Monday, December 31, 2012
Sunday, December 30, 2012
A Three Post Study: My Only Guarantees I
*I believe one of the big reasons God introduced the Old Testament laws to His people was to show them, and us, that we would never be able to live up to them. As the law was perfect and we...well, we weren't!
So, in the human - small picture of things, the perfect law was a guide on how to live God's way...which is why many people memorize the 10 Commandments or have them on a plaque on their wall. But in the big picture of things the law's perfection was meant to highlight our imperfection and our huge need for a perfect Savior! Then, since this perfect Savior was able to save perfectly, this granted us the ability to be able to fulfill every single one of those laws by obeying just ONE...the New Commandment! Yes, I am still mindful of the 10 Commandments, but it is the one New Commandment that has become my focus, as it fulfills every one of those 10.
Please follow this link, as it not only shows this wonderful Galatians 5 verse that we will talk about, but many of the other verses (in the right-hand column) that tell us how important this New Commandment truly is and what it covers.
http://bible.cc/galatians/5-14.htm
Wow, how perfect for us, huh!? And we are even empowered to do that ONE command by the Holy Spirit who has been given to each person who asks the perfect Savior to do for them what they could never, ever do for themselves!
So, why am I using the word perfect so often? Well, it's because we humans use it so often. "Well, no one's perfect"! Like, somehow, deep down, we think we ARE supposed to be perfect and so we are trying to talk ourselves and others into being OK with not being that way! I dunno...I just know we are not perfect...and it's OK not to be that way. God never made us to be robots that act perfectly...as God wants us to deeply understand!!
Trying to perfect our behaviors only keeps our eyes on ourselves and hinders our ability to love others. Think about how it was for God's people in the times before Christ. There were over 600 laws and commandments to follow exactly...so, no way was there time to do much else. There was very little time to serve and be available to those around you. Take some time in Leviticus and Deuteronomy. The law was perfect, and perfectly good! However, an imperfect people cannot obey a perfect law so as to satisfy it...as the human nature is too prone to satisfying self. And God says that if we fail one of them, then we fail them all.
James 2:10
"If someone obeys all of God's laws except one, that person is guilty of breaking all of them."
Come, sit among the roses,
Let's chit and chatter
About what life supposes
Come, sit among the flowers
Lets wonder about the times
As we while away the hours
Come, sit, relax in my garden
The thorns will be few here.
The welcome will not harden.
Come, sit ’n sip some tea.
In this ofttimes scary world
You’ll find a safe place to be.
Come, sit, please be at ease
Patience and kindness reside here
Though, they’re my only guarantees
If you read my poem, (As you can see I really enjoy writing poetry) you will have noticed the last stanza (the last 3 lines). I share this because I truly believe that this is essentially what God wants from us. He wants us to get to the place where we absolutely stop trying to be perfect. Where we can sit with one another and be OK with being imperfect...because God does not expect or ask that we have perfect behavior. What He asks or commands is that something else gets perfected. Our love. To the point where He commands it. So, we need to change our focus.
Change our focus?? Yes. From law to love...then, in so doing, you better believe that our behavior will follow, as it says in Galatians 5: 16-18...
"Let me explain further. Live your life as your spiritual nature directs you. Then you will never follow through on what your corrupt nature wants. What your corrupt nature wants is contrary to what your spiritual nature wants, and what your spiritual nature wants is contrary to what your corrupt nature wants. They are opposed to each other. As a result, you don't always do what you intend to do. If your spiritual nature (love) is your guide, you are not subject to Moses' laws."
If I am focusing on loving God and the people He created, then my urges to harm them become less and less.
If my heart is directed at what God values, then my behavior is much more appt to follow in kind.
If I am living my life learning to obey this one command, then I begin to sin less and less, and become helpful and have good behaviors more and more...which begins to satisfy the reason for the law.
Romans 13:10
"Love never does anything that is harmful to its neighbor.
Therefore, love is the fulfillment of the Law."
