Hello Guys and Gals!
I want to talk to you today about guilt!
guilt /gɪlt/ Show Spelled[gilt] Show IPA –noun
1. the fact or state of having committed an offense, crime, violation, or wrong, esp. against moral or penal law; culpability: He admitted his guilt.
2. a feeling of responsibility or remorse for some offense, crime, wrong, etc., whether real or imagined.
3. conduct involving the commission of such crimes, wrongs, etc.: to live a life of guilt.
This is the definition that dictionary.com gives about guilt. As you can see it is the fear or state of your knowledge that you have done wrong against someone. We all have guilt. All of us have to deal with that knowledge that we have done others wrong, that we have done God wrong. None of us is so pure that we haven't committed any wrong.
But do we have to live with that guilt the rest of our lives?
'For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all.' James 2:10.
Clearly we see that if we stumble on just one little thing, that we are guilty of breaking the whole of the law. It does not matter if that guilt comes from a little, white lie, or from black murder. It is still an offense and we all have had many more than just one stumble in our lives.
'Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.' Hebrews 4:14-16.
I love this passage! This passage lets us know that our intercessor, Jesus Christ, has also been tempted by the very same things we face when we are tempted. He knows what we have gone through and what we will go through. He will be there with us! So be sure to go to Him boldly and say, 'I want that grace!' For if you do, your guilt will be no more consequence.
'Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.' Hebrews 10:19-25.
Big passage here! Yet it states that we can draw near with a sincere heart being fully assured that our hearts have been sprinkled clean from an evil conscience. Our guilt is of no more consequence in His eyes!
So what now? Do we take this freedom we now have and go back to living the way we were? Heaven forbid! May it never be! Instead we are to stimulate and encourage one another to doing good deeds through our, and His, love of them. We are to keep to assembling together and not forsake it. Why? Because by gathering together on a regular basis, we encourage one another and draw strength from each other who are of like mind with us.
God wants us to use our gifts to bring about His will in our lives and the lives of others! Your gift may be leading a flock, teaching the Word, or simply being there to listen to someone who needs to be listened to. We all have different gifts. You know what it is that you do well. Use that gift and go encourage others in His love!
But don't let guilt win! Sometimes we are afraid to use our gifts because we remember that guilt from before and think that we are not worthy of furthering His will. But that guilt is only a memory! Remember that! It is no longer a part of your life having been washed in the blood of Jesus Christ! So put your remembrance of that guilt away from you and seek to help doing His will, not only in your own life, but also in the lives of others!
God bless you all this day!
17 July 2010
15 July 2010
Are Drugs Mentioned In The Bible?
Hello Guys and Gals!
Are drugs mentioned in the bible? I'll let you decide that. Here is what I know.
'Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.' Galatians 5:19-21.
Do you see the word 'sorcery'? You actually have to go back to the Greek to get an accurate translation of this word. I believe sorcery is mistranslated in today's language, yet it was accurately translated that way back in time. The original word in Greek is the word 'pharmakia'. Do you draw any conclusions yet? It is the same word from which we get the word pharmaceuticals, or drugs.
See, back then it wasn't known as 'drugs'. It was known as Sorcery or Alchemy or any other of a number of labels. It is just that the translators of the bible didn't know that it would no longer be called sorcery but drugs instead. This is a perfect example of how language changes over the ages. So now that we know the truth about it, does it change your mind about how you feel about drugs? Or not?
God bless you all this day!
Are drugs mentioned in the bible? I'll let you decide that. Here is what I know.
'Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.' Galatians 5:19-21.
Do you see the word 'sorcery'? You actually have to go back to the Greek to get an accurate translation of this word. I believe sorcery is mistranslated in today's language, yet it was accurately translated that way back in time. The original word in Greek is the word 'pharmakia'. Do you draw any conclusions yet? It is the same word from which we get the word pharmaceuticals, or drugs.
