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

Freedom Is Worth It

Dear Mr. Obama -
A video of an Iraq veteran is YouTube's most watched election video, generating 11 million views.

Update: Apparently, my YouTube account has been cancelled and I am banned from the site! This video is no longer available.


Dear Mr. Obama Video

So, Edwards Is Out

I have noticed that several bloggers out there thought that Edwards was out of the race a long time ago. He is now expected to make it official.

The buzz is that he's not going to immediately endorse either of the two remaining Democratic candidates.

Smart man.

He knows he has some bargaining power now and I'm sure that he'll make the most of it.

There is something that I have wanted to say about Edwards and his ad nauseum references to "tax breaks for the rich."

[Caution, you are about to enter the Talk Wisdom rant zone.]

Each time he spoke at a rally, the man just irked me no end!

That man is missing several facts that are quite important to share.

First. People who have worked their way up the ladder of success in this country should pay their fair amount of taxes; but they shouldn't be expected to give 60 - 80% of it to the government. That's just crazy! That's not fair. That's robbery. Even 50% is too much. Perhaps the super rich deserve to pay that. But if the Dems had their way I shudder to think where the cut-off might be.

Second. Edwards never seems to recognize that many of these "rich" CEO's, Corporate Executives, and small business owners donate very generously to various charities. I wonder. Has Edwards ever looked into that fact? Doubt it.

Third. The fact that many of these people provide jobs for so many others seems to escape his mind. Not only do they provide employment opportunities at their places of business, but many most likely pay monthly fees for services at their homes. They may not be under employment at the corporations they lead, but think about all of the landscapers, pool service people, pet sitters, housekeepers (I would love that one!!), home improvement contractors, etc. that they pay for services rendered at their homes.

Fourth. Without mentioning any names, I can say that I know of people who have gorgeous homes, expensive cars and enjoy many luxuries in this life. However, they have worked their butts off to earn such things. Many people, including Dems like Edwards, probably have no idea how much money, time, and mentoring efforts that such people have generously given away over the years. Do such thoughts ever enter into their minds? Doubt it.

I know of several people who have given, and/or raised tens of thousands of dollars for worthy causes such as Big Brothers & Big Sisters, The Boys and Girls Clubs, the YMCA, and various health care organizations.

Did Edwards ever do any research about this? Probably not. He is the type of man who has an agenda that he likes to spread about the country in order to garner votes from certain people who may have the same ideology that he has. I truly think that this is very regrettable. He attempts to divide this country with his negative and unpleasant combative attitude.

I know some personal stories about people whose families had financially struggled early on in their lives. In one case, a young teenager used a small, walk-in closet as his bedroom when his ill father's condition forced the family to move in with relatives. Did they mooch off of the government in order to get back on their feet? No. Families used to help related families when they were in dire straits. With so much divorce going on nowadays, it is a rare thing for families to remain intact. It is truly a sad state of affairs.

Fifth. Even though the traditional family is under attack at an alarming rate these days, there is still the fact that Christian churches often do come to the rescue of the downtrodden. Why didn't Edwards ever talk about that? I have seen hundreds of examples of Christian families generously donating money, food, clothing, shelter, Christmas gifts for children etc.; to those in need. Some of these families are very wealthy and donate thousands. Others, are not that wealthy but give what they can. In either example, it is the giving attitude that counts, not necessarily the amount of money given.

Sixth. The controversy over Edwards using a false claim that "thousands of homeless vets are being left out on the streets and under bridges" was just downright dishonest. Yes, our system is not perfect. Yes, there is room for improvement. Yes, some people fall through the cracks. However, Edwards never mentioned the fact that there is help available and some, if not most, make their own individual decisions to refuse that help.

The causes for their homelessness could be varied. Some, unfortunately, are drug addicted. Some are alcoholics. Some are mentally ill. Some just don't want the help. Some would rather panhandle than get help. Like the guest who works with veterans and appeared on Bill O'Reilly's show stated, "We can't drag them in if they don't want help." The same could be said for some of the homeless in the general public, too.

I once had a few discussions with a police officer who worked with getting help for the homeless. He admitted that some just refuse to come off the streets; even if the opportunity presents itself. They go to a shelter at night when it is cold, and then go back out during the day. They get food at soup kitchens and various church organizations that distribute food.

There are a lot of really good people who help others in this country. Many of them happen to be either well off or rich. But if we would take Edwards' pronouncements seriously, we would be left to believe that people (especially the "rich") are selfish, uncharitable, stingy, and uncaring about others down on their luck.

