unity in the body of Christ is a vital thing and yet it is something that we pass over, ignore and just flat out disregard. we get hung up on issues of theology, eschatology, exegesis, hermeneutics and over a lot of other "big worded" things!
Philippians 2:2-4
fulfill my joy by being like minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind, let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
as believers we are not bound together by the temporary things of this age. we are bound by the blood of Christ! by the eternal love of God. that being the case we shouldn't get tied up with worthless issues and differences. our differences don't weaken the church they strengthen us!
lets allow the love of God to break down issues amongst us that have no eternal weight. its the eternal things that we live for.
3.08.2010
12.28.2009
no provision
romans 13:14 - but put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lust.
after coming to Christ we become aware of our flesh and its desire to pull us away from God. now this being the case we have to cut off all opportunity of the flesh. to abstain from the things of the world (drink, drugs, sex, etc....) check romans 1 vs 22-32.
here in ch 13 vs 14 we see the apostle paul telling the church in rome to make no provision (give yourself no chance to sin, no opportunity, no outlet) for the flesh....cut it off! we don't coddle things such as cancer and feed the cancer that kills and destroys us. so why do we coddle sin and feed it in our lives?
ephesians 6:13 - therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. then after the battle you will be standing firm.
this is huge. here in ephesians 6 it clearly states that trouble will come. the battle will be waged. there is a misconception of Christ, that He will take away all of our problems the second we accept Him as our savior. if this we're the case, what good is faith? the truth is that we live in a fallen world as fallen creatures having the faith to serve and follow a perfect God. this presents problems from the jump. here again we reach the point of faith.
now faith is another topic for later. faith is something that requires just that....faith.
psalm 73:26 - my heart and flesh fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
during a war you wouldn't give intel to the enemy or info on positions and artillery. you be beyond daft if this were you! suicidal is what you would be because certain death would be coming. don't give the enemy and your flesh the ability to kill you.
the fight is coming for those who stand for Christ. now for those who opt into staying asleep and ignoring God. He loves you and desires to invade your life.
after coming to Christ we become aware of our flesh and its desire to pull us away from God. now this being the case we have to cut off all opportunity of the flesh. to abstain from the things of the world (drink, drugs, sex, etc....) check romans 1 vs 22-32.
here in ch 13 vs 14 we see the apostle paul telling the church in rome to make no provision (give yourself no chance to sin, no opportunity, no outlet) for the flesh....cut it off! we don't coddle things such as cancer and feed the cancer that kills and destroys us. so why do we coddle sin and feed it in our lives?
ephesians 6:13 - therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. then after the battle you will be standing firm.
this is huge. here in ephesians 6 it clearly states that trouble will come. the battle will be waged. there is a misconception of Christ, that He will take away all of our problems the second we accept Him as our savior. if this we're the case, what good is faith? the truth is that we live in a fallen world as fallen creatures having the faith to serve and follow a perfect God. this presents problems from the jump. here again we reach the point of faith.
now faith is another topic for later. faith is something that requires just that....faith.
psalm 73:26 - my heart and flesh fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
during a war you wouldn't give intel to the enemy or info on positions and artillery. you be beyond daft if this were you! suicidal is what you would be because certain death would be coming. don't give the enemy and your flesh the ability to kill you.
the fight is coming for those who stand for Christ. now for those who opt into staying asleep and ignoring God. He loves you and desires to invade your life.
12.27.2009
the name of Jesus
isiah 9:6 - and He will be called; wonderful counselor, mighty God,everlasting father, prince of peace.
its an interesting thought that the name of God doesn't, typically, raise offense. however the name of Jesus raises high offense. why is this? i have my specualtions but lets not wonder down that path right now.
what has hit me as of late is the power in the name of Jesus. philippians 2:10 - that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth. there is power in the name of Jesus.
he is the healer. the comfortor. the peace of mankind and the list goes on and on.
its an interesting thought that the name of God doesn't, typically, raise offense. however the name of Jesus raises high offense. why is this? i have my specualtions but lets not wonder down that path right now.
what has hit me as of late is the power in the name of Jesus. philippians 2:10 - that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth. there is power in the name of Jesus.
he is the healer. the comfortor. the peace of mankind and the list goes on and on.
10.24.2009
What if....
....Jesus is God? Or what if His love and grace was/is for you?
It's a horrid thought to me that people would reject the love of God.
