Don't Let Mere Human Beings Trip You Up!

"Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind. The have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow." (Colossians 2:16-19 NIV)

Let's see--where do we start with explanation of Paul is saying. Ah ha! He's reiterating what Jesus said about judgment--erroneously,

When people attempt to tell others what they shouldn't eat or judge them by what they do eat--pork and shellfish come to mind, they are attempting to hold others to "their standards" without regard to how a person is being led by God.

There are people who condemn others for having a drink of wine and then use the bible as their justification--when in reality-we can do anything--in moderation--as long as we are not operating out of alignment with God's Word. Having a glass of wine will not send anyone to hell; however, over-indulging in alcoholic beverages and driving could end someone's life. There is no wisdom in drinking and driving, texting and driving, or driving distracted by any means or under the influence of anything that would impair judgment while driving.

With regard to the holidays or other celebrations people observe--they are well within their right to celebrate whatever they want to celebrate--exercising the wisdom God gives and are not going to hell if they celebrate Christmas, Easter, Halloween, birthdays, anniversaries, etc. When celebrations lead to ungodly behaviors, then there is cause to question the celebration.

The continuing debate about "when the Sabbath is" is a matter of a person's relationship with God. Since the calendar we now observe is not the calendar or record of time used over 2000 years, ago, no one has the right to judge another; especially as to when they should observe a day of worship. The Sabbath--was intended to be a day of rest--doing nothing but reflecting upon God's goodness. It was not a day determined to attend religious observations--that is mere man's idea of the Sabbath. To get a better understanding of the day of rest--one need only to revisit Genesis and understand how God did things.

We are reminded by Paul, that all these "aforementioned" things existed because of man's rules before Christ. Now, those of us who are in Christ, have no need for man's rules to guide us since we have Holy Spirit within to direct our steps in all things. At any given time, in any given situation, we have no need to anyone to counsel us about what we should or should not do--if we're listening to Holy Spirit.

There is no need to have dress codes in churches--but many do because they feel the need to control. However, in any given situation, we should not offend others while in their presence. So, if we attend a church that expects people to "dress up," then dress up or don't go.

If we are in the presence of people who believe drinking alcohol is a sin--don't drink while you're with them. The same is true for a number of things, but don't allow their judgment--about anything--to deter you from being obedient to God and pleasing Him. For if we seek Him about all things, hear and obey, we will always please Him, who is the Head of our lives. 

What The Entrance Should Be!

"Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs, Know that the Lord is God, It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." (Psalm 100 NIV)

When we come into His presence (and not just the church building), we should be shouting for joy, worshipping Him with gladness, coming before Him with joyful (not sad) songs, knowing the Lord is God.  Hallelujah!

It is He who made us (we didn't make ourselves no matter what we think) and we are His--His people, the sheep of His pasture and He is our great Shepherd.

Getting into the presence of God is a matter of re-thinking who we are and acknowledging who He is. We enter into His presence with thanksgiving. Now, since He is God and He is omnipresent, His presence is everywhere--not just where we relegate Him. I'm inclined to think that many of the church's ills that exist today, exist because we have relegated God to a specific location and a specific time and we don't acknowledge Him outside of that. This is an attitude and perception that must be laid to rest.

If Holy Spirit resides in me, then I am always in God's presence and should always be mindful that I am. If I am mindful of this one thing--He is with me--always--I would pay more attention to the things I do. So, would we all. If we all reached the same conclusion, then we could eradicate sin--especially in the church--and become a model for others so they too would be able to Enter Into His presence--daily.

When we first open our eyes--we should give thanks--because He didn't have to allow us to wake up. Some may say their alarm clock wakes them, but many alarm clocks have sounded the alarm, but the bodies who set--never rose again. It is He who wakes us and gives us the strength of our limbs and a reason to praise. Enter In!

