1 John 4:7-21
The Love of God
He loves us,
Not because we love Him,
Because He is love.
God is love.
Those born of God are God's children.
God loves His children.
His children love Him in return.
We are to love like God.
Anyone can love what is lovely.
Everyone will find value in what they love.
You create value where there was none.
Take His Love in!
Live His Love
We love because He first loved us!
God initiates love.
We imitate God and His love.
In the early Church (aka The Way), Love is what set Christians apart from Roman Culture.
Christians rebuilding the Provence of Asia, following devastating floods, stunned the Roman world.
Wonder why the 21st century Christian Church is dying?
Because we are not loving one another,
Much less the world, we are to witness to, around us.
How to Love:
Listen
Speak
Give
Pray
Answer
Share
Enjoy
Trust
Forgive
Promise
Give Up Fear!
Fear kills love.
Love conquers fear, if you will let it!
But, they you will have to drop your stigmas to do so .....
Showing posts with label God's Will. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God's Will. Show all posts
December 11, 2018
July 18, 2018
Walk In The Light
First John is one of my favorite books.
Mostly because it was not written by Paul and is easily understood!
As long as you remember it is not a Greek text, and therefore not literal.
In 1 John, John, makes some statements which drove me to buy my first commentary.
Yeah, I hit that statement right off the bat in chapter 1:5-7;
"If we walk in the light as He is in the light,
we have fellowship with one another."
Light?
Fellowship?
What was John saying?
Well my 1970's commentary said the solution was love.
That enigmatic attribute of a real Christian that sets us apart from the rest of the world and its ways ...
And yet, the more I thought about this, the less happy I was with the answer.
Yes, love, is a good answer, but .... is this what is meant in Oriental thought?
And, remember, the Jews were an Oriental race.
Read 1John 1:5-7
Look To God
What happened, is still known.
The tomb was empty!
This truth still matters.
Still makes a difference!
God is Light.
God has revealed Himself.
Light?
Well, think of this as "God is light and in Him is no Darkness"
Light and contrast of darkness.
That makes sense.
But purely pictorial ...
But light is actually equated to TRUTH.
So, God is truth and there is no falsehood in Him.
Be Truthful With God
Light, truth, is God revealed.
But people fear the light, truth.
Because people love the dark, falsehood and lies, because their works are evil! (1 John 3:18-20)
So we must belly up and suck it up, as Somer says.
Tell Him the truth.
Confess our failures!
Walk Like God
Walk in truth in your life.
Just as Jesus walked in truth.
And we will have fellowship with one another.
And with Him.
Mostly because it was not written by Paul and is easily understood!
As long as you remember it is not a Greek text, and therefore not literal.
In 1 John, John, makes some statements which drove me to buy my first commentary.
Yeah, I hit that statement right off the bat in chapter 1:5-7;
"If we walk in the light as He is in the light,
we have fellowship with one another."
Light?
Fellowship?
What was John saying?
Well my 1970's commentary said the solution was love.
That enigmatic attribute of a real Christian that sets us apart from the rest of the world and its ways ...
And yet, the more I thought about this, the less happy I was with the answer.
Yes, love, is a good answer, but .... is this what is meant in Oriental thought?
And, remember, the Jews were an Oriental race.
Read 1John 1:5-7
Look To God
What happened, is still known.
The tomb was empty!
This truth still matters.
Still makes a difference!
God is Light.
God has revealed Himself.
Light?
Well, think of this as "God is light and in Him is no Darkness"
Light and contrast of darkness.
That makes sense.
But purely pictorial ...
But light is actually equated to TRUTH.
So, God is truth and there is no falsehood in Him.
Be Truthful With God
Light, truth, is God revealed.
But people fear the light, truth.
Because people love the dark, falsehood and lies, because their works are evil! (1 John 3:18-20)
So we must belly up and suck it up, as Somer says.
Tell Him the truth.
Confess our failures!
Walk Like God
Walk in truth in your life.
Just as Jesus walked in truth.
And we will have fellowship with one another.
And with Him.
June 25, 2018
The Way
I am just sick!
After stewing for days, over the insult handed an acquaintance back home on Mother's Day, I am at my wits end with religion!
So many masquerading as Christian, and yet virtually none reflect even the slightest essence of the Gospel!
We really need to start over!
Only one characteristic stood the Christian apart from anyone else in the Roman Empire, love.
A complete lack of self interest!, because people understood that God had changed them internally.
And that was costly love.
You stood to lose your family, your income, your friends by coming to Jesus for forgiveness.
They were slaughtered by the hundreds of thousands!
This early church was called The Way.
You came to understand your fallen nature.
You came to understand what real life was.
You came to understand that nothing of this world matters in the slightest, save for people.
And their relationship with God, at that!
The hatred shown my past acquaintance, shows just how far a once solid church can slide.
Is does not matter whom can stand on Mother's Day, or not.
But in asking one not to stand means they are not the same as others.
It means putting yourself before others.
It means you are special and no one else is.
Welcome to George Orwells,Animal Farm!
Where: all animals are equal,
Only some are more equal than others .....
That is why God is no longer to be found there.
Indeed, this is type of situation is true of most churches!
Jesus died for me, not you.
God blesses me, not you.
To bad for you ...
Sounds bad, but that is what these people are saying by their behavior!
So we need a new return to The Way.
The loving church where we are family and not strangers to one another.
