When I think about the cross, I feel so unworthy of the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." The first words spoken by John the Baptist, Jesus' cousin, were the quote in the last sentence. Why did John call Jesus the "Lamb of God?" Jesus came to Earth to fulfill a plan. What was that plan?
In the beginning of time, God created the heavens and the Earth. He created the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and all living creatures. He built the mountains, He made the plants, all thins grown by seed, and created a beautiful garden. Then He created man, and man was alone. The first time we see in scripture that God says that something is "NOT good" is when HE says, "It is not good that man should be alone." God created a helper for the man. We all know the story. Adam and Eve ate the fruit that God told them not to eat, and then He casts them out of the Garden of Eden. Man fell and was separated from fellowship with his Father.
The Jews were led out of Egypt by Moses, a man of patient character but with flaws. Moses stuttered, and he made excuses for not doing what God called him to do, but God had a plan. Moses talked to God face to face. How many of us would like to do that? "Inasmuch as you have done it unto the least of these Thy brethren, you have done it unto me." Moses first saw God in a burning bush. This bush was on fire but was not being consumed by the fire. God can control fire so that the physical structure is purified, but not consumed. Did the plant live after this? I imagine that it flourished.
Joseph was a dreamer, but he had flaws. He told his brothers and family about his dream - BIG mistake! Not to mention the fact that Joseph was "Daddy's favorite little boy" and wore "the Coat" made by the Father's own hand. Most people do NOT approve of favoritism, do you? Yet there are always those who are "chosen by God." Now if they are chosen by God, then God has a plan and HE is faithful to complete the work. Joseph's dreams became reality at the right time.
Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Peter, and all the great men of God had flaws, but there was ONE greater watching over them. The Almighty God of Heaven brings fulfillment, not to our plans but to His. God has a plan. When man falls, the Good Shepherd knows where to find the lost sheep. He listens for their cries. When a sheep falls down, he has to have assistance to get back up. Left alone the sheep will die.
God has a plan - imagine that! God knows the end from the beginning. God knew that Adam and Eve would fall and He had a plan to correct their mistake before it was ever created. God sent His Son to die in our place. HE is the "anchor man" that has never lost a race. We always win with Christ!
The Passover was very familiar to the Jews. Every year they would have spring cleaning in preparation for the Passover. All leaven would be removed from the house. The Father would select a young lamb out of his flock. The lamb would live among his family for a short time. For a whole week, the kids would play with the lamb. The lamb would be petted, caressed, held, and played with on a daily basis. On Friday, the lamb was killed for their sin. The blood of an innocent lamb was killed and he did nothing wrong. How cruel!!!
The first words out of the mouth of John the Baptist was "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." Jesus was innocent. He was the perfect lamb. He lived among us. Jesus gave His life freely for us, you and me.
Jesus, all for Jesus, all I am and have or ever hope to be. All of my ambitions, hopes, and plans - I'm surrendering into Your hands. Jesus is the fulfiller of the dreams. "God did not send His son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved." John 3:17
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Thursday, May 6, 2010
When Friends and Family Pass Away
Greetings to my friends who actually read this! Yesterday was a sad day for me, a friend of mine passed away. It was not sad for Him, the only suffering is on this side of Eternity. Ed Buggs was a man that grabbed my attention. He was a sharp dresser, always had a smile, looked important, and he above all was a friend. From a distance, some would say we were mere acquaintances, but in the spirit of the living God we were brothers.
Allow me a few moments to reflect on Ed Buggs. Ed just seemed to show up in my life at church one day. I wasn't looking for him, but there he was. After a little inquiry, I found this man had a history, most of it was good. There was something in his demeanor, something that said "He's sharp, He's a thinker!" Ed and I had an instant connection. Why? I could not tell you, other than to say that Ed was an immediate friend. We accepted each other, and he liked my music. He told me that he too was a horn player, he just didn't say how good. I never heard him play, and i guess that is my loss. Ed knew what it took to excel, He knew what it took for greatness. Living in the public eye, His life was lived "in front of the camera." The camera lens tells no lies. Maybe that is why he went into radio, people tend to be more forgiving there. I remember hearing him on the "Ed Buggs Show." He would say "Talk to me!" He had the voice of a Father, very calm and reassuring. He had a way about him that said "Come on, you can do it!"
Was my perspective of Ed correct? We tend to look at people the way we want to see them. Ed was a Black man, but that didn't matter. Ed could be green or purple, it didn't matter. Ed was a "Bud," someone you could trust. Every time I saw Ed, here came a big smile that said "Hey Buddy, how ya doing?" A part of me goes with him, and I will always remember him. So long Ed, it was great knowing you, even from a distance.
