1. SRA.
Does it exist?? I think so, but not anywhere near the amount that has been claimed. As I am currently discussing this in an interfaith forum with those I trust and respect, I will leave it at that for now.
I do however, have a problem who claim that truth is based on he said that she said......garbage. Since when are we not to question everything we have been told?
To say that it exist because "I read it in a book and since they claimed to be Christian it must be true" or "so and so claim that they saw or did such and such"
is as asinine to me as those who claim that something didn't happen because "We do not do that!"
But there is some truth to the fact that if they claim that they were in such and such occult but have 0 knowlege of the basic beliefs, then they must be lying.
I could tell you horror stories of abuse that was done by Christians. This from personal experience of abuse and cover ups with in the church.
Am I lying because the "church doesn't believe in that?" or does it come down to some people twisting scripture in order to control and manipulate others?
And wouldn't also be fair to ask me to prove that I know at least the basics of the bible in order to claim that I went through this for 20 years?? Not to meantion knowing the basic tenets of the denomination (or non as was my case?) that are in my claim??
We are not to go about blinded by what we are told, but rather by the Word and that which is revealed to us.
2. Deliverance.
Where to start??
a. I would like one of these posters to show me ONE that is it just ONE scripture in the NT where Jesus
or the Apostles or Paul had to do step one and then two and also know what spirits to bind?? And the one example where a spirit was named it didn't come from head knowlege from talking to other Christians it came from the HS talking to Peter's spirit.
What drives me crazy is people who believe that there is a formula or a certain way that deliverance must be done. This is not scriptural. Nor did discernment come from their intellect, but rather the HS telling Jesus or the others that they are possessed and them simply using the Name of Jesus to do so. Period!!
Adding to the bible is just as much a sin as those who wish to take away from it.
b. Deliver the spirit or soul??
Sorry, no such thing. Not biblical anyways. I believe and it is backed up in the bible that we are made up of 3 parts. The body (flesh), soul (the mind), and spirit.
DID is in the mind or soul, it however is NOT in the spirit. When we are born again our spirit changes. No deliverance there. Deliverance is for when the body is possessed by demons, there is an extra diety in there that does not belong. They are not able of becoming one with our spirit or mind, they can control the mind however but are not one with the soul. they do not nor can they become the soul or spirit.
Our souls or minds are to be renewed by the Word. You wish to change people's fear of certain things?? Use the Word, Meditate on the Word, and pray. This is how you get to know God personally and how you gain enough faith in order to know that you know that God is more powerful and His love casts out the fear. Fear is NOT a demon, but rather a fleshy emotion reaction by those who do not know God personally. I know because I have seen demons and have been very afraid in the past of those demons. I am no longer afraid because I know that Who is in me is greater than him (satan or his demons) that is in the world.
3. Healing
a. Healing the mind.... The bible talks about this especially in Philippians (sp?). We are given a list of things to keep our mind on so that we are not constantly dwelling on the evil in this world. It is also a tool for forgiveness and the best way to rid yourself of both fear and bitterness.
The HS will show us how to recover and forgive every evil act that has been done against us. I am living proof of that!!
b. Physical healing.
Does God do it?? Yes!! Is it God's will that we as Christians are sick? No I do not believe that anymore than I believe that God uses such things to punish us.
Since it is God's will that all His people are healed then is it possible for all Christians to be healed? I believe so. Is it probable?? NO!!
Just like delieverance things go way wrong when people try to use a formula and get into their heads that they are for some reason responsible for the healing.
God will use us, but only as HE wills it, is not us but rather God doing the work through us. I also believe that doctors and nurses are doing God's Word when they heal the body. ALL good things come from above, this includes the knowlege and wisdom that is used by the doctors and nurses that work on us.
4. Summary.
I am dumbfounded when I see so many people looking for outside sources on how to heal, how to know what "demon" is tormenting so and so, but have no idea what the bible actually says on such subjects.
There is such a lackadaisical approach to these things, as if they are playing with dolls. I am curious how some of these people would react if they ever came face to face with a real demon and they are forced to use scripture and not their formula to rid themselves of it. Be careful of what you ask for, there is a HUGE difference between knowing what to do in your head and finding out the hard way that if you do not know that you know that you know the demons will not leave and they will taunt you. (Again biblical) In Acts there is a story about a religious man who saw the Apostles cast out demons and thought that he could do it himself. Instead what happened is the demons jumped on him and tore him to pieces.
There is more to it than just knowing the Name of Jesus. You also must have 100% confidence and knowlege of Jesus and the Power of the Name, not just head knowlege.
One more thing before I shut up. Satan does not need to have a plant in church in order to cause chaos. There are plenty of "churchians" who are in church for other reasons that to learn about and get to know God to cause the chaos. Everybody seems to expect Satan to be so obvious and stupid. He is not you know?? All he needs to do is to whisper in the ear of so and so about so and so. The flesh of those who do NOT renew their minds or arm themselves with the Word are still so weak that all he needs to do is to use pride, greed, envy or any of the works of the flesh in order to cause discention in the church. (yes that is all that is needed, the Word in our hearts and not our heads) It is also more effective because such behavior draws people away from the church and is not so obvious.
Are you referring to Mult-Personalities Disorders here?
Yes!! DID as such as been spoken of here, is when the mind (soul) splits in order to deal with that which is too trumatic for the mind to handle.
I am aware that there are those who believe that DID is caused by demons and not the mind splitting. Honestly, I am not decided on the issue. I will also open my mind enough to believe that it could be either one depending on the situation or person.
If it is caused by demons with the example being the person who had legions of demons in him who talked to Jesus, they were all kicked out at the same time, not one personality at a time!! They were all kicked out at the same time.
My contention comes when people say that they have to deliever each and every personality separatly. That the person was not saved completly when they were born again because all the personalities did not do so. You only have one spirit and one salvation, not multiple.
If it is caused by the mind splitting, my point still stands that you do not deliever each personality because the demon(s) are still to be cast out in a group. Anything else is NOT supported by scripture.
When either Jesus or the Apostles in the bible casted out demons ALL the demons were cast out at the same time.
I wrote this to combat the idea that we need to learn the names of the demons and cast them out one by one and that this can only happen IF we know what demon we are talking about.
This idea is false and it is not supported by the bible.
Example:
Matthew 8:28-34
28 And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way.
29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?
30 And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding.
31 So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine.
32 And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.
It was GO!! Not all the hubabalue, just GO!!
And more on SRA:
Actually there is plenty of proof that this does in fact happen in some obsure african tribes. (whether or not "satan" himself is knowingly summoned or not).
Most ex occultist will admit that there is the VERY RARE occurance of this outside of these tribes. Also, I would like to note that when this does happen, it is done on the lunatic fringes.
In other words, just like we have so called Christians who use the bible to abuse children, there are those who go out to do what they "FEEL" or "believe" the occult is about.
For example:
Some one who has read either "satan seller" or any of the other such books out there, may go out and do the things that they read, simply because the believe that this is what the occult is all about.
This does not mean that it is a part of the occult, but rather someone's interpetation of the occult. In the same way most Christians will tell you that child abuse is not a part of Christianity, this is not a reality of what is taught by the occult. Both are rare and on the luntic fringe and have no place in the occult.
Comments
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Saturday, July 08, 2006
1 Timothy 1:12-17
1 Timothy 1:12-17
12And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;
13Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
14And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
15This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
16Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
17Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Comments
12And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;
13Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
14And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
15This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
16Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
17Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Comments
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Perfect Christians
Hyprocrite!!! Apostate!!! Practice what you preach!!!!!!
Has anybody else heard any of these??
I am so sick and tired of those who don't even try to do the right thing, or non christians throwing this up everytime a Christian falls.
WE WILL STUMBLE!! WE ARE NOT PERFECT!!!!!
Because of the biblical knowlege I have, so much more is expected of me than there would have been if I had been new to scripture.
