Today I would like to encourage us all to think. I mean it. Let's really think, discern, and contemplate which is completely different than following what we hear in the mainstream media.
Now, when I say, think, I do not mean, think how you feel or think what is good for you. If you are a new creation in the God of the Bible then you need to think Biblically.
“Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean;
Remove the evil of your deeds from My sight.
Cease to do evil,
Learn to do good;
Seek justice,
Reprove the ruthless,
Defend the orphan,
Plead for the widow.
“Come now, and let us reason together,”
Says the LORD,
“Though your sins are as scarlet,
They will be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They will be like wool.
Isaiah 1:16-18
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Subtle errors can be devastating
Error May Be Subtle over on The Watchman's Bagpipes is enlightening for any age:
...false teachings are often very subtle because they cross back and forth over truth. All cults and false teachers have some truth in their teachings, which makes discernment of the utmost importance. Often it is the true parts of their teachings that draws people unwittingly into the false, not being able to discern where the line was crossed
It is important for every Christian to be continually in the Word of God so that the line we follow is the true path, and so that we will be able to recognize the false teachings whenever they cross our line.
...false teachings are often very subtle because they cross back and forth over truth. All cults and false teachers have some truth in their teachings, which makes discernment of the utmost importance. Often it is the true parts of their teachings that draws people unwittingly into the false, not being able to discern where the line was crossed
It is important for every Christian to be continually in the Word of God so that the line we follow is the true path, and so that we will be able to recognize the false teachings whenever they cross our line.
Grace vs man made rules
Praise God for His Holy Spirit in us! We are more than conquerers because of Him!
But sadly...some people are not aware of what this truly means and how it effects our entire life as a Believer. Simply not knowing our gift of the Holy Spirit in us is sad, but adding man made rules instead of trusting ourselves to Him can become so legalistic and imprisoning.
Once again I am sending you to Recovering Grace for an excellent post by Ileata, January 18, 2012, "Finding the Key", where her testimony makes clear what joy it can be when we discover how precious is having the indwelling of Him:
Sometimes, I think the story of my Christian life, up until recently, could be summarized in another verse from Galatians. “Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now going to be made complete by the flesh?” (Gal. 3:3).
Even though I (hopefully) had looked to Jesus alone for Salvation, I was looking to the flesh for sanctification. Just following Him wasn’t enough to avoid sin. I had to add a few extra rules.
But, that doesn’t keep me from sinning. Sure, I didn’t kiss my husband until our wedding day. I kept my promise. But does that mean I didn’t sin during our engagement? Absolutely not! Not kissing him didn’t prevent me from wishing I could kiss him and then some. And it didn’t conquer lust.
Ileata ends with:
I’m so thankful for the realization that it’s “Not by strength or by might, but My Spirit, says the Lord of Hosts” (Zech. 4:6). I’m so excited about this life that is completely by grace through faith, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Talk about limitless possibilities! And limitless power to conquer sin. Again, I realize that God’s way really is best! “Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far and grace will lead me home.
Glory to God for His grace to give us the Holy Spirit!
But sadly...some people are not aware of what this truly means and how it effects our entire life as a Believer. Simply not knowing our gift of the Holy Spirit in us is sad, but adding man made rules instead of trusting ourselves to Him can become so legalistic and imprisoning.
Once again I am sending you to Recovering Grace for an excellent post by Ileata, January 18, 2012, "Finding the Key", where her testimony makes clear what joy it can be when we discover how precious is having the indwelling of Him:
Sometimes, I think the story of my Christian life, up until recently, could be summarized in another verse from Galatians. “Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now going to be made complete by the flesh?” (Gal. 3:3).
Even though I (hopefully) had looked to Jesus alone for Salvation, I was looking to the flesh for sanctification. Just following Him wasn’t enough to avoid sin. I had to add a few extra rules.
But, that doesn’t keep me from sinning. Sure, I didn’t kiss my husband until our wedding day. I kept my promise. But does that mean I didn’t sin during our engagement? Absolutely not! Not kissing him didn’t prevent me from wishing I could kiss him and then some. And it didn’t conquer lust.
Ileata ends with:
I’m so thankful for the realization that it’s “Not by strength or by might, but My Spirit, says the Lord of Hosts” (Zech. 4:6). I’m so excited about this life that is completely by grace through faith, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Talk about limitless possibilities! And limitless power to conquer sin. Again, I realize that God’s way really is best! “Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far and grace will lead me home.