Friends come, and friends go. Family comes, and family goes - and one day we too will face the "end of the Journey." What will be said? How will others remember us? Were we someone that others looked forward to seeing, or one that made them run the other way? Those who matter don't mind, and those that mind don't matter. Connections are made from the heart. We choose to love, we choose to be committed, we choose to believe, and we choose our course in this life. Most of us do NOT choose to die, it is thrust upon us. Sometimes it comes quickly, and unaware. We do not see it coming, but BOOM! There it is! There are no "warning signs." Other times, death comes slowly and the end does not come soon enough. At times like these, we hope for a quick end to the suffering, and sometimes it seems an eternity before the end comes, but it always will eventually come. God chooses the end. God puts the double bar line at the end of the score saying "It's over" - Fine!
With the passing away of Ed Buggs, I look at my life and say "What about me?" What have I done that is worthwhile? What do I have left that I need to do? What is it that I want to do? But even more than anything else, What do I have left that God wants me to do? This usually comes with a relationship attachment. Life is not in the dollars earned, not in the number of gadgets, but only in those we loved. Only one relationship truly matters, and if that one thing is right, then everything else will fall in line. When our relationship to God is right, then our world is right. Sometimes we have unrealistic expectations. Sometimes we have dreams yet to be fulfilled. Sometimes we never reach the goal we so desperately were seeking. Along the journey, we meet friends and family, we smile and hug, we laugh and we cry. At the end of my journey I want to hear "Well done Thou good and faithful servant!" Just over in the glory land, I'll join the Happy Angel Band, just over in the glory land. We will see many on the other side. Success for some will only come on the other side. We are just strangers and pilgrims passing through. See ya later Ed!
Allow me a few moments to reflect on Ed Buggs. Ed just seemed to show up in my life at church one day. I wasn't looking for him, but there he was. After a little inquiry, I found this man had a history, most of it was good. There was something in his demeanor, something that said "He's sharp, He's a thinker!" Ed and I had an instant connection. Why? I could not tell you, other than to say that Ed was an immediate friend. We accepted each other, and he liked my music. He told me that he too was a horn player, he just didn't say how good. I never heard him play, and i guess that is my loss. Ed knew what it took to excel, He knew what it took for greatness. Living in the public eye, His life was lived "in front of the camera." The camera lens tells no lies. Maybe that is why he went into radio, people tend to be more forgiving there. I remember hearing him on the "Ed Buggs Show." He would say "Talk to me!" He had the voice of a Father, very calm and reassuring. He had a way about him that said "Come on, you can do it!"
Was my perspective of Ed correct? We tend to look at people the way we want to see them. Ed was a Black man, but that didn't matter. Ed could be green or purple, it didn't matter. Ed was a "Bud," someone you could trust. Every time I saw Ed, here came a big smile that said "Hey Buddy, how ya doing?" A part of me goes with him, and I will always remember him. So long Ed, it was great knowing you, even from a distance.
Friends come, and friends go. Family comes, and family goes - and one day we too will face the "end of the Journey." What will be said? How will others remember us? Were we someone that others looked forward to seeing, or one that made them run the other way? Those who matter don't mind, and those that mind don't matter. Connections are made from the heart. We choose to love, we choose to be committed, we choose to believe, and we choose our course in this life. Most of us do NOT choose to die, it is thrust upon us. Sometimes it comes quickly, and unaware. We do not see it coming, but BOOM! There it is! There are no "warning signs." Other times, death comes slowly and the end does not come soon enough. At times like these, we hope for a quick end to the suffering, and sometimes it seems an eternity before the end comes, but it always will eventually come. God chooses the end. God puts the double bar line at the end of the score saying "It's over" - Fine!
With the passing away of Ed Buggs, I look at my life and say "What about me?" What have I done that is worthwhile? What do I have left that I need to do? What is it that I want to do? But even more than anything else, What do I have left that God wants me to do? This usually comes with a relationship attachment. Life is not in the dollars earned, not in the number of gadgets, but only in those we loved. Only one relationship truly matters, and if that one thing is right, then everything else will fall in line. When our relationship to God is right, then our world is right. Sometimes we have unrealistic expectations. Sometimes we have dreams yet to be fulfilled. Sometimes we never reach the goal we so desperately were seeking. Along the journey, we meet friends and family, we smile and hug, we laugh and we cry. At the end of my journey I want to hear "Well done Thou good and faithful servant!" Just over in the glory land, I'll join the Happy Angel Band, just over in the glory land. We will see many on the other side. Success for some will only come on the other side. We are just strangers and pilgrims passing through. See ya later Ed!
