Come Away My Beloved

God's Grace

2010-05-22T09:56:00.000-04:00

The root of compassion.

"We love each other because he loved us first." 1 John 4:19 NLT

If there is one need that we all carry with us regardless of age, socio-economic background or ethnicity, it is the need to be loved unconditionally. This need is built into the very fabric of our being; we want a safe place where we can go and be loved without fear of rejection, a place where even at our worst, we are not deemed an outcast, and we're still embraced. A person cannot truly grow spiritually unless they know that even at their worst, there is a place where they can go and still be embraced. Unfortunately, this goes against everything that a performance-oriented society teaches us, and because we live in a world so entangled in discord, political-strife, economic oppression, dissension, and war, it is very difficult to find that place where love does not come with several strings attached to it.

Church is supposed to be a place where we can come and receive this kind of love, but unfortunately, what you may often find in church is a polished version of what you find in the secular world, a place where you are accepted by God's grace in principle, but denied that love in practice unless you follow the right denominational rules (whatever those may be).

Author and pastoral counselor Paul Tournier made a very poignant observation when he said, "The Church proclaims the grace of God. And moralism, which is the negation of it, always creeps back into its bosom...Grace becomes conditional. Judgment appears...I see every day its ravages in all the Christian churches." The fact that Mr. Tournier said that he sees "its ravages in all Christian churches" goes to show that we have a long way to go when it comes to truly accepting the unique contribution that Jesus brought into the world - the message of grace. Our struggles accepting this message, ironically enough, also show that we are indeed fallible and need the very grace that we talk about. When we do accept this message of God's grace (love without strings), we will then realize that we have the same propensity for wrongdoing that is present in the lives of those whom we hate the most, a very humbling fact when you think about it.

We have so perverted the meaning of the word "love" that we have misconstrued it to mean some sort of mushy feeling that we get similar to when you are having your favorite meal or participating in a favorite hobby. But when this is translated to our interaction with others and we say that we love someone based on some quality that we find admirable in that person, or because of something that they can do for us, we don't really love them, we only cherish their ability to perform for us or make us feel good. You only know that you truly love someone when they cannot pay you back in return for the love that you give them.

If we are going to heal and be agents of healing for others, we have to first realize that God's love for us is not predicated on our ability to perform for Him. God is not some heavenly boss who is impressed with our consecutive weeks of church attendance, or record number of Scripture verses memorized or the fact that you have not used a cuss word in 5 years. To place our performance against the backdrop of Biblical law is to come face to face with our true debt and fallibility. It is only when we realize this that we can truly appreciate what it means to be forgiven and loved by God, and therefore pass this love on to others. Too often, however, we put the cart before the horse, telling broken people who barely know what love is themselves to "get at it, and love others..come on, do it!" But to attempt to love someone else when you barely love yourself is to only use another person to feel good about yourself...

It is my hope and prayer that wherever you are broken, you may experience the ravishing effect of true love.

Peace

Stephen Oladotun Akinduro

http://www.grace1971.blogspot.com/

P-A-I-N

2010-03-19T15:28:00.007-04:00

Pain is not only a good thing, but it is allowed for the purpose of moving us closer to God.

Refusing to allow pain to be worked out in our hearts will not only hinder our own relationship with God, but the building of relationships with others. Whether it be our own pain, or the gentle exposure of pain in others, if we quarantine it off and deny it's existence - perhaps because of the effect it's had on our self worth - we miss out on what God really wants to do with us and for us.

I just finished listening to the latest podcast entitled "PAIN" (here) and it really is something to think long and hard on.

The truth is we often do the exact opposite of what pain is truly intended to bring about in us: and even with others. We tend to isolate the pain, pretend it doesn't exist, or even close ourselves (and others) off from the suffering of another saint for fear of what it would expose or even bring to the surface in our own hearts.

I agree with their analysis that the end result of undealt with painful issues not only hinders our building relationship with others - but it answers many questions I have had recently on the sad outcome of relationships with others. Exposing pain or painful areas in others (even if it is unintentional on our part) is not welcomed and is actually the beginning of the demise of a relationship which could have been very productive and fruitful for God's Kingdom.

WE all as Christians need to get real, honest & true about these things if we ever want any hope at all of truly being Vibrant Truth-Bearers to this world, ie bearers of the flame of Jesus Christ.

The Heavy Load of Tradition

2010-01-21T10:12:00.007-05:00

In regards to religious activities, did you ever wonder why people just seem to follow the motions of all the various traditions that have been passed down over the centuries?

Jesus told us the answer, he said this is like 'thinking as a child', and told us to instead think like men. What then followed in Paul's words, were specific points to consider -- especially those that centered around behavior when they were gathered together as a body.

I Cor. 14:20 Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature ..

Paul said that if they were mature they would consider all the next points of which he gave examples.

One point was that when the church comes together, they should be careful to consider that all present had the Word of God. That all could speak, and that when revelation comes to a second person, the first person should sit down and be quiet. It's not difficult to understand that this is a sign of maturity, a willingness to be quiet and let the next person speak. It's also a sign of understanding, recognizing that this is exactly the way the Spirit works.

Why does the church not do that ?

It is because of the heavy load of tradition that has been inherited and passed down throughout the generations.

It takes courage to admit that your thinking is immature and anti AGAINST scripture -- against what is so clearly laid out as 'how to' be a mature church, primarily the fact that consistent consideration always be given to each other, the gift in all.

In Your Time of Need

2009-10-19T10:06:00.001-04:00

There comes a time in life when we have to let go and trust all we are and can be to the Giver of life. There is a time of hurt that only God can understand, a time of deepest need that cannot be ministered to by a human friend. There is an anxiety that cannot be resolved, a pain that cannot be relieved, a feeling that cannot be healed by anything another may say or do.

It is only as we give up our desperate efforts and give God total control that we can experience true healing. This healing may not be as we expect, but entrusting our life to the Good Shepherd will ultimately be the best choice that can be made. For in giving your life to Him, He will take your burdens and hold you in His comforting arms. He is the only one who can truly understand. You are upheld in love and in prayer.

by Unknown

He Alone is Extra-Ordinary

2009-09-21T11:00:00.000-04:00

Deep within us all, what we truly long for in life is to see the beauty of Christ -unfolded in others . His beauty is most evident in people, ordinary everyday people. Do you agree? He gave us a message of love and endearment towards the lonely, the outcast, the broken & the weary. He's not changed His mind on this. It's where Christ's heart truly is. He is most evident in the ordinary. He alone is extra-ordinarily revealed in the ordinary broken processes and wounds of lives.

It's so refreshing to break through our preconceived ideas / prejudices about others, even about God and what His plans might or might not even be. Break through our own ideologies and beliefs about what this means, this man called CHRIST JESUS living out His life on this earth. Often it seems we get stuck , stuck on what we believe / stuck on what we prefer or have been led to believe -when all along God's primary interest seems to be in you and I, the everyday people ; getting us on the same page as him, thinking like he thinks, seeing what he sees everyday. Instead of our prayers and thinking always centering around , Lord bless this , Lord fix this or do that, turning that around in the right direction and asking the Lord to simply fulfill the desires of His heart through me and change me, and simply reach out to those around me everyday. God is patient with us as He seeks to get us from being primarily centered upon ourselves ie of trying to get Him to go where we want to go, to thinking in terms of where He's invited us to come to, and where He already is

The Miracle of Belief

2009-07-17T13:53:00.002-04:00

July 17th.
MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST

"My speech and my preaching was not with enticing words." 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Paul was a scholar and an orator of the first rank; he is not speaking out of abject humility; but saying that he would veil the power of God if, when he preached the gospel, he impressed people with his "excellency of speech." Belief in Jesus is a miracle produced only by the efficacy of Redemption, not by impressiveness of speech, not by wooing and winning, but by the sheer unaided power of God. The creative power of the Redemption comes through the preaching of the Gospel, but never because of the personality of the preacher. The real fasting of the preacher is not from food, but rather from eloquence, from impressiveness and exquisite diction, from everything that might hinder the gospel of God being presented. The preacher is there as the representative of God - "as though God did beseech you by us." He is there to present the Gospel of God. If it is only because of my preaching that people desire to be better, they will never get anywhere near Jesus Christ. Anything that flatters me in my preaching of the Gospel will end in making me a traitor to Jesus; I prevent the creative power of His Redemption from doing its work.

"I, if I be lifted up . . . , will draw all men unto Me."

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I wonder what His church would LOOK like to the world if we truly grasped this reality. It seems to me that everyone wants to be heard ad nauseum, that everywhere WE look including internet-land, the 'excellency of speech' is well & thriving. Imagine how Oswald describes this attitude: as a traitor to Jesus Christ!!

The Kingdom of God ... is not a phsyical kingdom, it's not a church building, it's not a ministry, not a preacher, in fact it's nothing we are looking at - instead the Kingdom of God is within. (Luke 17:20.21)

"And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. "

Leaving Ourselves in God's Hands

2009-07-04T14:25:00.002-04:00

Jesse Penn-Lewis “...From that hour I understood, and knew, intelligently, that it was dying, not doing, that produced spiritual fruit. The secret of a fruitful life – in brief – to pour out to others and want nothing for yourself: to leave yourself utterly in the hands of God and not care what happens to you.”

How do we get to the place where we are consistently allowing this to take place in us ?

No Sweeter Name

2009-06-19T10:09:00.000-04:00

Stick-to-it-ive-ness

2009-06-17T12:06:00.004-04:00

Could a subtle definition of 'being religious' simply involve being overly concerned or preoccupied with getting others to 'see' what we 'see', or 'hear' what we 'hear'? I wonder about that.

Eventually given enough energy and stick-to-it-ive-ness, we will succeed in what we are doing, we will convince some, meaning we will get another denomination, another way of thinking, a following, mutual like mindedness.

However, isn't the root of this preoccupation really pride? Since I am right, therefore I must convince others.

Or does the root go deeper? Perhaps the really ugliness involves insecurity. Meaning that through the act of convincing of others, again and again, what we hope to receive back, is that we are the ones receiving the payback. We are reminding ourselves over and over how right we are. ( Addictive, eh. Doesn't it feel good to be right ? )

Unfortunately not only is that cycle often unbroken, but we are failing in the very basic & simple art of communication. Which is above all, to listen. How can we truly listen and consider another if we have an agenda, which is above all, that we insist on being heard?

Listening is really simply being content on the inside and secure, it just shows up so beautifully - on the outside! It's thinking of someone else and not yourself. It's love, it's caring, it's kindness, but somehow, through God's grace, all these things start showing up on the outside. God's way always seems to be so -- beautiful.

If think, if we are truly convinced within ourselves of who we are, that we are loved, and valuable and worthy in the eyes of our Father. We don't go down that road of being high minded without coming to the realization that we have gotten way off track. WE are truly secure and confident within: meaning that we trust Father and trust He is Lord. He will do the convincing in each and all of us, of course, beginning within ourselves. It will work itself truly from the inside out.

Off Track

2009-06-13T11:45:00.006-04:00

When we are sidetracked or deceived, ie off track, we can be turned back to Christ. How many times do u and do I need to come back to Christ! Thank God for His grace and mercy and thank God for His burden for us to come back to Him when we are way off track. So often we do not even know where it is that we truly have ended up.

Paul expected that Christ would be formed in the Galatians even though they had gotten off track.

"My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you"

Christ needs to be our focus and it is possible once you receive Christ to get off track, off relationship of our merging and focus with Him - One with Him. Thank God our Spirit does cry Abba Father and does cry and intercede with the Father on our behalf.

Have you been off track ? Are you off track today perhaps? I have definitely been off track that's why I find the book of Galatians so encouraging. Paul's certainty as he tells us it is no longer I who live, but Christ that lives in us. That cuts through to the very heart and truth of our being in Christ. Paul also tells us to reckon ourselves dead to sin and to be living unto God in Christ. He died for us and Paul is just telling us to call upon Christ , Christ lives in us. Coming back on track is to focus in on the certainty of Christ being alive and living in us.

Christ Followers (Another Perspective)

2009-06-12T10:35:00.000-04:00

A Moving Body

2009-05-31T11:20:00.004-04:00

These video's are well worth watching.

Located here

Quote:

1 Cor. 12 describes a body that is moving, every part moving "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal." 1 Cor 12:7

There was no such thing as a church service in the New Testament, it doesn't exist. If a believer from the 1st century went to a church service (as of today) they would wonder what on earth was happening! The thing they didn't want was 'services' because they were looking for a freedom described in 1 Cor 10-14 that is intimate and informal, where ALL are free to share; because all have a gift to share, & the body must be free to move!

end quote
(Beresford Job )

Saturate Us, O God!

2009-05-20T08:46:00.001-04:00

An intensive saturation

"For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received a spirit of sonship, in which we cry out, Abba, Father." Romans 8:15

When we merge with God and allow Him to flow and pass through us, the first benefit we receive is that He imparts His life into our being. Romans 8:11 says, "But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you." This indwelling implies an intensive saturation of the Spirit throughout our being, which results in life being imparted into us. Although prayer has its answer, even if there were no answer, by our allowing the Triune God to pass through us we obtain the greatest benefit—the divine life is imparted into us. When we exercise our spirit to cry "Abba, Father," two things take place in us—the Triune God passes through us, and while passing through, He imparts life into our being.

The second benefit of allowing the Triune God to pass through us is that we get cleansed and purified. James 4:8 says, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded." This means that in our drawing near, God Himself draws near to us and begins to pass through us. This has the effect of cleansing and purifying our being. However, we should not think that this is merely an automatic thing that happens without our cooperation. "Cleanse" and "purify" are both in the imperative mood, indicating our responsibility to confess and deal with the Lord as God passes through us in an inward way. As we merge with God flowing in us, our sins are exposed and cleansed, and our double heart is exposed and purified. If you want to get into the Lord's light, just spend time with the Lord and draw near to Him. Your hands will be cleansed and your heart will be purified. This is the effect of allowing the passing-through of the Triune God.

- Bill Freeman, The Supplied Life

With God All Things are Possible

2009-05-06T12:36:00.003-04:00

But Jesus beheld [them], and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

(Matt. 19:26)

Everything that God has called us to (is impossible with man) but truly all things are possible with God. This is a great contrast, God's ways of doing things. Perhaps God designed it to be this way. Do you think so ?

That we might know His power, and that His power would be made known to us. It cannot truly be made known to us if through man we can do it, or think we can do 'it' . Remember how sad the rich young ruler was when he realized he could not do it. (Mar. 10) ?? The law could not do it, but through Christ it was achieved & done. It's the same reasoning. It's the same contrast.

Source / Man = Impossible

Source / God = Possible

On the one hand all is impossible it seems, but in Christ thru the Father, all things are possible.

What a contrast!

Our Source and Supply

2009-04-28T17:54:00.000-04:00

“And you shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord” (Deut. 8:2-3). When the Lord said “to humble you and test you,” He meant “to measure you.” When He said “to know what was in your heart,” He meant that they would find themselves coming short of God’s standard. All of their pain and failures were allowed by God to lead them to live by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. They were pushed beyond their capacity in order that they would be escorted to eat divine food. Not to “live by bread alone” meant not to live by the natural life. God was seeking to escort them to Himself, to learn to live by Him as their source and supply.In the same way, God humbles us through environments that we cannot cope with. It is at those junctures that we need to quickly trust Him! The feelings of “too large a task!” are the escort leading us to Christ. We need to recognize these escorts and allow them to guide us to live by manna, by Christ as our bread!

(www.allathisfeet.com)

J E S U S , the Most Unique Man Ever in All of History !!

2009-04-12T10:07:00.002-04:00

How is it that a Wonderful Man called Jesus can have such an impact upon your heart, upon my heart, in fact on all of humanity and throughout all the ages ? What an incredible God! He is! But how is it that This man can have such an impact on us, yet in the natural did not have a lot going for Him? For example, He didn't have a house, He had no money, He was not honored by any people around him, rather they rejected Him and walked away from Him most times, neither did He have a great job, most people didn't like what He said really, and His trial to convict Him was illegal, last, He was crucified on a hill in Golgotha overlooking a garbage dump, and there He was taken to die for you and me.

How is it that despite this, He can and still have such an impact on my life and the life of others? ? ?

RESURRECTION. RESURRECTION. RESURRECTION.

The life He lived was and is so powerful because of the resurrection. This is the life that He died to give us. Because He conquered death we now have hope in Him. BECAUSE He conquered death hell and the grave, and destroyed the powers of this world, He now lives in us.

Thoughts on Baptism

2009-03-26T08:53:00.013-04:00

I was baptized (fully immersed) in 1997 at a Pentecostal church in Ottawa, Ontario. I gave my testimony of conversion (which was in 1995) prior to water baptism as was the tradition at this congregation. I was so excited to have a few family members and family present during this. Later in 2000, my husband and two girls were baptized, together in a swimming pool, in front of family and friends (see above photo).

I remember when I got baptized how my parents and others reacted. They simply didn't understand why I would wanted to get baptized as an adult for one simple reason: that they, as good parents, had me baptized as an infant. My baptism in 1997 therefore gave me an opportunity to share with them, and others, why I needed to be baptized at this point in my life.

Infant baptism: my three children were all baptized as infants. I had no scriptural understanding, and certainly not of baptism. I just assumed it was the Christian religious thing to do, something that all Christian parents with infants should do.

After reading scripture however, I can now see that baptism is not intended at all for infants. There is no instance of scripture talking about water baptism as appropriate for infants. Instead water baptism is reserved for those who have understood and placed their faith in Christ. Having identified with Christ through faith, baptism follows simply as an outward sign to others, which is for the purpose of declaring their faith to now be in Christ alone. Water baptism means we now identify with His death and resurrection. Obviously infants cannot make this conscious decision to follow Christ. They certainly cannot understand what baptism even signifies.

Certainly the method of sprinkling water on the head of an infant does not agree with biblical baptism. Christ was not sprinkled upon, He was fully immersed. It does not agree with the apostles teaching which was handed down and that we are supposed to be following. I believe infant baptism to be a teaching that was wrongly introduced by early church leaders, one that went horribly astray & even against what Paul & the others commanded. It's true, perhaps they did not have the fully compiled Bible at their disposal at that time (for reference), which could perhaps explain the reason that things went so wrong; yet they could have easily corrected these errors once they did have the Bible, compiled & for reference. Unfortunately that didn't happen; instead many wrong, false beliefs and teachings continued to be introduced, embraced and adhered to and are yet today.

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PS: I think the idea of dedicating your infant or child to Christ in front of other believers to be appropriate and full of faith. However, as that child grows, they will still have to see themselves as sinners, in need of salvation. This because we are only saved through unmerited favor. Otherwise there will be no appreciation for what God has truly done for them on the Cross. In fact, children growing up 'in the church' so to speak can be very self righteous and think that they somehow 'deserve' to be saved. They can be very proud. However it's so true: those who are forgiven much (of our many sins) are those that love much.

Ouchhh !!

2009-03-18T12:36:00.000-04:00

I thought this was soooooo funny I just had to share! God Bless you all!

the Bread of Christ

2009-03-16T08:43:00.010-04:00

Showing Forth Christ

What kind of communion was Christ talking about during the last supper that he had with his disciples? What was it that he wanted us to do, 'in remembrance of him?"

It has been my conviction for some time that he wasn't talking about a ceremony or a ritual to be performed (a certain amount of times per month or per year). But that is exactly what the visible church has done, they have made this a ritual, one to be performed again and again, religiously by adherents. If you follow this ritual, they say that you have participated in the 'communion' of Christ's blood and bread. It's easy to understand how the intent and significance therefore has been completely lost. When Christ referred to his blood & bread, he warned us to think about His sacrifice ('ie not take His blood & bread unworthily) in favor of simply following a tradition.

When Paul refers to the "bread of Christ's body and drinking the blood of Christ's body", he is first of all, talking to a church that is seriously struggling with many things. They needed to be pointed to Jesus, to really deeply consider what had happened on the Cross for them. They needed to do this in light of where they were now at and what they were struggling with. Think about Christ. Think about what happened on the night Jesus was betrayed, think about what His death really meant for them. The sacrifice He had made for them. Obviously, they were not doing this at all when they were coming together.

To truly drink of the cup of His blood and partake of the bread of Christ, is to really consider and judge our own consciences to see whether we are examples of His death (death to self). Are we truly partaking of that BREAD, that bread being offered to us in light of this?

The answer to this determines whether we (as individuals and collectively when we do come together,) if we TRULY are examples of Christ's death by showing forth His life.

"Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat OF THAT BREAD, and DRINK OF THAT CUP." (11.28)

Paul said many were sick and had died because they were not truly an example of this (they had never examined their lives, consciences) but instead were just living after their flesh.

We do need to be chastened when we do this. WE are God's people whom He has chosen to be his examples to others. If we fail to appreciate and consider the bread and blood of Christ, we will not be showing forth Christ to others, but we will be showing forth instead many things which will not convince a lost suffering dying world that Christ has truly risen, and chosen to live in a people. We will be proving the opposite.

Though we can't make ourselves worthy in any way, we can by partaking of the Bread which HE OFFERS US, show forth Christ to others. In that sense, we do become worthy, but it's only through partaking of THAT BREAD that He offers us. (11.26)

"For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come."

Today :)

2009-03-08T18:53:00.012-04:00

Today, my husband & I had the privilege of getting together with a few other couples for the purpose of simply sharing the life He has given us & to rejoice in the hope within. He is so good. Now you might think, so what, don't Christians do that all the time?

