What's the difference you may ask? I asked myself the same question. To believe is to accept something as true or real. A belief is the acceptance by the mind that something is real, but it is underpinned by an emotional or spiritual sense of certainty. I guess you are saying, "Okay...?" right about now. Let's think about this.
I believe in alot of things, but never give that thing much thought. I believe men walked on the moon in the '60's, I believe that when I flip my light switch, the lights will come on. I accept a lot of things to be true or real. They may or may not have a thing to do with my life, but I believe them. How many folks do you know that you can ask them if they believe in Christ, and they will gladly answer you a definitive, "YES!" But, in no way do you see it change their lifestyle? Just because you believe in Jesus, it doesn't mean you have a relationship with Him! That is just 'head knowledge'. I believe that when I flip the light switch, my light will come on, but don't ask me anything about electricity.........I don't have any knowledge or relationship with electricity, I only have 'head knowledge'. I believe it will turn my light on, nothing more.
Now, my beliefs.........that's a different story. A belief is a seed that has been planted in your heart. It starts out as believing, but runs deeper. One day as a 7 yr. old girl, my believing in Christ changed into my belief in Him. He became my personal Saviour, and I then received 'heart knowledge' of him. Beliefs are 'heart knowledge'. Not only do I believe in Jesus, but I now have a belief in Him!
As you walk your christian walk, you will run into many who will tell you they believe in Jesus. In the meantime they live no different. But once Christ becomes their 'belief'.......you'll start seeing changes in them.........why...........because now, their heart has gotten involved! Like I said earlier, I believe in electricity, I see how it affects my surroundings. But that doesn't mean I know anything about electricity. A deacon at my church, he works for the electric company, he has a belief in electricity. He works with it day in and day out, he knows how it works.........he has a relationship with it!
I praise God for that day that my believing... head knowledge, became my belief... heart knowledge! Matthew 7:21-23 speaks of this. Jesus says, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in Heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."
Dear friend, it is not enough to just believe in Jesus, you MUST have a personal relationship with Him! Believe in Christ, believe that He sent His only Son to die on an old rugged cross, believe that that Son shed His blood gladly for you.............but then make it your Belief! Accept Him into your heart...............you will NEVER regret it!!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Treasures Unseen
"My home may not look like a castle. My clothes may be lacking in style. And if you come and sit at my table, a meager supply you might find. But, oh, it's not what you see, that makes me a king. To me, I've everything, all that I need.....treasures unseen.........treasures unseen."
That old song holds the secret, my friend! It is not what we have stacked up here on this side of Heaven that matters! What matters is what we have stored up in Heaven. Our human nature makes this simple thing, very hard. This world turns on what you have, what you look like. But ALL of this fades away. The unseen treasures in Heaven NEVER fade away!
You can't blame the world.............after all, the world is just being what it is.....the world! The heart of the world has a void, a hole that can never be filled. The only true 'wholeness' and peace is salvation through Jesus Christ. We can try to fill that void with everything this world has to offer, but it will never, ever satisfy. Now, as Christians, we must set our eyes on the true goal. We've got to realize that God will always supply our every need, so who cares if those clothes are designer or not, who cares if you've got the latest cell phone, the hottest car, the biggest house? Get out of that mindset, that's the world's mindset, anyway! Instead, praise your Heavenly Father that you have a good house, and thanks to God, He made it a home, you have a car that gets you where you need to go, food to eat, all your needs are provided. Let's face it, a lot of our wants are provided, also. We have NOTHING to complain about.
How's it gonna be at the judgement seat? Do you think God's going to say, "Okay, all christians that drove a mercedes, form a line here. All christians that have designer clothes, form a line here, and those with mansions, line up here." Uh, hate to break it to you.........but one word..... NO!!! All that will be NOTHING!!! But, those treasures unseen, those will be there. Do you have any laid up? My pastor gave a good illustration, it got me thinking about this song. He said that in school he was an average student. While the teachers urged him to work hard, to do his best; he did just enough to get by. He did just enough to pass to the next grade. But, at the end of the year..........there was always an awards ceremony. All the children that had worked hard, did there best, put in that little something extra...........something special awaited them. You see, on award's day, their names were called out, they got to walk the aisle and receive trophies, certificates, plaques and recognition. He said, as he sat there quietly in the bleachers, he wished he had done more, worked harder. Had he done what he was supposed to do? Why, yes. He did what was asked, and he got to advance to the next grade. But, there was no recognition, no 'prize' for him at the end of the year. Where a certificate could've been in his hands, he only held regret.
Don't just do enough to get by! Hallelujah for the day of your salvation..........praise His Holy Name! BUT...........don't just be the one 'sitting in the bleachers' on judgement day! Work now, do your best, lay up those Heavenly treasures now, while you have the opportunity! The great thing about God is, He not only will bless you on that day for it..........He'll bless you even now!
