by admin | Feb 26, 2008 | Jesus Talk, Kingdom Comments
My thoughts this morning drifted back to conversation I had with a friend. He said it would be a sin to lie, teasing me about my denial of being ‘religious.’ I quickly defended myself (graciously I hope), “No, it is not religion, but relationship.”
I realize how adamant I am in wanting to present Jesus as I would any other person in my life. Jesus is so real to me, it is offensive to me, to present Him as a theory of faith, or a philosophy of belief–some abstract idea in the supernatural.
No, Jesus Christ, in His ‘position’ in the Universe is my Lord. But Jesus Christ in my life is my friend, His Holy Spirit is my partner in my life, my confident, that special person that is with me 24/7. Even when I forget that He is there.
My concern is, as I remember the conversation, how do I present Jesus to others? I never want to come across as superior; ‘I am always right,’ ‘I know more than you do,’ ‘If you only had what I have you would be OK.’ God forbid, and God help me….to present Jesus as the eternal gift to all of us in relationship and love. That I am not special I am loved, and want to love others, because of who He is to me. Not that I can be personal with everyone, but the God kind of love that wants the best for everyone.
It is hard for many to love God if they think of Him as the ‘Big Judge’ in the sky. If they think of Jesus as this great prophet who walked the earth teaching good things and then left us. If people have suffered the loss of loved ones, and cried out to God and He didn’t seem to be there it is really tough to believe, trust and think Father, Son and Holy Spirit all love us and want the best for us at all times.
It is almost humorous to think that we need to know about the devil, demons and the evil in the world before we can understand God. It is like not appreciating light until we are in total darkness. Like not valuing steak if we have always had beans. Like not receiving love if we have never felt love. The first two were ‘funky’ analogies but you get the picture. When we realize the devil and demons on assignment are out to kill, rob and destroy, we begin to understand how much we need personal relationship with Jesus.
And, the truth is, we don’t know Jesus as the love of our life until we invite Him into our heart, study His story, spend time to get to know Him like we would any other person.
I ask the Holy Spirit now, to help me reflect some of the Jesus in me that others would want that as well. I thank Jesus that He not only paid my debt of disobedience, but was resurrected to change my life while I am here. He is so cool! I hope you know Him like I do! And that we all can re-present Him well!
by admin | Feb 23, 2008 | Politics
Last night I saw a picture of people supporting both Democratic Candidates with placards, wearing hats and other apparel demonstrating what they stand for in front of the building where the debates were being held. They were screaming and shouting…with great fervor. I could easily think critically of this display (as neither of these Candidates are my choice) but instead it brought a big smile to my face and joy to my heart.
I think it is great! Thank God for all that emotion and excitement. God forbid we become complacient about what is happening and sit at home, judging those who are willing to step out and stand for what they believe.
Are they right or wrong? Thank God we get the choice! Do I have strong opinions–you bet! Am I happy about the choice I have? Not really! I am thanking God we have non-government controled media (with whom I disagree often).
I have friends in Kenya where there is great violence taking place. Slaughter and mayhem all because of a ‘questionable’ election. Automatic weapons, knives, rocks, weapons of any kind being used on fellow countrymen between tribes.
How grateful I am to be in America with choice. Many are saying in this election they have no choice or very poor choices. My thought is, who in America do we want? Why would anyone (who values life, security and peace) want to be President? For noble, ethical reasons, let alone Godly reasons? To expose themselves to the public, to the media, to their opponents is one thing, but the whole family is involved and possibly someone from their past dredged up, and humiliated for simply doing business with them.
For the power alone? There are many powerful men in our country who are never in the news or well known. The Presidency is not the only road to power, of course it is one. One that used to be honored and revered, a desire of young men in their youth. Even though some of that has been lost I still believe with all my heart in the system. I still believe our political system attracts men and women with a heart to serve mankind, to make a difference in the world.
I have a friend from the far East that is well known there in political circles who says those people have great respect for President Bush. They consider him a man of strength and courage and a man of his word. They are mystified about the mock, media abuse and humor that is thrown at our President, and his cabinet.
The good side of all of this is, we can. May not show ‘class’ or respect, but we can. Thank God for the freedom to speak our mind, display our choices and fight our battles in the media, radio talk shows and demonstrations; not to mention the new arena of the Internet. Even though, I personally, am very careful of information I receive by email. I received several emails that claimed people I admire were endorsing certain Candidates. Contacting the office of those people only to find that was not true.
God forbid we come to blows, or violence, or use weapons to express our opinions. God forbid that our desires, our emotions ever erupt in violence of any kind.