Mind, will and emotion are the faculties of the soul. We are eternal beings. Its our decision as to which eternity we go.
What if Heaven is real? Or Hell? And you die and miss Heaven?
The worst part of eternal separation from God (Hell) is the fact that you'll have the eternal knowledge that you put yourself there.
Standing before your Creator you'll have to answer for what you did with Jesus Christ, what you did with the salvation given freely to you.
The chose is ours (yours) what will you do?
It's a horrid thought to me that people would reject the love of God.
Mind, will and emotion are the faculties of the soul. We are eternal beings. Its our decision as to which eternity we go.
What if Heaven is real? Or Hell? And you die and miss Heaven?
The worst part of eternal separation from God (Hell) is the fact that you'll have the eternal knowledge that you put yourself there.
Standing before your Creator you'll have to answer for what you did with Jesus Christ, what you did with the salvation given freely to you.
The chose is ours (yours) what will you do?
10.13.2009
A right side up mentality.
This thought, or way of living, has been on my mind for some time now.
When we live for God we're living our lives properly, rightside up. However, when we live in sin (or what the world will tell you is normal: Ref Romans 1:18-23) and seperate ourselves from God's love that's upside down.
You see, we we're made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26) and to live for God and through God. Then and only then do we live life the way God intended.
Confusion. That is the number one thing I see in people not living for God. Always pursuing what they desire and want. But this is fleeting. Time rips apart the "well laid plans of man" and the things that we build or lives on. Confusion sets in. The questions begin to flow and the wonder of something greater or more meaningful arises.
God offers zero confusion when we live for His glory. The world gives nothing but confusion.
When we live for God we're living our lives properly, rightside up. However, when we live in sin (or what the world will tell you is normal: Ref Romans 1:18-23) and seperate ourselves from God's love that's upside down.
You see, we we're made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26) and to live for God and through God. Then and only then do we live life the way God intended.
Confusion. That is the number one thing I see in people not living for God. Always pursuing what they desire and want. But this is fleeting. Time rips apart the "well laid plans of man" and the things that we build or lives on. Confusion sets in. The questions begin to flow and the wonder of something greater or more meaningful arises.
God offers zero confusion when we live for His glory. The world gives nothing but confusion.
10.10.2009
A Nobel Peace Prize?!?!???!!!!!!!! For realz!?!?
What the.....I am absolutely speechless on this one!
What has he done to warrant this award? He hasn't reformed health care. He has only created a larger deficit and plagued future generations with a massive burden of debt. He hasn't gotten the troops out of Iraq or Afghanistan. In fact, he's sending more.
So what in the world has Obama done?!
It seems to me that catch words like "hope" and "change" backed with a Harvard bravado wrapped in a tailored Burberry suit get awards.
Interestingly enough I too support hope and change. I too wish to see things happen that result in good things that produce hope and eventually change things for good. Vote me in Nobel committee!!!!
Kissinger got it for helping to end the Vietnam war. Teddy Roosevelt earned it for forging a crucial negotiation that created a peace settlement in the Russo-Japanese War, and President Wilson for the creation of and advocacy for the League of Nations.
At a loss for words now. Much love to www.cnn.com for the info. I'm out!
What has he done to warrant this award? He hasn't reformed health care. He has only created a larger deficit and plagued future generations with a massive burden of debt. He hasn't gotten the troops out of Iraq or Afghanistan. In fact, he's sending more.
So what in the world has Obama done?!
It seems to me that catch words like "hope" and "change" backed with a Harvard bravado wrapped in a tailored Burberry suit get awards.
Interestingly enough I too support hope and change. I too wish to see things happen that result in good things that produce hope and eventually change things for good. Vote me in Nobel committee!!!!
Kissinger got it for helping to end the Vietnam war. Teddy Roosevelt earned it for forging a crucial negotiation that created a peace settlement in the Russo-Japanese War, and President Wilson for the creation of and advocacy for the League of Nations.
At a loss for words now. Much love to www.cnn.com for the info. I'm out!
10.03.2009
Excited.
God is moving amongst His church and its exciting. New faces and deeper friendships.
I have seen the importance of being unified and being family. To stay connected with God and with one another. Its awesome to see and share life with God's people. Richmond is my city and God has unbelievable things for her!
I have seen the importance of being unified and being family. To stay connected with God and with one another. Its awesome to see and share life with God's people. Richmond is my city and God has unbelievable things for her!