Well, for us, we left the institution in 02 which was followed by a home group for a couple years. But since that dissolved, it's literally been years for us to be in a group setting. I admit it was really exciting as well as awkward for myself, at the same time. I am not sure that makes sense, even to me, however I hope you get what I mean. As much as I was excited, I wasn't sure what my expectations were, or even if I had any, or what they should be. It's just it's been so long for me. I don't think in these terms anymore. I am not sure if that's a handicap at the moment for me. I just haven't thought a lot about these things tho I admit I thoroughly love people, I love being with them, I love life, I love sharing, interacting, there's just no end to the river of Christ and He is so beautiful and vibrant in His people.

Perhaps now that I think about it, the word is surreal; I felt like I was just sort of gazing or peering into the group setting. I enjoyed simply watching and observing the way they interacted, shared their hearts, their beliefs. People are just so darn interesting! lol. What was amazing is that there seemed to be a continual shared eagerness to learn and to grow. That was inspiring and you can't help but also feel encouraged by their faith.

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On another note, I was reading the Bible on the way there and I was meditating on Samuel again. I re-read some things from a few weeks ago, and thought I would share what my thoughts were.

David found himself on the run from Saul, and ended up finding refuge under the favor of King Achish, King of the Philistines. In fact Achish so favored David, that he said of him,

And Achish said to David, Therefore will I make thee keeper of mine head for ever.

David found the hand of protection of God amongst the Philistines. God chose to use Israel's enemies as a way to favor David, protect him and look after him.

Today I was wondering what all of Israel (those in Saul's camp) thought of that arrangement. The majority of the perceived children of God, ie Israel, would have been a part of Saul's camp. Not David's. There would have been much murmuring against David, and judging him, slandering him. Many numbered against the few. In today's language that could mean being labeled one of many things. Apostate. Lost. A betrayor. Left the faith. an outcast.

But the fact remains, that David's heart was so wonderful and so fixed on the Lord. David was able to look beyond the established religious order of his day and serve His God in fear and admiration. He didn't count the cost. He certainly did not hold anything against Saul, in fact he respected him because of the fact that God had chosen Saul. Saul relentlessly hunted him down and showed no mercy, and his pursuit against David drove him mad. He was not able to truly see how merciful David was and that he sought no harm against Saul. David was so devoted to God that even in the midst of living within the enemies of Israel and being hunted down by God's people (use that term loosely), he chose to repeatedly trust God and look to Him as His One and Only steady source of strength and guidance. He never waivered in his belief of God's absolute goodness. It's so amazing to think that David went through so much and yet his faith never wavered.

Even when he returned to Ziklag, and it was burning,their wives and children taken captive by the Amalekites;

Even when his own people and he cried until they had no more tears;

Even when they were going to stone David (his own people) because of the loss, it says , and David strengthened himself in the Lord. So now not only is all of Israel after him, but his own people are seeking to kill David!

"And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God. 1 Sam 30:6

Thoughts Beyond Jeff's Latest Post

2009-02-27T15:09:00.008-05:00

I would really like to urge whoever is out there and happens to be reading this, to read Jeff's post on Love Thinketh No Evil.

I am really frustrated for a few days over the counsels given to a friend who is and has lived a whole life in an abusive environment.

It seems the counsel 'of choice' these days from Christian camp is to counsel another person to stay in abusive relationships. This advice they say comes right from the heart of Father and to prove so, they can snap out some handy dandy verses out of context to prove so. This is so heartbreaking.

Sadly due perhaps to our fallen nature, bruised wounded broken people, as vulnerable as they are, gravitate towards this type of counsel very easily, as they perceive God as on some sort of mission to teach them the lessons and life long if necessary. They twist the meaning of the Cross and the true nature and character of God while doing so. I know of people who have lived all their lives at the hands of an abuser, or for the most part of their life; meaning their view of God and their ability to connect with His heart remains severely impaired and broken year after year.

May Christ leads His people into the Truth and set them free!

Casting our Cares Upon Him

2009-02-19T10:27:00.003-05:00

I am praying today for the courage Christ is giving me to truly examine ME, my life, and not let sin hide from His gaze (not that it ever could). But in my reasoning, I somehow seem to think that it could. I have always believed that God sovereignly orders my life, but I find myself, humbly acknowledging this, that God sovereignly orders my life and circumstances, for one good & for one purpose, to humble me so that I can truly find Jesus. The great life that He came to give seems to be only found through this process. Until I see this, and get rid of what is 'clouding' out this reality, I can't understand my own deep need for HIm.

I have been reading Romans and struggling to really 'grab' ahold of it. Paul was, in the first few chapters, trying to get them to realize that they were nothing, even tho they were Jews and well schooled in the scriptures. He knew that they needed to be 'stripped entirely' of their self righteousness and self worth in that regard, and to instead face their own desperate need of Him. (It's quite easy to think that somehow the Jews needed alot more stripping away than we ever would, hmmm) They could only be prepared to do that by understanding that the law had not worked anything into their heart that didn't now need to be stripped away, that their heart was just as depraved as others. They still believed alot of good about themselves, and they didn't understand their own need for Jesus. They couldn't come to Christ without first understanding their own depravity and desperate condition. Paul knew that because they 'had the law', they thought they were better and would have a hard time facing up to the fact that they couldn't totally see their absolute need for total dependance on Christ. Paul understood that this represented a huge big problem for them, BUT I contend that as much as it was a huge problem for them, it is just as huge for us too.

We are all deceived in our own darkened understanding, of who we truly 'think' we are. So an accurate assessment of who we are (proved by circumstances to humble) is that apart from Him, I am truly NOTHING. What Christ has for me is a great inheritance, but I cannot find this if I think I still have 'a good heart' it can only be found by being broken & humbled. This seems to be what we resist most. We still think we are somehow 'good'. So I am carefully considering why Paul was saying what He was saying to them because in fact, it is being said to me.

I encourage you also to face those things in your life whatever they may be (with joy) and allow Christ to test you and test your attitudes. Only Christ knows what it is that we are gravitating towards that makes us think 'we somehow have an edge' that 'we somehow have a superior understanding or revelation' that many don't have. This is all foolishness & worthless, just as it was for the Jews. Allow Him to test your 'darkened understanding' so that you too can sincerely humble yourself before 'his exposing light' and move forward in His grace & forgiveness ...

There's Only So Much Room in My Heart :)

2009-02-15T11:02:00.004-05:00

This isn't going to be a long post.

I am finding it hard these days to make room in my heart for Jesus.

It seems selfish things, bitterness and unforgiveness has somehow pursued my heart, and found
a lodging place in my heart. Because of this, it is making it very hard lately for me to experience Jesus.

I am wanting to defend my right to be bitter, upset, and angry over things I can't control and over that which Father has allowed anyhow. Things I don't think I deserve. Perhaps I don't but the reality seems to be that I do have a choice, a choice to stew over things and let it stink up my heart, or find peace in Him and offer Him my love once again.

It seems to me that God is right there with me, he sees the struggle in me at the moment, a struggle over the fact that I seem more determined to cling to hurts - then letting them go. It's so easy for me to 'feel I have the right to feel a certain way'. (My guess is that we all struggle with this one)

I was reading 1 Sam 25 early this morning. I love the picture of Abigail, coming to David, laden down with precious gifts, and bowing before Him. She wanted to ask of the Lord to be merciful and forgiving. I just love the sight of that in my mind, it seems so beautiful , Abigail bowing down before David, she was very courageous too; David's anger seemed to evaporate as he watched her, through her courage and intervention and faith, David was able to reconsider his pending actions and treat Nabal with kindness instead and be longsuffering too, even tho he had been provoked. He was such a great king.

Determined to Crucify Him

2009-02-12T08:19:00.008-05:00

Ike's comment, pointed out in the last post, Excitement, Faith, Hope , was that Jesus enemies never discounted the authenticity of His miracles. How disappointed the pharisees must have been that they couldn't do so! In fact, Jesus even proved that He was the Messiah to them according to the pharisees' own writings!

For example, one way He did this was to heal a leper. (He healed more than one) The pharisees had it in their so called rule book that, when they would therefore examine the authenticity of a miracle, a delegate was sent forth to do so, and one miracle, that of healing a leper, when witnessed, would only be possible by the Messiah. Now that's what the pharisees' said in their own rule book. And that's why Jesus would send the healed leper back, to 'show' himself to the pharisees. He was proving to them by their own precious rules, that He was who He said He was. But what is so revealing beyond that, is that as Ike said - since they couldn't discount the miracle - they had to resort to other methods of attacking Jesus' authenticity and questioning Who He was. This goes to show how truly deceptive & wicked their hearts were.

As well, there were many aspects of the arrest and trial, which violated and disregarded whether the arrest and trial was even valid (according to their own laws). Pilate, having washed his hands before the crowd, seemed to know that at any cost, the liars and deceivers would find a way, even illegally, to convict Jesus of Nazareth & crucify Him.

ILLEGAL ASPECTS OF THE TRIAL OF JESUS

Following are some of the illegal aspects of the trial of Jesus:

Trials could occur only in the regular meeting places of the Sanhedrin (not in the palace of the High Priest)
Trials could not occur on the eve of the Sabbath or Feast Days or at night
A sentence of 'guilty' might only be pronounced on the day following the trial

THE ISSUE OF WITNESSES

Deut. 19:15 "One witness is not enough to convict a man accused of any crime or offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses."

Deut. 17:6 "On the testimony of two or three witnesses a man shall be put to death, but no one shall be put to death on the testimony of only one witness."

Mark 14:56 "Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree."

While in the court of the High Priest, He was questioned by Annas (John 18:13)and struck by a soldier (John 18:22) He was then brought to Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin. who sought to put Jesus to death by the false testimony of many witnesses. The witnesses brought against Him did not agree. By the law, no one could be put to death without the agreement of two or three witnesses. Although the witnesses did not agree, He was found guilty of blasphemy when He told them of His identity as the Son of God. He was sentenced to death. Jesus suffered ridicule from the palace guards, who spat on Him, beat Him and slapped Him on the face. (Mark 14:65) During the trial, Peter denies Him three times. The proceedings of Jesus' trial violated many of the laws of His society. Among some of the other broken laws were:(Bucklin)

Any arrest could not be made at night.
The time and date of the trial were illegal because it took place at night and on the eve of the Sabbath. This time precluded any chance for the required adjournment to the next day in the event of a conviction.
The Sanhedrin was without authority to instigate charges. It was only supposed to investigate charges brought before it. In Jesus' trial, the court itself formulated the charges.
The charges against Jesus were changed during the trial. He was initially charged with blasphemy based upon His statement that He would be able to destroy and rebuild the Temple of God within three days, as well as His claim to be the Son of God. When He was brought before Pilate, the charge was that Jesus was a King and did not advocate paying taxes to the Romans.
As stated above, the requirement of two witnesses in agreement to merit the death penalty was not met.
The court did not meet in the regular meeting place of the Sanhedrin, as required by Jewish law.
Christ was not permitted a defense. Under Jewish law, an exhaustive search into the facts presented by the witnesses should have occurred.
The Sanhedrin pronounced the death sentence. Under law, the Sanhedrin were not allowed to convict and put the death sentence into effect. (John 18:31)

Excitement, Faith, Hope

2009-02-08T12:26:00.003-05:00

I was reading Mark 6:53-56 this morning.

And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore. And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him, And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was. And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.

I tried to imagine the level of excitement that was stirred among the crowd. It says, 'when they were come out of the ship, straightway they recognized him. '

All Jesus did was get off the boat. He didn't organize any services, or provide any announcements of His coming or arrival date, no preparations, no upcoming big events . He just got off the boat to go to the people.

The people immediately recognized Him, {despite what Isaiah said, that there was no beauty that we should desire Him, that He was despised and and rejected of men, a man acquainted with sorrows.} Yet these people recognized the beauty of the Son of God immediately upon his arrival. They appreciated who He was. The only explanation I can think of for the reaction of these people to Jesus' arrival was that they convicted of Jesus divinity, convicted of their own sin, aware of His Holiness. It seems that these were the true preparations that had taken place prior to His arrival - their hearts were moved and sensitive to His holiness.

The people ran throughout the whole region, and brought the sick to the where they heard He was or would be, the direction or town perhaps He was on route to. Imagine how quickly the news would have spread by person to person, village to village. Imagine the excitement as the people hustled and bustled, bursting force in news to one another of His arrival! "He's here, He's just got off the boat. I heard He's headed in the direction of ... " Faith and hope would have leapt tremendously in their hearts as they relayed the information of his coming and whereabouts.

They quickly moved the sick along the streets and direction of His coming so that they might simply touch the hem of His garment. They truly believed in Him, that He was the Son of God and that He was a vessel of God's love & compassion for all humanity and for the sick and suffering. They believed in Him, that the hopes of being made whole were possible through this Man.

I imagine people took little thought to the demands of the present, and quickly tended to things as need be, and made themselves instead available for 'receiving the Son of God' with much joy and faith in their hearts.

"And as many as touched Him, were made whole."

On Feeding & Being Fed

2009-02-01T15:25:00.003-05:00

I was just thinking this morning of the miracle of the loaves & fishes.

Thinking that the disciples seemed to be focused on 'how much' they had
instead of the BREAD that they truly possessed.

It's all too easy to do this, isn't it? To always be comparing and evaluating, calculating
things out. And it seems religion teaches us all quite well to focus
on how much we have rather than the QUALITY of the Bread which we truly
possess which is Christ.

It's a very humbling process for us, just as it must have been for these disciples,
to come to truly understand Christ, the true Bread which comes down from heaven. That
it isn't about how much we have any longer but it's simply about being willing to share what we have with others so that they will be blessed & it will be multiplied to them (not us.)

I might add more thoughts to this as I think about it....

A Good Question

2009-01-30T23:05:00.006-05:00

I think this guy (whose name is Dan Stone) asks a very good question. Or should I say perhaps, he answers a good question. Let me explain.

I happened by his site tonight and these words caught my attention:

What would it be like if Paul's phrase, "Christ in you, the hope of glory," were a daily reality in our lives? Is it even possible? Is there anything we can do to make it happen?

There's nothing we can do, for it is already a finished fact! If we read John's Gospel, we find that Christ really has become one with the Christian. There is therefore a certain quality of life that He imparted to us, a life which spontaneously flows out to touch the lives of others. This life is quite different from what I had heard about for so many years of my life. For twenty-three years I was the one doing the doing. And I was doing for God. I hoped that what I was doing pleased God. I hoped that what I was doing honored Eventually the Holy Spirit, who is our only teacher, impressed upon my inner being that because God is the real Doer, there really wasn't anything a Christian could do for God but be available.

Until the Christian life comes as spontaneously as being lost once did, you don't know Christ operating as you. The Old Testament prophets knew that. They knew God didn't want the blood of bulls and goats, but a contrite heart. He said He would give them a new heart, that the Law would be written not on tables of stone, but on the fleshly tables of the heart; and that no one would need a teacher, because all would be taught of the Lord arid. all would know the Lord.

Can Christ be trusted in union with you and me to live that life? I can now say yes. I couldn't always say yes, because I looked like a bad risk. I looked wishy-washy. I looked hot and cold, in and out, up and down. I couldn't say yes until I wore myself out trying, because I was a God-lover; and I thought that's what I was supposed to do for God. You probably are a God-lover too.

full article here

The Lang Gang

2009-01-28T16:20:00.004-05:00

this is my family last summer, having a chocolate fondue and
discussing our upcoming trip to hamilton.

Is Our Motive Love ?

2009-01-27T08:30:00.004-05:00

1 ¶ Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
4 ¶ Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

I believe that His love is at the very centre of who He is. His loved, rooted within us, expressing itself bountifully in all that we are and are yet to become.

It seems that unfortunately man at times (including myself) has sought to try to separate His Love from His Truth.

Thankfully, I have learned, and am learning, that there is no value in terms of spiritual life & union with Him, when that is done - because God is love. Yes God is Truth but He said Himself that He is love, ... therefore Love is at the very centre of His Truth, expressed to us and in us.

I think it's a peculiar thing that roaming around the internet on forums and blogs, we see often that those who are the most passionate about doctrines and theology, can be the ones who seem to love the least. Even if I can and often do agree with their doctrines, (doctrine which is often very correct) the lack of love displayed by them, as described above in 1Cor 13 shows how easy it can be to be doctrinally correct in a religious sense, but to at the same time be devoid of the pure love of God.

I would even take it one step further than that. It seems often they are in an 'attack' mode, a 'crushing' mode. They fail to see what spirit they are truly of. It's a very selfish thing to lash out and attack people - people who we do not know anything about in many cases. We can know so very little of their heart, where they've been, what trials and mountains they have had to climb. Yet in a very selfish and self righteous way, without any humility, we would rather make assumptions.

Reading these verses this morning, I just feel so challenged in my walk with Him. What kind of a great love - that never fails, that endures all things.

Externals vs the Inner Life of Christ

2009-01-24T21:15:00.005-05:00

Looking back over my walk with Jesus, I just saw something today about myself.

Its my thought that there seems to be two groups of people following after Jesus. We all are at one time or another - in either of these groups.

There are those who are - or were - constantly interested mainly in the externals of following Jesus (such as the miracles, & the many external aspects of being a Christian, when -where - how - etc, - the blessings of perhaps being a Christian and how to obtain them, whatever externals they value .)

... and then there are those who are primarily interested in the internal life of Christ (Christ in you or more precisely: the union that we have with Christ ) more so than they are in the externals, though they would have at one time or another been external. Perhaps a better way to say this would be that they have graduated from being primarily externally focused to being mainly aware of the internal or inner life within or union they have with Christ, and the transformation that is taking place.

Now I have to say that I learned very quickly the externals of religion. They are very easy to obtain, and I was very easily able to find many people who would instruct me exactly on what those externals were. But the interesting thing was, most of these people including myself at one time, were not really interesting in fellowship around Christ, just fellowship around all the externals.

But graduating to internal or inner life was not so easy to grasp.Because of all the focus on the externals for one thing. But once you become of aware of the internal, you are less comfortable with all the externals because the Holy Spirit is working within you and you are very often 'uncomfortable' because you find the externals shallow compared to Christ in you. I still tried to go along with all the externals/external focus and remain in that place, but the problem was I had to pretend that everything was fine & dandy with the inner life, (because of all the externals) but in reality it was a desperate struggle at most times. And no one else (either had any struggles ) or else they weren't aware of it.

For myself, I have to say as of now, I have so little interest in the externals. I am more interested in the internal life of Christ, in myself, and in others. It is what I look for and love to find in someone else. The hunger for Christ and the beautiful presence of His Spirit deep inside of them. You know, someone softly broken over their sin and wanting so much to be transformed and changed from the inside out. But as far as the externals in my life go (or lack of interest in them) I believe and hope that if the inner life of Christ is transforming me, then the externals will correspond and change. As the Spirit works it all out from the inside.

My Friend Dale's First Post to my Bog ! (on the Bride of Christ)

2009-01-21T21:43:00.003-05:00

The new Jerusalem is his bride and eternal companion -Jerusalem being the chosen one of Israel. Jesus called the natural Jerusalem and said this

Lu 13:34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!

Isn't He issuing the same call today to His spiritual Jerusalem. Are you seeking the safety of His wing? Will a chick survive amongst the wolves without this protection of the divine wing? I hope our response will be that we “would” come to his safety behind His shield of faith. So I have delved a little more into this relationship between Christ and His true bride. Please eat the hay and spit out any sticks that you find.

The Holy Spirit through Paul points out a “great mystery” in Ephesians 5. This is the message of Christs eternal love. His choice for eternal union. His love lavished upon the ones who will take a hold of all of His love to be and yield to His tender touch. This is Christ and his “real” church. If Jesus is truly the second adam then this too is the second eve. The one that he died for. No wonder the first instruction for husbands is to love your wife as Christ loves the church and gave His life for her. This eve will overcome where the first eve failed because she is truly abiding in the truth Himself. This eve will over come because she is a doer of the word and not a hearer only. This Eve will overcome because she has truly died to all that she is and has taken on His nature in all things. This is true union -to come into line with the heart of another. Trust is built with those you love. True faith works and operates from the source of the one you love. Lasting faith comes from knowing everlasting love. That is why He has promised never to leave us or forsake us -to implant an everlasting trust in us as a response to that love. Even that response of faith in us is His faith -so there is nothing of ourselves and all of Him -least any man should boast. So that in the end all things will be summed up in Him.

21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;
22 And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.
23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.

All of the animals were created male and female and had their counterpart. But Adam had none. Surely Adam knew this and longed for his companion and very close friend. When Jesus dies for the joy set before Him He endured the cross despising the shame -so that His bride could come forth. Adam was put into a deep sleep. It is in a place of rest that brides are formed. When we strive to enter the rest then wonderful things will come forth as we cease from our labours and enter His. Adams bride came from within him. Jesus (the second adam) bride will come from in Him. All we are as His bride will come from Him. His Wisdom, His love, His spotlessness and His radiance.

