Right Scripture Wrong Motive

Ever had Bible for your bad attitude? Ever used scriptures to manipulate your own heart? I have, so did the Disciples when they asked Jesus...
Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them, as Elijah did?
I guess the disciples reasoning was that Elijah did it, we've read the scriptures and have a precedent, and besides all that we, want to kill people for Jesus sake. Holy Murder. According to the scriptures we are justified.

Jesus always measuring the motives of our hearts...
He turned and rebuked them, and said, "You do not know what kind of spirit you are of...

I love Jesus! He knows just exactly what to call us on doesnt he? Right scripture, wrong motive boys. Seems to me that Christs purpose particularly at that time was to teach mercy, love, grace and faith. I know that sounds ooey gooey charismatic but LOVE is the ongoing theme of our New Testament. The greatest commandment is still to Love God and the second to love others.

Love not vengeful fire.

Good Blog Post...

Powerful blog post....

Priorities

When I find myself uninterested in scripture and prayer, I can be sure the problem lies within myself, not Him and His Word. If my hunger is not for more of Him then my spiritual diet is messed up and in need of a revamp. We stuff ourselves with books, videos, Internet, conversations.... Our hearts become so consumed with life that that the good crowds out whats best.
Only one thing is needful....

Repentance Needs A Plan

When you go in to have a cancer cut out, you are sent home with antibiotics, diet change, care for the wound, a follow up with your Dr., orders for lab work to make sure all of the cancer has been removed. A maintenance plan.

I guess saying *sorry God* and walking away is not enough. Well, maybe with a passing thought or a silly word that was better left unsaid but with deep disgusting sins it may take more than a quick prayer. I have been repenting every single day for a while over the same stinking sins, Im tired of it. Tired of myself. Ive begged God to deliver me yet here I am in need of deliverance...again.

Someone pointed out to me that repentance needs a plan, so I looked it up and am amazed to find that every one of the below scriptures commands repentance, AND...repentance and something else. Repentance needs follow up, a maintenance plan. A couple of the scriptures talk about how repentace leads to something else....

John the Baptist told the Pharisees to Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. MAT 3:8.

Peter told the crowd at Pentecost to Repent *and* be Baptized ........then...receive the Holy Ghost. Repentance needed a follow up of Baptism before the Holy Ghost came.

Mark1:15 "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent *and* believe the good news!"

Acts3:19 Repent, then, *and* turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out,
that times of refreshing may come from the Lord..

Acts 8:22 Repent of this wickedness *and* pray to the Lord.

Acts 20:21 I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God
in repentance *and* have faith in our Lord Jesus.

Acts 26:20 I preached that they should repent *and* turn to God *and* prove their repentance by their deeds....

2co10:10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

2TI 2:25 Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that
God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,

REV 2:5 Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.

Repentance requires more than confession and sorrow, it takes a plan.

Hypocrisy Is The Best Policy

A very good friend and I have had a couple of conversations lately about immodesty in the church. My friend holds to the view that the immodesty being displayed is just a true manifestation of the heart. Its a nobel thing to honest, right? *Keep it Real* and *Be true to your self*. After all there are gossips in the church but we cant *see* that so they arent picked on, give the immodest crew a break, they are just showing themselves in a realistic light. Honesty is the best policy...

I say..........

Please keep your hypocrisy intact so we dont have to see your boobs. God made us with eyes, He knew we would judge one another by appearances and conduct. The greatest commandment is to love others, we do that by considering others, even in the seemingly small things like how we dress and conduct ourselves. Dont show your true colors so proudly, hide them.

The worlds way is to display all its evil internal vomit very proudly, but the world is wrong. Lady Gaga although popular, is wrong......."I want women -- and men -- to feel empowered by a deeper and more psychotic part of themselves. The part they're always trying desperately to hide. I want that to become something that they cherish." — Lady Gaga....Keep your psychosis to yourself Gaga.

I know I sounds crass and rude here but this is a rude subject, and quite frankly Im sick of seeing the insides of your heart, its ugly, you look much better as a hypocrite.

I have 5 little children, one dear daughter who is very sensitive to the styles of dress around her. My 4 sons will one day become young men who are instructed to flee *youthful lusts*. If they cant find refuge in Gods house where is it safe?

