As a Christian who has worked in an environment hostile to Christians, I know from what the people have told me that they do not like Christians because of the behaviour they see acted out in the lives of people claiming to be Christians.
Whether the people claiming to be Christians or not is not mine to say. that is something that God only can know. Only God sees the heart of people, it's probably really a blessing that we're not able to!
The challenge here is, are you a person claiming to be a Christian but not living as you are called to? Is it too much for God to ask you to walk a holy path? Everything you do reflects on Him, do you cause His family to be shamed or do you bring honor to the name Christian, not because you deserve honor, but because you are a follower of the One who does deserve honor?
I have heard people say that it's not possible to live a holy life as described in the Bible, but that simply is not true! If we believe in Jesus, then we have to believe Scripture, there is no excuse not to, Jesus believed it and we believe in Him....so now we realize we are required to trust that what God has said in scripture is what He means to say.
If we believe in Scripture and it tells us that we can do "all things" in Christ, Who strengthens us, then we know we can live as we are called to! We may say but it's so hard! Yes, it is hard, but God's word also tells us that He will complete the "good work" that He has started! So, as we keep turning and submitting to God, saying "Please, change me!", He will and it will become easier!
Do you want to be an embarrassment to the body? Do you want to be a stumbling block to non-believers? I'm hoping you said no to both of those...so keep pushing in, keep bringing yourself into the changing process that the Holy Spirit will bring about as it brings sanctification into your life.
But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. 2 Thessalonians 2:13
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
Monday, March 6, 2017
Jesus' Purpose?
We all know that Jesus came to Earth because He loves us, right? He came to save us! A lot of us grew up singing "Jesus loves me this I know"! I am one of those who grew up with those words in my heart and they did help me through a lot of hard times in life. There wasn't a lot else I knew about Jesus' purpose other than He was God's Son and came to Earth to die and shed His blood for me.
I have been striving to come into a deeper, more mature relationship with all that God is and believe that Jesus had a little more on His mind than just me when He came to Earth. and so today when I read a word about what Jesus came here to do, it really grabbed my attention!
I have been striving to come into a deeper, more mature relationship with all that God is and believe that Jesus had a little more on His mind than just me when He came to Earth. and so today when I read a word about what Jesus came here to do, it really grabbed my attention!
The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8
Wait, do you mean that He was doing battle with the devil when He came to Earth? Do you mean He was here to destroy something, not just to die for my sins? Wow, that stops you for a moment, doesn't it?
There are many people who are more greatly "learned" than I am and have spent their lives studying scripture from top to bottom so I am not going to attempt to do an indepth study or blog on this....I simply want to say that there is more to Jesus' mission to Earth than just my forgiveness.
His Father was and is His greatest love....always has been and always will be...do you think maybe He came to restore what His Father had created and the enemy destroyed? Maybe His Father's desires were top most in His mind? Try to imagine a scenario with a Father that had created a paradise and an enemy came and ruined it...wouldn't a Son that loved and honored His Father long to restore everything to His Father that was in His power to do? I believe so! I believe we leave out a very important part of the picture when we think that it's all about us!
If we want to be more than extras in this scenario then we need to see what we can do to aid Jesus in His desire to restore to His and our Father what was destroyed! We are His kingdom on Earth, we do have a job! Jesus told us to go into all of the world and spread the Kingdom! Make disciples!
Now don't get upset, I'm not saying that Jesus didn't come to save you and I'm not saying that He doesn't love you....I'm saying don't be immature and let His mission to Earth stop there....that was just the beginning!
.....and don't forget, His Father loved us and "sent" His Son.....
Thursday, March 2, 2017
Caged Bird? Overcomer!
Have you ever read the poem "Caged Bird" by Maya Angelou? It is a beautiful poem even for those among us that don't really care for poetry. I am at a point in life that I often feel like a "caged bird", but in being caged I am forced to grow in areas that might not be faced if I was free to fly on the wind.
In life many things can form our cage... finances, health, relationships, wants, needs...what forms the cage isn't really the important things right now, it's more about what you do while you're in the cage.