See, back then it wasn't known as 'drugs'. It was known as Sorcery or Alchemy or any other of a number of labels. It is just that the translators of the bible didn't know that it would no longer be called sorcery but drugs instead. This is a perfect example of how language changes over the ages. So now that we know the truth about it, does it change your mind about how you feel about drugs? Or not?
God bless you all this day!
13 July 2010
Start Now!
Hello Guys and Gals!
There was a time when I had salvation but was not living a Christian life. I cannot beg for forgiveness enough from my Lord for the bad witness I gave during that time. But the day did come where I asked Him how I could start helping His cause. Do you know what he told me? He said to me to put my past failures and sins behind me and start now being a new creature in Him.
'Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.' Hebrews 4:16.
We need to come boldly to His throne of grace so that he can give us our forgiveness and strengthen us to do His work.
I went boldly to His throne of grace and I promised Him that I would start now. I would not let my past hinder what I was doing and that I would rely upon His strength to do His will.
Needless to say, Satan also heard me and chose this time of commitment to try and persecute me from doing God's will. So Satan attacked me in many different ways. I have been accused of lying and deception for telling nothing but the truth. I have even been accused of using this very blog as a podium for my lies. Satan is attacking me at every side right now. But I claim the power of Jesus Christ and hold it fast to me and I will not be cowed into straying from God's will for my life.
Therefore, Satan, I will no longer allow your attacks against me, be they spiritual attacks, physical attacks, or mental attacks, to come between me and the work I do for my Lord and Savior, one Jesus Christ! I cast thee away from me in the name of Jesus Christ!
This is how you deal with doubt, deceivers, and those who would call your efforts false! The only standard you should be using when you hold what you're doing to scrutiny is the Word of God. But do it correctly! When you seek to understand what the bible is saying. You should consider the author's intent in writing what he wrote, the audience, the occasion for the writing, and what was going on at that time as well as the actual message. And do not take just a small snippet to try and understand what is being said. This is how so much scripture is misinterpreted. You must consider what was said before and after the scripture you are studying. This is how you accurately study what the Word of God truly says.
In conclusion, do not let your past dictate your future. Do not let your past hinder what you are doing in the name of Jesus Christ! Do not let those who point to your past convince you that what you are doing is wrong. Stand fast in the truth of God's Word, hold tight to Jesus Christ, and do great works in His name!
May God bless you all this day!
There was a time when I had salvation but was not living a Christian life. I cannot beg for forgiveness enough from my Lord for the bad witness I gave during that time. But the day did come where I asked Him how I could start helping His cause. Do you know what he told me? He said to me to put my past failures and sins behind me and start now being a new creature in Him.
'Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.' Hebrews 4:16.
We need to come boldly to His throne of grace so that he can give us our forgiveness and strengthen us to do His work.
I went boldly to His throne of grace and I promised Him that I would start now. I would not let my past hinder what I was doing and that I would rely upon His strength to do His will.
Needless to say, Satan also heard me and chose this time of commitment to try and persecute me from doing God's will. So Satan attacked me in many different ways. I have been accused of lying and deception for telling nothing but the truth. I have even been accused of using this very blog as a podium for my lies. Satan is attacking me at every side right now. But I claim the power of Jesus Christ and hold it fast to me and I will not be cowed into straying from God's will for my life.
Therefore, Satan, I will no longer allow your attacks against me, be they spiritual attacks, physical attacks, or mental attacks, to come between me and the work I do for my Lord and Savior, one Jesus Christ! I cast thee away from me in the name of Jesus Christ!
This is how you deal with doubt, deceivers, and those who would call your efforts false! The only standard you should be using when you hold what you're doing to scrutiny is the Word of God. But do it correctly! When you seek to understand what the bible is saying. You should consider the author's intent in writing what he wrote, the audience, the occasion for the writing, and what was going on at that time as well as the actual message. And do not take just a small snippet to try and understand what is being said. This is how so much scripture is misinterpreted. You must consider what was said before and after the scripture you are studying. This is how you accurately study what the Word of God truly says.
