Are you SALT and LIGHT 
Friday, January 4, 2013
SALT & LIGHT
Are you SALT and LIGHT Ephesians 5:11 "Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them to the light. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said:
My Only Guarantees II
This post is the continuation of: http://aroundeverycornerat.blogspot.com/2012/12/a-three-post-study-my-only-guarantees-i.html
The perfect law in the OT and all laws are black and white. Unless rules or laws have negotiable elements written into them, they are for the purpose of exposing fault and imperfection. They are stagnant...hard and fast...unbendable...concrete...and measurable. It is fairly easy to determine whether you have failed at obeying a rule. Whether you have turned all of the lights off, or you forgot to turn off just the two upstairs...it is measurable. So, most rules are easy to measure, whether you broke the rules completely or by how much you broke them!
However, love really can't be measured, yet God says that it fulfills the law. Oh, my!! Talk about throwing us for a loop! So, how can it fulfill the law if I don't know if I am doing it right?? Ah-ha! Is this the reason why we feel much (MUCH) more comfortable following rules, because with rules we know when we have done them correctly?
But, you know what? There is no 'correct' way. The way you are doing it right now, is OK! (Ya gotta start somewhere!) The bible says that when you love, you are not under the law...so the consequences are much different, and not like they would be for breaking rules...as there are not any rigid expectations on how it should be done.
The hug I give you today is love...even if your cousin walks in and shows her love by giving you a hug and washing your dishes too. They are both love. Love starts at any given point and then grows. It doesn't turn into love at some point...no...it starts right where you are, and what you can do right now, and then never stops growing from there.
Imagine you are walking your neighbors dog and only walk him around the block 4 times instead of 6, and you feel like you should have done better...so next time you walk him another block or two. Then the next time, as God is teaching you and reminding you that the owner truly needs extra help, then you'll perhaps step it up and become more used to acting in love, and you'll get better and better at it. Remember, it is a journey, not a destination...as love never ends.
As rules and law produce consequences since their job is to expose sin..living a life of love produces blessings for all parties involved, including the one showing the love...as there is no way you can bless someone else and not 'get some blessing on yourself...anyway, it is part of the plan!' (Read James 1:25)
So it is much better than just living a life trying to have good behavior...especially since the more you walk in love means the more you won't be walking in sin. Really?? Yup! (Read Galatians 5:16) It is about impossible to go in two different directions at the same time!
Now because you are living with your mind on doing what's best for everyone involved, and not just focused on self...then you are less likely to want to sin against them or yourself (Read Romans 8:6). So essentially, you're killing two birds with one stone.
"Hey Juliana!"
*
"Oh, Hi Jenny...how are you?"
*
"I'm OK..kinda sad though"
*
"Why are you sad?"
*
"Well, someone called me a name that was very hurtful. Remember when someone said hurtful things to you recently? What did you do about it?"
*
"Oh, well, I stopped and put a card in their desk saying that what they did hurt me and that I am sure they would not want someone to do the same to them. Then I said I forgive them."
*
"So, your mom told you that you had to do it huh? Yeah, we have rules about that too in our house."
*
"No, no rules..."
*
"What do you mean, no rules? Then why would you be kinda nice to that kid that hurt you then? I mean, if you didn't have any rules that said you had to..."
*
"I just like to treat people the way I would want them to treat me. When I was little I had rules...my mom called them, 'do's and don'ts'...but it's mostly always been that way in our house."
*
"Hmmm...that's sure not the way it is in my house. My mom put up a list of rules that she says makes things easier around the house. I guess it is easier, cause we don't even have to think about how to do something cause the list will tell us what to do."
*
"Oh? My mom always says, 'God's love already has integrity, so it doesn't need rules'".
*
"What does that mean?"
*
"Well, it means that love always thinks of the best way to treat everyone in whatever you are doing, so there is no need for rules to tell you how to act. My mom says to always carry love around in my heart, then I won't have to worry about how to do the right thing."
*
"But, I don't know if I could do that. I always had a rule to tell me how and what to do...so that would be hard!...because how would you know you did it right?"
*
"I just learned to trust God's love I guess. I don't know. I learned to think this way since, well..since for a long time! But anyone can learn it."
*
"It just seems so hard to do."
*
"No, because there is a place to start. Remember your place to start was on the rules list? You went to the list to find out what to do, right? Well, with love you start right where you are...because you 1st think about how you would like to be treated!
*
"So, start with me...?"