9.29.2009
Socialism, Obama?, RVA and freedom of speech.
on the side of a club here in downtown Richmond is a banner of Obama with his face painted like the joker and the word "socialism" beneath it (rvanews.com). the local NAACP is screaming racism and people are demanding it be taken down.
in feb of 2007 this club was raided by local law and code enforcement officials. inside was found child porn, illegal fire arms, drugs and a vast collection of other things. after the hearing of the club owner he was given probation and posted bail.....that's it. nothing more and nothing less.
what is bothersome is that people are more torn up about an act of freedom of speech then child porn, illegal fire arms (that could have been used for who knows what!) and drugs. this is off to me.
nothing would please me more then to see this blight on RVA be shutdown. this club, and its owner, do nothing but wreck lives and deepen people in there addictions. however i don't believe that this is some act of "racism". its simply freedom of speech.
during Bush's administration he was constantly called a monkey for his large ears and everything else in the book. call out Obama for his large ears and call him a monkey and see how that goes over?! now when a black comedian made a joke about him, Bush, was he tagged a racist? certainly not! when a white person makes fun of Obama he is instantly labeled a racist. interesting.
our attention needs to shift from this poster to the real issues that plague our city and namely in this particular area of our city.
in feb of 2007 this club was raided by local law and code enforcement officials. inside was found child porn, illegal fire arms, drugs and a vast collection of other things. after the hearing of the club owner he was given probation and posted bail.....that's it. nothing more and nothing less.
what is bothersome is that people are more torn up about an act of freedom of speech then child porn, illegal fire arms (that could have been used for who knows what!) and drugs. this is off to me.
nothing would please me more then to see this blight on RVA be shutdown. this club, and its owner, do nothing but wreck lives and deepen people in there addictions. however i don't believe that this is some act of "racism". its simply freedom of speech.
during Bush's administration he was constantly called a monkey for his large ears and everything else in the book. call out Obama for his large ears and call him a monkey and see how that goes over?! now when a black comedian made a joke about him, Bush, was he tagged a racist? certainly not! when a white person makes fun of Obama he is instantly labeled a racist. interesting.
our attention needs to shift from this poster to the real issues that plague our city and namely in this particular area of our city.
9.11.2009
7.07.2009
my God is risen
John chapter 20 speaks of the resurrected Christ. So often we look to the cross and see Christ but He is no longer there. He is risen! We serve a living, mighty, holy God.
Daily I take joy in the fact that my God is living. Buddhism, Hinduism, philosophy, atheism and the like, none of which can offer a living God. I serve, we serve, a mighty God.
amen!
Daily I take joy in the fact that my God is living. Buddhism, Hinduism, philosophy, atheism and the like, none of which can offer a living God. I serve, we serve, a mighty God.
amen!
5.18.2009
righteous anger
I am angry that my brothers and sisters have listened to the lie of the enemy, their own flesh and this world telling them that they are not Sons and Daughters of God. The enemy will do everything in his power to kill and murder the destiny that God has purposed for our lives.
We have to constantly realize that we are in a fight for our minds, hearts and very souls. This sounds overly dramatic but its the truth. Satan hates our very lives because he hates God and God made us with dominion over the enemy. Why wouldn't he hate us?
2 Corinthians 10:3-6
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled
We have the authority over the enemy. The power in God for pulling down strongholds. This is an action that we must take over our lives to live in the freedom that Christ has for our lives.
We have to constantly realize that we are in a fight for our minds, hearts and very souls. This sounds overly dramatic but its the truth. Satan hates our very lives because he hates God and God made us with dominion over the enemy. Why wouldn't he hate us?
2 Corinthians 10:3-6
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled
We have the authority over the enemy. The power in God for pulling down strongholds. This is an action that we must take over our lives to live in the freedom that Christ has for our lives.
4.28.2009
1 John 2:12-14
So sick and encouraging! So plain and simple. Its a beautiful thing!
12 I write to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name. 13I write to you,fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning.I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one.I write to you, dear children,because you have known the Father.14I write to you,fathers,because you have known him who is from the beginning.I write to you, young men,because you are strong,and the word of God lives in you,and you have overcome the evil one.
