Yesterday, I was speaking to a friend of mine and she was telling me about a trip she took to Aspen to see the Dalai Lama. The way she spoke of him, unnerved me. She talked about how humble he was, how down to earth, and mainly how happy his presence was. She told me that he talked about love and how we are to love even our enemies. She kept saying how peaceful and loving he was. He did not use educated language and he was a simple man. He only had one robe that he wore and that he spoke of even giving that extra robe away if someone else needed it. She spoke about him like she had never heard of a man being so kind, loving, gentile, simple, and happy. Yesterday was a very hard day for me. I cried, I was hurting. Not because of me or really even because of my friend, but because we have done an injustice to our Lord.
Why would someone look at the Dalai Lama with such reverence and see things in him that they think are unheard of? Christ was all of the things that she was talking about and much more! She does not see Him that way... She sees Him differently because His followers are to mirror Him. Do we? One of the main figures of the "Christian" community is the Pope. Does he, in any way, mirror Christ with his stand off approach and his crown upon his head. When I first started talking to my friend, she would refer to the Pope, I had to correct her. I know nothing about the Pope. I know what she knows, and that is what is given by the TV. So I started asking my self, "How do we show Christ to a world that is mislead, deceived and fallen?" There is only one answer to my question and that is we don't.
We will never be able to perfectly mirror our Lord, for he is perfect. This does not mean that we do not try, but we will fail. The only way to truly allow others to see our God, is to talk about Him. We have to gain an enthusiasm about Him. Talk about Him as if we were just sitting at His feet and listening to Him for the very first time. Because in reality we are. Every time I read His words, I see something that I had never seen before. I cry at His feet all of the time and wipe the tears with my hair. He is the whole reason that I live and He is the only reason any of us are here. His message is love, kindness and worship for Him. He came to earth as the most lowly of people. He road upon a donkey's colt as a lamb to the slaughter, for us. He gave every thing away to His enemy, so we may have salvation. He is the Lamb of God, the Lion of Judah, the King of Kings and Lord over all.
Fall in love with your Lord so that you can tell others about His wonderful message. He is the author of Life and His words are the only way for true joy. Learn His words so that when others are speaking about a "new" thing they have just heard, you can offer them the true author of those words. For everything worth repeating our Lord has already said. He is the only way for salvation and He deserves our respect. Give Him the Glory that He deserves. Never let someone else take credit for His words. He is the true author. Always speak to others in love. And remember, you may be the only glimpse of God that someone sees. Are they seeing God or someone else in you?
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
Who Are You?
I have been reading Acts for the past few days. There have been several main men spoken about; Saul (whose name was later changed to Paul), John Mark, and Barnabas. These three men were so important for the spreading of God's word. This does not mean that they never made any mistakes, but they allowed God to work in their lives despite their shortcomings. In some way I can relate to these men, and in some way I can see where I have failed as well.
Saul was a man who had a heart for God and was zealous for God. He was a Pharisee which meant that he knew the Scripture by memory, word for word. With all of his heart he was living for God, but this does not mean that he was doing things right. He loved God, but he was unknowingly living in sin. We know that his heart was for God and not full of pride, for when he was shown the truth he admitted his wrong doing. He immediately turned from his life and began a new one. He did not slink away and hide because of his mistake, but shouted out to everyone, that he was wrong. I love this! He is a prime example of how we are to respond when our sin is exposed and our eyes are open to the truth.
John Mark is another man who had weaknesses to over come. For some reason he had a habit of abandoning his friends when things got hard. The thing that makes him strong and effective is the fact that he was able to learn from his mistakes. Because of his mistakes, he grew and learned and in return became a very strong man of God. There are always consequences from our mistakes, but wisdom comes when we learn from those mistakes. Sometimes it takes trials in our life to make us strong. Mark is an excellent example of this. He started off weak, but with encouragement and patience, he proved to be very effective for the kingdom of God.
Barnabas is know as the encourager for many in the New Testament. Barnabas is the man behind the scene, encouraging God's mighty men in their battle. If it were not for Barnabas' encouraging words Paul would have had a much harder time in teaching his conversion. He may have even given up. Because of Barnabas, Mark was given a second chance. These men are just two examples of the difference that encouragement makes. If it were not for Barnabas' encouraging words, most of the New Testament may have never been written by them. Encouraging others is often over looked, because most often it is done in private. But sometimes it is encouragement, that is needed the most, to keep one from giving up hope.
Who are you? Who have you been, and who do you want to become? I have been and I am sure at times I still am Saul. I believe with all of my heart that I am doing the right thing. I want to please God and I live for Him. But this does not mean that I get everything correct. Some times I need someone else to point out my shortcomings, so that I can correct them and do better next time. It is very easy to want to run as did Mark. Things get tough and at first it seems the better thing to give up, but in reality the best thing is to persevere. Often we learn more from our own mistakes than our successes. With all of my heart I want to be an encourager. Everyone feels better after being around someone who encourages them. Even if you have to correct someone, you can end the discussion on an encouraging reproach. Who are you? Who do you want to be more like?