In conclusion, do not let your past dictate your future. Do not let your past hinder what you are doing in the name of Jesus Christ! Do not let those who point to your past convince you that what you are doing is wrong. Stand fast in the truth of God's Word, hold tight to Jesus Christ, and do great works in His name!
May God bless you all this day!
The Truth About Lying!
Hello Guys and Gals!
What do you know about lies? I used to think that I knew more than I did. Yet now that I know more about them, the more I realize that there is so little that I actually know! The same can be said for just about everything.
What does the Word of God say about lying?
'You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.' Exodus 20:16.
I used to think that there was a loophole in this commandment. It says not just that 'you shall not bear false witness' but it adds on 'against your neighbor'! I used to think that when confronted with a situation where nobody would get hurt, like when your wife asks if the jeans she's wearing make her look fat, then a little lie, or a white lie, would not only be acceptable but appropriate in that situation. I no longer believe this!
John 2:21, 'no lie is of the truth.'
With this, we see that even a simple little white lie is not of the truth.
Jesus spoke to the Pharisees about lying. 'Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot hear My word. You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.' John 8:43-44.
This tells me that any lie, no matter how small, is of Satan who is the Father of Lies. If you make a lie, then you are speaking directly from Satan's own mouth!
'A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who tells lies will perish.' Proverbs 19:9
In this we can see that not only is the liar going to perish, but also that the lie itself will not go unpunished. I believe that any who spreads a lie, even if they do not know they are spreading a lie, also partake in the punishment of that lie.
Now that we know what the Word of God says about it, let's get into what actually happens with a lie. When someone lies, the lie that they speak attacks the relationship that person is having with who they are telling that lie to. Now some of you might say that you do not care about that relationship with someone you do not know. But Jesus told us that we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. He went on to define our neighbor as everyone you have contact with in your life! So when you lie, you are not seeking a good relationship but more attacking the relationship instead.
Even a simple white lie can rip a family to shreds. It brings division and lack of trust to a family. I have seen this with my own eyes many times. I am not speaking of just one incident here but what I have witnessed over the course of my life.
If any of you want to promote good relationships in your life, which is one of the things Jesus commanded us to do, then do not lie! For a lie tears at the very fabric that the relationship is made of. It is not a good thing and God will punish the Liar as well as the Lie and all who partake in it!
May God bless you all this day!
What do you know about lies? I used to think that I knew more than I did. Yet now that I know more about them, the more I realize that there is so little that I actually know! The same can be said for just about everything.
What does the Word of God say about lying?
'You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.' Exodus 20:16.
I used to think that there was a loophole in this commandment. It says not just that 'you shall not bear false witness' but it adds on 'against your neighbor'! I used to think that when confronted with a situation where nobody would get hurt, like when your wife asks if the jeans she's wearing make her look fat, then a little lie, or a white lie, would not only be acceptable but appropriate in that situation. I no longer believe this!
John 2:21, 'no lie is of the truth.'
With this, we see that even a simple little white lie is not of the truth.
Jesus spoke to the Pharisees about lying. 'Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot hear My word. You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.' John 8:43-44.
This tells me that any lie, no matter how small, is of Satan who is the Father of Lies. If you make a lie, then you are speaking directly from Satan's own mouth!
'A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who tells lies will perish.' Proverbs 19:9
In this we can see that not only is the liar going to perish, but also that the lie itself will not go unpunished. I believe that any who spreads a lie, even if they do not know they are spreading a lie, also partake in the punishment of that lie.
Now that we know what the Word of God says about it, let's get into what actually happens with a lie. When someone lies, the lie that they speak attacks the relationship that person is having with who they are telling that lie to. Now some of you might say that you do not care about that relationship with someone you do not know. But Jesus told us that we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. He went on to define our neighbor as everyone you have contact with in your life! So when you lie, you are not seeking a good relationship but more attacking the relationship instead.
Even a simple white lie can rip a family to shreds. It brings division and lack of trust to a family. I have seen this with my own eyes many times. I am not speaking of just one incident here but what I have witnessed over the course of my life.