There is a wonderful star configuration on the Australian flag (yeah I am an Aussie). It is the copy of a constellation of stars that we can see in the southern hemisphere. It is called the southern cross and we have those five stars on our flag. They show the five wounds of Christ. There are also two pointing stars but I will not talk about them today. These five stars show clearly the wounds in his hands -the one through his feet and the crown on His head. But the smallest star and yet probably the most important (isn't that God! -the last shall be first) is what I call the painless wound of Christ. After all the pain the second Adam has a wound in His side while in the deep sleep of death. Does that sound familiar? Was the first Adam put into a deep sleep? The FIRST thing that happens after him dying for His beloved is the revealing of the things closest to His heart! The water and blood (another message entirely) that flowed came from his peritoneal cavity revealing His heart for his those he died for. His heart poured forth. Five is the number of grace. While his heart broke for the sins of those who nailed Him there -the fifth wound was painless (after death). As the first eve was brought forth from the wound in Adams side you too are born of the water and blood and things that come from close to His heart. This second overcoming Eve is to be formed from things closest to His heart. Why have so many missed that Jesus died for His woman? What really is the spiritual longing in His heart revealed in John 17 ? This is a great mystery. Arise new Eve from the depths of His heart and shine with the radiance of His righteousness and Glory. I ask you -are the following words a prayer for His new Eve? Will you abide in Him?

John 17: 20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

His love to all -from Dale

Recall What God Remembers

2009-01-21T21:38:00.003-05:00

"I remember . . . the kindness of thy youth." Jeremiah 2:2

Am I as spontaneously kind to God as I used to be, or am I only expecting God to be kind to me? Am I full of the little things that cheer His heart over me, or am I whimpering because things are going hardly with me? There is no joy in the soul that has forgotten what God prizes. It is a great thing to think that Jesus Christ has need of me - "Give Me to drink." How much kindness have I shown Him this past week? Have I been kind to His reputation in my life?

God is saying to His people - You are not in love with Me now, but I remember the time when you were - "I remember . . . the love of thine espousals." Am I as full of the extravagance of love to Jesus Christ as I was in the beginning, when I went out of my way to prove my devotion to Him? Does He find me recalling the time when I did not care for anything but Himself? Am I there now, or have I become wise over loving Him? Am I so in love with Him that I take no account of where I go? or am I watching for the respect due to me; weighing how much service I ought to give?

If, as I recall what God remembers about me, I find He is not what He used to be to me, let it produce shame and humiliation, because that shame will bring the godly sorrow that works repentance.

(Oswald Ch)

And You Think You Had a Bad Day ??

2009-01-19T22:27:00.003-05:00

Getting There

2009-01-18T13:10:00.003-05:00

It's seems things have been up and down for me as I still am in recovery mode. I am certain I am not the most pleasant to be 'around' these days, especially when I start to get taken up with worries and concerns over the state of my recovery process. I find myself easily wandering off into 'possible scenarios' of 'what ifs' and 'complications' due only to one thing: the primary reason being that I am a nurse. Every little setback, no matter how small or big it is, causes a shift as I immediately feel the 'nurse' inside of me kick into overdrive as I begin to theorize & put a nursing process / plan into gear.

Thankfully Father hasn't let me meander in that place too very long. I asked my husband just this morning hesitantly, "Am I sounding paranoid?" Thankfully he responded to me gently, but honestly & graciously with his response being "a little". I think I am just a little vulnerable these days, and apparently Father knows that quite well, as well as my husband, children, and friends. Everyone has been so very patient with me. I would like to think that I too could be so gracious. I think of the compassion Jesus had and has over the multitudes who were sick, invalid, somewhere perhaps in a state of recovery, (or perhaps they weren't even yet in recovery), but whatever their particular problem was and wherever they found themself, I am truly convinced that His heart never failed to be moved deeply and compassionately towards their entire well being, no matter what had befallen them.

Maureen's post got me thinking this morning of Jesus. (If you haven't read it yet, you may want to pop over there & check it out, thanks Maureen). Jesus truly is the very center of our life, and wherever we are, He is getting us closer to Him. It's been a very good thing that He has chosen to strip ever so gently the layers away that have clouded this Truth (Himself) within us. Much like an onion, layer by delicate layer, the process is always ongoing. It's so amazing and He is the joy, our joy giver and the One who has invited us to share the very love that He and the Father share. That is what it's all about. That's what is happening to me through my recovery. He's reminding me over and over again that He is the centre of me. He lives in me. It's His wonderful pleasure to be a part of us, bringing us back to this Truth all the time. Loving us in our day to day ups, downs, circumstances.

Take Possession of our Hearts Lord

2009-01-16T20:43:00.009-05:00

Why do I feel simple sharing and partaking is so important? Because deep within us, what we all truly long for in other human beings is Christ. Being honest about this and willing to see this is good because it's then and only then that we can be truly motivated in the right direction: to begin to experience what Christ has already prepared for us and supplied for us, which is Christ.

We can throw away the weight of whatever else is offered up to us and spit it out. We can be vulnerable and honest about the simplicity of Christ in our lives with others. What great joy that brings to be available on that very simple honest level to one another. We are looking for Him! It's all about Christ. That is the good news entirely (that Christ is all in all) and that is what is truly great about being His Child and a member one of another in His Kingdom.

Even as experiencing Christ in this simple way is so exciting and refreshing, I am absolutely aware that this is only possible through our steadfastness in relationship with Him. On that note I will post something which I read today that stood out to me:

"Can it be true, as so many maintain, that there is no time for communion with God? Is not the most important matter for which we must find time, fellowship with God, in which we may experience His love and His power? Give God time, I beseech you. . . . Dear child of God, it is of little use to speak of the deeper, more abundant life of Christ as our life, if we do not daily, above all things, take time for intercourse with our Father in heaven. The life and love and holiness of God cannot be ours amidst the distractions and temptations of the world, unless we give God time to reveal Himself to us and to take possession of our hearts."

– Andrew Murray

Who Wants to Share?

2009-01-14T07:49:00.004-05:00

I have been in the process of recuperating from minor surgery, but thankfully I am moving right along. My hope is that I will continue to have much patience with myself as I continue to allow my body time to mend and do what it has to do ! We are fearfully and wonderfully made. It's all beyond what we can understand, God has provided for us as His Children in so many ways. He's ever good. When we are healing physically we can truly appreciate the wonder and marvel at our beings and our Creator.

Just a quick thought to throw out there beyond all that. Do you remember when you were a young-in? Okay I know it's going back a few years (for myself) but I remember being taught at an early age the importance of sharing with others. It was a difficult concept as a child to grasp. It just didn't seem to be something that would come naturally, and fair enough, many children never did manage to integrate that concept very well. However, the children that seemed to be the most fun & have the most fun were the carefree ones who shared well. They played together extremely well and were so free and full of life and contentment! My observation is that this concept has a spiritual aspect to it in our relationship with others as well.

I was praying and thinking this morning of my walk with Him and of course, the walk I have had alongside of others. I was aware that there was and is one thing that I now value highly. That is meeting and enjoying time with others who want to SHARE CHRIST with me, and likewise, want me also to SHARE CHRIST with them. It's what I am looking for. Free flow both ways, relationship based upon mutual love of Christ and appreciation of Christ in His people. The sharing concept. I have to say in retrospect, that these time of child-like interactions and sharing were not easily found amid the clamor of religious striving for performance perfection and recognition.

I have at times found relationship with others that could be brought to that simplicity, of sharing Christ. Even as my mother had to patiently teach me to share and I had to learn the joy of sharing, Father has had to strip away from me that which has opposed simple relationship with others in me. (He's still at work on that one). But I am getting there. It is and always has been what I desire and look for. It's a hunger within that is so deep that just as it's disappointing to meet those who can't and don't want to share - at the same time - that same deep hunger will not be denied. So we continue onward in search of someone 'Who Wants to Share'. Who has learned the joy and contentment for their soul at that place.

Sadly, there were many times, looking back, that I could not find this and adapted and conformed instead and denied that which I truly hungered for. Christ was definitely in all of that, letting that hunger grow and deepen during that time.

Who Wants to Share ?

Shoe Size

2009-01-09T09:38:00.005-05:00

I have done this, and I see many people doing this, but now it makes me shudder. It goes something like this:

Many people (and I include myself first and foremost on this one) have said things to the effect -- 'Ok I am about to tell you something that has rarely been preached before...'

Translation: There is something deep, new and profound that God is showing that has somehow escaped and rarely (if ever) been grasped before by saints. Makes me shudder now.

I think of the giants having gone well before me, and how big their footsteps truly were. Of the faith they had in Christ, faith that would not be defeated, even in the face of torture, death. How they were literally swallowed up on the face of this world by cruel, evil people - people determined to destroy them and what they represented. The fact that they literally would rather die than live not for Christ glares at me in the mirror. How they yet were not defeated no matter what,despite a lack of food and necessities that we take for granted everyday. They gave all that they possibly could give in their love of Christ and love of mankind, for what? To truly demonstrate the love of God in not only word but most importantly here, ACTION: the gospel to a dying world. I don't know about you, but their footsteps are so much bigger than my little ones!

There were so many saints that went before all of us, that were so ALIVE in Christ, so FULL of the Holy Spirit. YES I truly admire their faith. But, I realize instead, that there has probably been much preached and much lived out BY THEM- that I, .. that I ... have never fully realized. It's the other away around I think.

Outrageously Loved

2009-01-07T22:43:00.004-05:00

This is amazing, the words in this clip :

"The Lord says that there is nothing you can do that would make Him love you more."

"There is also nothing you can do that would make Him love you less."

"He loves you because He loves you, because He loves you, because He loves you."

"Because that is what He is like"

"It is His nature to love, and you will always be the beloved"

"His love is unchanging, He loves you 100 percent, and He won't love you any better
when you become better."

"He loves you l00 percent and even if you have no plans to become better, He will still love you anyway because He loves you, because that's the way He is"

"And even if you don't want to change he will love you 100 percent"

"Even if you have no plans to walk with him, that's his nature he loves all the way, all the time"

"His love is unchanging but what will change is your abiliity to receive my love says the Lord"

"Open you heart says the Lord, and you will receive more of my love than you have ever experienced before"

"Give your obstacles to Him ..."

Inheritance - Graham Cooke

The Waiting Room

2009-01-07T12:39:00.004-05:00

Just wanted to update you here (on my right arm).

I had a neurologist appointment yesterday and he concluded that the nerve conduction and muscular strength in my right arm was fine. My nerve conduction tests on my forearm were just slightly below normal. He said I am in great health. So I am rejoicing in that this morning, that he found nothing neurologically wrong. I have some other upcoming tests, including an MRI scheudled for late January.

The highlight though was being in the waiting room. I just have to tell you about these two little kidd'os. I had the joy of watching a little girl (3) and her brother (5) frolicking and playing under the waiting room table. They found such fun, hiding under there, and flipping and flopping around with their legs around each other, and giggling in their silly craziness. They were the absolute cutest. I am smiling here just thinking of those two and their antics under that table. They eagerly talked with me about how old they were - and wanted to tell me if they could read yet (as I was trying to read a magazine but I easily gave that up) wanting instead to enjoy them - how many books they had at home - when their birthdays were - they just loved to play together, and have fun with each other. Their laughter together was so beautiful. The little girl said a bad word so the big brother replies to tell her 'that's a bad word'. Then he tells her , 'Your getting on my nerves' (but he says it in a darn cute big brother way) to the which she replies, 'what is nerves?" He gives her this long detailed explanation of what 'nerves' are as only a five year old can do. LOL!

Every once in a while their grandma had to tell them, 'Shhh there's sick people in here'. Everyone walking by the room just had to stop at the door and talk to these two cuties, who would tell the stoppers by as they were leaving - "Merry Christmas". LOL! It was such a joy, I would have loved to stay there for many hours and watch these two, because just being there, their joy and happiness was so contagious to my own heart.

I am sure that is how Father looks down on us. He wants us to be joyful and happy and to just enjoy life. He's in control. It's ok to crawl on the floor under the table LOL. Sometimes we so easily lose sight (don't we) of how great a wonder was in the Father's heart for us, and (still is), and that His love has rescued us from everything. His love should truly release us completely from all our worries and concerns. So that we can truly be genuine, sincere people, just like these two little one's were. So we can extend from within our hearts, to others, love, and joy just as these two little ones did to me!

Letting Love Win

2009-01-04T10:24:00.003-05:00

Letting Love Win

Christ kept looking to the Father and He kept choosing the Love that He shared and gave to the Father, as His constant motivation to endure what He endured.

When I thought of this today, I was thanking the Father for the Son, the wonderful love of our Saviour, who was able to give everything because He continued to love. It was His love that overcame what He endured for you & I. His love for you, His love for me, His love for all. I know we have all heard this repeatedly but I doubt that I have understood how deep His love truly is.

But within our hearts, Christ lives, Christ lives, not as a doctrine or theology, but as a person, as a person He lives in us. I am coming to understand this more and more, that it is the person of Christ that lives in me. Because of this, I too can overcome my circumstances in the same way. And let Love Win!

Loving Just One... then you can Love Many

2009-01-04T09:50:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I became aware of a situation in a friend's life that needs our love, prayer and attention. His name is Mike, and he is going through very difficult times right now. He is not only physically unwell, but living with his elderly mother, trying to support her with his very limited pension, but there are other difficult and extreme factors involved as well. They are in dire financial and spiritual need. Please, I would ask each of you reading this, to pray for Mike & his family. I was in contact with others via email concerning this situation, and this morning I received this answer;

Hi Ruth.
thanks for telling me about brother mike and his family. Christ our Lord and our God and Saviour, Our true friend and brother who worships the father even as we sing our praises to him also. Jesus told us how that our father seeks those who will worship him in spirit and in truth. And that our love for others would be even greater, our great apostle Paul told us to love not only in words but in deeds and in truth. Even Jesus told us a new commandment I leave with you, to love one another. The gospel about God's kingdom that even now we live in is so simple.. it is based on love.. love for God in Christ and for our neighbor. our master spoke of his kingdom and said to be blessed in his kingdom.. then to give when asked.. all that really matters in our church meetings and theologies and doctrines is, "Are we impacted by God, have we met him? did he get a hold of us?" If we have realized his love for us then we can, not only be free from the devil and this world of darkness, but also even from our selves..lay down our lives for others for God so that we might gain our selves or gain more of the eternal life in Christ in our spirits, so that we will be set free and find our selves deepin Christ in life & in the spirit .. into his kingdom of light and out of darkness or self centeredness and into Christ our God . who is our true source and supply.. in him we are blessed with all of heaven that even now this beats in our hearts. if we can love just one then we can love many.. Jesus asked peter 3 times do you love me .. peter said yes lord you know all things that i do.. jesus then told peter.. feed my sheep

Gratefulness, Contentment & Peace in HIM

2009-01-01T12:10:00.005-05:00

Hello everyone and of course Happy New Year!

I was being reflective last night, thinking back over the year and feeling much gratefulness rise up in my heart over God's goodness to me.

My hope is that this warm gratefulness would continue to find it's way deep in my heart, and in yours too.

Along with being grateful is a sense of contentment in Him, knowing that Father has been with me, never leaving me. Ultimately He is truly taking us from where we are to where we need to be, the direction and plan's for our lives are all in place. This brings great peace to me as well as for those I know and love. We are all where we are. The good news seems to be that Father is loving us deeply and working in us and through His plan which includes a continuing marveling at the depth of His grace.

I hope to find myself this year caught up deeper in this attitude of gratefulness and contentment.

And thank you to each of you for the smiles and lovely imprints that you have left
in my heart.

The Drying Up Process

2008-12-30T17:42:00.002-05:00

December 30th.
Oswald Chambers
"AND EVERY VIRTUE WE POSSESS"
"All my fresh springs shall be in Thee." Psalm 87:7 (P.B.V.)

Our Lord never patches up our natural virtues, He re-makes the whole man on the inside. "Put on the new man," i.e., see that your natural human life puts on the garb that is in keeping with the new life. The life God plants in us develops its own virtues, not the virtues of Adam but of Jesus Christ. Watch how God will wither up your confidence in natural virtues after sanctification, and in any power you have, until you learn to draw your life from the reservoir of the resurrection life of Jesus. Thank God if you are going through a drying-up experience!

The sign that God is at work in us is that He corrupts confidence in the natural virtues, because they are not promises of what we are going to be, but remnants of what God created man to be. We will cling to the natural virtues, while all the time God is trying to get us into contact with the life of Jesus Christ which can never be described in terms of the natural virtues. It is the saddest thing to see people in the service of God depending on that which the grace of God never gave them, depending on what they have by the accident of heredity. God does not build up our natural virtues and transfigure them, because our natural virtues can never come anywhere near what Jesus Christ wants. No natural love, no natural patience, no natural purity can ever come up to His demands. But as we bring every bit of our bodily life into harmony with the new life which God has put in us, He will exhibit in us the virtues that were characteristic of the Lord Jesus.

"And every virtue we possess
Is His alone."

Trials

2008-12-17T06:46:00.007-05:00

Lately, Father is constantly at work in me, creating within me needs through situations which I find myself in - where He is the answer; where I need Him to help me get His perspective of simple faith and peaceful trust in Him. He has the answer, the only answer, because He is the answer. He is always the answer.

Often it seems it's things going on with the children. God is so faithful. Now what is happening is I have noticed a sudden loss of strength in my right arm. Though I am still fine and capable to use my arm, I have significant loss in my arm when I lift anything heavy & there is pain associated with the movement. It has been investigated preliminarily and the only negative result found was a low potassium blood level. I would appreciate your prayers for me ! I have another doctor visit scheduled this Monday. It seems the last few months have been one consecutive trial after another - one is resolved, then quickly another appears. I am sure you can relate. Still in all I am very thankful for so much and trust God will continue to keep my heart where it needs to be.

When I think back to the last few weeks, and what He has been doing is allowing circumstances and situations in my life, that, though they trouble me and are definitely trials for me, I am truly convinced that they are there for the purpose of God getting me closer to Him; (as I said in the previous post of Wanting More) and deeply aware of His divine presence / love over all my life.

When I am in a trial and struggling, it brings me peace knowing that God is in control. It seems ironic that we mankind, can actually think we are in control, but we do. We all do. Realizing I am not or never have been in control always stretches me and causes me to just release to Him the factors in my life that really, when I have His perspective, I do not have control over anyway.

Though this seems simple to grasp in our minds, in reality it is a struggle in our hearts & in our relationships because of human nature. Unfortunately religious practices have definitely reinforced the idea that humanity can maintain control over our lives in respect to God.

Wanting More

2008-12-15T07:52:00.007-05:00

Just a quick update.

The past few weeks have been very busy, which included a trip to Peterborough to meet Maureen (once again - I hope there are many more) followed by a whirlwind trip to Hamilton to pick up Angie, then home. Thank God for a safe, first-time-I-have-ever-drove-through-Toronto trip (and for great traveling companions!) Maureen was my compass and I don't think I could have done that without her: )

I am enjoying a SO quieter season right now. I was thinking this morning about the miracle of the fish and loaves. There was so much left over, wasn't there? There was as much as they could have really ever wanted :) and isn't it the same for us? There is as much as we want of Christ. There is still more, and more, and more.

Even as the people present at that miracle didn't at all realize that they could have actually had more - this has in much the same way happened to me. I have become very complacent in my heart and in my relationship with Christ. I am now realizing that there is so much more. God is awakening my heart to this truth ever so gently. I simply want to have more, and God has impressed it deeply upon my heart that there is definitely more of Him, and this, my friends, is exactly what I am after these days.

Break Time!

2008-12-02T13:51:00.006-05:00

HI guys!

I think it's about time, I too, take a short break from blogging. This actually has been my second blog.

I want to get back to just enjoying my relationship with Father, including enjoying time spent in his Word with Him. And seeking out the fellowship that He has for me with others.

I have been finding recently that blogging has become another distraction, or a 'thing', a 'ritual' that I feel like I 'have to be doing' 'producing'. Daily if possible :)).

'A ritual to keep up with'. Which means it has become more about me than I realized, and most importantly, I have returned back to what I thought I was actually free from (light bulb experience here:)) .

I think we can be on the same track of religion, which -- though we say we have left -- still we are there -- if we think that God wants to speak through US day after day after day, to the multitudes. This is basically the same scenario as pastors sunday pulpit.
The only difference is perhaps they are in a building and we are on the 'internet'. But lately I am not seeing that as a difference, but a similarity. So I think I will just listen out there and get quiet again.

Though we have, or say we have, experienced change in certain areas, it's easy for me to see personally that the church mentality still exists and wants to operate and it will certainly use the 'blogging' mode as part of that, to take me back there.

love Ruth

Jewel's Gone

2008-11-28T11:14:00.010-05:00

Hi everyone, I just wanted to tell you that my golden retriever died today.

We will all miss her. I remember before we bought her, we talked about whether we should get another dog for a while because our previous dog had died quite few years before that. Eventually we called & found a place nearby where there were golden retriever puppies for sale.

So off we all went to look at all the pups. When I first saw the Mom, she was so proper and beautiful. She was just sitting there all astute and regal looking. Why I actually chose Jewel was because of the demeanour of the mom. I thought wow I would like a pup like that!

The father of the brood was this handsome rugged beauty named Simba. He was just lovely too. He bounded across the yard in search of a long stick that he could quickly bring and deposit at our feet for a game of toss and fetch. He captured our hearts as well. He followed us everywhere we went around the property and eventually deposited himself with a huge thump at our feet while we talked to the owners. That wasn't the first thump we heard. There were several other 'thumps' as his huge tail swept across the floor and thumped up and down in joy to be right there amongst us.
Looking at the brood there were only two females remaining and we quickly decided on one (Jewel). She was only a few weeks old but she would be all ours by the time she was eight weeks old.