If we stop and think about all He has done, all He is doing, and all He will do on our behalf, we should break into a song of gladness--full of life and a beat so intense we can't keep our feet still. Enter In!

No matter how short we fall of being perfect and faithful, He is always perfect and faithful to us--no matter what we do--we will never stop His faithfulness. Even when we cause Him to be sad over our behavior, He loves us enough to wait for us to get it right, never leaving or forsaking us. We'll never be abandoned by God! Enter In!

Songs of worship--letting Him know we know--just how much He loves us and how much He cares for us--are more like a melodic love song--songs filled with so much love that tears fall with the revelation of that love.

Songs of praise--are like a testimony in rhythmic beat--livelier than worship, igniting movement--stomping our feet or dancing, clapping our hands, shouting the victory in praise of Him.

Sometimes our prayer life--especially when we pray in the spirit--using the prayer language He's given us that no man can understand--becomes a chant--a song all by itself and that's okay. We know we've entered in when we allow Holy Spirit to take over and when He's finished, hearts are lighter, visions clearer, and for most of us--that can do anything but fail mode comes upon us and we are ready for the world. Enter In!

All of this--worship, praise, dancing in the spirit on the altars of our hearts--is how we should enter into His presence on a daily basis.

Who Knew?

"For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter, though a person may be weighed down by misery. Since no one knows the future, who can tell someone else what is to come?" (Ecclesiastes 8:6,7 NIV)

Along life's journey, we encounter all sorts of events--happy, sad, exciting, devastating--all of which tend to mold our personalities and certainly to influence our decisions. Today, is not a happy day for me; in fact, it is somewhat devastating--on an emotional level. It is realization that history--repeats itself with alarming accuracy.

Over twenty years ago, my son informed his sister and me that he didn't have enough graduation tickets for her since he wanted his "absentee father" and half sister to attend his graduation. I was so devastated and angry with his announcement that I told him if his sister--the one who had always been there for him, no matter what--couldn't attend then neither would I. I didn't go to his graduation and a piece of heart broke that day that I've discovered has never healed.

Yesterday, my grandson informed us (tearfully) that he is upset (thinking too far into the future) when he thinks about not seeing the people he wants to see most at his graduation--in three years--his "absentee" mother and other siblings. I felt like that old wound was opened and my heart cracked again. I've talked mentioned my grandson before--an adorable thirteen year-old (if such an age can be described as adorable), who has lived with me for most of his life. The paternal side of his family has attended every major event of his life, made sure he had everything he needed, and loved him--ferociously--especially when he needed to be protection from his mother.

I would never encourage him to not love or disrespect his mother, but I can hardly understand why her presence would be so important to him in light of the fact that she hasn't seen him for the last four years. I know--kids love their mothers and they should--but what about a grandmother's love--doesn't that count for something?

It's just so ironic for me--first my son and now my grandson---disregarding the one person who cared for them the most in favor of those who abandoned them.

None of us can predict the future and no matter how I wish I could have predicted this outcome, I don't think it would hurt any less. But I understand why God doesn't allow us to know much more than we do. It's a protective measure so we won't experience some of the life's sadness any sooner than we need to do so. I know we are born to die--unless some are alive when He returns, but I never thought about our being born to have our hearts ripped right out of our chests.

I'm not writing to elicit sympathy, but to vent and hopefully to heal since I have always found writing to be cathartic. Perhaps, before this day is over, I'll begin to mend and even if I don't, I know God's love will eventually help me to get over the hurt and move on to do all that He has desired me to do.

I must admit, I've been wondering--if I had known this day would come, would I have spent my time and money investing in his future, the way I have? But since I didn't know, I can certainly not go back in time to change anything and I don't know if I would, if I could. Who knew trying to love and help someone else to have a better life could be so painful?

Lord, I'm standing in need of Your wisdom to move forward and not be angry at anyone for the rest of my days.

Invest Time In Doing, More Than Watching!

"Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap. As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things. Sow your seed in the morning and at evening let your hands not be idle for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well." (Ecclesiastes 11:4-6 NIV)

Does anyone remember the old adage, "a watched pot never boils?" It is not entirely true, but what happens is that while a person is watching the water, it seems to take forever to start boiling. The fact of the matter is--when water reaches a specific temperature--usually 212 F or 100 C (depending upon altitude and purity of the water), it will boil--whether we watch it or not, but the principle here is--since we know it will boil, why watch it?

When we plant seeds into the ground--planting anything--will it grow any faster if we watch it or can we tell what is going on beneath the soil when we cannot see it occurring?

Even though we cannot see (without technology) how a body is formed from conception to birth, we know--given time (unless something impedes the growth), a baby will be born. We didn't have to watch it to make it happen.

Children, once they reach a certain age (puberty), and as long as they are brought up in a nutritionally sound environment, they grow by leaps and bounds and even if we are watching, we miss some of the subtle changes and often, we are amazed when it appears that a child has grown overnight.
The same is true of our obedience to God in order to see the promises fulfilled. When He inspires us to do something, we have no need to "watch" it, but just to do and have faith that what He has put on our hearts will succeed. If He has planted the seed, He will water it and it will grow.
 However, we must be certain that the seed was planted by Him and not our desires, without consulting Him.

This is what I've learned about my own investment of time in writing. I did not understand "why" the Lord spoke to my heart and directed me to write--explaining scripture--and blog it daily. I did not understand why--at certain intervals in my composition of books--He stops me and has me to write something expounding on His Word--for publication. As long as I do what He is telling me to do, I know He will fulfill every promise made and honor every request I've put before Him.

I love watching how many people are reading my books, but sometimes--when the numbers decline (and they do), I tend to get discouraged--momentarily. And then, just like a loving parent--He reminds me that the outcome of my writing--the gift He has given me--is not about me, but it's all on Him. I don't have to watch the sales or how many clicks the books are receiving. I just have to write--exercising the gift He has given me. In the fullness of time--whenever that is--His promise will be seen and I don't have to know how He accomplishes all that He does; I just have to believe it.

The million plus readers we've petitioned Him for are coming to past--growing daily. Now, I just have to continue to write, totally trusting Him to speak to the hearts of all He would have to read what I write, and enjoy the efforts of my labor when it's harvest time. Glory to God! I've only seen the beginning of the harvest to come, but I know when it's time to gather it in--it will be all that He planned from the beginning of time.

So, let's not waste our time in watching (trying to understand) to see how God will bring things to past (ministry, families, careers, etc.) but trust that He will and keep doing what He's told us to do. 

When We Fail, Who Do We Blame?

"Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord. The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction." (Proverbs 16:18, 20,21 NIV)

The Word provides us with much insight about wisdom and pride. Not only through the proverbs, but through James who says, "If any lack wisdom, ask of God who gives liberally and won't upbraid (find fault with) us for asking" (James 1:5 paraphrased) It would appear from this simple statement that James understood all that was said about wisdom through the insight given to Solomon and other sages.

Wisdom is referenced as a  female in several places, but the female reference is also used to warn against adultery and other folly.

A wise person receives correction and instruction from wise counsel. Only a fool rebels against correction and instruction.

But who is wiser than God? No, not one human being is wiser than God. God gave Solomon wisdom and Solomon shared what God had given him, but he never assumed he was wiser than God.

Proverbs 4:5-9 NIV
vs. 5 Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them.
vs. 6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.
vs. 7 The beginning of wisdom is this: "Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
vs. 8 Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you.
vs. 9 She will give you a garland to grace your head and present you with a glorious crown."

When we ask God for wisdom--insight to solving problems and addressing issues, we must not only hear what He says, but know how to apply what He says. For instance, we can obtain information and not know what to do with it and if we don't know what to do with the information we have, what good is it?