If any of you want to promote good relationships in your life, which is one of the things Jesus commanded us to do, then do not lie! For a lie tears at the very fabric that the relationship is made of. It is not a good thing and God will punish the Liar as well as the Lie and all who partake in it!
May God bless you all this day!
11 July 2010
Punishment and Consequences!
Hello Guys and Gals!
I am writing this today because so many people think that these words are synonymous with each other. They are not! They are entirely different words.
PUNISHMENT:
1. the act of punishing.
2. the fact of being punished, as for an offense or fault.
3. a penalty inflicted for an offense, fault, etc.
4. severe handling or treatment.
CONSEQUENCE:
1. the effect, result, or outcome of something occurring earlier: The accident was the consequence of reckless driving.
2. an act or instance of following something as an effect, result, or outcome.
3. the conclusion reached by a line of reasoning; inference.
4. importance or significance: a matter of no consequence.
5. importance in rank or position; distinction: a man of great consequence in art.
Look closely at these two definitions. They are not the same. Punishment is an act of inflicting something upon someone for an offense. Consequences are something that will happen after someone does something that causes the consequence to come about.
When we sin against God, we are guilty of violating His Law and as such we are then susceptible to be punished under His Law! Yet when we accept Jesus Christ into our lives, we are forgiven our transgressions under His Law because Jesus has already been punished by God for our transgressions. He took our punishment and gave us His righteousness.
But that does not negate the consequences of the sin wherein we transgressed. In my own life, I have sinned against God many times. Under His Law, I am guilty and susceptible to be punished. Yet I have accepted Jesus Christ into my life. For this reason I have been seen in God's eyes not as guilty but righteous. However, the consequences of my sins are still in my life!
For example, take my former drug addiction to methamphetamine. I have been forgiven and will not suffer the punishment of this sin. However, I do suffer the consequences of having done this sin.
If one were to break the law, say using methamphetamine, and then be arrested for it by the authorities. They are then tried and sentenced as a part of the consequences. Now this is punishment under the national laws of the land. But it is a consequence of the user's actions in God's eyes. If that user asks Jesus into his life, he will then be forgiven of his transgression of God's Law. But that does not mean he does not face the consequences of the national laws of the land.
Please be aware that just because God has forgiven us as Christians, that does not mean that said forgiveness should be applied also to the believer for his transgressions against the law of the land. It does not mean that we set free prisoners who have accepted Jesus Christ into their lives. However, their actions and words can have an effect upon others with whom they are imprisoned with.
It is sometimes a hard thing to face the consequences of our actions. But remember this, Jesus will be right there with us helping us through the very difficult consequences that we face from the actions which we have chosen in this life that are not beneficial to either us or others!
May God bless you all this day! =)
I am writing this today because so many people think that these words are synonymous with each other. They are not! They are entirely different words.
PUNISHMENT:
1. the act of punishing.
2. the fact of being punished, as for an offense or fault.
3. a penalty inflicted for an offense, fault, etc.
4. severe handling or treatment.
CONSEQUENCE:
1. the effect, result, or outcome of something occurring earlier: The accident was the consequence of reckless driving.
2. an act or instance of following something as an effect, result, or outcome.
3. the conclusion reached by a line of reasoning; inference.
4. importance or significance: a matter of no consequence.
5. importance in rank or position; distinction: a man of great consequence in art.
Look closely at these two definitions. They are not the same. Punishment is an act of inflicting something upon someone for an offense. Consequences are something that will happen after someone does something that causes the consequence to come about.
When we sin against God, we are guilty of violating His Law and as such we are then susceptible to be punished under His Law! Yet when we accept Jesus Christ into our lives, we are forgiven our transgressions under His Law because Jesus has already been punished by God for our transgressions. He took our punishment and gave us His righteousness.
