"Take heed what you hear; the measure you give will be the measure you get, and still more will be given to you. For to him who has will more be given; and from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away." Mark 4:24-25
Jesus tells a parable about a sower. One who sows seed along a path, on rocky ground, and in good soil. Of course, the seed that was sown in the good soil brought forth grain and yielded thirty to sixty to a hundredfold.
We have the responsibility as believers to sow into the lives of those whom God places in our care. We can casually speak and teach and see where the seed falls, but if we refuse to plant it deep into their hearts and care for what we plant... how do we expect people to grow? If we teach and then walk away without toiling the soil, watering, and take time to allow the seed to grow...it will get choked out by the things that will grow around it or by animals eating the seed before it has time to grow roots. But how many times do we give up nurturing because of our lack of time, energy, or our thinking that if "they don't care...why should I?!"
I'm sure there were quite a few times when Jesus looked at the 12 disciples and thought "What was I thinking?! These guys will never get it!" But at the same time He knew, "As I keep watering and caring for the seeds I've planted, they will grow and the results will yield much fruit!? This I believe is why Jesus said..."the measure you give will be the measure you get and still more will be given to you."
Don't give up caring for those God places in your life. Love and nurture each one because you know...they are a child of God's.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
Lead as a servant
"Do nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in humility count others better than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which was in Christ Jesus..." Phil 2:3-5a
Our society dictates who is in authority, businesses have created positions of authority, and of course, the church has done the same. Writing to the Phillipians, Paul reminds the leaders and the church what our actions should be like. How to serve and give as Jesus did.
Todays leaders are taught to use their authority to bring about the demands of the hierarchy. Being a believer in Christ Jesus our Lord makes the chain of command a bit out of place with society. Church leaders are called to be servants. To serve in a manner that reflects the Father. Love, mercy, and grace abound in the Father, yet, too many times as leaders we tend to use our authority to establish ourselves, our position in our church, in our schools, in our business, etc., instead of leading and teaching by example the ways of God and to establish His kingdom purposes for man.
Love, as always, is the key. The greatest thing that we all need and want...yet the hardest to give and the hardest to receive.
How many times have we heard it said, or we've said, "I love him/her...but I don't have to like him!" Such a sad state of mind! So much the more we need to sacrifice our time and attention for that soul. For his/her sake? No, for our own growth. Our own understanding of knowing how to lay die our lives as Jesus did for that one. Not just that one...but even for us.
Lead as a servant. No, we won't change the world, but, He will.
Our society dictates who is in authority, businesses have created positions of authority, and of course, the church has done the same. Writing to the Phillipians, Paul reminds the leaders and the church what our actions should be like. How to serve and give as Jesus did.
Todays leaders are taught to use their authority to bring about the demands of the hierarchy. Being a believer in Christ Jesus our Lord makes the chain of command a bit out of place with society. Church leaders are called to be servants. To serve in a manner that reflects the Father. Love, mercy, and grace abound in the Father, yet, too many times as leaders we tend to use our authority to establish ourselves, our position in our church, in our schools, in our business, etc., instead of leading and teaching by example the ways of God and to establish His kingdom purposes for man.
Love, as always, is the key. The greatest thing that we all need and want...yet the hardest to give and the hardest to receive.
How many times have we heard it said, or we've said, "I love him/her...but I don't have to like him!" Such a sad state of mind! So much the more we need to sacrifice our time and attention for that soul. For his/her sake? No, for our own growth. Our own understanding of knowing how to lay die our lives as Jesus did for that one. Not just that one...but even for us.
Lead as a servant. No, we won't change the world, but, He will.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Come Lord Jesus.
Like many of you, I'm a little overwhelmed at what is going on in America. We truly have come to an age which Scripture describes as a time when people will accept lies over the truth. Certainly, mankind has always been screwed up and has accepted lies over the truth, but since we are living today, and we are living in such screwed up understanding of basic morals...accepting that this is "progressive evolution of man" even the church has decided that the Scriptures are really not from God. Lies and immorality are the norm. If the church really believed what Scripture teaches...things would be much different.
Though most of the time I have voted, I have voted Republican which was once considered the conservative party. This certainly has changed, as well as, the Democratic Party whom now seems to have moved way beyond their foundation.