When you are endeavoring to follow a law...then you are keeping your focus on yourself. You are making sure you do this right and do that right so as to stay within the parameters of the law. Just like when you are driving your car and the police, who make sure the law is obeyed, are out watching: You watch your speed very closely. You keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel. You cannot have your eyes or mind on the conversation going on with the people riding with you. No, your job is to drive within the law.
However now, God said in Galatians 5:13-14 that the freedom we now have from having to focus on obeying the law doesn't mean we can now put our focus on anything we want. No. God says to use our freedom for focusing on love....because in doing this, we ARE fulfilling the law. We are now driving carefully, but even more so, because of the love we have for the people (which includes ourselves) in our car, as well as the people in the cars around us.
"For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."
*Please take time and get into the written word yourself. Seek God and follow His Son's life as your example. It's important that you also do your own study and never just rely on what others say, teach or preach.
2 Timothy 2:15
Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman
that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Saturday, December 29, 2012
A Parable of Change
Looking at this coming year as a time of metamorphosis...
Jesus often used parables because they challenge the devout seeker to dig deeper...as truth is precious and is not always apparent for just anyone to see.
I wrote the following parable...a narrative really...through the eyes of a caterpillar who feels the stirring inside of it's forthcoming growth and change...of the fears, the hopes, the dreams of change...and perhaps, if it had the words, what it would say about it.
I wrote this in hopes that it would help us, as a part of God's creation, to be reminded that it is also in our destiny to go through growth and change...if we allow it to happen. As God's desire for us is that we become His. He bought us with a high price...so yes, He does own us ~ yet, He only takes full possession of all the areas of our hearts when we decide to believe in His love and power enough to give them to Him.
To say yes to God's idea of truth, love, and grace...even if it sounds odd to you...as His ways are very different than ours!
To submit to rejecting the feelings of condemnation, because you are now fully saved! As these feelings just inhibit your willingness to submit to God's wanting to mold you into the likeness of His Son.
To submit to growing from milk to meat...from childhood to maturity. From the familiar carnal life we are used to living - to a Holy Spirit-led Christian life.
To say yes to the journey.
Rev. 3:19
I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent
and turn from your indifference.
1 Pet. 2:2
As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that
you may grow thereby.
1 Cor. 3:2
I gave you milk to drink. I didn't give you solid food
because you weren't ready for it. Even now you aren't ready for it.
Eph. 4:15
Instead, by speaking the truth in love, we will grow up completely and become one with the head, that is, one with Christ.
"A Becoming Life" - metaphorical poem in three parts, written in traditional style. Please look up the words that are unfamiliar to you.
I. Commencement of Innocence
I was born into this place, a realm brand new to me.
T’was pristine and strange, so wonderful - amazing to see.
I looked up, a deep blue chasm. Too beautiful to believe!
Thus a fervent desire to be there, pressed upon my heart to leave.
For the moment my eyes had opened, my mind was wholly torn.
In what way could I take flight, devoid of wings since I was born?
A longing to escape, had left me entirely perplexed.
Oh, inured had I become, and so positive I’d been hexed.
Yet, I saw others like myself, who were new such as I.
Then I wondered if they also, had the yearning to fly?
They all were completely engaged, with no lingering or waver,
As leaves bidding strong return, must give a sumptuous flavor.
Hence I ate and continued on, plumping up with fervor and zest.
Wondering which tasty leaf, would sprout wings the very best?
I ate and watched to see, when other’s would obtain their wings.
Though none did I see appear, while all were feasting like kings.
Then, a deep stirring inside me, that was speaking to me so sweet.
A steady drawing, a pull and an urging, I agreed was meant to entreat.
Still open to question, (at last) I listened closely to my heart.
The desire within, so strong, to do whatever was my part.
As I followed, a gentle tug inside me, each step along the way,
I felt an embrace all ‘round me that was sweeter then the buffet!
Scary and exciting altogether, as it wasn’t from this world.
Oh, to let it happen, still - I fought to keep it hence unfurled.
What marvel did I perceive? Should have I resided nigh the ground?
