What makes today such a wonderful day in my life is, that God loves us. He actually, literally loves us!
We have been discussing at church, how that Jesus took our shame upon Himself, and was shamed for us. What a Savior!
Another amazing thought is, that we also know that Jesus is not ashamed of us. Jesus is not ashamed of you! [Hebrews 2:11]
This great love and affection that the Great God has for us, goes all the way back to when we were in our mother's womb!
"You possessed my reins: You have covered me in my mother's womb."
Psalm 139:13
Reins are instruments of direction. They are how one leads an animal in the right direction. And so, even while developing in the womb, God was directing our lives. Even then, He determined our life's direction (purpose, gifts, talents, etc).
Now it is our life's quest to find, secure, and enjoy that Divine destiny.
While we were yet, literally, inside our own mother's care, God too surrounded us in a very special communion. This is why, that after we come forth from the womb, we have such a pressing desire for God's presence.
Because this is the most natural, and the very first "feeling" that we ever experienced! And even though we have no memory, per se, of that prenatal encounter, yet it is registered on our conscience, and our heart cries out for it!
Thank You dear Heavenly Father!
In fact, the Psalmist responds to this revelation with: "Such knowledge is too wonderful for me"! [Ps.139:6]
AND SO IT IS!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Faith Coaching
A PERSONAL MEDITATION, A SELF REALIZATION
In today's terms, as a pastor/teacher, I am a Faith Coach! This is not a modern-day "life coach".
The temptation is to get in there and take upon self, the responsibility of helping people to succeed in all life-areas.
However, I am to skill people in navigating through God's Word, being led by the Holy Spirit, and appropriating the promises of God through faith, to bring about Divine results in their lives.
How/Why is it that people embrace the spiritual, and even some of the faith promises, yet come up short in many of the practical areas of life?
Answer: Because they do not find or apply wisdom! Let alone, the accelerated wisdom of God!
Faith is knowing what God can and will do, and then expecting Him to do so!
Wisdom is knowing what we can and should do, and then putting it into action!
In today's terms, as a pastor/teacher, I am a Faith Coach! This is not a modern-day "life coach".
The temptation is to get in there and take upon self, the responsibility of helping people to succeed in all life-areas.
However, I am to skill people in navigating through God's Word, being led by the Holy Spirit, and appropriating the promises of God through faith, to bring about Divine results in their lives.
How/Why is it that people embrace the spiritual, and even some of the faith promises, yet come up short in many of the practical areas of life?
Answer: Because they do not find or apply wisdom! Let alone, the accelerated wisdom of God!
Faith is knowing what God can and will do, and then expecting Him to do so!
Wisdom is knowing what we can and should do, and then putting it into action!
Friday, March 27, 2009
"From this time forth... and forevermore!"
"The Lord shall... from this time forth and even forevermore!" Psalm121:8
Behind every promise of God, is an oath, an eternal covenant! And because of this, we can suffix every promise with, "from this time forth and even forevermore"!
Man has always had this trouble of accepting God's work or willingness only for one time, yet faltering when it comes to the thought of expecting Him to do it subsequently!
You remember the children of Israel coming out of Egypt. God brought them out with mighty signs, wonders, and miracles! He brought these slaves out, without a price paid for their freedom. In fact, they came out healthy, fed, and loaded with silver and gold!
Yet two weeks out, they seriously doubted that God could, or would ever do anything for them again! How nasty!
Yet this is the way people think and feel, even today. God has worked in their lives in the past, yet they have no confidence that He will help them out once again - in the NOW!
This is a point that God has worked overtime trying to get across to His people! The prophets spoke that: His word is to a thousand generations, it is forever settled, etc etc! Paul speaking to this said, that "the promises of God... are yes and so be it... to the glory of God!" (2Cor. 1:20)
Which is to say, that every promise has a - "yes, it is for you, and so be it, now in your life" stipulation with it.
As the prophetic Psalmist said, "The Lord will... from this time forth and even forevermore"!
God could have had that written in behind each one of the thousands of promises that He has made to us... but He evidently thought, that we would know that it is most certainly implied!
Well, thanks to the devil, unbelief, and some preachers, many "believers" are coaxed to doubt that God will always do what He has said that He would do!
So every time you come across a promise in God's word, don't forget to suffix it with: "FROM THIS TIME FORTH AND EVEN FOREVERMORE!"
All Glory be to God!
Behind every promise of God, is an oath, an eternal covenant! And because of this, we can suffix every promise with, "from this time forth and even forevermore"!
Man has always had this trouble of accepting God's work or willingness only for one time, yet faltering when it comes to the thought of expecting Him to do it subsequently!
You remember the children of Israel coming out of Egypt. God brought them out with mighty signs, wonders, and miracles! He brought these slaves out, without a price paid for their freedom. In fact, they came out healthy, fed, and loaded with silver and gold!
Yet two weeks out, they seriously doubted that God could, or would ever do anything for them again! How nasty!
Yet this is the way people think and feel, even today. God has worked in their lives in the past, yet they have no confidence that He will help them out once again - in the NOW!
This is a point that God has worked overtime trying to get across to His people! The prophets spoke that: His word is to a thousand generations, it is forever settled, etc etc! Paul speaking to this said, that "the promises of God... are yes and so be it... to the glory of God!" (2Cor. 1:20)
Which is to say, that every promise has a - "yes, it is for you, and so be it, now in your life" stipulation with it.