Romans 12:2 says, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Stop trying to conform to this world's thought processes! Resist being poured into the mold of this world's present thinking, value systems, and conduct. I Peter 1:14-16, "As obedient children, not fashioning (conforming) yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance. But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation (conduct). Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." Keep your mindset in check, keep it holy.............then you, too can sing "...Oh, it's not what you see that makes me a king, makes me a king...."
Graduate from this world's 'high school', and realize that it's not here that matters, all this is just temporary, its on the other side that remains forever! Don't let the devil defeat you.........keep on keeping on! One day, your name will be called out, you'll walk that aisle, and you'll get that reward! He is worthy! I can't wait to bow at His feet, and cry, "Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty!"
That old song holds the secret, my friend! It is not what we have stacked up here on this side of Heaven that matters! What matters is what we have stored up in Heaven. Our human nature makes this simple thing, very hard. This world turns on what you have, what you look like. But ALL of this fades away. The unseen treasures in Heaven NEVER fade away!
You can't blame the world.............after all, the world is just being what it is.....the world! The heart of the world has a void, a hole that can never be filled. The only true 'wholeness' and peace is salvation through Jesus Christ. We can try to fill that void with everything this world has to offer, but it will never, ever satisfy. Now, as Christians, we must set our eyes on the true goal. We've got to realize that God will always supply our every need, so who cares if those clothes are designer or not, who cares if you've got the latest cell phone, the hottest car, the biggest house? Get out of that mindset, that's the world's mindset, anyway! Instead, praise your Heavenly Father that you have a good house, and thanks to God, He made it a home, you have a car that gets you where you need to go, food to eat, all your needs are provided. Let's face it, a lot of our wants are provided, also. We have NOTHING to complain about.
How's it gonna be at the judgement seat? Do you think God's going to say, "Okay, all christians that drove a mercedes, form a line here. All christians that have designer clothes, form a line here, and those with mansions, line up here." Uh, hate to break it to you.........but one word..... NO!!! All that will be NOTHING!!! But, those treasures unseen, those will be there. Do you have any laid up? My pastor gave a good illustration, it got me thinking about this song. He said that in school he was an average student. While the teachers urged him to work hard, to do his best; he did just enough to get by. He did just enough to pass to the next grade. But, at the end of the year..........there was always an awards ceremony. All the children that had worked hard, did there best, put in that little something extra...........something special awaited them. You see, on award's day, their names were called out, they got to walk the aisle and receive trophies, certificates, plaques and recognition. He said, as he sat there quietly in the bleachers, he wished he had done more, worked harder. Had he done what he was supposed to do? Why, yes. He did what was asked, and he got to advance to the next grade. But, there was no recognition, no 'prize' for him at the end of the year. Where a certificate could've been in his hands, he only held regret.
Don't just do enough to get by! Hallelujah for the day of your salvation..........praise His Holy Name! BUT...........don't just be the one 'sitting in the bleachers' on judgement day! Work now, do your best, lay up those Heavenly treasures now, while you have the opportunity! The great thing about God is, He not only will bless you on that day for it..........He'll bless you even now!
Romans 12:2 says, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Stop trying to conform to this world's thought processes! Resist being poured into the mold of this world's present thinking, value systems, and conduct. I Peter 1:14-16, "As obedient children, not fashioning (conforming) yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance. But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation (conduct). Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." Keep your mindset in check, keep it holy.............then you, too can sing "...Oh, it's not what you see that makes me a king, makes me a king...."
Graduate from this world's 'high school', and realize that it's not here that matters, all this is just temporary, its on the other side that remains forever! Don't let the devil defeat you.........keep on keeping on! One day, your name will be called out, you'll walk that aisle, and you'll get that reward! He is worthy! I can't wait to bow at His feet, and cry, "Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty!"
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
"Ain't NO Place Like Home!!"
Okay, I can't contain my smile as I write this one. If you read my blog, you are aware of what we have gone through concerning my oldest daughter's love for pugs. Although she had to say goodbye to her first pug, Koda, after only six months, God has surely blessed her with her second pug, Bo. He is now 6 months old and is in perfect health. As you dog lovers know...........6 months is the age.............the age to neuter or spay. Well, Bo had his appointment last week. He is recovering and doing well, the stitches are to come out in 2 weeks. However, his journey was quite comical.
We got a winter break last week, a 4 day weekend. I thought this would be the perfect time for Bo's surgery, we would be able to be home with him more. So, last Thursday morning, we leave for school as usual. Bo is in our utility room with all of his toys and his 'doggie' bed.....and yes, his TV is on also! My Father in law came and picked him up around 8 to take him to the vet. Bo is so attached to Kaylea, this was NOT a fun experience for him. My Father in law said he whined the whole trip, only the sound of the radio comforted him some. We called later on and checked on Bo. He was doing great, the surgery went well. But, per protocol, he would have to spend the night at the vet's office. Well, you see, since we brought him home, he has slept with Kaylea, in her bed.........well, I think it is his bed, and he let's Kaylea sleep with him. Even though they reassured us that he was doing great.....I still had my doubts......he is too attached to Kaylea! Kaylea may not admit it, but she missed him, too! As parents of close siblings know, she had to really miss him, because she invited her little sister to sleep with her that night!