Saul was a man who had a heart for God and was zealous for God. He was a Pharisee which meant that he knew the Scripture by memory, word for word. With all of his heart he was living for God, but this does not mean that he was doing things right. He loved God, but he was unknowingly living in sin. We know that his heart was for God and not full of pride, for when he was shown the truth he admitted his wrong doing. He immediately turned from his life and began a new one. He did not slink away and hide because of his mistake, but shouted out to everyone, that he was wrong. I love this! He is a prime example of how we are to respond when our sin is exposed and our eyes are open to the truth.
John Mark is another man who had weaknesses to over come. For some reason he had a habit of abandoning his friends when things got hard. The thing that makes him strong and effective is the fact that he was able to learn from his mistakes. Because of his mistakes, he grew and learned and in return became a very strong man of God. There are always consequences from our mistakes, but wisdom comes when we learn from those mistakes. Sometimes it takes trials in our life to make us strong. Mark is an excellent example of this. He started off weak, but with encouragement and patience, he proved to be very effective for the kingdom of God.
Barnabas is know as the encourager for many in the New Testament. Barnabas is the man behind the scene, encouraging God's mighty men in their battle. If it were not for Barnabas' encouraging words Paul would have had a much harder time in teaching his conversion. He may have even given up. Because of Barnabas, Mark was given a second chance. These men are just two examples of the difference that encouragement makes. If it were not for Barnabas' encouraging words, most of the New Testament may have never been written by them. Encouraging others is often over looked, because most often it is done in private. But sometimes it is encouragement, that is needed the most, to keep one from giving up hope.
Who are you? Who have you been, and who do you want to become? I have been and I am sure at times I still am Saul. I believe with all of my heart that I am doing the right thing. I want to please God and I live for Him. But this does not mean that I get everything correct. Some times I need someone else to point out my shortcomings, so that I can correct them and do better next time. It is very easy to want to run as did Mark. Things get tough and at first it seems the better thing to give up, but in reality the best thing is to persevere. Often we learn more from our own mistakes than our successes. With all of my heart I want to be an encourager. Everyone feels better after being around someone who encourages them. Even if you have to correct someone, you can end the discussion on an encouraging reproach. Who are you? Who do you want to be more like?
Friday, July 25, 2008
Any Other Man
Last night one of my girlfriends and I went out for dinner, a much needed mommies night out... One of the questions she asked me was; "After the life that you have had, are you ever sad that you will never be with another man?" This is a very easy question for me to answer. I have spent my life dealing with sexual temptation and sexual sin. I am so thankful that all of that hurt is now over. I am so thankful that I never again have to let another man touch me. I love the fact that I am married to a good man, who never wants to share me. The answer is, NO! There is nothing about being with anyone but my husband that is becoming to me.
My husband is a good man. I know that he treats me better than most men could ever even dream about. This is probably why I have no reason to be tempted by another man. They just could not amount up to my expectations after being married to this man of God. I take no credit in this control of my fleshly desires. I give the credit where credit is do. It all goes to God and to my husband. There is nothing that I desire that my husband does not fulfill for me. I do not wish for anything. Nothing!
These are just some of the reasons that I can say my man is a BIG man. For example, when I returned last night, from being out with my friend, my house was cleaner than when I left. My husband helps me. He is not Lazy! He works 12 hrs a day then comes home and helps me. I do not feel as though he is just another person that I have to take care of. He is my heavy lifter. I never have to worry about him not working hard. He is very calm, even if I am going crazy. He never talks to me harshly. He is my rock, my solid foundation. He keeps my life safe. He is my shelter, my cover. I pray my boys grow up to be just like him. He is a good father. He is gentile with the kids. He is not selfish in any way. He is wise in how to deal with people. He is a man full of wisdom. I could keep going but I am afraid that I would sound redundant.
Ephesians 5:25-33 "You husbands must love your wives with the same love Christ showed the church. He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by baptism and God's word. He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault. In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man is actually loving himself when he loves his wife...So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband."
This was in my husband's vows to me when we were married. He has taken his vows to heart, and he fulfills them every day. He washes and purifies me with his love. He gives his life over to helping me. I respect him more than I could ever respect anyone else. He not only deserves my respect because he is my husband, but because he is a very good man. He is full of integrity and he not only conducts himself at work in this manor, but he conducts himself at home in the same way. "Do I ever wish to be with another?" No, is my only answer.
My husband is a good man. I know that he treats me better than most men could ever even dream about. This is probably why I have no reason to be tempted by another man. They just could not amount up to my expectations after being married to this man of God. I take no credit in this control of my fleshly desires. I give the credit where credit is do. It all goes to God and to my husband. There is nothing that I desire that my husband does not fulfill for me. I do not wish for anything. Nothing!
These are just some of the reasons that I can say my man is a BIG man. For example, when I returned last night, from being out with my friend, my house was cleaner than when I left. My husband helps me. He is not Lazy! He works 12 hrs a day then comes home and helps me. I do not feel as though he is just another person that I have to take care of. He is my heavy lifter. I never have to worry about him not working hard. He is very calm, even if I am going crazy. He never talks to me harshly. He is my rock, my solid foundation. He keeps my life safe. He is my shelter, my cover. I pray my boys grow up to be just like him. He is a good father. He is gentile with the kids. He is not selfish in any way. He is wise in how to deal with people. He is a man full of wisdom. I could keep going but I am afraid that I would sound redundant.