Yesterday while I was thinking about the caged bird I wrote just a bit of my own thoughts.....
Why does the caged bird sing?
Is it happy?
Is it content?
Is it safe?
Is it sad?
Is it lonely?
Is it calling to someone?
Is it asking for help?
Is it crying for hope?
When the caged bird learns to sing for God's glory, in a cage or free, then it will be fulfilled and content.
When I learn to rein in my own wants and desires I will be singing for God's glory and be an overcomer!
Please pray for me to be an overcomer and if you let me know you long for the same thing, I will pray for you! (lorna)
Here's the poem for those who might want to read it ~
In life many things can form our cage... finances, health, relationships, wants, needs...what forms the cage isn't really the important things right now, it's more about what you do while you're in the cage.
Yesterday while I was thinking about the caged bird I wrote just a bit of my own thoughts.....
Why does the caged bird sing?
Is it happy?
Is it content?
Is it safe?
Is it sad?
Is it lonely?
Is it calling to someone?
Is it asking for help?
Is it crying for hope?
When the caged bird learns to sing for God's glory, in a cage or free, then it will be fulfilled and content.
When I learn to rein in my own wants and desires I will be singing for God's glory and be an overcomer!
Please pray for me to be an overcomer and if you let me know you long for the same thing, I will pray for you! (lorna)
Here's the poem for those who might want to read it ~
A free bird leaps
on the back of the wind
and floats downstream
till the current ends
and dips his wing
in the orange sun rays
and dares to claim the sky.
on the back of the wind
and floats downstream
till the current ends
and dips his wing
in the orange sun rays
and dares to claim the sky.
But a bird that stalks
down his narrow cage
can seldom see through
his bars of rage
his wings are clipped and
his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.
down his narrow cage
can seldom see through
his bars of rage
his wings are clipped and
his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.
The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.
The free bird thinks of another breeze
and the trade winds soft through the sighing trees
and the fat worms waiting on a dawn-bright lawn
and he names the sky his own
and the trade winds soft through the sighing trees
and the fat worms waiting on a dawn-bright lawn
and he names the sky his own
But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.
The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.
Caged Bird Related Poem Content Details
BY MAYA ANGELOU
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.
Caged Bird Related Poem Content Details
BY MAYA ANGELOU
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems-and-poets/poems/detail/48989
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
Wearin' Your Armor?
Are you wearing the Armor of God? You know God told you to, right? "Put on the full armor of God" Ephesians 6:11a
If you are wearing it, are you consistant? Do you wear it daily or every once in awhile? You realize that He told you to wear it "so that you will be able to stand firm"(that's in Ephesians 6 too). If you wear it so you can stand firm then you must be putting it on everyday, not just every once in awhile, right? I know you don't want to be knocked about by the enemy and you do want to stand firm against the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:11), so you must be wearing it daily!
And you probably already know what the Armor of God is...but we'll refresh our memories for those who maybe aren't wearing it daily.
There is:
The scripture goes in a different order, but I put it on in this order because it visually works for me, I actually speak the act of putting on each piece of the armor and visualize it as I put it on. I start at my head, work my way down and then pick up the shield and sword and I'm ready to go!
The helmet protects our minds and thoughts, so I have it on and I can focus on what I'm doing! The breastplate protects our hearts, then we can put our armor on in a heartfelt way. not wavering in our minds or hearts! The belt of truth we wrap around ourselves, the truth of God and His word. We put on the shoes of peace so we stand on a firm foundation and are free to focus, walk in God's Spirit. The shield of Faith is lifted in front of us and protects us when the enemy tries to attack, in faith we know that God is for us and the enemy will not prevail! The sword of the Spirit! God's word! It is a two edged sword and cuts through all things, read it, study it and speak it, the enemy does not have a chance against this!
Okay, now we know we need to wear the Armor daily, and we know what it is. So, let's look at how we wear it, do you put the armor on and wear it in a lazy manner or do you cinch it up and keep it in place all day? Do you let the helmet of salvation slip back on your head, after all you know you are saved and you know who saved you...so why keep it sitting up on top of your head all day? It's not just about being saved! It's about your thought life now that you are saved! Protect your mind and your thoughts, taking every thought captive.