The family where self sacrifice and improvement are the goal.
I am envious of that environment.
I experienced that type of community twice.
My life with the Hutterite's showed me all of this,
Were it not for their non-Biblical beliefs, I would still be 'plain'.
And the Jesus People Movement.
Good times.
if people are involved, and push God out,
He will leave and we will be left to create our own mess.
Yet, He still stands by the side, watching and I imagine grieving.
He sacrificed so much, for so long, so that we can insult our members by telling them they are not good enough to be recognized for being a parent!
As if the 'haters' are 'good enough' !
Such a smack down these people are in for, from God, if not one else .....
And yet, they are completely able to repent and look to God and not themselves.
Will they?
Maybe, if we are willing to pray for their hardness of heart to be broken ...
And ours as well.
After stewing for days, over the insult handed an acquaintance back home on Mother's Day, I am at my wits end with religion!
So many masquerading as Christian, and yet virtually none reflect even the slightest essence of the Gospel!
We really need to start over!
Only one characteristic stood the Christian apart from anyone else in the Roman Empire, love.
A complete lack of self interest!, because people understood that God had changed them internally.
And that was costly love.
You stood to lose your family, your income, your friends by coming to Jesus for forgiveness.
They were slaughtered by the hundreds of thousands!
This early church was called The Way.
You came to understand your fallen nature.
You came to understand what real life was.
You came to understand that nothing of this world matters in the slightest, save for people.
And their relationship with God, at that!
The hatred shown my past acquaintance, shows just how far a once solid church can slide.
Is does not matter whom can stand on Mother's Day, or not.
But in asking one not to stand means they are not the same as others.
It means putting yourself before others.
It means you are special and no one else is.
Welcome to George Orwells,Animal Farm!
Where: all animals are equal,
Only some are more equal than others .....
That is why God is no longer to be found there.
Indeed, this is type of situation is true of most churches!
Jesus died for me, not you.
God blesses me, not you.
To bad for you ...
Sounds bad, but that is what these people are saying by their behavior!
So we need a new return to The Way.
The loving church where we are family and not strangers to one another.
The family where self sacrifice and improvement are the goal.
I am envious of that environment.
I experienced that type of community twice.
My life with the Hutterite's showed me all of this,
Were it not for their non-Biblical beliefs, I would still be 'plain'.
And the Jesus People Movement.
Good times.
if people are involved, and push God out,
He will leave and we will be left to create our own mess.
Yet, He still stands by the side, watching and I imagine grieving.
He sacrificed so much, for so long, so that we can insult our members by telling them they are not good enough to be recognized for being a parent!
As if the 'haters' are 'good enough' !
Such a smack down these people are in for, from God, if not one else .....
And yet, they are completely able to repent and look to God and not themselves.
Will they?
Maybe, if we are willing to pray for their hardness of heart to be broken ...
And ours as well.
June 15, 2018
You Are Supposed To Share
As Christians we are supposed to share - by design!
But there are those whom do not believe this, especially when we are to do so with those we do not believe deserve it!
Much less, the very idea of doing so with God's gifts!
Jonah 4:1-4
Just Do It!
Sometimes giving away God's Grace or sharing it, just does not make sense.
give it away anyway!
Read Jonah chapters 1 and 2.
Jonah knew what God wanted him to do.
And he ran away!
"The Assyrians do not deserve it!"
Nope forgiveness and God's grace, could never be for the enemy of the Jew!
You Can't Run
Sometimes you just want to run away!
Sometimes you really do.
Facing the storm made more sense than telling the Assyrians of grace.
Whom were known for their tortures and impaling of people!
Thank God For Discipline
Sometimes God Disciplines You.
Sometimes God is testing you . (think of Job!)
Thank Him for it! It always come with Grace.
Jonah prays to God and the fish barfs him up!
Discipline is His way of calling you back.
It is never punishment though wqe may see it this way.
Go
Sometimes you are called to go and do - but you don't want to.
Go anyway!
Jonah threw a hissy fit!
Go had to reprove Jonah!
Share
Sharing can be hard.
After-all, if God wants to bless them He will!
Grace upon Grace is often easier than overcoming our will!
Get humble and share as you know you should.
And be willing to receive God's Grace as well!
But there are those whom do not believe this, especially when we are to do so with those we do not believe deserve it!
Much less, the very idea of doing so with God's gifts!
Jonah 4:1-4
Just Do It!
Sometimes giving away God's Grace or sharing it, just does not make sense.
give it away anyway!
Read Jonah chapters 1 and 2.
Jonah knew what God wanted him to do.
And he ran away!
"The Assyrians do not deserve it!"
Nope forgiveness and God's grace, could never be for the enemy of the Jew!
You Can't Run
Sometimes you just want to run away!
Sometimes you really do.
Facing the storm made more sense than telling the Assyrians of grace.
Whom were known for their tortures and impaling of people!
Thank God For Discipline
Sometimes God Disciplines You.
Sometimes God is testing you . (think of Job!)
Thank Him for it! It always come with Grace.
Jonah prays to God and the fish barfs him up!
Discipline is His way of calling you back.
It is never punishment though wqe may see it this way.
Go
Sometimes you are called to go and do - but you don't want to.
Go anyway!
Jonah threw a hissy fit!
Go had to reprove Jonah!
Share
Sharing can be hard.
After-all, if God wants to bless them He will!
Grace upon Grace is often easier than overcoming our will!
