Justifying The Lying!

The LORD said to Job: “Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him? Let him who accuses God answer him!”Then Job answered the LORD:  “I am unworthy—how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth.I spoke once, but I have no answer— twice, but I will say no more.”  Then the LORD spoke to Job out of the storm:“Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me.“Would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself?Do you have an arm like God’s, and can your voice thunder like his?  Then adorn yourself with glory and splendor, and clothe yourself in honor and majesty.Unleash the fury of your wrath, look at all who are proud and bring them low, look at all who are proud and humble them, crush the wicked where they stand. Bury them all in the dust together; shroud their faces in the grave. Then I myself will admit to you that your own right hand can save you. Job 40:14 NIV

God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? Numbers  23:19 NIV

And in that day I will become angry with them and forsake them; I will hide my face from them, and they will be destroyed. Many disasters and calamities will come on them, and in that day they will ask, ‘Have not these disasters come on us because our God is not with us?' Deuteronomy 31:17 NIV

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, Romans 14:17 NIV

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. 1 Corinthians 4:20 NIV

For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord's people. 1 Corinthians 14:33 NIV

God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. Hebrews 6:10 NIV

If we look at the plight of America and Americans, we can see that there are problems all around us. Job had problems after Satan got permission from God to test him. Though the assaults were devastating--the loss of property, children, and covered with boils--Job maintained his faith in God. Because of his faith in God, all he had lost was restored.

The story of Job is the oldest known book of the bible and in it we find what real faith in God is. Yes, we acknowledge our circumstances, but we don't dwell on the negatives and try to see God in all we do. In all of the story--with his friends trying to persuade him to curse God and die and even his wife--Job remains steadfast--determined not to allow anyone to deter his faith in God. And the one thing we must remember in all of his trials--Satan couldn't do a thing to Job without God's permission and because God knew Job--He allowed the unfolding events in Job's life.

Does God know us well enough to know our end from the beginning? Of course He does. He knows who will remain faithful to Him without lying on Him in the process. He knows who will obey and do what they're told to do whether they understand it or not. He knows the level of our faith and nothing we say or do to justify a lie--especially about Him--will surprise Him.

God is not surprised by the lies people tell on Him--especially those in the "church" arena. In fact, part of the problem is that people are "in churches--the physical buildings" but they are not the church which we are supposed to be. "Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?" 1 Corinthians 3:16 NIV

We are the body of Christ--whoever believes and obeys! It is the body of Christ (the collective group of Believers) who is the church--not a building--where people meet.

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 1 Corinthians 12:12, 13, NIV

Now if we are the Body of Christ--and have been filled with His Spirit--we know when He speaks and we know He will never lie to us and everything He speaks, aligns with The Word of God. So, why then are people--the church leaders lying on God and then trying to justify the lying?

It is simple as breathing. People lie because Satan is their father and we know that it is true because God's Word tells us so. Since we know God won't lie we also know He would never choose a liar to govern people. But God allows things to happen and it is possible that Satan got permission to test God's people as it pertains to the 2016 Election and the people failed the test--because their faith was not in God, but a man--a mere mortal.

And this is why we have the situation in Washington that exists--church leaders failed the test, but God never fails. God has not forsaken those who truly love Him and will obey--even in the midst of persecution and derision. He knows our thoughts from far off and He knows the direction He wants us to take. It is truly unfortunate that many will suffer because of those who sought to control other people rather than allowing Holy Spirit to do His job.

There is no justifying the lying and all those who are yet lying--claiming God chose Trump to be president are lying. If God was in the business of choosing elected leaders then those same people who hated Obama with a vengeance would have to acknowledge that God chose him to be president, too since God is not a respecter of people. Now which it is-is God choosing presidents or is He allowing people to choose through the election process?

Guarding What We Have With Care!

"Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, which some have professed and in so doing have departed from the faith. Grace be with you all." (1 Timothy 6:20, 21 NIV).

Within the context of the instructions given to Timothy regarding how he was to conduct himself within the church, we find those instructions relevant to everyone who is in leadership, now.

Though many may argue that the bible is "simply a book of myths," those who know Truth, know better. And as such, we can always go back to the bible--for instructions in our daily living, understanding that what God inspired others to write-no matter when it was written--is still good for us, today.