Do you keep the Breastplate securely against your chest, or does it get a little uncomfortable to move around with it all day? Maybe you can just lay it on your desk, or even leave it in the car and put it back on after work or school? Then what will protect your heart? That little thin shirt you're wearing? Our battle is against Principalities! not spit wads! Keep that breastplate up close like a bullet proof vest! Live a righteous life, walk a righteous path, maintain that Breastplate of Righteousness!
Now the belt of truth...does it get to feeling a little too tight and you need to loosen it up just a bit? I mean too much truth could really squeeze you uncomfortably, right? What's wrong with a little stretching of the truth here and there? It's still a belt and still wrapped around you, just not quite as binding? The purpose is to protect your core! To strengthen your inner man, it's not just about holding up your pants!
Are you still wearing the shoes? Did you kick them off when you wanted to get comfortable? But the shoes of peace should protect your standing and walking in all situations! Everywhere you go you could run into trouble with out shoes, there is a lot of situations that appear as broken glass and thorns in the world but the shoes of peace will guard you as you walk through them.
Here we go with my favorite parts! The shield of Faith and the sword of the Spirit! Some people think that is all they need to have to fight a battle with, but that is ridiculous! I do love these two pieces, but if we don't protect ourselves with the rest of the armor we will be wounded and not able to hold or carry the shield and sword. At first we may find the shield of faith is a heavy thing to carry, but as we carry it we become stronger and eventually can even be equipped with bigger shields! It is important to not drop our shield or let it drag behind us, we are too easily wounded if the shield is not up in place and protecting us as it is designed to be. The sword is vital, it is the only piece that's both offense and defense. Read, study and meditate on the Word of God be prepared constantly for battle because our enemy is roaming about looking for someone to devour, do battle! Fight him, pierce him with the Sword! the Word! in Jesus' name!
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, Ephesians 6:10-18
If you are wearing it, are you consistant? Do you wear it daily or every once in awhile? You realize that He told you to wear it "so that you will be able to stand firm"(that's in Ephesians 6 too). If you wear it so you can stand firm then you must be putting it on everyday, not just every once in awhile, right? I know you don't want to be knocked about by the enemy and you do want to stand firm against the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:11), so you must be wearing it daily!
And you probably already know what the Armor of God is...but we'll refresh our memories for those who maybe aren't wearing it daily.
There is:
- The helmet of Salvation
- The breastplate of Righteousness
- The belt of Truth
- The shoes of Peace
- The shield of Faith
- The sword of Spirit (the word of God)
The scripture goes in a different order, but I put it on in this order because it visually works for me, I actually speak the act of putting on each piece of the armor and visualize it as I put it on. I start at my head, work my way down and then pick up the shield and sword and I'm ready to go!
The helmet protects our minds and thoughts, so I have it on and I can focus on what I'm doing! The breastplate protects our hearts, then we can put our armor on in a heartfelt way. not wavering in our minds or hearts! The belt of truth we wrap around ourselves, the truth of God and His word. We put on the shoes of peace so we stand on a firm foundation and are free to focus, walk in God's Spirit. The shield of Faith is lifted in front of us and protects us when the enemy tries to attack, in faith we know that God is for us and the enemy will not prevail! The sword of the Spirit! God's word! It is a two edged sword and cuts through all things, read it, study it and speak it, the enemy does not have a chance against this!
Okay, now we know we need to wear the Armor daily, and we know what it is. So, let's look at how we wear it, do you put the armor on and wear it in a lazy manner or do you cinch it up and keep it in place all day? Do you let the helmet of salvation slip back on your head, after all you know you are saved and you know who saved you...so why keep it sitting up on top of your head all day? It's not just about being saved! It's about your thought life now that you are saved! Protect your mind and your thoughts, taking every thought captive.
Do you keep the Breastplate securely against your chest, or does it get a little uncomfortable to move around with it all day? Maybe you can just lay it on your desk, or even leave it in the car and put it back on after work or school? Then what will protect your heart? That little thin shirt you're wearing? Our battle is against Principalities! not spit wads! Keep that breastplate up close like a bullet proof vest! Live a righteous life, walk a righteous path, maintain that Breastplate of Righteousness!