As the prophetic Psalmist said, "The Lord will... from this time forth and even forevermore"!
God could have had that written in behind each one of the thousands of promises that He has made to us... but He evidently thought, that we would know that it is most certainly implied!
Well, thanks to the devil, unbelief, and some preachers, many "believers" are coaxed to doubt that God will always do what He has said that He would do!
So every time you come across a promise in God's word, don't forget to suffix it with: "FROM THIS TIME FORTH AND EVEN FOREVERMORE!"
All Glory be to God!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
The Day for a King!
"...Jesus Christ...has made us kings..." (Rev 1:5-6)
"It is... the king's privilege to discover and invent." (Prov.25:2)
Jesus has made us "kings". What does that mean? Does it, in reality, mean not a thing? Is it just a nicety? Yeah, yeah, that's nice, but I am still just who I am, nothing has changed... Where's my throne, where's my crown, where's my power?
No... actually it does mean something. It is not just fairy tale, pretendville speak!
When God speaks such things over our lives, they become our DIVINE CALLING.
With a Divine calling comes supernatural gifts, skills, talents, as well as Divine power and demonstration to back it up!
In every calling there is a multitude of Divine treasures and secrets just waiting to be discovered and released.
Though manifold, two aspects of the Kingly anointing are revealed here in Proverbs 25: Discovery and Invention.
The Kingly anointing is at the beginning and end of the human experience. At one end, it searches out and finds [discovers] things that are, though not yet uncovered. At the other end, it brings into being [invents] that which others have yet to conceive or produce.
So, you may find yourself with little to no discovery or inventive skills. Your past experience may be that you have never come up with an original or creative idea in your life. Or you may have dreamt-up plenty of "grandiose ideas", yet they have never managed to emerge out of your mind, into the real world, to produce anything. Maybe every time that you have ever sought out the answer to a perplexing dilemma, or searched for a solution to "take you over"... you just seem to come up with "zilch", a dead-end!
Well, there is super good news for us. Amazing actually! God has bestowed upon us the calling and the anointing of kingship. As we put stock and faith in this calling, it will then release the Divine abilities and treasures that God has invested into it.
You may want to pray: "Anointing of a king, be released in my life, now, in the name of Jesus!"
We are living in the days wherein this is greatly needed, for both the benefit of ourselves and others around us!
"It is... the king's privilege to discover and invent." (Prov.25:2)
Jesus has made us "kings". What does that mean? Does it, in reality, mean not a thing? Is it just a nicety? Yeah, yeah, that's nice, but I am still just who I am, nothing has changed... Where's my throne, where's my crown, where's my power?
No... actually it does mean something. It is not just fairy tale, pretendville speak!
When God speaks such things over our lives, they become our DIVINE CALLING.
With a Divine calling comes supernatural gifts, skills, talents, as well as Divine power and demonstration to back it up!
In every calling there is a multitude of Divine treasures and secrets just waiting to be discovered and released.
Though manifold, two aspects of the Kingly anointing are revealed here in Proverbs 25: Discovery and Invention.
The Kingly anointing is at the beginning and end of the human experience. At one end, it searches out and finds [discovers] things that are, though not yet uncovered. At the other end, it brings into being [invents] that which others have yet to conceive or produce.
So, you may find yourself with little to no discovery or inventive skills. Your past experience may be that you have never come up with an original or creative idea in your life. Or you may have dreamt-up plenty of "grandiose ideas", yet they have never managed to emerge out of your mind, into the real world, to produce anything. Maybe every time that you have ever sought out the answer to a perplexing dilemma, or searched for a solution to "take you over"... you just seem to come up with "zilch", a dead-end!
Well, there is super good news for us. Amazing actually! God has bestowed upon us the calling and the anointing of kingship. As we put stock and faith in this calling, it will then release the Divine abilities and treasures that God has invested into it.
You may want to pray: "Anointing of a king, be released in my life, now, in the name of Jesus!"
We are living in the days wherein this is greatly needed, for both the benefit of ourselves and others around us!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Words of Life
Jesus once spoke a parable, and being perplexed as to its meaning, many of the people who "followed" Him walked away. Jesus turned to His twelve, and asked them if they planned to follow suite?
But Peter answered, "Where shall we go Lord... you speak the words of eternal life."
When Peter heard God's word, as Jesus spoke it... he didn't just hear "lecturing" from a "good teacher", or "wise-sayings" from a "holy man".
...but his heart was greatly impacted with words of Divine light and life! He was stirred and moved by the Spirit deep within!
Just as it was at the beginning of creation, he felt his life literally being transformed as the words of God addressed him, and the Spirit of God moving upon him as Jesus spoke to him! You can't get that from any other source, and Peter knew it! He wasn't going anywhere!
Do you hear the Divine voice? Can you sense that life eternal? Is your heart stirred at the words of God?
This is the difference between the atheists and side-liners, and those whose follow Jesus and rejoice openly in their heavenly Father.
How gracious is our God, the Living God!
But Peter answered, "Where shall we go Lord... you speak the words of eternal life."
When Peter heard God's word, as Jesus spoke it... he didn't just hear "lecturing" from a "good teacher", or "wise-sayings" from a "holy man".