We are at a time of crisis. And it's not about money, it's not about Wall Street or bank credit. It's about serving God or serving man. This nation has fallen and most don't even realize it yet. It will get worse and one day, by the grace of God, we will wake up to see just how far we've fallen. But the masses have spoken and they want a new saviour. We will get a new saviour(s), as scripture teaches us we will, and then in God's timing, our eyes will be open and we will repent and return to the True Saviour, who is Jesus the Messiah, the One who came and gave His life so that ALL of mankind will be saved.
Whomever wins the next presidency will win because of the heart of the nation, just as it has happened in the past. God will give us what we ask for...it really doesn't matter of the main two who are running because they both lack leadership in spiritual matters. They actually think that man's ways, laws, and leadership can save us.
I can't vote this year for a president. Really...I shouldn't have voted for anyone in the past elections but felt like there was a better evil than the other. Today, I repent of that.
I haven't been very vocal during this election period. I have tried to hold my thoughts in and just let things happen. But now that it seems that Obama will become the next president, I feel that this truly is the beginning of the end...not so much because of him, but because of what the masses have made him to be. Should McCain somehow pull this off, it will be the same in just a little different way. He too...has made the choice to follow a road that leads to nowhere.
We will get change....that's for sure. And it's not because the world is following men who don't believe, it's a reflection on the church for not following the Lord and repenting and giving our hearts and minds to Him. The world doesn't know better....but we should. It's time for the church, the true believers and followers of Jesus, to repent and turn to Him.
Though most of the time I have voted, I have voted Republican which was once considered the conservative party. This certainly has changed, as well as, the Democratic Party whom now seems to have moved way beyond their foundation.
We are at a time of crisis. And it's not about money, it's not about Wall Street or bank credit. It's about serving God or serving man. This nation has fallen and most don't even realize it yet. It will get worse and one day, by the grace of God, we will wake up to see just how far we've fallen. But the masses have spoken and they want a new saviour. We will get a new saviour(s), as scripture teaches us we will, and then in God's timing, our eyes will be open and we will repent and return to the True Saviour, who is Jesus the Messiah, the One who came and gave His life so that ALL of mankind will be saved.
Whomever wins the next presidency will win because of the heart of the nation, just as it has happened in the past. God will give us what we ask for...it really doesn't matter of the main two who are running because they both lack leadership in spiritual matters. They actually think that man's ways, laws, and leadership can save us.
I can't vote this year for a president. Really...I shouldn't have voted for anyone in the past elections but felt like there was a better evil than the other. Today, I repent of that.
I haven't been very vocal during this election period. I have tried to hold my thoughts in and just let things happen. But now that it seems that Obama will become the next president, I feel that this truly is the beginning of the end...not so much because of him, but because of what the masses have made him to be. Should McCain somehow pull this off, it will be the same in just a little different way. He too...has made the choice to follow a road that leads to nowhere.
We will get change....that's for sure. And it's not because the world is following men who don't believe, it's a reflection on the church for not following the Lord and repenting and giving our hearts and minds to Him. The world doesn't know better....but we should. It's time for the church, the true believers and followers of Jesus, to repent and turn to Him.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Fasting
"This is the kind of fasting I have chosen:
Loosen the chains of the wickedness,
untie the straps of the yoke,
let the oppressed go free,
and break every yoke.
Share your food with the hungry,
take the poor and homeless into your house,
and cover them with clothes when you see them naked.
Don't refuse to help your relatives.
Then your light will break through like the dawn,
and you will heal quickly.
Your righteousness will go ahead of you,
and the glory of the Lord will guard you from behind.
Then you will call, and the Lord will answer.
You will cry for help, and he will say, "Here I am!"
Get rid of that yoke.
Don't point your finger and say wicked things.
If you give some of your own food to feed those who are hungry
and to satisfy the needs of those who are humble,
then your light will rise in the dark,
and your darkness will become as bright as the noonday sun.
The Lord will continually guide you
and satisfy you even in sun-baked places.
He will strengthen your bones.
You will become like a watered garden
and like a spring whose water does not stop flowing."
Isaiah 58:6-12
Loosen the chains of the wickedness,
untie the straps of the yoke,
let the oppressed go free,
and break every yoke.
Share your food with the hungry,
take the poor and homeless into your house,
and cover them with clothes when you see them naked.
Don't refuse to help your relatives.
Then your light will break through like the dawn,
and you will heal quickly.