Now it's Friday morning, and I must admit that I am ancy to go pick that little fellow up myself! So Kaylea, my younger daughter, Riley, and I head off to the vet's office. We take care of the paper work, and pay the bill at the front desk, then the receptionist gets on the speaker and tells them in the back, "We are ready for Bo Breeden now." I could see my daughter's eyes begin to dance as she scooted closer to the door where he would come out of! And a few minutes later, a young lady in scrubs walks out of that door with the cutest little fawn pug in her arms! The ladies at the front desk commented on how handsome he was, and my daughter smiled with pride. Bo looked disoriented, and quite frightened to be honest. His goggle eyes were wide, and his ears were down.
Let me tell ya................. Kaylea held out her arms and said, 'Hey, Bo-Bo..", in that sweet 'mommy voice'.... and it was on!! Bo's ears perked straight up, his body began to move uncontrollably, and the sweetest whimper feeled the room! That cork screw tail was wagging so hard, I thought it would fall off! Everyone in the room couldn't help but see the reaction of my daughter and her baby pug Bo's, sweet reunion! He could not contain himself! If you know anything about pugs, then you know that they are quite a vocal little creature. Not that they bark alot, they don't, but they can make the sweetest and funniest sounds that you have ever heard..........it's almost as if they are trying to talk.
The 20 minute ride home was hillarious! He was shaking as if he had been put in a freezer, he wiggled and whimpered, and licked all at the same time. Kaylea could barely hold him! This was the scene the whole way home! He didn't quieten down until he saw our driveway! We walked in the doors, and his shaking stopped, his melodious chant quietened, and he calmed down...........he was HOME!!!! It didn't take him long to get back to his routine, he smelled around a minute, then took to his water bowl, lapping it up with joy! He did NOT let Kaylea out of his sight! "Following her around like a puppy," had new meaning at our house! She had to be careful how she walked, or her heel would hit him in the chin!
Okay, I know you are wondering why on Earth am I sharing this story. Well, you know me, I see everything with a 'spiritual eye'. As I watched a teenage girl, and her puppy reunited, I couldn't help be see myself one day..............one day, I'll get home! One day, the Father is going to tell His son to go get His bride! One day I'm going to walk through those pearly gates, on those streets of gold.....take a deep breath..............ahh........HOME!!!!! Praise His name!! He gave his life so that I may have life eternal.............he loves me that much! He loves you that much! Right now, he is here with us, holding us in His arms that are ALWAYS open and extended toward us! He goes through it all with us, whether it be good or bad, His love never, ever changes or lessens! Just as Bo always know that Kaylea is there for him, and he is happiest by her side..........know that Jesus Christ is always there for you, and He is happiest when we are by His side!! Hang on, children....no matter how bad your situation may get.............He's right there with you, even if you can't see Him, can't feel Him..........He's there! He said in His Word, Hebrews 13:5, that He would never leave you or forsake you........He can't lie, so hold on to that truth! One day, we will be at home, and free from the troubles of this old world!
We got a winter break last week, a 4 day weekend. I thought this would be the perfect time for Bo's surgery, we would be able to be home with him more. So, last Thursday morning, we leave for school as usual. Bo is in our utility room with all of his toys and his 'doggie' bed.....and yes, his TV is on also! My Father in law came and picked him up around 8 to take him to the vet. Bo is so attached to Kaylea, this was NOT a fun experience for him. My Father in law said he whined the whole trip, only the sound of the radio comforted him some. We called later on and checked on Bo. He was doing great, the surgery went well. But, per protocol, he would have to spend the night at the vet's office. Well, you see, since we brought him home, he has slept with Kaylea, in her bed.........well, I think it is his bed, and he let's Kaylea sleep with him. Even though they reassured us that he was doing great.....I still had my doubts......he is too attached to Kaylea! Kaylea may not admit it, but she missed him, too! As parents of close siblings know, she had to really miss him, because she invited her little sister to sleep with her that night!
Now it's Friday morning, and I must admit that I am ancy to go pick that little fellow up myself! So Kaylea, my younger daughter, Riley, and I head off to the vet's office. We take care of the paper work, and pay the bill at the front desk, then the receptionist gets on the speaker and tells them in the back, "We are ready for Bo Breeden now." I could see my daughter's eyes begin to dance as she scooted closer to the door where he would come out of! And a few minutes later, a young lady in scrubs walks out of that door with the cutest little fawn pug in her arms! The ladies at the front desk commented on how handsome he was, and my daughter smiled with pride. Bo looked disoriented, and quite frightened to be honest. His goggle eyes were wide, and his ears were down.
