"I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference." (Revelation 3:19 NLT).
In
John's vision and conversation with Jesus, we see just how much we are
loved--because when we are loved--correction and discipline are part of
the process. And at the of this letter, we are reminded that those "who
have ears to hear, must hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches."
One
of the reasons that most people get "twisted and bent out of shape"
when they hear people talk about the bible or see what someone says
about it is because they do not understand--The Word is written for the
benefit of believers--not the unbelieving because they won't believe it anyway!
If
a person has no relationship with God, proclaims not to believe in God,
then why would they think God's Word has anything to do with them? It
doesn't, until they reach a point of "belief and relationship."
With
that understanding, The Word is written to believers for
believers--let's look at the warnings directed at the sinner. A person
cannot be a sinner unless they have first believed God and turned away.
If they have never believed God, they are simply --the "ungodly" and
although God addresses the fate of the ungodly, they are not the sinners
He references.
There are two things I
wish to clarify today and I anticipate disagreement so I welcome
comments--as always. Those two things are mistakes and sin and the difference. I know some people in leadership positions in churches teach that mistakes are sin, but there is no biblical basis for this type of teaching.
First of all, a mistake is something that is done--unintentionally--it is not planned and neither is the outcome anticipated.
On top of that--the words mistake and mistakes are not included in the
Kings James Version, but some will argue differently. A misspelled
word, or spilled salt, lost items--those are mistakes--not acts
committed intentionally.
Sin, on the other hand, is an intentional act, deliberately thought with an anticipated outcome.
There are far too many "sins" for me to elaborate on them on all in
this commentary, but suffice it to say that, no one ever
"unintentionally" took off their clothes, and entered into sexual
activity outside of marriage. Plans to sin--whether is is illicit sex, or a criminal act--are a deliberate act--intentionally implemented.
When
I omit words in my commentaries, I have made a mistake. It was not
intentional, but impaired vision is sometimes a problem; especially for
those who are aging.
When a person drives a
vehicle--impaired--by drugs or alcohol--and someone is killed--that is
an intentional act and the outcome can be anticipated. That is not a
mistake unless the person is devoid of understanding of how alcohol and drugs impair perception and ability to think clearly. A vehicle--in the hands of an impaired driver-- is a lethal weapon and the impaired driver is the trigger used to commit the crime.
Who
we love--we correct and chastise--hopefully before their actions
warrant a more severe outcome--like a felony conviction or worse--their
own demise.
"Those who have an ear to hear
and eyes to see and a heart to understand" hear and think before doing
anything that would cause the deaths of others. "Doing all things in the
name of love" so we might have peaceable lives and no regrets!"
Monday, August 18, 2014
Sunday, August 17, 2014
What Do We Have?
"Grace, mercy, and peace, which come from God the Father
and from Jesus Christ—the Son of the Father—will continue to be with us
who live in truth and love." (2 John 1:3 NLT)
When we live in Truth and Love,
What do we have?
Grace, mercy, and Peace!
Who is it from?
God, the Father, and Jesus Christ!
When do we have it?
Now!
How long will we have it?
As long as we live
in Truth and Love!
How long?
As long as we live
in Truth and Love!
How long?
As long as we live
In Truth and Love!
Whose Truth?
God's Truth!
Whose Truth?
God's Truth!
What Do We Have?
Grace, Mercy, and Peace!
What Do We Have?
Grace, Mercy, and Peace!
When do we have it?
NOW!
Now that we know what we have and from whom we have it, why can't we live what we say we believe? If we know we have grace, mercy, and peace as we CONTINUE to live in God's Truth and in His love--why is there so much hatred and violence in the earth? Do we really know what we have with Jesus governing our lives? If we do--let's act like it and encourage others to receive His grace--unmerited favor for we cannot earn it, His mercy--for not giving us what we truly deserve, and His peace--that surpasses all understanding and provides an environment where hatred cannot exist.
Why are waiting for peace when we already have it? We just need to exercise living in truth and love!
When we live in Truth and Love,
What do we have?
Grace, mercy, and Peace!
Who is it from?
God, the Father, and Jesus Christ!
When do we have it?
