Wednesday, November 7, 2012

So What is the Lie?

Saw this photo on Facebook and had to post about it because I want people to know the raw uncut gospel, that is good news of Christ the savior!  Here's the link for the photo and my Facebook post on yeshua4sinners Facebook page that goes with this story.

In case you didn't look at the post, which you should to get the full effect, the story is about a Christian girl that survives a bombing by Islam peoples.  I then posted the practical view on Luke 13:1-5 which states:
“There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answered and said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” 

This is why we NEED a savior!  Now, this girl did survive the bombing, however, I believe that Christ would save me from even getting blown up some, however, it is not only the physical affirmatives alone that He is dealing with. He is speaking of the internals of repentance (fruit of His Spirit...love, joy, peace, etc) I know there will be those who will try and discredit this post on the fact that the girl lived, and that's fine if you want to, however, what about all the other news stories around the world where the folks actually do die.  God saw it fit to let this one live a while longer to repent!  This my friends is the real, practical Jesus Christ that probably many would view as radical, and very well, it is radical but it's true!  Repent for the kingdom of heaven is attainable today in Christ Jesus...this is why we NEED Christ!

Before you think to yourself, this is one cold hearted person, I am actually the opposite! If I didn't care, I wouldn't point this truth out to the glory of God!  You see, if anyone is not following Christ, they are dead in their trespasses already.  I want you to live!  As does God, which is why while you are against Him, He still had your back and sent Christ to the cross to die for you!  Praise God!  He gives life more abundantly to those who want it!

So, what is the lie?  Anything that tells you God is not utterly amazing!

Monday, November 5, 2012

God and Government

This post is derived from one of my comments on my Daily Focus Page. With all the political "stuff" going on I figured it would be appropriate to post.  It seems that for every election, presidential especially, people tend to get all worked up.  "My view is the best view" is the common attitude among the population.  Who says?  What if all yours and their views were a waste of time, and what is planned by God is going to happen regardless if you are kicking and screaming about it?  Why get all worked up?  I mean, does it really, for real, do any good for you to get your blood pressure shooting through the roof?  There are probably alot of heart attacks and strokes around this time I year, I would imagine.  My Daily Focus scripture reference is on Romans 13:1-7, which Paul addresses submission to government.  In this reference, Paul is actually talking to the Romans under the rule of Nero and we see his practicality and logic in this manner:

 "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.  For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.  For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake.  For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing.  Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor." (Romans 13:1-7)

This is good news for us who are willing to submit to God.  Think about this logic, if you are unwilling to submit to an earthly authority (whom you can see),  how much more would you not listen to a spiritual authority (whom you cannot see)?  God has placed earthly authority over us, however, Jesus is the "King of kings" and the "Lord of lords" as it is written.  That means that we worship Him, and He will tell us what to do.  Therefore, we worship God and submit to earthly authority, not worship earthly authority.  There is a huge difference in the two that I will discuss in another post.  So, the good news is there is practicality with God if you want it regarding this matter.  Have fun voting!

 

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Music In My Posts

I'm thinking about putting music in either most or all of my posts from now on, simply because I enjoy it, what do you think?



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Is Jesus Controversial?

So, is Jesus controversial?  I have heard this topic being discussed (argued) among some theologians, and it can get quite interesting.  Well, in the bible Pilate could find no fault with Jesus, (Luke 23:4), however, the majority of the Jews said He blasphemed against God and wanted to see Him crucified.  So I would say, yeah, Jesus can cause some disputes.  But why?  Is there something wrong with Jesus,or the gospel...maybe it is what He says?  Actually, the problem herein lies not with Jesus, the problem is us!

What!?  I'm outraged!  Sorry about that, but it's true.  Our pride is a suit that our flesh wears that makes us  impervious to the Holy Spirit.  I would liken it to a child that is pouting and stomps off mad...he ain't gonna listen until he's humbled.  It is not until we are humble, can we even begin to be receptive to any of God's grace, since it takes faith in Christ to receive it.  So the question, "Is Jesus Controversial?" Extremely!  However, not to the humble, only the proud...not to the sinner, but to the righteous.  The gospel is good news, but only for those in need of a savior, to everyone else it makes no sense at all.

Think about it:

Do you see Christ as a controversy in and around your life?  Look deeper into that if you truly want a quality relationship with God!

Note: For those who may not know what I mean by Christ being a controversy, that would be to say that He and His ways are causing a severe conflict, even disputes in yourself and/or the folks that surround you.

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Is It Biblical?