Let me tell ya................. Kaylea held out her arms and said, 'Hey, Bo-Bo..", in that sweet 'mommy voice'.... and it was on!! Bo's ears perked straight up, his body began to move uncontrollably, and the sweetest whimper feeled the room! That cork screw tail was wagging so hard, I thought it would fall off! Everyone in the room couldn't help but see the reaction of my daughter and her baby pug Bo's, sweet reunion! He could not contain himself! If you know anything about pugs, then you know that they are quite a vocal little creature. Not that they bark alot, they don't, but they can make the sweetest and funniest sounds that you have ever heard..........it's almost as if they are trying to talk.
The 20 minute ride home was hillarious! He was shaking as if he had been put in a freezer, he wiggled and whimpered, and licked all at the same time. Kaylea could barely hold him! This was the scene the whole way home! He didn't quieten down until he saw our driveway! We walked in the doors, and his shaking stopped, his melodious chant quietened, and he calmed down...........he was HOME!!!! It didn't take him long to get back to his routine, he smelled around a minute, then took to his water bowl, lapping it up with joy! He did NOT let Kaylea out of his sight! "Following her around like a puppy," had new meaning at our house! She had to be careful how she walked, or her heel would hit him in the chin!
Okay, I know you are wondering why on Earth am I sharing this story. Well, you know me, I see everything with a 'spiritual eye'. As I watched a teenage girl, and her puppy reunited, I couldn't help be see myself one day..............one day, I'll get home! One day, the Father is going to tell His son to go get His bride! One day I'm going to walk through those pearly gates, on those streets of gold.....take a deep breath..............ahh........HOME!!!!! Praise His name!! He gave his life so that I may have life eternal.............he loves me that much! He loves you that much! Right now, he is here with us, holding us in His arms that are ALWAYS open and extended toward us! He goes through it all with us, whether it be good or bad, His love never, ever changes or lessens! Just as Bo always know that Kaylea is there for him, and he is happiest by her side..........know that Jesus Christ is always there for you, and He is happiest when we are by His side!! Hang on, children....no matter how bad your situation may get.............He's right there with you, even if you can't see Him, can't feel Him..........He's there! He said in His Word, Hebrews 13:5, that He would never leave you or forsake you........He can't lie, so hold on to that truth! One day, we will be at home, and free from the troubles of this old world!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
A Renewing
Why is it that the older you get, the faster time seems to go! Wow, it's already the middle of February! This morning as the girls and I were on our way to school, I noticed the pastures. We go by several farms on the way to school. It is beautiful!!! Anyway, I noticed the fields of one of the farms, the pasture was charred and black. They had burned their fields. My daughter asked me why they do that.........and as I explained it to her, I couldn't help but see it in a 'spiritual' context, also.
Nearing the end of winter, before the newness of spring begins to sprout, there is a need for cleansing. By burning their fields, this reduces the pests that have bedded down in the old grass. If these pests are allowed to stay, then they will feast off of the newly seeded fields, and destroy the new hay. Burning the fields also make the new hay more pure. By burning, this burns all the old straw and all the weeds. When new seed is planted, there are no weeds to choke out the newly growing grass. The result is purer hay.........which results in better quality straw. The animals get a better quality hay, and the farmer gets more money for the higher quality of hay.
Have you ever heard the old saying, 'Set your fields on fire.' Well, after looking at that pasture, that is exactly what I want Christ to do in my heart! I want to stay in His Word, and keep working for Christ, keep striving to stay as close to Him as possible. I want Him to 'set my fields on fire', so that I may be cleaner, purer for Him. By staying in His Word, the Bible will make those pests have to flee! It may be the pest of jealousy, or of bitterness.......whatever the 'pest' may be, it will have to go when the fire....the Word of God.....is applied to my soul! As a result, I will have a purer, cleaner heart. Christ will have more room in my heart to have His love grow by getting rid of the pests and the weeds in my life!
Sure, the field looks pretty rough right now. You look out and all you see is blackness covering the ground.........as a matter of fact, my daughter 'snarled' her nose at the sight of it. But just hold on.........in a few weeks, when the days start getting longer and warmer, and the sun is shining bright, we are going to drive by that field and we won't recognize it! The grass will be beautiful and green and full, unlike you've ever seen before! That's the way it is in our spiritual life as well. Our heart can look pretty rough for a time, while God's Word is doing it's work....it's burning! But stay on fire for God, stay in His Word..........because pretty soon, when the smoke clears............. your heart will be fresh and clean, ready and worthy of Christ!
I praise God for the 'fires' in my life. They help me get closer to my Father. By getting closer to Him, He is able to use me, and bless me more and more! So go on now.........get in God's Word today..............He'll set your fields on fire!!!!