And, most of all thank God, we have men and women willing to run for office. Thank God for our system and the freedom we enjoy. So as we keep a positive political perspective, we will pray for those we support, we will forgive those we find offensive, and we will bless those, all of them, who take the risk to step out and say, “Choose me!”
by admin | Feb 22, 2008 | Kingdom Comments, Uncategorized
We have just talked about the Sabbath, which is good, but what about Monday and the rest of the week. I don’t know how many times I have heard Pastors say, “Don’t come to church and act one way and go out this week and act another way.” or “Don’t be a saint on Sunday and a sinner the rest of the week.” Well, something to that effect.
Maybe we need to realize the church is ‘dressed up’ in holiness but we humans are just human in or out of church without Jesus. If Jesus, or the Holy Spirit, touches our mind, heart and soul in church, is that not to encourage us so we can handle the rest of the week?
It may seem like we have a supernatural experience in church with our Heavenly Family of Father, Son and Holy Spirit, however Theyare with us alllll the time. Rising up, laying down, going out, and coming in….all week, They are there. Because we are not aware of their presence does not mean They have left. “I will not leave or forsake you.” is in the Bible over and over, and that is a promise not a threat.
If we are tempted and act on a temptation on Tuesday or Wednesday do They leave and go ‘home’. “Now you have done it, I am out of here.” like we might do? No, They just wait patiently until we come back into the Grace of Their Presence; They sure don’t take part in our dumb activities.
I said I go to special places to just ‘be’ with God in the previous blog. I consider that ‘going out to dinner’ with Him. However, I eat with Him all the time, at home. Meaning I know the Lord is with me all the time. But going ‘aside’ so to speak is special, and my time with Him is special, just as it would be if I went to dinner with anyone, just one on one.
Does that keep me from ‘sinning’ (which is anything contrary to the goodness of God) ? I would like to say yes, but the truth is my flesh is pretty strong, the temptations to gossip, worry, have fear, and even to cheat are always there….you know, we live in a fallen world.
I am learning to grab my thoughts and change my attitude, with the help of the Holy Spirit and the knowledge of God that is required to quench evil destructive thoughts. What a difference that has made. I know Jesus likes it and I can almost see Him smiling when I turn from something that would harm and cause me pain.
So I think our Sabbaths should be special–going to church to be with others who love the Lord, eating at a banquet with the Lord as Host. For me it will never replace that special alone time I have with Him. But for years that is where I learned to find the presence of the Lord within me, losing myself and world in praise and worship. Now I go to church to get filled up with knowledge, more understanding and the joy of joining others who love Him too.
And, He isn’t sitting in a pew waiting for me to return on Sunday, Wednesday or Friday. The Lord is so much fun, he loves to listen as we talk. He loves sports when we are involved. He loves building or fixing things. He loves banks, and construction, and media, and politics, and most of all children and our homes. The Lord is the most multi-tasked orientated Person in the world ….or out of this world for that matter.
Sabbaths are for the ‘joy of the Lord‘ for us, and the rest of the week Heis not our judge, jury and religious jailer, quite the opposite. The Lordis our coach, our mentor, our encourager, our partner in all we do to build the Kingdom of God on earth, and our Forgiver and Redeemer when we don’t.
When things get bad (and they do), when I am angry, frustrated or depressed. I just need to look to Him (when I finally realize my need) to help me forgive or repent, to heal my wounds and set me back on tract.
Then comes Monday and the rest of the week, and I can truly say, it is all good, I am not alone!
by admin | Feb 21, 2008 | Kingdom Comments, Uncategorized
I was just reading the book of Luke and thinking about the words of Jesus about the Sabbath. How interesting that God took the seventh day to rest, and that day is called a Sabbath. Did God need a Sabbath, even more did He need to ‘rest’?
My little dictionary says rest means to sleep (I don’t think God sleeps.); Freedom from activity; and Peace of mind or spirit (I am sure that God is always active and He is the essence of peace for mind or spirit.
A few months ago I heard a different defination of rest that I just love. I wish I could remember where I heard it so I could thank that person, because it has opened up a whole new understanding that has blessed my life. Rest means ‘having ample provision’.
So when God rested on the seventh day He had ample provision for all that He had created. Ample provision for man, and all creatures in and on the earth. That is why He could look at it and say it was very good. Well, if God says it is good, it is good!
When I realized what that means for me, I was and am excited. If I intend to rest in God, to rest on the Sabbath, to rest at night, I must believe He has ample provision for me. When all the cares, worry and threats of the world, and sometimes sickness and physical pain come on me, to rest in God I must believe He has ample provision. Ample provision to see me through a situation or deliver me out of it; that is the heart of God for His children.
