by admin | Mar 31, 2008 | Jesus Talk, Kingdom Comments, Politics, Relationship Not Religion!
COMFORMITY BRINGS ACCEPTANCE NOT CONFIDENCE!
Because of the up-roar-ousley interesting political dialog going on in America we hear a lot about unity. That bears a variety of meanings depending on where you come from–your grid or mind-set.
A great example of this is in the Christian Church. As people disagreed in the past centuries, denominations sprung up and now we have several thousand. Differences in doctrine create a new agenda and most of us follow a leader, admiringly, agreeing with what is taught. Each church or group has their own agenda and if we conform to that form or plan we are accepted.
I laughingly like to say we have also developed a Ken and Barbie Doll stereo type of what a Christian Believer should be. Instead of Scripture being a blueprint for self-preservation by renewing our mind with ‘sound wisdom’, it can become a dogma we strive to live up to, attempting to become the Ken or Barbie that is expected.
I was complaining to the Lord one day about the divisions in the church, the disagreement, and how it upset me, because there are bigger fish to fry that issues on doctrine. That sweet small voice I am privileged to hear responded, “You are complaining about the very freedom I died to give you!” I quickly apologized, immediately getting the picture–with Jesus, Holy Spirit, God given free will we have the right to think for ourselves and make our own decisions.
THE UNITY WE ALL NEED IS IN AGREEMENT OF THE SPIRIT NOT CONFORMITY OF THE SOUL!
In other words, it matters not whether I believe in dunking or sprinkling for baptism, we can all agree baptism is very important. It is the Spirit behind what we do, not what we do. Especially when it is a ‘ritual’ born out of tradition. Tradition is important to build on or learn from, but not to mindlessly conform.
We cannot be Ken and Barbieand still believe we are created uniquely different–because we are. We must find the gifts and talents we have, the desires of our heart and most of all learn to know God in our spirit, experientially, not just a text book relationship.
The God-kind of confidence we need in this world (not self-confidence) is found in personal relationship of talking and learning about Jesus, the Man, the Holy Spirit and how much we are loved by our Heavenly Father. The agreement we have with His ways will bring great confidence into our hearts of who we are as His children, not out of conformity to be accepted, but out of desire to follow Him because we are accepted.
Do we allow our children to express their differences or demand they conform to our desires? Do we encourage those around us to be all they can be in any given direction or condemn them for not being what we would like them to be or what we think they should be? How do we pray? That our loved ones conform to a Christian Standard, our Political Leaders do what we want? Or can our prayer and desires for our loved ones, our neighbors and our leaders–church or government–be to carry out the (Will) desires of God, being all they can be for the good of family, church and country?
Well, I certainly have a constant battle to get judgment out of my heart and mind (I am really good at it–judgment that is), to listen to the Holy Spirit and focus on His desires for us, not my desires for me, or the world. It is a battle but one worth fighting and only won with the help of the Holy Spirit.
May our unity come from agreement on ethical, moral issues; not from peer pressure, or polarization of political rhetoric. Rather may we led from spirit informed wisdom that brings love (wanting the best for everyone) and life ( the essence and persistence that creates only good). Unity of Spirit, agreement not conformity can change the world!
P S If you were kind enough to read this Blog and wonder how one has an experience with God, how one can be led by the Holy Spirit–it is simply done by asking Jesus into your heart, asking Him to become real to you, and asking the Holy Spirit to dwell within your spirit and lead and teach you all things! Greatest decision you will ever make!
by admin | Mar 29, 2008 | Jesus Talk, Kingdom Comments, Relationship Not Religion!
There is one very good reason to give–because you want to!
What ever money we have is ours. Ultimately everything belongs to God, however while we are on earth what we have, has been earned or given to us and it is ours. We have the privilege of using it as we see fit.
I am a Junior Partner in the business of my soul, foremost my spiritual life, with the Holy Spirit as Senior Partner. As Senior Partner I like to ask Him what I should give, when and how much, so we are in agreement. Many times He will say ‘no’ to something I want to do, as He has another place for the money. Sometimes He tells me to give when I hadn’t thought about it. It is a great arrangement.
When I am asked to give it is so easy to ask Him what to do. And then be obedient. If a voice tells me to give more than I have, that is probably not the Holy Spirit. Many people do not ask or hear the Holy Spirit and are confused on how to give. We all should develop (by practice) a generous giving heart and develop (expect and receive) a ‘listening ear’ for the Holy Spirit. It may come as a thought, a voice or just an impression. And, I have found it is immediate to the question.
Giving is a very smart thing to do, as it always comes back in one form or another. The problem is, very rarely are we aware how we are being blessed because we expect it to come in dollars. Where as, it may come in favor for a job, help with a project, gifts from neighbors, discounts on items, dinner or lunch with friends, and on and on. But giving is reciprocal!