Your righteousness will go ahead of you,
and the glory of the Lord will guard you from behind.
Then you will call, and the Lord will answer.
You will cry for help, and he will say, "Here I am!"
Get rid of that yoke.
Don't point your finger and say wicked things.
If you give some of your own food to feed those who are hungry
and to satisfy the needs of those who are humble,
then your light will rise in the dark,
and your darkness will become as bright as the noonday sun.
The Lord will continually guide you
and satisfy you even in sun-baked places.
He will strengthen your bones.
You will become like a watered garden
and like a spring whose water does not stop flowing."
Isaiah 58:6-12
Monday, August 11, 2008
Credit Card Ministry
Due to the job I once held, I had to attend a Benny Hinn meeting quite a few years ago. I sat through it and figured out quickly that this was not what Jesus had in mind. The link below is an article that made my stomach turn...Hinn, in my opinion, is a good reason why so many find Christianity is not an option for them.
Lord, come quickly.
http://www.news24.com/News24/South_Africa/News/0,,2-7-1442_2360893,00.html
Lord, come quickly.
http://www.news24.com/News24/South_Africa/News/0,,2-7-1442_2360893,00.html
Thursday, July 31, 2008
He is not silent.
"The LORD spoke his word to Jeremiah. He said, "Go to the potter's house. There I will give you my message." I went to the potter's house, and he was working there at his wheel. Whenever a clay pot he was working on was ruined, he would rework it into a new clay pot the way he wanted to make it. The LORD spoke his word to me. The LORD asked, "Nation of Israel, can't I do with you as this potter does with clay? Nation of Israel, you are like the clay in the potter's hands. "At one time I may threaten to tear up, break down, and destroy a nation or a kingdom. But suppose the nation that I threatened turns away from doing wrong. Then I will change my plans about the disaster I planned to do to it. "At another time I may promise to build and plant a nation or a kingdom. But suppose that nation does what I consider evil and doesn't obey me. Then I will change my plans about the good that I promised to do to it. "Now say to the people of Judah and to those who live in Jerusalem, 'This is what the LORD says: I'm going to prepare a disaster and make plans against you. Turn from your evil ways, change your lives, and do good.' "But they will answer, 'It's useless! We'll live the way we want to. We'll go our own stubborn, evil ways." Jeremiah 18:1-12
Here in America, we see our leaders are drifting farther and farther away from God. History shows that God's Word is true. He is not silent in making us aware of the consequences of our desire to turn away from Him. When will we learn? We talk about repenting...but, that seems to be all it is. Talk.
May we all come to a place that we desire to repent. Desire to seek God. Desire His will over our own. I need help in that area. I assume we all do. Pray the Lord has mercy and gives us a new heart and mind that desires to love Him, honor Him, and give Him our all.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Creation
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Genesis 1:1
It seems there is a huge push within the Christian world to accept that evolution as being taught by the scientists is a fact. I guess it's kind of like how global warming as Al Gore is pushing is a fact even though there is evidence to the contrary.
I realize there is an evolutionary process in our world. But it still comes back to who created that one thing that set the process in motion. I find the idea that God create a little atom and then boom we, the planets, the stars, the universe...simply evolved. To even think we could take a monkey in this day and age and evolve it into a human being seems comical. We know we can't do that. Or better yet, a fish evolves into a man.
What is it about Christians wanting to disregard the creation account? Why does it seem that evolution makes more sense than the creation account? Both "theories" take faith to believe. My problem is that it takes so much more faith to believe in evolution and yet, so many wise theologians have fallen into the camp of evolution and are trying hard to change the mindset of believers.
What a world.
It seems there is a huge push within the Christian world to accept that evolution as being taught by the scientists is a fact. I guess it's kind of like how global warming as Al Gore is pushing is a fact even though there is evidence to the contrary.
I realize there is an evolutionary process in our world. But it still comes back to who created that one thing that set the process in motion. I find the idea that God create a little atom and then boom we, the planets, the stars, the universe...simply evolved. To even think we could take a monkey in this day and age and evolve it into a human being seems comical. We know we can't do that. Or better yet, a fish evolves into a man.
What is it about Christians wanting to disregard the creation account? Why does it seem that evolution makes more sense than the creation account? Both "theories" take faith to believe. My problem is that it takes so much more faith to believe in evolution and yet, so many wise theologians have fallen into the camp of evolution and are trying hard to change the mindset of believers.