Nearing the end of winter, before the newness of spring begins to sprout, there is a need for cleansing. By burning their fields, this reduces the pests that have bedded down in the old grass. If these pests are allowed to stay, then they will feast off of the newly seeded fields, and destroy the new hay. Burning the fields also make the new hay more pure. By burning, this burns all the old straw and all the weeds. When new seed is planted, there are no weeds to choke out the newly growing grass. The result is purer hay.........which results in better quality straw. The animals get a better quality hay, and the farmer gets more money for the higher quality of hay.
Have you ever heard the old saying, 'Set your fields on fire.' Well, after looking at that pasture, that is exactly what I want Christ to do in my heart! I want to stay in His Word, and keep working for Christ, keep striving to stay as close to Him as possible. I want Him to 'set my fields on fire', so that I may be cleaner, purer for Him. By staying in His Word, the Bible will make those pests have to flee! It may be the pest of jealousy, or of bitterness.......whatever the 'pest' may be, it will have to go when the fire....the Word of God.....is applied to my soul! As a result, I will have a purer, cleaner heart. Christ will have more room in my heart to have His love grow by getting rid of the pests and the weeds in my life!
Sure, the field looks pretty rough right now. You look out and all you see is blackness covering the ground.........as a matter of fact, my daughter 'snarled' her nose at the sight of it. But just hold on.........in a few weeks, when the days start getting longer and warmer, and the sun is shining bright, we are going to drive by that field and we won't recognize it! The grass will be beautiful and green and full, unlike you've ever seen before! That's the way it is in our spiritual life as well. Our heart can look pretty rough for a time, while God's Word is doing it's work....it's burning! But stay on fire for God, stay in His Word..........because pretty soon, when the smoke clears............. your heart will be fresh and clean, ready and worthy of Christ!
I praise God for the 'fires' in my life. They help me get closer to my Father. By getting closer to Him, He is able to use me, and bless me more and more! So go on now.........get in God's Word today..............He'll set your fields on fire!!!!
Friday, January 23, 2009
"Girls Go to College.....to Get More Knowledge...."
Bear with me for a moment, but have you ever heard this little cheer being sung by your children? Probably not if you have boys, but I have girls, and so do most of my friends, so I have heard it sung many times! It is a long cheer that is sweetly sung by little girls. One part of that song says...."Boys go to Jupitor to get more stupidor, girls go to college to get more knowledge..." I know, its a silly little song........and it is meant to be silly. My point here is this, knowledge is something we all try to attain! Men and women spend their lifetimes seeking it.
My Bible study has taken me back through the Book of Job. I have enjoyed reading it again, and I've gotten a lot from it. Isn't that one of the many blessings from God's Word? No matter how many times you read it, or even memorize it, there is still something you can learn, something you've never really noticed before!
Job is one of the oldest books of the Bible. And as we all know, Job was blameless and upright. The end of chapter 1, verse 1, caught my attention, "...and one that feared God, and shunned evil." That really clicked with me, and has seemed to be my theme throughout this study. What does it mean to fear? We all think of the usual definition, don't we? Feeling of anxiety; an unpleasant feeling of anxiety or apprehension caused by the presence of anticipation of danger. Frightening thought, or other entity that causes feeling of fear. Okay, I agree, that is fear. The Bible clearly states in Proverbs 1:7, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge..." But, let's look at the final definition of fear: reverence, respect, or awe for somebody or something. Giving God your devotion, your reverence and respect.........that's how you begin to gain knowledge!
Ecclesiastes, chapter 12 :13 says , "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man." Sounds like it's pretty important, doesn't it? While studying in Job, I came across Chapter 28. Job paints here a beautiful picture of wisdom. In verses 1-11, he talks about how hard men work to get ores and precious metals from the earth. In verse 12 he asks, "But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?" He tells in verses 13-19 that wisdom cannot be purchased by earthly wealth. How many do we know that spend so much money on earthly knowledge?
Job continues in verses 20-27 asking where wisdom comes from, and again how God sees everything, made everything, and understands everything. In verse 28 Job lets us in on the only controlling factor we have in the quest for knowledge........the fear of the Lord. "And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding."
Now I'm not saying not to go to college or not to learn and educate yourself. What I am saying is, first, you must learn that God IS God, he can do all things and does not need us, so fear Him, stand in awe of Him, devote your life to Him! You must do this everyday. This flesh gets to thinking it's pretty smart sometimes, so daily die out to your flesh! Daily getting in His Word, and daily prayer will keep things in perspective, and only then do we begin to have knowledge!
My Bible study has taken me back through the Book of Job. I have enjoyed reading it again, and I've gotten a lot from it. Isn't that one of the many blessings from God's Word? No matter how many times you read it, or even memorize it, there is still something you can learn, something you've never really noticed before!