Now!
How long will we have it?
As long as we live
in Truth and Love!
How long?
As long as we live
in Truth and Love!
How long?
As long as we live
In Truth and Love!
Whose Truth?
God's Truth!
Whose Truth?
God's Truth!
What Do We Have?
Grace, Mercy, and Peace!
What Do We Have?
Grace, Mercy, and Peace!
When do we have it?
NOW!
Now that we know what we have and from whom we have it, why can't we live what we say we believe? If we know we have grace, mercy, and peace as we CONTINUE to live in God's Truth and in His love--why is there so much hatred and violence in the earth? Do we really know what we have with Jesus governing our lives? If we do--let's act like it and encourage others to receive His grace--unmerited favor for we cannot earn it, His mercy--for not giving us what we truly deserve, and His peace--that surpasses all understanding and provides an environment where hatred cannot exist.
Why are waiting for peace when we already have it? We just need to exercise living in truth and love!
Saturday, August 16, 2014
Let's Get Real!
There are problems with our educational system across the nation and sitting back wishing they are going to disappear is not going to solve the problems. Everyone who cares needs to get involved to save our children and provide them the opportunity in getting a quality education. It's time to wake up and get busy doing what needs to be done--getting involved with the process of education by caring enough. http://www.amazon.com/Mary-M-Hall-Rayford/e/B00BAW31CQ/ "If Parents Cared Enough, Johnny and Juaneshia Could Read"
The only way things will change for the better is when all who really care--get involved!
The only way things will change for the better is when all who really care--get involved!
What Do They See?
"If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so,
because I would be telling the truth. But I won’t do it, because I don’t
want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or
hear in my message," (2 Corinthians 12:6 NLT).
With this statement Paul is making, it appears that when we are telling the truth, we are not necessarily boasting, but some could take it that way. Why should this matter? If we're going to create an environment in which people will want to know our Risen Savior, we must make sure that they "see" us living what we preach and not just hear us--boasting about what we are able to do through Him.
If we are indeed a new creation in Christ Jesus, do people see us doing the same old things we used to do that kept us in a quagmire of ungodly living?
Are we living with others in an intimate relationship outside of marriage--as God defines marriage?
Are we subjecting ourselves to the fallout of using illicit drugs?
Are we mindful of the laws designed to protect the innocent and do we adhere to them?
Are we allowing our tongues to wag and snag others into the pits that kept us receiving God's best in our lives?
If we say we are born again, and yet--others see us as though we have never heard of Jesus Christ, what benefit is that to the Kingdom of God?
Are we not aware that we when we "say" one thing and yet do another--we are hypocrites?
Do people see us being friendly and courteous to others--no matter what the situation that arises?
Do they see us respond calmly to negative events or do we clown like the heathens and then--five minutes later--we are heard praising God?
If we really want to win others to Christ, we must become "living epistles read of men" for the glory of the kingdom of God and not our own.
It is not what people hear us say that convinces them our God is an awesome God--it is what they see us do--in trying times as well as the good times--that convinces them of our God.
God is faithful to keep us focused on Him when we allow Him to do so. If we're going to boast--let this be our boast--He is faithful--and we must learn to do the same.
Father, in the name of Jesus, help us to become more like You with each breath we take and show others by what we do, not what we say--just how awesome You are.
With this statement Paul is making, it appears that when we are telling the truth, we are not necessarily boasting, but some could take it that way. Why should this matter? If we're going to create an environment in which people will want to know our Risen Savior, we must make sure that they "see" us living what we preach and not just hear us--boasting about what we are able to do through Him.
If we are indeed a new creation in Christ Jesus, do people see us doing the same old things we used to do that kept us in a quagmire of ungodly living?
Are we living with others in an intimate relationship outside of marriage--as God defines marriage?
Are we subjecting ourselves to the fallout of using illicit drugs?
Are we mindful of the laws designed to protect the innocent and do we adhere to them?
Are we allowing our tongues to wag and snag others into the pits that kept us receiving God's best in our lives?
If we say we are born again, and yet--others see us as though we have never heard of Jesus Christ, what benefit is that to the Kingdom of God?