Giving a tithe (meaning 10%) has been argued for centuries I imagine–whether we should or should not give ten percent to our church. In the Old Testament the eleven tribes of Israel took care of the Priests and Rabbis, shared their properties with them, etc. The book of Malachi talks of robbing God when tithes and offerings are not given. I personally believe that means we are not literally robbing God–because He doesn’t need the money–but we are robbing the ‘work’ of the Kingdom of God on earth.
God uses men and women and their giving to bless others. So when we don’t give we are in essence robbing ourselves. It is character and nature of God to give and Jesus gaveHis life for the joy laid before Him of creating a way for our reconciliation with the Father and life eternal.
Malachi also says that when we give, God will pour out blessings from Heaven. Some argue that is not for New Testament, New Covenant believers; they are not under the law. Giving is a priceless principal, not a law.
To me the argument is mute. The question is “Why Not?” How can we maintain our churches, pay our workers, and give to poor if we don’t tithe? Whether we belong to a church or just attend, we are obliged to help with the rent, utilities, salaries and expenses. The more we give the more they can do.
We wouldn’t expect to go out to eat and not pay for the meal that covers all of the above items for the business. We don’t attend an athletic game of any importance without paying well for the privilege. Solomon tells us in the book of Ecclesiastes, money is the answer to all things. Then we are warned that the love of money is evil.
It has been my observation that when we have trouble giving our money there is a ‘love affair’ going on in our pocket book. We don’t have to be rich to love money, many poor people love it as well, wanting it out of desperation. Money is just a commodity to make other things possible, extremely important, to use not to ‘keep’ but to invest.
Invest in ourselves, paying bills, investing in our future, and absolutely invest our tithe to churches and our offerings to those who help, teach or encourage us where ever they may be. If we live month to month we give only what we can without guilt or shame. Giving when we can, knowing that God blesses those who love and follow Him.
My prayer is for more to give, Lord, more, more more! May you be blessed with more as well! And, we all give from happy heart–appreciating the system of reward and good health God has set in place–It is more blessed to give than to receive!
by admin | Mar 21, 2008 | Jesus Talk, Kingdom Comments, Relationship Not Religion!
This is a statement out of the Book of Matthew in the Bible, about which must have been taught. It was the ninth hour of Jesus’ crucifiction when He uttered the words above. This is also the first line of Psalms 22 written hundreds of years before by King David.
Was Jesus quoting that verse. Many say he quoted the whole Psalm. I would like to respectfully share my feelings about this verse out of Scripture. From the moment in the garden that Jesus said “Thy will be done.” all the sins of world began to fall on Him. All the things that men tried to do to Him before that came to naught because He was sinless. My sins and yours and all those through history have received forgiveness if we choose to receive His gift–of His brutal beatings, the mockery he endured, the humiliation and abuse was all for mankind, as the heart of His Heavenly Father was broken, yet committed to John 3:16, that all the world would be saved.
I come out a very broken past, much sin, and I know what it is like to feel alone and to have no one. To have guilt and shame and no understanding of how to rid my soul of it’s torment. Oh, I was normal on the outside, but felt totally forsaken inside much of the time. I learned late in my life that I could have a personal relationship with Jesus, with God, Himself and enjoy the presence of the Holy Spirit at all times. However, there are times when I feel forsaken when my lack of faith, or worry or agreement with the world that evil is more powerful than His ability to change it. But, thank God those times are short and I again feel His presence, His love.
When we are full of the things of the world we feel forsaken, even though the Lord promises over and over He will never leave or forsake us. Jesus knew that! But, overwhelmed with the sin of the world Jesus felt forsaken. And, why wouldn’t He? He had to suffer all that we suffer, so that when Jesus said it was finished, it was finished!
Such good and wonderful news, He never does forsake us. However, we need to remember we must accept Jesus into our hearts, that is the Divine Key to freedom and relationship with the Almighty. When I feel forsaken, I ask myself do I need to change something in my life (repent); do I need to forgive someone; then just to praise and worship until the wall I have built in my mind is gone.
There is so much in the story of Jesus on this Easter weekend. Like our Heavenly Father we would all like to see the world saved and enjoy His awesome presence. There are times when illness and pain will block our awarness of Him, but we need to live out of our spirit with Him regardless of our physical condition. Not alway easy, but always rewarding and encouraging. May the Grace of His unmerited favor give all of us the ability to have His faith in any condition!
by admin | Mar 17, 2008 | Family/Marriage, Jesus Talk, Kingdom Comments
My son Greg decided to take his wife, Mary, and the whole family to Maui for a vacation to celebrate Mary’s 50th birthday. They live in southern California and I live in the northern end, and I was delighted when they insist ‘Nana’ come along. Well, I was a little hesitant because I had pictures of snorkeling, beaches and bikinis–not exactly my lifestyle at my age. But it didn’t take too much pressure to convince me this was an opportunity of a life time. I had never been to Hawaii, but always had the desire! See there–it’s never too late!