Monday, April 19, 2010
The Pleasures of Getting Older
Life changes as one ages, and what goes around really does come back around. I guess when your body starts to do weird stuff, then you realize this is temporary. I am not writing this to be depressing, morbid, or anything like that, but maybe I am just musing or find myself thinking out loud.
As men age, the hair begins to turn grey, it begins to fall out, our virility begins to fade, our muscles are not as "rock hard" as they used to be, and weight is easier to put on and harder to take off. Hair is falling off of your head, but now begins to show up profusely in your ears and out of your nose. You need a weed eater to get rid of the hair coming out of the wrong places, while trying to figure out how to keep it from falling out on top. Average and ordinary doesn't cut it anymore. You don't do things to impress anyone, it just feels good to know you still can.
My life began to take a drastic turn when I turned 43, I had to get glasses. It wasn't that I couldn't see, I could still see. The printed page had just gotten smaller and a little blurry. The I got the bureau disease, that is when your chest begins to fall into your drawers. At 50, it was like someone turned on the pain switch, and the "fun" began. Whoever said "life begins at 50" must have been in a different body, or I guess maybe I just don't get it. You get older and you begin to see things clearer, but by then you can't keep up nor do you feel like it. You begin to downsize, and you don't need all the "junk" to keep up with the Jones'.
Little things start to become much bigger: like friendship, family, home, church, and security. I guess some folks get prepared better than others, but there comes a point in one's life where all the world can be put into one bag. A change of clothes, a toothbrush, a comb and brush, shoes, bedroom slippers, and a Bible to read (Large Print PLEASE!)
More is less, less is more. The things of this world no longer hold the thrill they once held. Relationships do not come as easily as once they did, but you value those "old things" that just seem to fit you. No longer do you have to have it, you just rest in the enjoyment of the moment. Finally at peace with yourself and with God. No longer striving to please something or someone, but finally at rest. The little things that we often overlook like "Thank You," "I appreciate you," (Dare I say it!) "I Love You!" and just the touch of a hand, the smile of a friend, the embrace of a child, or the wink of a spouse.
When Sunset looms over the horizon, when life seems to be coming to the end, the greater grace appears to come like an old friend "Even so, Come!"
As men age, the hair begins to turn grey, it begins to fall out, our virility begins to fade, our muscles are not as "rock hard" as they used to be, and weight is easier to put on and harder to take off. Hair is falling off of your head, but now begins to show up profusely in your ears and out of your nose. You need a weed eater to get rid of the hair coming out of the wrong places, while trying to figure out how to keep it from falling out on top. Average and ordinary doesn't cut it anymore. You don't do things to impress anyone, it just feels good to know you still can.
My life began to take a drastic turn when I turned 43, I had to get glasses. It wasn't that I couldn't see, I could still see. The printed page had just gotten smaller and a little blurry. The I got the bureau disease, that is when your chest begins to fall into your drawers. At 50, it was like someone turned on the pain switch, and the "fun" began. Whoever said "life begins at 50" must have been in a different body, or I guess maybe I just don't get it. You get older and you begin to see things clearer, but by then you can't keep up nor do you feel like it. You begin to downsize, and you don't need all the "junk" to keep up with the Jones'.
Little things start to become much bigger: like friendship, family, home, church, and security. I guess some folks get prepared better than others, but there comes a point in one's life where all the world can be put into one bag. A change of clothes, a toothbrush, a comb and brush, shoes, bedroom slippers, and a Bible to read (Large Print PLEASE!)
More is less, less is more. The things of this world no longer hold the thrill they once held. Relationships do not come as easily as once they did, but you value those "old things" that just seem to fit you. No longer do you have to have it, you just rest in the enjoyment of the moment. Finally at peace with yourself and with God. No longer striving to please something or someone, but finally at rest. The little things that we often overlook like "Thank You," "I appreciate you," (Dare I say it!) "I Love You!" and just the touch of a hand, the smile of a friend, the embrace of a child, or the wink of a spouse.
When Sunset looms over the horizon, when life seems to be coming to the end, the greater grace appears to come like an old friend "Even so, Come!"
Friday, April 2, 2010
The Paschal Lamb
"A Remembrance of Christ"
Each year during the spring, The Jews celebrate an event we call "Passover." Because it has become common, many if the truths have been passed over or even ignored. Why did John the Baptist declare with his first words of Jesus "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!"(?) Where did he get that idea?