Ephesians 5:25-33 "You husbands must love your wives with the same love Christ showed the church. He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by baptism and God's word. He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault. In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man is actually loving himself when he loves his wife...So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband."
This was in my husband's vows to me when we were married. He has taken his vows to heart, and he fulfills them every day. He washes and purifies me with his love. He gives his life over to helping me. I respect him more than I could ever respect anyone else. He not only deserves my respect because he is my husband, but because he is a very good man. He is full of integrity and he not only conducts himself at work in this manor, but he conducts himself at home in the same way. "Do I ever wish to be with another?" No, is my only answer.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Secret Sins
Yesterday, I had several different thoughts about people knowing so much about me. It is not always easy being so open. I do not want men to see me and see an ex stripper, for one thing. I do not want people from my childhood to see that I was once a druggie and that I have been married two times. There are consequences for being so open. There are some people that will see these things that I have done and they will hold it against me. There are even people that have similar sins, that they are still doing, and they will hate me for shinning light on their sin. Because even if they do not want to admit it, their conscience is already convicting them. Even though I know all of these things probably will happen, it is so much better living without any secrets.
There is a higher level of accountability when you tell everyone what you have done. People are watching you anyway. Confession just opens your eyes to what other people already know or suspect. Most of the time, the only one being deceived is the deceiver. If you binge at night or when no one is around, but eat salad all day in front of everyone else, there is going to be physical consequences to your binging. Because of my past, I quickly pick up on the clues that men have who struggle with pornography. Some signs are obvious, like hanging bikini calenders in your home or office. Others are subtle, and it is just a look. Others who are getting high all of the time, usually they where sunglasses even if it is cloudy. If you are constantly lying, your stories never sound the same. Can you see that the deceiver is the one who is deceived. Even if you never get caught, you are in turmoil. The deceiver is in bondage and slavery is never freedom.
Even though I run the risk of judgement, by allowing so many people to see into my personal life, I am free. There is only turmoil and heartache when we live in the dark world of secrets. We do not find freedom by exposing our sins and not turning into a new life. We find freedom by releasing our sins to God, and living a new life. There was a time when I was trying to change, that I kept many secrets. I did not tell anyone my past. It was all so new and I was so weak, that I needed to establish my relationship with God. I did, but even though I was no longer living in sin, my heart still ached, because I was keeping a secret. It was only after I confessed my sins to others around me, that my chains to that sin were finally broken and I found freedom. I have freedom because I have no secrets. I have peace because I have a solid relationship with the Light of this world. The hurt that some will throw my direction, can never be more hurtful than living in darkness. I am free in Christ, I live in His Light!
John 3:18-21
"There is no judgement awaiting those who trust Him. But those who do not trust Him have already been judged for not believing in the only Son of God. Their judgement is based on this fact: The light from heaven came into the world, but they loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. They hate the light because they want to sin in the darkness. They stay away from the light for fear their sins will be exposed and they will be punished. But those who do what is right come to the light gladly, so everyone can see that they are doing what God wants."
There is a higher level of accountability when you tell everyone what you have done. People are watching you anyway. Confession just opens your eyes to what other people already know or suspect. Most of the time, the only one being deceived is the deceiver. If you binge at night or when no one is around, but eat salad all day in front of everyone else, there is going to be physical consequences to your binging. Because of my past, I quickly pick up on the clues that men have who struggle with pornography. Some signs are obvious, like hanging bikini calenders in your home or office. Others are subtle, and it is just a look. Others who are getting high all of the time, usually they where sunglasses even if it is cloudy. If you are constantly lying, your stories never sound the same. Can you see that the deceiver is the one who is deceived. Even if you never get caught, you are in turmoil. The deceiver is in bondage and slavery is never freedom.
Even though I run the risk of judgement, by allowing so many people to see into my personal life, I am free. There is only turmoil and heartache when we live in the dark world of secrets. We do not find freedom by exposing our sins and not turning into a new life. We find freedom by releasing our sins to God, and living a new life. There was a time when I was trying to change, that I kept many secrets. I did not tell anyone my past. It was all so new and I was so weak, that I needed to establish my relationship with God. I did, but even though I was no longer living in sin, my heart still ached, because I was keeping a secret. It was only after I confessed my sins to others around me, that my chains to that sin were finally broken and I found freedom. I have freedom because I have no secrets. I have peace because I have a solid relationship with the Light of this world. The hurt that some will throw my direction, can never be more hurtful than living in darkness. I am free in Christ, I live in His Light!
John 3:18-21
"There is no judgement awaiting those who trust Him. But those who do not trust Him have already been judged for not believing in the only Son of God. Their judgement is based on this fact: The light from heaven came into the world, but they loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. They hate the light because they want to sin in the darkness. They stay away from the light for fear their sins will be exposed and they will be punished. But those who do what is right come to the light gladly, so everyone can see that they are doing what God wants."