But that does not negate the consequences of the sin wherein we transgressed. In my own life, I have sinned against God many times. Under His Law, I am guilty and susceptible to be punished. Yet I have accepted Jesus Christ into my life. For this reason I have been seen in God's eyes not as guilty but righteous. However, the consequences of my sins are still in my life!
For example, take my former drug addiction to methamphetamine. I have been forgiven and will not suffer the punishment of this sin. However, I do suffer the consequences of having done this sin.
If one were to break the law, say using methamphetamine, and then be arrested for it by the authorities. They are then tried and sentenced as a part of the consequences. Now this is punishment under the national laws of the land. But it is a consequence of the user's actions in God's eyes. If that user asks Jesus into his life, he will then be forgiven of his transgression of God's Law. But that does not mean he does not face the consequences of the national laws of the land.
Please be aware that just because God has forgiven us as Christians, that does not mean that said forgiveness should be applied also to the believer for his transgressions against the law of the land. It does not mean that we set free prisoners who have accepted Jesus Christ into their lives. However, their actions and words can have an effect upon others with whom they are imprisoned with.
It is sometimes a hard thing to face the consequences of our actions. But remember this, Jesus will be right there with us helping us through the very difficult consequences that we face from the actions which we have chosen in this life that are not beneficial to either us or others!
May God bless you all this day! =)
09 July 2010
David's Faith In God!
Hello Guys and Gals!
I was reading today in 1 Samuel about David and Goliath. Did you know that Goliath was over 9 feet tall? I did the math and it said he was six cubits and a span. Now a cubit is 18 inches. If you add up just the cubits, that is 9 feet tall!
Now David was just a youth and everyone thought he was just talk. Yet he approached Goliath and said this, 'You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted. This day the LORD will deliver you up into my hands, and I will strike you down and remove your head from you. And I will give the dead bodies of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the sky and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the LORD does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the LORD's and He will give you into our hands.' 1 Samuel 17:45-47.
What an amazing faith and witness for the Lord! And you wonder why God called David a man after His own heart! It was also because when David found out about his sin, he immediately repented and sought the forgiveness that only God can give!
I wonder what America would be like today if our President had faith in God the same way David had. I ask and pray to God that He guides us in our choosing of our leaders and our next president!
God bless you all this day!
I was reading today in 1 Samuel about David and Goliath. Did you know that Goliath was over 9 feet tall? I did the math and it said he was six cubits and a span. Now a cubit is 18 inches. If you add up just the cubits, that is 9 feet tall!
Now David was just a youth and everyone thought he was just talk. Yet he approached Goliath and said this, 'You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted. This day the LORD will deliver you up into my hands, and I will strike you down and remove your head from you. And I will give the dead bodies of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the sky and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the LORD does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the LORD's and He will give you into our hands.' 1 Samuel 17:45-47.
What an amazing faith and witness for the Lord! And you wonder why God called David a man after His own heart! It was also because when David found out about his sin, he immediately repented and sought the forgiveness that only God can give!
I wonder what America would be like today if our President had faith in God the same way David had. I ask and pray to God that He guides us in our choosing of our leaders and our next president!
God bless you all this day!
08 July 2010
Hard Time Today!
Hello Guys and Gals!
I'm sorry for not posting something more today. I have had a hard time going through something in my life today. Please simply pray for me as I struggle with this!
God bless you all this day!
I'm sorry for not posting something more today. I have had a hard time going through something in my life today. Please simply pray for me as I struggle with this!
God bless you all this day!
07 July 2010
Christianity Without Suffering Is Dead!
Hello Guys and Gals!
I want to talk to you today about what you will go through as a true Christian! Many people say that once you accept Him into your life that everything will be like walking in a rose garden! This is simply not true! The truth is that you will be constantly tested in your faith, not only about your beliefs, but also about how you respond to these tests!
'Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.' Romans 5:1-5.