Get humble and share as you know you should.
And be willing to receive God's Grace as well!
May 2, 2018
South Africa
South Africa, as it exists today, is largely the product of ill educated Americans blackmailing and bribing to create what was supposed to be a democratic nation - in place of the white-centric totalitarian government those in power in America, wanted out!
Mind you, every time America has mettled in other countries politics - it has backfired. But, never condemn the naively presumptuous for their continued optimism ..... their voters are not the ones being butchered. And collateral damage is just that, a statistic!
Back in 1965, camping my way through Spain and into Portugal, I kept seeing the same faces - so finally had to ask whom they were. They turned out to be a group of college students on vacation from South Africa. Now South Africa was in the news quite a bit in the German news, so I took them straight into examination of very hard questions. And they realized I was thinking my way through what I had read and heard.
I learned about the ill conceived policy of apartheid. The politics of those in power and came to understand that these white young men were just as trapped by these policies as the native and immigrant populations were! And the same could be said for the Rhodesians I met as well!
As history has shown, Rhodesia fell to a tribal based communist army and the bloodshed was appalling! To this day, the white fortresses have successfully held off the entrenched army for decades. And ever so often an enclave surrenders with guarantees of safe passage. I have only heard of once that passage was not being given safety and both sides suffered appalling losses!
Of course this did not happen in South Africa, thanks in part to an iron fisted will of the President whom sought healing for the nation. And this held for 25 years .... but now, the silent Christian ruler is dead and a tribal war is erupting as it did in Rhodesia. You can call it anyway you want but it really boils down to pagans vs Christians. You might remember how costly that battle was in Rome, certainly over 1,000,000 killed. In Rhodesia, perhaps around 500,000 initially - many, many more across time. Now South African Christians have been in a physical battle for a year!
Expect a mass exodus of up to 3,000,000 at first and another 5,000,000 casualties and escapees by end of next year.
Expect a bloodbath.
And note, it is not just whites being attacked, it is any Christian. But, you really do not want to be white or mixed race at this time either!
So, powerless, I sit and listen, and contemplate the future of my grandchildren, as the world slowly turns upon Christians .....
Yet you, like I, are powerful if we would just get down on our knees and pray.
Seriously, it is time to take sides with prayer.
God can and does do wonders if we are just willing to ask according to His will in all matters.
Mind you, every time America has mettled in other countries politics - it has backfired. But, never condemn the naively presumptuous for their continued optimism ..... their voters are not the ones being butchered. And collateral damage is just that, a statistic!
Back in 1965, camping my way through Spain and into Portugal, I kept seeing the same faces - so finally had to ask whom they were. They turned out to be a group of college students on vacation from South Africa. Now South Africa was in the news quite a bit in the German news, so I took them straight into examination of very hard questions. And they realized I was thinking my way through what I had read and heard.
I learned about the ill conceived policy of apartheid. The politics of those in power and came to understand that these white young men were just as trapped by these policies as the native and immigrant populations were! And the same could be said for the Rhodesians I met as well!
As history has shown, Rhodesia fell to a tribal based communist army and the bloodshed was appalling! To this day, the white fortresses have successfully held off the entrenched army for decades. And ever so often an enclave surrenders with guarantees of safe passage. I have only heard of once that passage was not being given safety and both sides suffered appalling losses!
Of course this did not happen in South Africa, thanks in part to an iron fisted will of the President whom sought healing for the nation. And this held for 25 years .... but now, the silent Christian ruler is dead and a tribal war is erupting as it did in Rhodesia. You can call it anyway you want but it really boils down to pagans vs Christians. You might remember how costly that battle was in Rome, certainly over 1,000,000 killed. In Rhodesia, perhaps around 500,000 initially - many, many more across time. Now South African Christians have been in a physical battle for a year!
Expect a mass exodus of up to 3,000,000 at first and another 5,000,000 casualties and escapees by end of next year.
Expect a bloodbath.
And note, it is not just whites being attacked, it is any Christian. But, you really do not want to be white or mixed race at this time either!
So, powerless, I sit and listen, and contemplate the future of my grandchildren, as the world slowly turns upon Christians .....
Yet you, like I, are powerful if we would just get down on our knees and pray.
Seriously, it is time to take sides with prayer.
God can and does do wonders if we are just willing to ask according to His will in all matters.
May 1, 2018
Grace
One of those touchy topics where you would be darn tested to find in the Bible, and yet it is a valid doctrine.
So, no direct references to talk from.
Read Genesis 1
What Is It?
"God's Riches At Christ's Expense"
But this limits Grace to the cross only!
"Undeserved love (goodness, kindness, forgiveness, etc)
"Love when you are unlovable."
"One way love - you have nothing to offer in return."
There are no demands made upon you to do anything for it.
Offered to everyone, no matter their/yours/my sin!
Where is it found?
The proof of Grace is found throughout the Bible.
In the characters of the greats of the Bible.
We find it in stories, not in doctrine.
Think of Samson, David, Paul, Peter, etc!
All were just like you and me.
All failed.
All were given Grace.
None of them deserved it.
Seen In A Garden
Creation left us with variety.
Not for God's pleasure, but ours.
We were given control of, not for destruction, but to enjoy.
All of life can be viewed as a gift of God.
And Grace makes religion compassionate!
So, no direct references to talk from.
Read Genesis 1
What Is It?