How long those eight weeks were! We kept watching the calendar in delight watching the days and weeks slowly pass by. WE kept laughing at the stories of Simba and how his tail was so big and noisy with all those thumps. We imagined Jewel being like her mom with a little bit of her dad thrown in & the anticipation was oh so great. When the day arrived to pick her up off the kids went with Ian to retrieve her, taking with them an old hockey coat of Ian's (to wrap her in) as well as a squeaky toy of some sort (I think it was a stuffed animal actually to carry the scent of the mom with Jewel.) Before long they had returned to the house with this beautiful pup all wrapped up in this great big coat with great big smiles on there faces, ear to ear. Every moment was spent loving her.

The terrors of having a pup as well as delights unfolded within the next several weeks. Delights such as dressing her up as a ballerina even. Back and forth to the adjacent field trying to train her (she quickly caught on). Before long we had purchased many items. I remember how she used to cry at night, the only way she would stop was to curl up on top of my husband's feet.

She turned into a real princess just like her mother. She had the same regal demeanour all the time and soon became properly behaved. As the years went by she began to grey a bit. One of the highlights of owning her was when our neighbors moved in and much to our delight they had a beautiful breeding stud named FALCO. He was also handsome and very big, a white retriever. It was always in our mind to 'introduce' him to Jewel because of course we wanted Jewel to have pups. Jewel was so regal and Falco was such a stud LOL. So finally the topic came up casually and much to our delight our neighbors were equally excited at the prospect of Jewel & Falco 'meeting' and having some babies.

Well it took a few visits before things happened, but within weeks we have on our hands seven golden retriever puppies. They were as you can imagine more delightful than any kid could hope for (or parents). Jewel decided to have the puppies very quickly and without any sort of problems. She was the mom we all knew she would be. She nursed them all fine with one pup we named Fatty who completely seemed to grow the quickest! Hours and hours were spent sitting in lawn chairs gazing at the pup's, watching them nurse, then fat bellies so hard to carry on such short legs, almost touching the ground, bums swaying back and forth! Visitors, family, everyone came to contribute to the oohing and awwing of watching them in tug or wars and rip roaring fights amongst the siblings. (Who would win? ) It was more fun than kid's hearts could hold back then.

As they grew, Jewel grew tired of the constant nursing and began to wean them, but they would follow her in circles as she denied them her milk. In came the bags of puppy chow as we mushed it all up and encouraged them to go for the other food. We eventually sold all the pups with Fatty hanging around the longest due to his size and parting with him was hard and tears were shed but the new owner promised we could visit, and sent pictures and stories of what a great family pet her turned out to be.

We kept one pup, named Diamond, who bounced around her Mom and kept her Mom on her toes and eventually often annoyed with her behaviour. So now Jewel is gone and we have all these great memories as a family of loving her and being so excited for having her, seeing her pups born. We will all miss her so much. It's especially hard for my daughter in university in Hamilton as she never got to really say goodbye to Jewel.

Nathanael's heart ....

2008-11-26T20:47:00.008-05:00

43 ¶ The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.
44 Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.
45 Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.
46 And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.
47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!
48 Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.
49 Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.
50 Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.
51 And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.

Jesus saw Nathanel's heart. Even though he was skeptical, Jesus saw his heart, Jesus saw that there was no pretense, hypocrisy in this man's heart and that he sincerely wanted Truth. And even though there was skepticism, Phillip just said to him basically, "Come and see for yourself!" Notice he did not try to convince Nathanael, but instead simply invited him to come to know Jesus for himself.

It has been my experience that people, all people, want to know that God is real. We certainly cannot convince them of this Truth, though religion has certainly given it a good go over the years. But there is no use trying to convince anyone that God is alive and on the throne. Their heart has to be open. Then God can convince, just as He convinced us, and when God does the convincing, all skepticism evaporates as we truly see Him as King of Kings, Lord of Lords. For who He is.

The fig tree symbolized the place of rest, or a place of meditating where God's spirit was working, a place where Nathanel's heart had became opened to the Truth & only Jesus knew this (when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee). **Notice it wasn't in the temple as was the custom of the religion of the day. It seems it was in his own private place that the work of God was opening up his heart. God is so acquainted with us, he knows us intimately.

As soon as Nathanael turned toward Jesus with this heart, how quickly & easily he was able to overcome his skepticism. It seemed to literally evaporate! He was seeking the real deal, the real thing. He was seeking a type of a genuine relationship with the Lord. Jesus knew that ! It was a great reward, for Jesus immediately spoke to him.

Our relationship with the Lord is one that must touch our heart constantly and deeply. It's transforming within, His Spirit. We are always thinking about and pondering deep things in our heart - the more we know and continue in this direction, the more our heart becomes anchored in Christ. It is all about the heart and less about the self. We must be willing to sweep away all that denies us of the type of relationship where His greatness is demonstrated; deny ourselves of the temptation instead to lift self up. May He become all in all in us and through us.

When We Know

2008-11-25T11:33:00.002-05:00

(I am not feeling well today, so for all who aren't familiar with my previous & earlier posts, here is one)

" I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice [and] my supplications. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon [him] as long as I live. "
(Psalm 116 :1,2)

When we are in a "difficult" place of sorts, it's good to know and be assured that God has heard the "voice of our supplications". We can wait on the Lord. Wait and also know that even though so many of us get into difficult seasons and trials come with the Lord, we know we have hope - hope because He hears our voice, hope because He hears our cries.

We don't have to worry - for God is listening, He will not leave us nor forsake us because we have done some wrong things, he doesn't require perfection in us only an honest heart. As we deal openly with the Lord of the issues in our heart, we can be persuaded like Paul who said God would keep that which was committed unto Him.

When we know that we have given Him all,
When we know that we have given Him our life,
When we know that we have given Him our heart,
When we know that we have given Him our trials,
When we know that we have given Him our families,
When we know that we have given Him our friends,
When we know that we have given Him our mistakes,
When we know that we have given Him our regrets,
When we know that we have given Him our future,

God is on the throne of our lives !

The wounds that we experience in our union with Christ are simply reminders that we are His and we belong to Him. They help our faith to deepen and remind us of the journey we are on .. Paul said he bore on his body the marks of the Lord Jesus Christ. Out of all these places, we drink, and drink, and drink, of the well of salvation in us. This is how we really make a difference, God is getting us through and giving us the courage we need to experience Him in deeper and deeper ways.

God is the only one who can help us to understand why we go through what we go through. He's really the only one who can explain to us the meaning of all things, and what it is that He is after in us. To be Christlike, to know without a doubt God will bring us through everything, through every false accusation. He'll bring us through all, and then we will truly know that God has been with us, and we have walked with Him on an incredible journey.

So many people will challenge us by saying such things as:

"Has God really walked with you?"
"Has God really been there with you ?"
"Has God really heard you?"

We can say yes, yes, yes, He has! And more! Yes He has heard us, and yes He is merciful. His mercy in fact, has preserved me through all things and dealt even bountifully with me. We walk with Him, and as we do, we bear in us the very marks of that journey. God will not forsake us. In fact, there comes a confidence that will always say, I love the Lord because He has heard the voice of my supplications....

Quotes on the Mystery of Suffering

2008-11-24T07:12:00.003-05:00

As I was cleaning out my old email, I came across these insightful words, which were posted on Andrew's Storm's Website a while ago. They are the words of a fellow journeyman.

SHOULD I ONLY TAKE THE SWEET FROM THE HAND OF GOD AND NOT THE BITTER?

THE MESSAGE WE CARRY IN AND THROUGH OUR LIVES IS A MESSAGE OF OVER COMING.

THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS WITHIN YOU RIGHTEOUSNESS - PEACE - AND JOY

THIS IS FORGED INTO OUR BEING AS WE LET THE SUFFERING, TRIALS OF LIFE DO THEIR PERFECT WORK

IT IS BY TRIBULATION THAT PATIENCE DOES ITS WORK TO PRODUCE FRUIT.

BUT LET IT DO ITS PERFECT WORK , THERE IS A DEPTH IN GOD WHO ALONE KNOWS THIS PROCESS FOR EACH OF US

IN THAT DAY WHEN THE LORD REVEALS US AS JEWELS WE WILL SEE THE MYSTERY OF SUFFERING IN ALL ITS WONDER.

JESUS FOR THE JOY SET BEFORE HIM, ENDURED THE GREATEST OF SUFFERING THE WORLD WILL EVER KNOW, YET HE ALLOWS US TO BE PARTAKERS OF THIS SUFFERING.

EACH ONE OF US ARE BEING MADE INTO HIS LIKENESS IF WE ARE WILLING TO SUBMIT TO HIS LOVE AND WILL.

EACH A BEAUTIFUL JEWEL FORGED IN THE EARTH AND PLACED IN THE TEMPLE MADE WITH OUT HANDS.

THE CHURCH IS THE LIGHT OF TRUTH = IF WE CAN'T ACCEPT THE CROSS IN OUR LIVES, THEN WHERE LIES THE HOPE FOR THE WORLD?

REMEMBER THE NEW JERUSALEM , THE CITY OF GOD DESCENDING FROM HEAVEN IS MADE UP OF SUCH LIVING STONES, AND THE GATE OF THAT CITY ( IT'S ENTRANCE) IS SOLID PEARL.

A PEARL IS SYMBOLIC OF SUFFERING-- SO LET US WITH JOY LOOK AHEAD OF SUFFERING TO THE PRIZE OF THE HIGH CALLING IN CHRIST JESUS AND WALK JOYOUSLY THROUGH THOSE GATES.

posted by Ruth at 7:13 PM

Process vs Christ

2008-11-22T15:48:00.003-05:00

I was wondering what to post on lately as I seem a bit stalled, (which is okay) but one thing that I thought I could post on is about the change that I have noticed since leaving the institution (2002) directly related to my own relationship with Christ. The biggest freedom I have experienced is that I have no interest at all in the religious process(es) to achieve anything, to be anything, or do anything. I am simply completely content to have and enjoy my relationship with Him. It is not defined by any process. It is defined instead by the living Christ who lives in me. Christ is a person and not a process.

In retrospect, I noticed that there is a continual preoccupation within the camp of religion with the process. It seems everything according to religion is defined by the 'process' necessary to get where ever one needs to go. Whether it's to get wealthy, get healthy, successful, happy, or even figure out what God's will is, it seems there is a formula that is available that one can access that will guarantee the result one is seeking. Unfortunately this bypasses the central Truth that Christ lives in us, that He is with us, caring deeply at every level & step along the way, from simply where we are - to where He wants to take us.

I believe and am thankful that God in Christ wanted to interrupt this nonsense in my own life because He simply wanted me to be completely fulfilled in Christ alone & that His Son would reign in the deepest part of my heart. That I would just rely on Him. To take away the preoccupation with all the necessary do's, don'ts process so that I can truly relax and look at Christ.

This of course does not happen in one day, or one moment, but it is a constant inclination of the heart towards Him that He brings slowly, repeatedly, day upon day.

Friends

2008-11-20T13:04:00.000-05:00

Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

Jesus calls you & I friends! Jesus pouring all the riches of Himself into His friends!! Wow, all the riches of what the Father had shown Him and given Him, are now given unto His friends.

What riches did Christ have? What were some of those riches?

Think about Christ's relationship with the Father. The depth. The love. The intimacy. The sharing. The communication. He brings us into that. Think about the very act of Christ pouring the riches of His own relationship with His Father, now out to His friends, to you , to I .

I have had close rich relationships with others. I know how careful I am in bringing a friend into that. To share that, to be a part of that. Or, on the other hand, to be invited into that with others. Someone who will share the love, share the closeness, share the uniqueness & joy of that friendship.

Unfortunately for us all, we can easily forget that Christ has called us friends & brought us into this intimate place with He and the Father. Especially when circumstances and situations trouble and arise, and I allow them to define me. I fret & fail to draw out of the friendship forged within me of Christ & my union with he and the Father. I am reminded this morning that there is continual harmony with Christ, He is my foundation as He is yours. He has built us, built our foundation, which is sure! An intimate foundation of shared love of the pure joy of having a relationship with Him, sustaining us & guiding us through our situations. Christ has poured into you & I, His friends, the very foundation for a continuous friendship through the operation of the grace of God at all times. May doubt quickly evaporate as we grab hold of this truth, as His riches operate and become evident through all things, to God be the glory for what He has done through His Son!

"May His love pour out of us, may we all have a deeper awareness of the greatness Lord in that you have called us friends, in that you have given us the riches of the friendship which you and the Father shared. May we be transformed by this. Renewing our mind against the constant battle of vanity self centredness & purposeless living, I pray in Jesus name. amen

Having His Heartbeat

2008-11-19T07:49:00.008-05:00

I have always wanted to be around people who really love Jesus. You can tell when you have met or found someone such as that, who deeply loves Him, because when you are with them, He is who they want to talk about. I personally have been so blessed to meet so many people such as that. They are all unique & different in some ways, but so similar and deep in their love & passion for Christ. Their eyes glimmer & light up as they share their love & passion for Him freely with you. Words are not even necessary, you can actually feel it when you are with them! Experiencing the deep exchange of life on the inside that Christ brings so generously one can't help but share that life (His heart) with others.

What a great heart He has given His people, the body of Christ. It's His heart. Paul had His heart & he understood that it was Christ's heart beating inside of him, and to Paul that was everything. He would not ever consider carelessly hurting a sister or brother in Christ because He had Christ's heart. I have seen people, and I, myself, have carelessly wounded others without fully realizing and taking into consideration, that not only is Christ in me, but Christ is also living in them. Should we/ I offend & wound the very heart of God in others so carelessly?

I think along those lines, church isn't something we figure out, it's a heart. I mean, it's simple. It's His heart. If you have His heart, fully & completely, we are joined to Him. And His great Heart is joining us to others. We can see the 'church' a product of His heart joining us to others.
We are one of another not because of religious persuasions, denominational perspectives but simply because of His heart.

have a great day !

Christians Confess

2008-11-17T19:46:00.011-05:00

I just wanted to point you over to this website called Christians Confess.

These are heart felt, sincere comments from people out there in cyberspace who have had time to reflect on some of the attitudes prevalent in the camp of Christianity. People who have really taken the time to truly consider exactly and honestly what their actions and attitudes might be saying to others. Especially those who don't quite think the same way as they do, believe the same way as they do, or the exact same doctrines as they do.

It really is worthwhile to read through the comments, they are helpful in considering our own actions and attitudes, that might need some fine tuning here and there (me).
I think the process of dealing with the self-righteous nature within us all is definitely an ongoing one; something we, who truly want to partake of His grace, and beyond that, bountifully extend that to others, should be so careful to deal with.

thanks!

R & R- His Way

2008-11-16T17:39:00.008-05:00

R & R. Rest & Receive. That is what Father has called us to. That is what the Father is laying on my heart. Rest and Receive. Just come to Him. Stop striving and receive from Him. Oh why do I need to constantly learn this? Over so many things how quickly I start striving & trying to work things out. Christ doesn't want it to be that way - He wants us to come instead to Him and receive.

He can touch every kind of situation with Christ. Stop striving and just rest & receive from Christ. He is the supply. Hasn't He been my supply ? (Yes, He has) Father is deeply committed to us all. He will use 'all things' to the end that Christ is formed within. It's amazing that God has given us such abundant life (R&R) through Jesus Christ!

What I hear Father saying to me over and over is to simply "come" to Him. He has called me & chosen me, and He is the one who is working within the character of His Son. I cannot produce this, only Christ can. Knock knock on my thick head. : ) why do I always think I can? I can find a million things that beset my day and that need my attention, and even though I know that my heart is set on Him, I find myself still striving. I need to have some R & R, and simply trust He is working in me - what He wants worked out of me.

Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matt 11:28

A Short Video

2008-11-12T22:17:00.000-05:00

Recipe ?

2008-11-12T11:26:00.004-05:00

Question:

If you were going to write or create a recipe for the ingredients of 'a church' or for 'the church' what would you include as the ingredients necessary to do so & why? What would they be? (Or to word it differently, what do you feel would be some of the ingredients present or NOT present in that gathering). Trying to make this simple : 0 )

For myself I think a freedom in sharing and love of the Word,
openness amongst all,
honesty and genuine love & interest in one another,
love, love of Truth,
mutual respect,
mutual sharing,
lots of hope & encouragement for one another,
loving generous leadership,
very giving hearts to all - including those in any need or difficulty,
community in the sense of sharing life and giving life to each other
sensitivity to one another's pain & the need to work through and process that as a personal thing

I think I could go on and on here : ) I guess I have just had lotzz of time to think about it.

I would like to see His love as the main goal, the expression of that & the work of His love constantly and gently moving all in the direction of yielding more to the Father (the Father's will expressed as a group). And that desire ( for His will ) would be expressed in our lives as a result of His love restoring our hearts and gaining a deepening expression. But not something we work to make happen, or 'set out to do'. Instead the exchange taking place because His love has captured us, His love is doing it. Father's love settling within and dispelling our fears.

Vital Process vs Vital Wound ?

2008-11-10T22:15:00.007-05:00

Looking back on my journey in retrospect I see the primary objective within religion seemed to be to teach doctrine. To teach 'correct' doctrine. To create and facilitate an ongoing process that would ensure meaningful discipleship growth. The traditional mindset revolves around the belief that this method assures and exists for the purpose of creating disciples. They believe that this steady 'supply' from the 'pulpit' is vital. A sacred necessary means of facilitating onward growth, uninterrupted and constant union between Christ and those receiving said doctrine.

Notice I said 'vital'. The word vital can mean two things: on the one hand it can pertain to life, but on the other hand it can pertain to death. As in vital processes vs. vital wounds. Keeping that in mind, please rest assured that I am not saying that there is no value in doctrine or teaching, of course there is, but it seems to me that there is an error in saying that it is completely vital. (The only guarantee in using this method is that you will primarily create self righteous people who are very religious (and proud) which would therefore be classified not as a vital process but a vital wound. )

The only vital part of our union with Him is Christ Himself - He is the one who is initiating our union with Him, and bringing us into union with the Father. It's Christ in us who is doing all. He is bringing, He is keeping, He is doing all within all. It's grace that brings us, grace that maintains & grace that keeps us in Him. He alone is vital, and the vital part of the Union - only Christ can unite us and produce Himself in us.

I have always felt that religion seemed to downplay the oneness & perfectness of our union with Him (the vital part). If we really believe it is all Him, then He alone is the vital supply. If we are joined to His very life, then He is vital. If he is living and breathing in us, then He is vital. If He is the Truth, then He is vital. I think that Paul understood this because it seems to me he did not spend his time investigating the errors of his previous religious experience(s) ie the vital wound, but rather understood that His purpose now was to manifest and share the life of Christ. (VITAL process) The process is not so much as to unravel the errors of the environment (investigate the vital wound) as it is to investigate Christ, the only vital portion necessary to sustain and maintain life giving environment.

I am, as many of you my friends in blog land are, witnesses to this reality - that Christ, the union with Him that He has created and is living in us and between us - is giving us life and constantly expressing Himself in a way that illuminates our being, showing one another that Christ lives and breathes & shares life with us. Christ in us, He testifies of Himself and declares that He is sufficient in us ! He is keeping us as we forsake the 'vital wound', proof He alone is Vital, sufficient and formed in us.

Formation of Christ Within

2008-11-07T14:06:00.010-05:00

Thinking about my journey outside the confines of tradition and religion, I am just beginning to understand now that the deep purpose of God in taking me out of the IC was, simply put, that Christ would "continue" to be formed within.

The part of us that is Christ, His Spirit in us, desires once began, to continue forming Christ within, shaping us into a purer and stronger reflection of Him day by day. I am coming to the conclusion that this process, the ongoing formation of Christ, is what is actually side-tracked and this is accomplished primarily by giving ourselves over to becoming religious minded. This process seems gradual as it works in us, so gradual in fact that we don't really see it working. We are blinded to it because of the fact that so many absorb this thinking. We see it all around us.

Often we will navigate out of the confines of our religion & denomination in search of Christ elsewhere in others. Religion gradually is evident in our endeavours, behaviours, thinking, etc. so that before long, we have embraced the idea of being 'religious & self righteous' over being formed into Christ, into His likeness deep within. The purpose of religion therefore IMHO is to fatally interrupt and halt the formation process of Christ in us.

He has chosen us as vessels that will truly contain and engage in this ongoing process with Him. He accomplishes this in us as we offer ourselves to Him, yield and receive grace within us for the purpose ONLY, to form Christ and manifest Him.

Buildings, attendance, programs, theology degrees, seminars, ministry positions, leadership endeavours, all this cannot produce Christ. Only Christ can form Christ within.

In fact as many of us have learned in hindsight, they can rail road this process by keeping us very preoccupied and busy; and contrary to Christ. We are alive through Christ, nothing else. Years of relying on teaching, preaching, praise group meetings, group study, educational methods and practises that would thereby assure or guarantee of spiritual growth have only left us bewildered and disappointed.

Perhaps it is true to say in hindsight that spiritual growth does occur within these contexts. BUT the question to be asked is what kind of spiritual growth ? Religious spiritual growth, or the formation of Christ within ? Is Christ being formed?