I believe that the HS will bring into our rememberance what we need to know when we need to know it. Since I have so much scripture, there is more to work with.
Sometimes it feels like a blessing and sometimes it leads to so much stress. I am expected to be more than what I am, because of this.
People seem to forget that I it has been a short time since I rededicated. I still have years and years of sinful behavior to overcome. It is a struggle, but I can only do my best, but I am made to feel as if it is not enough. That I am expected to have things down and be perfect, especially that which I teach.
I teach what I am taught and most of the time it is as I am being taught. They also seems to come from lessons learned the hard way.
See, I may know what the bible says, but my maturity in the Lord has not quite caught up with what I know.
It is too overwhelming to change my entire life in one minute!! Somethings take time, I am working on one thing at a time. The HS is in control of what He teaches me, not me.
Most of the scripture I know is and has been in my intellect only, it wasn't real to me. When I listen to what the HS teaches me, it becomes real and a part of me.
This is how it works:
1. Listen and Learn
we need to listen and learn what the HS is teaching us. We can never learn if
we do not listen.
2. Practice what you Learn.
Once you have learned what the Word says and it has been made real to you, the next step is to start practicing it.
Ever wonder why it is called practice?? Just every other thing that we wish to perfect we must practice.
If we hit the wrong note or we stumble and fall, we need to get ourselves back up and keep on going. We need to keep working on perfecting ourselves in order to succeed.
This is where I get my most flak. I listen and I learn, but I try and share what I am being taught while I am being taught. This is where people seem to expect me to be perfect and that is not the case. I am trying, but I am not there yet. I still stumble and fall, we all do.
Even Paul has his one sin that he had problems with. But he kept trying and praying about his shortcomings. Why shouldn't we do the same?
"There is now no condemnation to those who are in Christ."
We are forgiven by God, if God doesn't condem me, what give anybody else that right?
"Forgive as My Father in Heaven forgave you"
Regardless, we must forgive those who hurt us. This does not mean that we will not fail at this either, it simply means that I am trying. I have forgiven, but I am working on forgetting and letting go.
"Love you neighbor as yourself"
How much do you love you?? Do you wish to have people understand and forgive you? Then you must do forgive others.
"God will judge us with the same yardstick we use to judge others"
If we judge others only by the mistakes that they make, then how many mistakes is God going to use when He judges us??
Again, this does not mean that we will always succeed at these, but each time we resist the devil and the temptations, the more mature we get and the easier it gets.
Php 3:12
Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.
Php 3:14
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Heb 6:1
Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,
Practice what you preach!! Exactly!! Practice, practice, practice until it is perfected!!
Has anybody else heard any of these??
I am so sick and tired of those who don't even try to do the right thing, or non christians throwing this up everytime a Christian falls.
WE WILL STUMBLE!! WE ARE NOT PERFECT!!!!!
Because of the biblical knowlege I have, so much more is expected of me than there would have been if I had been new to scripture.
I believe that the HS will bring into our rememberance what we need to know when we need to know it. Since I have so much scripture, there is more to work with.
Sometimes it feels like a blessing and sometimes it leads to so much stress. I am expected to be more than what I am, because of this.
People seem to forget that I it has been a short time since I rededicated. I still have years and years of sinful behavior to overcome. It is a struggle, but I can only do my best, but I am made to feel as if it is not enough. That I am expected to have things down and be perfect, especially that which I teach.
I teach what I am taught and most of the time it is as I am being taught. They also seems to come from lessons learned the hard way.
See, I may know what the bible says, but my maturity in the Lord has not quite caught up with what I know.
It is too overwhelming to change my entire life in one minute!! Somethings take time, I am working on one thing at a time. The HS is in control of what He teaches me, not me.
Most of the scripture I know is and has been in my intellect only, it wasn't real to me. When I listen to what the HS teaches me, it becomes real and a part of me.
This is how it works:
1. Listen and Learn
we need to listen and learn what the HS is teaching us. We can never learn if
we do not listen.
2. Practice what you Learn.
Once you have learned what the Word says and it has been made real to you, the next step is to start practicing it.
Ever wonder why it is called practice?? Just every other thing that we wish to perfect we must practice.
If we hit the wrong note or we stumble and fall, we need to get ourselves back up and keep on going. We need to keep working on perfecting ourselves in order to succeed.
This is where I get my most flak. I listen and I learn, but I try and share what I am being taught while I am being taught. This is where people seem to expect me to be perfect and that is not the case. I am trying, but I am not there yet. I still stumble and fall, we all do.
Even Paul has his one sin that he had problems with. But he kept trying and praying about his shortcomings. Why shouldn't we do the same?
"There is now no condemnation to those who are in Christ."
We are forgiven by God, if God doesn't condem me, what give anybody else that right?
"Forgive as My Father in Heaven forgave you"
Regardless, we must forgive those who hurt us. This does not mean that we will not fail at this either, it simply means that I am trying. I have forgiven, but I am working on forgetting and letting go.
"Love you neighbor as yourself"
How much do you love you?? Do you wish to have people understand and forgive you? Then you must do forgive others.
"God will judge us with the same yardstick we use to judge others"
If we judge others only by the mistakes that they make, then how many mistakes is God going to use when He judges us??
Again, this does not mean that we will always succeed at these, but each time we resist the devil and the temptations, the more mature we get and the easier it gets.
Php 3:12
Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.
Php 3:14
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Heb 6:1
Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,
Practice what you preach!! Exactly!! Practice, practice, practice until it is perfected!!
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Church
Is Church mandatory?
I was always taught that we needed to go to church.
1. So that we could have fellowship with other Christians.
2. To learn from a minister.
But if those are and they can be accomplished through the internet, is church still manatory? Especially some one like me who has social phobias and find it easier on the Web to both teach and be taught.
Am I wrong in my thinking?
I am curious to know what other people think.
I was always taught that we needed to go to church.
1. So that we could have fellowship with other Christians.
2. To learn from a minister.
But if those are and they can be accomplished through the internet, is church still manatory? Especially some one like me who has social phobias and find it easier on the Web to both teach and be taught.
Am I wrong in my thinking?
I am curious to know what other people think.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Agree to Disagree part 2
This is a more detailed explaintion of my agree to disagree posts as it seems as if there is at least one person who doesn't quite realize that you have to actually have a discussion in order to agree to disagree.
Here is the original post:
Agree to Disagree
There are also those who believe that they are so right that they don't even allow a discussion of topic, but rather "assume" what the other person is talking about. These are the ones who will attack first before ever considering that they just might not understand what is being said.
I have run across many of these people. The only thing you can do is to just walk away and allow them their ignorance.
If possible, ALWAYS post scripture to back your position.
For example:
If I said that we are not to associate with those who claim to be Christians but continue with their own fleshy agenda. If they do not follow instruction of the Word that is used to instruct them, we are to walk away. I would have to quote scripture here:
Re 2:2
`I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false;
2 Thess 3:
14 If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame.
15 Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother
Mt 7:6
"Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.
1 Cor 5:
6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?
7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:
10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.
11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?
13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.
And for those who LIE:
Colossians 3:
8 But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth.
9 Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices,
Now when I say that Mexicans and everyone else who wishes to enter this country must do so legally, it needs to be backed up with scriptures that state that we are to follow our laws and leaders.
Romans 13:1
1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake
My ancestors came into this country in order to escape the potato famine in Ireland. They did so legally. It is not fair to those who are trying to do the legal, right and biblical thing to not be able to get into the US because of those who choose to break the law. I do not believe that as Christians that we should EVER condone the breaking of the laws.
America is called the "melting pot", not just because of the different nationalities that are represented here, but rather because we are to melt the different cultures in order to make one. This includes the same language, it benefits all Americans that for all of us to speak the same language, at least in public arena's where we need to shop, do business, etc......
This does not mean racial predujice against anyone, it means that the same rules are to be the same for everyone!!