Great Quote

"One of the great uses of Twitter and Facebook will be to prove at the Last Day that prayerlessness was not from lack of time." — John Piper

1 Tim 5:13 Besides that, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not. .....

Galations

In Galations Paul spends alot time teaching, and even pleading with the legalist to put away the rules. Yet he knew that there would be many who took that as a licence to take the liberty of faith in Christ too far. To live a worldly life. To sin.


He predicts that not only will the conservatives be sceptical of this liberty, this Faith Preaching Paul is doing, but Paul also knows that our flesh may take this new found liberty a little too far. He warns against that.

5:13 only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh.


For in Christ neither our most conscientious religion nor disregard of religion amounts to anything. What matters is something far more interior: faith expressed in love.

Perspective on Children

Im naturally, selfish, lazy, undisciplined, and thats just my short list.

I appreciate (mostly) that my children are little agents from the Lord pressing this out of me. Gratefully, I am so much more selfless than I would be if I had just stuck with my husband and dog. God didnt give me children to make me happy, He gave me children to make me holy.

I think God is pleased when we lay down our own desires and serve others, so He conveniently implemented this thing called family so we could at least hang on the cross and die to self in the comforts of our own living rooms.

I think the sooner we realize God didnt give us children so we can *enjoy them*, rather He gave us children so He could *enjoy us*, the better.

My kids are Gods way of saying *You arent the center of the universe...look beyond the end of your own nose*.

Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven....

I like to think about how God knows whats best for me, and ironically when I accept my children as Gods best (albeit at times painful best) for me I *do* actually start to enjoy them more.

Plus, they are furry and cute.

Post Modern Legalism

Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? Galations 3:3

I know that when Paul talks about *the law* he is talking about the OT laws adhered to by the Jews. No pork or shrimp, gotta wash your hands a certain way and keep the Sabbath, be circumcised on the 8th day yada yada yada. That's legalism, I know that, but I cant read about Pauls pleas to the Jews to ditch legalism without thinking about ...well... some of the circles I am affiliated with.

So many parallels between OT laws and our current religious standards, maybe not so much parallels in the actual rituals or ordinances but the spirit and pride behind them. Like a standard or rule can actually impress our Holy God. (roll eyes)

Colossians 2:23
These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person's evil desires.

Take out the word/idea law in the following scriptures and replace it with rules/standards. Replace this Jewish legalism with whatever it is you think makes you holy. Homeschooling? Long skirts? A plain face? A large family with matching jumpers? Even reading, fasting and prayer O my! Whatever you think makes you righteous. Read these scriptures and see if your efforts are enough?

Abraham believed God and it was counted unto him for righteousness, he had faith. Thats IT. Faith. Some things never change.....


“...by works of the law NO ONE will be justified” (Galations 2:16)

“...if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose” (Galations 2:21)

“...No one is justified before God by the law...” (Galations3:11)

"...Those who rely on standards are cursed!...(Galations 3:10)

“...if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law” (Galations3:21)

“...the law as our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith” (Galations 3:24).

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage” (Galations 5:1).

Monday At Noon

Ever leave a Sunday night service with enough faith and victory to run through a troop and leap over a wall?

And then....

Monday At Noon rolls around? The babies are fussy, the towel rack has been ripped off the wall (no it wont hold the weight of a hanging 3 year old if anyone was wondering). Your kids have creased up their new school books, one day...just one day and already they are tattered. Your husband is growly because he has a devil. The dishwasher broke and the bills are still due. Your throat hurts and no one cares, there are no sick days.....blah blah blah...My Pastor always warns that this will happen, hes right, again!

Just wondering...has that ever happened to you?

Child Training Reminders

We love HIM because He first loved us. Establish love *first*.

Love fosters trust. We need our children to trust that we are disciplining and training them for *their* best interest: translated Gods glory.

So love first and then obedience, based on love (Gods glory) not convenience for ourselves.

There are not 2 Bibles, one for children/youth and 1 for adults, that must mean God wants our children to obey the same commands/precepts we do. The Bible is not just for adults to live by it is for our children too.

There is only 1 command specifically and exclusively for children in the New Testament....Honor your Mother and Father.

Joy, we must joy and delight in our children. God told Jesus *this is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased*. We need to convey the same delight in our children.

