band's work of sending thousands of Bibles over to the soldiers and how the men and women grabbed them up!

People...the gospel of Jesus Christ is being shared throughout Iraq!

Praise God!

Back to the Lord's Prayer.

It is the most beloved and favorite prayer because the words came directly from our Savior, Jesus Christ. It is also meant to be a "model prayer" - meaning, that each segment of the prayer can be included in our individual prayers to the Father. We can use our own words while praying, of course.

Jesus continued, "Your will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven."

We are to pray for God's will to be done on this earth. Praying within the will of the Father is very important. The Bible tells us what is best for us - what God desires for us. Praying for frivolous, finite things that do not help to build God's kingdom just are not as effective.

"Give us this day, our daily bread."

We are to give thanks for each day that we live on earth. Each day is a gift from God! We are to give thanks for our "daily bread." This is not only meant as thanks for our physical food, but also thanks for the spiritual "food from heaven" - God's Holy Word! Recall when Jesus mentioned this kind of food?

"And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us."

There are weeks worth of study involved in that part of the prayer! Briefly, suffice it to say that forgiveness is THE most powerful force in the universe! We only need to fall to our knees at the foot of the cross of Christ to realize that fact!

"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."

We live in a fallen world. The whole earth groans for redemption! Staying in constant contact with our Lord through prayer strengthens us against any temptation that might come along to trip us up; causing us to stumble back into former sinful ways.

The cross of Christ HAS delivered us from evil! Once born again, no one can snatch us out of His Hands! However, Jesus did warn us that "in this world we will have trouble." We need to be constantly aware of the snares of evil that can take us away from our desire to follow Christ in His Righteousness as we spend the rest of our earthly days in sanctification through the power of the Holy Spirit's indwelling.

"For thine is the kingdom and the power and glory now and forever, Amen."

Nothing on this earth could EVER compare to knowing Jesus Christ our Lord! Recognizing His kingdom, power and glory is the goal of our earthly existence! Amen!

I had previously mentioned the term "sanctification" as being a process that believers in Christ go through during our entire lives. No one, this side of heaven, can claim to have ever completely "arrived."

Read this essay from Max Lucado! You will be strengthened in your faith and given hope - even when (and if you are) going through hard times of grief and/or suffering.

It is my prayer today, that you - dear readers - will each be "proved genuine" and allow yourselves to become an unbending, useful tool for God!

In Christ,
Christine

*******

On the Anvil
Chapter 14

With a strong forearm, the apron-clad blacksmith puts his tongs into the fire, grasps the heated metal, and places it on the anvil. His keen eye examines the glowing piece. He sees what the tool is now and envisions what he wants it to be--sharper, flatter, wider, longer. With a clear picture in his mind, he begins to pound. His left hand still clutching the hot mass with the tongs, his right hand slams the two-pound sledge upon the moldable metal.

On the solid anvil, the smoldering iron is remolded.

The smith knows the type of instrument he wants. He knows the size. He knows the shape. He knows the strength.

Whang! Whang! The hammer slams. The shop rings with noise, the air fills with smoke, and the softened metal responds.

But the response doesn't come easily. It doesn't come without discomfort. To melt down the old and recast it as new is a disrupting process. Yet the metal remains on the anvil, allowing the toolmaker to remove the scars, repair the cracks, refill the voids, and purge the impurities. (bold mine)

And with time, a change occurs: What was dull becomes sharpened, what was crooked becomes straight, what was weak becomes strong, and what was useless becomes valuable.

Then the blacksmith stops. He ceases his pounding and sets down his hammer. With a strong left arm, he lifts the tongs until the freshly molded metal is at eye level. In the still silence, he examines the smoking tool. The incandescent implement is rotated and examined for any mars or cracks.

There are none.

Now the smith enters the final stage of his task. He plunges the smoldering instrument into a nearby bucket of water. With a hiss and a rush of steam, the metal immediately begins to harden. The heat surrenders to the onslaught of cool water, and the pliable, soft mineral becomes an unbending, useful tool.

"For a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed" (1 Peter 1:6-7).