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Helping Others
How do we help others who are struggling with a sin that we have struggled with? How many times have I asked myself this question? A young mother asked me this question just the other day. She is raising her children on her own. She has been an addict, and her heart wants to help others who are struggling with drugs. It is not as simple and clear cut as it may seem. There is only one answer: Get clean yourself, in every area. Stop doing drugs, period, stop drinking, stop falling for sexual temptations. These are the big ones.
I have been clean now for almost 8 years. I am just now strong, but here is the catch. I am not strong in myself. God is the one who has made me strong. They say that it is a struggle every day for the rest of your life, once you have been addicted to something. I do not necessarily think that this is true. My strength comes from God. I have built a relationship with my Father, so there is no struggle, as long as I stay close to Him. He gives me strength to control my flesh. I lean on Him. I get up every morning and give Him my "first" in my day. I gain strength from Him. This is how you help other people. Draw close to God. Breath Him. Sleep with Him. Awake with Him. Listen to His word. Listen to Him!!
Every one wants to see someone willing to give them an example, words mean nothing. Your life is the pathway for others freedom. Live your life for God, and He will place everything else in its proper position at the proper time. Gain strength from God, so that cleaning up your life does not seem impossible. All people who have struggled with a sin, want to help others they see struggling, with the same sin. It hurts to see someone hurting and when you have felt the pain that they are going through, you want to save them. You are not their savior. I have had to learn this the hard way. You will fail them. We are sinners. This is a title reserved for Jesus Christ, you are to be an example. Live your life for your Lord. You can not live your life for others. You must live your life for God. You must build a relationship with your Father, first.
God has placed people in every one's life to help them. Build your relationship with strong people. Stop hanging out with people who are struggling with the same things you are struggling with. Even if it means you drop family members, and close friends; if they are not helping you, get new friends. God has placed a whole community of people who are ready to help you, if you are really wanting help. You must first die to yourself. Death never feels good, but the resurrection of new life is totally awesome.
"Young mother,
I know what you are struggling with. I am so proud of you!! You have put yourself through school. You desire to give your children a new life. Your heart is there. You now need to turn your life over to your God. Find out who He is, then you can see who you need to be. You cannot stop having sex, by hanging out with other women who only talk about men. You cannot stop doing drugs, by hanging out with people who do drugs. You cannot stop drinking, by hanging out with people who drink. God is knocking at your door, let Him in. This can be a time of loneliness. I know, I went through this time. I had to find out what I really wanted, so every one was taken away from me. I had not one friend. God became my friend during this time. I had to lean on Him. I had to develop a relationship with Him. Now, I have a whole town that I can call my friends. But it took a time of loneliness, so that I could learn who God was and who He wanted me to become. Lean on Him so that all you can do is breath, talk, and sing His praises. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your mind and with all your strength. The rest will be given unto you."
I have been clean now for almost 8 years. I am just now strong, but here is the catch. I am not strong in myself. God is the one who has made me strong. They say that it is a struggle every day for the rest of your life, once you have been addicted to something. I do not necessarily think that this is true. My strength comes from God. I have built a relationship with my Father, so there is no struggle, as long as I stay close to Him. He gives me strength to control my flesh. I lean on Him. I get up every morning and give Him my "first" in my day. I gain strength from Him. This is how you help other people. Draw close to God. Breath Him. Sleep with Him. Awake with Him. Listen to His word. Listen to Him!!
Every one wants to see someone willing to give them an example, words mean nothing. Your life is the pathway for others freedom. Live your life for God, and He will place everything else in its proper position at the proper time. Gain strength from God, so that cleaning up your life does not seem impossible. All people who have struggled with a sin, want to help others they see struggling, with the same sin. It hurts to see someone hurting and when you have felt the pain that they are going through, you want to save them. You are not their savior. I have had to learn this the hard way. You will fail them. We are sinners. This is a title reserved for Jesus Christ, you are to be an example. Live your life for your Lord. You can not live your life for others. You must live your life for God. You must build a relationship with your Father, first.
God has placed people in every one's life to help them. Build your relationship with strong people. Stop hanging out with people who are struggling with the same things you are struggling with. Even if it means you drop family members, and close friends; if they are not helping you, get new friends. God has placed a whole community of people who are ready to help you, if you are really wanting help. You must first die to yourself. Death never feels good, but the resurrection of new life is totally awesome.
"Young mother,
I know what you are struggling with. I am so proud of you!! You have put yourself through school. You desire to give your children a new life. Your heart is there. You now need to turn your life over to your God. Find out who He is, then you can see who you need to be. You cannot stop having sex, by hanging out with other women who only talk about men. You cannot stop doing drugs, by hanging out with people who do drugs. You cannot stop drinking, by hanging out with people who drink. God is knocking at your door, let Him in. This can be a time of loneliness. I know, I went through this time. I had to find out what I really wanted, so every one was taken away from me. I had not one friend. God became my friend during this time. I had to lean on Him. I had to develop a relationship with Him. Now, I have a whole town that I can call my friends. But it took a time of loneliness, so that I could learn who God was and who He wanted me to become. Lean on Him so that all you can do is breath, talk, and sing His praises. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your mind and with all your strength. The rest will be given unto you."