This, still unproven. Thus far, ’twas better I remained earthbound!
II. Challenge of Reformation
Tho it appeared others were doing it. They kept eating - becoming so fat!
Indeed, I thought it prudent, to reside right there, and persist in doing that!
Conversely, I yearned to be amenable to the persistent urging inside.
That call to become something more, to it I never wanted to hide!
To maintain a true heart - disclosed. As it pointed to the sky.
Truth will not be ignored, thus, I would listen and keep it nigh.
Yes, I was born with a heart to fly, though devoid of wings.
Reflection took me to the sky, to see the splendor of things.
I, bound within that swathe, a design chosen for me.
My purpose to fulfill, though not plain for eyes to see.
A heart full - here a thousand things, invention, queries and fears.
A hope, a life extraordinary. Vigor, to enrich not only my peers.
Feelings a bit scary, as I, embraced by that command.
Then, tenderly swaddled - while losing sight of the land.
Sometimes, yes, the growing pains, were more then I could bear.
With the languor of my condition, oh, at times seemed quite unfair.
As my life continued changing, I truly could not have told,
What was occurring within me, was too mysterious to behold.
No denouement did I have, in where my fate was taking me,
Yet, boundless trust did I boast, in the hope of my destiny.
As the world and time passed, yearnings of freedom did ensue,
My heart, calmed by knowing, the freedom nature would imbue.
My dreams of alation, were further frequent and so haunting!
Moreover the intuit of release, was deepening and more daunting.
The labor pangs, oh my birthday, get ready, get set, now begin!
Yet, clashing were my forebodings, with my desire to remain within.
The cynosure of that dwelling, a solace nothing else could outdo.
Though untoward it was to stay, I wanted most to halt my debut.
Yet, the grace I began to feel, to help ease each fearful notion,
Commenced to calm the throngs of voices that could fill an ocean.
III. Fulfillment of a Dream
The palest glow, a glint, a spark, a glimmer of subtle light,
Came a preview of my future, a grand foretaste - my birthright.
As a thread of anticipation filled my heart - a wisp of serendipity,
The encouragement to move and stretch - grew with intensity.
So is this true, this ineffable state, was I ‘bout to be free?
This had surely become, something more then a propinquity.
A blinding light, an amazing scent, bid - break from this shell!
To be nimble, lithely - to flee at last! Courage to say farewell.
Each breach so quintessential. A ripping and a veracious tear,
A renewed fervor, a freedom from restraint, and a plethora of air.
Oh, this inspired creation. The incipience of a brand new life.
Over soon was that struggle, where hesitance and doubt were rife.
The unfurling of my outgrowth, exercising the endowment to me.
Was new and novel and scary, and was a part of my own epiphany.
The wait, oh, I thought, would it never end? How long need I dawdle?
My cosset no longer needed or to imprison - nor to mollycoddle!
The breeze, it came, to dry my wings. A whiffle to command a flutter.
Utterly astonishing, wholly ineffable - sprouted plumes, soft as butter!
Bar the leap from that safe place, into something I’ve never known.
A thing that is otherworldly. Kindled fears of plummeting as stone.
So redolent those blossoms - wondrous! Release of fears brings reward!
Elation in flight, a labyrinthine in air, an exemplar - perhaps a vanguard?
The blooms, so enticing! Whispered, “Come, relish your Pyrrhic victory!”
The reason for my life and becoming, the telling of this passionate story.
With joy of emancipation, as I heeded the weaving of this - my life.
My imbued verve exemplifies surrender, nurturing joy and less strife.
The wonder ‘round you. Nature, the first sacred canon - blessed harmony!
Grasping the impact. An offering of boundless lessons, to live abundantly.
By Jenny Elaine Sorge
Friday, December 28, 2012
Let Your Light SO Shine!
 |
| A child's rendering of a Lightening Bug |
* * * *
Matthew 5:16
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
* * * * *
1 Peter 2: 11-12 Beloved, I beg of you, as wayfarers and as foreigners, depart from all these desires of the body that make war against the soul, And let your way of life be beautiful before all children of men who speak wicked words of you, that they may see your works and praise God in the day of examination.