12 I write to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name. 13I write to you,fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning.I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one.I write to you, dear children,because you have known the Father.14I write to you,fathers,because you have known him who is from the beginning.I write to you, young men,because you are strong,and the word of God lives in you,and you have overcome the evil one.
I.D.
What is yours?
I have had many in my short life. I have been a young beach bumb slacker from So. Cal. After that I became a Sailor and now I am a husband, son, brother, friend, artist, and a pastor. The identity however that transcends me is that of my God. Now this sounds odd. "Your identity is found in something outside yourself? How is this possible?"
To understand that you, we, must first understand love, namely the love of God. God's love is eternal. Never ceasing or relenting. It will pursue us for all of our days. And wouldn't it? God loves His own creation just like we love ours. So to understand that God's love is eternal is to understand that He is eternal. The book of First John tells us that God IS love and Love IS God. This being the case my identity is found in something eternal. Something real and something that reaches much, much further then I ever could.
My identity as a man, husband, friend, pastor, brother and son is found souly in God. His love, His eternal love, enables me to look beyond myself. It grants me the grace to look at people with a servants heart. It allows me to love as Christ loves. I am not perfect but I press on for that which has been placed before me.
My God is my identity.
I have had many in my short life. I have been a young beach bumb slacker from So. Cal. After that I became a Sailor and now I am a husband, son, brother, friend, artist, and a pastor. The identity however that transcends me is that of my God. Now this sounds odd. "Your identity is found in something outside yourself? How is this possible?"
To understand that you, we, must first understand love, namely the love of God. God's love is eternal. Never ceasing or relenting. It will pursue us for all of our days. And wouldn't it? God loves His own creation just like we love ours. So to understand that God's love is eternal is to understand that He is eternal. The book of First John tells us that God IS love and Love IS God. This being the case my identity is found in something eternal. Something real and something that reaches much, much further then I ever could.
My identity as a man, husband, friend, pastor, brother and son is found souly in God. His love, His eternal love, enables me to look beyond myself. It grants me the grace to look at people with a servants heart. It allows me to love as Christ loves. I am not perfect but I press on for that which has been placed before me.
My God is my identity.
3.31.2009
over connected...
....Or just connected?
Its odd that I write this post via my BlackBerry. None the less here goes.
I have a face book page, 2 email accounts, 2 blogs, and a Twitter account and I have many friends who blow that out of the water! Are we over connected? is there such thing?
I really feel that there is a fine line here and I have had to ask myself the question, "is it a status thing?" " Do I want to come across as well known or popular with all the friends that I have accumulated on face book and twitter?" "Am I after some sort of recognition or self worth in all of this?"
Generations before us got along great without any of this. In fact, I would argue better! Reason being is that they didn't have 20 different ways to back out of an obligation (without confrontation) like we have now.
I think its based on the person really. If all of it went away tomorrow would you be alright? How would you get along?
Its odd that I write this post via my BlackBerry. None the less here goes.
I have a face book page, 2 email accounts, 2 blogs, and a Twitter account and I have many friends who blow that out of the water! Are we over connected? is there such thing?
I really feel that there is a fine line here and I have had to ask myself the question, "is it a status thing?" " Do I want to come across as well known or popular with all the friends that I have accumulated on face book and twitter?" "Am I after some sort of recognition or self worth in all of this?"
Generations before us got along great without any of this. In fact, I would argue better! Reason being is that they didn't have 20 different ways to back out of an obligation (without confrontation) like we have now.
I think its based on the person really. If all of it went away tomorrow would you be alright? How would you get along?
3.27.2009
"The mind of Hope"
Mike Giroux
The Mind of Hope
Jeremiah 29:11
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 In those days when you pray, I will listen. 13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. 14 I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”
• Your thought life is powerful.
"A thought is action in rehearsal."
Romas 12:2
2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
1 Corinthians 2:16
16 "For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?"[a] But we have the mind of Chris
2 Corinthians 2:10
10 If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake,
Romans 8:6
6 The mind of sinful man[a] is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;
Philippines 2:5-11
5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in very nature[a] God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7but made himself nothing, taking the very nature[b] of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! 9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father
"I want to be God dependent so I can be man affluent."
The Mind of Hope
Jeremiah 29:11
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 In those days when you pray, I will listen. 13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. 14 I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”
• Your thought life is powerful.
"A thought is action in rehearsal."