"God's Riches At Christ's Expense"
But this limits Grace to the cross only!
"Undeserved love (goodness, kindness, forgiveness, etc)
"Love when you are unlovable."
"One way love - you have nothing to offer in return."
There are no demands made upon you to do anything for it.
Offered to everyone, no matter their/yours/my sin!
Where is it found?
The proof of Grace is found throughout the Bible.
In the characters of the greats of the Bible.
We find it in stories, not in doctrine.
Think of Samson, David, Paul, Peter, etc!
All were just like you and me.
All failed.
All were given Grace.
None of them deserved it.
Seen In A Garden
Creation left us with variety.
Not for God's pleasure, but ours.
We were given control of, not for destruction, but to enjoy.
All of life can be viewed as a gift of God.
And Grace makes religion compassionate!
April 24, 2018
Forgiveness
It is a small world it seems.
Last Thursday, in the meeting with my end of life counsellor, he got to talking about forgiveness.
No worries, I keep my conscience clear!
Or so I thought .....
Sunday, my second youngest God-Son was talking about forgiveness, too.
And, that got me thinking.
There are no coincidences in the Christian walk.
So, I prayed about this.
And I was amazingly reminded that there was plenty of for forgiveness.
Apparently burying stuff, does not help it go away.
And somethings can't be forgotten it seems.
Read Matthew 18:21-35
Forgiveness Frees
You need to understand forgiveness.
I am reminded of a guy down in Mexico whom was laughing after a fight with another guy.
When I asked why, he sia that now he "owned" that other guy.
Due to his hatred.
And, it ould seem forgiveness was out of the question!
Forgiveness Forgets
This is willing memory loss.
Something not natural at all!~
Remember you are forgiven.
Forgiveness Costs
Hatred and anger are poison to you!
Both bring on Stress, Heart Attacks, Ulcers ... etc!
Let go of the past.
Live in the now.
Remember the cost of your own forgiveness.
Last Thursday, in the meeting with my end of life counsellor, he got to talking about forgiveness.
No worries, I keep my conscience clear!
Or so I thought .....
Sunday, my second youngest God-Son was talking about forgiveness, too.
And, that got me thinking.
There are no coincidences in the Christian walk.
So, I prayed about this.
And I was amazingly reminded that there was plenty of for forgiveness.
Apparently burying stuff, does not help it go away.
And somethings can't be forgotten it seems.
Read Matthew 18:21-35
Forgiveness Frees
You need to understand forgiveness.
I am reminded of a guy down in Mexico whom was laughing after a fight with another guy.
When I asked why, he sia that now he "owned" that other guy.
Due to his hatred.
And, it ould seem forgiveness was out of the question!
Forgiveness Forgets
This is willing memory loss.
Something not natural at all!~
Remember you are forgiven.
Forgiveness Costs
Hatred and anger are poison to you!
Both bring on Stress, Heart Attacks, Ulcers ... etc!
Let go of the past.
Live in the now.
Remember the cost of your own forgiveness.
April 18, 2018
The Joy of Being Content, Part 2
A good catch by a reader, I never published the second part of a study at the end of March!
Such a mind I am left with...
Sorry.
Philippians 4:10-19
Go With The Flow
Life isn't "fair".
What you depend on will disappear,
People will become unstable,
Jobs come and go,
And health .... yeah, well .....
Paul was writing from prison and Roman prisons were not nice.
There are two ways to look at any given situation:
Positively
Or Negatively
Be positive in your outlook!
Not in fantasy land.
In reality.
Paul had an appointment with death.
He was chained to two soldiers tasked with executing him when the decision was made.
Moment by moment, he had to await his head coming off!
Find Strength In Jesus
It is His strength NOT yours you must have.
You must learn to have FAITH
And BOLDNESS.
Whatever the situation you find yourself in:
God will lead you
He will see you through it
But empowering you with His spirit.
(this is not to say He will dig you out of holes you put yourself in!
He will help but play the worlds game and it can damage you!)
God Will Meet Your Needs
But you have to trust Him first!
Rome gave prisoners NOTHING!
All food, water and clothing was your responsibility!
If no one provided what you needed, you died!
But the believers in Philippi wre supplying Paul.
So, God was supplying Paul via the Philippi believers!
And God can and will supply your needs.
And, if He doesn't - He is still God!
(As I reread this I was reminded of Paul's death in Foxes' Book of Martyrs:
The news of the decision came while Paul was performing a baptism in Rome.
The Emperor had signed the death decree.
The guards had Paul baptize them,
Soldier One drew his sword and lopped Paul's head off.
Following prayer, Soldier Two lopped the first soldier's head off,
and then fell on his own sword.
Very Roman.
But such was life in the 60's AD ..... )
Such a mind I am left with...
Sorry.
Philippians 4:10-19
Go With The Flow
Life isn't "fair".
What you depend on will disappear,
People will become unstable,
Jobs come and go,
And health .... yeah, well .....
Paul was writing from prison and Roman prisons were not nice.
There are two ways to look at any given situation:
Positively
Or Negatively
Be positive in your outlook!
Not in fantasy land.
In reality.
Paul had an appointment with death.
He was chained to two soldiers tasked with executing him when the decision was made.
Moment by moment, he had to await his head coming off!
Find Strength In Jesus
It is His strength NOT yours you must have.
You must learn to have FAITH
And BOLDNESS.