Christ In His Body

2008-11-06T23:21:00.005-05:00

Since I left the institutional church scene back in 2002, I have been on quite a journey. I remember those early months, right after leaving, how exciting it was, sitting every morning, long into the hours of late - morning, on my porch drinking 'x' numbers of coffee, and talking to Jesus. The difficult part was over, I had chosen to leave despite the warnings of this one and that one. With that behind me, I was now free to totally love Jesus the way that I knew I wanted to. It was so exciting to venture out of the institutional mindset and behaviours, and begin to discover the freedom and joy of Christ alone! Oh the security and peace. Thinking back, it was such a wonderful season in my life, of enjoying deepening intimacy and union with Him. Trust in Him was continually growing, and I was really being freed up from religious thinking, much of which had primarily stopped my growth in Him by squelching my desire & devotion for Him only.

What I have also found as I have progressed is a deepening desire to know and appreciate the lovely body of Christ ! I want so much to love Him and love His people the way He does; I want that always to be growing in me! I believe I see the beauty of His reflection in others in ways I never would have, had I stayed in that mindset ! He is so beautiful in His people! I value & appreciate His presence in others. In the institution, beauty is often valued instead concerning the system, how well it is working and performing etc.

I have been so delighted to find members of the body of Christ all over the place. It's like a treasure hunt, and as you persevere, you soon, with delight, find the beauty of that treasure suddenly here and there. You can't help but be in total absolute awe of the beauty of Christ in others when that happens Often unexpectedly! Lovely, He is. Lovely especially in others who have courageously ventured out of the safety, comfort and confines of religion, and without restraint and unreservedly, knowing they have begun to open up their heart and just completely give themselves to Christ. That is the beauty, really. The beauty is in the act within the heart, of just yielding & giving oneself so completely to Christ, on such a deep level, one that goes beyond religion, to just surrendering all to Him, this is truly breath-taking.

So when we as brothers and sisters in Christ find each other out there - somewhere on this journey, a journey of the heart - and suddenly behold that beauty of Christ, deep within and beating in another's heart, we can't help but be deeply moved and grateful at that discovery. Our Spirit's groan and leap within in such true joy. We see with humility and tears that being a part of His Body is a deep privilege, to share within the context of another's love and devotion to Christ.

The Established Heart

2008-11-05T20:23:00.004-05:00

(Th purpose and work of Grace is to establish our heart )

"He Establishes Our Heart"

By Arthur J Licursi

1 Thes. 3:13 To the end he may stablish (Greek, sterizo, turned resolutely) your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.

The most changeable thing about us is our heart - which is principally our soul, with our mind saying "I think...thus and such, our emotions saying "I feel..." and our will, saying "I want...". It’s all about us. According to our natural birth our heart is changeable but always bent toward our self. Instead of having an established heart, all we Christians begin with having a changeable, a movable heart; moved by self-interested thoughts, emotions, and desires.

We need our heart to become solidly established, one that is always bent toward God, not a heart that is changeable and fleeting.

Our heart may be changeable not only in relation to other people, but even in our relationship with the Lord. Yet, God is the faithful and unchanging One; He never changes. His love and grace are always bent toward us. We are the ones who are changeable; we are changeable in our heart. For this reason, Paul was concerned that the hearts of the new believers at Thessalonica would be set, built up, and established by the Lord.

Although we need our heart to be established, we are not able to do this ourselves. Only the Lord can establish our heart. Therefore, we need Him to cause our heart to be solidly established and built up. We receive the mercy and grace from the Lord as He orders the happenings, circumstances and situations of our lives, so that we may be brought to yield to Him… to give Him the permission to establish our heart. Most of us have prayed at one time or another, “Lord, I want to give you my life; make me a holy person.” Upon hearing such a prayer He is working on our behalf to fulfill that God-given desire. Recognizing our free will; He awaited our permission before He works within us to bend our will and do the establishing. When our heart has been established, resolutely turned to Him, it is then changed; it is bent toward being blameless before God.

As always, even this “establishing” is the work of God's grace in our lives. Philip. 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. 1 Thes. 5:24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. And of this we may be confident. Philip. 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

"My Energizing Power"

2008-11-04T15:16:00.003-05:00

O My child, I have waited long for your coming.
My eyes have grown weary with watching,
And My heart heavy with longing for you.
For I have said, “Rest in Me, “ but you have striven.
I have said, “Stand still,” but you have continued to run.
I have called, but you have been listening to human voices.

Turn to Me.
You do not need to do more. For you will find your quest ended.
Then you will see how futile has been all the struggle.
Like the sinner who misses the gift of saving grace
Through absorption in good works,
So you, My child, have missed My sweet reality
In your frantic efforts to please Me.

As Martha in her desire to minister to Me forfeited
My nearness,
So you have done.
My child, I have need of nothing. I desire only your love.
Give me this first always, and whatsoever service may follow,
You will then do with light feet and a heart set free.
Abandon to Me your whole being,
And I will then work in and through you in such a way
That even as I am using you,
You shall simultaneously experience My energizing power,
So that in the very process of giving,
You will in very truth receive even beyond what you give,
And will in each instance emerge richer and stronger.

There is no loss when you serve Me thus.
For when your life is wholly lost in My life, there is never
Anything but gain.
As the prophet of old exclaimed,
“They go from strength to strength” (Ps. 84:7)
Only sin works death and loss. Righteousness works life and health.

So come first to Me.
Yes, come until the stream of your life
Is swallowed up in the ocean of My fullness.
Then you will go, and you will give,
And in your giving you will never know lack,
The Lord is your shepherd; you shall not want
(see Psalm 23:1).
For the Kingdom of God is righteousness and peace
And joy in the Holy Spirit. (see Rom 14:17)

Frances J. Roberts

This I Know, God is for Me

2008-11-04T08:16:00.018-05:00

I am reminded that within all, within Ruth, there is a notion that questions the aspect of suffering in our lives. "Why, if this is God coming to me and why if this is God speaking to me, why does there have to be so much suffering out there? Why Father, does there have to be suffering for me? Or for someone I love? Why, if it is God, would I or another have to suffer?" I admit I often ask this even when I think I understand the answer. I still ask the question. Suffering can be so intense and when we or another is suffering it hurts. We make our cry to the Father and our tears fall for Father truly knows that we need to ask this question.

One reason we ask is we so often see God through the screen or lens of our own longings and desires. Longings and desires that are so deeply set within-set within all, that it's only through Christ's power coming to us that we could ever hope to be free of them and see them for what they are. We easily prefer to view things and gravitate toward - not only people with the same 'views' that fit our lens- but certainly toward messages and truths out there that will 'fit our view', fulfill this view by appealing to our sense of entitlement in life and our particular forms of self righteousness that we have embraced. ie what we have predetermined should be. Self fulfillment I think it's called.

The good news is that God does come to us, He does offer us Truth and fellowship with Him that would include sufferings, include being rejected of others, include talking of the deep work of the Cross within our sufferings. Jesus offers us intimacy and unity with Him that only comes and is worked deeper as we commune with Him on this level of truth. Through our suffering. Through careful examination of all inner attitudes that would oppose growth in our character ultimately.

Psalm 6:9

David said "This I know, God is for me."

And for you & I we can say "This I know, God is for me. "

Jesus prayed for us all that our faith would be continually strengthened. He prayed that we would have courage to travel onward and unravel every misconception and wrong notion within. And that as we courageously do so, that in turn, we would be a strength to someone else. It's not complicated or difficult to understand how the Body of Christ works.

May the Father give courage to be moving forward, NOT in living out a fulfillment of self, but instead a fulfillment of Christ. We cannot live and serve both. It's one or the other. Truly it's only Him that can satisfy and we long for Him on a level that is deeper than we know and He will take us there as we give up our own sense of entitlement, even to ourselves. "Be merciful unto me, O God be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge ... "

Lord, let our hearts not grow weary. Come to each of us Lord as we ask the question of why does there have to be suffering in our lives, or in another's life. And Father, as we not only ask the question, give us also courage to hear the answer. Help us Lord to experience you in the depth that comes as we cast aside our own version of preconceived notions and desires that would strive against total dependance, deepening trust and devotion to you. "

(Oz's thoughts on suffering --> here )

Malcolm Smith: The Gospel

2008-11-02T14:44:00.001-05:00

The Gospel is the call to rest, to receive the free, undeserved gift that God has given us in Christ. There is nothing man can do to earn salvation from his past, or his present acceptance and walk with God. It is, from beginning to end, the grace of God, which can only be received by faith.

The body of truth that proclaims the revelation of God is called the Good News. News, by definition, is the announcement of something that has happened, not a list of things that must be done! All that must be done for a man to live in perfect union with God has been accomplished by Jesus in His death and resurrection.

The heart of the Christian life is to stand in wonder before His love and say, "Thank You!"

The Gospel is not a call to do something, but the announcement that all is done in the One Who stood for all.

The Christian life is not living in our own strength and resources, but from the infinite Christ Who lives within those who believe. All human strength will come to an end sooner or later, leaving each of us with charred, burned out life. But His strength knows no end!

We have one function in life: to be the manifestors of His life to the world. Only when we are living His life are we truly living our own! This is the reason for our creation.

We realize that He is not only the past tense Savior from sin, but also the One Who now lives within us in the present tense, our life and breath. Christianity is not a formula, but the Person of Jesus Himself.

Never think that Christianity is a matter of adjusting behavior, but rather, of letting Christ live through us in His strength and power.

(Malcolm Smith)

Still Looking, Still Longing, Still Searching

2008-11-01T09:47:00.007-04:00

I was thinking of Mary this morning. Looking for Jesus' body at the tomb, still looking, still longing, still searching for Him. This while the other disciples had went home again, but she alone remained. Her question was, "where have you laid him, tell me, I will take (his body) away." (John 20:15)

Oh that we would all have this kind of passion within us for Jesus. Even when others turn away for whatever reason, in pursuit often of ambition and self, or a Jesus that only tells people maybe what they want to hear, oh that within us instead our hearts would burn even stronger for Jesus at that moment, just as her's did. Even if it means to be misunderstood and to be alone as she was - the thought of denying our hearts the love that was ours , that it would be even stronger within.

She found Him didn't she. She found Him in a gardener no less. So many would have never recognized Him in the form He chose to appear in. Just an ordinary gardener, but she recognized Him, she recognized His voice as He called her name. Jesus knew the longing within her, the searching that would not be denied. Oh how she wanted Jesus and would find Him. He would not disappoint her.

We look for Him in the same way. WE see Him in forms which we never expect Him to appear but nevertheless we see Him and recognize Him because of the longing within. Others might miss Him but we shall be looking, we shall be searching, we shall be longing after Him. For we know we shall find Him we know we will hear His voice.

Heart Longings

2008-10-31T13:33:00.008-04:00

Everything we ever longed for is found in Christ! There is such an intense longing placed within all mankind for intimacy with their Saviour (Christ). God so loves and cherishes His creation, He longs for us to know His love and to find the love that we were all created to experience.

After we come to know Him, we go from "image to image" and 'glory to glory' ! The sooner we all can come to the realization that no human reasonings can offer us this depth of intimacy and sharing, the better.

I really want to spend my days and years to come ALL in pursuit of Christ. Have you ever heard that song, if tomorrow never comes? I don't know if tomorrow will come, I don't know what it will be like, but I do know that TODAY I can hear His voice, share love with Him, be loved and cherished by Him, growing in the intimacy of oneness with Him.

What should we do with the Cross? What should we do with the one true fact, that Christ longs for us, to a degree we don't understand: that we have within us, all of us , a longing to be satisfied by Him? He sent Christ to fully & completely satisfy us, he does this as he opens our hearts, cleanses us, and we receive forgiveness. He keeps the door of our hearts opened, knowing that intimacy is meant to be expressed continually between us. That is love, that is intimacy. The longing within is so deep as is the love, that the intimacy is expressed continually.

Will we fill this need and longing within us with Christ? or in the pursuit of other things that will fade away and leave us more empty inside than ever. Satisfying us briefly, superficially, but not deeply, in our deepest most being.

There is one thing we can count on - all things will pass away, but Love, His Love, will last forever.

1 ¶ The song of songs, which is Solomon's.
2 ¶ Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine.
3 Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee.
4 Draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee.
5 I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.
6 Look not upon me, because I am black, because the sun hath looked upon me: my mother's children were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards; but mine own vineyard have I not kept.
7 ¶ Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions?
8 If thou know not, O thou fairest among women, go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, and feed thy kids beside the shepherds' tents.
9 I have compared thee, O my love, to a company of horses in Pharaoh's chariots.
10 Thy cheeks are comely with rows of jewels, thy neck with chains of gold.
11 We will make thee borders of gold with studs of silver.
12 ¶ While the king sitteth at his table, my spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof.
13 A bundle of myrrh is my well beloved unto me; he shall lie all night betwixt my breasts.
14 My beloved is unto me as a cluster of camphire in the vineyards of Engedi.
15 Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves' eyes.
16 Behold, thou art fair, my beloved, yea, pleasant: also our bed is green.
17 The beams of our house are cedar, and our rafters of fir.

Salvation is a Person, not a Thing

2008-10-30T20:48:00.002-04:00

Because I come from a Christian background where salvation is limited to the notion of a simple one-time prayer, or a decision made when you walk down front, or raise your hand to agree with the speaker’s summation of the Gospel, it can be quite easy for me to lose site of the real meaning of the Gospel. The Gospel is a person, not a moment, or a thing.

It is the continual grace bestowed on me through the work done in and through the Person of Christ.

Salvation is not a detached gift of God in some gracious and miraculous way bestowed upon man.

Salvation is Christ, and to experience salvation is to experience Christ. It is not the experience of something, but of someone.

The Bible does not teach that Christ has salvation and dispenses it like a benevolent master giving gifts to his servants who obey him. Christ is our salvation and gives Himself to us as our salvation. He is our life; He is our strength; He is our peace; He is our joy; He is our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption.”

—George W. Peters, A Biblical Theology of Missions (Chicago: Moody Press, 1972), 65

Living for Others !

2008-10-30T07:42:00.002-04:00

Am I My Brother's Keeper?

'None of us liveth to himself.'
Romans 14:7

Has it ever dawned on you that you are responsible for other souls spiritually before God? For instance, if I allow any private deflection from God in my life, everyone about me suffers. We "sit together in heavenly places." "Whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it." When once you allow physical selfishness, mental slovenliness, moral obtuseness, spiritual density, everyone belonging to your crowd will suffer. "But," you say, "who is sufficient for these things if you erect a standard like that?" "Our sufficiency is of God," and of Him alone.

"Ye shall be My witnesses." How many of us are willing to spend every ounce of nervous energy, of mental, moral and spiritual energy we have for Jesus Christ? That is the meaning of a witness in God's sense of the word. It takes time, be patient with yourself. God has left us on the earth - what for? To be saved and sanctified? No, to be at it for Him. Am I willing to be broken bread and poured out wine for Him? To be spoilt for this age, for this life, to be spoilt from every standpoint but one - saving as I can disciple men and women to the Lord Jesus Christ. My life as a worker is the way I say "thank you" to God for His unspeakable salvation. Remember it is quite possible for any one of us to be flung out as reprobate silver - ". . . lest that by any means when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway."

(Oswald Chambers)

Father's Hugs

2008-10-28T09:50:00.004-04:00

Just looking at this picture was like, oooh, that soothes my heart and soul!

How does it make you feel !?

(Maureen, it reminded me of the picture on your blog you put up recently)

found the picture here if you want to check it out .

Continuing on In Knowing Christ

2008-10-27T15:15:00.006-04:00

Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we [him] no more.
2 Cor. 5:16

The relationship that the disciples once had with Jesus, of knowing Christ in the flesh, was changed, forever changed, by the Holy Spirit. By the wind and power of the Holy Spirit. I would think that as Paul spoke to the church, and tried to convey this truth to them, that they would have found this difficult to understand. Jesus understood that there were many things inexplainable until the Holy Spirit would come - there were many things He could or would have said to them but He knew it wouldn't make any sense til the Spirit of Truth would come and explain it to them (John 16:13)

Knowing Jesus as I do, I am coming to understand that the best relationship that I could ever have with Him is one that is by the Spirit.

That is why Jesus said:
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. (John 16:7)

Jesus said that it was a very good thing that He go, { for He wanted to go } so that we, together with all saints, might know Him by the Spirit and develop our spiritual 'seeing' of Him.

He spoke of a spiritual vision, a 'seeing of Him', that was necessary to have within us, to encounter and experience relationship with Him. Knowing with certainty that the Kingdom of God is within us.

This despite the fact that we cannot see Him in the natural, we cannot touch Him in the natural, nor hear Him in the natural.

A relationship based upon the Spirit of Christ, connects us to Him, and to each other!

Thank you Jesus for the gift given unto us by the Holy Spirit !

Should We Be Content in the Boat?

2008-10-26T12:48:00.005-04:00

Religion has always taught many the 'need to get out of the boat' so to speak and walk on water. You know, do something miraculous and supernatural, like Peter did, .. er .. I mean attempted to do. Not much has ever been said perhaps about the others, who stayed behind in the boat and only watched as Peter stepped out of the boat and subsequently failed. All in the boat had feared as Jesus came toward them (walking on water) but Jesus soon spoke to them, calmed their fears by saying, "Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid." Matt. 14:27

Perhaps Peter, unlike the others, was not content to stay in the boat after receiving Jesus' words and comfort. Jesus words were spoken to all. But in the end, it wasn't faith that drove Peter out of the boat because Jesus eventually said to him, "O ye of little faith, why did you doubt?" (fear) Perhaps, after all we have been taught on this, we should consider the other side of this story: consider those disciples who were willing to stay in the boat, willing to receive the comfort and words of Jesus vs Peter's lack of faith.

Often, our first religious inclinations, as honorable as they can appear to be, to ourselves and to others .. if we are truly honest and sincere, they can be traced back to fears and insecurities that linger within all! Linger in all their strengths and passions - yet subtely masquerade as faith!

I think back to so much of what I was taught and often compelled - by not only myself, but others as well - of what I needed to be doing, needed to be thinking, exercising faith, etcc. and see it as clearly a lack of faith and instead rooted in insecurity & fear.

Now that I am settled down in the boat, (gasp lol) and no longer compelled as deeply as I once was towards these things, I find it truly much easier to continuously receive Jesus' comfort and words to my very own heart. Experience His love & enjoy confidence in Him, in His ability to sustain and provide for me.

At the same time, I often see others struggling over and over again, struggling in their fears and doubts, thereby driven to try to do so many things, reflective of walking on the water. I see them struggle and pray above all that they would find rest and peace from this battle deep within. That they might gain Christ, deep within, for truly He speaks to all, He is all we need and will ever need. And become the peaceful influence He desires us to be. A resting place for His Spirit. He provides for all as we simply learn to be content and keep our eyes on Him. Eyes on who He is and the wonderful provision He has given and laid out before us. He will certainly see us through every storm, and every rough current that we face or see on the horizon.

Oh, the peace of God that surpasses our understanding! Now that is truly miraculous~!

More on Marblez Once Again

2008-10-21T23:09:00.005-04:00

Ok. Continuing on the topic of marbles in the mouth, so tonight what happened was I stopped over at my best friends' place, and right out of the blue she started asking me all kinds of God questions. I mean, you know, the real ones. I mean changing the subject, interrupting, and wanting to talk about God. About reading the Bible, about what to read in the Bible for starters, and what Christians should and shouldn't do... sigh...

When she got to the 'how do you become born again question', well it seemed like I was having quite a good old time with some more marblez rolling around in my mouth. I mean, like the good Christian that I am, (cough) I had learned long ago how to answer it from a religious perspective, but NOW, how do I explain it from the Spiritual reality of Christ in one's life? I mean it is all spiritual. Explain something spiritual ?! whoa, what !? Explain Christ so that she can grab hold of it, the Spirit can quicken it and bring meaning and guidance to her (for only He knows what she is asking and what glasses she is seeing her questions to me thru). Clearly, only He can bring spiritual life.

What if I said too much or perhaps not enough, or worse than that, what if I confused hereven more (marbles). Oh Holy Spirit, what do I say? Can't I just follow the religious script on this one? I mean marbles anyone? lol

Is it just me? I don't think so. Right off the bat what I really wanted to do was roll off the scripted answer page. "how to lead someone to Christ" page 59. It reminded me of a time when my middle daughter came to me in tears worried about her salvation and need for forgiveness. I mean she was crying. Oh what to say, oh what to do. Did I do the right thing ? I said to my daughter, 'Honey go kneel by your bed, He will speak to you, tell Him what your feeling right now, speak to Him and He will listen. He will give you reassurance as you bring this all to Him and talk to Him." (No I did not lead her in the sinner's prayer but I was tempted to) smile. He has a plan, He always has a plan. Thank you Jesus.

In this situation with my friend, thankfully, I also quickly recalled to mind how utterly confused I myself was 13 plus years ago when I first tried to understand the whole born again experience. What is it ? How does it work ? What do I need to do ? Con-fu-sing!!

Nicodemus said , "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?" (John 3:4)

Clearly we are all like Nicodemus in our lifetime as we ponder this very same question. Perhaps we should remember this for we all just like him at one time. All of us do not understand Jesus and the truth about the new birth. Add on top of this or in the mix the incredible confusion of churchianity and their 'messages' (*&^:#@) to their adherents week after week. Therefore, we are not only confused & incapable of understanding the new birth, we are blinded to the wonder of it all by many things.

I didn't have a clue back then of the amazing life that is available, that I could have a relationship with Him unlike any other - where I am cherished by Him. All we/I could compare or call to mind is dead old religion as well as kooky way out there Christians I met here and there perhaps. Come to find out, it was nothing like that ! We have no idea how beautiful it truly truly is, and can become with Christ. We all need to be BORN AGAIN and made completely new to find this reality in our lives.