...but his heart was greatly impacted with words of Divine light and life! He was stirred and moved by the Spirit deep within!
Just as it was at the beginning of creation, he felt his life literally being transformed as the words of God addressed him, and the Spirit of God moving upon him as Jesus spoke to him! You can't get that from any other source, and Peter knew it! He wasn't going anywhere!
Do you hear the Divine voice? Can you sense that life eternal? Is your heart stirred at the words of God?
This is the difference between the atheists and side-liners, and those whose follow Jesus and rejoice openly in their heavenly Father.
How gracious is our God, the Living God!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Save Us From Basic Stupidity?
“…my father. 4 He told me never to forget his words. "If you follow them," he said, "you will have a long and happy life.
5 Learn to be wise," he said, "and develop good judgment and common sense! I cannot overemphasize this point."
6 Cling to wisdom--she will protect you. Love her--she will guard you.
7 Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do! And with your wisdom, develop common sense and good judgment.
8,9 If you exalt wisdom, she will exalt you. Hold her fast, and she will lead you to great honor; she will place a beautiful crown upon your head. CH. 4:4-8 (Liv)
In Today’s Proverb, we are told that one of the most important factors of leading a good life is gaining and following wisdom!
Sometimes as religious and ”Christian” people, and even bona fide believers in Jesus, we can sometimes over spiritualize everyday living on this earth!
We talk in terms of, “Well it must have happened for a reason.” Or, “God had some great purpose or learning experience in this for me.” And, “God’s going to take care of the situation for me.” Or, “I just don’t know why God didn’t see fit to help me out with that situation”?
However, Proverbs shows us a whole different angle on earthly living. Maybe, “it didn’t work out” because we did not make a wise choice! Maybe we are wondering around doing the wrong things in life, hanging around with the wrong crowd, getting involved in things that fall apart, because we are not (beforehand) seeking out wisdom… we are not asking, “Okay, now what is the wise thing to do here?”
A person finds himself in a pickled situation or circumstance, and then testifies that it is God’s fabulous, miraculous, wondrous doings!
However many a time it is just simply their own stupidity and foolishness (i.e. lack of wisdom!) No condemnation here: we have all been there and done that!
Wisdom will protect us and keep us from harm and failure! Wisdom will exalt us, bring us to great honor, high regard, and authority! It is a most important thing in this life, says Solomon!
So instead of being led by what worldly-feels-good, or what I can heavenly-get-a-way with…let’s seek after wisdom! God will give it out freely and abundantly to those who will seek Him for it! He is very generous with these things, you know!
And... maybe we need to say a prayer: "Lord have mercy on me and deliver me from my foolish mistake."
5 Learn to be wise," he said, "and develop good judgment and common sense! I cannot overemphasize this point."
6 Cling to wisdom--she will protect you. Love her--she will guard you.
7 Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do! And with your wisdom, develop common sense and good judgment.
8,9 If you exalt wisdom, she will exalt you. Hold her fast, and she will lead you to great honor; she will place a beautiful crown upon your head. CH. 4:4-8 (Liv)
In Today’s Proverb, we are told that one of the most important factors of leading a good life is gaining and following wisdom!
Sometimes as religious and ”Christian” people, and even bona fide believers in Jesus, we can sometimes over spiritualize everyday living on this earth!
We talk in terms of, “Well it must have happened for a reason.” Or, “God had some great purpose or learning experience in this for me.” And, “God’s going to take care of the situation for me.” Or, “I just don’t know why God didn’t see fit to help me out with that situation”?
However, Proverbs shows us a whole different angle on earthly living. Maybe, “it didn’t work out” because we did not make a wise choice! Maybe we are wondering around doing the wrong things in life, hanging around with the wrong crowd, getting involved in things that fall apart, because we are not (beforehand) seeking out wisdom… we are not asking, “Okay, now what is the wise thing to do here?”
A person finds himself in a pickled situation or circumstance, and then testifies that it is God’s fabulous, miraculous, wondrous doings!
However many a time it is just simply their own stupidity and foolishness (i.e. lack of wisdom!) No condemnation here: we have all been there and done that!
Wisdom will protect us and keep us from harm and failure! Wisdom will exalt us, bring us to great honor, high regard, and authority! It is a most important thing in this life, says Solomon!
So instead of being led by what worldly-feels-good, or what I can heavenly-get-a-way with…let’s seek after wisdom! God will give it out freely and abundantly to those who will seek Him for it! He is very generous with these things, you know!
And... maybe we need to say a prayer: "Lord have mercy on me and deliver me from my foolish mistake."
Thursday, February 26, 2009
The Curse Shall Not Land
In Today’s Proverb: “Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest [i.e. land].” (26:2-NIV)
The “curse” is the death and destruction of all forms and of all kinds, which were loosed into this earth upon Adam and Eve’s sin. It is sin’s “reward” (or result).
However, as the analogy in this proverb indicates, the curse has only rightful access to the “deserving”, which in Biblical terms, is the sin-ful. All other targets are inappropriate. The problem: All men have sinned, therefore all of man and all that belongs to man is “deserving” of the curse. Man, and the earth which was placed into his hands by God, are in fact, an appropriate landing.