Seventh. The "rich" people that Edwards habitually rails against often donate lots of used clothing, household items, tools, bikes furniture...you name it...to Goodwill, the Salvation Army, AmVets and other organizations. Many people are employed as a result of such donations. Clothes that aren't resold or given away here are shipped to third world countries. Where is Edward's praise for such generosity? Answer: no where to be found.

Who usually gets praise for helping others? Celebrities. The super-wealthy. People like Oprah or Bill Gates, for example. Don't get me wrong...they deserve the recognition. But how about a clap of the hands for the ordinary Americans out there who work very hard at their jobs to earn good money to support their families and never take a cent of aid or handouts from the government? How about giving just a tiny bit of recognition for those who faithfully, and habitually contribute to churches, charities, medical research and various children's organizations both here in America and around the world? Don't they deserve more than condemnation from those like Edwards and his ilk?

Stepping off the soapbox now.

HT: Outside the Beltway

See this post too!

Self-Love Pride Over God = Sin

A high school pastor conducted the service at our church yesterday. It was the first time that I have heard him preach. He did a really good job. It was presented at a level that appealed to both teens and adults.

The key message was to recognize how prideful self-love over our love for God keeps us in sin. Thus, he reiterated the extreme importance that preachers and teachers continue to use sound Biblical doctrine while sharing the gospel message. He even labeled the concept as "old school is cool."

The following is a general outline with Bible verse references that reiterate the points being made. After the list are some discussion notes and a link to a fellow Christian blogger who wrote an excellent essay about the radical victory of Christ's cross.


1. The pride of self-love over God is the deadly sin that is the foundation which leads to all others. 2 Timothy 3:1-5

This does not mean that we are not to love ourselves. What it is saying, though, is that the pride of self-love over and above our love for God is the deadly sin.

See Genesis 2:16-17. Notice how the desires in Adam and Eve caused them to sin rather than listen to God's admonition to avoid that certain tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

2. God wants ________ (fill in your name) to obey His Word because He loves you and wants to protect you.

3. This country was built on Godly principles because they work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17

We often hear non-believers claim that the Bible is "irrelevant" today. However, when we look around at the sinful conditions wreaking havoc upon us in our nation today, the truth is that the Bible is more relevant now than ever! One definition of "relevant" means, "having some bearing on current state of society."

4. God and the Bible is what keeps order in the world.
One analogy is our traffic laws. We have speed limit laws to protect us and help us feel and be safe. What if a sign on the freeway said, "Speed limit - go for it." Would you feel safe?

There are rules in God's Word because He loves us.

5. What in your life confirms that you are madly in love with Jesus Christ? 2 Timothy 4:1

This is a personal reflection question that each of us needs to answer.

6. To prevent further decline of Christianity we must prepare ourselves by doing the work of the Lord, through studying and obeying the Word.
2 Timothy 4:2-4

There is no doubt that Christianity is under attack today. What will you do to counter this?

7. As true followers of Christ _______ (fill in your name) must be willing to do whatever it takes to spread the gospel to a lost and deceived world. 2 Timothy 4:2-4

Also see Matthew 5:10-12

The last question is:

Are you madly in love with Jesus Christ?

Do you realize that sin could care less about you? Think about that for a moment. Then, compare it to what God thinks about us and has done for our sakes through Jesus Christ at the cross.

Going back to the traffic analogy. We have signs on the road that say "STOP!" We also may encounter signs that say, "take this detour." Why are they there? For our protection. What happens when we don't obey traffic laws? We end up suffering the consequences.

It is the same with God's Word. There are consequences for disobedience of God's laws in the Word of God just like there are consequences in traffic laws.

Sin?

Remember the point that "sin doesn't care about you?"

It doesn't.

But the person who is trapped in sin is saying that satan's plan is better than God's plan. It's the attitude of "as long as it pleases me" rather than having the proper attitude of desiring to please God.

The Ten Commandments show us what's wrong with our lives. The Old Testament is like a mirror of reflection that identifies our sinful nature. However, like a mirror, it doesn't show you how to fix it.

The purpose of the New Testament is to show us how to fix it.

Jesus mentioned that a man shouldn't even look at a woman with lust. He warned us that we are to guard ourselves against greed.

The sad part is, we don't have the ability and/or desire to keep the Law. That is why Jesus came to save us. When he rescues us, it is the power of the indwelled Holy Spirit that helps us strive towards holiness and righteousness.