We have a life...Jesus...within us that can make a huge difference in people's lives. Whether people know it or not they are looking to us to show them that God is real. Telling them is one thing....but, when they SEE God in us...when they see the life He is bringing about IN US...then it will be much harder for them to argue the fact that God is real.
Then IF God becomes real to a person, then this fact moves them to open their heart to Him a little wider...and when this happens you better believe God's Holy Spirit wastes no time in capturing the moment in time when that happens. If you will do nothing else for the Kingdom of God this coming year...at least do this - pray that God puts it deep inside your heart to shine Christ to those around you. Through planned and unplanned appointments...however, if you are open to keeping your light lit, God will bless you with many unplanned appointments.
Your appointment could be just noticing someone with a big smile that answers the prayer of one who prayed secretly that morning that God would show them that He is real.
You just never know.
Or it could be a planned activity with a whole group of people that is filled with the joy of the Lord. The following is a wonderfully planned appointment...a church in Armenia planned this "Jesus Loves You" flash mob.
Enjoy!!
Thursday, December 27, 2012
This Time Of Year....
This has been a particularly difficult Christmas, as I wasn't able to be with my parents who live over 700 miles away, as well as my daughter who lives even farther...so needless to say I am glad that Christmas is over.
Christmas, actually has not been the best time of year for me for a long time...but yet it does keep me mindful of the many people in this world that have a very difficult time at Christmas too. I'm sorry to put a damper on your holidays, but I would ask that you take a moment and pray for the people around you that may not have a smile on their face during this time of year.
Unfortunately, there are more people experiencing deep depression as well as committing suicide during this time of year than at any other time. As a person who has experienced depression I can say that it feels like you're drowning. Everyone gets the blues, but a tendency toward a deeper "blueness"...or depression can truly rob a person of so much.
During this time of year God has been bringing home to me what it means to trust Him with my whole heart...to climb up onto His lap and snuggle up and just be with my Father. Yet, there are many people who don't know that they can do this. They don't know that there is Someone much bigger then they are that loves them.
Please take some time and ask the Lord to use you in the lives of those around you this coming year...those whom you notice at the store or at work who need to be shown mercy and God's love. Who need to be introduced to the Great Physician...the One who came to save them in more ways than one.
Yes, I am almost positive that there will be people that you'll run into either in line at the grocery store, at the bank or at work who has cried and asked God to show them that He exists...that He is there. So every smile or caring gesture you impart may very well be the one thing that makes the difference in some one's life. But even if someone you meet or stand next to hasn't prayed that prayer ~ you better believe that God will use your show of love for His glory...and it will bring you even closer in your growth to becoming more like Christ!
Eph. 4:15
Instead, we will lovingly speak the truth, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of His body, the church.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Color In Your Christmas...
Color in your Christmas with love!! The devil has tried to take what God has created and twist everything. So, lets take everything back!
Lets take the time to share with our children about the greatness of God this holiday. The enemy thinks he always has one up on us, but he never does. He tries to twist the wonderful things God created for us, but we can shrug his stupid stuff off and show our kids God's beautiful gifts and His creativity...and how He made us to be creative too ~ because we were made in His image. Take a walk today and find pine cones and evergreen and talk about how God created everything in His creation to remind us of Him...like the evergreen, that is 'ever' or always green and when we make it into a wreath it is round with no end, to remind us that God's love never ends. Then when we put a star on the top of the tree it reminds us of the star of Bethlehem.
The candy cane was created by someone who loved Jesus and wanted people to remember He is our Good Shepherd (the shape of a crook) and the red part was to remind us about how Jesus bled and died for us, and the white part was a reminder of how that blood makes our sins as white as snow!
I'm sure you can think of many of the other things that God has put in His creation that shows His existance and His love for us! Take a walk after your presents and your meal today and see for yourself! Or take time this week to be creative....
Merry Christmas!!