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
High School Year Books
1 Cor. 6:18, "Run away from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body."
Last night the high school year books came out. While the others were enjoying reading them and remembering their younger days, my memories were filled with anguish. My first sexual encounter happened while I was playing at a girlfriend's house. I was in 5th grade and her older brother was in high school. Lets just say he joined in the play. All of my life since that moments has been one sexual experience after another. Instead of protecting my body, I turned it over to who ever was around. I hate this. Life is not supposed to be full of sex, because all that will come from this, is bad memories. I had a good home with good parents who loved me, but my memories are full of regret because I chose to not respect my body.
Young ones please listen to me! No one is trying to keep you from having fun and enjoying being young. What we are trying to do is to help you through this time with as few bad memories as possible. It happens slowly. You do not just jump in bed one night and wake up the next morning in the "double digits." No it happens one relationship after another. Then you are bound to the memories you have placed into your head. No matter how good my life is now, no matter how old I get; the hurt that I have placed upon my life can never be erased.
So many people look at their year books with fond memories. If you defile your bodies now, you will not have this opportunity. Ever! The experiences that you are having now, are memories that will last a life time. One day it will not be "cool." One day it will be a regret that will never be erased, no matter how close to God you become. It is against your own body and your body is the temple of the most Holy Lord.
I do not sit in regret all of the time, but as I turned the pages and remembered my school days, they were not good memories. Our young people do not need to hear that it is a sin. Sin has lost its effect to many who hear of it. It is a sin, a sting, a memory, a consequence that has ever lasting results. Teach your children consequences while they are young, before their consequences are sever. Teach them to respect their bodies. If your young girls are dressed inappropriately, DADS, do not let them leave the house! It is not about style and fitting in. It is about protecting their hearts, their bodies, their memories...For Ever!
Last night the high school year books came out. While the others were enjoying reading them and remembering their younger days, my memories were filled with anguish. My first sexual encounter happened while I was playing at a girlfriend's house. I was in 5th grade and her older brother was in high school. Lets just say he joined in the play. All of my life since that moments has been one sexual experience after another. Instead of protecting my body, I turned it over to who ever was around. I hate this. Life is not supposed to be full of sex, because all that will come from this, is bad memories. I had a good home with good parents who loved me, but my memories are full of regret because I chose to not respect my body.
Young ones please listen to me! No one is trying to keep you from having fun and enjoying being young. What we are trying to do is to help you through this time with as few bad memories as possible. It happens slowly. You do not just jump in bed one night and wake up the next morning in the "double digits." No it happens one relationship after another. Then you are bound to the memories you have placed into your head. No matter how good my life is now, no matter how old I get; the hurt that I have placed upon my life can never be erased.
So many people look at their year books with fond memories. If you defile your bodies now, you will not have this opportunity. Ever! The experiences that you are having now, are memories that will last a life time. One day it will not be "cool." One day it will be a regret that will never be erased, no matter how close to God you become. It is against your own body and your body is the temple of the most Holy Lord.
I do not sit in regret all of the time, but as I turned the pages and remembered my school days, they were not good memories. Our young people do not need to hear that it is a sin. Sin has lost its effect to many who hear of it. It is a sin, a sting, a memory, a consequence that has ever lasting results. Teach your children consequences while they are young, before their consequences are sever. Teach them to respect their bodies. If your young girls are dressed inappropriately, DADS, do not let them leave the house! It is not about style and fitting in. It is about protecting their hearts, their bodies, their memories...For Ever!
Monday, July 14, 2008
Do You Love Me?
John 14:15-31, Jesus said, "If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you the Counselor (Comforter, Encourager, Advocate, Helper), who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit who leads into all truth... Those who obey my commandments are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them, and I will love them... All those who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and will come to them and live with them. Anyone who doesn't love me will not do what I say."
It is a promise, If you love me, you will obey me. You will have strength. I'll keep you from sin. I'll keep you from falling into temptation. He never says that you will not be tempted, but that He will help you because you love Him. Do you love Him? It is very easy to test. Do you live every day to the best of your ability for Him, or do you live for yourself and hope He goes along with it, counting on His grace?
I have lived both of these. I thought that I loved Him, but living was hard. I know my heart because when I am living for Him, sin is not an option. Because I love Him, I do not want to disappoint Him. I want to obey Him, because I love Him. This means that I am thinking about what He wants me to do, before I think about what I want to do. Temptation does not seem nearly as hard to overcome when I think about Christ first. It is when I am putting my own evil desire before Him, that I succumb to temptation. Do you love Him? What kind of life are you living? Do you walk with Him, trying to please Him with your life? Or, do you, knowingly, walk against how He wants you to live.
Of coarse, we will all sin, but there is a difference in living in sin, and being in a fallen world and sinning. I try very hard not to live in sin. I still sin, because I am a sinner, but I used to live in sin, knowing that every thing that I was doing was against Him. Telling a lie, or are you a lier. Having a sexual thought, or are you an adulter. Talking about someone, or are you a gossip. Having sex with your boyfriend/girlfriend or are you a fornicator. Having a selfish thought or are you just selfish... The list goes on and on. What kind of life do you find yourself living, most of the time. This is how you will know if you love Him.