We will go through tribulations as believers! We will go through persecutions as believers! If you are not offending those who are in the world with the truth of Jesus Christ, then you're not speaking TRUTH! A friend of mine reminded me of this last night. He told me to put behind me the fact that some people I know do not want to associate with me anymore because of what I am saying about the Gospel and Jesus Christ! I guess this is one of the tribulations I am intended to go through!
'we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.' 2 Corinthians 4:8-11.
Paul wrote this to prove that, as Christians, we will go through sufferings and persecutions in our walk with Jesus Christ!
'Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.' Hebrews 12:1-2.
Still, knowing that we shall suffer trial and tribulation and persecution, we should still run the race set before us in an effort to win the race! Please understand that this is a race of endurance and not a quick dash! God will give us the strength to endure in this race if we only rely upon Him! Then we too can enjoy the rewards of our striving when we reunite with Jesus in Heaven!
God bless you all today!
I want to talk to you today about what you will go through as a true Christian! Many people say that once you accept Him into your life that everything will be like walking in a rose garden! This is simply not true! The truth is that you will be constantly tested in your faith, not only about your beliefs, but also about how you respond to these tests!
'Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.' Romans 5:1-5.
We will go through tribulations as believers! We will go through persecutions as believers! If you are not offending those who are in the world with the truth of Jesus Christ, then you're not speaking TRUTH! A friend of mine reminded me of this last night. He told me to put behind me the fact that some people I know do not want to associate with me anymore because of what I am saying about the Gospel and Jesus Christ! I guess this is one of the tribulations I am intended to go through!
'we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.' 2 Corinthians 4:8-11.
Paul wrote this to prove that, as Christians, we will go through sufferings and persecutions in our walk with Jesus Christ!
'Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.' Hebrews 12:1-2.
Still, knowing that we shall suffer trial and tribulation and persecution, we should still run the race set before us in an effort to win the race! Please understand that this is a race of endurance and not a quick dash! God will give us the strength to endure in this race if we only rely upon Him! Then we too can enjoy the rewards of our striving when we reunite with Jesus in Heaven!
God bless you all today!
06 July 2010
To Those Who Served!
Hello Guys and Gals!
I wanted to do this yesterday or the day before but I couldn't quite gather my thought about what I could say. But I want to salute all those who have served in the US Military for the service they have provided and the losses they have endured.
I have nothing but the utmost respect for those in the military. Why? Because they choose to serve no matter what! Even if they're sent to a war where they know that a change in administration here in the US can severely inhibit their ability to do what needs to be done. Even when the politicians are not supporting them, they still choose to serve, fight, endure losses uncounted, bleed their blood, and even die if they have to so that even liberals and progressives and anti-war advocates have the right to protest the military. Even when they're protesting, they forget the fact about the very ones who they are protesting are the very reason that they have the right to protest!
So here's to all who have served, are serving now, will serve, and especially all who have paid the ultimate price and died for our freedom! Salute!
Keep up the good work Soldiers and Sailors! May God bless our Soldiers and Sailors who defend our country against all enemies, both foreign and domestic!
God bless you all today!
I wanted to do this yesterday or the day before but I couldn't quite gather my thought about what I could say. But I want to salute all those who have served in the US Military for the service they have provided and the losses they have endured.
I have nothing but the utmost respect for those in the military. Why? Because they choose to serve no matter what! Even if they're sent to a war where they know that a change in administration here in the US can severely inhibit their ability to do what needs to be done. Even when the politicians are not supporting them, they still choose to serve, fight, endure losses uncounted, bleed their blood, and even die if they have to so that even liberals and progressives and anti-war advocates have the right to protest the military. Even when they're protesting, they forget the fact about the very ones who they are protesting are the very reason that they have the right to protest!
So here's to all who have served, are serving now, will serve, and especially all who have paid the ultimate price and died for our freedom! Salute!
Keep up the good work Soldiers and Sailors! May God bless our Soldiers and Sailors who defend our country against all enemies, both foreign and domestic!
God bless you all today!
05 July 2010
What Is Friendship?
Hello Guys and Gals!
I have been considering this question of late. What actually is friendship?