Job is one of the oldest books of the Bible. And as we all know, Job was blameless and upright. The end of chapter 1, verse 1, caught my attention, "...and one that feared God, and shunned evil." That really clicked with me, and has seemed to be my theme throughout this study. What does it mean to fear? We all think of the usual definition, don't we? Feeling of anxiety; an unpleasant feeling of anxiety or apprehension caused by the presence of anticipation of danger. Frightening thought, or other entity that causes feeling of fear. Okay, I agree, that is fear. The Bible clearly states in Proverbs 1:7, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge..." But, let's look at the final definition of fear: reverence, respect, or awe for somebody or something. Giving God your devotion, your reverence and respect.........that's how you begin to gain knowledge!
Ecclesiastes, chapter 12 :13 says , "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man." Sounds like it's pretty important, doesn't it? While studying in Job, I came across Chapter 28. Job paints here a beautiful picture of wisdom. In verses 1-11, he talks about how hard men work to get ores and precious metals from the earth. In verse 12 he asks, "But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?" He tells in verses 13-19 that wisdom cannot be purchased by earthly wealth. How many do we know that spend so much money on earthly knowledge?
Job continues in verses 20-27 asking where wisdom comes from, and again how God sees everything, made everything, and understands everything. In verse 28 Job lets us in on the only controlling factor we have in the quest for knowledge........the fear of the Lord. "And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding."
Now I'm not saying not to go to college or not to learn and educate yourself. What I am saying is, first, you must learn that God IS God, he can do all things and does not need us, so fear Him, stand in awe of Him, devote your life to Him! You must do this everyday. This flesh gets to thinking it's pretty smart sometimes, so daily die out to your flesh! Daily getting in His Word, and daily prayer will keep things in perspective, and only then do we begin to have knowledge!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Weathered Christian
Are you a weathered christian? It takes some time, and some life experiences to get there. I've seen people who have been saved 30 yrs. who are not weathered christians. I have seen christians who have only been saved a year or two, already becoming weathered. What is a weathered christian? They are christians who have gone through storms in their lives, and have learned not to trust in themselves, but to rely on God to see them through. What a victory you will have when you learn to rely on Him through your storm, and not try to fix it yourself! A weathered christian can lift up Holy hands and offer praise even in the worst of storms. How? Because they've seen enough to know that God is still worthy of praise no matter the situation, and that He will see them through!
So many times, I try and try to do everything I know to do to help my situation, and by hitting brick wall after brick wall, and finally collapsing in failure did I turn it over to Him. Or, I've taken my burden to the altar, but only to leave dragging that same burden back with me. How about, being able to praise God when everything's going right....easy, huh? A weathered christian can praise God when everything is going wrong!
Have you ever met someone who is going through a terrible storm in their life and you walk away being cheered up by them when you were the one trying to cheer them up? Weathered christians aren't perfect. Neither do they have less storms! They have finally realized that God IS GOD, no matter what, no matter where........and to give Him praise, no matter the situation!
I thank God for being at the place in my christian walk that I can say, no matter the circumstance, I will praise His Holy Name! He has done so much for me, and I am so undeserving, I could never praise Him enough for what he's already done for me! I'm still going to have valleys, I'm still going to be faced with troubles and trials... but I've weathered enough of them to know that my Saviour will be with me through it all. No matter what situation befalls me, I want to lift my hands in praise to him!
Like the Casting Crowns song says, I will praise You in this storm! "I'll praise You in this storm, and I will lift my hands. For You are who You are, no matter where I am. Every tear I've cried, You hold in Your hands. You never left my side, and though my heart be torn, I will praise You in this storm." What a victory you will gain when you become a weathered christian!
So many times, I try and try to do everything I know to do to help my situation, and by hitting brick wall after brick wall, and finally collapsing in failure did I turn it over to Him. Or, I've taken my burden to the altar, but only to leave dragging that same burden back with me. How about, being able to praise God when everything's going right....easy, huh? A weathered christian can praise God when everything is going wrong!
Have you ever met someone who is going through a terrible storm in their life and you walk away being cheered up by them when you were the one trying to cheer them up? Weathered christians aren't perfect. Neither do they have less storms! They have finally realized that God IS GOD, no matter what, no matter where........and to give Him praise, no matter the situation!
I thank God for being at the place in my christian walk that I can say, no matter the circumstance, I will praise His Holy Name! He has done so much for me, and I am so undeserving, I could never praise Him enough for what he's already done for me! I'm still going to have valleys, I'm still going to be faced with troubles and trials... but I've weathered enough of them to know that my Saviour will be with me through it all. No matter what situation befalls me, I want to lift my hands in praise to him!
Like the Casting Crowns song says, I will praise You in this storm! "I'll praise You in this storm, and I will lift my hands. For You are who You are, no matter where I am. Every tear I've cried, You hold in Your hands. You never left my side, and though my heart be torn, I will praise You in this storm." What a victory you will gain when you become a weathered christian!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
You Do the Math
I've been raised in church all of my life. Because of this, I think, things can get overlooked. While I love to see transformations in sinners lives, we must remember that we are ALL sinners. It is our nature, we were born in sin. Christ had to die for my sins, just as he had to die for that drug addict, or that murderer. Since I've been in church my whole life, I've heard multiple stories of how different ones were saved. They have blessed my heart. But the devil has used them against me as well.