In the spring of the year, The Jews would begin "cleaning house" in preparation for the Passover. Hence, we get the term "Spring cleaning." All levin or yeast had to be removed from the house, and that included all the dust and dirt. A little levin would be left for Papa to find when he did the grand inspection, and this was a tradition. The Father would select a young lamb and "bring him home" to live with the family during this week of "Celebration." This was no small thing, for it was commanded by Almighty God, to do yearly in remembrance of the Exodus from Egypt. Once the house was clean and the time was right, the lamb and the family would be locked in for the week. No work would be done during this week and this was family time. Squabbles would arise, there would be much discussion, and the children would play many games. This little lamb became a "pet" and the children and family would grow attached to it, much like we would a dog or cat, or any other pet one can imagine. Their minds would be "on God" and the Father would oversee the traditions of the family and would follow strict adherence to the Word of God.
On Friday around 6:00 pm, the lamb would be "slaughtered" for the sins of the family. Can't you hear the children begging, "Oh no Daddy, PLEASE DON'T KILL IT!" It had to be done, and the Father or one of the men would cut the lamb's throat and let the blood drain. There are many other symbols of Christ in the Passover. All of these can be read in a little book called "Christ in the Passover" by Moishe Rosen (Moishe is Moses in English).
The bread that was used plays a significant role as well. It was unlevined and it was "striped and pierced" and kept in a pouch. This pouch had three compartments: Upper, Middle, and Lower. The bread for the Passover would be pulled out of the Middle first and broken in half. One half of it would wrapped in a linen cloth and "buried" or hidden from the children so that it could be Resurrected at a latter time in the Passover. The hidden bread was known as the "Aphikomen."
There is much more to be said about this so I would recommend the reading of the book previously mentioned. Moving on to Jesus, the Jews were waiting for a Messiah, or Ha'Messhiach. When the lamb was slain, this was called the "atoning sacrifice" or "Atonement." This was the time the person realized they were "One" with God, or At-one-ment.
When Jesus walked on this Earth, He was the Pascal Lamb, the atoning sacrifice. He came to Earth to dwell with His family Israel - the children of God. We slaughtered Him! It was His Destiny and He did it because He loved us so much. Jesus was the bread of life and when we partake of communion bread we eat His flesh. When we drink the wine, we drink His blood. I do not believe this is literal, but it is a powerful symbol and remembrance of what HE did for us (me).
When Jesus died on the cross, He fulfilled the obligation of man's sin, the requirement of the blood. Sin brings death, and Jesus died for you and for me.
The "Aphikomen" would be raise from the dead, from the Secret Place, and the children and family would rejoice with great Joy because "He is Risen." Jesus is the Aphikomen. Jesus was the Lamb. Jesus was in and around the family when the death angel "Passed Over" the House. Without the blood of the Lamb, there can be no remission of sin. We are free to live, we are free to dance, we are free to Rejoice because of the the "At-one-ment" we have with the Lamb of God. Although we are free, this grace and mercy did not come cheap. The very best was offered up for you, and me.
"What wondrous love is this? Oh my soul. Oh my soul. What wondrous love is this? Oh my soul. What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss, to bear this dreadful curse for my soul?" All of our springs are in Him. HE is the fountain of Life Eternal.
Each year during the spring, The Jews celebrate an event we call "Passover." Because it has become common, many if the truths have been passed over or even ignored. Why did John the Baptist declare with his first words of Jesus "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!"(?) Where did he get that idea?
In the spring of the year, The Jews would begin "cleaning house" in preparation for the Passover. Hence, we get the term "Spring cleaning." All levin or yeast had to be removed from the house, and that included all the dust and dirt. A little levin would be left for Papa to find when he did the grand inspection, and this was a tradition. The Father would select a young lamb and "bring him home" to live with the family during this week of "Celebration." This was no small thing, for it was commanded by Almighty God, to do yearly in remembrance of the Exodus from Egypt. Once the house was clean and the time was right, the lamb and the family would be locked in for the week. No work would be done during this week and this was family time. Squabbles would arise, there would be much discussion, and the children would play many games. This little lamb became a "pet" and the children and family would grow attached to it, much like we would a dog or cat, or any other pet one can imagine. Their minds would be "on God" and the Father would oversee the traditions of the family and would follow strict adherence to the Word of God.
On Friday around 6:00 pm, the lamb would be "slaughtered" for the sins of the family. Can't you hear the children begging, "Oh no Daddy, PLEASE DON'T KILL IT!" It had to be done, and the Father or one of the men would cut the lamb's throat and let the blood drain. There are many other symbols of Christ in the Passover. All of these can be read in a little book called "Christ in the Passover" by Moishe Rosen (Moishe is Moses in English).
The bread that was used plays a significant role as well. It was unlevined and it was "striped and pierced" and kept in a pouch. This pouch had three compartments: Upper, Middle, and Lower. The bread for the Passover would be pulled out of the Middle first and broken in half. One half of it would wrapped in a linen cloth and "buried" or hidden from the children so that it could be Resurrected at a latter time in the Passover. The hidden bread was known as the "Aphikomen."