I know some people and I'm not sure if they're truly my friends or not. What I mean by that is, even though I claim being their friend, I'm not so sure they feel the same way towards me. It is because of their actions that I think this.
There is a new way of thinking that, if you're friends with someone, you can pick on them in a jesting way. I fully agree with being able to pick on your friends. However, some, and I'm not naming any names, let your conscience be your own guide, feel that, because of this friendship status, they can take to actually harassing you about something that is serious in your life at that time. They find something that really upsets you, and instead of helping you with it or staying away from that button, they intentionally press that button to see what kind of reaction they get out of you.
It is this type of behavior that makes me wonder if these people who I am trying to be their friend are trying to be my friend in return. Or are they simply trying to see how riled up they can get me? Why do people now a days work so hard at pissing people off like it's a game or something?
I don't believe that this is friendship!
I have also noticed that, with all the new gay hype going on, that people no longer touch other people in a friendly way anymore, thinking that maybe they will be hit with a gay accusation or maybe a sexual harassment lawsuit. What ever happened to putting a comforting hand on a shoulder in friendship without there being any gay or sexual implications involved in it? Why can't people, male or female, comfort each other with a hug or an arm around the shoulder without the other person looking at you wondering if you're making a move on them?
I think the media is playing this up in commercials, sitcoms, and movies! I wonder what their agenda is in attempting to keep people from being true friends.
In my church, the pastor is doing a series of sermons on Galatians. In it he talks about knowing that the Holy Spirit is within you by the fruits of the Spirit. 'But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.' Galatians 5:22-23. I think we can apply this principle to friendship as well as fruits of the Spirit. Does your relationship with this friend of yours promote these things? Or are they simply seeking to make you mad?
I think if we truly want to be friends with another, we need to build a relationship with them. The fruits of the Spirit are the PERFECT way to build a relationship with anyone! How do you treat your friends? Me, I am going to seek to treat my friends with fruits of the spirit!
God bless you all this day!
I have been considering this question of late. What actually is friendship?
I know some people and I'm not sure if they're truly my friends or not. What I mean by that is, even though I claim being their friend, I'm not so sure they feel the same way towards me. It is because of their actions that I think this.
There is a new way of thinking that, if you're friends with someone, you can pick on them in a jesting way. I fully agree with being able to pick on your friends. However, some, and I'm not naming any names, let your conscience be your own guide, feel that, because of this friendship status, they can take to actually harassing you about something that is serious in your life at that time. They find something that really upsets you, and instead of helping you with it or staying away from that button, they intentionally press that button to see what kind of reaction they get out of you.
It is this type of behavior that makes me wonder if these people who I am trying to be their friend are trying to be my friend in return. Or are they simply trying to see how riled up they can get me? Why do people now a days work so hard at pissing people off like it's a game or something?
I don't believe that this is friendship!
I have also noticed that, with all the new gay hype going on, that people no longer touch other people in a friendly way anymore, thinking that maybe they will be hit with a gay accusation or maybe a sexual harassment lawsuit. What ever happened to putting a comforting hand on a shoulder in friendship without there being any gay or sexual implications involved in it? Why can't people, male or female, comfort each other with a hug or an arm around the shoulder without the other person looking at you wondering if you're making a move on them?
I think the media is playing this up in commercials, sitcoms, and movies! I wonder what their agenda is in attempting to keep people from being true friends.
In my church, the pastor is doing a series of sermons on Galatians. In it he talks about knowing that the Holy Spirit is within you by the fruits of the Spirit. 'But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.' Galatians 5:22-23. I think we can apply this principle to friendship as well as fruits of the Spirit. Does your relationship with this friend of yours promote these things? Or are they simply seeking to make you mad?
I think if we truly want to be friends with another, we need to build a relationship with them. The fruits of the Spirit are the PERFECT way to build a relationship with anyone! How do you treat your friends? Me, I am going to seek to treat my friends with fruits of the spirit!
God bless you all this day!
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