Then by the mercies and grace of God, one came in whom there was no sin. He was not “deserving” of the curse. He was not a legally appropriate target for the curse! In Him the curse had no landing (or resting place). In life, He walked above the curse. His name of course, was Jesus.
But through His great love and sacrifice, Jesus, Who was not “deserving” of the curse, actually took the curse upon Himself, in our place, who were “deserving” of the curse… in order to make us then, legally, “undeserving” of the curse. This is Redemption! (A price paid – an exchange made).
Now, as the Redeemed believers in Jesus, we stand “undeserving” of the curse and all of its effects! It has no resting place in us! By faith in the promise of the Word, and in the legality of His redemption, we refuse its “landing” in our lives! Because of Jesus, we can apply today's Proverb to ourselves!
Even the Psalmist wrote of this redemption:
Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day [v.5]… it shall not come nigh thee…
…Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked [vv.7-8]
…There shall no evil befall [i.e. land upon] thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling [v10]. Psalm 91
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Mind Your Own Business?
In today's Proverb, something of note is addressed. When you see others (i.e. not belonging to yourself) being led off to slaughter... "is it none of your business"? "Leave well 'nough alone"?
Be it more than 1.2 million innocent children (in the United States alone) being slaughtered inside their own mother's womb each year... be it people in "other" nations being murdered, abused, and enslaved... be it spiritually lost and blind people being led unknowingly down the path to death, hell, and destruction...
Do we say nothing? Do we risk being called "imperialists" to other nations? Do we risk being accused of trouncing on "women's rights" to choose what they do with "their own" bodies? Do we dare risk being labeled "religious extremists" or "fascists" towards those in need of a savior?
Do we just look the other way, simply because it is none of our business? But WHO said "it's none of our business"? An attorney? A political strategist? A news reporter?
What does the Creator of all mankind, the Lover and Shepherd of the souls of all people say? GO!" (Matthew 28:19)
"Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.
If you say, "But we knew nothing about this," does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay each person according to what he has done?
Proverbs 24:11-12 (NIV)
Be it more than 1.2 million innocent children (in the United States alone) being slaughtered inside their own mother's womb each year... be it people in "other" nations being murdered, abused, and enslaved... be it spiritually lost and blind people being led unknowingly down the path to death, hell, and destruction...
Do we say nothing? Do we risk being called "imperialists" to other nations? Do we risk being accused of trouncing on "women's rights" to choose what they do with "their own" bodies? Do we dare risk being labeled "religious extremists" or "fascists" towards those in need of a savior?
Do we just look the other way, simply because it is none of our business? But WHO said "it's none of our business"? An attorney? A political strategist? A news reporter?
What does the Creator of all mankind, the Lover and Shepherd of the souls of all people say? GO!" (Matthew 28:19)
"Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.
If you say, "But we knew nothing about this," does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay each person according to what he has done?
Proverbs 24:11-12 (NIV)
Thursday, February 12, 2009
People: a source of great comfort!
In 2 Corinthians 7 Paul is sharing something personal. He is in a situation where he is being attacked and abused for preaching and teaching the Gospel. He is facing great peril and treachery! He is sharing with the church, that with the external threats and persecution, there is also great internal pressure that is coming against him. Knowing that people hate you. Knowing that there are others that are not only bent on your ruin, but that are sworn to kill you!
All this external strife and warring can produce great internal fear, struggle, self doubt, and a sense of failure etc! But Paul intimates something here very interesting. Though we know that he lived above all of this by the grace of God, and walked at peace within himself... through the Word of God, and by the Holy Spirit (Cf. 2 Cor. 6:6-7), yet he says that what took him over the top in joy and comfort, more than anything was...
...the way in which he was treated and loved by other people
(viz. Titus, and their local church). This is not an insult to God or His Word! This is the way that God has designed it... that we would have great power in comforting one another in the Spirit of love and truth.
Let us rid ourselves completely of cutting remarks, insulting other's things, styles, and ways...(contrary to what you may think - your ways are not THE only way of doing everything - they are just merely the way you choose to do it!), saying things that make others feel "stupid" or look foolish in front of others, on and on! Whether you're "just joking" or are serious, it does not matter - it's all the same! (Cf. Ephes. 4:31-32)
We are here to be peace-givers, peace-bringers, and peace-makers for others who may be filled with turmoil! We are here to be joy-bringers and comfort-givers to those who are dealing with the torment and trouble that come from living in this world!
WE ALL NEED IT! WHAT A CALLING!
All this external strife and warring can produce great internal fear, struggle, self doubt, and a sense of failure etc! But Paul intimates something here very interesting. Though we know that he lived above all of this by the grace of God, and walked at peace within himself... through the Word of God, and by the Holy Spirit (Cf. 2 Cor. 6:6-7), yet he says that what took him over the top in joy and comfort, more than anything was...
...the way in which he was treated and loved by other people
(viz. Titus, and their local church). This is not an insult to God or His Word! This is the way that God has designed it... that we would have great power in comforting one another in the Spirit of love and truth.