There is a scripture in Isaiah that says “I am in perfect peace when my mind is stayed on Thee”. If my mind is on God and I believe He has ample provision for me, I will have perfect peace.
Jesus said the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. A day to think about God, to thank Him, to take notice of all of His ‘ample provision’. To rest from our normal activities and enjoy what He has for us.
I know there are people in the world who feel very far from having ample provision for their situation. Even though God has provided ample provision we are not always able to appropriate it. Many of God’s blessings are received in eternity, and that gives us hope to hang on, trust and believe, one way or another there is ample provision for everyone who knows the Lord of Glory, Jesus. And, how about the Lord of fun and Joy? That’s Jesus too!
Some places in the world the devil has so deceived the nations that they are full of violence, evil, hunger, sickness and death. They have followed false gods and their people pay the price for that deception. But, in the worst of situations Jesus will come and be with those who believe to give hope and comfort through the Holy Spirit. Over and over provision comes where there was no provision.
Here in America there can be, (I said can be) legalism abut the Sabbath that robs the joy God wants us to have. Sharing in church should be joyful, not tedious. Enjoying the beach, the mountains, the park, a physical activity or sport should all be enjoyed with Jesus. We can enjoy just being free of the concerns of the week, free from the bondage of work, trusting in His ample provision for the week to come.
Sometimes my Sabbath is on Monday or Wednesday or any day I take a few hours or the whole day to enjoy relationship with the Lord, along with His provisions. In San Diego I loved to go down by the bay, talk to the Lord about the ocean in front of me, the beautiful boats, the people walking or running by, walk through the grass and just let gratitude flow all over me for His Provision. In Redding, I like to go to the prayer chapel, listen to the praise music in the back ground and enjoy the beauty all around me of snow caped mountains, trees and beauty. In Denver, I used to prayer walk my neighborhood just thanking God for the people and again, for His provision. Those are Sabbaths where I do not take my cares, or the cares of others, but just spend time ‘being’ with Him.
My hope (passionate expectation) and prayer is that others will find that special place to have their own special ‘Sabboths’ with their Heavenly Father. Then we can face the tomorrows with faith for ample provision and rest.
by admin | Feb 14, 2008 | Politics, Uncategorized
Happy horsefeathers! I am so upset! I just read in the paper that a Pastor in the South from a southern Baptist Church endorsed Huckabee for President and now he is under investigation by the IRS.
Any church or non-profit organization is required to sign on the Federal application for that status, that they will not as an organization endorse or support people or legislation to protect the alleged violation of mixing religion and government. I say alleged because those of us who have taken the time to look into that allegation that the two must be separate have found the ruling was made to keep the government from running the church, and from the church becoming government as it was in Europe before our country was founded. I personally believe it was in no way intended to inhibit our government from using Godly principals and ethics that would guarantee freedom for all. What an oxymoron that would be.
The Pastor under investigation, Wiley Drake, used church stationary to send out a statement that he personally endorses Mike Huckabee for President and encourages others to do the same. His mistake was using church stationary and putting his endorsement in print, so to speak. It is perfectly legal for any person, pastor or not to voice their own personal opinions and endorsement….it just can’t be from the pulpit or through the organization with non-profit status. Had he personally written a letter or even made fliers and distributed them in the parking lot, I believe he would have OK.
My ‘happy horsefeathers’ irritation in all this is….Who turned him in? Who was so on top of things as to do that? In a previous election Jesse Jackson and other black leaders came to black churches in San Diego and preached from the pulpit endorsing their Democratic Candidate. I was told that one person even had everyone put their hand on their heart and swear they would vote, and support the candidate. Obviously many knew about it, but no one turned them in; there was no investigation.
As for me, I was alarmed at such a brazen political act, but after it was done, I saw no point in reporting it. Would I want the church to loose their non-profit status for making such a mistake? I think not. I just wanted equal time for other candidates. And, actually I just wanted them to follow the law as the rest of us are required to do.
I hope you will join me in praying for Pastor Drake and his church. I pray he will receive a warning and nothing more, and we all learn from the incident. Hoorays to him for standing up for what he considered an important issue. And, chuckle, chuckle it is more publicity for Candidate Huckabee. If it reached a small paper in Redding, California, think how many papers it must reach across the country!
All things work together for good, for those who love the Lord. Romans 8:28 in the Bible. I personally forgive those who blew the whistle and forgive Pastor Drake for his indiscretion as I am required and privileged to do according to Matthew 18 and John 20:23 in the Bible. Rats, that means I have to give up my judgment of whoever notified the IRS and let the Holy Spirit handle this. Well, I feel better already!
P S I am in no way endorsing Hucabee….that would be illegal; just reporting the facts!