There is much more to be said about this so I would recommend the reading of the book previously mentioned. Moving on to Jesus, the Jews were waiting for a Messiah, or Ha'Messhiach. When the lamb was slain, this was called the "atoning sacrifice" or "Atonement." This was the time the person realized they were "One" with God, or At-one-ment.
When Jesus walked on this Earth, He was the Pascal Lamb, the atoning sacrifice. He came to Earth to dwell with His family Israel - the children of God. We slaughtered Him! It was His Destiny and He did it because He loved us so much. Jesus was the bread of life and when we partake of communion bread we eat His flesh. When we drink the wine, we drink His blood. I do not believe this is literal, but it is a powerful symbol and remembrance of what HE did for us (me).
When Jesus died on the cross, He fulfilled the obligation of man's sin, the requirement of the blood. Sin brings death, and Jesus died for you and for me.
The "Aphikomen" would be raise from the dead, from the Secret Place, and the children and family would rejoice with great Joy because "He is Risen." Jesus is the Aphikomen. Jesus was the Lamb. Jesus was in and around the family when the death angel "Passed Over" the House. Without the blood of the Lamb, there can be no remission of sin. We are free to live, we are free to dance, we are free to Rejoice because of the the "At-one-ment" we have with the Lamb of God. Although we are free, this grace and mercy did not come cheap. The very best was offered up for you, and me.
"What wondrous love is this? Oh my soul. Oh my soul. What wondrous love is this? Oh my soul. What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss, to bear this dreadful curse for my soul?" All of our springs are in Him. HE is the fountain of Life Eternal.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
In Spirit and in Truth
The "Law" serves as our tutor, our teacher, until we find Christ Jesus as Lord and Saviour. The Word of God says that we should Worship God in "spirit and in truth." What does that mean? Many people share their opinions, but opinions are just that. What does God say? If we strive to please man, we may come up with an opinion that suits us. People who want to share their opinion are not often interested in the truth. The truth of God's Word is not always popular. God has an answer, but sometimes we must dig it out. God will answer the reason of "Why?"
"In Spirit and in Truth?" What is truth? Pontius Pilate asked this question to Jesus while standing face to face with the truth, the living Son of God. According to the Bible, God's Holy Word, "Thy Word is truth."The Word of God is life and it is good for teaching, instruction, reproof, and instruction in righteousness. The Word of God creates life. The light of God's Word expels the darkness within the human body from the inside out. That is NOT my opinion, it is the Word of the Lord. My opinion does not matter, only God's Word will stand in eternity. God's Word is "The Law" and noone can fulfill the whole truth of the law, save the Son of God, the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the World."
Now that we know the truth, "and we shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." What is the spirit? God is love, and that is a hint. God offers proof through His Word. "First the natural, then the spiritual." I used to think it was the other way around, but then I saw the truth in God's Word. There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end thereof is destruction. God wants us to move into maturity. When we do things in a spirit of love, we do not lose, God does not lose, and we all come out on top. It is truly a win-win situation. We can do good things though and still be wrong.
Motives are those little hidden things that noone sees but us and God. God's Word is a discerner of the "thoughts and intents of the heart."
There is a letter (character) in the Hebrew that represents God. It is composed of two "letters" and it is a compound letter. One of these is a letter which represents the "law" and the other part represents "love" and the total represents the Word of God. It is a birthing sound too. It is a creative force which speaks forth life.
The highest form of love is "agape" or "agapao" which is the kind of love that gives without expecting a return. This type of love is exemplified in the cross and the life of Jesus Christ. Love is the highest goal of the gospel. When we do things in "spirit and in truth," then we do things according to God's Word AND (the bonus, the Plus) in a spirit of love.
We can do things according to God's Word and it not be "right." When we do things according to the law, but in the flesh - then we offer "strange fire" on the altar. An example of this: A parent is commanded to "spare not the rod." "Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child, but the rod of correction drives it far from him (or her)." If we do not spank our children, the we say we know more than God. If we obey the Word of God, but we punish or spank in anger and in a spirit of rage, we sin there too. When we are in Unity with the Word of God, we do the thing God requires in the way God commanded and in a spirit of love. We have all "blown it" and only Christ is perfect. If Christ truly lives in us, shouldn't we act as He does? The Divine Symbiant living within the heart of the believer produces the fruit of the Father and of the Son of God.
Love is the highest form of the Law. Jesus is our example. Let us follow in His footsteps!