Glory to God for His grace to give us the Holy Spirit!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Entangled
Sin is so easy, and it easily entangles us. The sin of pride can be the root of many kinds of sins.
Just one thought that you have the "right way" and you can head down the trail of aberration from God's truth in His word. The trouble is that a person's pride can get in the way, and you can think you are Biblical and true when in actuality you have missed the mark by at least one degree. Now you and whoever follows you is on the wrong path, which could lead to destruction. The wrong path can also be destructive emotionally and spiritually. If you do not have the Biblical view of the true God then your whole life can be off track.
At Recovering Grace you will find an excellent post on the movie, Tangled, which is an animated Rapunzel story. If you have ever lived under control and manipulation, you will identify with Rapunzel's story.
Not only does the writer of this article give great analogies from the story as to how the LORD is our Father, but also a wonderful encouragement to reach out to others who may be in situations where they need guidance to see God's truth. You could be the one who begins to open their clouded vision to see the truth. What a beautiful way to glorify God by being part of setting those who are entangled free.
The Recovering Grace writer says:
So, what do I take away from “Tangled?” Well, for one, it was a great movie! But even more, I found a strong reminder that there are many more “Rapunzels” locked in emotional and spiritual towers, not knowing that there is a King who wants nothing more than to wrap his loving arms around them. I pray that you would look for them in your sphere of influence, that you would take it upon yourself to guide them to the King, and that you would show them the love that they so desperately need.
Just one thought that you have the "right way" and you can head down the trail of aberration from God's truth in His word. The trouble is that a person's pride can get in the way, and you can think you are Biblical and true when in actuality you have missed the mark by at least one degree. Now you and whoever follows you is on the wrong path, which could lead to destruction. The wrong path can also be destructive emotionally and spiritually. If you do not have the Biblical view of the true God then your whole life can be off track.
At Recovering Grace you will find an excellent post on the movie, Tangled, which is an animated Rapunzel story. If you have ever lived under control and manipulation, you will identify with Rapunzel's story.
Not only does the writer of this article give great analogies from the story as to how the LORD is our Father, but also a wonderful encouragement to reach out to others who may be in situations where they need guidance to see God's truth. You could be the one who begins to open their clouded vision to see the truth. What a beautiful way to glorify God by being part of setting those who are entangled free.
The Recovering Grace writer says:
So, what do I take away from “Tangled?” Well, for one, it was a great movie! But even more, I found a strong reminder that there are many more “Rapunzels” locked in emotional and spiritual towers, not knowing that there is a King who wants nothing more than to wrap his loving arms around them. I pray that you would look for them in your sphere of influence, that you would take it upon yourself to guide them to the King, and that you would show them the love that they so desperately need.
I had a mother who read to me
I had a Mother who read to me
Sagas of pirates who scoured the sea,
Cutlasses clenched in their yellow teeth,
"Blackbirds" stowed in the hold beneath.
I had a Mother who read me lays
Of Ancient and gallant and golden days;
Stories of Marmion and Ivanhoe,
Which every boy has a right to know.
I had a Mother who read me tales
Of Gelert the hound of the hills of Wales,
True to his trust til his tragic death,
Faithfulness blent with his final breath.
I had a Mother who read me the things
That wholesome life to the boy heart brings--
Stories that stir with an upward touch,
Oh, that each mother of boys were such!
You may have tangible wealth untold;
Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold,
Richer than I you can never be--
I had a Mother who read to me.
Strickland Gillian
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Free time
One thing that seems to be lacking for decades in our children's lives is "free time". When I say this I do not mean the time they are able to watch television, be on the computer, or use their communication devices. The "free time" I am speaking of is when they can use their imaginations, play, build, contemplate, read. This is a relaxing time in their childhood to just be. It is an time of no schedule and no rushing. Monday, January 16, 2012
Trials
God's call may lead us to a season of difficulty and opposition from the enemy (Matthew 4:1). Trials do not indicate that we missed God or somehow lost our way. The very thing that God most desires to accomplish in us and through us is the very thing that the kingdom of darkness wants to oppose. We should not allow difficulties and discouragements to prevent us from obeying the call of God. If we obey and trust God's call, the Lord will be glorified by our obedience and our faith will grow exponentially.
--J. Sidlow Baxter
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