Why would we want to strive for holiness and righteousness?

Because we love our Lord!

Jesus told us that we are not to think that he came to abolish the Law and the Prophets. He came to fulfill them. He also told us that if we love him, we will keep his commandments. The Holy Spirit of God guides us to do just that!

[Please see The Cross is a Radical Thing over at Camp On This. It is an excellent essay! Steve Camp's blog has become a daily visit for me.]

Imagine yourself going to the dentist. He points out your problem. He finds that you have a deep cavity that needs to be fixed with a root canal and filling. However, he stops there, lets you get up from the chair and says, "good luck with that."

Would he be considered a good dentist if he just let you go on in your suffering without providing the remedy? Of course not!

It is the same with God. God has provided the remedy for our sin and it is Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

Again, the Old Testament provides the reasons why we know right and wrong. It is the absolute standard of truth. God disciplines those whom he loves! This is why He gives us parameters in our lives. He wants to save us from the consequences of sin; both in this life and in eternity.

Excerpt from Steve Camp's essay:

Compare the cost of the cross with the cost of sin

A life of sin can leave you naked - stripped of friends, family, dignity, wealth, and reputation. A life of sin can leave you lonely - separated from fellowship with God and other believers, left in despair without much hope. A life of sin can leave you in utter humiliation - waking up in the "pigpen" of your rebellion as the prodigal son sorrowfully discovered (Luke 15:14-16). And last, a life of sin can never bring glory, but only shame on all who embraces it, cover it, and hold it dear (Philippians 3:18-19; Psalm 66:18).

Like the rich young ruler (Mark 10:17-22) who wanted heaven on his own terms, people today, are trying to find their own way to God, but Jesus says, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through me (John 14:6 emphasis added)." The cross is truly a radical thing.

Recall that last question in the outline above.

Question: Are you madly in love with Jesus Christ?

Think about what many men are "madly in love with." Take, for example, fanatical football fans. On any given Sunday, we could find fans with their faces painted, no shirts, jumping up and down, screaming, cheering and yelling for their favorite team in 30 degree weather.

For what?

This is something that really has no true relevance in their lives. It's just a game. Yet, they are madly in love with their team and they want them to win!

Why not be madly in love with the Person throughout all eternity who loves you so much that he gave his life for you at the cross?

Excerpt from Steve Camp's essay:

Our Lord, having conquered sin and death now gives life-everlasting, the forgiveness of sin, newness of life, securing us with His precious Holy Spirit as the guarantee of our redemption to all those that the Father has drawn and chosen from all eternity to be His own (John 3:16-18; Hebrews 2:14; 2 Corinthians 5:17,21; Ephesians 1:13-14; Galatians 2:20; Romans 5:1-10). What tremendous victories that cause us to glory in our Lord. (Titus 3:4-6).

HT: Camp On This

Fear, Grief Turned to Joy

No wonder we love dogs!

Family dog saves toddler from deadly snake

And dogs love us!

How relieved were those parents to witness this family dog saving that toddler from the bite of a deadly snake!

Positive dog stories always touch and warm our hearts. This one also ranks up there as a life saving act done by a dog for the protection of this precious little family member. What a terrific story!

I have become increasingly convinced that some dogs are capable of understanding more than we give them credit for. Our puggle "Sasha" is such a dog. She is only two years old, yet has learned to do things and displays understanding unlike any other dog that our family has owned. She has learned to play soccer. She understands what to do when I say "punt," "dribble," "defense," and even "header"! One day, I want to make a video of our playtime in the back yard.

I won't bore you with any of the other details, but feel free to share your dog or pet stories.

Here's a pic of Sasha and me!

When we raise them well and treat them good, they grow to be loyal, loving companions. We all know that dogs are called "man's best friend." Our family has such fun with both our dogs. I think that God created them specifically for this purpose.

Perhaps it's just a coincidence, but how fitting it is that "dog" is "God" spelled backwards!

When a pet dies, it is like losing a member of the family. Two friends of mine just went through this. I grieve with them.

Have you ever wondered if we would see our pets in heaven? I have read commentaries that put forth the idea that it might be true. What do you think?

The other night, I saw the tail end of a re-run of "Little House on the Prairie." I tuned in very late, but apparently, the little girl had fallen asleep while grieving over her dead dog's grave out in a backyard wooded area. She had a dream that her dog was in heaven with God and the angels. In the dream, she was seen hugging her dog, alive and well again up in the clouds of heaven.