*
"Yes! Oh, and you know what...I forgot, there are some lists in the bible that really do help. They are not lists of rules though, so don't worry. They are things that are inside of God and His love (Read Gal. 5:22-23, Col.3:12-17 + 1 Cor.13: 4-8), and things that are not inside of God and His love (Read Gal.5:19-21 + Col.3:5-9)...so, they do give you lots of help for sure!"
*
"Ooh! Kind of like a cake...so you know you got the right ingredients or it might just be something that comes out looking and tasting terrible?!"
*
"Yup! You got it! But then after a while, as you practice making the cake, it will become more natural for you, and especially since you already have God inside you...and when you do make mistakes and add some bad ingredients, you just talk to God about it because He is your very best friend. Then if that bad ingredient hurt someone then you talk to them too. In fact, you will make mistakes, but that always happens when someone is learning something new!""
*
"Hmmm...I wish your mom would talk to my mom about this..."
*
"Well, maybe she can! I'll ask her...."
*
Juliana and Jenny both bow...
Romans 13:10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
Laws and rules are strictly for the purpose of letting you and others know of your sin. Laws have no mercy or forgiveness in themselves. If you do not live up to their demands then you will suffer whatever the consequences there are, unless a human being has decided to have mercy on you...the rule all by itself has exposed you.
For example, a person must realize that the law was not intended for people who have God's approval. Laws are intended for lawbreakers and rebels, for ungodly people and sinners, for those who think nothing is holy or sacred, for those who kill their fathers, their mothers, or other people.
Galatians 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
Galatians 5: 22-23
But the fruits of The Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, sweetness, goodness, faith,
Humility, endurance; the law is not set against these things.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
EXTRA - A One Page Study
Please click on this link....
http://aroundeverycornerat.blogspot.com/p/what-is-it-that-god-will-look-at-when.html
Monday, December 31, 2012
A Little Side Note....
As the New Year is almost here, and before I post my number II study I wanted to post a little side note...which will also include a prayer request. Something I've had a hard time with in my life is boundaries...and I have been reminded of this by a number of things that have happened this year (2012). I began learning about the importance of boundaries a long time ago when a Pastor gave me a book by Henry Cloud called, "Changes That Heal".
Well, first before I could even be open to a book that in my mind was a psychology-type book...of which I was taught would be from the devil...I had to go through a time of learning about grace and the freedom grace gives. This then helped to dispense with the rigidness that kept me bound to what was mostly superstition and fear.
Anyway, that book put me on the road of a journey that has not ended. I am still learning to say no when I need to, and to only say yes when I truly feel it is right for me...and all in all to always let God in on everything I do. Something I learned about boundaries...and the purpose of them...is to cultivate the ability to make choices as to who and what to "let in" my life, or certain areas of it, and what or who to not let in. This, biblically, is what God wants for all of us.
To discern between good and evil, and to only let in the good...yet balance this with making sure we don't also leave out in the cold what our fears would have us shut the door on. Such as challenges, new situations, areas of our heart that need attended to, different kinds of people and so forth...as these are what help us grow, as well as give us the opportunities to bear fruit for God.
The biggest thing I am learning is to never hang on to anything with a closed, tight fist. To let God be in charge of everything. There has been soooo many times in this journey that I have either held onto something so tightly, or shut the door on something and locked it!...where God had other plans.
The way God does things is in a manner that is very careful and gentle...whereas we want to just get things done. God also wants us to learn...well, me anyway...that most of life is not black and white. It's not all bad or all good. So, the things we might have a tendency to get rid of, may very well be something that is good. This is where faith comes in...because in time the bad will come to light as we closely abide in Him.
Matthew 13: 24-30
24Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.
27“The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’
28“‘An enemy did this,’ he replied.
“The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’
29“‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them. 30Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’”
So, I am sincerely asking for your prayers, as this coming year I know will present many challenges. I am considering going back to school...for possibly a BA in Art Education, and I will need financial aid for this. I also have fibromialgia pretty badly which adversely affects my energy level. In addition, I have a tendency towards bouts of depression. There are some other things that I won't share publically, but if you have it on your heart to pray for me I'd be glad to share it with you via email - com4tea@yahoo.com
All in all what I really want to keep in the forefront of my mind is that life is a journey...and to truly let God have the reigns. To not be afraid of the hills and valleys...and to be ok with what I have. Because I know that most of the time we are not content is because we are comparing our situation with someone who seems to have more than we have. So, to be thankful for food and shelter...and most of all, to be content with God and where I am at right now.
I will also be praying for you in this coming year....you better believe it! Thank you for the time you take to read my writings....you have no idea how much it blesses me!!
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
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