If we establish guidelines and protocols to ensure order in all that we do, yet we do not follow the protocol and chaos erupts, what was the point of establishing the guidelines in the beginning?

Many motivational speakers, successful corporations--large and small--understand that without a sound plan and adherence to the plan--success is not possible.

Jesus tells us in another passage of scripture that,"a wise person considers the cost of building anything before they start to build."(Luke 14:28 paraphrased).

On the flip side of exercising wisdom is the conduct of a fool who allows his pride to rule. And there is much said about fools in Proverbs,

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Proverbs 1:7 NIV),
"The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly." (Proverbs 15:2 NIV)
"The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but the hearts of fools are not upright." (Proverbs 15:7 NIV)
"A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel." (Proverbs 15:18 NIV)

What I'm taking from all that is said about wisdom, knowledge and fools, is that if we don't know God or know how to seek Him when making decisions, we set ourselves for failure because we allow our pride to keep us from seeking Him.

"Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." (Proverbs 15:22 NIV)

Herein is the heart of the matter. When we think that our plans can succeed without wise counsel or consideration of all involved in the planning, our plans are doomed to failure. Though they may appear to succeed for a moment; the final outcome tells the whole story.

The difference between success and failure of any entity or individual lies in the ability one has to set aside pride (the "I" mentality) and to seek wisdom from wise counsel. If we do not think we need to heed wise counsel and instruction, then our failure is our own and we must look within to determine how we change the course of events.

Are we wise enough to seek God today for every decision we make or will we allow our pride to cause us to fail? We are the only ones who can make that decision for God does not make anyone do anything.

I pray God's wisdom will overflow into your hearts today and pride will never be the reason for failure in any area of your lives.

Why Are You Seeking God?

"But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, "The Lord is great!" (Psalm 70: 4 NIV).

Sometimes, when people request us to pray for them, we pray amiss--especially when we don't inquire as to the need or how we may agree with the person in their request of God. For many, when things become the object of our prayer life, we miss seeing answer to our prayers because we don't see the things for which we ask. But when we ask for guidance and direction, wisdom and instruction, those requests are readily seen, if we choose to hear and obey.

What or who are we seeking in our prayer requests? Are we seeking God to show us the way--to please Him and to have abundant life? Are we seeking Him for enlarge our bank accounts, give us bigger houses, more expensive cars, better jobs? It's not that we cannot ask for things, but we must be sure of things before we ask for them.

If we want more money, have we demonstrated our ability to be good stewards over what we have already been given? If we haven't, why do we think God will give us more to mismanage and then find ourselves asking Him, again, for more?

If we want bigger houses, have we taken of the hut we have been given? Is what we have, our castle or are we just biding our time until we can get something better? Why would God give us a bigger house, if we can't take care of the one we have and have not appreciated the roof over our heads that shelters us from the elements?

If we want luxury cars and haven't taken care of the used car we have, why should He give us another? Can we afford the maintenance of the luxury car when the one we have is falling apart at the seams? Have we considered the fuel cost--whether gasoline or diesel and our driving habits and how that will impact our ability to keep it sustained?

If we want a better job, have we made sure we are qualified for the better job or do we just think--we should have a qualified position when we don't have the qualifications to fulfill the obligations of the duties involved?

Instead of asking for "things" perhaps a better route to obtaining the things would be to ask for wisdom, knowledge, and instruction so once we get the things, we'll be able to keep them.

And before we ask for anything of Him, we should seek Him to get to know Him better. When we seek Him, establish a right relationship with Him and rejoice in the relationship as we seek to please Him, then we can say without hesitation, "The Lord is great and greatly to be praised!"

When we come into His presence we can sing with joy in our hearts and a praise on our lips--rejoicing in His goodness, love, and mercy. No sad songs with dull melodies and out of sync harmonies will ever rise in our spirits. We will be glad to sing, with thanksgiving, and liveliness--voices thronging in perfect harmony as our spirits agree--He is Lord!