We have to make our homes, and lifestyles more appealing than the world. We do that by cultivating love, joy and peace in our homes. Netflix, peer pressure, hairstyles as big as a parade, all stiff competition for sure. The *only* thing that compares is Christ alone.

Be willing to admit that 95% of EVERY problem we have with our children is a direct result of a deficit somewhere in our own parenting.

Repent to God and children when we fail.

So simple but so huge. SMILE!

Get closer not louder.

Modesty and the Christian Woman

Genesis 1

Believe it or not the first Chapter in Genesis always reminds me of Teri Maxwell and her MOTH resources.

God took what was dark, void and full of chaos and started to make order of it. He took what was without form and put it on a schedule. The days and nights dont deviate, the sun always rises and sets, the seasons He established and they are faithful. The planets He perfectly aligned so that they give us light and heat. He is a God of order and detail. Deliberate. He doesnt react to the day rather He orchestrates it.

In the beginning God!

I am both encouraged and convicted by these scriptures because I dont feel like I order my days as well as I should. Hover, yet closer God........

Genesis 3

The fall of all mankind took place in Genisis Chapter 3 when Eve went looking for knowledge outside of loving relationship with those who had authority over her, those who had her best interest at heart. She ate fruit from the ***TREE OF KNOWLEDGE***.

What could possibly be wrong with seeking knowledge? The enemy really is so subtle isnt he?

Genesis 3:6And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

The enemy tempted and convinced Eve to eat saying that when she did it would make her wise/knowledgeable. The Bible tells us over and over again to seek knowledge adn wisom. Eve was looking for it outside of God.

Genesis 3;4And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:5For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

I am so thankful to have a husband who is aware of my tendency to seek knowledge outside of him and God. Seriously, without my dh I think I would either be Amish or atheist. I gravitate towards the extreme and am way too curious. My husband is very stable, and for that I am thankful.

I, like Eve am at times carnal and think that it isn't any big deal for me to Google my questions.... innocent, perhaps even *good* questions about God, child training, home management, marriage. Usually I get about 26,300,120 results. I think we women sometimes get tricked into thinking that there isnt any problem in just trying to figure it all out, but knowledge outside of God is sin. It goes back to Genesis 3, we are Eves daughters when we try to research, study and covey our findings to our husbands. To lead and step out from underneath our heads/coverings to direct our families.

"Aw....You wont die ......your eyes will be opened, and you will be smarter ....just like God!" or even more subtle than that..."Did God really say He didn't want you to enjoy this or that?" The very first recorded words of the devil are *Hath God said?* The devil is cynical, he likes to question authority.

Some things never change...

I wonder if the modern day tree of good and evil isn't subtly disguised as the Internet, (of course thats if we dont use it properly)? It sounds like that tree in the garden was a resource of vast knowledge that God didn't intend for us to have ....not outside of relationship with Him.

21 Rules Of The House

The 21 Rules Of This House
by Gregg Harris

1. We obey God.
2. We love, honor and pray for one another.
3. We tell the truth.
4. We consider one another's interests ahead of our own.
5. We speak quietly and respectfully with one another.
6. We do not hurt one another with unkind words or deeds.
7. When someone needs correction, we correct him in love.
8. When someone is sorry, we forgive him.
9. When someone is sad, we comfort him.
10. When someone is happy, we rejoice with him.
11. When we have something nice to share, we share it.
12. When we have work to do, we do it without complaining.
13. We take good care of everything that God has given us.
14. We do not create unnecessary work for others.
15. When we open something, we close it.
16. When we take something out, we put it away.
17. When we turn something on, we turn it off.
18. When we make a mess, we clean it up.
19. When we do not know what to do, we ask.
20. When we go out, we act just as if we were in this house.
21. When we disobey or forget any of the 21 Rules of This House, we accept
the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

The Power Of One

Did you know that Lydia the seller of Purple helped start the church at Philippi?

The book of Philippians uses the word joy or rejoice 16 times. Paul didnt have much correction for the Philippians, he was deeply touched by their giving love, and their service. He gushes about how much he loves them and how impressed he is with their love for him, others and most importantly Christ.

Paul deeply loved the Philippians.