"psst.. now we can agree to disagree!" :wink:
This is hard when I feel like I am being attacked because of what I believe to be true. When I feel belittled or talked down to, as if I do not have any biblical knowlege, is when this is the hardest for me.
While I have forgiven this person, I realize that he is filled with hate towards some, but that is not my responsiblity. I will continue to pray for this person, but unless I am lead by the SPIRIT I will not allow such person to influence me or my actions.
Here is the original post:
Agree to Disagree
I have always believed that it is always best to agree to disagree when debating an issue before things get out of hand and feelings get hurt.
There are also those who believe that they are so right that they don't even allow a discussion of topic, but rather "assume" what the other person is talking about. These are the ones who will attack first before ever considering that they just might not understand what is being said.
I have run across many of these people. The only thing you can do is to just walk away and allow them their ignorance.
Sometimes I need to remember that it is not up to me to convince others what the Word has to say, but rather, to simply show what the Word has to say and then backoff and let the Holy Spirit do the convicting.
If possible, ALWAYS post scripture to back your position.
For example:
If I said that we are not to associate with those who claim to be Christians but continue with their own fleshy agenda. If they do not follow instruction of the Word that is used to instruct them, we are to walk away. I would have to quote scripture here:
Re 2:2
`I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false;
2 Thess 3:
14 If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame.
15 Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother
Mt 7:6
"Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.
1 Cor 5:
6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?
7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:
10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.
11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?
13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.
And for those who LIE:
Colossians 3:
8 But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth.
9 Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices,
Now when I say that Mexicans and everyone else who wishes to enter this country must do so legally, it needs to be backed up with scriptures that state that we are to follow our laws and leaders.
Romans 13:1
1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake
My ancestors came into this country in order to escape the potato famine in Ireland. They did so legally. It is not fair to those who are trying to do the legal, right and biblical thing to not be able to get into the US because of those who choose to break the law. I do not believe that as Christians that we should EVER condone the breaking of the laws.
America is called the "melting pot", not just because of the different nationalities that are represented here, but rather because we are to melt the different cultures in order to make one. This includes the same language, it benefits all Americans that for all of us to speak the same language, at least in public arena's where we need to shop, do business, etc......
This does not mean racial predujice against anyone, it means that the same rules are to be the same for everyone!!
"psst.. now we can agree to disagree!" :wink:
This is hard when I feel like I am being attacked because of what I believe to be true. When I feel belittled or talked down to, as if I do not have any biblical knowlege, is when this is the hardest for me.
While I have forgiven this person, I realize that he is filled with hate towards some, but that is not my responsiblity. I will continue to pray for this person, but unless I am lead by the SPIRIT I will not allow such person to influence me or my actions.
Ministry of Lies
I need to trust God that He will take care of me and let my fruit show.
This will bring Glory to God, besides, those who have stuck by me during this have shown me that the devil does in fact work in many different ways and uses many different people.
I will not allow myself to be used like that. If God is with me, who cares about the rest, right?
I can not nor will I ever be able to endorse certain ministries, because of the fruit that is shown by it's leaders. When a ministry is so based on hate of another one, it permeates everything in that ministry. Hate is not one of the Fruit of the Spirit.
This was my biggest fault. I knew and God had told me a long time ago to get out of a paticular ministry because of the person who opened the forum. I knew it and started to follow what God had told me to do, but the thought that I was letting someone down kept me from doing so.
My mistake, and another lesson I needed to learn. Obedience is greater than sacrifice. If I had obeyed God and what He was saying to me, then this never would have happened. Remember, God knows the future and He only has our best interest at heart.
See, even if we are born again, we will still pay the consequences for our disobedience. Even though we are forgiven does not mean that we walk free of our actions and behaviors. I love my son, but I also know that he will have to learn lessons in life, I can only direct him, his decisions and the consequences of his actions must still be there in order for him to learn that lesson. This does not mean that I do not love or forgive my son, he means the world to me.
Praise God for His wisdom and His Grace.
This will bring Glory to God, besides, those who have stuck by me during this have shown me that the devil does in fact work in many different ways and uses many different people.
I will not allow myself to be used like that. If God is with me, who cares about the rest, right?
I can not nor will I ever be able to endorse certain ministries, because of the fruit that is shown by it's leaders. When a ministry is so based on hate of another one, it permeates everything in that ministry. Hate is not one of the Fruit of the Spirit.
This was my biggest fault. I knew and God had told me a long time ago to get out of a paticular ministry because of the person who opened the forum. I knew it and started to follow what God had told me to do, but the thought that I was letting someone down kept me from doing so.
My mistake, and another lesson I needed to learn. Obedience is greater than sacrifice. If I had obeyed God and what He was saying to me, then this never would have happened. Remember, God knows the future and He only has our best interest at heart.
See, even if we are born again, we will still pay the consequences for our disobedience. Even though we are forgiven does not mean that we walk free of our actions and behaviors. I love my son, but I also know that he will have to learn lessons in life, I can only direct him, his decisions and the consequences of his actions must still be there in order for him to learn that lesson. This does not mean that I do not love or forgive my son, he means the world to me.
Praise God for His wisdom and His Grace.
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Subtle Warfare
Galatians 5:
5 For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness.
6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.
7 You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?
8 This persuasion did not come from Him who calls you.
9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough.
10 I have confidence in you in the Lord that you will adopt no other view; but the one who is disturbing you will bear his judgment, whoever he is.
11 But I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? Then the stumbling block of the cross has been abolished.
12 I wish that those who are troubling you would even mutilate themselves.
13 For you were called to freedom, brethren; only one another.
14 For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF."
15 But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.
16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.
17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.
It always seem to be that the same thing keeps happening to me. I used to think that it was me, that there was something wrong with me. I no longer believe that.
Instead I need to remember that my battle is not against flesh and blood.
Ephesians 6:
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
I keep expecting this war to be obvious. I am learning that it is not, it is very subtle and that the devil and his cohorts know our weaknesses. In other words, the attacks don't seem as if they are anything other than people being people, but this is not always so.
Now I know this looks as if I am putting all of the blame for my actions and the actions of others on Satan. IN a way that would be right, but in another way it is not correct. We all make our own choices to follow temptations or not.
"quench all the fiery darts of the wicked."
What are these darts?? Well it depends on the person involved. With me, this is how it always seemed to go:
1. I get right with God
2. I am hurt by other Christians
3. I curse those people and lash out to hurt them as they have hurt me.
4. I give up and do my own thing.
5. I get convicted but I have to start at the beginning. But I trust less.
Satan wins!!
I never in the past got past that point. Not this time!!
Just like I am tempted and I have my weak spots, so do others. I need to remember that just like I have my whisperings in my ear, (they are all the same, why even try anymore, God doesn't love me, why is it always me, REVENGE!!) they have theirs. (she is trying to start a fight with that post, she is not really working at doing the right thing.... and so on)
They failed and I failed. Our biggest problem is our own heads and allowing the wicked one to influence our behaviors and perceptions.
This does not excuse either their actions nor mine. We have free will to make our own choices.
Neither can I blame my actions on the fact that I was hurt by those I cared about or those who claimed that they cared about me. Understanding is all I can ask for. But that is a two way street. If I ask for and expect understanding and forgiveness, then I also must give it as well.
This is the latest lesson that I have had to learn the hard way. Sometimes I wish that these lessons didn't have to hurt so. This was the answer I was given when I asked God "why does this keep happening?" IT really is quite simple, because it had always worked. Why would satan change that which works.
I was told a long time ago that if someone knows which buttons to push to get you angry, then change the button. In other words, if this is how he keeps getting me to fail, then it is something that I need to change. Knowing is half the battle. Next time (and I have no doubt that there will be a next time) I am armed and ready. I know where it comes from and how to defeat it.
Praise God for His loving Grace and Mercy!
5 For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness.
6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.
7 You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?
8 This persuasion did not come from Him who calls you.
9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough.