"In Spirit and in Truth?" What is truth? Pontius Pilate asked this question to Jesus while standing face to face with the truth, the living Son of God. According to the Bible, God's Holy Word, "Thy Word is truth."The Word of God is life and it is good for teaching, instruction, reproof, and instruction in righteousness. The Word of God creates life. The light of God's Word expels the darkness within the human body from the inside out. That is NOT my opinion, it is the Word of the Lord. My opinion does not matter, only God's Word will stand in eternity. God's Word is "The Law" and noone can fulfill the whole truth of the law, save the Son of God, the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the World."
Now that we know the truth, "and we shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." What is the spirit? God is love, and that is a hint. God offers proof through His Word. "First the natural, then the spiritual." I used to think it was the other way around, but then I saw the truth in God's Word. There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end thereof is destruction. God wants us to move into maturity. When we do things in a spirit of love, we do not lose, God does not lose, and we all come out on top. It is truly a win-win situation. We can do good things though and still be wrong.
Motives are those little hidden things that noone sees but us and God. God's Word is a discerner of the "thoughts and intents of the heart."
There is a letter (character) in the Hebrew that represents God. It is composed of two "letters" and it is a compound letter. One of these is a letter which represents the "law" and the other part represents "love" and the total represents the Word of God. It is a birthing sound too. It is a creative force which speaks forth life.
The highest form of love is "agape" or "agapao" which is the kind of love that gives without expecting a return. This type of love is exemplified in the cross and the life of Jesus Christ. Love is the highest goal of the gospel. When we do things in "spirit and in truth," then we do things according to God's Word AND (the bonus, the Plus) in a spirit of love.
We can do things according to God's Word and it not be "right." When we do things according to the law, but in the flesh - then we offer "strange fire" on the altar. An example of this: A parent is commanded to "spare not the rod." "Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child, but the rod of correction drives it far from him (or her)." If we do not spank our children, the we say we know more than God. If we obey the Word of God, but we punish or spank in anger and in a spirit of rage, we sin there too. When we are in Unity with the Word of God, we do the thing God requires in the way God commanded and in a spirit of love. We have all "blown it" and only Christ is perfect. If Christ truly lives in us, shouldn't we act as He does? The Divine Symbiant living within the heart of the believer produces the fruit of the Father and of the Son of God.
Love is the highest form of the Law. Jesus is our example. Let us follow in His footsteps!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Get ready to die!
The inevitability of death lies before us at all times. We have to face it, one day we will all die. That doesn't mean that we should want to jump on that boat right away, but we must face the "death" scenario. Jesus came that we might have life, and that more abundantly. Jesus died on a cruel cross so that we can have life eternal.
I guess I am weird in some ways, but since my early childhood, I have though about death. My first "death poem" I wrote at seventeen on the night of my graduation. Suffering and loss come to one and all. God kept me sheltered for many years, but there comes a time when it just seems to strike. Death has no favorites, and it usually comes at very inopportune times.
We will all die, so what is the big deal. We will spend eternity in either Heaven with Jesus, or in hell with the devil. Everyone wants to go to heaven, but not everyone who cries "Lord, Lord" will enter into the gates of Heaven. That is no my opinion, it is in the BOOK - the Bible. Many people want to get to Heaven their own way, by good works. Many people say they know Jesus, but the problem is that HE does not know them. Many will come to Him in that day and say "Lord, we cast out demons, we healed the sick, we raised the dead, and He will say "I never knew you!"
When I was growing up in the church, a good sermon was determined by how much it made one cry, or by the decibel level. The content wasn't nearly as important as the emotional response. Salvation in church is often like marriage, it is easy to say "I do" but it a totally different thing to love the Lord with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength. I heard someone say the directions to Heaven were "turn right and go straight." If it were only that simple.
As we get older, sometimes life gets in the way. Business, schedules, work, pleasure, and a plethora of other things want to push Christ out of the picture. The Word will reign supremely in your life by choice and determination, or the world will push it out. Loving God is like loving a woman, it is done by choice and by commitment. Once the beginning stages of love and the winds begin to blow, like Peter we often take our eyes off of Jesus and we begin to sink. In His love, He lifts us up. It is not about us, it is all about Jesus. On the other hand, we have our part. He doesn't live for us.
Death will come to one and to all. When is not necessarily the issue, but "are you ready?" or "will you be ready when it comes?" We can rest in the love of the Father if we have given everything to Him. Jesus wants to be Lord of all, or He does not want to be Lord at all. It is everything or nothing with Him.
Are you ready for Death? If not, now is the time, today is the day of salvation. There will be no repentance after death, and there is no purgatory!!! You can pray for dead people all day long and it will do no good. That is not opinion, that is a Divine fact. If we are to live for Him, we must do so according to what He says, not by what we think or by what we feel. We need not be perfect. Noone can live under that kind of pressure, I know.