Let us rid ourselves completely of cutting remarks, insulting other's things, styles, and ways...(contrary to what you may think - your ways are not THE only way of doing everything - they are just merely the way you choose to do it!), saying things that make others feel "stupid" or look foolish in front of others, on and on! Whether you're "just joking" or are serious, it does not matter - it's all the same! (Cf. Ephes. 4:31-32)
We are here to be peace-givers, peace-bringers, and peace-makers for others who may be filled with turmoil! We are here to be joy-bringers and comfort-givers to those who are dealing with the torment and trouble that come from living in this world!
WE ALL NEED IT! WHAT A CALLING!
Friday, February 6, 2009
Faithful & True prt.2
Okay... the guys must have been out building igloos? We were talking about the proverb that encourages husbands to be "faithful & true" to their wives. This day we're calling on all wives... Could you ladies give us your perspective and ideas on what this means and what it looks like in everyday life?
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Faithful & True
Time to wake up! Hey, it's still early at my house. Well, this blog has been going for a month... This is a place for feedback, response, and conversation. We have had some very cool responses from some of you out there... but it has been very scant!
Today I call upon men! I want your response! You can be "anonymous", you can sign your name at the bottom of your post... your choice. But in this month of romance, in a world, most unfortunately (seemingly??) plagued with inept romanceirs (both men and women)... I have this hobby of a desire to help change that... but must admit, the task at times seems overwhelming! Rise up oh army!
In today's Proverb, we find this: "Drink from your own well, my son--be faithful and true to your wife." (v.15 Liv) Would you sound off and give us some ideas on what that means? What is it, and what does it look like? Awaiting your reply(s)! ...and don't settle for the other guy's answer :)
Today I call upon men! I want your response! You can be "anonymous", you can sign your name at the bottom of your post... your choice. But in this month of romance, in a world, most unfortunately (seemingly??) plagued with inept romanceirs (both men and women)... I have this hobby of a desire to help change that... but must admit, the task at times seems overwhelming! Rise up oh army!
In today's Proverb, we find this: "Drink from your own well, my son--be faithful and true to your wife." (v.15 Liv) Would you sound off and give us some ideas on what that means? What is it, and what does it look like? Awaiting your reply(s)! ...and don't settle for the other guy's answer :)
Monday, February 2, 2009
February Romance
Welcome to the month of romance! Some people love it, some people don't. Some know what it is, some have long forgotten. Romance is the spirit of marriage. It is the spark, it is the passion that keeps the relationship fresh, on fire, and ever increasing.
Of course, for believers, the Song of Solomon is the pattern for romance between the husband and the wife. And I would venture to say, that ten years into your marriage, if you are not living in this awesome book, you're probably not living in romance!
Most couples, at the very beginning of their relationship, experienced some kind of passion, or feeling of romance. Yet, as the relationship goes on, for many, that all fades away. They may look back on that time and wish for those same feelings, only to dismiss the thought, reasoning that, "Well, you can't expect to have those same feelings... that was just because it was all new, etc etc..."
I tend to strongly disagree! On the contrary, with God, the God of life and increase, things grow, develop, and become greater! Those "feelings" for a spouse should be (and can be) even greater! Romance should be even more ecstatic! But a crucial lesson must be caught: Because at the very beginning, this infatuation may have just seemed to come out of the blue and hit you... you really didn't do anything to get it... it was just there... You didn't work it up. Just one day, all of a sudden, you found yourself really, really attracted to this person... and willing to do "anything it takes" to be with them... people then assume that there is nothing that you can do to control romance, or to develop it... it is a feeling that comes out of nowhere - out of one's control, and it is something that later leaves - out of one's control.
I think that this is a very false assumption. You can keep it if you want it! It can last a lifetime if you nurture it! If you work at it, romance and real romantic feelings should be many times greater that at the beginning!
Romance: you feel it, you experience it, but it is also something that you do!
Here are some new words that I have recently coined - you can discuss them with your spouse? "Introflirt" (think introvert). "Reverse-flirtation". Hmmmmm?
Of course, for believers, the Song of Solomon is the pattern for romance between the husband and the wife. And I would venture to say, that ten years into your marriage, if you are not living in this awesome book, you're probably not living in romance!
Most couples, at the very beginning of their relationship, experienced some kind of passion, or feeling of romance. Yet, as the relationship goes on, for many, that all fades away. They may look back on that time and wish for those same feelings, only to dismiss the thought, reasoning that, "Well, you can't expect to have those same feelings... that was just because it was all new, etc etc..."
I tend to strongly disagree! On the contrary, with God, the God of life and increase, things grow, develop, and become greater! Those "feelings" for a spouse should be (and can be) even greater! Romance should be even more ecstatic! But a crucial lesson must be caught: Because at the very beginning, this infatuation may have just seemed to come out of the blue and hit you... you really didn't do anything to get it... it was just there... You didn't work it up. Just one day, all of a sudden, you found yourself really, really attracted to this person... and willing to do "anything it takes" to be with them... people then assume that there is nothing that you can do to control romance, or to develop it... it is a feeling that comes out of nowhere - out of one's control, and it is something that later leaves - out of one's control.
I think that this is a very false assumption. You can keep it if you want it! It can last a lifetime if you nurture it! If you work at it, romance and real romantic feelings should be many times greater that at the beginning!
Romance: you feel it, you experience it, but it is also something that you do!
Here are some new words that I have recently coined - you can discuss them with your spouse? "Introflirt" (think introvert). "Reverse-flirtation". Hmmmmm?