Romas 12:2
2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
1 Corinthians 2:16
16 "For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?"[a] But we have the mind of Chris
2 Corinthians 2:10
10 If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake,
Romans 8:6
6 The mind of sinful man[a] is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;
Philippines 2:5-11
5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in very nature[a] God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7but made himself nothing, taking the very nature[b] of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! 9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father
"I want to be God dependent so I can be man affluent."
3.24.2009
legalize drugs...???
I just read an article on CNN that suggests legalizing drugs. The argument is rather simple and straight forward and is spurned for the escalation in violence in Mexico.
I, in no way, endorse illegal drug use of any sort, but this makes me curious. If drugs were legalized would drug related violence stop? I think not. The fighting would simply shift gears in order to take another persons stash.
I have been perplexed however that the country I live in has legalized a substance (alcohol) that kill tens of thousands of people every year and there is seemingly nothing done about it.
I think if you get a DUI or anything of the sort you loose your privilege to drive for five years....no questions asked. Rant complete!
I, in no way, endorse illegal drug use of any sort, but this makes me curious. If drugs were legalized would drug related violence stop? I think not. The fighting would simply shift gears in order to take another persons stash.
I have been perplexed however that the country I live in has legalized a substance (alcohol) that kill tens of thousands of people every year and there is seemingly nothing done about it.
I think if you get a DUI or anything of the sort you loose your privilege to drive for five years....no questions asked. Rant complete!
3.18.2009
philosophy; Is it a waste?
I am currently standing, or sitting, amongst the writings of Nietzsche, Kant, Sarte, Plato, etc...and the question that ran through my mind was, "Is this all a waste?" If all of it disappeared today, right now, would the world be hurt?
I can hear my atheist's counterparts chompping at the bit on this one. Let's hold off on more questions though and try and tackle this. It should be interesting. And as the kids across the pond say...cheers.
I can hear my atheist's counterparts chompping at the bit on this one. Let's hold off on more questions though and try and tackle this. It should be interesting. And as the kids across the pond say...cheers.
3.16.2009
distracted...
Not me, at least, not right now.
I believe that it was Kevin Spacey who said, "The greatest trick that Satan ever pulled was convincing people that he doesn't exist." Or something like that. Its from a movie that I can't remember the name of. None the less its a profound statement.
The creation of distraction is satans greatest accomplishment.
I write this as I sit in my favorite coffee shop. I am looking around and observing all of the people. Admittedly this is one of my past times...observing people. I know I know it sounds rather "stalker esq" but just track with me. I see people of all walks of life being so distracted. Distracted with themselves, others, money, sex, spirituality, reading, family and everything else. I find it interesting, sad and dis heartening all at once. If only we would loose ourselves of ourselves and walk freely through life.
Blinded by life is this generation. Blinded by self and the pursuit there in.
God has such an awesome destiny for all of our lives. We just have to rid ourselves of this world and time and focus on God. Matthew 16:25.
I believe that it was Kevin Spacey who said, "The greatest trick that Satan ever pulled was convincing people that he doesn't exist." Or something like that. Its from a movie that I can't remember the name of. None the less its a profound statement.
The creation of distraction is satans greatest accomplishment.
I write this as I sit in my favorite coffee shop. I am looking around and observing all of the people. Admittedly this is one of my past times...observing people. I know I know it sounds rather "stalker esq" but just track with me. I see people of all walks of life being so distracted. Distracted with themselves, others, money, sex, spirituality, reading, family and everything else. I find it interesting, sad and dis heartening all at once. If only we would loose ourselves of ourselves and walk freely through life.
Blinded by life is this generation. Blinded by self and the pursuit there in.
God has such an awesome destiny for all of our lives. We just have to rid ourselves of this world and time and focus on God. Matthew 16:25.
Psalm 33
1 Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. 2 Praise the LORD with the harp;make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. 3 Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.4 For the word of the LORD is right and true;he is faithful in all he does.5 The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.7 He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; he puts the deep into storehouses.8 Let all the earth fear the LORD;let all the people of the world revere him.9 For he spoke,and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. 10 The LORD foils the plans of the nations;he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. 11 But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever,the purposes of his heart through all generations.12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,the people he chose for his inheritance.13 From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind;14 from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth-15 he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do. 16 No king is saved by the size of his army;no warrior escapes by his great strength.17 A horse is a vain hope for deliverance;despite all its great strength it cannot save. 18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,19 to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.20 We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.21 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. 22 May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD,even as we put our hope in you.
the bludgeoning of Grace
Its been awhile and things seem to have fallen silent on this front. Things in life have been overly hectic. Hospital visits, out of work from week to week and seemingly a never ending flow of...well...life and all that it has to offer. Its interesting how this subject of grace is so versatile in nature. Grace extends its touch out in so many ways and yet we confine it so swiftly.