After this happy reunion with her dog, the scene jumps back to her laying flat on her back on the ground, going through the motions of hugging her dog; though her arms are empty. When she awakes and realizes what she has just experienced, she jumps up, and happily runs back towards her house gleefully screaming to her parents what she had just experienced. It was certainly a heartwarming episode.

Ah...those were the days of great T.V. shows with positive messages!

This made me think about the two Marys and Salome (a.k.a. Joanna) who grieved so terribly at the cross of their crucified Messiah, Jesus Christ. They witnessed his suffering and death on the cross. They saw him being taken down and buried in the tomb. Three days later, they went to the tomb with the idea that they would anoint the body of Jesus with oil. This was a loving custom of that day.

When they arrived at the location of the tomb, they saw that the huge, heavy stone had been rolled aside. They looked inside and saw that the tomb was empty. At first, they again grieved wondering "who stole the body of our Lord?" Next, they heard the voice of an angel ask them who they were looking for. They answered, "Jesus, our Lord." The angel said, "He is not here, for he has risen."

Can you imagine the complete turn around in emotion that these women experienced that Resurrection morning? Their terrible grief turned into absolute joy!

Luke 24

Mark 16

Matthew 28

Mary was rewarded for her faithfulness, for she was the first to see the Risen Lord!

John 20

John 21 - Jesus showed himself to the disciples several times before his ascension into heaven.

Jesus lovingly gave Doubting Thomas time to believe. We have our entire lifetime on this earth to believe in Him. We all must answer Jesus' most important question:

"Who do you say that I am?"

Jhn 20:26 And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, "Peace to you!"

Jhn 20:27 Then He said to Thomas, "Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing."

Jhn 20:28 And Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!"

Jhn 20:29 Jesus said to him, "Thomas,[fn4] because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

Jhn 20:30 And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book;

Jhn 20:31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

No wonder we love Jesus! And, Jesus loves us!

1Jo 4:19 We love him, because he first loved us.

Jesus' eternal life saving act at the cross for our salvation.

Fear, grief turned to absolute joy!

The Power of Christ's Cross

It is Good Friday. I plan to share an additional post after I attend the 12 noon Good Friday service at my neighborhood church today.

Sometimes I wonder what the Lord would have me write about on this day. The obvious, of course, is about Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross. He took our place, took on our sins, was beaten, spat upon, nailed to a cross, stabbed in the side and left there, for 3 long, [correction: it was 6 ] excruciating hours, to die.

The brutality of Jesus' crucifixion was captured in the film, "The Passion of the Christ." Why was Jesus tortured, maimed, spit upon, beard torn, whipped beyond recognition, stabbed in the side, nailed to a cross, humiliated unto death? Because that is exactly what evil does. God allowed those forces of evil to do what they did in order to send us a message so strong that we couldn't possibly miss it.

The enemy of our souls has the goal of devouring us in our sin. He prowls around like a roaring lion, bringing along with him evil, sin and death. That very thing was conquered by Christ at the cross. Because he was the "sinless Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world," he accomplished what no ordinary man could ever do. He kept the Law while on earth, then paid the penalty for our sin so that we would not suffer an eternity without him! He was bodily resurrected to life on that first Easter morning approximately 2,000 years ago, and that event changed the world forever.

Why would Jesus endure all of this for us? The Bible tells us, "while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Put another way through a popular Christian song that plays on the radio (speaking of Jesus' sacrifice), "You would rather die, than to ever live without me."

Powerful!

I heard a quip on K-Love radio yesterday. The man said, "people fall into two camps; those who know Jesus Christ and those who want to know Him."

Wow. Simple but profound. Even those who won't admit it, still want to know Him. Why? Because to know Him is to know God. Jesus was God in the flesh. That is why it is said in the Bible, "they shall call him Immanuel." "Immanuel" means "God with us."

When I typed "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior, Lord" into google, 1,450,000 websites popped up. The Christian "fish" symbol called an "Ichthys" describes and represents who Jesus is.

Remember when John Lennon said he, and the Beatles were "more popular than Jesus Christ?" Type in "John Lennon" and 3,970,000 sites popped up. Was he correct that he is more popular than Jesus?

Nope.

Type in "Jesus Christ" and 32,300,000 sites pop up!

Type in "The Beatles" and 39,200,000 sites pop up. Maybe John was correct?