Now the belt of truth...does it get to feeling a little too tight and you need to loosen it up just a bit? I mean too much truth could really squeeze you uncomfortably, right? What's wrong with a little stretching of the truth here and there? It's still a belt and still wrapped around you, just not quite as binding? The purpose is to protect your core! To strengthen your inner man, it's not just about holding up your pants!
Are you still wearing the shoes? Did you kick them off when you wanted to get comfortable? But the shoes of peace should protect your standing and walking in all situations! Everywhere you go you could run into trouble with out shoes, there is a lot of situations that appear as broken glass and thorns in the world but the shoes of peace will guard you as you walk through them.
Here we go with my favorite parts! The shield of Faith and the sword of the Spirit! Some people think that is all they need to have to fight a battle with, but that is ridiculous! I do love these two pieces, but if we don't protect ourselves with the rest of the armor we will be wounded and not able to hold or carry the shield and sword. At first we may find the shield of faith is a heavy thing to carry, but as we carry it we become stronger and eventually can even be equipped with bigger shields! It is important to not drop our shield or let it drag behind us, we are too easily wounded if the shield is not up in place and protecting us as it is designed to be. The sword is vital, it is the only piece that's both offense and defense. Read, study and meditate on the Word of God be prepared constantly for battle because our enemy is roaming about looking for someone to devour, do battle! Fight him, pierce him with the Sword! the Word! in Jesus' name!
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, Ephesians 6:10-18
Monday, January 23, 2017
God's Net of Believers and Prayer
With each strand added to our fabric we become stronger in the net, but the net also grew stronger. When you consider this concept, think about how many people you want to strengthen in God's net of believers? Of course we want to pray for our families, but it should go beyond that. Look at the knots at the edge of the net, they have maybe one or two prayers lifted for them? They are in danger of being ripped away! We do not want to see anyone ripped away, but it happens frequently, people disappear from church, nobody checks on them, nobody prays for them....or maybe one or two people do. They are in need of more people praying for them and it will cost you nothing to speak that prayer!
There is not a person in our circle of acquaintances that doesn't need to be prayed for, and even more people that we may never personally meet. When you stand in line at a store...Pray for the President and Leaders of our Country! when you catch a red light...Pray for your State and Community Leaders! When a friend snaps at you, Pray for them! When the Pastor doesn't bring a message that you can relate to, Pray for them! When the Praise Leader "misses it", Pray for them! When you hear a popular praise song, Pray for the Artist! When you read an uplifting book, Pray for the Author!
Turn your natural nature of grumbling towards working for the Kingdom! When you're tempted to grumble, there must be something there to pray about! Lift your heart, your thoughts and your spirit towards heaven and make God's net of believers grow stronger through the prayers you speak over others!
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
United or Fragmented?
I have a thought that has been recurring with me lately. It is that as Christians we're called to be members of Jesus' body, His bride...not members of different churches or congregations.
Shouldn't we all be able to fellowship with each other and focus on the same beliefs and leave the different ideas or opinions at the door. If we all believe Jesus is God's son, that He came to Earth to die on the cross to cover our sins with His blood, giving us forgiveness and salvation and reinstating us in a personal relationship with God our Father....what does all of the rest matter? Are the differences worth dividing the "body" over?
If He is our Saviour, Redeemer, Lord and Master, if we love Him as we claim, then shouldn't we be living out what He has called us to, what He has prayed for us to be?
“I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me.
Shouldn't we all be able to fellowship with each other and focus on the same beliefs and leave the different ideas or opinions at the door. If we all believe Jesus is God's son, that He came to Earth to die on the cross to cover our sins with His blood, giving us forgiveness and salvation and reinstating us in a personal relationship with God our Father....what does all of the rest matter? Are the differences worth dividing the "body" over?
If He is our Saviour, Redeemer, Lord and Master, if we love Him as we claim, then shouldn't we be living out what He has called us to, what He has prayed for us to be?
“I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me.