10 I have confidence in you in the Lord that you will adopt no other view; but the one who is disturbing you will bear his judgment, whoever he is.
11 But I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? Then the stumbling block of the cross has been abolished.
12 I wish that those who are troubling you would even mutilate themselves.
13 For you were called to freedom, brethren; only one another.
14 For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF."
15 But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.
16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.
17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.
It always seem to be that the same thing keeps happening to me. I used to think that it was me, that there was something wrong with me. I no longer believe that.
Instead I need to remember that my battle is not against flesh and blood.
Ephesians 6:
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
I keep expecting this war to be obvious. I am learning that it is not, it is very subtle and that the devil and his cohorts know our weaknesses. In other words, the attacks don't seem as if they are anything other than people being people, but this is not always so.
Now I know this looks as if I am putting all of the blame for my actions and the actions of others on Satan. IN a way that would be right, but in another way it is not correct. We all make our own choices to follow temptations or not.
"quench all the fiery darts of the wicked."
What are these darts?? Well it depends on the person involved. With me, this is how it always seemed to go:
1. I get right with God
2. I am hurt by other Christians
3. I curse those people and lash out to hurt them as they have hurt me.
4. I give up and do my own thing.
5. I get convicted but I have to start at the beginning. But I trust less.
Satan wins!!
I never in the past got past that point. Not this time!!
Just like I am tempted and I have my weak spots, so do others. I need to remember that just like I have my whisperings in my ear, (they are all the same, why even try anymore, God doesn't love me, why is it always me, REVENGE!!) they have theirs. (she is trying to start a fight with that post, she is not really working at doing the right thing.... and so on)
They failed and I failed. Our biggest problem is our own heads and allowing the wicked one to influence our behaviors and perceptions.
This does not excuse either their actions nor mine. We have free will to make our own choices.
Neither can I blame my actions on the fact that I was hurt by those I cared about or those who claimed that they cared about me. Understanding is all I can ask for. But that is a two way street. If I ask for and expect understanding and forgiveness, then I also must give it as well.
This is the latest lesson that I have had to learn the hard way. Sometimes I wish that these lessons didn't have to hurt so. This was the answer I was given when I asked God "why does this keep happening?" IT really is quite simple, because it had always worked. Why would satan change that which works.
I was told a long time ago that if someone knows which buttons to push to get you angry, then change the button. In other words, if this is how he keeps getting me to fail, then it is something that I need to change. Knowing is half the battle. Next time (and I have no doubt that there will be a next time) I am armed and ready. I know where it comes from and how to defeat it.
Praise God for His loving Grace and Mercy!
Listening to the HS
For the last few months the Lord has been teaching me about the Fruit. If I was honest with myself I would admit that I wish I had spent more time in the Word. If I had then I could have avoided the pain and hurt I feel right now. I knew that I should not have been where I was, but I kept my rose colored glasses on, refusing to see what I was being shown.
I believe that God shows us what we need when we needed it. Trick is, WE HAVE TO LISTEN!!
The fruit is not only about how we are to behave ourselves, but also what we are to look for in those we let close to us.
Don't get me wrong, this does not mean that we should turn our backs on Christians who are trying to do the right thing, but rather those who are consistantly following the flesh. Especially those in the ministry. There is a difference between wanting to do the right thing and failing; and not caring or trying.
Paul had this to say:
Romans 7:
14 For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin.
15 For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate.
16 But if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good.
17 So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me.
18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not.
19 For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.
20 But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me.
21 I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good.
22 For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man,
23 but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members.
24 Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin.
This is how I feel right now!
It continues in Romans 8:
1 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Praise God for His Grace.
12 So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh--
13 for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!" 16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God,
Every day that we spend in prayer and the Word, we get stronger and it gets easier to do the right thing. Will we ever be perfect?? No!! I believe that it is the intent of our hearts that matter. Do we follow after the flesh or do we follow after the Spirit??
It says that we are "putting to death the deeds of the body"
It is a daily struggle and not something that is automatic, but struggle and work is what we are commanded to do every second of every day.
Biblical Knowlege does not equal maturity. Maturity can only come from time working, learning, praying, and spending time in the Word and spending time just listening to the Spirit.
In this first bible study we will be examining both the Fruit of the Spirit as well as the Fruit of the Flesh.
I will admit that this is personal. See, for the last few months the Lord has been teaching me about the Fruit. If I was honest with myself I would admit that I wish I had spent more time in the Word. If I had then I could have avoided the pain and hurt I feel right now. I knew that I should not have been where I was, but I kept my rose colored glasses on, refusing to see what I was being shown.
I believe that God shows us what we need when we needed it. Trick is, WE HAVE TO LISTEN!!
The fruit is not only about how we are to behave ourselves, but also what we are to look for in those we let close to us.
Don't get me wrong, this does not mean that we should turn our backs on Christians who are trying to do the right thing, but rather those who are consistantly following the flesh. Especially those in the ministry. There is a difference between wanting to do the right thing and failing; and not caring or trying.
Paul had this to say:
Romans 7:
14 For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin.
15 For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate.
16 But if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good.
17 So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me.
18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not.
19 For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.
20 But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me.
21 I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good.
22 For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man,
23 but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members.
24 Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin.
This is how I feel right now!
It continues in Romans 8:
1 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Praise God for His Grace.
12 So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh--
13 for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!" 16 The Spirit Himself testifies R365 with our spirit that we are children of God,
Every day that we spend in prayer and the Word, we get stronger and it gets easier to do the right thing. Will we ever be perfect?? No!! I believe that it is the intent of our hearts that matter. Do we follow after the flesh or do we follow after the Spirit??
It says that we are "putting to death the deeds of the body"
It is a daily struggle and not something that is automatic, but struggle and work is what we are commanded to do every second of every day.
Biblical Knowlege does not equal maturity. Maturity can only come from time working, learning, praying, and spending time in the Word and spending time just listening to the Spirit.
1 Corinthians 3:1-4
1 And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to infants in Christ.
2 I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able,
3 for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men?
4 For when one says, "I am of Paul," and another, "I am of Apollos," are you not mere men?
OUCH!!!
SO lets work on this together so that we may all bring Glory to Chrrist.
I believe that God shows us what we need when we needed it. Trick is, WE HAVE TO LISTEN!!
The fruit is not only about how we are to behave ourselves, but also what we are to look for in those we let close to us.
Don't get me wrong, this does not mean that we should turn our backs on Christians who are trying to do the right thing, but rather those who are consistantly following the flesh. Especially those in the ministry. There is a difference between wanting to do the right thing and failing; and not caring or trying.
Paul had this to say:
Romans 7:
14 For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin.
15 For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate.
16 But if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good.
17 So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me.
18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not.
19 For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.
20 But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me.
21 I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good.
22 For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man,
23 but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members.
24 Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin.
This is how I feel right now!
It continues in Romans 8:
1 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Praise God for His Grace.
12 So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh--
13 for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!" 16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God,
Every day that we spend in prayer and the Word, we get stronger and it gets easier to do the right thing. Will we ever be perfect?? No!! I believe that it is the intent of our hearts that matter. Do we follow after the flesh or do we follow after the Spirit??
It says that we are "putting to death the deeds of the body"
It is a daily struggle and not something that is automatic, but struggle and work is what we are commanded to do every second of every day.
Biblical Knowlege does not equal maturity. Maturity can only come from time working, learning, praying, and spending time in the Word and spending time just listening to the Spirit.
In this first bible study we will be examining both the Fruit of the Spirit as well as the Fruit of the Flesh.
I will admit that this is personal. See, for the last few months the Lord has been teaching me about the Fruit. If I was honest with myself I would admit that I wish I had spent more time in the Word. If I had then I could have avoided the pain and hurt I feel right now. I knew that I should not have been where I was, but I kept my rose colored glasses on, refusing to see what I was being shown.