What does this prove?

Probably nothing.

But I do have a small point. The point is that people are seeking him, more than ever before, from all corners of the world, today.

Does the world need Jesus?

Absolutely.

We could post links all day that would show how the love of Christ needs to be shared so that the Holy Spirit of God can enter into the minds, hearts, souls, and spirits of truly desperate people out there.

This is why I think that President Bush is correct when he says that the hearts, minds and souls of the Islamic world must be permeated with the hope of freedom and liberty in order to stop the hate and jihad against the West.

People in the U.S. are so spoiled!! We live in comfort and safety for the most part, every day. It is not so in the Islamic world.

The left is correct when they say, "we can't keep killing all of them." I would agree. That is why the introduction of freedom and liberty to their people is so essential in this struggle! There are those who are too far gone and will never abandon their suicide/homicide jihadist mindset and goals. Thus, they will have to be killed.

Just like in the '40's when the kamikazi pilots from Japan had no regard for life (including their own), and happily carried out their suicidal/homicidal missions, the Islamic jihadists of today will fight to the death. Their goal is to take as many "infidels" with them as possible. They value death by jihad more than they value life itself. The brainwashing is so complete, that it's a "kill or be killed" scenario for our nation.

Recently, there has been news of the desire for some Democrats (not all, of course) to end the phrase, "Global War on Terror." The arguments against using such terminology range from the belief that it is "inaccurate" (and not believable) all the way to the usual mantra of "intolerance." Well, I visited a site from my blogroll today that I have not clicked on for several months. Go there and see all of the attacks that have been done, just in this new year of 2007 by Islamic Terrorists who are carrying out their deadly deeds under the banner of Jihad.

Those who would believe that there is no "global war on terror" truly have their heads in the sand.

It's as real, and even more deadly, than Communism and Nazi Fascism of the past!

It is today's battle between good and evil.

To not recognize the warning signs and attacks that are happening directly in front of our eyes each day would be ludicrous...to say the least.

Yet, there are people in our country today who don't think that the U.S.A. should fight against this growing threat. The "party of appeasement" Secular Progressives think that if we just "leave them alone, they will leave us alone" and we will have peace in the world. That is fantasy, idiotic and infantile; to say the least! Of course, people are entitled to their own opinion(s) just like I am entitled to mine. But I feel sorry for people who can't see this global battle against Islamic terrorism and fascism for what it truly is. EVIL.

When you visit The Religion of Peace website, be sure to click over and see this page at the Dr. Homa Darabi Foundation.

When Nancy Pelosi visited Syria, the left accused the right of "overreaction." But when you go here and see how horribly women are treated in the religious Muslim world, you may understand why seeing Pelosi, a Secular Progressive Liberal, Feminist, Woman's rights advocate, being forced to wear a head scarf while visiting there was so understandably upsetting and demeaning. You may disagree with me on this and that's O.K. It is only my opinion, of course. But I saw her entire visit as a sign of submission to the entire Islamic world...at least they will try and portray it as such. We will see the reactions over the next several weeks. But I really think that her visit sent a sign of weakness, not strength, from the U.S. in particular, and the West in general.

It may appear that I drifted away from my original post. In actuality, I didn't. I wanted to point out that our current "culture of death" was known, all along, of course, by God. The Bible predicts that we will one day reach the point where we will be on the brink of totally annihilating ourselves. At the point where the anti-Christ will be revealed and he sets himself up to be God in the re-built temple in Jerusalem, the ultimate battle of Armageddon will be fought. Just when it appears that the anti-Christ might gain total victory, Jesus Christ will return to save the day.

When Jesus died on the cross at Calvary, he conquered the eternal effects of sin and death. He told us that he will one day return. He also told us that "in this world you will have trouble...but take heart! For I have overcome the world." He accomplished this through his death for our sin and his resurrection to life! Before his ascension back to the Father he told us, "I am with you always, even unto the end of the age. Amen." - Matthew 28:20

This is the hope that surpasses all understanding! No matter what happens to believers here on this earth, we have the eternal promise of God that because of what Jesus accomplished at the cross and through the power of the Holy Spirit indwelling each believer, we are his forever and "no one can snatch us out of his hands!"

That's the true hope of salvation and why we call this day "Good Friday." What the enemy of our souls meant for evil, God transformed into Good. He continues to do this in each of our lives every day.

My wonderful friend in Israel, Susan Smith, often asks in her newsletters, "Do you believe?"