An interesting conversation occurred yesterday when someone said to me, they didn't finish reading a certain book years ago because of the book's doctrine. Since I was familiar with the book, I couldn't understand the reference, but was able to determine that the person meant, "they didn't want to be indoctrinated" by what was being disclosed in the book. It struck me when it was said and I responded that perhaps, that's why many people won't read the bible--fear of indoctrination to a sound belief system.

I know many could argue why the bible is outdated, but they could not argue that with me. I don't argue over what's in the bible because of my relationship with God. I know and understand the bible is a summary of historical events, demonstrating God's love for mankind from the beginning, and is sound--for the day in which we live. If all understood the context of events noted in the bible and what happened and what was said, when--we'd understand that careful study of where we are today, is depicted in the bible--a history that covers about 3500 hundred years of man's behavior and God's response.

We learn how God expects us to honor Him and honor parents as well as one another--still relevant today. We learn how we are conduct ourselves with one another--with integrity. We learn what happens to people who do not honor God and those He has chosen. We learn how we are to respond to those who are different and respect them for who they are. We learn about politics and leadership, taxes, and love relationships--culminating in marriage as part of His plan to see mankind continually perpetuated by new births. We learn how much He loves us through His death on the cross, His resurrection, and His ascension with the promise of His return. We learn how to operate in the gifts and power He has given us through Holy Spirit. We learn to love the unlovable and to pray for our enemies. And everything we learn now, is referenced in the bible--that "book of myths" by which so many have used--to gain wealth and assist others.

All of this--and more--Paul was reminding Timothy of as he started leading a church--to stay the course and guard what he had been taught, never allowing the foolishness of demonic teachings to become part of what he taught others.

Unfortunately, since many do not understand how Holy Spirit operates in our lives, they have succumbed to demonic teaching--all those things that are opposed to God's plans for mankind--and they think they are teaching truth. They are not teaching God's Truth and since we have no truth to teach, what is being taught is a lie and we know that Satan is the father of all liars. We cannot allow demonic teachings to keep us from our destination--an eternity with God. 

With all of our getting, we must get wisdom--and true wisdom only comes from above--not below. We must guard the wisdom given from God with great care and allow Him to direct us in all things.

Getting Back to The Foundation of His Truth!

"But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband."(I Corinthians 7:2 NIV)

No matter how hard we try--at least some of us--we cannot get away from the fact that the bible addresses every aspect of our living right before God. Through Paul, God's purpose for us is emphasized in a number of chapters--how husbands and wives should treat each other, how to raise children, how to conduct ourselves in worship services, and how to establish order in the church. Whatever question we could possibly have, the answer--is in there.

The problem for many in accepting what is in there is the fact that whenever a person or persons choose to dispute the information or instruction in the bible, they do so selectively, without understanding, totally missing what is being said because they choose to take things out of context. This verse of scripture is one of those people "prefer to ignore" because Paul said and not Jesus (it's not written in red).

It's amazing how people can "discount" the value of what is being said based upon who said it. They do so because they did not read further--"all scripture is written by inspiration of God" no matter who He uses to say it.

Moving along--when the early churches had questions regarding behaviors that were once considered "okay" based upon the environment in which one found themselves, Paul addressed them. There had been "temple prostitutes" and many other unsavory behaviors operating because of unbelief. Adultery and fornication were the status quo and because some dared to seek truth, Paul spoke it as it pertains to sexual activity. Here it is very clear--sexual activity should be reserved for those who are married and then the married should have only sex with their "own husbands" and "their own wives."

When we choose to ignore righteous instruction because of fleshly dictates, we set ourselves for disaster and until we can right the wrong, nothing will change the devastating course of events that will be the result of sin. If we claim to accept one part of the bible as God's truth, then we must claim it all--with understanding and keeping all of it in context of God's purposes for mankind.

This is not the only passage of scripture that is often refuted in the church world. Many in the church have disputed women's roles within the church because they overlooked what Joel said. Many have claimed that people of color are the result of the curse on Ham, lacking understanding that the first man, Adam--was a man of color--a fact simply deduced by looking at where God formed him and how. People use the bible to promote hatred and superiority because of a lack of understanding. God has no respect of persons and He sees us all as equals--no male or female, Jew or Gentile, all one in Christ Jesus.