I believe that God shows us what we need when we needed it. Trick is, WE HAVE TO LISTEN!!
The fruit is not only about how we are to behave ourselves, but also what we are to look for in those we let close to us.
Don't get me wrong, this does not mean that we should turn our backs on Christians who are trying to do the right thing, but rather those who are consistantly following the flesh. Especially those in the ministry. There is a difference between wanting to do the right thing and failing; and not caring or trying.
Paul had this to say:
Romans 7:
14 For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin.
15 For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate.
16 But if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good.
17 So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me.
18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not.
19 For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.
20 But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me.
21 I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good.
22 For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man,
23 but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members.
24 Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin.
This is how I feel right now!
It continues in Romans 8:
1 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Praise God for His Grace.
12 So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh--
13 for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!" 16 The Spirit Himself testifies R365 with our spirit that we are children of God,
Every day that we spend in prayer and the Word, we get stronger and it gets easier to do the right thing. Will we ever be perfect?? No!! I believe that it is the intent of our hearts that matter. Do we follow after the flesh or do we follow after the Spirit??
It says that we are "putting to death the deeds of the body"
It is a daily struggle and not something that is automatic, but struggle and work is what we are commanded to do every second of every day.
Biblical Knowlege does not equal maturity. Maturity can only come from time working, learning, praying, and spending time in the Word and spending time just listening to the Spirit.
1 Corinthians 3:1-4
1 And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to infants in Christ.
2 I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able,
3 for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men?
4 For when one says, "I am of Paul," and another, "I am of Apollos," are you not mere men?
OUCH!!!
SO lets work on this together so that we may all bring Glory to Chrrist.
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Purpose of Blog
Purpose

This blog was set up in order for me to share what the Lord is doing in my life. My hope is that I may be able to help others who are or have gone through similar things.

This blog was set up in order for me to share what the Lord is doing in my life. My hope is that I may be able to help others who are or have gone through similar things.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Mexico
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Mexico
MR. PRESIDENT, I'M HEADED TO MEXICO
David M. Bresnahan
April 1, 2006
NewsWithViews.com
Dear President Bush:
I'm about to plan a little trip with my family and extended family, and I would like to ask you to assist me. I'm going to walk across the border from the U.S. into Mexico, and I need to make a few arrangements. I know you can help with this.
I plan to skip all the legal stuff like visas, passports, immigration quotas and laws. I'm sure they handle those things the same way you do here.
So, would you mind telling your buddy, President Vicente Fox, that I'm on my way over? Please let him know that I will be expecting the following:
1. Free medical care for my entire family.
2. English-speaking government bureaucrats for all services I might need, whether I use them or not.
3. All government forms need to be printed in English.
4. I want my kids to be taught by English-speaking teachers.
5. Schools need to include classes on American culture and history.
6. I want my kids to see the American flag flying on the top of the flag pole at their school with the Mexican flag flying lower down.
7. Please plan to feed my kids at school for both breakfast and lunch.
8. I will need a local Mexican driver's license so I can get easy access to government services.
9. I do not plan to have any car insurance, and I won't make any effort to learn local traffic laws.
10. In case one of the Mexican police officers does not get the memo from Pres. Fox to leave me alone, please be sur that all police officers speak English.
11. I plan to fly the U.S. flag from my house top, put flag decals on my car, and have a gigantic celebration on July 4th. I do not want any complaints or negative comments from the locals.
12. I would also like to have a nice job without paying any taxes, and don’t enforce any labor laws or tax laws.
13. Please tell all the people in the country to be extremely nice and never say a critical word about me, or about the strain I might place on the economy.
I know this is an easy request because you already do all these things for all the people who come to the U.S. from Mexico. I am sure that Pres. Fox won't mind returning the favor if you ask him nicely.
However, if he gives you any trouble, just invite him to go quail hunting with your V.P.
Thank you so much for your kind help.
Sincerely,
David M. Bresnahan
posted by Star @ 4:02 PM
Mexico
MR. PRESIDENT, I'M HEADED TO MEXICO
David M. Bresnahan
April 1, 2006
NewsWithViews.com
Dear President Bush:
I'm about to plan a little trip with my family and extended family, and I would like to ask you to assist me. I'm going to walk across the border from the U.S. into Mexico, and I need to make a few arrangements. I know you can help with this.
I plan to skip all the legal stuff like visas, passports, immigration quotas and laws. I'm sure they handle those things the same way you do here.
So, would you mind telling your buddy, President Vicente Fox, that I'm on my way over? Please let him know that I will be expecting the following:
1. Free medical care for my entire family.
2. English-speaking government bureaucrats for all services I might need, whether I use them or not.
3. All government forms need to be printed in English.
4. I want my kids to be taught by English-speaking teachers.
5. Schools need to include classes on American culture and history.
6. I want my kids to see the American flag flying on the top of the flag pole at their school with the Mexican flag flying lower down.
7. Please plan to feed my kids at school for both breakfast and lunch.
8. I will need a local Mexican driver's license so I can get easy access to government services.
9. I do not plan to have any car insurance, and I won't make any effort to learn local traffic laws.
10. In case one of the Mexican police officers does not get the memo from Pres. Fox to leave me alone, please be sur that all police officers speak English.
11. I plan to fly the U.S. flag from my house top, put flag decals on my car, and have a gigantic celebration on July 4th. I do not want any complaints or negative comments from the locals.
12. I would also like to have a nice job without paying any taxes, and don’t enforce any labor laws or tax laws.
13. Please tell all the people in the country to be extremely nice and never say a critical word about me, or about the strain I might place on the economy.
I know this is an easy request because you already do all these things for all the people who come to the U.S. from Mexico. I am sure that Pres. Fox won't mind returning the favor if you ask him nicely.
However, if he gives you any trouble, just invite him to go quail hunting with your V.P.
Thank you so much for your kind help.
Sincerely,
David M. Bresnahan
posted by Star @ 4:02 PM
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Joy? Tests and Trials??
James 1:
2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,
3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Joy?? Count it joy when I go through trials?? or hard times?? Or insulting and rude people?? Or computer problems??
Yes!! Anything in life worth having is worth fighting for and worth working hard for. Life is hard and it will throw us a curve ball or two (or three or four or five..six..seven..eight....--->).
The trick is to keep going and that these are needed to strengthen us. Can you imagine what the world could be like in just a few years?
Are you ready? If we can't hold strong under these small day to day problems, how are we ever going to handle the big stuff that we may face.
A child who is learning to play ball, will miss the ball more than not. But if he keeps going and keeps at it then soon he will catch almost all of them. As he grows then he will rarely miss the ball. He will learn to feel the ball, he will learn to know when the ball is coming his way and just how to handle it before the ball gets there. He will be ready for it.
This is what we need to learn to do.
Quote:
Endurance!!
staying power, stamina, fortitude, resolution, durability, strength, survival
antonym: weakness
persistence, perseverance, tenacity, continuance, survival, duration
Encarta ® World English Dictionary © & (P) 1998-2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
Resist the devil and he will flee!! It does get easier, just don't give up no matter how it seems as if everything is against you.
Verse 4:
4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Perfect and complete. Lacking in NOTHING!!!! That is the reward for standing strong and enduring (which is it's own reward)
posted by Star @ 11:58 PM
2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,
3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Joy?? Count it joy when I go through trials?? or hard times?? Or insulting and rude people?? Or computer problems??
Yes!! Anything in life worth having is worth fighting for and worth working hard for. Life is hard and it will throw us a curve ball or two (or three or four or five..six..seven..eight....--->).
The trick is to keep going and that these are needed to strengthen us. Can you imagine what the world could be like in just a few years?
Are you ready? If we can't hold strong under these small day to day problems, how are we ever going to handle the big stuff that we may face.
A child who is learning to play ball, will miss the ball more than not. But if he keeps going and keeps at it then soon he will catch almost all of them. As he grows then he will rarely miss the ball. He will learn to feel the ball, he will learn to know when the ball is coming his way and just how to handle it before the ball gets there. He will be ready for it.