What a world.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Pope in Yankee Stadium
AP Photo - Frank Franklin III am not Catholic but I have been watching the mass on TV today and really have been moved by the commentary as well as the service. Even though I have a lot of issues with the doctrines of the Catholic church, I am very aware that Jesus' name is being proclaimed around the world! That in itself is a blessing to the nations. May today be more than a service. May it be a beginning of hearts wanting to change and know Jesus the Lord.
This coming Saturday, April 26th please join the nation again for a day of repentance and prayer.
This coming Saturday, April 26th please join the nation again for a day of repentance and prayer.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Timeless treasures
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction." Proverbs 1:7
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." Proverbs 3:5
"My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights." Proverbs 3:11-12
"The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day." Proverbs 4:18
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight." Proverbs 9:10-12
"Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses." Proverbs 10:12
"Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid." Proverbs 12:1
"The way of the fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice." Proverbs 12:15
"He who guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin." Proverbs 13:3
"He who despises his neighbor is a sinner, but happy is he who is kind to the poor." Proverbs 14:21
"The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life that one may avoid the snares of death." Proverbs 14:27
"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble." Proverbs 16: 3-4
"To get wisdom is better than gold; to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver." Proverbs 16:16
"A friend loves at all times." Proverbs 17:17
"A cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a downcast spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22
"He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his deed." Proverbs 19:17
"Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will be established." Proverbs 19:21
"A man's steps are ordered by the Lord; how then can man understand His way?" Proverbs 20:24
"The spirit if man is the lamp of the Lord, searching all his innermost parts." Proverbs 20:27
"He who pursues righteousness and kindness will find life and honor." Proverbs 21:21
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." Proverbs 3:5
"My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights." Proverbs 3:11-12
"The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day." Proverbs 4:18
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight." Proverbs 9:10-12
"Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses." Proverbs 10:12
"Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid." Proverbs 12:1
"The way of the fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice." Proverbs 12:15
"He who guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin." Proverbs 13:3
"He who despises his neighbor is a sinner, but happy is he who is kind to the poor." Proverbs 14:21
"The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life that one may avoid the snares of death." Proverbs 14:27
"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble." Proverbs 16: 3-4
"To get wisdom is better than gold; to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver." Proverbs 16:16
"A friend loves at all times." Proverbs 17:17
"A cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a downcast spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22
"He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his deed." Proverbs 19:17
"Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will be established." Proverbs 19:21
"A man's steps are ordered by the Lord; how then can man understand His way?" Proverbs 20:24
"The spirit if man is the lamp of the Lord, searching all his innermost parts." Proverbs 20:27
"He who pursues righteousness and kindness will find life and honor." Proverbs 21:21
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Peace on earth, goodwill to men.
"Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God; for it is written; "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." No, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:19-21
We have heard it said that we are at war with evil. I have heard from many believers in Jesus that we need to fight and destroy those who are trying to destroy others and need to protect the innocent. It's a hard thing to grasp when coming from Christian believers that we need to attack "evil" before they attack us. How do we justify this? What does scripture say? What does your heart say?
We reap what we sow. That goes for individuals as well as nations.
We have heard it said that we are at war with evil. I have heard from many believers in Jesus that we need to fight and destroy those who are trying to destroy others and need to protect the innocent. It's a hard thing to grasp when coming from Christian believers that we need to attack "evil" before they attack us. How do we justify this? What does scripture say? What does your heart say?
We reap what we sow. That goes for individuals as well as nations.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
...but the greatest of these is love.
"So faith, hope, love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13Our friend and brother, Jackie Street, has passed away from this life. In my fifty plus years on this earth, there have been only a few people that I remember to have lived or are now living the life that all believers in Christ are called to live. Jackie was one of them.
Jackie never said much. In fact, over the passed twenty plus years that I have known Jackie, and if I had recorded everything he said in my presence, which was many, many, many days in our lives, I probably couldn't give you more than a day's worth of him talking. But the things he did say were always meaningful to me even when I couldn't understand him. He loved God and His laws and he loved America and it's laws. He always had mounds of books and papers with him and he could quote many laws and show you how America had strayed so far from our beginnings. Then he would remind you of God's laws, and more importantly, God's character. He would remind you that in all of the mess we have made within the context of church or the context of government...LOVE was the most important thing to know and to abide by.