Study questions:

1. Describe your own experiences with grief or difficult times. What have you learned through these experiences?

2. Has suffering affected your faith? In what ways?

*******

Source: On The Anvil - Stories On Being Shaped Into God's Image by Max Lucado. Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. 1985, 2008 pp. 37-38.

Susan Smith's Newsletter

Susan Smith is Talk Wisdom's guest blogger today. The following is a copy of her April 5, 2008 newsletter which is emailed each week to subscribers. In this edition, Susan discusses many important facts about Christian faith, including how the Holy Spirit works in our lives; how Scripture leads us in truth; that the kingdom of God is a matter of righteousness, peace and joy; that it takes time to mature in our faith; and the importance of deliverance from sin for salvation. Lastly, she describes what transpired during a recent encounter over Easter weekend with two female Jehovah's Witnesses.

Read, enjoy and be blessed!

Christine

*******

Last week we talked about seeing God’s glory. The Holy Spirit often seems elusive. There are times when the Holy Spirit is working powerfully in our lives and it seems indefinable and mysterious. Often it is “after the fact” that we learn it was God all along who was molding and making us as the potter molds and makes the clay. The Lord does not hide truth from us, He hides truth FOR us! His desire is for us to seek His kingdom first.

The kingdom of God is a matter of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (ROM 14:17). The kingdom of God “consists in justice and peace and joy—and all in the atmosphere of the Holy Spirit” according to William Barclay’s translation. All scripture is divinely inspired and is useful for teaching the truth, for refutation of error, moral correction and for training in the good life (2TIM 3:16). It does not matter what translation of the Holy Bible you read. God’s written Word is true.

What a blessing we have here in the United States where multiple translations of the written Word of God are available. Who imagined even fifty years ago that these translations would be available all over the world today via the Internet? God does amazing things with the Internet. There are web sites and Christian blogs that are proclaiming God’s Word and His glory throughout the world every minute of every day. Jesus said “I will build my church” (MAT 16:18) and He is doing just that. The Lord is building His church His way and this is happening with or without you or me. Praise His Name!

There have been occasions when my flesh has puffed up with pride when others tell me I have a powerful testimony. Nothing good dwells in my flesh (ROM 7:18). Spiritual pride is a very dangerous sin. Can you grasp this? When anyone is set free from sin, then that person must accept by faith that he or she has become a slave to righteousness (ROM 6:18). God has made Jesus our wisdom, our goodness, our way to holiness and our liberation...to ensure if anyone is proud, he must be proud of what the Lord has done for him and if we boast, then we are to boast in the Lord (1CO 1:30-31). It is so easy to ignore this scripture especially right after one has been delivered from a specific sin.

Deliverance or salvation from sexual sin or drunkenness is not a greater miracle of God than deliverance from gossip, slander, angry outbursts, jealousy, envy, hatred or any other fleshly sin (GAL 5:20-21). Do you understand? Salvation from the power of any specific sin does not assure spiritual maturity. There is no guarantee of spiritual maturity just because the power of God has delivered you from some explicit sin. I have seen spiritual immaturity in my life many times since the Lord delivered me from homosexuality and drunkenness. Deliverance from fleshly sin is only the beginning of abundant life in Christ!

We grow in our knowledge of God and the Messiah (JOH 17:3) just as we grow in physical maturity from childhood to adulthood. Are you growing in spiritual maturity today? Spiritual growth is not always at the same speed and sometimes it is in the wrong direction. Knowledge of God and the Way we must walk come little by little, precept must be upon precept (ISA 28:10). There is a definite order in which we grow, because God is not the author of confusion (1CO 14:33). The Lord will not show us the next step until we have obeyed all He has given us today.

We should not expect ourselves to have a maturity beyond our years nor should we expect those younger than we are to have our maturity. We are without understanding and we are not wise when we measure ourselves by ourselves and compare ourselves with one another (2CO 10:12). We are foolish to use others as our standard of measurement. Jesus is the only perfect human being who has ever walked on earth. How do we measure against the Messiah? He has a perfect relationship with God.

Did my visitors on Easter weekend have a relationship with God? I saw them coming up the street and two ladies rang my doorbell. One woman had gray hair and she looked old enough to be the younger lady’s grandmother. When I opened the door, the young woman said, “We are handing out literature.” I smiled and told them they were welcome to come in. They thanked me and reluctantly entered my living room. I motioned toward the couch and told them to have a seat as I sat in a chair.