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Who Is The Enemy? II
The following is my reply (with a few edits) to a post in another blog, that I decided to post here. The concern of the article was essentially that we were not winning our war against the gay agenda because Christians are becoming less interested in the fight.
What is sad to me is how much the enemy has lied to us. Over **1/3 of the American population are professing evangelical Christians, and there are only around ***4% of the population that are professing gays. Yet, even tho we...the 1/3...have a power and a love so great, that if #activated could overwhelm not only the gays, but also all the other groups that are just as sinful as they are or we are (even tho we have picked out this group as tho they are more sinful), like the pedophiles, the Satan worshipers, the wife abusers, the gossipers, greedy, the KKK and their affiliates, and all the rest who are spreading ##deliberate destruction...we have chosen to fight using 'weapons' with much less power.
If we spent our time learning what it means to become more like Christ, then seeking and focusing on God for that outcome, then the light we would become would be such a force, that it would cause people to come to Christ in amazing numbers. Our fight is not against people, it is against the devil. The gays are sinners just like we were and are...and if we choose to spend our time and energy using God's power and love, the kind Christ used towards sinners, instead of secular means, to change things....wow, would things happen! This is just one small example, but take a little time and read "In His Steps" at http://www.gutenberg.org/catalog/world/readfile.php?fk_files=1456228 > It's about a church that decided to walk as Christ would, and in so doing made a huge difference in the lives around them. This is a free e-book of the original that was written many years ago. The issues were different in this story, but God isn't.
#We can choose to be just another dogmatic special interest group, or choose to walk as Christ (Christ-ian)...because they are very different from one another. We choose to walk in the steps of the Holy Spirit. These things don't just automatically happen. We choose to be as Christ...be a witness...be a sweet aroma, that draws people where ever we go. 2 Cor. 2:14 "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place." Being like Christ means to be careful when speaking and handling the truth...it must be mixed with love in how and when it is spoken. Eph. 4:15 "Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church."
## Most gays are just people...sinners...like you and me who are trying to live their lives the best way they know how, with what they have. They are not out to impose on anyone. Most are not extremists and just want what every sinner wants...freedom. Yet, the other groups, who do intend to impose on others, have gotten almost no pressure put on them, especially as compared to the gay community. This all seems very cock-eyed to me! Yes...absurd.
** http://www.wheaton.edu/ISAE/Defining-Evangelicalism/How-Many-Are-There
*** http://gaylife.about.com/od/comingout/a/population.htm
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
He's Too Bright To Look At
Let The Son Shine On You!
Let The Son Shine On You! *
Let The Son Shine On You!
Let The Son Shine On You!
Exodus 33:19-22 *
*
The LORD replied (to Moses), "I will make all my goodness pass before you, and I will call out my name, Yahweh, before you. For I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose. But you may not look directly at my face, for no one may see me and live." The LORD continued, "Look, stand near me on this rock. As my glorious presence passes by, I will hide you in the crevice of the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by.
*
I've heard people who are wondering if there is a God say, "If God wants us to know He's here, why not show Himself!" Now we know why God has not done that.
* *
God's ways are so much higher than ours....and His presence much more spectacular than ours as well. I used to tell my kids, "He's too bright to look at."
* *
Everything about God is much greater. He is not of this world at all. In the areas of our daily lives....what we do...what we think...where we go...most of the things we do we don't question. Yet it is time for Christians to ask God to help us to deliberately be open to question...even those things that we've put high up on the shelf of acceptable things. The things that have been put up on a special shelf where the things go that 'just seem so right and don't need any scrutiny!'
* *
God is pure light. He has no darkness in Him at all...and His aim is to continue to perfect us so that we become more and more and more...and more like Him. I think that our carnal mind kinda thinks that there are some things that to God are negotiable. Which means we're thinking that our ways, the carnal ways we are used to, are not all bad. That we can go ahead and mix our opinions and feelings in with God's.