I have heard the question asked many times..."Is it biblical...?"  Generally, when I hear this, the person asking it is gearing up to make their point from a biblical perspective about a certain topic in order to prove their righteousness.  I often see that it doesn't really matter what topic follows the question, as people can make just about everything biblical and claim that their point, based on "these" verses, is  right. So I say, what's the point?  People want to be right!

Practically, being right is a good thing, and God agrees too!  However, what many believe to be right, is merely them being "wise in their own eyes," which the bible warns us about. I think it is easy to get caught up on this and fuel our own pride, especially for those who have been "schooled" at say, a seminary.  I'm not saying that everyone who goes to seminary school is guilty of some Pharisaic traits, however, it is common.  If we are genuinely seeking God's kingdom and His righteousness, then being wise and prudent in our own eyes really gets us nowhere, as we then are apart from Christ (not following His Spirit).  An assumption? Nope, the truth.  His Spirit never leads us back to ourselves to look at ourselves and our glory, instead, His Spirit reveals to us the glory of the Father, to receive our all from Him!  This is grace apart from the law, which is the righteousness of God. 

So, how do we live in righteousness?  Only by God's grace through our faith in Christ Jesus who saves from sin, in whom there is no boasting!  If we are to produce much fruit of His Holy Spirit, then we have to walk in His Spirit and be guided in His Truth.  Practicality is what works, and therefore God is very practical for His way is the only way, that is, Christ!  So, is it biblical or not...?  I say, turn to Christ and away from our own interpretations of the bible because the kingdom of heaven is at hand!!

There will be another post to follow that will cover the topic, "Thinking Too Much." I had an issue with this myself, thinking I was right all the time, over thinking problems, just being what could be called 'cerebral.'  God then connected my heart and mind together and made me see, spirit and truth simultaneously!

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Saturday, November 3, 2012

Don't be Decieved!

This post originated as a post on my "Daily Focus Scripture" page.  As I was writing an explanation to the scripture, I found myself being lead further and further into focus by the Holy Spirit and must share!  So here it is:

Click here to go to my Daily Focus Scripture Page to see the post titled Saturday, November 3, 2012 

There you will find a deeper look into Psalm 91:8!  Enjoy!

Friday, November 2, 2012

The "High"

I am new to all this blogging and whatnot, even though it is very popular in today's age.  Upon reading through some posts I have noticed many people talking about a 'high' they get on Sunday's at church, then it seems to fade away throughout the week.  Why is this?  Does God equate to a drug that one can take and get a high on Sunday's, then He fades until the next Sunday?  Sure, if that's who He is to you.  WOW!

Reaping and Sowing:

Look, I am not trying to be mean, all I am saying is, "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; whatever a man sows, that he will also reap." (Galatians 6:7) It would be like this, for a farmer to sow one seed in hopes that an entire field of crop could be reaped...not going to happen.  God is not a coat that we put on for Sunday service and then thrown in the closet when we get back home, in fact, He is not a coat that we put on anyhow...He puts US on, as the Holy Spirit lives in believers.  Yep, He is wearing us around! Look, if we sow seed into the world, from the world we also reap...if we sow seed into His Spirit, from His Spirit we also reap! Romans 8:5-8 

Be humbled and Rise up:

It is high time we believers rise up and shout praises to His name.  We need not be defeated any longer by an enemy that can not harm us!! That is our whole point of being in Christ, and having the Holy Spirit within us...to be more than conquerors in Him!! He is a constant high, not one that fades, to those who know Him.  He is not in the world, He is apart from it and has called us apart from it with Him to live life abundantly!  Get off that stuff that only offers temporary gratification and drink from Him whose well never runs dry!    Who out there is not blind to this? Have we all become comfortable with our surroundings that we cannot grow with Him?  

Consider this:

If you are now thinking there is something more for you than what has been going on...you're probably right! 

Practically speaking, we need God, period.  We need Him to put us on, water us, fertilize us and allow us to grow in Him a meaningful, lasting relationship!  Without Him, life sucks all the way around, just as He told us it would in the Deuteronomy 28 curses.  

ONLY with my eyes, do I see the reward of the wicked!  Praise God for His grace!

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Life Uncensored Part II...Success

Part I Re-Cap:

 * The world system is failing and has already failed for many individuals.
 * We looked at what success is.