Other friends decided to come along and there seventeen in the party. Greg rented one big house and friends a small one for four people. We co-ordinated activities and began to truly enjoy the tropical weather.
The first couple of days there was a little dark cloud in my mind. Here comes the truth in all of this. This trip was in November and in the weeks before leaving I had become acquainted with two African Pastors. John from Kenya and Camarade from Rwanda. Both have families, orphanages and a church. As I learned first hand of their needs I had endeavored to help, and still have that strong desire. I had helped African projects before but this was my first time to know someone personally.
As we began to enjoy the beach (I watched the snorkeling) and some leisure time I began to talk to the Lord. “I don’t feel right about spending the money on this trip (although it wasn’t my money or my decision), when I know how much need there is for Camarade, and John. Lord is this right?” And the little black cloud hovered!
The second day the Holy Spirit began to speak to my heart. The Holy Spirit can give you a word, a sentence or more and the revelation comes with it in a bigger picture. “If people did not spend money there would be no economy, there would be no jobs, and there would be no help for any ministry work.” I was immediately aware of how true that is. Our inclination at times is to judge others for what they spend and how much, and can be hard on ourselves. And, it seems especially the rich….big houses, yachts, expensive cars.
Whoa, think a minute with me. All those things have to be built. The components shipped, cars manufactured, trucks, railroads, and ships delivering, importing, exporting and all that goes with it. If the rich stop being rich, there will be no one to feed the poor.
So I realllly began to enjoy the trip. My son is far from rich except in faith and love for others. His company produces a browser to protect children from the Internet, because of his love for children. Tuki.com or CEN.com will take you for a visit. He works long hours and to see him relaxing and enjoying so much time with family was wonderful.
This trip was to celebrate my daughter-in-law’s 50th birthday! Well, check out the gallery of pictures I have posted, she is beautiful and doesn’t seem to age. She has been a great Mom and a tremendous partner to my son. They have been through great losses, spiritual battles, and changes in their lives in business and residence to provide for their family. It was a wise decision to enjoy family and vacation when the opportunity was available.
Greg was also a speaker at an investment conference in Honolulu. Greg, Mary, Candace and I flew to Honolulu on Saturday. The girls shopped, Greg and I went to the meeting. I met new friends and some delightful Christians with whom we spent the night at their home. Their home on the ocean was a picture post card and the dinner they provided was yummy!
During the trip I had opportunity to minister making my trip complete–how could I go any where and not share Jesus with someone? I’m ole’ hat to my family, I needed fresh ground in which to plant. And, last but not least, definitely not least I went hang gliding over Maui! The thrill of a lifetime, 3500 feet in air, on a seat back of an instructor with just two wings and a small engine. Afraid to snorkel in 10-15 feet of water, but absolutely goofey about flying miles in the air….go figure!
I hope Mary enjoyed her birthday party as much as I did, and the lesson I had forgotten about appreciating our commercial economy and what it has done for the world. God bless America! Let’s fight for rights we have enjoyed and continue to bless others with our abundance!
P S There are pictures from our trip, posted on the Gallery, click top of page.
by admin | Mar 17, 2008 | Jesus Talk, Kingdom Comments, Politics
Allegations that Planned Parenthood has committed $180 Million in fraud should make us wake up and take notice….well, some of us have taken notice of Planned Parenthood in the past, unhappily.
For those who have learned, speaking of myself, I had to learn that life begins at conception and abortion gives no choice to the baby that was just conceived. So some of the activities of Planned Parenthood have not been in the best interest of bringing Kingdom of Heaven to earth as Jesus taught us to pray.
Life is a privilege not a choice!
Is this all about religion? No, it is a moral stand for equality of life. It was easy to see how compassion would create a venue for this destruction of unborn babies. Who in their right mind would condone unwanted pregnancies–bringing in more children to add to the roles of single mothers and children on welfare. It sounds good, but behind the curtain of ignorant mercy hides an evil desire to do away with the genius, inventors and oh yes, politicians of tomorrow.
Who would condone unwanted pregnancies? No one! But, who would want the demise of millions of babies. I would hope no one. That does not seem to be the case. We have hundreds if not thousands trying to have a baby, and turn to all kinds of alternative methods instead of healing the flow of unwanted babies, by adoption.
“Abortions are very common. In fact, more than one in three women in the U.S. have an abortion by the time they are 45 years old. ” is a fact from the Planned Parenthood website. This is a reason to offer abortion instead of assistance and adoption?
My hope and prayer is, that this allegation will lead to investigation and an overhaul of Planned Parenthood with new people, guide lines and agenda. That the political machine behind replacing abstinence with abortion will come to naught.