Whatever the situation you find yourself in:
God will lead you
He will see you through it
But empowering you with His spirit.
(this is not to say He will dig you out of holes you put yourself in!
He will help but play the worlds game and it can damage you!)
God Will Meet Your Needs
But you have to trust Him first!
Rome gave prisoners NOTHING!
All food, water and clothing was your responsibility!
If no one provided what you needed, you died!
But the believers in Philippi wre supplying Paul.
So, God was supplying Paul via the Philippi believers!
And God can and will supply your needs.
And, if He doesn't - He is still God!
(As I reread this I was reminded of Paul's death in Foxes' Book of Martyrs:
The news of the decision came while Paul was performing a baptism in Rome.
The Emperor had signed the death decree.
The guards had Paul baptize them,
Soldier One drew his sword and lopped Paul's head off.
Following prayer, Soldier Two lopped the first soldier's head off,
and then fell on his own sword.
Very Roman.
But such was life in the 60's AD ..... )
April 6, 2018
Stephen's Ministry
You ever heard of this?
Someone came up with an idea for a counseling ministry.
I was part of this for the past few years -
But now I am at the end of life and need someone to pray with me.
Interestingly, the church by "random" draw gave to someone whom was to help me.
And it seems it was not so "random" - God had a plan.
This guy is very much like me:
History
Ministries
Shaftings
Had to face his own death recently
Yeah, he has been through the wringer too!
We have met twice so far.
Time for getting acquainted.
Time for prayer.
Time enough for me to wonder what God has planned.
Indeed!
There are NO coincidences in the Christian walk.
Everything is by design.
And we are too dumb to figure it out at the time!
So, looking forward to this exercise ....
Someone came up with an idea for a counseling ministry.
I was part of this for the past few years -
But now I am at the end of life and need someone to pray with me.
Interestingly, the church by "random" draw gave to someone whom was to help me.
And it seems it was not so "random" - God had a plan.
This guy is very much like me:
History
Ministries
Shaftings
Had to face his own death recently
Yeah, he has been through the wringer too!
We have met twice so far.
Time for getting acquainted.
Time for prayer.
Time enough for me to wonder what God has planned.
Indeed!
There are NO coincidences in the Christian walk.
Everything is by design.
And we are too dumb to figure it out at the time!
So, looking forward to this exercise ....
March 30, 2018
Joy of Being Content, Part 1
We live in a culture of WHINERS
And those whom fill RECLINERS
No one is happy.
Leastwise.
Contentment is about your perspective and choices made.
You choose what to focus on.
"What is true, noble right, pure, lovely, admirable"
2 Cor 10:15 take ever thought captive ...
1 Tim 4:7 Disciple yourself for the purpose of godliness
Ps 139:23-24 Know, test, see, lead
Phil 4:9 (find a mentor)
Comparisons lead to discontent.
Finances
Appearances
Cars
Homes
Boats
(whatever)
Find joy in what you have and where you are in life!
And those whom fill RECLINERS
No one is happy.
Leastwise.
Contentment is about your perspective and choices made.
You choose what to focus on.
"What is true, noble right, pure, lovely, admirable"
2 Cor 10:15 take ever thought captive ...
1 Tim 4:7 Disciple yourself for the purpose of godliness
Ps 139:23-24 Know, test, see, lead
Phil 4:9 (find a mentor)
Comparisons lead to discontent.
Finances
Appearances
Cars
Homes
Boats
(whatever)
Find joy in what you have and where you are in life!
March 13, 2018
War and Peace
Each of us unde3rwtands the concept of War and Peace, we each fight these in our own lives.
1. Worry or Pray?
Is your prayer, your worrying outloud to God?
Worry is not trusting God.
Prayer - - - - - Worry - Where are you on this line?
Christian culture says this is not sin.
Bible says it is sin!
We worry over what we can not control.
1 Peter 5:2
Philippians 4:6
Key here is to have thanksgiving.
2. Allow God's peace to stand guard.
Stop worry and then V7: peace of God.
Cant't stop worry?
Then no peace is possible!
1. Worry or Pray?
Is your prayer, your worrying outloud to God?
Worry is not trusting God.
Prayer - - - - - Worry - Where are you on this line?
Christian culture says this is not sin.
Bible says it is sin!
We worry over what we can not control.
1 Peter 5:2
Philippians 4:6
Key here is to have thanksgiving.
2. Allow God's peace to stand guard.
Stop worry and then V7: peace of God.
Cant't stop worry?
Then no peace is possible!
January 30, 2018
Loss and Gain
Philippians 3:7-11
What You Value
Let it become trash in comparison to what is found in Jesus.
The word "trash" here refers to something of no value, refus,. literally dog poop!
Paul is not saying to throw Judaism away,
Just that there us no comparison with what he has found in Jesus.
Paul has traveled from LAW to Freedom-
To do so he had to throw away his learning and Jewish pride!
What You Get
Righteousness, based solely on Jesus.
Consider 1 John 4:7-12
Sharing The Pain
We are to share in Jesus' pain and suffering:
By God's design.
Through we become like Him.
Our fellowship with Jesus can be found in our suffering.
Yeah, not the popular idea these days.
Yet, Paul felt it needed mentioning.
What You Value
Let it become trash in comparison to what is found in Jesus.
The word "trash" here refers to something of no value, refus,. literally dog poop!
Paul is not saying to throw Judaism away,
Just that there us no comparison with what he has found in Jesus.