It is a promise, If you love me, you will obey me. You will have strength. I'll keep you from sin. I'll keep you from falling into temptation. He never says that you will not be tempted, but that He will help you because you love Him. Do you love Him? It is very easy to test. Do you live every day to the best of your ability for Him, or do you live for yourself and hope He goes along with it, counting on His grace?
I have lived both of these. I thought that I loved Him, but living was hard. I know my heart because when I am living for Him, sin is not an option. Because I love Him, I do not want to disappoint Him. I want to obey Him, because I love Him. This means that I am thinking about what He wants me to do, before I think about what I want to do. Temptation does not seem nearly as hard to overcome when I think about Christ first. It is when I am putting my own evil desire before Him, that I succumb to temptation. Do you love Him? What kind of life are you living? Do you walk with Him, trying to please Him with your life? Or, do you, knowingly, walk against how He wants you to live.
Of coarse, we will all sin, but there is a difference in living in sin, and being in a fallen world and sinning. I try very hard not to live in sin. I still sin, because I am a sinner, but I used to live in sin, knowing that every thing that I was doing was against Him. Telling a lie, or are you a lier. Having a sexual thought, or are you an adulter. Talking about someone, or are you a gossip. Having sex with your boyfriend/girlfriend or are you a fornicator. Having a selfish thought or are you just selfish... The list goes on and on. What kind of life do you find yourself living, most of the time. This is how you will know if you love Him.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Casting Stones
I read John 8 this morning. I love Jesus, He is so wonderful and forgiving. The woman was caught in the very act of adultery and brought to Him. Every one else wanted to stone her for they saw her as dirty and they saw her sin as unforgivable. Instead of condemning her, scolding her or even giving her a dirty look; Jesus just turned to her accusers and said to them "All right stone her. But let those who have never sinned throw the first stones!" He did not go along with them and justify that her sin was worse or that they were any better. The only one in the crowed that had any right to throw the first stone was Jesus. He only looked at her with love and understanding. Not one stone was thrown.
Jesus loves us, but he does expect us to "Go and sin no more." After our sin has been brought to our attention, we are to change how we are living. We are to continuously seek Jesus and what He wants from us in our life. We are to follow Him. "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't be stumbling through the darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life...for unless you believe that I am who I say I am, you will die in your sins... You are truly my disciples if you keep obeying my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free...I assure you that everyone who sins is a slave of sin." So now that I know the truth, I will go and sin no more.
I have tried over and over to destroy my life with my sin, but through Christ I have been set free. This does not mean that I will live a sinless life. But I will not walk in sin any longer. I live to see the light and every thing that I do is in the light. Sin can only live in the darkness and where Jesus is, there is only light.
How awful it would have been to die in my sin and never to be able to feel the freedom that Jesus offers to all who turn to Him. I am so thankful that my Lord does not throw the first stone. I will do my best because He loved me so much and offered me life, even though I deserved death.
Jesus loves us, but he does expect us to "Go and sin no more." After our sin has been brought to our attention, we are to change how we are living. We are to continuously seek Jesus and what He wants from us in our life. We are to follow Him. "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't be stumbling through the darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life...for unless you believe that I am who I say I am, you will die in your sins... You are truly my disciples if you keep obeying my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free...I assure you that everyone who sins is a slave of sin." So now that I know the truth, I will go and sin no more.
I have tried over and over to destroy my life with my sin, but through Christ I have been set free. This does not mean that I will live a sinless life. But I will not walk in sin any longer. I live to see the light and every thing that I do is in the light. Sin can only live in the darkness and where Jesus is, there is only light.
How awful it would have been to die in my sin and never to be able to feel the freedom that Jesus offers to all who turn to Him. I am so thankful that my Lord does not throw the first stone. I will do my best because He loved me so much and offered me life, even though I deserved death.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Consequences for Everything
A sin, is doing something that you know you should not be doing. That is doing, what ever you know, is not the best for you. My sins are when I do not take my herbs, for I know they help me live a normal life; eating fatty foods, for the MS diet is very low in fat; eating a lot of sugar, white sugar destroys your nervous system. These are all sins, because I know that I should not eat certain foods, or that I should take my herbs, but because of my sinful nature I do what I know I should not do. Then when something bad happens to me, like my MS flaring up, I cry and ask God "why?". It is obvious. If I do not do my part, I get sick. He never said that there would be no consequences for doing wrong.
In John 5:1-15, Jesus heals a paralyzed man. He tell the man, "Now you are well; so stop sinning, or something even worse may happen to you." Many only talk about the spiritual meaning of this passage. If you do not stop sinning and change your life, you will face eternal consequences. This is true, but something else is true in the physical world, that we conveniently over look. If you do not take care of your body and eat the foods that you are supposed to eat, and stay away from the foods that will damage your body; you will eventually get sick. Why does God all of a sudden have to heal us? When it is our fault to begin with.
