That's it, that's all

It's not about fairness

Forgiveness, that is. I've been enjoying the Bible series #apps4life, by Pastor Michael B. Kelly, II, of the Mt. Rubidoux SDA Church in Riverside, CA, the month of June. Each week he discussed specific areas in the Christian life that need strengthening in order to be victorious. In today's techie parlance - we have apps on our smart phones, and those we can download from the "app store". But apps are useless if they are not applied. The same goes for the life of a Christian. We have the ultimate "app store" - the Word of God. And many of us have downloaded good principles from this store. However, we find that we are still living ineffective lives because we have not applied what we've downloaded.

The app last week was forgiveness. If I could roll the tape on this sermon right here and right now, I would! There was sooo much meat!! A couple weeks before was the confession app, which was just as powerful, and the appropriate lead into the app of forgiveness. Kelly reminded us in that sermon, that confession is NOT to be used as a means to get rid of guilt and feel better about yourself. There is an important exchange that takes place between the confessor and God - where the wrongdoer agrees he or she is wrong and then  receives the power to turn from that sin and NOT repeat it!! Too often, we just say "sorry", and go back and do it again - only to come back and say "sorry". No. That's not what confession is all about.

So forgiveness, we learned, is not about fairness. Because whoever did us wrong, however it happened - the truth is, they are wrong and it made us angry. Add to that, forgiveness is unnatural for us as human beings. Our first reaction to someone who has hurt us, is to retaliate, shut them out, off, down. So if forgiveness is not our natural bent, and the act of forgiving someone who has betrayed us isn't a fair exchange - how do we bridge this chasm?

Ahhhh - of course, most of you know what's next. "God takes up the slack." Well, yes He does. But even though He's able to give us this supernatural ability, we still remember.  We can remember, but as we continue in our faith walk with the Lord, there is a certain elevation we achieve. We find we are able to carry on, move forward, knowing we have gained a victory. (and in some cases, re/gained a brother or sister)

The most important point of forgiveness, in my humble opinion, is we cannot expect to be right with God, asking for His forgiveness, while continuing to hold grudges against one another. It doesn't work that way, and the Bible makes that clear. Matthew 18 tells us how we are to treat one another, and the importance of forgiveness. Jesus said, in Matthew 6:14-15, that if we forgive those who have sinned against us, God will forgive us; but if we don't forgive those who have wronged us, we won't be forgiven. (paraphrase)

Even in our interpersonal/marriage relationships - how can we live together each day, harboring grudges against one another, holding on to unresolved hurts - yet show up to Bible study, or church, lifting holy hands and sing praises to the Lord - and ask for His mercy and forgiveness? It's as if we're saying, "Forgive ME, save ME, but that spouse I have isn't worthy of my forgiveness!" Guess what. Neither of us is worthy. But God has shown us a more excellent way. (1 Corinthians 12:31 - 1 Corinthians 13) Hint: it's all about love.

When we look at the entire picture - which is difficult at best, we understand there are just some things that God asks of us that require His power, and His alone. What I've found is, the more I learn about His will for my life, how I am to treat my family, friends, strangers, and yes, even those who are my enemies, the more I see my need FOR Him. The more I need Him, the more I rely ON Him and the blessings I receive I realize I don't deserve. Hey - I'm forgiven, don't deserve it - that can't be fair!

Exactly!



The sermons I referenced are found here:

http://campus.316networks.com/mt-rubidouxVOD




From Boaz Ministries

https://www.facebook.com/theboazministries

Is it love, or infatuation?

A few years ago in Bible study, the question was put forth that stopped everyone in our tracks. I haven't forgotten it, and it's still a legitimate issue for those of us who call ourselves believers.

We hear a lot more from the pulpit about  having a " personal relationship with Christ" than was preached back when I was growing up. And that's a good thing, too. Everything "old school" isn't all good. The old school religious approach had more to do with the scare tactic when it came to serving God. Admittedly, it was that kind of sermon that motivated my eleven-year-old self to walk up and give my heart to Jesus - to be baptized. I was just scared as all get-out and didn't want to burn!

Over time, I've come to see that while there will be judgment in the final day, believers don't have to be afraid, because they've developed a real, living and breathing love relationship with the Lord. I have learned how it's possible, and am no longer worried about hell fire and brimstone. Oh, am I perfect? No. But I made a vow to God, to love, trust and obey Him until Christ returns. And He's given me the power to stay on the path.

The way we can make it more understandable, this relationship thing, is to compare it to what we actually experience between two people who say they love each other. What typically happens is - the initial attraction. After that, two people develop a mutual affinity and begin to get to know one another - they spend as much time together as possible. We're all familiar with that. And we've all had experiences where that initial attraction faded after a few weeks of getting to know one another. Or, there have been those relationships that were mutually agreeable because of some benefit one or both received. And as long as the bennies were flowing, the interest flowed, too. But if the goodies ran dry - or someone else came along with a 'better package' - you know the deal. Can I get a witness that we've been there, or at least know someone who has?