Philippians 1:8 For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.
My point is that this awesome church was started because one woman opened her home. She practiced hospitality.

One woman. The power of one. Neat huh?

Acts 16:14-15
14One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message. 15When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. "If you consider me a believer in the Lord," she said, "come and stay at my house." And she persuaded us.

Moses Intercession

Moses interceded for the children of Israel when they were worshipping that glitzy cow. He could of said "Yep, God your right they are idolatrous and carnal...strike em dead Lord, burn em up", and ya know that would of made Moses life soooo much easier. Moses risked his life to ask mercy on behalf of a bunch of partying worldly rebels. God listened, and then Moses was stuck with having to lead the knuckleheads.

God loved Moses for his heart to love others. Moses was a type of Jesus, he saw others problems and said Im going to reconcile that problem, even if it means I have to die to do so.

We should have the same heart, one that says...these people are wrong, but God put me here to love them, help them and reconcile them.

2 Cor 5:16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view.

Radical

Been reading this book out loud to my family. Its good. Its radical. I think the author is suggesting that perhaps, maybe, could be that Jesus Christ actually meant all the things He said, that Jesus Christ should be taken if not literally at least seriously.

Imagine that?

This book has encouraged me to consider that His Word really does demand a radical change of heart. I think being conservative compared to the world makes us feel comfortable if not complacent, but what if Jesus Christ really is going to send us to hell for eternity if we dont feed the hungry and clothe the naked? Thats what Christ said isnt it? He wasnt impressed with devils being cast out, He wants to know if we care about the sick and lonely. Do we? What are we doing for the least of our brothers? Because if we arent doing anything then we are going to hell. I know its radical, but its what He said. What if He meant it?

Get the book.

31"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
34"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'

37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

41"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'

44"They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'

45"He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'

46"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."

Are You Rich?

Am I Rich?

· Got $2200? In this world, you’re rich. Assets (not cash) of $2200 per adult place a person in the top 50% of the world’s wealthiest.*

· If you made $1500 last year, you’re in the top 20% of the world’s income earners.**

· If you have sufficient food, decent clothes, live in a house or apartment, and have a reasonably reliable means of transportation, you are among the top 15% of the world’s wealthy. **

· Have $61,000 in assets? You’re among the richest 10% of the adults in the world.*

·If you earn $25,000 or more annually, you are in the top 10% of the world’s income-earners.***


· If you have any money saved, a hobby that requires some equipment or supplies, a variety of clothes in your closet, two cars (in any condition), and live in your own home, you are in the top 5% of the world’s wealthy. **

·If you earn more than $50,000 annually, you are in the top 1% of the world’s income earners.***


· If you have more than $500,000 in assets, you’re part of the richest 1% of the world.*

You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occassion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.~ II Corinthians 9:11

*Source– MSN Money

**Money Possessions & Eternity by Randy Alcorn, pg 291

***The Hole in our Gospel by Richard Stearns, President of World Vision, pg 216

Life

Harry Ironside

The story goes that Harry Ironside, in just three short years, moved up the Salvation Army ranks from cadet to captain, but he was constantly tormented with the thought that he had backslidden and might lose his salvation. To stay saved, he thought, he must reach a place where he was beyond sin. He heard sensational stories from people who claimed that they had attained holiness, their lives totally free from sin. He wanted that holiness too.

Harry prayed for and pursued sinlessness, working ever harder, depriving himself of even the simplest pleasures, convinced that he was making his place in heaven more secure. But the holiness he sought eluded him. Under the strain of this unbearable pursuit of perfection, Harry collapsed in exhaustion. When he resigned from the Salvation Army and checked into a rest home, he was 19 years old.

Harry, more commonly known as H. A. Ironside, learned the importance of being saved early. But it took a physical and emotional breakdown to make him realize that Jesus does the saving—not us. Only after he discovered this essential truth could his real ministry begin, resulting in 50 years of powerful preaching, teaching, and writing that included 34 expository books covering the entire Bible. Among those writings is this simple declaration of the truth that nearly cost him his life to discover—

Christ and… is a perverted gospel, which is not the gospel. Christ without the “and” is the sinner's hope and the saint's confidence…Jesus is not only necessary, but also he is enough. (from Youth Specialties “Hot Illustrations” v.1.0)