Are we not aware that we when we "say" one thing and yet do another--we are hypocrites?
Do people see us being friendly and courteous to others--no matter what the situation that arises?
Do they see us respond calmly to negative events or do we clown like the heathens and then--five minutes later--we are heard praising God?
If we really want to win others to Christ, we must become "living epistles read of men" for the glory of the kingdom of God and not our own.
It is not what people hear us say that convinces them our God is an awesome God--it is what they see us do--in trying times as well as the good times--that convinces them of our God.
God is faithful to keep us focused on Him when we allow Him to do so. If we're going to boast--let this be our boast--He is faithful--and we must learn to do the same.
Father, in the name of Jesus, help us to become more like You with each breath we take and show others by what we do, not what we say--just how awesome You are.
Friday, August 15, 2014
Let It Shine!
"In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all
to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." (Matthew
5:16 NLT)
For everything done--there should be a reason or purpose--and the purpose should be clear for all who are expected "to do" anything.
Jesus tells us to let our "good deeds" (those things we do that are good primarily for the benefit of others) shine--let them be seen by all. That is what we are to do. Why? So that everyone who sees our good deeds will praise our heavenly Father--not us!
Now, how many people do good things for others and then "run and tell" everyone who is willing to listen, what they have done. They do this to gain the praise of men for themselves--not for God.
In another passage of scripture, Jesus admonishes us to "not let your right hand know what your left hand is doing" and in yet another, He says, "What you do in secret shall be openly rewarded, but if what we do is for public acknowledgement, we have our reward" (paraphrased).
Why do we do the things we do? Is it for our glory and honor or His? Do we make public spectacles of ourselves to draw attention to us or Him?
I know that popular opinion dictates to people in how they publicize what they do and for most, it is a matter of "tooting your own horn" to get others to pay attention. The question for me then is, "how loud is your horn?" Does it play a melody or is it sounding brass? At any point in your "tooting" is God being glorified or is it just you making noise?
As we wonder why it is so difficult to draw others into the kingdom of God, perhaps we should look at our method to see if we are actually trying to "draw or drive" others into the God's glorious kingdom. We can attract or we can repel people into loving God and obey His ways by what we do.
So, do what you do--just remember to let your light shine so when others see it--they know that God is the reason for what you have done, not self.
For everything done--there should be a reason or purpose--and the purpose should be clear for all who are expected "to do" anything.
Jesus tells us to let our "good deeds" (those things we do that are good primarily for the benefit of others) shine--let them be seen by all. That is what we are to do. Why? So that everyone who sees our good deeds will praise our heavenly Father--not us!
Now, how many people do good things for others and then "run and tell" everyone who is willing to listen, what they have done. They do this to gain the praise of men for themselves--not for God.
In another passage of scripture, Jesus admonishes us to "not let your right hand know what your left hand is doing" and in yet another, He says, "What you do in secret shall be openly rewarded, but if what we do is for public acknowledgement, we have our reward" (paraphrased).
Why do we do the things we do? Is it for our glory and honor or His? Do we make public spectacles of ourselves to draw attention to us or Him?
I know that popular opinion dictates to people in how they publicize what they do and for most, it is a matter of "tooting your own horn" to get others to pay attention. The question for me then is, "how loud is your horn?" Does it play a melody or is it sounding brass? At any point in your "tooting" is God being glorified or is it just you making noise?
As we wonder why it is so difficult to draw others into the kingdom of God, perhaps we should look at our method to see if we are actually trying to "draw or drive" others into the God's glorious kingdom. We can attract or we can repel people into loving God and obey His ways by what we do.
So, do what you do--just remember to let your light shine so when others see it--they know that God is the reason for what you have done, not self.
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Those Who Know-Listen!
"But we belong to God, and those who know God listen to
us. If they do not belong to God, they do not listen to us. That is how
we know if someone has the Spirit of truth or the spirit of deception."
During my attendance at band-camp this week, I've learned that those who actually have a relationship with God live according to His principles. Those who know about God, live according to their own. When talking to people who actually listen to what is said, we intuitively know which is which.