The older lady thanked me as she sat down and then she said, “We are Jehovah Witnesses.” I smiled and said “Praise the Lord. His Name is Jehovah. He is King of kings and Lord of lords.” She then said, “We believe Jesus is the son of God.” I smiled again and said, “God has given Him the Name above every name and at the Name of Jesus every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.” My enthusiasm came from within. God had answered my prayer before the doorbell rang when I asked Him to fill me with His Spirit.

It was a joy to speak the words that came out of my mouth and this encounter reminded me of the long application interview for graduate school at the university with Dr. Bolte. The words simply came out! I did not think about what to say and it seemed as though my brain had been bypassed. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (MAT 12:34). God continues to transform my life by the renewing of my mind (ROM 12:2). We are commanded to be transformed by this renewing and it is an act of God. We cannot transform our own lives or renew our minds. God does this by His grace. It can be continuous. We are commanded to be filled with the Spirit (EPH 5:18). We must seek God if we want to be transformed and if we desire to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

It was almost as though God waved a “caution” flag in my mind when the older lady spoke again. She said in a different tone of voice, “So you believe in the Trinity.” The word “Trinity” cannot be found in the written Word of God. We are not to go beyond what is written (1CO 4:6). God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit is a difficult doctrine for many to grasp. In Jerusalem, I had a Muslim friend tell me that Christians believe in three gods. Orthodox Jews believe God is Spirit and He cannot be flesh; therefore, they reject Jesus who Christians believe is God incarnate. I do not believe there is a person on earth who completely understands the Trinity, but I believe the Bible teaches the reality of the Trinity in both the Old and New Testaments. The Trinity is a spiritual revelation of God that I accept by faith.

The young lady sitting on the couch had said nothing, but I could tell she was listening. I told my visitors I believe God is three characters in one. Sharing my time in Israel was easy. I told them the Orthodox Jews recite a prayer everyday called the Shema: “Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God, the Lord is One” (DEU 6:4). Then I asked the older lady if she had children. She answered, “Yes” so I said, “Then you are a mother, a daughter and a wife...three characters, but you are only one person. I believe in God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.”

It was a surprise when the older lady began to rise from the couch and she said, “Well we won’t keep you.” With excitement in my voice and a big smile I stood up and said, “But I want to keep you just as God wants to keep you. May I pray for you before you leave?” “No ma’am” the gray-haired lady said in a louder voice as they moved toward the front door. The younger woman held out a piece of literature and I said “no thank you” as I opened the door. I told them I read the living Word of God. “It divides between our souls and our spirits. It convicts us of sin.” When we stepped on the porch I again asked if I could pray for them.

The older lady again said, “No ma’am” and she added, “We are Christians too!” Then I implored once more, “You will not let me pray for you?” She said, “No ma’am!” The goodbye seemed sad as I said, “God bless you and have a wonderful day.” As they walked down the sidewalk there was sorrow in my heart. They chose to walk away.

The Bible tells us: O Lord, the hope of Israel, all who forsake you will be put to shame. Those who turn away from you will be written in the dust because they have forsaken the Lord, the source of living water (JER 17:13). Have you ever walked away? I have. Praise God for His mercy. Have you ever shown contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads us toward repentance? (ROM 2:4) I have.

Is your name written in the Book of Life (REV 20:15) or will it be written in the dust today? God cursed the serpent in the Garden of Eden. The serpent eats dust (GEN 3:14). Do you ever feel as though an enemy is eating away at the land of your life? “If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2CH 7:14). Do you want to be well?

We are created for God’s glory (ISA 43:7). We are told to “fear not” many times in the Bible. Remember when God commissioned Moses to bring the children of Israel out of bondage in Egypt? This was long before Moses asked to see God’s glory. Moses asked God “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” The question was not important. God’s answer was. God said, “I will be with you” (EXO 3:12). There was no fear when my door was opened for the “witnesses” on Easter weekend. There was no question of who “I” was. God was with me and I saw a glimpse of His glory. Praise His Name! ~ Susan Smith

What Counts as "Righteous Anger?"