But we don't see us as God sees us and as a result, we tend to overlook passages that go against our flesh. This is why there is confusion, hate, and unrest in the land--we allow our flesh to dictate what we want and when others don't agree, we rise up and promote hatred--either with the bible or refuting it. Either way--God is not pleased and when He is not pleased, none of us has peace.

The sooner we see things the way God sees them (and we can if we truly develop a relationship with Him), the sooner we'll see peace in the land. We have no excuse--His written instructions--given to and by all who desired to please Him--provide us the foundation of His Truth. It's time we got back to that foundation, rather than attempting to build one that is bound to crumble and fall.

And The Beat Goes On!

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http://www.blogtalkradio.com/maryandtyrone/2015/01/15/and-the-beat-goes-on

The Foundation!

"By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ." (I Corinthians 3:10,11 NIV)

Paul admonishes those who are attempting to "teach doctrine" other than what they learned. He reminds them (the Corinthians) that everything he taught was based upon his relationship with Jesus Christ and who He is. He goes on to tell them in (subsequent verses) that if they attempt teach any other doctrine, their works will be tried with fire.

Now, for clarity's sake, I must explain that in the subsequent verses, he mentions the building materials that will be tried and possibly burned up with fire. Paul uses the building materials--gold, silver, etc. in a figurative analogy. He does not mean that churches cannot use gold or silver in the buildings, as some have taught.

What is more important--the church (Body of Christ) or the building? I think this is where some err. The body of believers is the "Church of Jesus Christ" and the buildings are simply places where people go to worship, ideally. So, Paul is really concerned about the condition of the believers and the foundational truths they are taught and believe. When we change the foundational truths of God's Word, then we subject our works to being judged by the fire. EVERY TIME WE CHANGE GOD'S WORD TO PACIFY FLESH, WE ERR AND ARE CREATING AN UNSTABLE FOUNDATION.

When a firm, stable foundation has not been laid for a physical building, it will not withstand, the moves of the earth as it settles and sometimes, the foundations crack, lean, or fall apart, causing the entire building to crumble. When a firm foundation has not been been laid regarding the truth of God's Word, people lean, fall apart and crumble every time a crisis comes their way--their foundational knowledge is flawed and will not withstand the wiles of the enemy when the attack comes.

We should all aspire to be like Paul--as a wise builder--teaching and proclaiming only the truth of God's Word so when He comes, we will be found blameless and not guilty of promoting false doctrine trying to make ourselves to be something we are not. God knows the truth of all and He knows when the foundation is His or ours. If we think we can fool Him, we only delude ourselves. Make sure the foundation laid regarding God's truth--is His Truth!

And The Beat Goes On!

Hot topic tonight--abuse vs discipline, godless societies, and preachers who don't teach, but just make noise. Whew! http://www.blogtalkradio.com/maryandtyrone/2014/09/18/and-the-beat-goes-on

Tyrone read preachers the riot act and told them to get themselves in order and study to have something to say! Hmmm!

Follow The Good!

"Dear friend, don’t let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do good prove that they are God’s children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God." (3 John 1:11 NLT)

As I was re-reading this passage of scripture this morning, what John was saying to the church in his letter reminded me that we are indeed "without excuse" when it comes to knowing how we should live.

The bad example John references is the "church leader" who throws people out of the church when people don't do what he says, rather than what is good. John was encouraging people to help support "the traveling teachers" (evangelists), Diotrephes was opposed to welcoming or supporting those traveling to teach The Word and told people not to help, and when they did help, he threw them out of the church. Considering this church was probably meeting in his home--he felt he had every right to control what occurs in his home.

Are there any church leaders who are doing the same thing today? There are some who are so puffed up with their own importance and what they have to say, that if a person doesn't support what they want, they invite them to leave the church! I have been in churches where the leaders were dictators and felt they had a right to be so since it was their "father or mother" who had founded the church. What they failed to realize is that a relative may have established a ministry in a local building, but that does not give them the right to dictate to people who do not support their "self-righteousness".