If we suffer with Him, we will also reign with Him. "Inasmuch as you have done it unto the least of these thy brethren, you have done it unto me."_Jesus
One day we will stand around the Throne singing and crying "Holy, Holy, Holy!!!" We can do that now. Sing for your Papa. We have received the spirit of adoption whereby we cry "ABBA" Father. Let us give Him our all, then we can rest in peace - both now and forevermore!
I guess I am weird in some ways, but since my early childhood, I have though about death. My first "death poem" I wrote at seventeen on the night of my graduation. Suffering and loss come to one and all. God kept me sheltered for many years, but there comes a time when it just seems to strike. Death has no favorites, and it usually comes at very inopportune times.
We will all die, so what is the big deal. We will spend eternity in either Heaven with Jesus, or in hell with the devil. Everyone wants to go to heaven, but not everyone who cries "Lord, Lord" will enter into the gates of Heaven. That is no my opinion, it is in the BOOK - the Bible. Many people want to get to Heaven their own way, by good works. Many people say they know Jesus, but the problem is that HE does not know them. Many will come to Him in that day and say "Lord, we cast out demons, we healed the sick, we raised the dead, and He will say "I never knew you!"
When I was growing up in the church, a good sermon was determined by how much it made one cry, or by the decibel level. The content wasn't nearly as important as the emotional response. Salvation in church is often like marriage, it is easy to say "I do" but it a totally different thing to love the Lord with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength. I heard someone say the directions to Heaven were "turn right and go straight." If it were only that simple.
As we get older, sometimes life gets in the way. Business, schedules, work, pleasure, and a plethora of other things want to push Christ out of the picture. The Word will reign supremely in your life by choice and determination, or the world will push it out. Loving God is like loving a woman, it is done by choice and by commitment. Once the beginning stages of love and the winds begin to blow, like Peter we often take our eyes off of Jesus and we begin to sink. In His love, He lifts us up. It is not about us, it is all about Jesus. On the other hand, we have our part. He doesn't live for us.
Death will come to one and to all. When is not necessarily the issue, but "are you ready?" or "will you be ready when it comes?" We can rest in the love of the Father if we have given everything to Him. Jesus wants to be Lord of all, or He does not want to be Lord at all. It is everything or nothing with Him.
Are you ready for Death? If not, now is the time, today is the day of salvation. There will be no repentance after death, and there is no purgatory!!! You can pray for dead people all day long and it will do no good. That is not opinion, that is a Divine fact. If we are to live for Him, we must do so according to what He says, not by what we think or by what we feel. We need not be perfect. Noone can live under that kind of pressure, I know.
If we suffer with Him, we will also reign with Him. "Inasmuch as you have done it unto the least of these thy brethren, you have done it unto me."_Jesus
One day we will stand around the Throne singing and crying "Holy, Holy, Holy!!!" We can do that now. Sing for your Papa. We have received the spirit of adoption whereby we cry "ABBA" Father. Let us give Him our all, then we can rest in peace - both now and forevermore!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Who is you source?
What if we had another collapse in the stock market? What if this time it was not just in America, but it was world wide? Is Jesus your source? There are many names for G_d. Jesus came in the flesh to die as a man, for the sins of all mankind. If we suffer with Him, we will also reign with Him. Sometimes the concept of GOD is more than we can fathom.
Right now, this Earth is undergoing a shaking, both in the spirit and in the natural. First the natural, then the spiritual comes. I didn't say that, God did. My opinion doesn't matter, well at least not much. If man says something, you may discount it and cast it aside. On the other hand, if God is speaking through a man, whether he be a man of the cloth or just an everyday "Joe," you had better listen.
When we meditate on God's Word, when men cry "peace and safety" then comes sudden destruction. Disaster does not come at convenient times, but often comes when all hell is breaking forth in what seems to be in every area of our lives. Like a house being remodeled, it seems to get worse, or maybe even more worse before it gets better. Sometimes it seems as though things will never get better. Like the old saying from the 1970's, "Life is a bitch, then you die." Sometimes life seems that way, but it is not God's way.
The Bible says that "I have come that you might have life and that more abundantly." Jesus died for us that we might have freedom. On the other hand, the same Bible says that the "righteous will suffer." "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all."
When Moses appeared before Pharoah to tell him that GOD said, "Let my people go!" Pharoah did not immediately comply. The Israelites suffered along with the Egyptians, but there came a time of separation. There comes a time when God draws the line and He says "Enough!" In the land of Goshen, there were no harmful effects. The Israelites were NOT affected by the later plagues of the Egyptians.