We all need to ask ourselves that question. I would add, "Do you see Him working in your own life?" It is a marvelous thing! If you don't see him in your life, please go here, find out why not and make the necessary decision of your lifetime!!

The world usually has the attitude of, "I'll believe it when I see it." God's Word instructs us to 'believe, then you will see.' That is what faith is all about. It certainly matters in Whom you place your trust and faith.

Jesus asks each of us, "Who do you say that I am?"

What's your answer?

*******
Update: 10:59 a.m. PT

It will be time to leave for the Good Friday service soon. I thought I would check Technorati to see what others have posted about this most profound weekend in the history of the world.

Some links are wonderful and I will add them as I come across them. But I just found one link that truly made me sad! She doesn't know what she's missing!!!


So, it's Good Friday, huh?

[Update 4/11/09 - Apparently the post at the above link has been deleted. Perhaps the author discovered the link to this blog, read the TRUTH about Jesus Christ and had a change of heart? Hope so.]

Laws of Men

It's been a while, but I finally had another "Britney" moment...that "oops...I did it again" kind. I goofed up the html within my post and when I tried to "save as draft, " the entire post was deleted! I didn't back up my work, so all was lost in just one press of a key! Hate when that happens.

Now, I don't have time to re-type it all, so I went searching for something similar to my post within the archives I have at my message board.

I found a really good post written by a member of my original message board (years ago) who had the screen name of "Prather." Unfortunately, I have since lost touch with him. However, this post that he had written several years ago is certainly still applicable to today's culture and definitely worth sharing with my blogging friends!

Enjoy!

Christine

*******
Laws of Men

God gave His laws that man might know His righteousness and our own iniquities. He gave penalty that we might know due recompense and teach our hearts mercy to those we've harmed. Man took this law and perverted it to his own devices that he might measure his own end. Then, God knowing not righteousness alone, but also true justice and unbounded mercy, put the law into its intended place yielding to all of mankind grace and mercy in His Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In doing so, God has made it plain to even the simple heart, He is a God of love and righteousness, full of mercy and judgment. All one needs do is look upon the Cross of His Son and believe - nothing more. Yet, the depth of our iniquity blinds us to such love - we do not seek it because it is not ours in our own eyes. We seek self love, we seek self gratification, we seek self edification, we seek self reward, we seek self defense, we seek self.

The Lord had an overriding principle that so many have missed. He came not to serve Himself, He came not to do His own will, He came not to magnify Himself, He came to do the will of the Father, the God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob - our Heavenly Father and Creator. If there be a victim ever known to this world it would be the one sacrificed for the sins of others. We see this in the ram, the bull, the doves, the grain, in the martyrs . . . so many things burned up to settle the debt of our sins. Yet, we continue because there are plenty to burn.

Psa 51:16-17 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

God has had His fill, not in the numbers, but in the perfection of the One Sacrifice that was able to set aside all sin - Jesus Christ, His Own Son. There is no more to burn not because of supply, but because of demand - the price has been paid in full. God has filled the cup of sacrifice through His Son and concluded in perfection the payment required for our sins. Let our hearts know this one thing:

John 3:14-21 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

1Co 2:2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

Christ did not come to condemn the world, He came to bring eternal life. He took into Himself the law and bound it forever fulfilled at His feet and brought for all mankind grace. This is the message - He came to bring eternal life. Since the beginning, it has always been a choice for man - God or death. Oh that we would learn to die to self and live to God!

A sacrifice given to God in death to ourselves is the right to not be a victim anymore. We see this in the life Christ lived, the life of Stephen, the life of all the prophets and the saints, the life of the martyrs, the life of the apostles. When we suffer, we can suffer at our own hand because we repent not, but we can also suffer to the hand of God that His judgment upon the wicked be just! We must needs suffer patiently because our suffering is only for a little while and our reward be great before the Father. We must also needs suffer the iniquities of others as without which, how shall God be just in their condemnation? We must suffer this patiently, showing Christ in our ways, that they may see His glory and know that it is He that fills our hearts to His purpose. Not all suffering in our lives has to do with chastisement, but ALL things work together for good to His glory and His purpose. How shallow of us to think that this is only for here on this earth!!

Heb 4:9-13 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

Isa 57:1-2 The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come. He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness.