* *
We think we can go ahead and see scripture thru "church doctrine glasses". But, light and dark will not and cannot mix. Which means we don't expect God to submit to our will or ways....no, we submit to His. If we are growing, then some of the things we are thinking will surely be from God...but we still must be willing to allow everything to be exposed to the light, and stay in the light. We are to learn to see God, scripture, life and any other thing there is to see - thru the "glasses" of the Holy Spirit, Who is pure light.
* *
God wants us to become familiar and comfortable with allowing God to shine His light on every single thing in our lives. However, this is probably the hardest thing for us humans to do. Adam and Eve made this evident that the human nature's first reaction to being found out is to run away, then become defensive and then dive headlong into denial...so, we just try to avoid having any light shine on us in the first place.
* *
However, what's funny about this...as I have experienced this personally many times...is trying to only allow certain things to be exposed to the light...ha!..this is about impossible! Because when you walk into a room and turn on the light, everything is exposed! Oh, well, except those things that have intentionally been put in places where the light cannot easily get to. Like those things that are behind closed doors, or are hidden in drawers...even then we know that God can still see them. But, as in Adam and Eve's case, God wants us to deliberately take everything out of the drawers and the closets instead of running away.
*
* *
Ephesians 5:8
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in
the Lord. Walk as children of light--
Ephesians 5:14
For it is light that makes everything visible. This is why
it is said: "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on
you."
* *
Scary?? It should not be...because if we have been perfected in love, then we will not fear. We will know that there is no condemnation for those who are His. We will know that He shines the light for our good, and not to condemn us.
* *
1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love. But
perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one
who fears is not made perfect in love.
* *
Romans 8:1
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to
Christ Jesus.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
God's Ways -vs- Our Ways Pt 1
Isaiah 55:9
For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My
ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than your thoughts.
If there would be one question to ask yourself...when reading scripture...when deciding how to handle specific situations...when thinking your thoughts...when opening your mouth...it would be, how different are God's ways than mine?
We were each created in God's image...however, the fall fell hard! It twisted, corroded and brought death to everything. It affected each person down to the cellular level. We have been profoundly affected by the fall. When God said to our predecessors that we would know (in the fullest sense of the word) the difference between good and evil, He was right!! From Hitler (at least closest to the worst evil) to babies being born with every abnormality imaginable (some of what evil has done)... evil is here.
We were created to live in a perfect world...and scientists even say the heart that beats in our chest was constructed so well that it was meant to beat indefinitely. But of course, with all that is against that happening, our bodies give out long before indefinitely rolls around.
Yes, the oceans and the universe still have untold possibilities for exploration...yet, scientists also say that the human brain has such an amazing capacity that we may never reach the end of what we can learn about it.
Yes....we were created in God's image, yet the fall corrupted what God created. Our nature, that was created in His image became corrupt...which of course affected how we think. This is why it is so important to question how much we want God's will more than we want our own. Because if we truly, down deep, really want what suits our own will, then that is what we will find. If we only want what feels familiar and easier, then that is what we'll find...as the old nature is what we are used to.
Galatians 5:13-26
13You were indeed called to be free, brothers and sisters. Don't turn this freedom into an excuse for your corrupt nature to express itself. Rather, serve each other through love. 14All of the law is summarized in a single statement, "Love your neighbor as you love yourself."
15But if you criticize and attack each other, be careful that you don't destroy each other.
16Let me explain further. Live your life as your spiritual nature directs you. Then you will never follow through on what your corrupt nature wants.
17What your corrupt nature wants is contrary to what your spiritual nature wants, and what your spiritual nature wants is contrary to what your corrupt nature wants. They are opposed to each other. As a result, you don't always do what you intend to do. 18If your spiritual nature is your guide, you are not subject to the law.
19Now, the effects of the corrupt nature are obvious: illicit sex, perversion, promiscuity, 20idolatry, drug use, hatred, rivalry, jealousy, angry outbursts, selfish ambition, conflict, factions, 21envy, drunkenness, wild partying, and similar things. I've told you in the past and I'm telling you again that people who do these kinds of things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22But the spiritual nature produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, and self-control. There are no laws against things like that. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their corrupt nature along with its passions and desires.