There are many teachings on what it will be like with the coming of Jesus. How He will come to reign on earth for a thousand years. I believe that He will come and I am looking forward to that day! In fact, I believe that day is very near and I pray that all of us will live to see Him come.
Something that the apostle Paul wrote, makes me think that when that day comes, my friend Jackie will rise from the dead. Paul writes in Romans 8:19 - 21; "For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing (literal - unveiling) of the sons of God; for the creation itself was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of HIM who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the glorious liberty of the children of God." And the apostle John wrote in Revelation 20: 4-5; "I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony to Jesus and for the word of God, and who had not worshiped the beast or its image, and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life, and reigned with Christ a thousand years. The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended."
In my understanding, many will reign with Christ for a thousand years. Those who are raised at the first resurrection are those who had committed their lives to Christ and refused to bow to the system (the beast or image of the beast) of this world. They are the ones who took seriously the words; "I have been crucified with Christ! It's no longer me that lives...but Christ who lives in me!" Galatians 2:20
Jackie taught everyone he met, not with words, but with his character. He humbled himself before God and man and lived a quiet and servant filled life. He never asked anyone for anything. He never took anything from anyone but gave generously when no one was looking so that he would not bring attention to himself. When hundreds came together to remember him this week and tell their stories, each person knew they were Jackie's closest friend. He would spend hours contacting each person he loved by phone, text messaging, or in person. I never knew the commitment he had with so many...I just thought he contacted me because I was a special friend to him. And I was....as was hundreds and hundreds of people around the world.
This servant of God lived in a manner that now makes me ashamed of whom I have become. With all that I do and how I try to live my life as a servant, I have never impacted those around me by being a man that was truly committed to love. To love unconditionally. To love without wanting something in return, to love because Jesus loved. To love because God is Love. Jackie knew he was created in the image of God and that was enough reason to love. He knew by reading the Scriptures that his genealogy went all the way back to Adam...who was a son of God. (Luke 3:38) I believe that Jackie's ministry was to help us all see that we are God's children and we need to live and act like His children. What an amazing thought! If only we believed we could.
You may have never had the privilege of meeting Jackie Street face to face, but you have heard his silent voice many times. If you have ever turned on your radio to listen to music, or bought a CD, Jackie could have very well been the one that laid down the foundation that made the song you cherish come alive in your heart. We will see Jackie again...but he will be in his new and improved glorious body, and I believe will be leading us in learning the righteous ways of God. He will again show us that the greatest gift of all is Love.
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Sunday, February 3, 2008
A gift from God
"You were once dead because of your failures and sins. You followed the ways of this present world and its spiritual ruler. This ruler continues to work in people who refuse to obey God. All of us once lived among these people, and followed the desires of our corrupt nature. We did what our corrupt desires and thoughts wanted us to do. So, because of our nature, we deserved God's anger just like everyone else.
But God is rich in mercy because of his great love for us. We were dead because of our failures, but he made us alive together with Christ. (It is God's kindness (grace) that saved you.) God has brought us back to life together with Christ Jesus and has given us a position in heaven with him. He did this through Christ Jesus out of his generosity to us in order to show his extremely rich kindness in the world to come. God saved you through faith as an act of kindness. You had nothing to do with it. Being saved is a gift from God. It's not the result of anything you've done, so no one can brag about it. God has made us what we are. He has created us in Christ Jesus to live lives filled with good works that he has prepared for us to do. Ephesians 2:1-10
I gave my life to the Lord. I was baptized. I am a member of the church. I have faith. I believed. I repented. I...thankfully, know that none of what I just wrote is true.
I love the scripture above. It puts everything in perspective about me. I have nothing to do with my salvation and I love knowing that! Because if it was me and the power I have to change my self by believing, repenting, confessing, or any works, I would never have changed.
We want so much to brag about our walk with God...or should I say, I want! I love doing good things for the Lord, but I know in my heart, I always seems to wonder if I do good enough, will others like me more or will God bless me more for being good. Will God see that I am a capable servant and warrior for Him? Will He stop what He's doing and call the angels and say..."Look! Look at that guy! He's really making things happen by being so good and choosing all the right things to do! He is the perfect disciple! He repented and believed and gave his heart to me!"