I don't understand how some people can proclaim a belief in God and yet--never read a bible and certainly have no clue as to how He wants us to live. How does one proclaim belief in anything and yet deny the principles therein?
I am yet incensed over the practice of "practical jokes" initiated by senior members of a high school band and approved by the band director, and accepted by other parents; especially when it involves the chaperones. But then, I've never liked "humiliating other people as an initiation right" or "rite of passage" activity. This is why I have never pledged a sorority, would never encourage anyone to do so, and really hate it when people think making others look foolish is funny!
There must be something intrinsically wrong with people who think humiliating others is a rational activity of a sane person!
But when I tried to get some understanding of this ludicrous practice--no one could give me a rationale for it. The only answer I got was--it's tradition. What is the point of a tradition that people do not understand it's origin or what purpose it serves?
These same people--who claimed to know God--did not want to hear what was being said--because in their minds--the seniors had a "right to prank the other band members."
When truth is spoken--in any arena--those who know and understand respond accordingly--demonstrating who it is they serve. Creating chaos and confusion is the devil's arena, so---the pranks are a demonstration of his influence, and it's not just in having fun at the expense of others.
Okay, so now I know who I'm dealing with and I have to make a decision--whether to protest the practice of practical jokes that could traumatize unsuspecting students, for life, when they are at band-camp or just let it be.
Lord, I want to do what You want me to do, so speak to my heart right now! Let me know what You would have me to say and do so You and You alone get the glory for any changes that need to be made.
During my attendance at band-camp this week, I've learned that those who actually have a relationship with God live according to His principles. Those who know about God, live according to their own. When talking to people who actually listen to what is said, we intuitively know which is which.
I don't understand how some people can proclaim a belief in God and yet--never read a bible and certainly have no clue as to how He wants us to live. How does one proclaim belief in anything and yet deny the principles therein?
I am yet incensed over the practice of "practical jokes" initiated by senior members of a high school band and approved by the band director, and accepted by other parents; especially when it involves the chaperones. But then, I've never liked "humiliating other people as an initiation right" or "rite of passage" activity. This is why I have never pledged a sorority, would never encourage anyone to do so, and really hate it when people think making others look foolish is funny!
There must be something intrinsically wrong with people who think humiliating others is a rational activity of a sane person!
But when I tried to get some understanding of this ludicrous practice--no one could give me a rationale for it. The only answer I got was--it's tradition. What is the point of a tradition that people do not understand it's origin or what purpose it serves?
These same people--who claimed to know God--did not want to hear what was being said--because in their minds--the seniors had a "right to prank the other band members."
When truth is spoken--in any arena--those who know and understand respond accordingly--demonstrating who it is they serve. Creating chaos and confusion is the devil's arena, so---the pranks are a demonstration of his influence, and it's not just in having fun at the expense of others.
Okay, so now I know who I'm dealing with and I have to make a decision--whether to protest the practice of practical jokes that could traumatize unsuspecting students, for life, when they are at band-camp or just let it be.
Lord, I want to do what You want me to do, so speak to my heart right now! Let me know what You would have me to say and do so You and You alone get the glory for any changes that need to be made.
Band-Camp Survivor!
Oh the joy of seeing young people learning how to march to different
songs is absolutely amazing!
Watching them learn their roles, line by line, creating formations that intrigue and boggle the mind is really something to behold. The trombone, trombone, clarinets, flutes, saxophones of all timbres and percussionists--making music and keeping time with their feet on the move and their eyes on their music--first time for me and the last.
Just a few days before the band was supposed to leave for camp, I was informed they were short one chaperone. Being the person that I am, I agreed to go and chaperone for two and half-days (other chaperones were coming for the second half of the week). I was looking forward to the experience since I had not been camping since I was twelve and really wanted to get a handle on how my grandson would react to the experience he had never been camping before this time.
On Sunday, some of the parents went with kids to clean up the cabins. We spent a great of time and effort in washing down and disinfecting mattresses, spraying for insects and praying that other wildlife would not invade. On Monday, during a tour of the camp--I saw a bunch of kids carrying out the mattresses we had just disinfected into another cabin. Not knowing it was a prank, I was livid and went off on them until they explained that it was "an approved prank." The girls in my cabin had to sing to get their mattresses back. Fortunately, mine had not been touched.