John 17:20-23
There are more questions in my thoughts than answers. Lane and I have always visited different churches, each church has something that makes the body of Christ stronger! I wonder why are people so bound to only one church? The early day disciples moved from house to house for their fellowship! Why are Pastors so afraid of other church bodies? Aren't we to be fellow members in the body of Christ!? Why are we not able to join together and be as Jesus prayed? Why are we not "one"?
And...how will we win the world when we aren't even able to join together? I have some beliefs about this whole issue, but I would like to hear what other people believe? Do you know of a solution? What is the answer for the problem of the fragmented church?
Friday, January 13, 2017
Transparent ~ Grief
Transparent~
The middle of January and our Christmas tree still has the lights shining brightly! Lane took the tree down a day or two after New Year's Day which caused chaos for me....all I could say was "I'm not ready yet!", over and over...
It seems like it shouldn't be a big issue to take a Christmas tree down when Christmas has come and gone, right? But this year, for me, it was..
My mother passed on in December, shortly before Christmas ...I was able to put the grief and the dealing with it on "lock down", as I told myself, "until after Christmas". Faced with a Living room with no tree caused instant grief...
Lane put the tree back up and anything else he had taken down while I was still asleep, saying we can have Christmas all year! Now, day by day I am removing the Christmas decorations, a few at a time and the room is returning to a normal state as it is throughout the year.
I'm sharing this because people can be blindsided by grief, even Christians. We are not to grieve as the Gentiles do~ But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. 1 Thessalonians 4:13, however we are going to react to one of our loved ones moving on to live in glory, away from us and out of our sight.
I am allowing myself baby steps through this process. I have not thrown myself into a fit of crying, but crying does creep up on me. Memories come with no notice or warning and a wave of sadness hits.
I know where she is, and yes that does bring comfort...but I still miss her. I miss her smile, I miss her voice..I miss her presence. Even though I can talk calmly about this "feeling" there are things beyond my control, I can't sleep, I can't remember and I have no desire for very much social interaction.
Do not be surprised by reactions that you are not in control of and do not feel that you are reacting wrongly. You are a three part being and emotions is part of that. Be comfortable with who you are...experience the grief, but don't stay in it too long, don't leave the Christmas tree up all year!...who knows how long "too long" is? God will show you if you stay close to Him.
It's likely that I'll always miss my mother, but I'm thinking the tree will be packed up within the next week. =)
The middle of January and our Christmas tree still has the lights shining brightly! Lane took the tree down a day or two after New Year's Day which caused chaos for me....all I could say was "I'm not ready yet!", over and over...
It seems like it shouldn't be a big issue to take a Christmas tree down when Christmas has come and gone, right? But this year, for me, it was..
My mother passed on in December, shortly before Christmas ...I was able to put the grief and the dealing with it on "lock down", as I told myself, "until after Christmas". Faced with a Living room with no tree caused instant grief...
Lane put the tree back up and anything else he had taken down while I was still asleep, saying we can have Christmas all year! Now, day by day I am removing the Christmas decorations, a few at a time and the room is returning to a normal state as it is throughout the year.
I'm sharing this because people can be blindsided by grief, even Christians. We are not to grieve as the Gentiles do~ But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. 1 Thessalonians 4:13, however we are going to react to one of our loved ones moving on to live in glory, away from us and out of our sight.
I am allowing myself baby steps through this process. I have not thrown myself into a fit of crying, but crying does creep up on me. Memories come with no notice or warning and a wave of sadness hits.
I know where she is, and yes that does bring comfort...but I still miss her. I miss her smile, I miss her voice..I miss her presence. Even though I can talk calmly about this "feeling" there are things beyond my control, I can't sleep, I can't remember and I have no desire for very much social interaction.
Do not be surprised by reactions that you are not in control of and do not feel that you are reacting wrongly. You are a three part being and emotions is part of that. Be comfortable with who you are...experience the grief, but don't stay in it too long, don't leave the Christmas tree up all year!...who knows how long "too long" is? God will show you if you stay close to Him.
It's likely that I'll always miss my mother, but I'm thinking the tree will be packed up within the next week. =)
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