How shall the righteous be judged righteous if they be not tried? How shall the wicked be judged wicked if they be not tried? The righteous have no fear of the judgment as they are already justified in Him by His righteousness. The wicked have no hope in their wickedness and it be the righteous that show the way they chose not. This is the way of the Cross. He was righteous, without fault, yet condemned to die by the wicked. They were measured in their own actions, the line was set according to their own works. When we bear His Cross, such will be the way for us as for so many before us.

I've heard the words, "I'm sorry is no defense." We must realize that if we hold these words true, then there is no salvation, no hope; for how shall one repent before the Lord?

Eze 33:11-20 Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children of thy people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression: as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sinneth. When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it. Again, when I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; if he turn from his sin, and do that which is lawful and right; if the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die. None of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him: he hath done that which is lawful and right; he shall surely live. Yet the children of thy people say, The way of the Lord is not equal: but as for them, their way is not equal. When the righteous turneth from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, he shall even die thereby. But if the wicked turn from his wickedness, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall live thereby. Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. O ye house of Israel, I will judge you every one after his ways.

I pray we all learn to examine our own hearts diligently and mind our own salvation with great fear and trembling. When tried by fire, I pray we be found as gold, silver, and precious stones lest we be surely found wood, hay, and stubble. Be it the laws of men or the laws of God, we are all most certainly convicted.

1Co 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

1Pe 5:8-11 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Jam 3:18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

Contributed by Prather

A Marine's Poem

Doing my small part to send this around the U.S.A.

Much thanks to SaltnLight for sharing this with me via email today!

Christine

*******



FRIENDS ARE BORN, NOT MADE

This is a poem being sent from a Marine to his Dad.
For those who take the time to read it,

you'll see a letter from him to his Dad at the bottom.

It makes you truly thankful

for not only the Marines,

but ALL of our troops.

*******

THE MARINE

We all came together,
Both young and old
To fight for our freedom,
To stand and be bold.



In the midst of all evil,
We stand our ground,
And we protect our country
From all terror around



Peace and not war,
Is what some people say.
But I'll give my life,
So you can live the American way.



I give you the right
To talk of your peace.
To stand in your groups,
and protest in our streets.



But still I fight on,
I don't bitch, I don't whine.
I'm just one of the people
Who is doing your time.



I'm harder than nails,
Stronger than any machine.
I'm the immortal soldier,
I'm a U.S. MARINE!


So stand in my shoes,
And leave from your home.
Fight for the people who hate you,
With the protests they've shown.
Fight for the stranger,
Fight for the young.
So they all may have,
The greatest freedom you've won



Fight for the sick,
Fight for the poor
Fight for the cripple,
Who lives next door.


But when your time comes,
Do what I've done.
For if you stand up for freedom,
You'll stand when the fight's done

By: Corporal Aaron M. Gilbert, US Marine Corps
USS SAIPAN, PERSIAN GULF

*******

March 23, 2003

Hey Dad,

Do me a favor and label this "The Marine"

and send it to
everybody on your email list.

Even leave this letter in it.

I want this rolling all over the US;

I want every home reading it.

Every eye seeing it.

And every heart to feel it.

So can you please send this for me?

I would but my email time isn't that long

and I don't have much time anyway.

You know what Dad?

I wondered what it would be like to truly understand

what JFK said in His inaugural speech.

"When the time comes to lay down my life for my country,
I do not cower from this responsibility.

I welcome it."

Well, now I know.

And I do. Dad, I welcome the opportunity to do what I do.

Even though I have left behind a beautiful wife,

and I will miss the birth of our first born child,

I would do it 70 times over to fight for

the place that God has made for my home.

I love you all and I miss you very much.

I wish I could be there when Sandi has our baby,

but tell her that I love her, and Lord willing,

I will be coming home soon.

Give Mom a great big hug from me and give one to yourself too.

Aaron

*******

Please let this marine (and all our military)

know we care by passing his poem onto your friends

even if you don't usually take time to forward mail...do it this time!

Thanks,


If this touched you as much as it touched me,

please forward it on.
Let's help Aaron's dad spread the word ..

FREEDOM isn't FREE
someone pays for you and me.


May God Bless You All
(I pray Cindy Sheehan will get a copy.)

Jesus' Sacrifice Has Spoken...

Take a moment to view this awesome video created to go along with Downhere's new song "A Better Way."

...Prepare yourself for this video...

Yes.

Jesus sacrifice has spoken...