Paul has traveled from LAW to Freedom-
To do so he had to throw away his learning and Jewish pride!
What You Get
Righteousness, based solely on Jesus.
Consider 1 John 4:7-12
Sharing The Pain
We are to share in Jesus' pain and suffering:
By God's design.
Through we become like Him.
Our fellowship with Jesus can be found in our suffering.
Yeah, not the popular idea these days.
Yet, Paul felt it needed mentioning.
January 25, 2018
How To Walk
I use three concepts quite a bit:
Following after Jesus
Following Scripture
Being an Example
And folllowing a "Huh?"
Came the "How?"
Yeah, I do not necessarily think that way.
So, given some time to think ...
Revelation 3:7-13
Walk In the Light
Isaisah 22:22
Romans 2:28-29
James 1:2
1 Thesselonians 4:16-17
Revelation 21:2
Walk in Love
John 143:15
1 John 4:7-8
1 Cori8nthians 16:14
Walk in Liberty
Romans 3:23-24
Galathians 5:13
2 Timothy 1:7
Following after Jesus
Following Scripture
Being an Example
And folllowing a "Huh?"
Came the "How?"
Yeah, I do not necessarily think that way.
So, given some time to think ...
Revelation 3:7-13
Walk In the Light
Isaisah 22:22
Romans 2:28-29
James 1:2
1 Thesselonians 4:16-17
Revelation 21:2
Walk in Love
John 143:15
1 John 4:7-8
1 Cori8nthians 16:14
Walk in Liberty
Romans 3:23-24
Galathians 5:13
2 Timothy 1:7
January 22, 2018
Treasure
I am a pack-rat, I readily admit it!
Though I hope to own much less a year from now.
I am a treasure hunter, only moderately successful however in that area.
But I have three hunts laid out which could put my grand-kids through college, maybe.
But what I value is history, knowledge and the people I have known.
Even though some of them were massive negative influences ...
What do you value?
What is it you cling to?
No wrong answers here ...
Philippians 3:1-6
Welcome Consistent Concepts
Remind ourselves whose you are,
Who God is,
What the Gospel is.
The world brings confusion:
Misunderstanding of sexuality, security and happiness.
Conversely, God brings the correct understanding to all of these areas:
Purity and innocence
God
Joy
The Wild Dogs
Paul uses a much debated linguistic statement.
Wild dogs, mutilated flesh - what the heck!?!
Well, unfortunate history, not withstanding Roman Catholic theology ...
First century Jews, wanted to fight in the Olympic Games, but were mocked for their circumcision.
Now how to undo a circumcision?
Yeah, butchery!
And Paul attaches these thoiughts to the concept of the Jesus Plus crowd.
Jesus plus something else is what gains you salvation.
And that something else has no end of definitions.
If ANYONE tells you that ANYTHING else other than Jesus blood shed on the cross and his resurrection are needed for salvation - you have just encountered one of the false teachers!
Christian Characteristics
Your circumsion is of the heart.
The sin nature stripped away.
Our trust is in Jesus, nothing else!
Don't get Cocky
Before Jesus, Paul valued:
hereadity
nationalism
his works
being a "blue blood"
He found he had to abandon this value system to follow Jesus!
See what God values.
See what God rewards.
Then FOLLOW God ...
Though I hope to own much less a year from now.
I am a treasure hunter, only moderately successful however in that area.
But I have three hunts laid out which could put my grand-kids through college, maybe.
But what I value is history, knowledge and the people I have known.
Even though some of them were massive negative influences ...
What do you value?
What is it you cling to?
No wrong answers here ...
Philippians 3:1-6
Welcome Consistent Concepts
Remind ourselves whose you are,
Who God is,
What the Gospel is.
The world brings confusion:
Misunderstanding of sexuality, security and happiness.
Conversely, God brings the correct understanding to all of these areas:
Purity and innocence
God
Joy
The Wild Dogs
Paul uses a much debated linguistic statement.
Wild dogs, mutilated flesh - what the heck!?!
Well, unfortunate history, not withstanding Roman Catholic theology ...
First century Jews, wanted to fight in the Olympic Games, but were mocked for their circumcision.
Now how to undo a circumcision?
Yeah, butchery!
And Paul attaches these thoiughts to the concept of the Jesus Plus crowd.
Jesus plus something else is what gains you salvation.
And that something else has no end of definitions.
If ANYONE tells you that ANYTHING else other than Jesus blood shed on the cross and his resurrection are needed for salvation - you have just encountered one of the false teachers!
Christian Characteristics
Your circumsion is of the heart.
The sin nature stripped away.
Our trust is in Jesus, nothing else!
Don't get Cocky
Before Jesus, Paul valued:
hereadity
nationalism
his works
being a "blue blood"
He found he had to abandon this value system to follow Jesus!
See what God values.
See what God rewards.
Then FOLLOW God ...
January 10, 2018
Friendship
In Philippians we get a chance to read someone else's letter! How exciting .. no not really, but it shares with us others views and struggles!
Philippians 2:17-24
Biblical Friendship Definded
You are insweert into other;s lives for God's sake - not your own.
Friends who bring joy
Put the needs of other's first
Philippians 2:17-24
Biblical Friendship Definded
You are insweert into other;s lives for God's sake - not your own.
Friends who bring joy
Put the needs of other's first
December 27, 2017
Service
Notes from thinking on how we should be living our lives and as to what value any of this is ...