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Ma & Pa Evangelism: It's for all types!
Save some by snatching them as from the very flames of hell itself. And as for others, help them to find the Lord by being kind to them... Jude 1:23 (Living)
Jesus exhorts us to go, and tell others about His saving grace, the free gift of the forgiveness of our sins, and eternal life (a relationship with Him now and a future in Heaven)! As it turns out, we do approach people in different ways. And by observation, I see that different people bring the Gospel to others with different mindsets... and this is okay!
You know, some people like to look at things analytically, and categorize what they see from either the feminine or masculine side of things. Well, here it is for you in the book of Jude. "...by snatching them as from the very flames of hell itself." Here we see the masculine, paternal angle of sharing Jesus and the Gospel with others...
We do it because 1) Jesus told us to! 2) It's our job, it's our responsibility! ...We have to do it! 3) Even though sometimes it may feel awkward - we do it anyway because it must be done! 4) We see certain people as half-way in hell already - they need Jesus ASAP or their life will be ruined and destroyed by their life-style, sin, habits, and bondages!
"...And as for others, help them to find the Lord by being kind to them..." Now here's the feminine, maternal angle. We bring others to Jesus because 1) We love them! 2) We have compassion on them and feel for their pain, problems, and lost-ness! 3) Even though they worsen their own situations and run from the truth and God, yet like a mother with her own child, we will give whatever it takes of our time, money, and efforts to assist in their rescue and blessing! 4) We want them to experience all of the goodness of God that we ourselves do!
Whatever your tendency in "evangelism"... as the Apostle Paul inferred in the book of Philippians: It doesn't always matter how you do it, but that it is getting done, is the important thing! Let's all do more of it!
Jesus exhorts us to go, and tell others about His saving grace, the free gift of the forgiveness of our sins, and eternal life (a relationship with Him now and a future in Heaven)! As it turns out, we do approach people in different ways. And by observation, I see that different people bring the Gospel to others with different mindsets... and this is okay!
You know, some people like to look at things analytically, and categorize what they see from either the feminine or masculine side of things. Well, here it is for you in the book of Jude. "...by snatching them as from the very flames of hell itself." Here we see the masculine, paternal angle of sharing Jesus and the Gospel with others...
We do it because 1) Jesus told us to! 2) It's our job, it's our responsibility! ...We have to do it! 3) Even though sometimes it may feel awkward - we do it anyway because it must be done! 4) We see certain people as half-way in hell already - they need Jesus ASAP or their life will be ruined and destroyed by their life-style, sin, habits, and bondages!
"...And as for others, help them to find the Lord by being kind to them..." Now here's the feminine, maternal angle. We bring others to Jesus because 1) We love them! 2) We have compassion on them and feel for their pain, problems, and lost-ness! 3) Even though they worsen their own situations and run from the truth and God, yet like a mother with her own child, we will give whatever it takes of our time, money, and efforts to assist in their rescue and blessing! 4) We want them to experience all of the goodness of God that we ourselves do!
Whatever your tendency in "evangelism"... as the Apostle Paul inferred in the book of Philippians: It doesn't always matter how you do it, but that it is getting done, is the important thing! Let's all do more of it!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Baptism in January
There is no greater way to enjoy a frigid winter morning then to have a water baptism! Brrrrrrr! Well, we did have it indoors, in a heated "pool"! It was exciting yesterday to see four people baptized. A teen and pre-teen (brothers; Jesus' first disciples were actually several sets of brothers), a mother of three, a man in his mid-forties.
Baptism is about people making a statement! It is not saying, "After some consideration, I have decided to be religious". But, just as water is real, just as getting wet is real... getting dunked under water is not just a thought process... it is something that really, actually happens to you! And so, baptism is saying to everyone, "God has really done something in my life... and I want it to continue"!
Whether it is experiencing Divine deliverance from substance abuse, as one shared yesterday, or knowing that God has been with you and has worked "miracles" in your life, both large and small , or that the Lord Jesus has made Himself known to you, and as a result is very real to you... sharing this with others is what baptism is about!
Baptism is about people making a statement! It is not saying, "After some consideration, I have decided to be religious". But, just as water is real, just as getting wet is real... getting dunked under water is not just a thought process... it is something that really, actually happens to you! And so, baptism is saying to everyone, "God has really done something in my life... and I want it to continue"!
Whether it is experiencing Divine deliverance from substance abuse, as one shared yesterday, or knowing that God has been with you and has worked "miracles" in your life, both large and small , or that the Lord Jesus has made Himself known to you, and as a result is very real to you... sharing this with others is what baptism is about!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Problems Like an Armed Bandit!
We have all heard people say, "What have I done to deserve all these problems and awful circumstances."
Well, we know that sometimes the answer to that can be very complex! Sometimes tragedy and trouble come from a circumstance of "chance". Meaning, those things just happen in this world, and people just stumble into them. From a Biblical perspective, sometimes these things are assaults from the devil. Many times "bad" things happen because people are imperfect and make mistakes. Instead of hitting the brakes, they stomp on the gas! This is just a matter of human error; there is no mystical interpretation to it.
Today in Proverbs 24:30-34, we see yet another possible cause: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest. (34) and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man. [33-34]
Here we find a spiritual law that we all must be aware of. People find themselves in the midst of overwhelming, devastating, avalanche type problems, and think "where did this come from"?