There was a bonfire scheduled, but we were rained out and it rained all night long and I didn't sleep listening to the downpour. For the girls in my cabin, this was a new experience and they were terrified. We covered the window of one door and then locked them because they were afraid. We survived the night.
On Tuesday, it was still raining and we sloshed through to the bathrooms and the shower cabin, got dressed and went to breakfast. I watched the kids practice, took pictures and watched some more. I was told about an hour before we headed back to the cabins about another "approved prank." The Seniors were planning to "walk through the cabins" at 3:30 a.m. making noise with an air-horn and drums, shaking beds. I was told not to tell the girls, so I didn't, but I was livid again. No consideration was given to the 60+ chaperone who would also be awakened after not having slept the night before. When the senior band members arrived at our cabin, they couldn't get in because the girls had locked the doors. They made noise and banged on the door after I being hit in the face with a bright beam of light, they left us alone. The girls were terrified.
On Wednesday morning, I could barely move--again having had no sleep and finally arose, packed my bags and left. Sleep deprivation almost overtook on the drive home and I had to pull into a rest stop to relax for continuing on. That was the longest hour and half-drive, but I survived and was thankful for my bed into which I immediately dropped and went to sleep.
No more band-camp chaperoning for me! Practical jokes have never been a part of my life and had I been told about them before I agreed to go, I wouldn't have gone. I survived the trauma, but I wonder if the kids will! It will take me awhile to get over this event, but I pray they will get over it soon and not allow it to control their lives as some such events have for others.
Watching them learn their roles, line by line, creating formations that intrigue and boggle the mind is really something to behold. The trombone, trombone, clarinets, flutes, saxophones of all timbres and percussionists--making music and keeping time with their feet on the move and their eyes on their music--first time for me and the last.
Just a few days before the band was supposed to leave for camp, I was informed they were short one chaperone. Being the person that I am, I agreed to go and chaperone for two and half-days (other chaperones were coming for the second half of the week). I was looking forward to the experience since I had not been camping since I was twelve and really wanted to get a handle on how my grandson would react to the experience he had never been camping before this time.
On Sunday, some of the parents went with kids to clean up the cabins. We spent a great of time and effort in washing down and disinfecting mattresses, spraying for insects and praying that other wildlife would not invade. On Monday, during a tour of the camp--I saw a bunch of kids carrying out the mattresses we had just disinfected into another cabin. Not knowing it was a prank, I was livid and went off on them until they explained that it was "an approved prank." The girls in my cabin had to sing to get their mattresses back. Fortunately, mine had not been touched.
There was a bonfire scheduled, but we were rained out and it rained all night long and I didn't sleep listening to the downpour. For the girls in my cabin, this was a new experience and they were terrified. We covered the window of one door and then locked them because they were afraid. We survived the night.
On Tuesday, it was still raining and we sloshed through to the bathrooms and the shower cabin, got dressed and went to breakfast. I watched the kids practice, took pictures and watched some more. I was told about an hour before we headed back to the cabins about another "approved prank." The Seniors were planning to "walk through the cabins" at 3:30 a.m. making noise with an air-horn and drums, shaking beds. I was told not to tell the girls, so I didn't, but I was livid again. No consideration was given to the 60+ chaperone who would also be awakened after not having slept the night before. When the senior band members arrived at our cabin, they couldn't get in because the girls had locked the doors. They made noise and banged on the door after I being hit in the face with a bright beam of light, they left us alone. The girls were terrified.
On Wednesday morning, I could barely move--again having had no sleep and finally arose, packed my bags and left. Sleep deprivation almost overtook on the drive home and I had to pull into a rest stop to relax for continuing on. That was the longest hour and half-drive, but I survived and was thankful for my bed into which I immediately dropped and went to sleep.
No more band-camp chaperoning for me! Practical jokes have never been a part of my life and had I been told about them before I agreed to go, I wouldn't have gone. I survived the trauma, but I wonder if the kids will! It will take me awhile to get over this event, but I pray they will get over it soon and not allow it to control their lives as some such events have for others.
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