John 13:1-17
Acts 2:2-47
1Corinthians 12:12-20
Serving Was Jesus' Mission
Jesus served by example.
Serving the absolute lowest in society.
Serving Was The Early Church's Mission
Service as a lifestyle witness.
Serving freely brought the curious.
Serving set the Christians apart from the world!
Serving At The Heart of the Church Today
Service must be!
No one is useless.
No one is without value in Jesus' Church.
Service Must Be At Our Heart
We are here to service, to help, as a witness for Jesus.
It turned the 2nd century Roman people to wonder.
It showed there was truth behind Christian claims.
It brought the Roman Empire to its knees.
John 13:1-17
Acts 2:2-47
1Corinthians 12:12-20
Serving Was Jesus' Mission
Jesus served by example.
Serving the absolute lowest in society.
Serving Was The Early Church's Mission
Service as a lifestyle witness.
Serving freely brought the curious.
Serving set the Christians apart from the world!
Serving At The Heart of the Church Today
Service must be!
No one is useless.
No one is without value in Jesus' Church.
Service Must Be At Our Heart
We are here to service, to help, as a witness for Jesus.
It turned the 2nd century Roman people to wonder.
It showed there was truth behind Christian claims.
It brought the Roman Empire to its knees.
November 29, 2017
The Answer Is:
Philippians 2:9 - 11
Jesus is Lord.
The question for each of us is one of allegiance!
Who Is He?
Lord, is the name above all names.
Yet, it is a position role with little meaning today.
The English term Lord, is the German title Marquis, the Lord of the March.
I have held this Germanic title since 1967 - though at the time it made no sense to me.
I, in theory, control a district of Switzerland and would supply the German Kaiser with refuge and supplies in time of war.
Of course the Canton of Bern seized the estate in the mid-19th century.
My grandmother, the Marquess, died in 1984 without ever telling me family history or peerage!
Like all things in my life the appearance of, but not in reality ...
Why Killed?
Christians called Jesus Lord, Caesars (Nero's) title.
Nero was not humored.
Why Does It Matter Today?
When the New Testament was written down, Jesus was described with a title meaningless to us today!
He is Lord - your Lord - whether you care or not.
Your allegiance is expected - if you claim to be His.
We must live as though He really is our Lord.
Consider Romans 10:9
He is already the Lord of all!
Who Did This?
God.
He did it all:
Jesus brought down
Jesus lifted up.
Jesus exalted!
Everyone will worship Him in submission.
All creation
Living and dead
Even Satan!
(us in our embarrassment!)
Jesus is Lord.
The question for each of us is one of allegiance!
Who Is He?
Lord, is the name above all names.
Yet, it is a position role with little meaning today.
The English term Lord, is the German title Marquis, the Lord of the March.
I have held this Germanic title since 1967 - though at the time it made no sense to me.
I, in theory, control a district of Switzerland and would supply the German Kaiser with refuge and supplies in time of war.
Of course the Canton of Bern seized the estate in the mid-19th century.
My grandmother, the Marquess, died in 1984 without ever telling me family history or peerage!
Like all things in my life the appearance of, but not in reality ...
Why Killed?
Christians called Jesus Lord, Caesars (Nero's) title.
Nero was not humored.
Why Does It Matter Today?
When the New Testament was written down, Jesus was described with a title meaningless to us today!
He is Lord - your Lord - whether you care or not.
Your allegiance is expected - if you claim to be His.
We must live as though He really is our Lord.
Consider Romans 10:9
He is already the Lord of all!
Who Did This?
God.
He did it all:
Jesus brought down
Jesus lifted up.
Jesus exalted!
Everyone will worship Him in submission.
All creation
Living and dead
Even Satan!
(us in our embarrassment!)
November 10, 2017
How Dare He!
So I was able to get a ride to church on Saturday night. I like the Saturday service as there are fewer people - and I like avoiding crowds - however well intentioned!
I was surprised when they announced the senior pastor was not to give the message, but one of my God-children was! I settled back to see what he had to say. About a third of the group got up and walked out during the opening prayer - including some good friends. So, I had to ask ...
"he has no business in pulpit!"
"he is not a pastor!"
"I don't believe his testimony!"
etc ...
These quotations were repeated by a close friend as well, whom has probably given 100 sermons through the years and has NO ministry background at all, but is gifted. Very hypocritical!
I did not want a fight so I kept my mouth shut.
Thanks to the organized church aka Roman Catholic Church, we have a completely skewed view of what a pastor is! The pastor is the ordained one. Even in the Reformation Churches speaking was limited to the elders, usually 10 to 12 of them!
Biblically, the only qualifications for a pastor or even elder all revolve around their character and commitment. Sorry 21st century church, you never were legitimate at least if you believe the Bible. And like so much in this generation, we call upon tradition of a corrupt church to defend our beliefs.
So my God-son, gave a valuable sermon on each of our responsibilities. Solid, Biblical, people were listening - and that is what God desires of each of us, and of him that day. He did well and I encouraged him afterwards.
Whether you witness to someone, help an old lady in the grocers or preach a sermon - you are called to perform all of these tasks (as God leads your spirit). We are to be servants to all - always with an answer for the faith within us!
Break Satan's hold over your Church, get involved, serve others, your community. Study, pray, witness - be the meekest of witnesses, learning to love others more than yourself!