When we stop treating God like a sugar-daddy--expecting Him to give us everything we want--and yet, never obeying or seeking how to please Him, we just might be surprised at His response. I firmly believe that when we have a right relationship with Him, and are obedient, we can ask for anything we want and He will give us the desires of our heart. Rather than ask for things, I ask for wisdom in obtaining what I want and He has always answered my prayers. 

Father, in the name of Jesus, open our hearts to hear You today, giving us wisdom, directing our every step, and every word that comes from our mouths or fingertips. Fill us anew with Your Spirit that we may always know how to treat one another--with kindness and consideration, compassion and mercy. Create in us a desire to obtain knowledge and skills that we can and will use to Your glory in all we do or say. For all You do and for Who You are, we bless Your Holy Name and give You all the glory. In Jesus name we pray and thank you, Amen!

Who's Governing Your Mind--Flesh or Holy Spirit?

Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God." (Romans 85-8 NIV)

Who lives according to the dictates of their flesh? Everyone who does not live in accordance to the direction of Holy Spirit. The result is easy to see and when we have evidence to support our conclusions, it is not an opinion nor a rash judgment.

Overeating is evidence of the mind being governed by the flesh. The flesh says it wants more to eat than it needs and when it governs the mind, people eat--far more than is good for them and as a result, become overwhelmed by the flesh--evident in their appearance and in health issues that are result from overeating.

Being rude and disrespectful is evidence of the mind being governed by the flesh. Flesh tells people they are superior to others and must have the last word, no matter what and the mind caves to the dictates of the flesh because it feels good and sounds. good. The results as we can see on a daily basis are those who are discourteous drivers, loud-mouthed and obnoxious people waiting in lines who think they shouldn't have to wait--for anything or anyone. We see them cussing at those in authority when they can't have their way and in front of their children--demonstrate to their children that it's okay to be rude and disrespectful and we see this in classrooms across the country.

Sexual immorality is evident in what people do--promiscuously--having sex with random people and sometimes people they just met and the evidence is all we see on television, in the movies, and hear in the music. The mind is governed by the flesh, because if it feels good, then do it. The results are increase rates of sexually transmitted diseases, AIDs, and increase in low-esteem, depression, and suicide. Why? Because the devil loves it when people submit to him and then he leaves them high and dry, when they cannot find real love or a reason to keep living once they understand how they have used and abused their bodies.

Addictions of all types are the evidence of the mind being governed by the flesh--drugs, nicotine, alcohol, shopping, shoplifting, pornography--all are a conclusion of the matter--the feel-good-syndrome-for a moment and when the moment passes, it must be repeated, and repeated, and repeated until it fulfills its vicious cycle--in death--naturally or spiritually.

A person who has deprived themselves of the leadership and guidance of Holy Spirit is prone to making the same mistakes, over and over again, expecting a different result--which by definition is--insanity. When chaos and confusion exists, God is not in it and certainly there is no evidence of Holy Spirit guiding anyone.

What happens when our minds are governed by Holy Spirit? There is peace within and then there can peace without--in our environment and everywhere we go. When Holy Spirit leads--He reminds of those things we have been taught, strengthens us to live by faith and ignore the temptations of the enemy, and keeps us focused on pleasing God, not flesh.

Where's the evidence? The evidence is seen in those who do not have to resort to cussing out people, involving themselves in road-rage, or even randomly acting out. The evidence is in the person's ability to remain calm, exercise wisdom in all situations, and to discipline themselves to hear God and act accordingly. They know when to stop eating, stop smoking, stop giving into the desires that make them feel good only for a moment, and start doing those things that bring the heart joy and they know they are pleasing God.

So, what's it going to be for you today? Will you allow flesh to dictate or Holy Spirit? Do you want temporary pleasure or lasting joy? It's up to us--we decide and I choose to allow Holy Spirit to reign in my life!