This lazy man in proverbs thought to himself, "I just want to take a little nap". "Hold on a minute, I just need a little rest". "I'll be there in a while, I just need to take a little break." And he later found out that all the "little" did not simply add up to a small pile of little, but it multiplied exponentially into an overwhelming amount of too much to handle and to deal with - IT PUT HIM "COMPLETELY UNDER!"
This falls into the law of sowing and reaping. What you sow is what you reap, and what you reap comes back multiplied many times! Theoretically speaking, if you sow three tiny apple seeds, you do not reap three apples. You reap three trees of apples that will multiply into hundreds of apples per year - indefinitely. So it would be very strange to us that twenty years down the road a man would look up to the sky and ask, "where did all these apples come from, I only planted three tiny seeds?"
The tricky thing that we witness in today's proverb is, that with spiritual things (good and evil, sin and ungodliness) it doesn't always take the "twenty years" (as with apple trees) to come abruptly into one's life... it can come very, very swiftly... and what is even more complexing is; the person can forget or be cognitively unaware that they ever even sowed the three tiny "apple seeds"!
The tendency is for people to think, "I just sin a little", "I just committed a tiny evil, a tiny wrong, it's done, it's no big deal - life goes on." However, the reality is, that if you don't take those things to God, get them forgiven, washed away by the blood of Jesus, and surgically remove them out of existence through faith, prayer and the Word of God - they can come crashing back into your life, breaking down your door with "guns blazing" just like an "armed bandit"!
Now, the very exciting and good news about this law is this... the seemingly "little things" that we do as we serve God, and love others, these too will get multiplied together exponentially and then suddenly come back into our lives for our salvation, deliverance, and blessing! A little + a Little + a little does not = 3 littles! It equals more like 3 to the hundredth power!!
One example of this is ; if we sow into the Kingdom of God, only a very small 10% of our income, we are promised to receive back into our lives, more than we can possibly contain within our earthly storehouses (Malachi) -- NOT BAD! So just expect these good things to happen to you - just all of a sudden!
Well, we know that sometimes the answer to that can be very complex! Sometimes tragedy and trouble come from a circumstance of "chance". Meaning, those things just happen in this world, and people just stumble into them. From a Biblical perspective, sometimes these things are assaults from the devil. Many times "bad" things happen because people are imperfect and make mistakes. Instead of hitting the brakes, they stomp on the gas! This is just a matter of human error; there is no mystical interpretation to it.
Today in Proverbs 24:30-34, we see yet another possible cause: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest. (34) and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man. [33-34]
Here we find a spiritual law that we all must be aware of. People find themselves in the midst of overwhelming, devastating, avalanche type problems, and think "where did this come from"?
This lazy man in proverbs thought to himself, "I just want to take a little nap". "Hold on a minute, I just need a little rest". "I'll be there in a while, I just need to take a little break." And he later found out that all the "little" did not simply add up to a small pile of little, but it multiplied exponentially into an overwhelming amount of too much to handle and to deal with - IT PUT HIM "COMPLETELY UNDER!"
This falls into the law of sowing and reaping. What you sow is what you reap, and what you reap comes back multiplied many times! Theoretically speaking, if you sow three tiny apple seeds, you do not reap three apples. You reap three trees of apples that will multiply into hundreds of apples per year - indefinitely. So it would be very strange to us that twenty years down the road a man would look up to the sky and ask, "where did all these apples come from, I only planted three tiny seeds?"
The tricky thing that we witness in today's proverb is, that with spiritual things (good and evil, sin and ungodliness) it doesn't always take the "twenty years" (as with apple trees) to come abruptly into one's life... it can come very, very swiftly... and what is even more complexing is; the person can forget or be cognitively unaware that they ever even sowed the three tiny "apple seeds"!
The tendency is for people to think, "I just sin a little", "I just committed a tiny evil, a tiny wrong, it's done, it's no big deal - life goes on." However, the reality is, that if you don't take those things to God, get them forgiven, washed away by the blood of Jesus, and surgically remove them out of existence through faith, prayer and the Word of God - they can come crashing back into your life, breaking down your door with "guns blazing" just like an "armed bandit"!
Now, the very exciting and good news about this law is this... the seemingly "little things" that we do as we serve God, and love others, these too will get multiplied together exponentially and then suddenly come back into our lives for our salvation, deliverance, and blessing! A little + a Little + a little does not = 3 littles! It equals more like 3 to the hundredth power!!
One example of this is ; if we sow into the Kingdom of God, only a very small 10% of our income, we are promised to receive back into our lives, more than we can possibly contain within our earthly storehouses (Malachi) -- NOT BAD! So just expect these good things to happen to you - just all of a sudden!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
People Don't Accept Me?
I find that many people have this feeling, that - others do not accept them. It's like a haunting! Everywhere they go, others react this way towards them... and they constantly are picking up signs and signals of rejection, or derision.
It's also an inward sense and an unshakable feeling that, "others think they are better than me, and this is the way I feel too, and it is very difficult to escape it... this is emotionally crippling!"
These feelings then develop into reasonings that..."Well, it's because we weren't rich growing up." "...my parents were divorced." "...My skin color." "...I'm from this neighborhood." "I'm from this ethnicity." "I'm not talented at this... or that." And although it is true that people can be cruel and verbally put others down for these reasons...