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and [of] the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. (Notice how there are two births being described here. There is the fleshly one, then there is the spiritual one. There is a deliberate distinction here between these two. )

Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

This gives me peace because I now realize sitting here that even though I couldn't explain the spiritual process of being born again (ie just as I can't explain the wind, where it comes from, where it goes) I could however explain the spiritual life and reality of Christ, Christ living in us, changing us from the inside out.

Just like the wind. We don't know where it comes from either, or where it goes, and we certainly can't describe it other than when we see the effect of it around us, blowing softly through the trees.

Right now I am thankful for the fact that the Holy Spirit is blowing in her direction. I am not sure how he is doing it, but He is. Definitely He is. I see the effects of the wind (spirit) blowing in her life.

Rolling Marbles

2008-10-17T21:39:00.003-04:00

I couldn't help but laugh as I read the post from Barb at Former Leader's Journal.

I have felt the same way as her and thought often with amusement about the words I used to say
and how they now feel so 'strange' . She describes them as marbles in her mouth.

for example,

"how was church today?"

"worship was so amazing today"

"the message was so powerful today"

"what time is church at"

"where do you go to church"

"the annointing was so strong today"

lol

I am sure there's more.

More marbles.

Forgiveness Quotes

2008-10-17T18:06:00.001-04:00

Which quote is your favorite???

Quotes:

Know all and you will pardon all. --Thomas A’Kempis

We are all full of weakness and errors; let us mutually pardon each other our follies
--Voltaire

A mature Christian has capacity to absorb the offenses and weaknesses of others, not just demand they perform up to the code of ideals. --Stephen Crosby

To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover the prisoner was you.—Unknown

Anger makes you smaller, while forgiveness forces you to grow beyond what you were. --Cherie Carter-Scott

He who cannot forgive breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass.--George Herbert

Resentment is like a glass of poison that a man drinks; then he sits down and waits for his enemy to die.—Unknown

A Christian will find it cheaper to pardon than to resent. Forgiveness saves the expense of anger, the cost of hatred, and the waste of spirit. --Hannah More

Forgiveness means that you've decided not to let it keep festering inside even if it only comes up once in awhile. --Doc Childre and Howard Martin

Forgiveness is giving up the possibility of a better past. --Unknown

Forgiveness is a funny thing. It warms the heart and cools the sting. --William A. Ward

You will know that forgiveness has begun when you recall those who hurt you and feel the power to wish them well. --Lewis B. Smedes

It is easier to forgive an enemy than to forgive a friend. --William Blake:

Forgiveness is . . . accepting God's sovereign use of people and situations to strip you of self importance, and humiliate your self love. --Martha Kilpatrick

Without deep humility, true forgiveness is impossible…and will never happen. --Martha Kilpatrick

Forgiveness is me giving up my right to hurt you for hurting me. --Anonymous

Never does the human soul appear so strong as when it foregoes revenge, and dares forgive an injury. --E. H. Chapin

Am I not destroying my enemies when I make friends of them?-- Abraham Lincoln

There is no revenge so complete as forgiveness.-- Josh Billings

Always forgive your enemies--nothing annoys them so much.-- Oscar Wilde

To err is human; to forgive, divine.-- Alexander Pope

Humanity is never so beautiful as when praying for forgiveness, or else forgiving another. --Jean Paul Richter

The glory of Christianity is to conquer by forgiveness. --William Blake

Yes, this is what good is: to forgive evil. There is no other good. --Antonio Porchia

A happy marriage is the union of two good forgivers. --Robert Quillen

Forgiveness is the final form of love. --Reinhold Niebuhr

One forgives to the degree that one loves. --Francois de La Rochefoucauld

'Tis the most tender part of love, each other to forgive. --John Sheffield

Never forget the three powerful resources you always have available to you: love, prayer, and forgiveness. --H. Jackson Brown

We are all on a life long journey and the core of its meaning, the terrible demand of its centrality is forgiving and being forgiven. --Martha Kilpatrick

Forgiveness is the giving, and so the receiving, of life. --George MacDonald

Sweet prayer to you Father

2008-10-16T14:57:00.007-04:00

Father , I pray you would help us to be mindful of you, of your heart, your love, your kindness and graciousness.

We can chit chat about so many things (me) but Father you hear us , you long for us to close the door and love you , and let everything that would weigh us down evaporate as we feel your love and presence wash over us.

Nothing is more important than listening.. listening to you and hearing clearly your heart that soothes us, that cares for us... that is RIGHT there, opening up for us a deep satisfying DRINK right down inside of us.

thank you Father for transforming us everyday. thank you Father that we can lean on you, and lean on our brothers and sisters and know that we are but fellow travellers discovering the delight you have always in us.

Help us to share the full joy that you have given us with others. We want to be a delight to others and be a soothing balm to others Lord.

Thank you Father for giving us a life with you - a life with your Son - you have truly made and continue to make all things new.

Lord dwell in us and between us, richly. Enrich and empower us as brightly shining instruments radiating with your love, light and truth ... each and every day !

amen

Prepare to Stand, not prepare to Survive

2008-10-13T09:55:00.005-04:00

Having just finished a weekend of celebrations for Thanksgiving here in Canada, I have been thinking along the lines of "preparations". So much time, money, planning, and effort goes into 'preparing' for this day. Preparing/preparations for so much, whether it's Thanksgiving, Christmas, our future - whatever - it occupies and preoccupies our thoughts and our lives.

In the present state of economic instability & chaos, (some economists say that we are experiencing what they have labelled an 'economic tsunami'), you hear alot these days concerning what can be done & the necessary preparations: for example for coming food shortages, for environmental changes and disasters looming on the horizon, for fuel shortages hurricane predictions, economic recession, etc.

There are radio and television analysts, as well as politicians, who eagerly clamor & examine these issues with determination and resolve that they will lead the people towards the necessary changes & preparations. Their promise is if we will but 'prepare' ourselves for these days ahead, we will be able to 'save ourselves' and escape tribulations and devastation, economic woes, and collapse of pensions, uncertainties pertaining to our futures. Also, I have seen many interesting websites of which it seems their main goal is to 'warn and prepare people' for calamities; to provide various items for emergency scenarios. There is an array of various inventions that are available for purchase, said to be useful (according to their literature) to protect against various catastrophes, to aid 'preparedness' for all manner of necessities; power shortages, nuclear attack, and on and on it goes.

But I got to thinking. Whoa, wait a second. What does the Bible teach? First of all, imagine the energy that would be necessary & could be expended towards these preparations as well. Would there ever be an end to it? Imagine how all consuming this preoccupation could quickly become, and take hold of someone; it could become an all-consuming need, driven by & thriving on fear, on the hope of being able to fully 'prepare' oneself and store up' for the days of trouble just around the corner.

But if I look at the Bible, the message isn't 'prepare to survive'. It's prepare to stand! Our hope is in Him. Has He changed? Is He the same yesterday, today and forevermore? The world wants to survive but we know God has great things in store for those who love Him! He wants us to stand on the solid Rock of His Son and declare our God is forever and eternal! God would have us know that He is with us, He is faithful, and so we must prepare ourselves to STAND! Spend time in His presence and allow God's power through His Holy Spirit to search us, to prepare within us a sanctuary. He's our stronghold .

So, instead of being preoccupied (though it's tempting) with trying to prepare for calamities that we are told are looming, or prepare for the unknown and going into survival mode, let's all joyfully welcome more of the Holy Spirit who wants to stir up the faith that is within us that we may stand! What a treasure in our earthen vessels! That we might stand before Him! God said that we can come boldly before Him (with joy in our hearts) "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Heb. 4:6

I am convinced that those who have went before us, through the centuries, faced their own chaos and economic catastrophes. What were there preparations? WEll, certainly first of all they recognized that they no longer fought against human beings. This was completely finished with the New Covenant. They recognized their struggle was against principalities in the heavenlies.

Imagine telling Corrie TenBoom to save up and make preparations ! I think it's so encouraging to think about them and their faith. And how much they loved God and devoted themselves entirely to the Lord. They thrived not because they made preparations for all manner of catastrophies, (that did come upon them). Jesus said and I truly believe they survived with a great witness to the keeping power of God because they prepared to stand before God! They took God's Word into their hearts and sowed precious seed in the hearts of even and most importantly, their worst enemies. They were empowered to stand, to withstand the most cruel and harsh, degrading human conditions on the earth so powerfully, with a fierce love of Christ that would not at any cost be denied. They withstood as it says in Ephesians all evil principalities & rulers because they clothed themselves in His armor. As all others who have been so courageous and withstood every form of evil had done so before us. Eph. 6:10-18

10 ¶ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Christ in You

2008-10-09T17:58:00.001-04:00

“To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Col. 1:27. Christ joined to you, not Christ by Himself. Christ in you, the hope of glory.

So the central secret of all history is the union of the creature and the Creator, not just the Creator, certainly not just the creature, but the union. We’ve found the whole meaning of life in time and life in eternity when we’ve found that. It’s probably beyond intelligible apprehension by the finite mind, as well as beyond intelligible description. Probably our minds cannot completely compass this infinite glory, but thank God our hearts can experience it, and they do.

And to some extent our minds can compass it—union. We’ve got to think around that. We know that that’s life, for that is what eternal life is. There is only one eternal life, of course, God or Christ, but God is Three. God is Three dwelling in Each Other. So original life is not one Person, or still less one thing, it’s Three living People living in each other and proceeding out from Each Other in their several offices.

(Norman Grubb)

Two Things

2008-10-09T13:12:00.016-04:00

I was challenged this morning when I read in Colossians 1 Paul's words :

"Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love [which ye have] to all the saints"

Paul had heard about these Christians and was firstly, thanking God, and also praying for them.
Why ? Because he had heard two things, which he was thankful for.
He had heard:

1. of their faith in Christ Jesus

2. of their love of all the saints.

Two Things.

It's important to understand that faith must be in Jesus Christ. That's the starting point and no amount of reasoning can do away with this. WE must be ever so careful of this.

I was sent a link (thanks Maureen) which I read, and they seemed to conclude that faith doesn't necessarily have to be in Christ alone, quotes:

"Even if we think Christ - as the divine Logos - is the way to God, that doesn't mean that you have to become a Christian to find Him."

"Once they know his name, some people will then be able to connect that name with the Truth that has been in them all along." ?yikes (further in colossians it seems to say, "and you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in [your] mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled". In order to become reconciled, they needed to understand how estranged and alienated they truly were. Not that truth has been in them all along. (yikes). Truth can only become a part of us through Christ. He is the one who makes us new and the old 'me' pass away. To be alienated means to be separated from or estranged from. The only way to not be alienated and an enemy is to understand our need for His redemption because of our lost condition. Knowing Christ truly is not understanding or appreciating truth that has been in us all along, but understanding our own NEED to be forgiven and reconciled and that apart from Christ's mercy and forgiveness we cannot be restored and become His reflection. )

"I KNOW in my heart of hearts that it is to that light that every one of us will return.. call it Jesus or God or Allah or Goddess or Krishna.. it doesn't matter.. It is the place that we come from and it is the place that we return to heal and whole once again."

**the implication in this article is that there are many ways to know the Light, the Truth, and even though they may disagree on the name or way to the Light, they are still the same. There is alot of talk about feelings, experiences, and statements like 'in Love and in the Light' .. yes, feelings and experiences are fine but they can also deceive us all and lead each of us astray very quickly

Please stay faithful to Him. Yes, it is Jesus.

Love Him.

Love the Saints.

Union with Christ

2008-10-07T13:27:00.004-04:00

My son broke his right clavicle on Saturday! I am just trying to put together a few of my thoughts since this. I have had alot going on. But I must say, I think I have such a remarkable son. He has not complained of anything at all, nothing, zippo. This despite the fact that he will be out of commission for quite a few weeks from a sport that he loves with a passion. He excels as a hockey player and it's a real avenue for him on many fronts ... he is homeschooled (his last year) and hockey outings are a real part of his life and social interaction and enjoyment. So I praise God for this young man that I already truly admire, who seems to have a remarkable peace and trust in God.

I have thought about trusting God through this all. My heart has praised him because I know how steadfast He is, His peace, His comfort, His ability to completely captivate our being on every level that needs His touch, .. well that is breath-taking. The touch of the Lord!

On my way outside doing some chores last night (I am relegated to this as my son can't at the moment) I just was praising and loving the Father. I am so thankful that he sees us all as those who need their love and attention span 'stretched' at times. We give our attention to so many things, even knowing deep down inside, that only He truly satisfies. We get taken up and preoccupied with life and ever so subtley we lose sight of the joy of Jesus and who He is.

I have thought about how important it is to be thankful for His loving tender care. Thankful for the help of His Holy Spirit to guide us and relieve us of our wandering ways, and nudging us back into the deeper union with Christ. He wants us to truly see, see what we need to see, but see how great God is, and that His comfort, peace, and assurance is there to help us and to keep us strong in our faith, unwaivering, trusting Him. Abilities that can only come from Him.

Luke & I were reading about the miracle of the five loaves and two fishes. WE as a family were talking about the miracles that Jesus performed, as well as the impact it had, or didn't have, on others. Luke & I noticed today that the disciples hearts were hardened after the miracle of feeding those five thousand. They failed to see what perhaps we think was very plain and obvious. So Jesus sent them off, then sent the people off, and went and prayed. It was during that night (probably a long terrifying night, it says the fourth watch) that the disciples were on the sea, a storm raging, that Jesus walked on water towards them. In their despair, they didn't seem to recognize him here either. It seems they had lost sight of the ability of Jesus to rescue them and help alleviate whatever storm or need(s) arose in their midst. I am so thankful that Jesus has given us the Word, that we can read it and have our heart and eyes opened up to the miraculous provision of the Lord for us. He truly is our provider, our sustainer, our help & our hope.

May our eyes and hearts be upon Him! He is looking after us, so no need to doubt, no need to fear, He will come and strengthen us !

What are YOU looking at ??

2008-10-02T11:26:00.004-04:00

When we look at Christ what do I see and what do you see ?

Is it about how my life or your life can be better ? I mean, what is it ?

Or is it about enduring despite our weaknesses, and really reaching out to the poor and suffering ? and helping those who are blind and without hope ? Is that our burden ? Oh, is it ? Do we have a burden?

What is Christ about to you ? More importantly, what is Christ about to me ?

Is it about spirituality ? Is it about being spiritual, (whatever that means in these days,) what is it about ?

Is it about his heart and love for all that would seek, for all that would hunger, for all that would be desperate enough in this world for Him, to seek Him, with all that they could ...

What are YOU AND I looking at ?

I fear that I have fallen prey to humanism and to other reasonings and 'truths', and the greatest danger i fear for myself is that in the end, I would deny what is my heart's one true desire ... to be a very real touch of the Master to broken humanity. It's such a heart wrenching place -but are we touched by the sufferings of others? I fear that I would veer off and I would not be what I was created to be, an image of Christ, but instead an image which is of my own imagination and reasoning.

I need a great deliverance against every imagination that is false .

Timothy said that we shouldn't consent to any teaching that is not according to godliness:
If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, [even] the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; (from such withdraw ourself)

Imagine the pleading of Paul's heart to those he loved and cared for. He didn't just pen these words down in a moment of inspiration. I mean think about it, feel it~ the great intensity sweeping over his heart, the tears that would fall quickly, as he wrote with such a passion and penned each and every stroke. And then afterwards, he would sit there and pray and pray and pray and weep . For sure, his heart was fully embraced and in touch with the Master, and so when we read the Word, such as Paul wrote here , we too, we must feel that great depth, that goes beyond what we have reasoned and imagined things to be. We so need the Holy Spirit to take ahold of us in the same way!

a review on the movie Fireproof

2008-09-27T21:53:00.003-04:00

Last week I saw an interview with Kirk Cameron concerning his new "Christian movie".

for anyone who might be interested, this is Joel Spencer's review on it.

Hmmmm

2008-09-26T09:22:00.012-04:00

I just read a blog on the Free Believer's Network "What is Relationship with God?".
You may want to read it here before you continue on as my post relates to this.

I certainly agree on many of his comments concerning the nature and expression of God's love
through His people.

But to say that any and all people who are loving and kind - are therefore children of God - and that because they love, they are therefore citizens of heaven, or that they know God - well this is not necessarily true.

Yes I fully agree that love is the ultimate and the deepest expression of Christ in us, (the width, depth, height) and that love, His love, is the factor that should motivate us, challenge us, and move us onward into a deeper expression of Himself in this world.

However, we also know that it is those who have been forgiven much that indeed love much. It is people who are forgiven of their many sins, saved by grace, ... these are those who love deeply and above all, value and appreciate Him much. They in turn are those that love and appreciate others in this same way. So again, it is those who are forgiven much that love much.

To make a conclusion or assumption that just because people are loving and kindhearted, they therefore know God, are Christians - however you want to say this, is not true. This is the exact same erroneous thinking of those who would say - 'because you go to church' - ' because you speak in tongues' - 'because you are baptized' -'insert your [particular] belief here', that you are therefore someone who knows God. Just because things appear a certain way, or someone concludes it to be so, it certainly does not necessarily mean that it is.

Salvation truly does require faith and a belief in the gospel, an endurance against many things, for ALL MANKIND are lost and without hope and truly all mankind are therefore in desperate need of God's mercy and forgiveness. This was why Christ died on the Cross 2000 years ago. No matter how loving people are, without Christ in their lives, they still need this revelation of what the Cross means for THEM and thus to be transformed by it.

We must not lose sight of the fact that all men need to know and believe Christ died for their SINS.

This is why we must keep our message of Christ simple, we must share it in a simple way. Simple is the key. We live it and share it in a very simple way - whether it's blogging, emailing, coffee shop, work place, whatever sharing. Simple is definitely the key. Of all people, Paul could have spoke in a very scholarly way considering how educated he was. He could have used his mind to speak in a very scholarly and eloquent way to others, but he laid that at Christ's feet, didn't he? He chose instead to speak in a very simple way to others - and to lay that at Christ's feet. So that it was Christ who would find root in people's heart. That is how the cross truly works! But it is the Cross, the power of the Cross, that saves mankind. And it is faith in WHAT HE HAS DONE ALONE that saves us.

Love will always be a mystery to mankind without the Cross. But love is complete (and perfect) with the Cross, the ultimate expression of love. Shall we speak of a love that does not speak of the Cross first - a love that is not of above and not of Christ? Many may know 'of' love and speak 'of' love with many words, (scholarly & complicated) but love 'without the message of love on the Cross' SIMPLY is not a love that will endure nor have power to transform one into the image that Christ would have for all. It might look similar, but is it ? It certainly would not go to the Cross and lay down one's life. We must remember from whom we have believed.

Possessing vs being Possessed

2008-09-23T09:35:00.008-04:00

Have you ever heard someone say this : "Prayer is a wonderful tool". I saw that the other day on someone's facebook status. I cannot wrap my head around that thinking at all - though at one time I could have. I think I know why. I think that this thinking ie that "prayer is a wonderful tool" is part of the whole broader thinking, that of having all the correct formulas, of possessing information, of having disciplines, of having doctrines, VS POSSESSING AND BEING TOTALLY INDWELT BY CHRIST.

Therefore, to come to this place, we can be free because it's not so much about us possessing something as it's instead about being POSSESSED.

It's truly seeing Christ in everything and as everything, the fullness of Christ, that the Father was pleased to dwell in, all His fullness is in Christ.

This fullness as consuming us

This fullness as being so woven into our entire being,

Being called into this wonderful fellowship of fullness,

Being immersed in Him.

He is the fabric of our existence, of our consciousness, totally involved in our circumstances. In Him all the fullness dwells, and when we are joined to Him, we are in this state of fullness. Yes prayer helps us to put together our lives and to see things the way we need to see them.

Little by little, as the Word dwells in us through Christ, as we dwell in Him richly, we become taken up in Christ. It's not that we through the discipline of prayer have changed anything, but that Christ has come in His power to abide and live in us, and that through His Spirit working in us, living deeply in us, we are transformed into this deeper reality of Christ.

Eating and Drinking

2008-09-17T07:28:00.008-04:00

"And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also, he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. Wherefore, whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord unworthily shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. But let every man examine himself and so let him eat of THAT BREAD and drink of THAT CUP. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily eateth and drinketh damnation to himself not discerning the Lord's body."

1 Cor. 11:24-29

Paul was reminding them in verse 22 that what he was to talk about - the Lord's Supper, shared with the disciples - wasn't to 'eat' and 'drink' ( to share a regular meal together) He might have been concerned that perhaps they were thinking that the Lord's meal was the same thing as regular meals they shared. He wanted to clarify to them that though eating a regular meal together was important and was the custom of the early church (and should be ours too), this wasn't like that at all. Just Eating together. He also took occasion to remind them that they should be sharing their food with others which it didn't seem they were doing. ((20-22)) If they weren't going to share what they had, then they should eat at home.

Paul wrote because he didn't want them to confuse the purpose and meaning of the supper the Lord shared (the Lord's supper ) with that of a regular meal.

Regular meals are things that are predictable, they happen at the same time, day after day, week after week, month after month, on and on.

The Lord's meal wasn't like that. It was different. It's NOT a ceremony.

"Are we showing forth God's life and death in our lives???"