This is what we need to learn to do.
Quote:
Endurance!!
staying power, stamina, fortitude, resolution, durability, strength, survival
antonym: weakness
persistence, perseverance, tenacity, continuance, survival, duration
Encarta ® World English Dictionary © & (P) 1998-2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
Resist the devil and he will flee!! It does get easier, just don't give up no matter how it seems as if everything is against you.
Verse 4:
4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Perfect and complete. Lacking in NOTHING!!!! That is the reward for standing strong and enduring (which is it's own reward)
posted by Star @ 11:58 PM
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
More Promises
Revelation 21:
3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them,
4 and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away."
5 And He who sits on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." And He said, "Write, for these words are faithful and true."
6 Then He said to me, "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost.
7 "He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son.
A World without sorrow!! Amen and Amen again.
With all of the sorrow and pain that this World can cause, I think that we need to step back and look at the promises that are ours. Even though we may go through suffering and pain in this life, our rewards for keeping on keeping on are greater.
Don't fret, God is good and He is always with us.
Praise God!!
posted by Star @ 10:23 AM
3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them,
4 and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away."
5 And He who sits on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." And He said, "Write, for these words are faithful and true."
6 Then He said to me, "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost.
7 "He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son.
A World without sorrow!! Amen and Amen again.
With all of the sorrow and pain that this World can cause, I think that we need to step back and look at the promises that are ours. Even though we may go through suffering and pain in this life, our rewards for keeping on keeping on are greater.
Don't fret, God is good and He is always with us.
Praise God!!
posted by Star @ 10:23 AM
Sunday, April 16, 2006
My rebuttle of D Willard's "spiritual reformation" Part One
What I do not like about "spiritual formation" by Willard. Part One.
Quote:
From here we manage our lives as best we can, utilizing whatever resources of understanding, emotion and circumstance are available. It is here we stand before God and our conscience
.
As Christians we shouldn't lean on OUR understanding nor should we rely on our emotions. We are to overcome our circumstances.
Prov 3:
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
We are to ask the HS to give us wisdom.
1Co 1:19
For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
1Co 2:4
And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
1Co 2:5
That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
2 Thess 1:
4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:
We are to stand in faith, regardless of our circumstances.
Quote:
Within the invisible dimension of the person, and right at its conscious center, lies the human spirit. "God is Spirit," the creative will that creates and governs the universe, and "spirit" is the creative element in human nature, "the image of God in man. The human spirit is primarily what we today call "will," the capacity of choice and resolution, and what biblically and traditionally is called "heart."
This is wrong. We are body, mind, and spirit. According to this: our conscious center is our spirit. No our center is our mind. This is where we made our decisions, not our spirit.
When we are born we have a carnal mind. Our carnal mind is not and can not be "the image of God in man"
Romans 8:
6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
When we are born again, our spirit changes, but our mind is still carnal.
1 Corinthians 3:
1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
How do we change our minds? By renewing them with the Word of God
Romans 12:
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
and meditating on THE WORD not A WORD.
1 Titus 4:
13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
When we are born we follow after the flesh(body). We are captive to the flesh. Even Paul says that because of the flesh he finds himself doing that which he doesn't wish to do.
Romans 7:
23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
This article is false. When we are born again, our flesh is at war with our spirit. What makes the difference is the mind. We are to renew our minds on the Word and to meditate on the Word in order to be able to defeat the flesh.
This paragraph has put the spirit and the mind as one of the same. According to it we are spirits are and have always been "the image of God in man". This is just false.
According to this paragraph we reform our minds/spirits, it doesn't take into account that we have to be born again and that our spirit changes when we are born again.
The Article
posted by Star @ 12:43 PM
Quote:
From here we manage our lives as best we can, utilizing whatever resources of understanding, emotion and circumstance are available. It is here we stand before God and our conscience
.
As Christians we shouldn't lean on OUR understanding nor should we rely on our emotions. We are to overcome our circumstances.
Prov 3:
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
We are to ask the HS to give us wisdom.
1Co 1:19
For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
1Co 2:4
And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
1Co 2:5
That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
2 Thess 1:
4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:
We are to stand in faith, regardless of our circumstances.
Quote:
Within the invisible dimension of the person, and right at its conscious center, lies the human spirit. "God is Spirit," the creative will that creates and governs the universe, and "spirit" is the creative element in human nature, "the image of God in man. The human spirit is primarily what we today call "will," the capacity of choice and resolution, and what biblically and traditionally is called "heart."
This is wrong. We are body, mind, and spirit. According to this: our conscious center is our spirit. No our center is our mind. This is where we made our decisions, not our spirit.
When we are born we have a carnal mind. Our carnal mind is not and can not be "the image of God in man"
Romans 8:
6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
When we are born again, our spirit changes, but our mind is still carnal.
1 Corinthians 3:
1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
How do we change our minds? By renewing them with the Word of God
Romans 12:
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
and meditating on THE WORD not A WORD.
1 Titus 4:
13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
When we are born we follow after the flesh(body). We are captive to the flesh. Even Paul says that because of the flesh he finds himself doing that which he doesn't wish to do.
Romans 7:
23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
This article is false. When we are born again, our flesh is at war with our spirit. What makes the difference is the mind. We are to renew our minds on the Word and to meditate on the Word in order to be able to defeat the flesh.
This paragraph has put the spirit and the mind as one of the same. According to it we are spirits are and have always been "the image of God in man". This is just false.
According to this paragraph we reform our minds/spirits, it doesn't take into account that we have to be born again and that our spirit changes when we are born again.
The Article
posted by Star @ 12:43 PM
Friday, April 14, 2006
He Is ALIVE!
HE IS ALIVE
Luke 24:
6 He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,
7 Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.
8 And they remembered his words,
To borrow from a song I remember from childhood:
He's alive and I am forgiven, Heaven's gates are opened wide
HE IS ALIVE!!!
Father,
I thank you for sending Jesus to the Earth so that I can be saved.
I thank you for loveing me so much that you gave your Son to be sacrificed for me.
I thank you for forgiving all of my sins.
I thank you for this growing relationship I have with you.
I thank you for never giving up on me, regardless of what I have done or where I have been.
Jesus,
Thank you for sacrifing yourself for me.
I thank you for shedding your blood so that I might be saved.
I thank you for being my high priest making intercession for me with the Father.
I thank you for giving me your Name. The Name above all names.
You are the King and Kings and my Lord of Lords. May I never stop praising your Name.
Ps 18:49
Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name
Ps 47:6
Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises.
posted by Star @ 10:18 AM
Luke 24:
6 He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,
7 Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.
8 And they remembered his words,
To borrow from a song I remember from childhood:
He's alive and I am forgiven, Heaven's gates are opened wide
HE IS ALIVE!!!
Father,
I thank you for sending Jesus to the Earth so that I can be saved.
I thank you for loveing me so much that you gave your Son to be sacrificed for me.
I thank you for forgiving all of my sins.
I thank you for this growing relationship I have with you.
I thank you for never giving up on me, regardless of what I have done or where I have been.
Jesus,
Thank you for sacrifing yourself for me.
I thank you for shedding your blood so that I might be saved.
I thank you for being my high priest making intercession for me with the Father.
I thank you for giving me your Name. The Name above all names.
You are the King and Kings and my Lord of Lords. May I never stop praising your Name.
Ps 18:49
Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name
Ps 47:6
Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises.
posted by Star @ 10:18 AM
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Casting our Cares
2 Cor 12:
9 And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you,[b] for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
I have been going through somethings right now, where I am being insulted every which way this week.
I have been trying my best to deal with it the way I am supposed to in Love and patience. But that is the problem, I have been trying to do it alone. We are to cast our cares on Jesus and let Him carry our burdens.
1 Peter 5:
7 casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
Psalms 55:
16 As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me.
17 Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.