I was having a hard time thinking of a title for this."The Abuse of Grace" didn't seem to carry the weight that I was after. But then the imagery of the Juggernaut came into mind. He doesn't abuse or beat ....he bludgeons, everything he touches! And how often have we, do we, are we, bludgeoning grace in our own lives? I am not claiming that the Juggernaut is tantamount to sin....that would be silly.
Romans 6:1-2
1 Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? 2 Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it?
As a Christian we have died to sin just as Christ has. When Christ died on the cross that was it. This is the ultimate example of God's grace. That while were(Romans 5:8) still sinners Christ died for us.
This grace of God is never ending. This being the case why not continue to sin? What's it matter? He will always be there...right? Right. He will always be there but will you. God's grace IS never ceasing but is your patience for your self never ceasing? Can you continue to screw up and knowingly sin and expect to live a good Godly existence? No. Plan and simple.
The fact is that we were not created for this sin that we live in. We were made in God's image(Genesis 1:26) and His likeness.
The very fact that God is perfect and sin cannot exist around Him or within Him ought to tell us this fact.
Grace is a beautiful thing. "Unmeritted favor" is a beautiful description. We don't deserve it. We shouldn't receive it and so often we mis appropriate it in our lives. And all the while our Creator is standing by waiting for us to turn and run back into His arms.
We in our lives need to cease this bludgeoning of God's abundant grace. Stop living in guilt from sin. Stop lying to ourselves and saying that we can deal with it whens it blatantly obvious that we cannot.
This chapter from the book of Psalm lays it out very concisely.
Psalm 32
1 Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! 2 Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt,whose lives are lived in complete honesty! 3 When I refused to confess my sin,my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. 4 Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me.My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. 5 Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt.I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.”And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone. 6 Therefore,let all the godly pray to you while there is still time,that they may not drown in the flood waters of judgment. 7 For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble.You surround me with songs of victory. 8 The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. 9 Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.” 10 Many sorrows come to the wicked,but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord. 11 So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you who obey him!Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure
I was having a hard time thinking of a title for this."The Abuse of Grace" didn't seem to carry the weight that I was after. But then the imagery of the Juggernaut came into mind. He doesn't abuse or beat ....he bludgeons, everything he touches! And how often have we, do we, are we, bludgeoning grace in our own lives? I am not claiming that the Juggernaut is tantamount to sin....that would be silly.
Romans 6:1-2
1 Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? 2 Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it?
As a Christian we have died to sin just as Christ has. When Christ died on the cross that was it. This is the ultimate example of God's grace. That while were(Romans 5:8) still sinners Christ died for us.
This grace of God is never ending. This being the case why not continue to sin? What's it matter? He will always be there...right? Right. He will always be there but will you. God's grace IS never ceasing but is your patience for your self never ceasing? Can you continue to screw up and knowingly sin and expect to live a good Godly existence? No. Plan and simple.
The fact is that we were not created for this sin that we live in. We were made in God's image(Genesis 1:26) and His likeness.
The very fact that God is perfect and sin cannot exist around Him or within Him ought to tell us this fact.
Grace is a beautiful thing. "Unmeritted favor" is a beautiful description. We don't deserve it. We shouldn't receive it and so often we mis appropriate it in our lives. And all the while our Creator is standing by waiting for us to turn and run back into His arms.
We in our lives need to cease this bludgeoning of God's abundant grace. Stop living in guilt from sin. Stop lying to ourselves and saying that we can deal with it whens it blatantly obvious that we cannot.
This chapter from the book of Psalm lays it out very concisely.
Psalm 32
1 Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! 2 Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt,whose lives are lived in complete honesty! 3 When I refused to confess my sin,my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. 4 Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me.My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. 5 Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt.I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.”And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone. 6 Therefore,let all the godly pray to you while there is still time,that they may not drown in the flood waters of judgment. 7 For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble.You surround me with songs of victory. 8 The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. 9 Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.” 10 Many sorrows come to the wicked,but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord. 11 So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you who obey him!Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure
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