Part II:

Since success for everyone, is to strive for and achieve (or obtain) whatever matters to them the most, and therefore their failure would be not attaining it (whatever "it" is), why do we even bother giving ourselves to the world? I mean, it seems that everyone is going to the grave at some point, right? And...last I remember we don't take our "stuff" with us upon exiting, so why do we sleep in the world's bed everyday? Mankind clearly didn't create itself, we can see that with what we know it takes to make another person...two people make one baby. So, at minimum either two adults were created first in order to make one baby or two babies were created first and taken care of by the creator until they were old enough to reproduce. It is interesting to me as I write this because, pridefully, I initially was assuming that two adults know how to live and two babies don't...it is actually, adults should know how to live and babies already do. Note: I do believe that God created mankind, (Adam and Eve.) What do babies do all the time that adults RARELY, if ever, do? That'll be a question my reader's can answer if they wish later on for bonus points! The world is like a bad hooker that, while we're blindfolded, restrained and naked, she steals everything we have and leaves us in the dark. I have only seen this in movies, but the metaphor is highly accurate...so why sleep with her?...the world I mean. The only reason why we would, is because we don't see the world for what it is (that bad hooker), we see it as marvelous, a true beauty and we love the world instead of and/or more than God.

From the world to God:

The only way to go from wanting the world with all our hearts, minds, souls and strength to wanting God, is we must view God as a greater treasure than anything the world can offer. Is this possible? Sure, it is very possible. As God shows us (believers) who He is, in comparison to what the world truly is, He is truly the only light in an otherwise pitch dark room. Practically, if I am giving all of myself to, (obeying), anything that is failing, then I too am failing right along with it. It would be the same as, though the ship is sinking, I am willingly riding on it to the bottom of the ocean. However, if I am obeying anything (God in this case), that is succeeding (or has succeeded), then I too am a success! Therefore, achieving success, not only today but always, is only found in God, with faith in Christ Jesus who saves us from having to obey the world that is currently "progressing backwards," to obeying Him.

Note: By not obeying God, we will inevitably fail miserably and not succeed in anything. Not that God is bullying us into following Him, just that without Him we are helpless and hopeless. If you are tired of getting beat up and feeling like you are going nowhere, you can stop wondering why you are here and start finding out! Just talk to God, He is already in your thoughts and has written His laws on your heart. All you gotta do is be honest with Him in a conversation (prayer) and tell Him EXACTLY the way you feel and ask Him for His guidance cause you have no idea what to do, and He will tell you (it typically is practical wisdom...stuff that makes sense to you and you can use and apply in your NEW life with Him) Feel free to contact me!

If you want to see more of the blessings and curses of God, read Deuteronomy 28, and I will be discussing them in detail in later posts!

Couple of questions:

Does God have more to offer us than the world? OR Is He worth giving ourselves to (obeying), instead of obeying the world, and Why?

What do babies or young children do that adults rarely, if ever, get around to doing? And Why?

Is God the giver of good things, or the stealer of them? What are the fruit of His Holy Spirit?

Why do some people get quickly disappointed with God, once they begin to "obey" Him? Answer here





Life Uncensored Part I

My wife and I recently watched a documentary about progress, and how the world as a whole is actually progressing backward.  Progressing backward?  Well...failing is a better term.  The documentary expressed how for the first time in history, our world economics are equally on a downward spiral awaiting a tragic collapse.  Alright, I am not trying to scare anyone here even though it is going to be scary for most folks.  Think about this...whatever your age, you have busted your rear trying to get where you are today in the world, and say you wake up one morning and suddenly realize that everything you have put blood, sweat and tears into no longer matters because the world's economy failed!  That is the ultimate disaster for the world, as not only the value of "things" would be swept away like sand into the crashing waves of life, but also those who put their faith in the world are miserable down to their very core  While the world economic system is not yet fully gone to the wayside, many folks have found themselves in this very situation in their own personal lives, seeing this "backward progression" and suffering true hardship.

It is interesting to see what we do when we are faced with a hardship.  It is even more interesting to see what we do prior to dealing with a hardship, or how we live.  What I am speaking of is our hearts, minds, souls and strength (the stuff that makes us, well, us).  What have we set our hearts on (what matters most to us), what we think of the most, how our soul reacts to that and the amount of energy we use to achieve that is amazing!  I will have to say that on the planet there exists a whole bunch of very creative and unique people, and it is disheartening to see that although they strive and strive in the world they still fail.  Ok, so not everyone in the world fails...or do they.  That would all depend on what the individual's definition of failure would be, and to define failure we must also look at success...Success for everyone, is to strive for and achieve (or obtain) whatever matters to them most, and therefore their failure would be not attaining it (whatever "it" is).  Stick around for Part II of this post, as it will continue from here!!


I would like your feedback!


Can we succeed in the world system?  Why or why not?

What are you giving your all to at this point in your life? 

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