It's a hard thing to understand. We know we have choices to make. To repent. To confess. To steal or not to steal. Yet, Scripture clearly shows us that God is the one who chooses to make us a good vessel or a bad one. With warts or with perfect skin. Yes...HE is the potter and we are the clay. So, how do we take the Scriptures that say..."repent, believe, confess, and justify them with the Scriptures like the one above that says...YOU don't have anything to do with it! Being saved is a gift from God. All I know is that by faith, I believe my choices are only the result of the gift from God.
The translation I used above is the "God's Word" translation. I love the line they translated as; "God saved you through faith as an act of kindness." Now the questions for you and I to search for is "Whose faith? Yours? or God's?"
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Oprah - Deceiving a nation.
"But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them--bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping." 2 Peter 2:1-3
For a very long time I have been saddened that Oprah Winfrey, whom I believe has a call from God on her life, has fallen prey to the deception of false teachers and their teachings. Being as powerful and famous as she is, it shouldn't surprise us that she has been swayed by the world and all that the world thinks it has to offer.
From her daily TV program, film company, a magazine, an XM radio station, and now her own TV network, she is able to literally reach nearly every person in the world, 24 hours a day, and teach the masses the deception that she has come to believe. Sadly, many believers in Christ Jesus are faithful watchers of her show and truly think she is doing a great service to the world.
Believers need to wake up and start repenting and praying for God to open our eyes to what is happening around us, and give us the strength to love as He loves.
One of her most important messages is the daily program that she promotes on her website called "A Course in Miracles" with Marianne Williamson. Here are some of the things this course teaches: (Excerpt from author Warren Smith http://www.crossroad.to/articles2/007/smith-oprah.htm )
* There is no sin. . . "
* A slain Christ has no meaning.
* The journey to the cross should be the last useless journey.
* Do not make the pathetic error of clinging to the old rugged cross.
* The Name of Jesus Christ as such is but a symbol... It is a symbol that is safely used as a replacement for the many names of all the gods to which you pray.
* God is in everything I see.
* The recognition of God is the recognition of yourself.
* The oneness of the Creator and the creation is your wholeness, your sanity and your limitless power.
* The Atonement is the final lesson he [man] need learn, for it teaches him that, never having sinned, he has no need of salvation.
As believers in Jesus and believers in the Scriptures, is this from God? Is this what the world needs to know and come to believe? Satan has come like an angel of light and the masses have fallen prey to years of subtle deception, but now, it's not that subtle anymore.
I am personally not against Oprah! But the purpose of this post is to encourage you to be aware of what you allow in your heart and mind and become diligent in praying for Oprah and the many who are deceived by the father of lies. Pray that she will use the platform that God has given her for the purpose of GOD'S KINGDOM. Oprah grew up in the church and has heard the Good News. I believe she accepted that Good News but now has been misguided and is in need of a divine appointment and anointing from God.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Grace
"For to you it is graciously granted for Christ's sake, not only to be believing on Him, but to be suffering for His sake also." Philippians 1:29
For many years now we have heard teachings that promote prosperity. Promoted by the idea that when you follow certain doctrines you will be blessed with health and wealth and because of your beliefs...you actually deserve it and have earned it.
I really have never understood how so many have fallen into believing such a lie when all of us can read scriptures for ourselves. We see that from the beginning those who follow God will be persecuted and will deal with suffering. And as Paul puts it...graciously suffer for Christ's sake!
That doesn't mean all believers will walk around in rags, are sick, and have nothing...but God graciously allows suffering to believers to bring us to a maturity in graciously knowing the suffering that Christ endured for us. This suffering teaches us and helps us to remain focused on Jesus instead of ourselves. Paul also reminds us in Romans 5:
"We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope doesn't disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us."
The time is coming soon when we will see this world turn upside down. Disaster will come to this land, the whole world, and the doctrine of prosperity will fade from our hearts and minds. We will graciously be granted to not only believe in Christ and the power of resurrection, but we will graciously be granted to suffer for His sake.
It's hard to rejoice when we are going through trials and tribulations. But I pray that all of us will learn and know that God is in control and His purpose, His Will, will be done in our lives and in this world. That is something to rejoice about! We may not see how things can work out in our sufferings...how it could be good, but God knows.