I'm just going to get real here, so bear with me. I don't have some elaborate story of all the horrible things I was in to, when God touched my heart, like some people do. Sometimes I think that preachers, as well as other christians, get stuck on the 'storyline' of their salvation, and not on salvation itself. As a 'church-brat', church is all I've ever known. I don't have a clue what it is like to not have my life centered around church. The devil wants to ride me hard because I don't have that 'big' story of salvation as others do. Being raised in church, the devil can also give you a 'false sense of security' relating to your christian walk. It's what you've always known, so you don't work at it. It's the same as giving your child a new bike, they love it, and enjoy it, but they don't take care of it. But if your child saves his allowance, works for money, and buys that bike for himself, then he takes care of it more. Why? Because he saw what goes into getting the bike, he put his own sweat and tears into getting it. Now I'm not saying that salvation comes through works. Salvation is a gift of God, but you better work on keeping the joy of your salvation!
A new christian who was not raised in church, he knows how the 'other side lives' so to speak. He has that appreciation for his new relationship with Christ. Therefore, he can proudly stand and tell just where God has brought him from! Church brats are made from the same clay, we are just as lost and in need of a Saviour! But, because we were raised in church, I think, the devil has added ammunition against us. He can play more of a mind game, that he can't play with others. What is that mind game, you ask?................DOUBT! As a church brat, I can personally say that the devil waged a war a long time ago on me, by making me doubt my salvation! We all have our doubts, I know, but I think it can really be difficult for church brats.
As I said before, I'm going to get real. I can only speak of my experience, but maybe this will help someone. While the devil cannot, 'unsave' us, he cannot get our souls, he can torture our minds. I was saved as a 7 yr. old girl. Don't think the devil hasn't blown tidal waves of confusion at me over the years! But, I take the blame. I didn't appreciate what I had, I took it for granted, because that's all I had ever known. As the title says, you, must do the math! In II Peter chapter 1 it tells us that we must be diligent in ADDING to our faith! We must add virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity. Though we are eternally saved, we must work in our christian walk, we can't just float along, eventually we are going to hit a wall!
I'm so glad that God didn't give up on me! I'm so thankful of His mercies and grace and love! Thankfully, I can say that the devil cannot win that battle anymore! He may throw waves of doubt my way now, but Thank God, I have a lifeline, and the doubts have to go away! Yes, I was saved as a 7 yr. old girl, but, I finally got to the place where I had to decide to allow God to work in my life and use me, not just go along for the ride. Please learn from me, if you are that 'church brat', don't take it for granted! Get in God's Word daily, get in your prayer closet daily! Seek His face, keep your desire to know more of Him strong! Build on that solid foundation of salvation you received at a young age. The devil is a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour, have your armour ready! Some christians can look at the bad they've done, and then see where God changed their lives. Not that they now live perfect, but there's been a definite change. Church brats, however, don't have that frame of reference. We were saved at a young age, before we got out into the world, so our 'sins' the devil likes to pull out are things we've done as a christian. And if you are like me, he likes to point them out and tell me that if I were really saved I wouldn't have done that! Well, I am an old unworthy sinner, saved by the grace of God, but I still have to battle this old flesh that is not saved! Yes, I have failed, but God has forgiven me, and He will forgive you if you only ask Him! He forgets the sin, too! So when the devil tries to pull them out, remind him that Jesus doesn't know what he is talking about!!!! I may be a failure, but praise God, I WAS saved at an early age! It's scary to think how I could've been raised in a home that didn't go to church, didn't know Christ.........I may have never had the opportunity to hear the Word, and be saved!
If I had to choose, I'd choose to be a church brat all over again! The hurt and strife I have not had to go through because of my Godly heritage, I am so grateful for. God is so wonderful to love each and every one of us, no matter our situation, and send His only begotten son to die for us! Do the math today, friend, see how your christian life adds up. Do you have the whole armour of God on? We are in constant battle.........but, don't worry, we've already won the war! Don't let Satan rob you of the joy of your salvation, keep adding to your christian walk, you'll be so glad you did!! The devil is nothing but a big ole liar!
I'm at the best place I've ever been in my life. My walk is pleasing my Father, and that feels wonderful! I am adding to my christian walk and growing in Christ. I appreciate what Christ did for me at such a young age. I now realize how privileged I have been to be a church brat! I'm still a failure, I still fail Him daily, but His mercies are new each and every morning! You cannot make God love you any less! No matter what you do, He loves you!!! Get that through your head, and life becomes all the more sweeter! No matter what your story of salvation is, no matter what you did or didn't do, no matter if you've been raised in church all your life, or never darkened the door until you got saved.................what matters is that you ARE saved! You accepted God's wonderful free eternal gift! Now, what are you going to do for Him?