Consider are we committed entirely to the Lord ? How are we living our life, and showing His life to others - honestly reflecting this is to partake of His bread and is to partake of His blood. This is true communion that Christ wants with us. Just as He stood amongst His disciples long ago, He stands in our midst longing for us to receive the power of the sacrifice that He gave. Whenever we get together with others, we share this communion, we exhort one another onwards in true fellowship with Him and with each other. He wants us to continually experience the power that was in His sacrifice, for us, the power that was in His Blood and in His flesh. We only do this through honest searching and examination of our hearts, life, and relationships with others. It's the only way to experience spiritual life.

Adding anything to it (such as making it a regular weekly or monthly ceremony) is to not really add to it, but to take away from the purpose.

It's not a little cup with wine or a piece of bread, something literal. It's deeply personal and a continual work and empowerment of the Spirit that enables one to partake of His death and life.

It's spiritual, that is what Paul is trying to say.

If we think it's a weekly, a daily meal service or a monthly ceremony, well then we are not considering Christ's true sacrifice by adding (taking away) to it. It meant for us (spiritual life). In fact, making a ceremony in any fashion - will hinder and oppose the spiritual and create confusion, sickness and chastening.

No Need to Validate (Wayne Jacobsen)

2008-09-14T10:58:00.002-04:00

podcast

Amazing podcast by Wayne Jacobsen on 'No Need to Validate'

... any thoughts ??

Christ Alone

2008-09-12T07:33:00.001-04:00

by Lynette Woods

"Who shall not reverence and glorify Your name, O Lord? For You alone are holy." (Revelation 15:4a).

If seeing Christ alone does not make me want to look and keep looking only at Him,
Then I may as well just concentrate on what I can see here and now on this earth instead.
If hearing Christ alone does not matter much to me,
Then I may as well seek and listen to the opinions and advice of other people instead.

If touching Christ alone does not thrill me,
Then I may as well look for excitement, amusement and pleasure in this world instead.
If Christ alone does not make me know I am wanted,
Then I may as well look for some people who will need and want me instead.

If Christ alone does not make me laugh at myself and my many blunders,
Then I may as well laugh at other people instead.
If Christ alone does not make me sing every song for Him,
Then I may as well sing for myself or other people instead.

If Christ alone does not cause me to grieve and pray with Him for others,
Then I may as well pray and cry tears of self-pity for myself instead.
If Christ alone does not soften my heart by causing me to identify with Him in His sufferings,
Then I may as well experience the suffering caused by my hard-heartedness and rebellion instead.

If Christ alone does not share His thoughts with me,
Then I may as well be occupied with my own thoughts instead.
If Christ alone does not share His heart with me,
Then I may as well be affected by those things which affect me and my affections.

If knowing Christ alone does not make me give up on myself,
Then I may as well defend myself (using His Word if need be).
If knowing Christ alone does not destroy my pride and ambition,
Then I may as well promote myself (using His Fame and Glory if need be).

If knowing Christ alone does not make me content to be unknown by man,
Then I may as well create and maintain a good name for myself (using Christ's Name if need be).
If knowing Christ alone does not bring me face down to the dust,
Then I may as well stand tall and accept people's admiration and appreciation (on His behalf, of course).

If I do not submit to Christ alone hiding me in Himself so that only He may be seen,
Then I may as well expose myself so people will look at, admire and notice me.
If Christ alone does not fulfil my need for Love,
Then I may as well prostitute myself by looking for love from people instead.

If Christ alone is not my only anointing,
Then I may as well manufacture my own version by manipulating people's emotions.
If Christ alone is not my only qualification and definition,
Then I may as well get a title and some credentials from man instead.

If belonging to Christ alone does not satisfy my need for acceptance,
Then I may as well join a group of people and commit myself and my time to them.
If knowing Christ alone does not make all other relationships pale by comparison,
Then I may as well concentrate more on my relationships with people here on earth than with Him.

If receiving Christ alone does not in turn release me to freely give because of All He has given,
Then I may as well just take all I can from both Him and others and give nothing.
If Christ alone does not give me freedom to trust and obey what I have heard Him say to me personally,
Then I may as well disobey and do what I (or other people) want me to do instead.

If Christ alone does not go along with my plans or use me as I desire,
Then I may as well just use others for my own ends and make things happen myself.
If trusting Christ alone is not deemed sufficient for anything and everything I may encounter,
Then I may as well do whatever I can to ensure my success and survival in all areas of life.

If Christ alone does not have first place in my life,
Then I may as well go any place I like, whenever I like.
If Christ alone does not have control of my life,
Then I may as well exercise my rights to do and say whatever I believe to be right.

If Christ alone is not my Teacher and Unveiler,
Then I may as well just accumulate and articulate the knowledge of others.
If Christ alone is not my Wisdom and Light,
Then I may as well jump to conclusions based on what I think I see from the light of my own candle.

If Christ alone does not make me know true Peace and Joy,
Then I may as well fill my life with many things and many people instead.
If Christ alone does not bring me real Rest,
Then I may as well keep myself very busy so I don't notice my internal lack and restlessness.

If Christ alone is not becoming the essence of who I am,
Then I may as well spend time 'finding myself' and bolstering my poor self image.
If Christ alone is not my Life,
Then I may as well just live for myself and forget about eternity.

If Christ alone has not proved to be more than sufficient for any trial I face,
Then perhaps my trials need to be repeated...
If Christ alone is not enough for me,
Then perhaps I am a hypocrite using His Name...

If Christ alone is not the Love of my life, then who is?
If Christ alone is not my reason for living, then what is?
If Christ alone is not real to me in every aspect of my life, then am I being unreal?
If Christ alone is not enough for me, then do I really know Him at all?

If Christ alone will make me nothing,
Then He will be my Everything.
If Christ alone is the One Thing that matters to me,
Then the "many things" will totally lose their power and ability to trouble me.

If Christ alone will open my eyes, then I will truly see because of Him.
If Christ alone will open my ears, then I will genuinely hear because of Him.
If Christ alone will break me, then I will be gloriously free because of Him.
If Christ alone will touch me, then I will be completely healed because of Him.
If Christ alone will breathe on me, then I will really live because of Him.
If Christ alone will feed me, then I will be fully satisfied because of Him.

If Christ alone will come and live in me in spite of my total unworthiness,
Then I will be worthy because of Christ alone.
If Christ alone will come and show me that I am irrevocably and completely His,
Then I will be lost in the wonder and glory of being joined with Christ alone!

If Christ alone is what I see, then HE will be seen through me!
If Christ alone is what I hear, then HE will be heard through me!
If Christ alone is what I touch, then HE will be felt through me!
If Christ alone is what I eat and drink, then HE will be tasted through me!
If Christ alone is the Fragrance I wear, then HE will be smelt through me!
If Christ alone is all I know, then HE will be known through me!

Shining Stars

2008-08-28T07:27:00.006-04:00

Many Christians are shocked and saddened by the collapse of Todd Bentley and the Lakeland “revival.” Saddened we should be. Whenever God is misrepresented by those purported to be his servants, and respected leaders are clueless as to the character of those they endorse, any true follower of Christ is saddened and sickened. When so many people are tricked by showmanship and hype and tag exaggerated claims of signs and wonders as revival, it is reason to be alarmed and grieved. But we shouldn’t be surprised if we compare the teaching and examples set forth in scripture to the doctrine and antics promoted by those claiming a special anointing.

....continue reading at :

http://familyroommedia.com/WordPress/?p=189

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

God is getting the glory, for the everyday miraculous and ordinary in our lives. Life is miraculous. Day after day life. It is supernatural. The Father has bestowed upon mankind His Son, the life of His Son given for us. We can run to Him, full force right into His arms. We should always. When this is difficult to do, as sometimes it is, when words, prayers and everything seems to fail us, how wonderful to be cared for, under the constant love concern and attention of the Father. He shows up in marvelous ways. He is never far away. It is hard to grasp the concept that He is as close as He truly is. Particularly when we have had examples set forth in our lives of others uninterested and not concerned at all. That is definitely a weight that we need to throw off for it does beset us and makes it very wearing and difficult to run the race. The race of following after and pursuing the kind of love the Father has given us.

His Love delivers out of darkness.
His love delivers out of anger.
His love definitely is the most powerful substance on known to mankind.
His love comfort us.

Love, His love, wins.

Letting Love Win

2008-08-25T17:38:00.007-04:00

the Galatians 6:7 Bomb

2008-08-05T12:27:00.012-04:00

Galatians 6:7
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

Do you think that within the heart and context of Galatians 6 is this biggie, this BIG BOMB if you will, that can be thrown out there as necessary, to scare people and intimidate them forcefully as to what is necessary into being spiritually coerced people? Like you can just pull this bomb out of the heart of the New Testament and use it as you see fit? Are we under the law? Wasn't that the whole point of Paul's Letter to the Galatians that we aren't under the law? Paul had alot to say to the religious minded folks in this letter it seems.

I have always loved Galatians. Such a wonder and a joy to read of the freedom that Christ has given us over the works and wiles of the devil and our flesh, particularly in regards to religion and being religiously minded.

Paul saw being religiously minded as being zealous of traditions only and as totally after man (sowing to their flesh). This is what he meant when he went on to say things such as "If a man thinks himself to be something (religious minded) he is nothing" This was in reference to the arrogance and pride that filled religious zealous people. He said that religion would through the outworking of the flesh lust against the Spirit of God.

Yes Paul talks of other works of the flesh, but he makes a point doesn't he of saying "I told you before that these are obviously works of the flesh, and those who practise this shall not enter the kingdom of God." So please don't mistake what I am saying here. Paul is saying listen carefully! Concerning life in the Spirit - the main thing you need to be aware of - is that religion will find an avenue through the flesh and will lust against the Spirit. The other works of the flesh are manifest i.e. more obvious, but this one is not! So be aware of this! Paul was saying that religion isn't quite as obvious as the sins of the flesh,that he had already mentioned before. He said that we would not be weary in well doing to others - if fact we would, in the Spirit, want to do good unto all men. Sowing in this way will bring 'life everlasting'. Please understand this, Paul is saying, because if you continue to embrace your religion in FAVOR of the true generosity and love and heart of God towards others, then, yes, sadly, you will be deceived and you will be mocking God ....

They probably threw scriptures / commands and laws around to coerce people, right? . To me the real context and heart of Galatians, as I am trying to summarize here, particularly in Gal. 6:7, is not to coerce but is to say more correctly perhaps, "hey if you sow to your religion, your religious mindedness, you will not be considering the very heart of God which is to GENTLY restore someone. Religion would offer a restoration process anything other than gentle, which is why Paul had to say things such as "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

It seems the Spirit of God gives us joy - deep joy - when we know that we are no longer bound by legalism. It's no wonder Paul always said to the brethren "Grace be to you and peace from God our Father" .. "I marvel that you are so soon removed from Him that called you unto the grace of Christ" ..

Being taught is one thing but unlearning is another ..

2008-07-29T08:38:00.003-04:00

Oswald Chamber's today

July 29th.

WHAT DO YOU SEE IN YOUR CLOUDS?
"Behold, He cometh with clouds." Revelation 1:7

In the Bible clouds are always connected with God. Clouds are those sorrows or sufferings or providences, within or without our personal lives, which seem to dispute the rule of God. It is by those very clouds that the Spirit of God is teaching us how to walk by faith. If there were no clouds, we should have no faith. "The clouds are but the dust of our Father's feet." The clouds are a sign that He is there. What a revelation it is to know that sorrow and bereavement and suffering are the clouds that come along with God! God cannot come near without clouds, He does not come in clear shining. ( how would we come to know how great His comfort is if we had not a need for comfort; how would we come to know peace if we had not trials and confusions and chaos at times.. God is truly our greatest need and through these direct revelations of His love, compassion, peace, etc, we come to realize that our hope and joy is not dependant upon life's ups and downs but on the unchanging everlasting character and grace of God )

It is not true to say that God wants to teach us something in our trials: through every cloud He brings, He wants us to unlearn something. His purpose in the cloud is to simplify our belief until our relationship to Him is exactly that of a child - God and my own soul, other people are shadows. Until other people become shadows, clouds and darkness will be mine every now and again. Is the relationship between myself and God getting simpler than ever it has been? (this to me is important because its one thing to be taught but it's quite another to unlearn. Unlearning brings purity into our hearts - unlearning the misconceptions and mistaken identity if you will that we have attached to God. He uses much in our lives as we open up our hearts to Him continually, to unlearn (not teach) the erroneous mindset religious minded belief and perceptions of who He is and His character to gently direct us into the love of God . He wants us to comprehend who He truly is and how wonderful, loving and gracious He is. We only get there by unlearning our religious mindset ingrained in us all)

There is a connection between the strange providences of God and what we know of Him, and we have to learn to interpret the mysteries of life in the light of our knowledge of God. (everything that comes our way either gets misinterpreted through our false perception of who God is or else we see things IN LIGHT of His true character and we are therefore living in a realm spiritually that is one of tremendous peace, love, hope, etc ) Unless we can look the darkest, blackest fact full in the face without damaging God's character, we do not yet know Him.

"They feared as they entered the cloud . . ." - Is there anyone "save Jesus only" in your cloud? If so, it will get darker; you must get to the place where there is "no one any more save Jesus only."

Conveying His Love

2008-07-27T11:57:00.002-04:00

How do we ? Can we?

Just having to think about how we should (convey His love ) to one another seems to be more revealing than anything, doesn't it ?

Is it something we can figure out finally and just go and do for the rest of the day? Yes, we all want to grow in His love, genuinely and deeply, and understand what scripture teaches us about God's love.

Yes, there should be love evident constantly in us.

Because He is love and clearly when we receive Him, we are receiving love.

Only His love first in us can produce the kind of love that is worth conveying.

I have a friend who use to say that much of our failures towards others is what he terms a love failure. I have been trying to get him to coblog on here with me and if he ever accepts my invitation, he would have much to share on this ...

How to Continue (I still need to be free to pursue this)

2008-07-24T12:31:00.010-04:00

What does it mean to truly live like Jesus ? If we want to live like Jesus, (a very common statement in the religious world btw) it has to be noted that we can do all the right things but the question will remain = did we pass the test? The real test I think in that regard will always be ... do we see and care for the unloveable? Are we willing to do so quietly and unnoticed?

Many would readily say that they know this, but I think it's worth repeating, ... 'cuz we can do all the right things you see but still not truly care for those around us, that are in need and have lost hope. We need a vision check. Do we even see the needs around us ? Which is more important? We can get buried in religious church life, cliques, ... it might be a well regarded religious standard, (to be like Jesus) but is it real, TRULY REAL, or is it meaningless ? We should think carefully about these things.

Who really cares you know, about how much we know, how much faith or revelations we have - who really cares - if, when no one is watching, we still don't get iT - that true faith (the kingdom that is within) is about being moved at usually considerable cost to ourselves, yet despite this, moved towards others with deep compassion and love. This attitude is not very glorious and doesn't get praised or look to be monumental perhaps, but oh well! Regardless, inwardly, is our heart moved towards this kind of love, love that is reaching out, perhaps in a quiet manner, silently or even openly. Spiritually to prosper means that our inward man is being renewed in this direction.

We can be doing all the things that look Christian, (fellowship together all the time, go to services, go to church, speak the language, etccc) but STILL the test is not over and never will we pass it if we measure this by how many times you do certain things, or even how well you do them, how well it appears, but do you lay down your lives for others? That is the key. Are you willing and am I willing?

I feel like this might be the answer key to unlock the door so to speak .. and to free entirely from religious compulsions. Compulsions do not bring the transformation that Christ's life is about. Compulsions only have a promise of life, but they fail to deliver. The lock us in a place where we end us over and over trying to gain that promise of life, but the longer we stay in them the less we are willing to acknowledge of unfulfilling they are. Certainly less than the freedom Christ died to give us. They will keep us locked away yet still thirsting for real life that is fleeting at best. I want to be free , to be real and to pursue the life that can come from within. His life and power awaits us !

What True Desire for Spiritual Life might just look like...

2008-07-21T15:28:00.005-04:00

Been thinking about the blind man in Luke 18, who sat by the wayside, "begging" . I just imagine that the pharisees and those following Jesus on the way to Jericho were probably very disgusted by the beggar as he sat begging along the road side. It appears they just assumed that Jesus did not have time or any real concern for him. After all, they had to get to Jericho,didn't they?

How little they knew, they didn't really know Jesus, did they. Yes they were following Him, yes they were following Him for some time perhaps. Yet it appears that they were the ones who seemed to fail the vision test. They ignored the blind man and in fact, they rebuked the poor beggar for his cries and commanded that he stop crying out to Jesus to have mercy on him.

Perhaps they thought there was far more important business at hand. Maybe they were in fact concerned with themselves, with their own needs, with what they needed to be doing, in their following of Jesus, you know, to get it right. Of course, we know Jesus is not like that and of course He had tremendous compassion on the man by restoring his sight so that he could see. Gloriously see! Perhaps in the end the blind beggar even saw far better than the multitude following Jesus, for it says "And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it gave praise unto God."

Now onto spiritual vision. That is what I am referring to. We are blind. We are blind spiritually and this blindness comes in various forms. Nevertheless, it is still blindness. There is an endless flood of voices out there that will share with you their particular methods of attaining spiritual life and restoring our vision from blindness . It all seems to say similar things when you look at it. But is it ? What method did this poor blind man use? Was it a method? I mean, he didn't even have a method, did he? Did he adhere to a theology, did he adhere to a doctrinal statement? I think not. All he knew is that he was desperate to "see" and that he truly was without 'sight' and unless Jesus helped him he would remain blind.

On the one hand, the one road (the road travelled by the multitude) appeared to lead to spiritual life, didn't it. After all, they were the "ONES" who were following Jesus. The other road - the one the beggar sat on - is for all who realize the failure of methods and practises and seminars , on and on, of attaining spiritual life. This becomes all too wearying and such a burden that finally, exhausted, we too lay down at the side of the road, and cry out to the Father to restore us, (completely) to grant us spiritual vision in the fullness and to the degree that only He can impart. We acknowledge to Him that we no longer want to be a part of the multitude striving, demanding, performing for spiritual life (the well travelled road) .

The other accounts of the story of the blind beggar talk of him throwing off his cloak. This to me shows how desperate this blind man was. how desperate we too can become if we travel the more travelled road of trying to attain to spiritual life. He was willing to forsake the comfort of his cloak (comfort of our perceived religions) which would be very precious to him. Make no mistake, religion is very precious to many people and the last thing they would 'throw off' if you will, would be their cloak of religion. But for those of us who have been willing to do so, we have been brave in doing so, for we are misunderstood completely, BUT most importantly, we too see what we could never have seen, if we had not come to that point in our life of realizing the futility of it all and the desperate need to cast aside our religious performance based behaviours and simply trust God to restore our spiritual vision and life.

Similar Thoughts

2008-07-16T12:43:00.005-04:00

I was just talking with some people these past few days about church and it's really really interesting to me (and frustrating also) of how we can think we know everything there is to know about Church, about Christ, about scripture, the list goes on and on, but after so long over being a 'mature Christian' get it wrong. I mean all wrong. What this means is ... I don't think I want to mature. Maybe gracefully :) No - kidding - but I feel a bit frustrated because when talking to IC's, even people who are not IC these days, it's not working for me. I wonder what's wrong. I am more at ease talking to someone who is down to earth, real, inviting, warm, challenging to me. (It's like a warm breeze that snuggles in around my heart or something.) But if they are trying to validate their version of Christianity, Churchianity, Scripture, well then it's like , ok, this is about them. I would rather ... stick a needle in me or something : )

It leaves me wondering if it is possible to bridge the chasm here, have I missed something? I seem to be able to value others deeply, in terms of being genuine and caring. I just want to love as He loves and follow Him. It doesn't seem complicated to me but then .. is it? I have thought that I could bridge this chasm that is there in many ways. But I am not sure now, it just seems very hard for God's Holy Spirit to penetrate the rigid religious mindset . It seems to take so many different shapes, forms, .. There is so much value and effort (enormous) placed and embraced on things such as how we do church, when do we go to church, who get's to do what, when will we gather, what shall be the order of service, who is eligible to do communion lol. I have no interest at all in that : ) It's just far removed from what I think of when I love Jesus and simply want that same expression in my life. But then people say, "well we all believe in Jesus and that is what is important". Is it ? It seems to me now that I keep hearing this that is also just a sort of religious statement repeated that bothers me. It's one thing to say we all believe in Jesus, (but do we ?..) because what we truly value and truly embrace, the place we reap life from, often can reflect and be something totally different, even without realizing it. That is for us all. WE can say all we need is Jesus but then we often encamp with only those who are like=minded and/or of the same denominational persuasion, believe the way we do, and all of that.

I want to click you over to Jeff's post today because it helped me and encouraged me ..
thanks Jeff!

http://jmcq.blogspot.com/2008/07/fruit-of-my-journey-thus-far.html

The one thing I know and can grow & count on, His love; Knowledge fades away but love, His love, abides forever

2008-07-14T16:48:00.003-04:00

I am not really into blogging these days (summer I guess or probably I don't have anything to say) I was up to Whitney for a few days and I am just getting used to being home - I would rather be there all summer. LOL.

But what a pure joy it is to know Him and love Him and be loved by Him. Summer, winter, fall, spring. That is something we can always say, and shout and always count on, and tell the whole world!

On that note, I have been thinking the last few days along the lines of how there is one thing we know - one thing we can count on - His love. Knowledge will fade away, but love, His love, will abide forever.