In one church in particular, I got tired of the attitude and left. When a person can "see" that God is not in charge of the situation, the only recourse one has to stay in right relationship with God is to just leave--the madness--not God.

That's the other thing that baffles me. When people do leave a church because they do not see God's hand in anything that's taking place, why do people assume that person is "leaving God" and not just a building?

It is amazing to me that some get so caught up in themselves that they do not even recognize when they have taken charge in a church and left God completely out of the situation. Oh, they "posture" at teaching, using The Word, but then they negate The Word with their own sense of righteousness and setting standards for others according to what they do--not what The Word says. God is not mocked--He sees it all and understands the motives in the person's heart--and only that person is deceived--by their self-righteousness.

This is why John was writing this letter--to encourage people to follow the "good examples" and influence of those who are not only teaching God's truth, but living God's truth for all to see.

I am a passionate advocate for those who have want to follow truth and have been deceived by people. And my advice is similar to John's. If there is no indication of a person or church leaders doing things according to God's Truth--RUN and don't look back! When we know what God has said, we are held accountable for what we do--on all levels and what we say. 

Don't be fooled or cajoled into following people--FOLLOW THOSE WHO FOLLOW CHRIST IN WORD AND DEED--ALWAYS DOING GOOD FOR THE BENEFIT OF OTHERS!

What Are We Sowing? (Revised/Reblogged)

 "Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.” When he said this, he called out, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear” (Luke 8:8 NIV)

Jesus said, when seed (The Word of God) falls onto good ground, it will yield a crop (growth) a hundred times more than there once was. He also goes on to say, "he who has an ear to hear, let him hear." So why does Jesus relate this parable to his disciples and how does it apply to us today? The point being made here is two-fold; both on a spiritual level, but one pertaining to the wealth that God has entrusted us with and the other, the wealth of souls that God has entrusted to us. If we misunderstand God's intent, we sow discord and doubt into the midst of the congregations and fuel the unbelievers' attempts to thwart the Word of God.

First, we must understand that the resources (money) that God provides to us are to be used as seed to be sown in good ground.  If we are sowing seed (giving money) to churches in which there is no growth and in fact is being used to promote man’s kingdom instead of the kingdom of God, we do God a disservice. We are to be good stewards—weighing carefully how we use the resources God gives us and making sure that our use—will eventually bring glory to God.

We need to make sure that we are wise teachers (sowers) of the Word and our only agenda is to win souls to Christ; not to us. We must make every attempt to fulfill the commission given to us to go out into all the world, teaching the Word, baptizing in Jesus’ name so that all can come into the knowledge of the Truth (God’s truth, not ours).

The flip side of seeing growth and maturity is to see stagnation of both money and people.  Misusing the resources will eventually feel like money placed in pockets with holes—steadily being lost along the way.  Manipulating the Word for selfish gains will eventually see more space and vacant seats in churches as people leave.  For those who have an ear to hear, let them hear.

We must be good stewards of what God has given us.  Are we promoting the Gospel of Jesus Christ (salvation, forgiveness, and love) or are we just having church? Are we utilizing the monetary resources to assist the poor and the needy, to promote the Gospel, or are we just having church fundraisers?  Church leaders must be accountable to the Word.  Church members must be accountable to the Word by studying for themselves.  Remember, he/she who wins souls must be wise.  They who anticipate seeing growth/increase must make sure they are sowing (or watering) in good ground.  We must be willing to do deep soul searching and introspection to make sure we are doing everything we can to glory God.  He that has an ear to hear, let him hear.

What are you sowing?  Are you sowing in good ground?  

(Revised and re-blogged from 12/13/12)

The Real Church!

"And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. "(Ephesians 1:22,23)

For the most part, whenever someone makes a reference to the church, they are inevitably thinking about a building or a denominational religion. As such, the congregants--those who gather together on a regular basis--become the focus of much religious teaching. We missed the entire point--of the church--when we think of it in this manner.

God, when He raised Christ from the dead and set Him at His right hand in heavenly places, put all things (everything--religion and unbelief) under his feet and made Him to be the head over all things to the church (body of believers) and we who are part of the body are filled with Him and everything He is.