There is so much information out there to help us with this. It is even in convenient movies so that we do not have to research very much. Super Size Me, is a very good show that I think everyone should watch. (Caution with its content) It shows what will happen to a very healthy person if they eat fast food. Holly Wood is coming out with all kinds of movies for children to this effect. Over the Hedge, Ratatouille, and Wallie is the latest. We as a people are worshiping our food, rather than taking care of the one body that God gave us.
I do not have to look very far to see, the reason for my latest "spell" with my MS, is my fault. My diet has been poor. God wants us to live as we tell others to live. I am constantly talking to people about their diet, yet I was not living the way that I knew I should. There are consequences for everything that we do. Our diet is no different. If we do not take care of our bodies and put health into them, we will get unhealthy bodies. This is life. Think about the consequences before you partake in what is placed before you.
This is probably the reason that I was having such a hard time asking for prayers. How do you ask for someone else to help you, when you have dug your own pit. I guess I am getting better, because I asked for help within just a few weeks, instead of a few years. I take full responsibility for my actions and I am once again asking God for His forgiveness.
"I am sorry Father, for I have sinned once again. You instructed me long ago on a pathway that would lead to health. I am sorry for not listening to you, again. Please heal me Father, once again from a pit that I have dug. You are the most patient and forgiving Lord. Please be patient with me. My eyes are open and I have seen my sin."
In John 5:1-15, Jesus heals a paralyzed man. He tell the man, "Now you are well; so stop sinning, or something even worse may happen to you." Many only talk about the spiritual meaning of this passage. If you do not stop sinning and change your life, you will face eternal consequences. This is true, but something else is true in the physical world, that we conveniently over look. If you do not take care of your body and eat the foods that you are supposed to eat, and stay away from the foods that will damage your body; you will eventually get sick. Why does God all of a sudden have to heal us? When it is our fault to begin with.
There is so much information out there to help us with this. It is even in convenient movies so that we do not have to research very much. Super Size Me, is a very good show that I think everyone should watch. (Caution with its content) It shows what will happen to a very healthy person if they eat fast food. Holly Wood is coming out with all kinds of movies for children to this effect. Over the Hedge, Ratatouille, and Wallie is the latest. We as a people are worshiping our food, rather than taking care of the one body that God gave us.
I do not have to look very far to see, the reason for my latest "spell" with my MS, is my fault. My diet has been poor. God wants us to live as we tell others to live. I am constantly talking to people about their diet, yet I was not living the way that I knew I should. There are consequences for everything that we do. Our diet is no different. If we do not take care of our bodies and put health into them, we will get unhealthy bodies. This is life. Think about the consequences before you partake in what is placed before you.
This is probably the reason that I was having such a hard time asking for prayers. How do you ask for someone else to help you, when you have dug your own pit. I guess I am getting better, because I asked for help within just a few weeks, instead of a few years. I take full responsibility for my actions and I am once again asking God for His forgiveness.
"I am sorry Father, for I have sinned once again. You instructed me long ago on a pathway that would lead to health. I am sorry for not listening to you, again. Please heal me Father, once again from a pit that I have dug. You are the most patient and forgiving Lord. Please be patient with me. My eyes are open and I have seen my sin."
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Sugar Sin
John 2:17, "Passion for God's house burns within me," God's house use to be the temple. Now it is you and your body. His passion is for you, you are the temple of the most Holy God. How do we treat his temple? Do we honor His house? Do we respect our bodies so to bring glory to our Father? Do you see yourself as a holy temple? Jesus drove out the money changers and other people that were bringing dishonor to His Father's house. How often do we need to be reminded that our bodies are the temple and that we must treat our bodies with as holy respect and reverence.
I have spent my whole life disrespecting my body in some way, whether it be sex, drugs, drinking, the clothes that I wore, the food that I ate. I had thought, that for some time, I had a grasp on the whole thing and I was respecting His temple the best that I could. It was obviously not good enough. I have been eating more and more sugar. I don't have a whole lot of sugar around the house, so when I would go out and it was there, I would eat it. Sugar is very bad for me. I have an autoimmune disease, sugar is a natural inflammatory. It inflames my already vulnerable nervous system. So this is how I, most recently, disrespected the house of God. I was not taking care of my fragile immune system. I was not eating the most healthy foods, I was eating, for me, a lot of sugar.
People think that I am over the top, and cruel because I do not let my children eat very much sugar. I know what this does to your body. It kills you, one little sweet at a time. It is the biggest sin, that we all have. What are we putting into the temple of our Lord? Are we respecting Him and taking care of our bodies or are we feeding our every desire and eating what ever we want to, at that moment. It is one of the hardest things to change. Our eating is out of control. My eating was out of control.
I have had to change so much of my life. My whole life has been a struggle with something. I had to find out how to respect myself sexually. I had to stop smoking cigarettes. I had to stop doing drugs and relying on alcohol to help me make it through the day. I had to get my anger and attitude under control. I had to change my eating habits. Just when I thought I was doing, really pretty good, God allowed me to be reminded that I was disrespecting His house, I was destroying it one bite at a time. I had put too much of an emphases on the fact that I was not eating a lot of sugar "in my house" so I really was not eating too much, right! I leave my house every day, and there is a bowl of candy on some one's desk... My husband and I have a bad habit of eating ice cream at night, after we put the kids to bed. All of a sudden, I look at my life, once again, and see that I am failing and not doing what God has instructed me to do. I am sinning, because I am eating sugar. Doesn't that sound crazy. Sugar is a sin! It is killing my body, I know it and yet i do it anyway. That is a sin! I am disrespecting the House of God! I have to change one more thing, in my life. I have "fallen off of the wagon," I have to stop eating sugar.