When the Jews were leaving, God placed a cloud for them behind them. It was between the Jews on one hand and the Egyptian army on the other. This cloud was "light" to the Jews, but this same cloud was "darkness" to the Egyptian Army. The Egyptians were able to match Moses' miracles at first, even though Moses' rod which became a snake ate their's, there came a time where even the sorcerers said "This is the hand of God!"
If the world stock market crashed tomorrow, would you be secure with Jesus alone? Could you rest in Him without fear and say like Job stated, "Though HE slay me, yet will I trust Him!" A hundred years after Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, John F Kennedy suffered the same fate. Has it been a hundred years since the stock market crashed? Many things repeat on a one hundred year cycle. This would be awful: numerous people would commit suicide, people would panic, people would loot cities and chaos would reign supremely. I hope and pray that this does not happen, but what if? The Lord is shaking things up. America is very close to becoming another Hitler's Germany. Hitler's name may be Obama. I pray for our President, but he is taking us down a path that will lead to certain destruction. If there has ever been a time to pray, it is now!!!
One of God's name is Jehovah Jireh, God our Provider. Either HE is our husband or HE is not. The shepherd provides for His sheep. Not because of what they do, but because they belong to Him. Provision only comes to those who are owned by the Shepherd. He prepares a table for us in the very presence of our enemies. We have no need to fear. God will provide. I wonder how Noah felt when he heard the screams of those outside the ARK. When God says "GO!," we should move. We often get locked in to a body, but the word of God says that God is with us "wherever we go."(Joshua 1:9) I pray that our ears will be fine tuned to our Master's voice. The only thing that sheep must do is follow their Master's voice. He that hath an ear, let him hear what God is saying to the church in this hour!
Right now, this Earth is undergoing a shaking, both in the spirit and in the natural. First the natural, then the spiritual comes. I didn't say that, God did. My opinion doesn't matter, well at least not much. If man says something, you may discount it and cast it aside. On the other hand, if God is speaking through a man, whether he be a man of the cloth or just an everyday "Joe," you had better listen.
When we meditate on God's Word, when men cry "peace and safety" then comes sudden destruction. Disaster does not come at convenient times, but often comes when all hell is breaking forth in what seems to be in every area of our lives. Like a house being remodeled, it seems to get worse, or maybe even more worse before it gets better. Sometimes it seems as though things will never get better. Like the old saying from the 1970's, "Life is a bitch, then you die." Sometimes life seems that way, but it is not God's way.
The Bible says that "I have come that you might have life and that more abundantly." Jesus died for us that we might have freedom. On the other hand, the same Bible says that the "righteous will suffer." "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all."
When Moses appeared before Pharoah to tell him that GOD said, "Let my people go!" Pharoah did not immediately comply. The Israelites suffered along with the Egyptians, but there came a time of separation. There comes a time when God draws the line and He says "Enough!" In the land of Goshen, there were no harmful effects. The Israelites were NOT affected by the later plagues of the Egyptians.
When the Jews were leaving, God placed a cloud for them behind them. It was between the Jews on one hand and the Egyptian army on the other. This cloud was "light" to the Jews, but this same cloud was "darkness" to the Egyptian Army. The Egyptians were able to match Moses' miracles at first, even though Moses' rod which became a snake ate their's, there came a time where even the sorcerers said "This is the hand of God!"
If the world stock market crashed tomorrow, would you be secure with Jesus alone? Could you rest in Him without fear and say like Job stated, "Though HE slay me, yet will I trust Him!" A hundred years after Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, John F Kennedy suffered the same fate. Has it been a hundred years since the stock market crashed? Many things repeat on a one hundred year cycle. This would be awful: numerous people would commit suicide, people would panic, people would loot cities and chaos would reign supremely. I hope and pray that this does not happen, but what if? The Lord is shaking things up. America is very close to becoming another Hitler's Germany. Hitler's name may be Obama. I pray for our President, but he is taking us down a path that will lead to certain destruction. If there has ever been a time to pray, it is now!!!
One of God's name is Jehovah Jireh, God our Provider. Either HE is our husband or HE is not. The shepherd provides for His sheep. Not because of what they do, but because they belong to Him. Provision only comes to those who are owned by the Shepherd. He prepares a table for us in the very presence of our enemies. We have no need to fear. God will provide. I wonder how Noah felt when he heard the screams of those outside the ARK. When God says "GO!," we should move. We often get locked in to a body, but the word of God says that God is with us "wherever we go."(Joshua 1:9) I pray that our ears will be fine tuned to our Master's voice. The only thing that sheep must do is follow their Master's voice. He that hath an ear, let him hear what God is saying to the church in this hour!
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