That's a mouthful. If the fullness of Him (everything He is--primarily--love) fills all (of us) in all (situations), then we who believe (no matter under what banner or denomination) are The Real Church!

Forget about the denominations who are not filled with love because many teach "their superiority" over another denomination which becomes religious dogma. If there is no love abounding from the leadership, and no one encouraging love of all--it is a religious dogma that has no value or worth in heaven. With that said, here's something to chew on a few days or months--however long it takes for one to swallow (the bitter truth)--that none of our religious posturing matters to God.

If there is no love--Catholicism is wrong, Protestantism is wrong, all the denominations that espouse religious teachings that negate the importance of all believers and loving one another are "wrong."

The Real Church--the body of believers over which Christ is the head--is all who know how to love, unconditionally--and teach the truth of God's Word, encouraging others to love and live according to God's Word, not their opinions or religious dogma.

How does one know the difference? Religious dogma's goal is to control--everyone and what they do. Religious dogma focuses on the importance of the organization instead of the importance of relationship with Jesus Christ. Religious dogmas hold people in high esteem more than Jesus. Religious dogma refuses to admit there is no one group of believers who is greater than the other.

Relationship with Christ and other believers is important in this journey called life. Relationship is far more important than religious dogma that limits--what one can do with the knowledge of Christ and in how to treat fellow human beings. Those in true relationship with Christ and the Father, allowing Holy Spirit to guide in all things are the "real church" and it is a church without walls or boundaries--abounding in love, overflowing, in constant communication with God on behalf of all people, loving all.

Lord Jesus, help us to get to the place where we understand that we who believe are the real church when we know how to love and are in relationship with You instead of being in religions that do not know You or teach Who You are--Love.

Called For a Purpose!

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28 NIV).

I have probably used this verse of scripture in a previous post, but I'm moving in another direction--hopefully--from the one used.

When God "calls us" into His service, we are called to fulfill His purposes--not our own.  And when we acknowledge that call, enter into His service to fulfill His purposes, everything we do--works for our good. Now, the opposite of what was just stated is also true. If He did not call us or we do not fulfill His purposes, then nothing we do works out well. We can say we love God from daybreak until sunset, pray without ceasing, and if we never venture forth to do what He has called us to do, we are wasting our time.

Some people are called into service for God by other people--their mothers, their fathers, their pastors, or even their own greed to be seen or to pimp a pulpit. First of all, a call to serve God by Him--does not mean a person should be standing in a pulpit preaching the Gospel--especially when they are not equipped to do so. "Who God calls, He qualifies and equips to get the job done." When I see foolishness reign in a church, I question the call of God on the life of the leadership because I see no evidence of God being involved. How do I know God is not involved?

Through Holy Spirit, God anoints and appoints those He desires to use. Holy Spirit leads and guides us into doing all things according to The Word of God, not our feelings or current trends or popular belief. When the leadership cannot read the Word, has no clue as to what The Word means, and has never attempted "to study to show themselves approved unto God, a workman that need not be ashamed," then I know God is not involved. God is true to His Word and it is man (or woman) that makes a mockery of God's callings by trying to be something they were never intended to be!

Will those who counterfeit God's calling have a measure of success? Usually, they do--a manufactured success that once exposed, falls apart as quickly as it was contrived. How quick is quick? God determines time and with Him--one day is like a thousand years and a thousand years like one day--but it will come and all will see who contrived their calling.

We can fool people--sometimes, but we can never fool God. Little by little, things begin to be exposed--mismanagement of money, abuse of position and authority, scandal of all types and magnitudes, prophe-lying prophets who can't predict the next rain, let alone what God is going to do for someone. If they really knew what God was going to do, they would run and hide out of fear of being exposed and experiencing God's wrath. Church dwellings become more like the night-clubs and the praise-dancers are more pole dancers without the pole--the seductive moves are the same as being on the pole. The elder women in the churches don't bother to teach the younger women anything because the younger women don't want to learn anything. The young women act like they are on the street in a club more than they act like they are in a church. When people can be heard cussing, found in hidden niches of the building making out and doing all manner of evil--in the church--I know God is not involved. Where the Spirit of the Lord is--we would be too afraid to do such things.