18 He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me.
19 God shall hear, and afflict them, even he that abideth of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God.
20 He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant.
21 The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.
22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
Matt 11:
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
We are supposed to give our cares on Jesus and let Him carry the load. I am not alone, I need to pray and let the HS strengthen me. God promises peace if we follow Him and keep our minds on the good things.
posted by Star @ 9:11 AM
9 And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you,[b] for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
I have been going through somethings right now, where I am being insulted every which way this week.
I have been trying my best to deal with it the way I am supposed to in Love and patience. But that is the problem, I have been trying to do it alone. We are to cast our cares on Jesus and let Him carry our burdens.
1 Peter 5:
7 casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
Psalms 55:
16 As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me.
17 Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.
18 He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me.
19 God shall hear, and afflict them, even he that abideth of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God.
20 He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant.
21 The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.
22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
Matt 11:
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
We are supposed to give our cares on Jesus and let Him carry the load. I am not alone, I need to pray and let the HS strengthen me. God promises peace if we follow Him and keep our minds on the good things.
posted by Star @ 9:11 AM
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Leaning on the Holy Spirit and not man
I was raised in a heavily biblical home by parents who talked the talk but didn't walk the walk and the churches were pretty much the same. This has left me disillusioned.
Because of this I have no faith in what men have to say about scripture. I know scripture, lots of it and more than most, but I have found myself in the last few years haveing to research and test what I have been taught with what the bible has to say.
Most of what I have been taught though has been true and has lined up with the scriptures.
In the bible Paul states that we need to test what we hear with the Word to see if it lines up. We are to believe scripture and not man. We are also suppose to pray to the Holy Spirit and ask Him to teach us what the Scriptures have to say. Some call this revelation, I like to call it my Lightbulb Moments.
Most of my writing both in my blog and in my forums come from these Lightbulb moments. Most have come from prayer. You know "Lord how do I forgive" "Lord how do I keep the bitterness from coming up" "Lord how do I show your love to all" those type of prayers. In each one He has been faithful to remind me of scriptures that I have been taught, but the difference is that I am left going "WOW, How did I miss that?"
Those who are God's will hear His voice and know that it is He that is speaking and that it is not coming from elsewhere. We have to have a relationship with God in order to be able to hear His voice. I have had times when I have asked God "How do I know that this is you and not just in my head?", and then confirmation has come from the weirdest of places out of the blue. Now, I know when I hear His voice. I have spent time with Him getting to know Him.
This is not to say that I know it all, I do not! Far from it, I am always open to teaching and learning. I do not think that I will ever know it all, but I do know that I will know more today than I did yesterday.
Sometimes it seems as if I am stuck on one paticular subject. Right now it is the fruit. I do not wish to be one of those who push others away when teaching the Word, I wish to draw others closer to me and to the Word. This is what God is dealing with me on right now. This is why I believe that I have been getting more flak and attitudes lately than i have in the past. I am being tested. Sometimes I pass, but sometimes I fail. But I believe that when I do fail, I need to pick myself up again and keep pressing on to the high mark.
I am not perfect, but I am trying so hard to be perfect. I want to "fight the good fight", I want to bring Glory to Christ.
posted by Star @ 12:30 PM
Because of this I have no faith in what men have to say about scripture. I know scripture, lots of it and more than most, but I have found myself in the last few years haveing to research and test what I have been taught with what the bible has to say.
Most of what I have been taught though has been true and has lined up with the scriptures.
In the bible Paul states that we need to test what we hear with the Word to see if it lines up. We are to believe scripture and not man. We are also suppose to pray to the Holy Spirit and ask Him to teach us what the Scriptures have to say. Some call this revelation, I like to call it my Lightbulb Moments.
Most of my writing both in my blog and in my forums come from these Lightbulb moments. Most have come from prayer. You know "Lord how do I forgive" "Lord how do I keep the bitterness from coming up" "Lord how do I show your love to all" those type of prayers. In each one He has been faithful to remind me of scriptures that I have been taught, but the difference is that I am left going "WOW, How did I miss that?"
Those who are God's will hear His voice and know that it is He that is speaking and that it is not coming from elsewhere. We have to have a relationship with God in order to be able to hear His voice. I have had times when I have asked God "How do I know that this is you and not just in my head?", and then confirmation has come from the weirdest of places out of the blue. Now, I know when I hear His voice. I have spent time with Him getting to know Him.
This is not to say that I know it all, I do not! Far from it, I am always open to teaching and learning. I do not think that I will ever know it all, but I do know that I will know more today than I did yesterday.
Sometimes it seems as if I am stuck on one paticular subject. Right now it is the fruit. I do not wish to be one of those who push others away when teaching the Word, I wish to draw others closer to me and to the Word. This is what God is dealing with me on right now. This is why I believe that I have been getting more flak and attitudes lately than i have in the past. I am being tested. Sometimes I pass, but sometimes I fail. But I believe that when I do fail, I need to pick myself up again and keep pressing on to the high mark.
I am not perfect, but I am trying so hard to be perfect. I want to "fight the good fight", I want to bring Glory to Christ.
posted by Star @ 12:30 PM
Monday, April 03, 2006
Price?
I recently saw that somebody decided to put price on what my blog was worth. Funny how that was never a consideration of mine.
Blessed am I when the World hates me because of the Word. I guess this would mean that if the world hates my blog and the Word within, then I must be doing something right.
Can you really put a price on the Word of God?? OR is it too precious to be put in monetary terms? I think that it is.
Is it really a comparasion when the other blog is unscriptural, full of idolatry, vain and empty words which the world loves, against the Word of God?? Nope, no comparasion to me.
God comes first, in this blog, in my forums, and in my life. The bible states that we shall go through trials and that men (women) will hate us because of Jesus. If the World loves us, then we are doing something wrong.
Hey, I got it right!! Praise God!!
(update 4/04/06)
It seems as if this post has done some good. :) Praise God. The person who owns the blog I was talking about has now decided that her blog is a good place for scripture. :) Nice to know that I was able to help.
posted by Star @ 3:48 PM
Blessed am I when the World hates me because of the Word. I guess this would mean that if the world hates my blog and the Word within, then I must be doing something right.
Can you really put a price on the Word of God?? OR is it too precious to be put in monetary terms? I think that it is.
Is it really a comparasion when the other blog is unscriptural, full of idolatry, vain and empty words which the world loves, against the Word of God?? Nope, no comparasion to me.
God comes first, in this blog, in my forums, and in my life. The bible states that we shall go through trials and that men (women) will hate us because of Jesus. If the World loves us, then we are doing something wrong.
Hey, I got it right!! Praise God!!
(update 4/04/06)
It seems as if this post has done some good. :) Praise God. The person who owns the blog I was talking about has now decided that her blog is a good place for scripture. :) Nice to know that I was able to help.
posted by Star @ 3:48 PM
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Agree to Disagree?
I have always believed that it is always best to agree to disagree when debating an issue before things get out of hand and feelings get hurt.
Sometimes I need to remember that it is not up to me to convince others what the Word has to say, but rather, to simply show what the Word has to say and then backoff and let the Holy Spirit do the convicting.
This is an issue that has been popping up over and over again. Sometimes I get so passionate about an idea that I simply have problems just letting go and letting God do the rest.
This is hard when I feel like I am being attacked because of what I believe to be true. When I feel belittled or talked down to, as if I do not have any biblical knowlege, is when this is the hardest for me. I feel like I have to prove something. Reality is quite different. DO I really have to prove what I know? No I do not. I should feel secure enough with what I know, to not have to prove myself to anyone, besides, there will always be those who will close off their ears to anything that doesn't line up with what they wish to believe. Not everyone will be open to the Holy SPirit and what God says in the Word. There will always be those who wish to ignore teachings that don't line up with their own preconcieved notions.