For many years now we have heard teachings that promote prosperity. Promoted by the idea that when you follow certain doctrines you will be blessed with health and wealth and because of your beliefs...you actually deserve it and have earned it.
I really have never understood how so many have fallen into believing such a lie when all of us can read scriptures for ourselves. We see that from the beginning those who follow God will be persecuted and will deal with suffering. And as Paul puts it...graciously suffer for Christ's sake!
That doesn't mean all believers will walk around in rags, are sick, and have nothing...but God graciously allows suffering to believers to bring us to a maturity in graciously knowing the suffering that Christ endured for us. This suffering teaches us and helps us to remain focused on Jesus instead of ourselves. Paul also reminds us in Romans 5:
"We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope doesn't disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us."
The time is coming soon when we will see this world turn upside down. Disaster will come to this land, the whole world, and the doctrine of prosperity will fade from our hearts and minds. We will graciously be granted to not only believe in Christ and the power of resurrection, but we will graciously be granted to suffer for His sake.
It's hard to rejoice when we are going through trials and tribulations. But I pray that all of us will learn and know that God is in control and His purpose, His Will, will be done in our lives and in this world. That is something to rejoice about! We may not see how things can work out in our sufferings...how it could be good, but God knows.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Bring glory to God
"Stay away from sexual sins. Other sins that people commit don't affect their bodies in the same way sexual sins do. People who sin sexually sin against their own bodies. Don't you know that your body is a temple that belongs to the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit, whom you have received from God, lives in you. You don't belong to yourselves. You were bought for a price. So bring glory to God in the way you use your body." I Corinthians 6:18-20
In our age we have become such a perverted people. It's all around us. Turn the TV on, open the pages of a magazine, listen to the radio, get on the internet, or just walk around a busy shopping mall. Sexuality is the order of the day and we can't run or hide from it. It surrounds us and captivates us like nothing else in our society. It makes it hard to live a holy and pure life.
Let's be honest. We all struggle with it. Men probably more than women, but now I'm not so sure. I think the media has created a mindset in women that teaches them from a very young age, that sex is the way to gain power and to completely satisfy ones desire to serve self.
But...and that's a big but, the younger generation has much more sense than that! They are realizing that there is more to life than serving ones self. No not all kids think this way, but God is raising up a generation that is seeing there is more to life and this life starts and ends with Jesus. I am excited about our young people. I have witnessed (even this day!!) how God is moving in them and bringing them to a place that previous generations only received a small portion of His mighty power in their lives. They are wanting and desiring to be pure and holy and are coming against the evil in this world. Praise God for His mercy and grace!
For us older ones...we need to repent and be holy. We need to be pure and immersed with the Holy Spirit and not allow this wickedness into our homes, our businesses, the church, and our lives anymore. We need a cleansing from God that will empower us to stand strong against the schemes of satan.
Be pure as He is pure. Be holy as He is holy. Run from wickedness and run to Jesus! Jesus is coming soon and we must be ready. Look up and know He is God.
In our age we have become such a perverted people. It's all around us. Turn the TV on, open the pages of a magazine, listen to the radio, get on the internet, or just walk around a busy shopping mall. Sexuality is the order of the day and we can't run or hide from it. It surrounds us and captivates us like nothing else in our society. It makes it hard to live a holy and pure life.
Let's be honest. We all struggle with it. Men probably more than women, but now I'm not so sure. I think the media has created a mindset in women that teaches them from a very young age, that sex is the way to gain power and to completely satisfy ones desire to serve self.
But...and that's a big but, the younger generation has much more sense than that! They are realizing that there is more to life than serving ones self. No not all kids think this way, but God is raising up a generation that is seeing there is more to life and this life starts and ends with Jesus. I am excited about our young people. I have witnessed (even this day!!) how God is moving in them and bringing them to a place that previous generations only received a small portion of His mighty power in their lives. They are wanting and desiring to be pure and holy and are coming against the evil in this world. Praise God for His mercy and grace!
For us older ones...we need to repent and be holy. We need to be pure and immersed with the Holy Spirit and not allow this wickedness into our homes, our businesses, the church, and our lives anymore. We need a cleansing from God that will empower us to stand strong against the schemes of satan.
Be pure as He is pure. Be holy as He is holy. Run from wickedness and run to Jesus! Jesus is coming soon and we must be ready. Look up and know He is God.
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