God's callings and gifts are without repentance--He does not take them back even when we abuse or misuse them, but we open the door for Satan to reign when we do. God's purpose in calling us into service for Him is for Him to be glorified and for us to be blessed so we are a blessing to others.

Know your calling and God's purpose for using you and do all to His glory. Magnify the Lord in all you do so no shame is ever felt and watch God work out all things for your good!

Father, in the name of Jesus, if we have not acknowledged our calling from You or understand Your purpose in calling us--reveal it to us and give us wisdom in all things so we will glorify You.

Lip Service!

"The Lord says: “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught" (Isaiah 29:13 NIV).

How insightful is the Word of God that what was spoken hundreds of years ago, is still relevant today! Isaiah was speaking to the children of Israel in an attempt to get them to understand obeying God and hearing what God has to say was more important than what the men of tradition had been teaching them.

Are we "these people" who will hear, cannot understand, and only worship with our mouths?

We must be careful that we are not guilty of making the Word of God of no effect because we love our traditions more than we love living The Word.

It's check-up time--for all to examine self. Are we fair-weather Christians--those who only talk about being a Christian, but have no idea how we're supposed to be living, but we go to church on Sundays? Are we convenient Christians--we do only what Christians are supposed to do when others are paying attention. Are we bench-warmer Christians--those who go to church to keep a seat warm, but do nothing else?  Are we "look-at-me" Christians--those who do everything they can in church to draw attention to themselves? Are we still like the Israelites--saying all the right things--singing, shouting, and praying empty prayers, and yet have no room for God in our hearts since we do not know His Word? David said, "Your Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against You!" Do we have God's Word hidden in our innermost parts so we won't sin against Him?

If our hearts are right with God, our lips need not say much because our actions will speak for us!

Lord, search us and see if we are everything You need us to be. If we are not, give us a clean heart, a heart with room enough to receive all You have for us and to live a life that pleases You. In Jesus' Name, I pray, Amen!

Who Called You?

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28 NIV).

"Johnny, take out the garbage!"

"Carlos, go find your brother!"

Remember when you heard someone calling you; especially your mother? You could tell by her tone what mood she was in. And God help us if we were called by our 'full names'. We knew we were in trouble. But mothers are not the only ones who call us to do something.

God calls us to do specific things in life and when we do what He wants us to do, He honors our efforts and good things happen. What has He called us to do? That depends. Every believer is called to promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but some have been gifted to operate in specific offices of ministry. "He gave gifts for some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and some teachers (of The Word)" (Ephesians 4:11). Here's something to think about God's gifts--they are without repentance. In other words, whether we live right or not, the gifts He has given, will not be taken from us; they simply won't be as effective as they could be.

When God "has called us" into a ministry office, it does not matter what others think since we should only be concerned about pleasing God. If God is pleased, nothing and no one else matters.
The real problem with ministry in the church is when "other people call someone" into an office. Some fathers call their sons into ministry; some mothers call their sons into ministry; some pastors call their children into ministry; some showing favoritism call people into ministry that God has never even considered. When this happens, the gifts are counterfeit and the anointing is manipulated to make it appear as though God had a hand in it. How do we know?

Listen to those with "counterfeit gifts" and see if what they say aligns with The Word. Can we find anywhere in The Word of God, preachers condemning people for how they dress or other such nonsense? Can we find the preachers of the bible, lining people up to give an offering based on the amount for which "they" are asking and then belittling those who have nothing to give? Can we find preachers in the Bible who promote dancing and shouting over hearing The Word, so by the time they stop dancing and shouting, they are too  tired to hear The Word? Can we find preachers in the Bible who promote worldliness over godliness? Can we find preachers in the Bible who always "have a word of wisdom" for the people they know, but never have anything to say about those they don't know? This list could go on and on, but there is not enough space or time to continue. Do you get the point?

God knows those He has called--He knows what gifts they have been anointed with to help move the body of Christ forward; not backwards. Those who God has called may not pastor a mega-church, but they have mega-influence over all who know them. Those who God has called, always give God credit for everything they accomplish in life. Those who God has called, understand the importance of only saying or teaching what God has already said. Those who God has called, "Study the Word so they can rightly divide (explain) it to others". This is how we recognize the difference between those who God has called, from those who others have called.