I wasn't going to post this. I thought about it for several days and still felt like I probably shouldn't post it.

Then, at church yesterday the topic was about the fact that as sinners we all possess a blurred image and how important it is to take steps (as born-again believers) to remove the blur in order to reach our true potential for God.

[Added on 9/18/07:

Despite all the evil that is going on around us, God has a plan for each of our lives. We have work to do for the kingdom every moment we are on this earth.

If someone doesn't know Christ and doesn't give their life to Him for His purposes, then they would only see, and remain, in the darkness.

Even as believers, we are still sinners. The difference is that we are no longer under condemnation for our sins. As repentant sinners saved by the forgiveness of our sins by way of Christ's cross, the grace and mercy of God has been bestowed upon us. However, we still have a "blur" regarding how to live in the image of our Lord. This is a lifetime challenge for us. It is known as "sanctification." ]

Pastor Miles McPherson's outline told us:

As sinners we only have a Blurred Image of our supernatural responsibilities and potential. If we do not take the steps necessary to remove the blur, we will never clearly see, understand or reach the true potential of our God IMAGE.

I. Individual Personality

A Blurred Image creates an 'I AM' imposter.
(See Genesis 3:5; Exodus 3:13; John 8:58)

M. Moral Mirror

A Blurred Image becomes a self-appointed morality maker.
(See Genesis 3:5; Proverbs 14:12)

A. Authority to Rule

A Blurred Image leads to a diminished level of authority.
(See Genesis 3:20-24; Isaiah 14:12-15; 1 Timothy 6:6)

G. God's Friend

A Blurred Image will destroy your God relationship.
(See Genesis 3:8-10; James 4:4-5)

E. Eternal Spirit

A Blurred Image can lead to eternal separation from God.
(See Genesis 3:2-3, 16-17, 21-24; Matthew 25:30)

Homework: Bringing it home: Name one change in your attitude and the resulting behavior that you need to make in order to remove a little of the blur in your life.

*******

You can go to The Rock Church website and download an MP3 broadcast of the previous 3 messages. The new one (this week's "A Blurred Image") should be up on the site later this week.

Now, with the information and Bible verses from the "A Blurred Image" outline, I am willing to put myself out there (for criticism, advice, condemnation...whatever) as an example in asking the question, "what counts as "righteous anger"? Is it O.K. with God? Or, because I am a sinner, is such anger due to a "blurred image" instead?

Go ahead and let me have it. Warts and all!! I really want any feedback you wish to give and/or your opinions on how I could have responded better in the following exchange that was posted at another blog:

[Note: Some words posted by commenters there have been "cleaned up" for posting here.]

Wednesday, September 05, 2007


TWO ISSUES STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF TELEVANGELIST D. JAMES KENNEDY



'Kennedy Caused A Great Deal Of Pain For Gay Americans,' Said Truth Wins Out's Executive Director Wayne Besen

MIAMI BEACH - Televangelist Rev. D. James Kennedy of Coral Ridge Presbyterian was a radical fundamentalist cleric who demonized gay Americans, pioneered fraudulent 'ex-gay' ministries and fought to end the separation of church and state. Truth Wins Out's Executive Director Wayne Besen issued the following statement on Kennedy's passing:

"Truth Wins Out offers its condolences to the Kennedy family in this time of mourning. It is never easy to lose a loved one and those who took comfort in Kennedy's sermons will surely miss him.

However, we must also recognize that Kennedy was a great source of pain for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans. In 1998, Coral Ridge spearheaded a national advertising campaign that featured so-called 'ex-gay' ministries. The campaign ended in shame, after Kennedy's HIV+ ex-gay poster boy, Michael Johnston, resigned after allegedly having unsafe sex with men he met on the Internet. Kennedy never apologized for the suffering this deceptive campaign caused for Johnston's victims or the thousands of people duped by the false hope peddled by Coral Ridge.

Kennedy's theocratic vision of America was divisive, exclusionary, sectarian and dangerous. His aim was "reclaiming America for Christ," at the expense of personal freedom and religious liberty. We respect his commitment to his sincerely held beliefs, but are grateful that his radical plan for America never reached fruition.