I was thinking that we should always be careful in our quest for knowledge and how easy it can be to fall into such a trap as seeking knowledge rather than love. I have people who send me emails with all sorts of doctrines, concordance references, detailed meanings.. you get the point, or rather, it's they that are trying to make a point. But is it a point for Jesus on how lovely He is and how much he loves, how much he embraces and cherishes and oversees His lovely people ? and this long before we arrive on the scene? I don't think so. The Holy Spirit wants to live and have His way in all things in all of us. Why is it hard to really grasp that, why is it that we all want to do His job for Him. He is ever more devoted to you, I, and His people than we could ever hope to be - and as much as I think I can do so much and should do His job for Him, He is much better at it.

Again it's worth repeating if not for anyone's sake but my own, we simply do not know what we think we know, have known, might know, and as such, we certainly do not know the degree of love and abiding care the Lord has over all His children, ie how the Lord has worked & spoken into a person's life and heart, year by year, even such as our own. He is just so lovely.

I want to learn this and it's my hope that the longer I walk with Jesus, that I will find this gaining a sincere place in my own heart. That I will come to realize that I know far less that I thought I knew, here's hoping that would be true, and because of that, the focus is not what I know or do not know. He is the focus.

Perhaps the more you and I could travel and go along in this direction of sincerity reigning in our own hearts, the more we might discover of how lovely He truly is , ,, simply put, that is why love, His love, is so wonderful. That is one thing I know that we can grow in and count on.

Knowledge fades away but love abides forever. I want to go this way and I realize that ultimately, it is a place of weakness to actually let the Spirit do always what He wants and the way He wants . Meanwhile, that we wouldlet ourselves be quietly and patiently consumed in Him. He is all in all. It's never about being right, it's about being like Him. I know that you want this as I do.

The Right Direction

2008-06-24T10:23:00.007-04:00

It seems to me that every once in a while we need to check our God- given road map and make sure we are headed off in the right direction. There are so many avenues that come are way, and courses that we may / think we should or could take, but if we are not cautious, we too may very easily veer off quickly in the wrong direction, and before we know it we will be way off course. We will humbly need to 'stop' and ask directions so we can return & stay the course!

Clearly we are warned of deception in the last days. Clearly. Yet so many seem indifferent to the" repeated" warnings that are present in scripture! Are they/ am I so accurate in my theology that I/we do not need to heed them? They are there for a reason, for all of us, for all to take heed to. We need the warnings of scripture - and clearly the Father knew that we would need them, ..for he repeated them several times..!! It's like the Father is saying - "If you didn't get it the first time, child, I will repeat it here for you again". Also, if there were hundreds of false prophets in the O.T. and as well in the time of the apostles and early disciples as indicated scripturally, how much more do we in these days need to heed the fact that they are indeed as well present today, and as such, continue to lead people unknowingly astray. (Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world) If John could say this then, that many false prophets at that time had gone out in the world, how much more could it be said today? Yet it is surprising to me that with such warnings evident in scripture, people ignore warnings to test everything, and assume for example, that just because it's supernatural, just because it's Christian, or just because it's God, it's therefore God indeed. Why not test with scripture ? Why not? What's the problem ? If it's indeed from God, and we are convinced it is, then what's the problem ? Why not keep from deception? Listen God is all wise and all knowing and if He said it, it is for our admonition and spiritual good and growth. Remember Jesus said they will come to you in sheep's clothing , .. I am thinking they very well will have a Bible in their hands !

Take for example the issue of pride. I think it's one of the top reasons why people think they don't need to test anything. They lack humility to the Word of God. The Word of God is not going to change for anyone! I have noticed that if people are easily offended by what is said when it is only in concern for another, it's plain and simple, it's pride that causes people to abruptly be offended. If they are confident in Christ and their relationship and that they are on course, they won't be offended. Instead they will joy, thankfulness, and they will have a good fruit basket to turn around and share with others, even in those moments. It's pride that causes people to not feel that they can ever be deceived and to be arrogant and unloving to others, but most of all, it's pride that people don't heed the scriptures. Soon off track, they will realize that God is all wise all knowing and humbly they will return and forsake their foolishness. As servants of him, we all to know that this is ongoing in us all and we are therefore not easily angered to these kinds of things, but instead we are humbled greatly in respect of truly understanding not only our own need, but the needs of others.

I once heard a preacher say something I will never forget. Words to definitely live by! He said something like this:

"Listen, I could be wrong.."

He was not discounting what he had said, he was saying that he was only sharing from the Light of what God had given him, and that he was being careful not to go beyond that. He was saying that he trusted the Lord to guide ALL , including himself, where He needed or someone needed added Light to the Truth. This is a good attitude to have in regards to ourselves and one another.

In my understanding he was very wise and knowing - but interestingly, it was those three words that revealed his true character to me ! This because, when I heard him say that, I realized (with joy) that the reason he had been given so much understanding (Light) was not because he was any different than anyone else, but because he kept that simple right attitude nestled within himself - He was aware of how greatly dependant and needy he was for God and God alone, to continually keep him and guide Him...

Eating Bread with Unwashed Hands

2008-06-20T14:11:00.018-04:00

Reading Mark 7 today. The Pharisees didn't like the disciples of Jesus too much, did they? In fact, they cornered Jesus in this portion of text to directly accuse the disciples of Jesus of not keeping the traditions of the elders , one of which was to eat BREAD with washen hands. (ritual hand washing). Apparently this was not a practice that the followers of Jesus Christ valued or saw any spiritual value in at all.

It was a clever tactic, only the end result was that it backfired and became a mirror into their own spiritual condition. Christ turned it around instead and used this to expose their own hearts. He took this opportunity to show them who it was that was truly falling short in terms of what God truly is after (in us all). He laid it all out bare and used this opportunity to expose to THEM their useless rituals and traditions, which they performed, as complete failure in terms of God's love and true desire for mankind. How indignant they most likely were at the thought of all that they had placed their hope in, for ages,... to be told that it was actually against Christ ?! and not helpful at all !?

In their religious mindset they understood and perceived that the way to impress God and be in God's favor was to be religious in their endeavors to perform a certain way, pray a certain way, read scripture a certain way, have church a certain way and a certain day. The Pharisees felt they had the direct approval and complete favor of God for their efforts; they were very meticulous, in fact they were handed down through the generations by scribes such as Nehemiah. Their intent at the time of Nehemiah was good - to not go into captivity again - i e in our time that would be to not fall into sin. (One example of the failure of this logic, is that the divorce rate among the church is as high - I have heard higher - than the 'world' . Clearly this logic that one will not fall into sin by following rituals, man's commandments, traditions, or being of a denominational mindset is not working)

Eventually traditions and rituals are elevated and worshiped above Christ the Lord. They become extreme in their devotion or should I say bondage, as it becomes the burden of all their efforts. This brings total distortion of the Truth. Not just a portion. And we know that the Truth is a person - they totally missed Jesus. They missed Him standing there in front of them due to their distortion. They are vehement in their pursuit of self righteousness ... and their attack against TRUE Jesus lovers and followers is a broken trail behind them. In the sad end, they become the exact opposite of what they profess, or should I say of WHO they profess to know.

How does this apply in the here and now? Do we subonsciously bring into our own relationship with Christ this idea of needing to "wash" our hands before we are free to eat the BREAD that comes down from above? I think we do. Think about it. Christ is the Bread of Life and we truly want to make ourselves bare before Him, bare and more bare, in the sense that we rely no longer on traditions and various rituals as any form of Gods favor. Bare in the sense that we acknowledge their is no value in them. That they might even be dangerous to spiritual growth with Christ. They are very prevalent in Christianity still from what I have seen. There is no way we can earn God's love and favor. WE are truly sad if we think that we can, but even sadder if we turn around and teach others to do the same (as the pharisees did) "If any man have ears to hear - Jesus said - let them hear."

There are many accusations spewed out against us who are outside the traditional institutional type thinking and environment. That would seek to disqualify us as legitimate in terms of our faith (that is bare) and in terms of our love and commitment to Christ and mankind. WE are no longer a part of the church they would say because we "eat our bread with UNWASHEN hands." However, it is beside those disciples that we stand, who also were railed against. The great Son Jesus has spoken long ago and is still saying that same thing. He values highly not religious endeavors (no value) but only those whose hearts would remain steadfast in love, devotion and committment to Him, .. even when it means living quietly and even solitarily in the midst of all this noise. Even when it means that the pharisees would gather together to make their accusation with all it's vehemence known. It's all out there. The landscape of Christianity is filled with voices, so so many. They all blend into one voice at times - often decrying that they alone know God perfectly and are sent to make it known to us.

We have to listen so very closely now. So many voices out there. They will not always use scripture, but often they will use scripture cleverly, and know scripture so perfectly, yet clearly lack God's Spirit, lacking love, compassion, true mercy. Lack the ability to endeavor with the Spirit's love, help and guidance the simple ability to show the way CLEARLY to Christ. They will instead show the way "unto their religious beliefs etc." Their knowledge of scripture and doctrines becomes (as it did in the case of the Pharisees of old and of now,) a repeated scenario of scripture quoting doctrine police who see themselves as God-sent, to correct, rebuke the masses. They become a massive hindrance and stumbling block.

There is so much to say but it struck my heart this morning reading this, of that direct accusation against the disciples. That they were eating Bread (Jesus) without Washing Hands (keeping their forms, self imposed rituals and traditions). Let's rejoice together in Christ the Lord that He has freed us from these things so that we can eat Bread with unwashen hands.

the Motive to my Madness

2008-06-13T22:08:00.000-04:00

Jun 11, 2008

The Motive to my Madness
When you love someone with the love of God, you see inside their heart. You become extremely sensitive to what they are feeling and how they hear and understand. You can literally go inside of them and when things are spoken, you can hear through their ears, see through their eyes and understand things from their perspective. If someone says something negative to someone you love, you can decipher exactly what they heard, how they took it and what feelings they have because of it. It's not as though you see it from a distance, you actually experience it with them because your heart is woven tightly to theirs. Real love takes you outside of yourself and allows you to enter and meld with other people's hearts. The love of God is all about the heart.

Parents can tell when their child is showing off or embarrassed or insecure in front of a group of people when no one else in the room has a clue. If a person says something to one of my children, I know exactly what my child heard. I know if they understood what was said to them or if they took it wrong. I know immediately how my child felt about what was said, because I feel it with my child. I can usually predict their response. I see these things because my children are the "objects of my affections." When they hurt, I hurt. When they are sad, I feel that same sadness sweep over me. When they laugh, my heart laughs with them because we are one.

People constantly ask me why I preach the things I do. I've been accused of trying to come against everything in the Christian religion. Some people have accused me of purposefully trying to stir up controversy. Others have suggested that I like going against the flow of what everyone else is doing. I've been called a heretic, a deceiver and even a wolf in sheep's clothing. I've been called godless, rebellious and a hater of authority. Some people think I say the things I do because somewhere in my life I was deeply hurt by someone in the Church and I'm retaliating in anger. Others are convinced that I'm doing it for the attention. Many have suggested that I like debating and many more think I'm completely off my rocker.

You have to understand that when I first started loving people, I began to hear through their ears what we were teaching them. Suddenly, for the first time, I felt what they felt and I could see exactly what the traditional Churchey message was doing to their hearts. I could see destructiveness in the religiously-manipulative things that people flippantly said without thinking. For the first time in my life, I could actually see and feel what was going on in their hearts when the preacher said things such as, "You have to be in your Bible every day in order to know God." I could become as one with the feelings of shame, hopelessness and personal failure that each person in the audience felt when subjects like spiritual warfare, fasting and speaking in tongues were gloated about publicly. When the worship singer puts on that over-accentuated happy mask while singing through the offertory, I could experience firsthand the spiritual insecurity and lack of confidence in the people who were watching. Because I loved the people, I was in tune to the part of them that sheepishly compared themselves to that "victorious" person singing on stage, and I could sense their spiritual disappointment in themselves.

I think what defines religion is when people say things they've memorized and learned, but have never stopped to think about what was said or how it affects the people to whom they said it. I remember gasping in disbelief at the heartlessness of certain things that were spoken from the stage of my Church. The sad thing is that there is almost no truth at all to the things that are commonly stated in our religion. Most of the time we are just saying things we've grown up hearing people say.

Christianity is full of clichés and hook lines that people mindlessly quote when they don't know what else to say. Stuff like, "Give it to God, Brother," or "You need to be in the Word, Sister," effortlessly flow from our lips, but rarely do we stop to consider how the person we said it to was affected. That part doesn't matter to the religious person. All that matters to them is that they got an opportunity to say something they've heard others say. If it hurts people, they are not to blame; after all, sometimes the truth hurts. They crush the spirits of everyone around them, all in the name of religion. Let me be the first to say: it's heartless!

My deepest desire is to defend the hearts of people from this spirit of religion. This is why I come against the things I do. It's because these things have been used to oppress, manipulate and basically beat the hell out of honest and sincere people. If you read every one of my blogs, you will find one common denominator: they were written for the purpose of freeing people from a certain teaching that either put them in fear or spiritual and emotional bondage. This is why I wrote the "Spiritual Warfare" blog, "Bible" blog, "Fear of the Lord" blog, two "Worship" blogs and every blog on this website.

I am astounded at how oblivious some people are to the hearts and souls of others, while simultaneously being perfectly "in tune" to each jot and tittle of their religion. When you find yourself fighting for your doctrine at the expense of people, you have crossed the line from loving to heartlessness. An astounding number of people in Christianity today don't care in the least if what they say is harmful to others. They care only about defending and upholding their memorized system of beliefs. Ironically, they don't actually know for sure if any of those beliefs are true. They feel as though they are true because they've heard them said so many times, but when push comes to shove, they haven't seen one shred of evidence proving the authenticity of most of the things they say. It's merely a sentence they've memorized and quoted all their lives and nothing more.

I have found that if I take every cliché and hook line in the Christian world that clearly hurts people, and hold it up to the light, it proves to be untrue. The problem is that most Christians don't have the guts to hold their "beliefs" up to the light. They're not even sure they are allowed. They secretly wonder if doing so might make God feel like we do when the cashier at the convenience store holds our twenty-dollar bill up to the light. It's a feeling of being accused of counterfeiting and interrogated undeservingly. Remember that we mustn't think that holding Christian teachings up to the light is in any way mistrusting God. He is the Light! If you are a lover of people, you will find that almost everything you hear from the pulpit Sunday morning does not pass the light-test.

I believe that most Christian clichés and hook-lines came into existence in the Church because LOVE went out the door years ago. You simply cannot say some of the things I hear said if you love people. You cannot stand in front of a group of people and tell them that they all need to be fasting in their lives or else they won't get closer to God. Most of the people in that audience haven't fasted a day in their lives and when you say that to them, you are condemning a majority of folks in the room. You can't stand up and boast about your 21-day fast that you and the prayer team went on while praying for the big outreach on Saturday. Why? Because that kind of boasting makes everyone else feel small and insignificant in their walk with God.

If you love people, you can't tell them that unless they speak in tongues, they haven't received the "Baptism of the Holy Spirit." When you truly love, you wouldn't allow something so hideous and heartless leave your lips. Lovers of people don't make loveless statements like, "If you have any unforgiveness in your life at all, God won't forgive you." Think about it. Every single person on the planet earth can find some point of unforgiveness in their heart if they look hard enough. You are essentially telling everyone in the room that their Father in Heaven will NEVER forgive them. When you mechanically tell a congregation that if they don't give ten percent of their income, they're "robbing God," you are putting about 85% of the people into a hole of condemnation.

You wouldn't say such things if you loved them more than you did your religion. No Pastor who loves the people in his congregation would tell them that ‘if they love God, they need to show up to next Saturday's outreach and help out.' Think about that statement. These statements put thousands of people under terrible bondage that takes a lifetime to overcome. Someone who loves people wouldn't even consider suggesting that their Father would turn away or abandon them completely. Yet this heartless heresy is preached all over America to millions of precious souls.

I stand adamantly against most of what is said in Churches today. I do so because I love people and I sincerely want to protect their hearts. If a man were to tell my children the same lies about me as I've heard Christians tell each other about the Heart of God, I would absolutely freak out. Imagine someone going to your child's elementary school and gathering all the kids together and telling them that if they continue to mess up and make mistakes, their parents just might leave them forever. How would that make you feel as a parent? Ironically, we don't think twice about saying these things to God's children. What if someone told your son or daughter that if they didn't pay you 10% of their paycheck, you would lift your hand of protection from them and allow the fires of hell to swallow them up? How would you respond if you found out that someone told your child that they are on this earth to be your servant and slave? What would you do if a youth counselor at your child's school told your baby that if he or she ever directly disobeyed you, you would douse them with gasoline and light them on fire? What if I told you that I have taught my children that whatever awards, ribbons or trophies they won in life, they must give to me and give ME all the glory, and I would never under any circumstances share my glory with them? What kind of a parent would you see me as if I thought that way?

I do what I do for one reason: I am a lover of people! Every time someone comes against the things I teach, they are almost always hollow in their hearts and full of religion. They are protecting a "system of beliefs" that has no concern about human hearts. I made a decision long ago that I wouldn't mindlessly say the awful things I grew up hearing. I would challenge those horrible things and hold them up to the light. In doing so, I have discovered that any time something is said or taught that makes people feel scared or condemned, you can bet your life that it isn't true. When you look deeper at any teaching that hurts people, I am convinced that you'll find that it's just something people say, but has no truth attached to it. This generation needs to be motivated by love and nothing else. Anything less will ultimately destroy the souls of people
http://www.freebelievers.com/blog-entry.php?id=83

The Greatest Part of the Journey

2008-06-07T09:03:00.002-04:00

FORGIVENESS frees my soul ..

Know all and you will pardon all. --Thomas A’Kempis

We are all full of weakness and errors; let us mutually pardon each other our follies
--Voltaire

A mature Christian has capacity to absorb the offenses and weaknesses of others, not just demand they perform up to the code of ideals. --Stephen Crosby

To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover the prisoner was you.—Unknown

Anger makes you smaller, while forgiveness forces you to grow beyond what you were. --Cherie Carter-Scott

He who cannot forgive breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass.--George Herbert

Resentment is like a glass of poison that a man drinks; then he sits down and waits for his enemy to die.—Unknown

A Christian will find it cheaper to pardon than to resent. Forgiveness saves the expense of anger, the cost of hatred, and the waste of spirit. --Hannah More

Forgiveness means that you've decided not to let it keep festering inside even if it only comes up once in awhile. --Doc Childre and Howard Martin

Forgiveness is giving up the possibility of a better past. --Unknown

Forgiveness is a funny thing. It warms the heart and cools the sting. --William A. Ward

You will know that forgiveness has begun when you recall those who hurt you and feel the power to wish them well. --Lewis B. Smedes

It is easier to forgive an enemy than to forgive a friend. --William Blake:

Forgiveness is . . . accepting God's sovereign use of people and situations to strip you of self importance, and humiliate your self love. --Martha Kilpatrick

Without deep humility, true forgiveness is impossible…and will never happen. --Martha Kilpatrick

Forgiveness is me giving up my right to hurt you for hurting me. --Anonymous

Never does the human soul appear so strong as when it foregoes revenge, and dares forgive an injury. --E. H. Chapin

Am I not destroying my enemies when I make friends of them?-- Abraham Lincoln

There is no revenge so complete as forgiveness.-- Josh Billings

Always forgive your enemies--nothing annoys them so much.-- Oscar Wilde

To err is human; to forgive, divine.-- Alexander Pope

Humanity is never so beautiful as when praying for forgiveness, or else forgiving another. --Jean Paul Richter

The glory of Christianity is to conquer by forgiveness. --William Blake

Yes, this is what good is: to forgive evil. There is no other good. --Antonio Porchia

A happy marriage is the union of two good forgivers. --Robert Quillen

Forgiveness is the final form of love. --Reinhold Niebuhr

One forgives to the degree that one loves. --Francois de La Rochefoucauld

'Tis the most tender part of love, each other to forgive. --John Sheffield

Never forget the three powerful resources you always have available to you: love, prayer, and forgiveness. --H. Jackson Brown

We are all on a life long journey and the core of its meaning, the terrible demand of its centrality is forgiving and being forgiven. --Martha Kilpatrick

Forgiveness is the giving, and so the receiving, of life. --George MacDonald

Heart Tugs (soften our hearts O Lord)

2008-06-05T09:33:00.004-04:00

I am reminded today with joy, of the many promises we are partakers of, through Jesus, directly through our relationship with Him. WE are given joy and specifically, we are given the opportunity today and everyday, as we hear His voice, to soften our hearts. People who are lost and those who do not know Him, and know the Light that is shining all around them of Christ and His love for them,... they may not hear His voice today, they may not have that opportunity that you and I have been given, to soften our hearts toward Him.

Be grateful and rejoice that you & I have had, and continue in Him to have, the opportunity each day to awaken, and to feel the tug of His Spirit in our hearts, and have songs and joyfulness within our hearts. The reason for that tug is to soften our hearts. Think of what it means if you were to lose that every morning. Think of what it means for others to have never ever known or experienced that.

The tug at our heart is a sure sign of God's love and of His desire to welcome us into sweet fellowship with Him each and every day. He longs for us. People who are in the world and caught up in ambitions and deceptions, they do not have that tug at all in their heart. They may have once had it, but slowly over time, they lose that heart tug, little by little.

WE need to continually help each other to offer ourselves up to this process daily. The process of softening our hearts and responding to Him.