Now - imagine a believer who comes to Christ. They hear the gospel story; the unspeakable gift God gave us through the sacrifice of His only begotten Son, Jesus - and weeps sincere tears of joy! Oh, the amazing grace that saved this wretch! Oh, the lost sheep is found and all heaven is rejoicing! And now, because of belief in Jesus and accepting Him as our personal savior - we have a right to the tree of life! HALLELUJAH!  The day of baptism is akin to a wedding ceremony, for, indeed, the most important vow one can make is made to the Lord on that very special day.

After the rejoicing and celebrating - and all the people have gone home- the euphoria wears off. Day after day, a little more joy that was once so real and so wonderful, disappears. A week goes by, church seems the same but something is dying inside. What's happened? Nothing. And therein lies the problem. For some, because they don't want to appear as empty as they are, they will "fake" their Christianity. And they may fool their brothers and sisters in the church. (I dare say, most are faking it - I'll probably be booed for saying that - that's ok) A believer can stay in the church and even be active for many years - yet be on empty in Christ, never mind the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, in Matthew 15:8-9 (NLT)  ‘These people honor me with their lips,  but their hearts are far from me. Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.'  (that last part is a whole nother topic)

God knows who truly belongs to Him and who's faking. (2 Tim. 2:19) It's just like us, when we examine the behaviors of those who say they love us. They may be in heavy like with us, but it's certainly not love. If we're serious about having a love relationship with someone - isn't it true that nothing less than total commitment will do? It's no different with God - the Creator of this whole experience we're blessed to be having!


The Bible doesn't stutter about how we are to show our love for God. It is no secret. I am of the opinion that we ought to love Him simply because He IS - and He made us! Throughout the Word, we are instructed, yea, commanded to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength (Deut. 6:5, 10:12; Matt. 22:37; Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27). And the relationship is not one-sided, as so many human ones are! No! Our God is faithful to us, and made a vow to us and keeps His promises to us for "a thousand generations" - (to those who love Him! Deut.7:9). David, the Psalmist can't say enough about God and how he served and sought after God with his WHOLE heart! (Psalm 119:2, 10, 34).

This is not a halfhearted proposition - this relationship with the Lord. And I think, if we meditate on all the things He has done for us, if we acknowledge that He is the King and ruler of our hearts - and we accept His sovereignty over our lives, knowing He has our best interests in mind and heart (because He knows the end from the beginning) - how can we not fall in love with Him?

Think of it this way - we know that infatuation is just a passing phase, and we've all been there. Once we were "over" that short-lived experience with that person we were only in heavy like with, what happened? We dumped them (or got dumped)! Imagine if God had only been infatuated with us.

Are we in love? Or are we simply infatuated with the idea of God, Jesus and this whole Plan of Redemption thing? Just some stuff I've been thinking...

Blessings

What's done in the dark, will come to light....

There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.
~ Luke 12:2 ~

It has been said that character is what you are when no one is looking. Well someone is always looking and that someone is none other than the Lord himself. If we believe that “God Sees All” then we believe that no deed good or bad goes unnoticed; and somehow, someway when we least expect it, we are divinely rewarded for good deeds and we are punished for bad deeds. There is forgiveness, but there are always consequences.

If one does not believe in God, they should be reminded that what goes around comes around and the so called good or bad karma in life will surely result from decisions one makes in life.

by Bruce Edwards of  https://www.facebook.com/theboazministries

Love your enemies, bless them that curse you - say WHAT?

Pray for those who hurt you and are hateful toward you. (paraphrase Matthew 5:44) That's a toughie, correct?

In our relationships with one another, all manner of evil goes on. Even though craziness may be all around us, and we may even be part of the crazy, believers know that God has shown us "a more excellent way" (from 1 Corinthians 12:31, prelude to chapter 13).

As we keep the focus on prayer in every area of our lives, I will share one of my favorite passages, which is found in Matthew 5:43-48, Amplified Bible:

43 You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy;

44 But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

45 To show that you are the children of your Father Who is in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the wicked and on the good, and makes the rain fall upon the upright and the wrongdoers [alike].

46 For if you love those who love you, what reward can you have? Do not even the tax collectors do that?

47 And if you greet only your brethren, what more than others are you doing? Do not even the Gentiles (the heathen) do that?

48 You, therefore, must be perfect [growing into complete maturity of godliness in mind and character, having reached the proper height of virtue and integrity], as your heavenly Father is perfect.

I love the Amplified Bible's augmentation of the last verse. So many of us stumble over the English definition of "perfect" (without flaw). Seasoned Bible students have done the research into the original languages which give us a more accurate meaning. While we KNOW God IS perfect - we may now understand more fully that our characters (thus, our behaviors) are maturing and "growing up" into completeness - by the power of God (the indwelling Holy Spirit present in us).

"Prayer is the key that unlocks the door to forgiveness."




from: https://www.facebook.com/theboazministries

You Come to Mind

 for Bruce H. Edwards

If I were to give my definition of an honest man,
you come to mind...