Whatever the devil and his demons cause for evil God can turn to good with prayer, and dedication of purpose on the part of His children who are called by His Name.
I do not believe we can forgive behavior, but the people involved in the behavior. Let us storm the Heavenlies with our prayer, declaring the Will of God and the Desires of His Heart be done on earth as it is in Heaven!
Wheeee….that sound like a good plan! (excuse the pun)
One last comment on Mr. Spitzer that he and others caught up in destructive activities will seek out a church that offers healing and deliverance! A personal responsibility!
by admin | Mar 14, 2008 | Kingdom Comments, Politics
Two top items on our news today, strike at the very heart of ethics and morals for America! I have heard that if a Pastor taught on certain sins a lot it was because that was his own struggle. How interesting that Eliot Spitzer (we are told) was dogmatically ruthless and tough on prostitution and yet alledgedly indulged himself in that ‘profession’.
The press is asking “Why” would someone like Eliot take a chance on losing everything, for something like that. There are a lot of answers, and here is mine. Somewhere in his life he came into agreement in his mind with prostitution, or possibly suffered some kind of sexual abuse, got a hold of some porn magazines, etc. An array of sexual improprieties will open the door to a spirit of lust.
We hesitate to talk about such evil agents as though they don’t exist and yet we cannot explain things like this miss-guided action that could de-rail a person’s life and cause pain to family and friends. Once an evil spirit has access to the mind of their victim, they wait patiently to temp and motivate action. And they may only work on one area. Does the person, such as Eliot think he is too powerful and clever to get caught? Of course, evil spirits tell their victims whatever they need to hear to take action and they seem to know what that is. Possibly give the person a picture of how pleasant it would be and tops it off with something like—how exciting it would be, especially as a Public servant, or in ministry.
C. S. Lewis wrote a great little book called the SCREWTAPE LETTERS that is an insight into a reality that most are not willing to face. Frank Peretti wrote several fiction books (THIS PRESENT DARKNESS and others) that well describe the work of the devil and his demons. Hollywood makes movies about such things, not quite so accurately, as I have written about in my own book ANGELS AND DEMONS, HOLLYWOOD KNOWS THE DIFFERENCE. If that is the problem as I suggest, the person is a victim as well as the people injured by their actions. One great difference, people are held accountable by the world and by God for our free will decisions.
The devil made me do it is a reason not an excuse. And, how difficult it would be to try and legislate deliverance and restoration for offenders. So what is the answer? Better education in the church and the world about the results of sin and immoral decisions. We are too eager to condemn sin instead of giving reasons why God hates behavior that will harm us. More education on the devil, evil in the world, and the demons made from a positive offensive position–explaining there are better choices to be made and what those choices are.
The Catholic Church had a good idea in offering confession to someone sworn to secrecy. Anyone in a shameful awkward place should be able to confess to some one who can help. But not just a listener but a believing Jesus following person who is willing to help with resolution or take them to someone who can help.
Most of all the church needs responsibility to be the church. You know, a place where the wounded go, not just a hang-out for those of us who are not presently facing the same situation. But for the grace of God there go I. We don’t think we would do whatever they have done but we haven’t walked in his or her shoes. Deliverance should not be something to fear, but something to face with hope and desire for a better life. I am not speaking of the world because barring a miracle of God the person will reap what they sow, and pay for an act they have commited against society. I am speaking of being more concerned about their spiritual well-being than their physical position in life. What can we do? We can pray the same way I suggested in the last Blog:
- First forgive the person, (not the behavior) John 20:23
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Second, ask God for the grace to cleanse me of all judgment of that person’s character and nature; since that is God’s business and not mine.
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Third, ask the Holy Spirit to draw them into the Divine wisdom, mercy and grace that they need to become men and women of God in their position, what ever that may be.
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Fourth, I ask God to bless them with attributes opposite of those in the offense.
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Fifth, I ask the Holy Spirit to release the Spirit of Prophecy (of Jesus) in their presence.
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Six, I bind the forces of darkness, deaf and dumb spirits, spirits of lust and greed not to interfere. I declare there will be no retaliation against me, my family, property or finances for these prayers.
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Seven, I thank the Holy Spirit, Jesus and my Heavenly Father for all they have done and are doing! Then rejoice!
Of course there are times to sign petitions, to go to congress, to protest, to boycott; absolutely stand for the things of God. But, always with prayer beforehand, committing the way unto God and believing for His favor–without condemning individuals.
I have learned how easy it is to curse a person with my words, or condemn them with my opinions. Curses always boom-a-rang on those who make them, and condemnation creates anger, bitterness and hostility. And how am I doing with all of this? I’m a work in progress, and the more I share, the better I become.
Eliot Spitzer and family need our prayer. Our officials, those in authority–home, church, school, government–need our prayers of protection. And what about Planned Parenthood alledged fraud? More on that in Part Two!