I was surprised when they announced the senior pastor was not to give the message, but one of my God-children was! I settled back to see what he had to say. About a third of the group got up and walked out during the opening prayer - including some good friends. So, I had to ask ...
"he has no business in pulpit!"
"he is not a pastor!"
"I don't believe his testimony!"
etc ...
These quotations were repeated by a close friend as well, whom has probably given 100 sermons through the years and has NO ministry background at all, but is gifted. Very hypocritical!
I did not want a fight so I kept my mouth shut.
Thanks to the organized church aka Roman Catholic Church, we have a completely skewed view of what a pastor is! The pastor is the ordained one. Even in the Reformation Churches speaking was limited to the elders, usually 10 to 12 of them!
Biblically, the only qualifications for a pastor or even elder all revolve around their character and commitment. Sorry 21st century church, you never were legitimate at least if you believe the Bible. And like so much in this generation, we call upon tradition of a corrupt church to defend our beliefs.
So my God-son, gave a valuable sermon on each of our responsibilities. Solid, Biblical, people were listening - and that is what God desires of each of us, and of him that day. He did well and I encouraged him afterwards.
Whether you witness to someone, help an old lady in the grocers or preach a sermon - you are called to perform all of these tasks (as God leads your spirit). We are to be servants to all - always with an answer for the faith within us!
Break Satan's hold over your Church, get involved, serve others, your community. Study, pray, witness - be the meekest of witnesses, learning to love others more than yourself!
November 3, 2017
Joy
Been thinking about the trauma of my recent past a lot, about how all but joy is present.
Rather miserable way to live.
Yet, joy is what we are supposed to have.
So turning to the Bible:
Philippians 1:3 - 8.
Joy can be found in good memories of God's people.
Don't let Church disappointments crush you!
Joy can not be found in sinful pleasure, sex or drugs.
Or adrenaline highs.
Joy comes with grateful partnership in God's work:
Prayer for one another
Joining in fellowship
Acceptance of one another
Sharing with one another
You learning to love others!
Joy comes as we gain confidence in God's faithfulness .....
Yeah, a bit ponder and the need to refocus my heart's eyes.
Rather miserable way to live.
Yet, joy is what we are supposed to have.
So turning to the Bible:
Philippians 1:3 - 8.
Joy can be found in good memories of God's people.
Don't let Church disappointments crush you!
Joy can not be found in sinful pleasure, sex or drugs.
Or adrenaline highs.
Joy comes with grateful partnership in God's work:
Prayer for one another
Joining in fellowship
Acceptance of one another
Sharing with one another
You learning to love others!
Joy comes as we gain confidence in God's faithfulness .....
Yeah, a bit ponder and the need to refocus my heart's eyes.
October 10, 2017
A Hutterite's Belief
I have been asked for years define the Hutterite belief - I lack all interest in regressing five centuries to restate what was relayed to me and became a part of me!
But, the events of last week blind sided me!
I needed to be assured.
For the week I began questioning
And seeking answers ......
God is sovereign, there is nothing greater.
God is in control of all, nothing a part from Him occurs.
(this was the first of many sore points between my mentor and me!
if God is in control - then how come .....?)
I am not God and unworthy of judging Him!
This is good enough for getting us started.
So, god-son, a life long Christian on a bit of a rough road ( heavy drug abuse area).
Goes to a country western concert with two of his friends.
Some3thing I still do not understand occurs and a whack-o opens fire on the crowd.
He and his friends take off running, but no one know from where the bullets are coming.
His two friends are hit and die quickly.
His mind goes sideways.....
And where was God through all of this???????
Certainly nothing in the shooters life would suggest He was on a mission for God,
Nor that the friends were anything more than bad timing.
It would seem reasonable that god-son's life was protected, whereas, his friends were not.
It would seem God was finished with his friends, but not my god-son.
He was protected even after their deaths.
Interested.
If life is random - he should be dead.
The death count up to 200 times higher!
It boggles the mind!
No, I would not put into print what I personally think.
I am just grateful for his safe return .....
As for the Hutterite answer to this - we are not to question God, not to judge, not to condemn - He is sovereign - we are not.....
But, the events of last week blind sided me!
I needed to be assured.
For the week I began questioning
And seeking answers ......
God is sovereign, there is nothing greater.
God is in control of all, nothing a part from Him occurs.
(this was the first of many sore points between my mentor and me!
if God is in control - then how come .....?)
I am not God and unworthy of judging Him!
This is good enough for getting us started.
So, god-son, a life long Christian on a bit of a rough road ( heavy drug abuse area).
Goes to a country western concert with two of his friends.
Some3thing I still do not understand occurs and a whack-o opens fire on the crowd.
He and his friends take off running, but no one know from where the bullets are coming.
His two friends are hit and die quickly.
His mind goes sideways.....
And where was God through all of this???????
Certainly nothing in the shooters life would suggest He was on a mission for God,
Nor that the friends were anything more than bad timing.
It would seem reasonable that god-son's life was protected, whereas, his friends were not.
It would seem God was finished with his friends, but not my god-son.
He was protected even after their deaths.
Interested.
If life is random - he should be dead.
The death count up to 200 times higher!
It boggles the mind!
No, I would not put into print what I personally think.
I am just grateful for his safe return .....
As for the Hutterite answer to this - we are not to question God, not to judge, not to condemn - He is sovereign - we are not.....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)