Not because of any great thing you do
but because you do not fail to speak from your heart
Simply, yet stated with a force so powerfully sincere,
no one can doubt your veracity

Even people whose eyes fail to see
know  they've been dealt with...honestly

If I were to give my definition of a loving father,
you come to mind...

Not because there are no other loving fathers,
but because you exemplify the caring/nurturing that is
ofttimes attributed to mothers

And I marvel at the beautiful relationship/bond you enjoy
with your daughter...
"stage daddy", coach, cheering squad, guidance counselor,
lovingly wearing every hat

you come to mind whenever I think of that

If I were to give my definition of a good friend,
you come to mind...

Not because you have so many friends,
but because your quiet eyes reflect a soul
in need of one that's true
who doesn't necessarily think like you

Your tendency toward caution protects your tender heart
but when you allow someone inside,
the miracles have no end

These are a few things that come to mind
when I think of you,
my friend

from Come, Joy! Songs from the soft of night
PublishAmerica © 2005

The Bible ain't for everybody - repost

Excuse my bad English, I'm probably going to speak in the vernacular a bit here. But don't get me wrong, the Bible was given to all wo/men.  The fact is, not everyone recognizes the Bible as the Word of God. And I get that. In order to believe that the Bible is God's "love letter to mankind", one has to have faith. Maybe even a lot of faith. Since I grew up believing, the leap from what my parents taught me to what I let the Bible itself teach me wasn't that huge - once I got serious about studying for myself.

There are varying degrees of belief concerning the Bible, too. Some people believe it's a great history book about a certain group of people, and only for that group of people. Some find the Bible full of contradiction and bloody wars commanded by an angry and jealous God. Others believe it's a nice book that has some neat guidelines on how to live in harmony with others, but no attachment to anything like soul salvation. I know a few people who consider it a book of straight fiction. And then there are those of us who believe what the Bible says about itself...that, yes, it was written by men. Most Bible detractors can't get past the "written by men" part. But - these men were filled with the Spirit of God, and wrote words of life, admonition, encouragement, and judgment, as the Spirit moved. (paraphrase 2 Peter 1:16-21) However, you can't believe that if you don't have faith.

I wrote in another post, that the Bible is as relevant to our lives today as it was way back when Moses wrote the Torah, or, the Pentateuch. (the first five books of the Bible). Grant it, my opinion is founded on my faith in the Book, and the God of the Book.  I've been a serious student of the Book for a few years now, and I find that there are new insights every time I read it. Even texts I've been knowing most of my life, have brought me a different, deeper perspective than times before. David said in Psalms 119:105(KJV), Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. That's just real. And I think that people sometimes allow the volume of the Book to intimidate them - and many say they don't like the King James Version because it's too hard to comprehend with all the "thees" and "thous". That's been handled, though, because there are now so many contemporary versions that speak to the reader  in today's language without watering down the message.(however, there are KJV lovers who don't trust any other version)


Add to that, there are folks who get caught up and turned off by the confusion of all these different churches and their different interpretations of what the Bible says. And that's a  hot mess, for true, I ain't gonna lie.  Earnest prayer goes hand in hand with Bible study. God has made His truth so clear and real to me, that I can meet up with other believers I haven't seen in months, or even years, and we find confirmation and agreement in our understanding of the teachings we've been studying! The Truth is unifying, not divisive. There were beliefs we all held in common in the past (learned in churchianity), that we now, through further study, understand much differently.

These same believers I just mentioned don't necessarily attend "church" regularly, either.  They're engaged in various outreach and in-reach ministries, small Bible study groups in their homes, sometimes going from house to house. This kind of intimate fellowship cuts down on the preponderance of indoctrination/parroting that one finds within the traditional  churches. Because there is the tendency some churches have of elevating/exhalting their interpretation of the Scriptures above other churches/denominations. A person who studies the Bible in sincerity, will unlearn what they were taught second hand. In other words, the Holy Spirit is the true Teacher of the Book.  Jesus told the Disciples what would happen after His death and resurrection, in John 16:13 (ESV):

 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.

And the Apostle, John said it again in 1 John 2:27 (ESV):
  
But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ.

Oh wow! Am I saying we don't need preachers? No - I'm not saying that. But one must be taught by a Spirit-filled preacher (finding one led by the Spirit might be tricky these days - I kid you not). So, then, how does one access the Spirit for oneself?  Praying sincerely for the Lord to show us what He wants us to know of His will for us through His Word, is a good start. Check what happens when we pray... the Holy Spirit actually takes our words and translates them into heavenly language, presenting our true needs before God!  The Spirit  intercedes on our behalf before the Father! Don't take my word for it - see for yourself in Romans 8:26-28 (ESV)

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.  And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

All this stuff is meaningless if we don't have the faith necessary to believe the Book.

In conclusion, I'll share the other anchor text, that along with 2 Peter 1:16-21,  settles this issue for me:
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT)

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.  

My hope is that I'm striking a chord of understanding or even curiosity within the heart of whoever is seeking a closer walk with the Lord. I'm also very much aware that there are many reading this who will roll their eyes, smirk and say, "whatever!" I'm good with that, too. The Bible ain't for everybody!

Blessings!