We believe that a person should be remembered for the totality of his or her achievements and sins. Kennedy undoubtedly helped many people and inspired them to become better human beings. Unfortunately, he also leaves an ignoble legacy of intolerance that divided South Florida, destroyed families in the name of family values and relentlessly assaulted the U.S. Constitution."

Truth Wins OUT is a non-profit organization that counters right wing propaganda, exposes the "ex-gay" myth and educates America about gay life. For more information, visit TruthWinsOut. (live link deleted)

- 30 -

7 Comments:

Thank you to Wayne for a fair and accurate eulogy. D James Kennedy was a monster in his physical life and he built his career off bashing gays.

The Obit in one newspaper mentions that "he dropped out of college to become an Arthur Murray Dance Instructor..." Hmmmmmm... Sounds kinda like a Senator Craig kinda guy to me.

http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/
shared-gen/ap/National/Obit_Kennedy.htm
l
posted by Anonymous,

at 9/05/2007 8:36 PM

Good riddance to white trash, may he rot in whatever place is called hell if it exists. He can keep that fat ugly f--k Fallwell company.
posted by Robert, NYC.,

at 9/06/2007 8:54 AM

Right on Robert! With that hair and makeup, he looked as plastic on the outside as he was on the inside; and I agree with the first poster, he was probably Gary (NJ)
posted by Anonymous,

at 9/06/2007 9:28 AM

An uncanny resemblance to our dearly beloved Liberace! Except Lee would hate me for saying that.
posted by richard schillen,

at 9/06/2007 11:11 AM

I just read that this f***wad was a co-writer of a letter to bush in 2002 encouraging him to attack Iraq!!! Under what possible definition of Christianity did this miserable bag of venom consider himself a vicar of Christ. He died peacefully in bed with his wife and daughter at his side--unlike the soldiers and civilians and children in Iraq, alone and mangled, broken, burned, bloody and dismembered! If there is a hell, I hope it does look like a Hieronymus Bosch painting and he and falwell are right in the middle of it!
Red V
posted by Anonymous,

at 9/06/2007 1:39 PM

Gary, the more I look at his face, methinks this sad ass was indeed another Larry Craig in the making. I've said it a hundred times or more, that those who protest too much about our sexuality are the most suspect of all. Everyone of them who has been outed all have that in common, even the socalled straight ones. They are more transparent than they could ever imagine and they are overwhelmingly right wing conservatives,ooops, the new word folks is "civil libertarians".
posted by Robert, NYC.,

at 9/06/2007 2:29 PM

You people are the hateful ones. To deny the right of homosexuals who are unhappy with their behavior and orientation the right to change is despicable and intolerant of you!

Your horrible treatment (and denial that they happily exist) of ex-gay identified people who have found freedom from the sin of homosexuality is evidence of your hypocritical "tolerance" nonsense.

You can't stand the fact that they have been saved through repentance by the power, mercy, love and forgiveness of Christ Jesus, our Lord.

The fact that Dr. Kennedy adhered to uncompromising, biblical Christian faith is to his credit; despite the hateful rhetoric that you and your ilk spew upon him just after his death.

You are all a bunch of hypocrites!

Wayne, your patronizing drivel that you send "condolences to his family and those who loved him" is so transparently contrived it is almost laughable. You don't care a bit about them. Don't pretend that you do.

All of your hateful attitudes here had been prophecied about in the Bible.

How ironic is that. Hateful comments abound here from people who clamor every day for tolerance. What a joke you all are!!

The fact that many here express glee for his death and spew hatred towards someone who did much for the Lord while he lived on this earth is proof of your rebellious, reprobate position towards Holy and Righteous God.

Jesus Christ said that the world would reject His followers because such "worldly people" hate that their evil deeds are exposed through His Word. He also said that they (you!) will hate us (Christians) because you hated Him (Christ) first.

Your stupid book, "Anything but straight" is evidence of your rejection of God and His Word. That will be to your detriment in eternity. So be it.

For me, I'd rather be anything but reprobate towards God like you are.
posted by Christinewjc,
at 9/13/2007 4:24 PM