25If we live by our spiritual nature, then our lives need to conform to our spiritual nature. 26We can't allow ourselves to act arrogantly and to provoke or envy each other.
Then, it is important as well to question our own interpretations of what God is saying in scripture...along with learning to trust God's Holy Spirit more than we trust our own inklings. Then in time, it will be hard to tell where our inklings end and the Holy Spirit's leading begins...because we want what God wants more, and have practiced distinguishing between good and evil. ~ Between what God wants and what our old nature wants.
Hebrews 5:14
Such persons are mere babes. But solid food is for
adults--that is, for those who through constant practice have their spiritual
faculties carefully trained to distinguish good from evil.
John 7:17
If anyone chooses to do God's will,
he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my
own.
So, what is God's #1 will for all His children? God's ways are so much different than the ways of the corrupt nature, to the point where they are quite evidently the opposite. Then, what is the opposite...or what are we to do instead?
Look again at Galatians 5:13-14
13You were indeed called to be free, brothers and sisters. Don't turn this freedom into an excuse for your corrupt nature to express itself. Rather, serve each other through love. 14All of the law is summarized in a single statement, "Love your neighbor as you love yourself."
Yes, love. Self-interest is at the root of the old nature, not other-interest. This is not saying we can't love at all, but our first and most comfortable inkling is self-first...and depending how we were raised and how much evil has already had an influence, our inkling might be self-only.
However, God didn't say to stop this sin or that sin...or to do this practice or that ritual...or to be godly or righteous...no, He said, "Rather, serve each other through love."
Loving others with God's love is not comfortable or logical for our carnal nature...but it is God's most important ethic.
Mark 12:31
The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
John 14:15
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments."
1 Cor. 16:14
"Let all that you do be done in love".
But, how about our sin? Don't we need to address that? Loving is fine, but how about SIN! My sin and their sin! I know this is also a concern, but God has a way to deal with sin that is unfamiliar to our carnal nature as well...that also involves love, so we'll talk about that next time...altho as you study and read through all the love verses (the ones above and in the URL below), you'll see much of the answers there...
Blessings!!
http://www.openbible.info/topics/love
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Who Is The Enemy?
Are people our real enemies? No.
John 3 :16
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes...
1Thessalonians 5:9
For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 3:8-9
8Dear friends, don't ignore this fact: One day with the Lord is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. 9The Lord isn't slow to do what he promised, as some people think. Rather, he is patient for your sake. He doesn't want to destroy anyone but wants all people to have an opportunity to come to repentance.
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However, how are we to handle those with whom we have put in that 'camp'...with whom we call enemy? Whether they have actually come into our home and hurt us or they have done something that is quite contrary to our beliefs. Whatever they have done, God does not want us to stoop to a fleshly level. He wants us to maintain our walk in the Spirit as we trust Him to take care of the things our carnal nature would want us to fret about. "The just will live by faith".
Galatians 5:19-24
Now the works of the flesh are evident:...enmity, strife...fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions...and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. ...
Proverbs 17:14
The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out.
Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.
Matthew 5: 39-48
You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth. 39But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
43“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
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Who is our real enemy? As you see in the following verses, our real enemy is in the spiritual realm, not the physical. So trying to fight the devil's works with tangible weapons just gets us involved in the works of the flesh (Gal.5:19)...so, we become a partner in the 'dance' the true enemy is trying to start.
He is all about destruction and the best thing he can do is to start a fire under our carnal nature, lie to us and get us involved in operating in the flesh and devouring one another...and keep us far from our primary task, which is to produce good fruit...to carry-out the new commandment, so as to draw people to Christ.
As we can also see, the fight is comprised of both offensive and defensive battle...and it is God, as we spend one on one time with Him, who will teach us to do this spiritual warfare. Our enemy loves to see our carnal nature show itself, and hates peace, faith, truth and of course the name of Jesus Christ.
Psalm 144:1
Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle;
Ephesians 6: 10-20
10A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
13Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.
17Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God 18Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. 19And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. 20I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should
John 4: 24
God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.
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