Who called you? Or better yet, who called the person to whom you're listening and following?

Father, grant us all the gift of discernment this day so we will not make a mockery of the gifts You have given us, to promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Saved (excerpt 2)

Sinner vs Wicked
“The Lord is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous” (Proverbs 15:29).  Some people have used this scripture to support their belief that God does not hear the prayer of the sinner (not the wicked).  If this were true, then no sinner could be saved.  We know that God indeed hears the prayers of sinners (who are seeking repentance) because if he didn’t, where would we be?

The sinner is one who knows the way and chooses to take short cuts along the way; sometimes getting lost, but finding their way back. The wicked have never come into the knowledge of who Jesus is or what He has done for us and will persecute those who do believe.  The wicked are those who do not have a conscience and could care less about how their actions affect anything or anyone else. The wicked are totally self-serving and narcissistic.  The only thing that matters to them is them. The wicked are found in high places and in low places.  They are found in church and outside the church.  The wicked see themselves as a god and acknowledges no other authority than themselves. (Psalm 36:1) These are the truly wicked.

Sinners have to know the will of God in order to subvert it. The wicked do not know the will of God, nor do they care to know it.  They are a law unto themselves.  Indeed the Lord is far from the wicked because He has never been acknowledged by them and as such, has no obligation or relationship to honor with them.  The difference then is the sinner can be saved while the wicked has no hope. We have to remember that the Word of God tells us that He has created the wicked to fulfill His purposes.  Once we know the difference between a sinner and the wicked, we must determine who we are and what it is we want or where we want to spend eternity.  It is now time to make a commitment to be in a position to receive God’s best.

This excerpt is from, Saved, But Not Yet Delivered! available on amazon.com

Holiness (excerpt)

How does one define holiness?  According to Easton’s 1897 Bible Dictionary, “personal holiness is a work of gradual development.  It is carried on under many hindrances, hence the frequent admonitions to watchfulness, prayer, and perseverance” (I Corinthians 1:30; II Corinthians 7:1; Ephesians 4:23, 24).  Simply put, true holiness is being as much like God as we can.  We can exhibit love for all, compassion for all, and maintain a right relationship with God so that He may guide us in all that we do.  If we refuse to obey His Word, we cannot be in a right relationship with Him.  We must also remember that we are not gods and we do not have the right to tell Him what He can or cannot do either with others or through others. 

Holiness is not defined by man’s inept attempt to keep people bound to legalism.  “If a woman is truly holy, her clothing will completely cover her extremities; her hair will be covered, and she will be void of make-up and jewelry.”  There are no specifics as to how to define how a man is holy as far as how their dress goes.   So says legalism.

What is legalism?  Legalism is the way of the Pharisees and Sadduccees.  These are the rules by which people determine (not by the Word of God) who is holy and who is not.  Legalism is another word for bondage.  Bondage hinders and prohibits the Holy Spirit from directing and guiding an individual and keeps people controlled by other people based upon their traditions.  Jesus gives us warning about such people when talking about the Pharisees.  “Thus you are nullifying and making void and of no effect [the authority of] the Word of God through your tradition, which you [in turn] hand on.  And many things of this kind you are doing” (Mark 7:13 Amplified).  In this particular passage Jesus is referring to how the Pharisees attempt to control men as it relates to the care of their parents.  It also holds true for much of the church world’s attempts to establish rules.

How many rules does a church have?

There are rules for dressing in order to come into the sanctuary.

There are rules for committing a portion of one’s income to support the church.

There are rules for what one can do outside the church building.

There are rules for which one can hold associations or affiliations.

There are rules for when to come to church.

There are rules for who can teach or preach.

There are rules for where one can sit in the church.

There are many rules for the women.

There are some rules for the men.

There are rules for the young people.

There are rules for the rules.

Does all of this sound familiar?  If one looks closely at all the rules, the majority of the rules are directed towards women.  [Remember when the

Pharisees brought the woman who was “caught in the very act” to Jesus?  What happened to the man?  The “law” states that both should be stoned to death.]  This discovery should not be a surprise since the majority of churches are established by men for men.  Women simply become an    after-thought in the consideration of everything that goes on around them.  This is a fascinating phenomenon since most churches could not continue to function if it were not for the women involved. 