I'm just going to get real here, so bear with me. I don't have some elaborate story of all the horrible things I was in to, when God touched my heart, like some people do. Sometimes I think that preachers, as well as other christians, get stuck on the 'storyline' of their salvation, and not on salvation itself. As a 'church-brat', church is all I've ever known. I don't have a clue what it is like to not have my life centered around church. The devil wants to ride me hard because I don't have that 'big' story of salvation as others do. Being raised in church, the devil can also give you a 'false sense of security' relating to your christian walk. It's what you've always known, so you don't work at it. It's the same as giving your child a new bike, they love it, and enjoy it, but they don't take care of it. But if your child saves his allowance, works for money, and buys that bike for himself, then he takes care of it more. Why? Because he saw what goes into getting the bike, he put his own sweat and tears into getting it. Now I'm not saying that salvation comes through works. Salvation is a gift of God, but you better work on keeping the joy of your salvation!
A new christian who was not raised in church, he knows how the 'other side lives' so to speak. He has that appreciation for his new relationship with Christ. Therefore, he can proudly stand and tell just where God has brought him from! Church brats are made from the same clay, we are just as lost and in need of a Saviour! But, because we were raised in church, I think, the devil has added ammunition against us. He can play more of a mind game, that he can't play with others. What is that mind game, you ask?................DOUBT! As a church brat, I can personally say that the devil waged a war a long time ago on me, by making me doubt my salvation! We all have our doubts, I know, but I think it can really be difficult for church brats.
As I said before, I'm going to get real. I can only speak of my experience, but maybe this will help someone. While the devil cannot, 'unsave' us, he cannot get our souls, he can torture our minds. I was saved as a 7 yr. old girl. Don't think the devil hasn't blown tidal waves of confusion at me over the years! But, I take the blame. I didn't appreciate what I had, I took it for granted, because that's all I had ever known. As the title says, you, must do the math! In II Peter chapter 1 it tells us that we must be diligent in ADDING to our faith! We must add virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity. Though we are eternally saved, we must work in our christian walk, we can't just float along, eventually we are going to hit a wall!
I'm so glad that God didn't give up on me! I'm so thankful of His mercies and grace and love! Thankfully, I can say that the devil cannot win that battle anymore! He may throw waves of doubt my way now, but Thank God, I have a lifeline, and the doubts have to go away! Yes, I was saved as a 7 yr. old girl, but, I finally got to the place where I had to decide to allow God to work in my life and use me, not just go along for the ride. Please learn from me, if you are that 'church brat', don't take it for granted! Get in God's Word daily, get in your prayer closet daily! Seek His face, keep your desire to know more of Him strong! Build on that solid foundation of salvation you received at a young age. The devil is a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour, have your armour ready! Some christians can look at the bad they've done, and then see where God changed their lives. Not that they now live perfect, but there's been a definite change. Church brats, however, don't have that frame of reference. We were saved at a young age, before we got out into the world, so our 'sins' the devil likes to pull out are things we've done as a christian. And if you are like me, he likes to point them out and tell me that if I were really saved I wouldn't have done that! Well, I am an old unworthy sinner, saved by the grace of God, but I still have to battle this old flesh that is not saved! Yes, I have failed, but God has forgiven me, and He will forgive you if you only ask Him! He forgets the sin, too! So when the devil tries to pull them out, remind him that Jesus doesn't know what he is talking about!!!! I may be a failure, but praise God, I WAS saved at an early age! It's scary to think how I could've been raised in a home that didn't go to church, didn't know Christ.........I may have never had the opportunity to hear the Word, and be saved!
If I had to choose, I'd choose to be a church brat all over again! The hurt and strife I have not had to go through because of my Godly heritage, I am so grateful for. God is so wonderful to love each and every one of us, no matter our situation, and send His only begotten son to die for us! Do the math today, friend, see how your christian life adds up. Do you have the whole armour of God on? We are in constant battle.........but, don't worry, we've already won the war! Don't let Satan rob you of the joy of your salvation, keep adding to your christian walk, you'll be so glad you did!! The devil is nothing but a big ole liar!
I'm at the best place I've ever been in my life. My walk is pleasing my Father, and that feels wonderful! I am adding to my christian walk and growing in Christ. I appreciate what Christ did for me at such a young age. I now realize how privileged I have been to be a church brat! I'm still a failure, I still fail Him daily, but His mercies are new each and every morning! You cannot make God love you any less! No matter what you do, He loves you!!! Get that through your head, and life becomes all the more sweeter! No matter what your story of salvation is, no matter what you did or didn't do, no matter if you've been raised in church all your life, or never darkened the door until you got saved.................what matters is that you ARE saved! You accepted God's wonderful free eternal gift! Now, what are you going to do for Him?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)