Who could not tear up while listening to this heartfelt song of love and viewing this gripping video? Stinging tears of pain and sorrow flowed from my eyes in remembrance for Jesus' terrible suffering, yet, they are replaced by soothing tears of joy for the realization of his unfathomable love, forgiveness, mercy and grace...all captured through his awesome resurrection to life...for our sakes.

A quote from David Jeremiah's book, "Captured By Grace" comes to mind:

"Grace is shocking - something like the heavenly converse of a traffic accident. When love is returned for evil, we can't help stopping to rubberneck. Grace is the delivery of a jewel that nobody ordered, a burst of light in a room where everyone forgot it was dark.

Grace turns human politics on its head, right before our eyes. It renounced the entire conventional wisdom of social behavior. Grace suggests that human beings may be something more than honor graduates of the animal kingdom after all, that the rumors may be true that purity and goodness are real and alive."

And "I love you" could not be said...

A better way.

HT: Charlesc28

Roses and Thorns

Before sitting down at my computer this morning, I took a brief stroll in my backyard and looked at our beautiful rose bushes. It will soon be time to cut them back for the winter months, but meanwhile, I love that fact that here in California they are still blooming!

When I gather the roses for the vase in my kitchen, I love seeing the beauty and smelling the fragrance of them. Even though I'm usually careful, there are those moments where the thorns get me. As I slough off those thorns, a few tend to prick right through my garden gloves. Sometimes they draw blood too.

My thoughts drifted back to the Haggard scandal. Just think how devastated you would be if you were a loyal member of this pastor's congregation. Think about how terrible his wife and children must feel and the anguish that this scandal will cause in their lives. No matter what happens, their lives will probably be changed forever. Such are the thorns of this life when we let sin get a grip on us.

We all must realize that as saved Christian people, we still have that sinful, thorny, nature lurking beneath that beautiful rose of grace, mercy and forgiveness which we received through the redemptive work of salvation at the cross of Christ. He took that crown of thorns upon his head, took the horrid whipping and beating, and was nailed to the cross to die 9 hours later so that he could rescue us from the penalty that we all deserve from the thorns of sin upon our individual souls. It is only through the sanctification process (like the removal of thorns from the rose stem) that the power of any future sin in our lives is made desolate. We are a work in progress, people. We are being sanctified day by day in preparation for our eternal home in heaven where there will be no more evil, sin and death.

So, when a brother (or sister) in Christ is found guilty of a very public scandal of sin, we need to remember what Jesus did as he ministered to the adulterous woman. We need to realize that we all are sinners in need of the Savior. We need to drop our stones and rocks and realize that "by the grace of God, there go I." Just like Jesus, we cannot, and should not condone the person's sin, but we must leave the condemnation for any sin up to God.

Jesus asked the adulterous woman, "where are you accusers?" She answered that they were all gone. ALL OF THEM LEFT that place where they originally gathered for the purpose of taking it upon themselves to condemn her and stone her to death. But Jesus turned their intentions upside down with those brilliant words when he said, "He who is without sin may cast the first stone at her."

When we examine this further, we realize that Jesus did not sidestep the law back then. He actually upheld it!! Now stay with me on this. Jesus gave them permission to stone her if they would admit that they were without sin themselves. However, we all know what inevitably happened. Each person's conscience told them that they could never say they were sinless! Jesus tells us so much in this incident, but one of the most significant, glaring truths that we learn is that there are no "good" people because all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God!

Jesus also asked, "Why do you call me good?" when someone called him a "good teacher." He followed up with, "no one is good but God." Why did he participate in this verbal exchange in that way? He was identifying himself with God the Father! His question had the rhetorical affect that exemplified the fact that Jesus had come from the Father..."I and the Father are one."

Jesus brilliantly showed that no one is good but God! Jesus Christ, the sinless Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world died for us all. Those who accept his sacrifice for our sin, and become born again in Christ are redeemed through his righteousness...not our righteousness. When we reach the point where we realize Isaiah's profound words in Isaish 64:6 are absolutely true, it is then that we realize upon Whom our reconciliation with God the Father relies!! It relies totally on Jesus Christ!

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.

Can't recall the groups name (Update: The song is Who Am I by Casting Crowns...thanks ebfswan for sharing that!) but as a popular Christian song's lyrics tell us:

Not because of who I am, but because of what You've done.

Not because of what I've done, but because of Who You are!

I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
A vapor in the wind

Still you, hear me when I'm calling
Lord you catch me when I'm falling
You taught me who I am
I am Yours!

***

We are His! He is with us through everythingl...roses, thorns & all!