May I never be like that. May I always keep an open mind and a heart that is open to the Holy Spirit. May I always be open to being taught by the Holy Spirit.
When we get to the point where we think that we know it all, is when we close ourselves off to being taught by the Holy Spirit. This is when our learning and revelations stop. I do not ever want to live without my lightbulb moments. Never, I enjoy them too much and I get too excited over them to ever wish them to stop.
posted by Star @ 11:26 AM
Sometimes I need to remember that it is not up to me to convince others what the Word has to say, but rather, to simply show what the Word has to say and then backoff and let the Holy Spirit do the convicting.
This is an issue that has been popping up over and over again. Sometimes I get so passionate about an idea that I simply have problems just letting go and letting God do the rest.
This is hard when I feel like I am being attacked because of what I believe to be true. When I feel belittled or talked down to, as if I do not have any biblical knowlege, is when this is the hardest for me. I feel like I have to prove something. Reality is quite different. DO I really have to prove what I know? No I do not. I should feel secure enough with what I know, to not have to prove myself to anyone, besides, there will always be those who will close off their ears to anything that doesn't line up with what they wish to believe. Not everyone will be open to the Holy SPirit and what God says in the Word. There will always be those who wish to ignore teachings that don't line up with their own preconcieved notions.
May I never be like that. May I always keep an open mind and a heart that is open to the Holy Spirit. May I always be open to being taught by the Holy Spirit.
When we get to the point where we think that we know it all, is when we close ourselves off to being taught by the Holy Spirit. This is when our learning and revelations stop. I do not ever want to live without my lightbulb moments. Never, I enjoy them too much and I get too excited over them to ever wish them to stop.
posted by Star @ 11:26 AM
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Seeker Churches
I wasn't sure what seeker churches were. So after a quick search I came up with this:
Rick Warren defines Seeker Churches
The first thing I noticed was Rick Warren, the author of "The Purpose Driven Life". That put me off, but I still kept an open mind.
No I am one of those strange Christians who was not impressed with his book. While I found the main message in his book to be admirable, I did not like the fact that he used a paraphrased bible version that completely twisted the bible in order to get a totally different meaning of the biblical passages. You don't go and search different versions of the bible in order to get YOUR ideas across, you are supposed to go by what the writer of the bible actually said.....
anyway back on topic.
I see a problem with churches that are only out to make converts as well as the idea that the HS is only able to work if the message is a salvation message.
Quanity does not equal quality. IT is not all about numbers. The bible instructs us to "make disciples". To make disciples is to teach them how to live a Godly life. To give the tools in the bible so that they may grow and be able to make disciples.
Too many times I have seen churches and ministries who are so worried about getting numbers that they will do anything they can (sometimes including decietful practices and such) in order to make more converts. But then the new and baby Christians are pushed into the background so that it makes room for more converts. This is wrong and it does not line up with the Word.
I wonder how many of these converts stay converts? NOt long I am sure. The reasons are:
1. A person can and will only attend church so long listening to the same message before they get bored.
2. A Christian needs to have the keys to defeat temptations. If not they will only fall to the wayside when they are attacked.
3. New Christians are not stupid. They will figure out that they were only used and nobody really cared about them at all. It takes more than simply converting someone to care about that person.
4. This entire logic is relying on human wisdom and not the wisdom of God. What ever happened to prayer and spending time quietly with God and listening to what He wishes you to minister on? How can they expect the HS to work when they don't even listen to what God wants to teach to His congregation?? I am of the mind that if we are obedient to God and His will then He will make sure that the right message will be delivered at the right time. His timing and message, not what WE feel we should do.
In conclusion?? I am not impressed. Again Warren has fallen short of actual biblical teaching in order to push his mortal wisdom and again ignoring God's wisdom and God's wishes.
posted by Star @ 6:04 PM
Rick Warren defines Seeker Churches
The first thing I noticed was Rick Warren, the author of "The Purpose Driven Life". That put me off, but I still kept an open mind.
No I am one of those strange Christians who was not impressed with his book. While I found the main message in his book to be admirable, I did not like the fact that he used a paraphrased bible version that completely twisted the bible in order to get a totally different meaning of the biblical passages. You don't go and search different versions of the bible in order to get YOUR ideas across, you are supposed to go by what the writer of the bible actually said.....
anyway back on topic.
I see a problem with churches that are only out to make converts as well as the idea that the HS is only able to work if the message is a salvation message.
Quanity does not equal quality. IT is not all about numbers. The bible instructs us to "make disciples". To make disciples is to teach them how to live a Godly life. To give the tools in the bible so that they may grow and be able to make disciples.
Too many times I have seen churches and ministries who are so worried about getting numbers that they will do anything they can (sometimes including decietful practices and such) in order to make more converts. But then the new and baby Christians are pushed into the background so that it makes room for more converts. This is wrong and it does not line up with the Word.
I wonder how many of these converts stay converts? NOt long I am sure. The reasons are:
1. A person can and will only attend church so long listening to the same message before they get bored.
2. A Christian needs to have the keys to defeat temptations. If not they will only fall to the wayside when they are attacked.
3. New Christians are not stupid. They will figure out that they were only used and nobody really cared about them at all. It takes more than simply converting someone to care about that person.
4. This entire logic is relying on human wisdom and not the wisdom of God. What ever happened to prayer and spending time quietly with God and listening to what He wishes you to minister on? How can they expect the HS to work when they don't even listen to what God wants to teach to His congregation?? I am of the mind that if we are obedient to God and His will then He will make sure that the right message will be delivered at the right time. His timing and message, not what WE feel we should do.
In conclusion?? I am not impressed. Again Warren has fallen short of actual biblical teaching in order to push his mortal wisdom and again ignoring God's wisdom and God's wishes.
posted by Star @ 6:04 PM
Sunday, March 05, 2006
More on Fruit
I wrote this and I think that it is important enough to "bump" up. Especially after some of the conversations that have been popping up.
In order for us to not be lead astray we must be real careful at who we listen to and go for advice. The fruit that is present is one of the ways to know.
Jesus said that you will know those who are His by their fruit. From our of their hearts their mouth speaks.
If someone is showing the fruit of the flesh, then run away from that person. How can someone who walks in the flesh show and teach that which is of the Spirit? If the person is consisitantly showing these attributes:
immorality, impurity, sensuality,
20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions,
21 envying, drunkenness, carousing,
Then you know that they are not of God.
21: of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
And at the bottom if the passage Paul states:
26 Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.
Run from these things as well as those who practice such things. Else, you will be taking the chance of this person bringing you down with them.
Now if a person is showing these things:
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.
Then you know that they are following the Spirit and are capable of helping you.
I feel I must also add that there are also wolfs who may show some of the fruits of the Spirit but are still ravinous wolves. You must always check what is said and taught with the bible to make sure that it lines up with the Word.
But those who are causing strife and dissention everywhere they go, you know right off that they are not of God.
posted by Star @ 7:05 PM
In order for us to not be lead astray we must be real careful at who we listen to and go for advice. The fruit that is present is one of the ways to know.
Jesus said that you will know those who are His by their fruit. From our of their hearts their mouth speaks.
If someone is showing the fruit of the flesh, then run away from that person. How can someone who walks in the flesh show and teach that which is of the Spirit? If the person is consisitantly showing these attributes:
immorality, impurity, sensuality,
20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions,
21 envying, drunkenness, carousing,
Then you know that they are not of God.
21: of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
And at the bottom if the passage Paul states:
26 Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.
Run from these things as well as those who practice such things. Else, you will be taking the chance of this person bringing you down with them.
Now if a person is showing these things:
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.
Then you know that they are following the Spirit and are capable of helping you.
I feel I must also add that there are also wolfs who may show some of the fruits of the Spirit but are still ravinous wolves. You must always check what is said and taught with the bible to make sure that it lines up with the Word.
But those who are causing strife and dissention everywhere they go, you know right off that they are not of God.
posted by Star @ 7:05 PM
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