This is an excerpt from Holiness, Not a Look, But a Lifestyle! available on amazon.com

Everyday People!

"I am using an example from everyday life because of your human limitations" (Romans 6:19a NIV).

I cannot begin to explain how many times I have heard some people say, "the bible has no relevance for us today.  That was then, this is now." If they really understood, having a heart open to God, they would know that just as "everyday" was for that time, "everyday" is still the same for us today.

When Paul was writing to the Church in Rome, he was very concerned about how the people in the church were selectively choosing which rules to live by.  Some wanted to hold people to the letter of law, while he was trying to explain the difference between the spirit of the law and the wonders of grace--to everyday people.

In this passage of scripture (please read the entire chapter), he is specifically talking about people who commit sin, what grace has done, and why we should not continue to sin.  God's grace, His unmerited, we can't earn favor, does not mean we continue to commit sin or encourage others to do so.  Paul reminds the everyday people that once in our lives before knowing and understanding the work of the cross, we did commit sin, but now that we know better, we should not participate.  And he used, examples from everyday life (as it was did and is applicable now), to illustrate what he said.  The strong language--"once slaves to sin" still applies to many today.  Many everyday people are slaves to--drugs, porn, fornication, adultery, alcohol, stealing, lying, manipulating, favoritism, complacency ("I'd rather you were hot or cold instead of lukewarm"), etc., hence the use of everyday examples (relevant now), about everyday people.

I think it was Sly and The Family Stones who wrote the song, Everyday People, (if I have the wrong artist, feel free to correct me).  God does not expect us to live like people in ancient times, but He does expect us to adhere to righteousness, using everyday life examples.  He gave us His Word as a guideline because of our human limitations (unwillingness to hear The Spirit of the Lord) so we would be without excuse. 

O God, help us--everyday people, to live  every day in righteousness, to your glory.

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What Are We Sowing? (Reblogged)

 "Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.” When he said this, he called out, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear” (Luke 8:8 NIV)

Jesus said, when seed (The Word of God) falls onto good ground, it will yield a crop (growth) a hundred times more than there once was. He also goes on to say, "he who has an ear to hear, let him hear." So why does Jesus relate this parable to his disciples and how does it apply to us today? The point being made here is two-fold; both on a spiritual level, but one pertaining to the wealth that God has entrusted us with and the other, the wealth of souls that God has entrusted to us. If we misunderstand God's intent, we sow discord and doubt into the midst of the congregations and fuel the unbelievers' attempts to thwart the Word of God.

First, we must understand that the resources (money) that God provides to us are to be used as seed to be sown in good ground.  If we are sowing seed (giving money) to churches in which there is no growth and in fact is being used to promote man’s kingdom instead of the kingdom of God, we do God a disservice. We are to be good stewards—weighing carefully how we use the resources God gives us and making sure that our use—will eventually bring glory to God.

We need to make sure that we are wise teachers (sowers) of the Word and our only agenda is to win souls to Christ; not to us. We must make every attempt to fulfill the commission given to us to go out into all the world, teaching the Word, baptizing in Jesus’ name so that all can come into the knowledge of the Truth (God’s truth, not ours).

The flip side of seeing growth and maturity is to see stagnation of both money and people.  Misusing the resources will eventually feel like money placed in pockets with holes—steadily being lost along the way.  Manipulating the Word for selfish gains will eventually see more space and vacant seats in churches as people leave.  For those who have an ear to hear, let them hear.

We must be good stewards of what God has given us.  Are we promoting the Gospel of Jesus Christ (salvation, forgiveness, and love) or are we just having church? Are we utilizing the monetary resources to assist the poor and the needy, to promote the Gospel, or are we just having church fundraisers?  Church leaders must be accountable to the Word.  Church members must be accountable to the Word by studying for themselves.  Remember, he/she who wins souls must be wise.  They who anticipate seeing growth/increase must make sure they are sowing (or watering) in good ground.  We must be willing to do deep soul searching and introspection to make sure we are doing everything we can to glory God.  He that has an ear to hear, let him hear.

What are you sowing?  Are you sowing in good ground?