Some people automatically take the stand that, if around others they "feel uncomfortable" or intimidated, the other person is "looking down" at them. But have you ever considered that it may not be the other person. It may just be the way you feel?
People can become obsessed and driven by these feelings to the point that if everyone, or at least someone, is not constantly telling them that they are accepted (or praising or complementing them), they feel that they are not!
We can help people with this! Though, I don't think that it is healthy just to shower someone, in a patronizing way, with praise and complements... yet I think that showing people sincere love, compassion, and friendship can go a long way as salve to their souls! Or, do most people have these feelings?
It's also an inward sense and an unshakable feeling that, "others think they are better than me, and this is the way I feel too, and it is very difficult to escape it... this is emotionally crippling!"
These feelings then develop into reasonings that..."Well, it's because we weren't rich growing up." "...my parents were divorced." "...My skin color." "...I'm from this neighborhood." "I'm from this ethnicity." "I'm not talented at this... or that." And although it is true that people can be cruel and verbally put others down for these reasons...
Some people automatically take the stand that, if around others they "feel uncomfortable" or intimidated, the other person is "looking down" at them. But have you ever considered that it may not be the other person. It may just be the way you feel?
People can become obsessed and driven by these feelings to the point that if everyone, or at least someone, is not constantly telling them that they are accepted (or praising or complementing them), they feel that they are not!
We can help people with this! Though, I don't think that it is healthy just to shower someone, in a patronizing way, with praise and complements... yet I think that showing people sincere love, compassion, and friendship can go a long way as salve to their souls! Or, do most people have these feelings?
Monday, January 19, 2009
Baptism
Wow, it is super exciting talking about Christian Baptism!
"I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He [Jesus] will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. Matt 3:11 (NIV)
This picture of being enveloped, surrounded and filled with God, The Holy Spirit, and the Kingdom of God... is the fulfillment that every human being is looking for (realize it or not)!
I really believe the statement discussed Sunday; "If you have truly 'tasted' of God, you want to be filled with Him. If you have truly 'tasted' of the Spirit, you want to be filled with Him. If you have truly 'tasted' of the Kingdom of God, you want to be filled with it!"
I remember when I was baptized many years ago. It was a very exciting time, and event! However, I wish that I had seen this concept (of being filled, enveloped, and immersed in God) at that time - WOW!
This is another thing that I love about walking with Jesus; just as we see in the Bible, He allows us to enjoy these wonderful epics, experiences, and events forever to be remembered and cherished in our own lives!
"I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He [Jesus] will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. Matt 3:11 (NIV)
This picture of being enveloped, surrounded and filled with God, The Holy Spirit, and the Kingdom of God... is the fulfillment that every human being is looking for (realize it or not)!
I really believe the statement discussed Sunday; "If you have truly 'tasted' of God, you want to be filled with Him. If you have truly 'tasted' of the Spirit, you want to be filled with Him. If you have truly 'tasted' of the Kingdom of God, you want to be filled with it!"
I remember when I was baptized many years ago. It was a very exciting time, and event! However, I wish that I had seen this concept (of being filled, enveloped, and immersed in God) at that time - WOW!
This is another thing that I love about walking with Jesus; just as we see in the Bible, He allows us to enjoy these wonderful epics, experiences, and events forever to be remembered and cherished in our own lives!
Saturday, January 17, 2009
In Today's Proverb:
"...boasting is looking for trouble." Proverbs 17:19 (Living)
It seems that the love way is for a person to be humble, but to exalt others.
I understand it something distasteful for someone to go around bragging on themselves all the time.
According to the above proverb, one thing it does is, stirs up resentment and envy from others. People look at you differently (in a negative way).
I guess, some people just feel like they are letting others know their own value and worth?
When folks brag... are they thinking to themselves. "I am bragging right now"??
There are others who seem to actually inspire others by building up themselves?
But I wonder if people who constantly brag on themselves are taken seriously by others?
This is the real danger for these folks; do they lose credibility in the eyes of others?
Got any thoughts?
It seems that the love way is for a person to be humble, but to exalt others.
I understand it something distasteful for someone to go around bragging on themselves all the time.
According to the above proverb, one thing it does is, stirs up resentment and envy from others. People look at you differently (in a negative way).
I guess, some people just feel like they are letting others know their own value and worth?
When folks brag... are they thinking to themselves. "I am bragging right now"??
There are others who seem to actually inspire others by building up themselves?
But I wonder if people who constantly brag on themselves are taken seriously by others?
This is the real danger for these folks; do they lose credibility in the eyes of others?
Got any thoughts?
Friday, January 16, 2009
Instruction: It feels good!
Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD. Proverbs 16:20 (NIV)
Success in every area of life is gained through the knowledge and wisdom of God!
Many times this wisdom will come through others sharing with us what they have learned and gained = "instruction".
Doesn't it feel awesome to receive instruction from the wisdom gained from others?
Have you seen those who refuse instruction? Here is their logic:
1) I am not aware of what I lack or do not know.
2) I am not aware of what I am "missing" or what I am doing wrong.
3) Therefore, I know everything, and am doing everything right.
Do you find this scary?
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