I will be the "mean" mom, because I love my children. I will teach them, while they are young, to respect their bodies. I will share with them how hard it is to stop something. How much better it would have been for me, if I could have learned self control as a child. I will be the "mean" mom because I love my boys so much. I will discipline myself because I love my Lord and want Him to work through me. This means that I must take care of my body, first. Once again, I am in a fight with my flesh. My Lord will win!! He is my strength!
I have spent my whole life disrespecting my body in some way, whether it be sex, drugs, drinking, the clothes that I wore, the food that I ate. I had thought, that for some time, I had a grasp on the whole thing and I was respecting His temple the best that I could. It was obviously not good enough. I have been eating more and more sugar. I don't have a whole lot of sugar around the house, so when I would go out and it was there, I would eat it. Sugar is very bad for me. I have an autoimmune disease, sugar is a natural inflammatory. It inflames my already vulnerable nervous system. So this is how I, most recently, disrespected the house of God. I was not taking care of my fragile immune system. I was not eating the most healthy foods, I was eating, for me, a lot of sugar.
People think that I am over the top, and cruel because I do not let my children eat very much sugar. I know what this does to your body. It kills you, one little sweet at a time. It is the biggest sin, that we all have. What are we putting into the temple of our Lord? Are we respecting Him and taking care of our bodies or are we feeding our every desire and eating what ever we want to, at that moment. It is one of the hardest things to change. Our eating is out of control. My eating was out of control.
I have had to change so much of my life. My whole life has been a struggle with something. I had to find out how to respect myself sexually. I had to stop smoking cigarettes. I had to stop doing drugs and relying on alcohol to help me make it through the day. I had to get my anger and attitude under control. I had to change my eating habits. Just when I thought I was doing, really pretty good, God allowed me to be reminded that I was disrespecting His house, I was destroying it one bite at a time. I had put too much of an emphases on the fact that I was not eating a lot of sugar "in my house" so I really was not eating too much, right! I leave my house every day, and there is a bowl of candy on some one's desk... My husband and I have a bad habit of eating ice cream at night, after we put the kids to bed. All of a sudden, I look at my life, once again, and see that I am failing and not doing what God has instructed me to do. I am sinning, because I am eating sugar. Doesn't that sound crazy. Sugar is a sin! It is killing my body, I know it and yet i do it anyway. That is a sin! I am disrespecting the House of God! I have to change one more thing, in my life. I have "fallen off of the wagon," I have to stop eating sugar.
I will be the "mean" mom, because I love my children. I will teach them, while they are young, to respect their bodies. I will share with them how hard it is to stop something. How much better it would have been for me, if I could have learned self control as a child. I will be the "mean" mom because I love my boys so much. I will discipline myself because I love my Lord and want Him to work through me. This means that I must take care of my body, first. Once again, I am in a fight with my flesh. My Lord will win!! He is my strength!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
I need prayer
Many times I look at my life in disbelief. I live in a beautiful place. The mountains are so wonderful, the weather is perfect, and my home is nice. I have MS and for quite a few years I have also enjoyed my health and have not been affected by this disease. That has changed here recently. I was pushing things and without taking my herbs, I set myself up for an attack. I have not been able to write as much for my left hand is, well gone. I cannot feel anything in my ring and little finger, down my left arm and across my back. It literally feels like I got a shot from the dentist right in my hand.
It is when you are at your weakest that you can see God work. I have been feeling like I have done such a good job, I... I get up early every day and spend time in God's word, but I have not really felt like I needed Him. Well, I know I need Him, but I haven't really felt like I needed to ask for Him to act in my life. It was not that I felt I was doing everything, but I was so sure that it was all taken care of. I had quit totally relying on Him to get me through the day. I need Him to get me through every day especially now. I have ten people living in my home, six are six yrs and under. I need energy to help me cope with every day. I need my fingers and my hand so that I can function as a "normal" person. I need prayers to be said on my behalf.
I have been reading in Luke, wouldn't you know it, at just the right time I read about the importance of constant prayer. Jesus, in His own words, tells us that we are to keep asking we are to be persistent in our requests to God. This is something that I have not been diligent in. I have been so busy working that forget that I need Him to heal me. I desperately need Him to see me and have mercy on me His faithful servant and to heal my body. I am begging You my Lord, have mercy on me, heal my broken and weak body so that I can do your work.
Sunday, I felt like I was supposed to tell the church that I needed their prayers. I did not. I just sat there wishing that I had the courage to stand and ask them to pray for me. I failed the test... I am so sorry. I must put aside my pride, my... I don't know what it is. Why can't I tell others I need them to pray for me? Why is it so hard to stand up and let others know that you do not have it all together and that you are struggling?
I AM STRUGGLING. I NEED YOUR PRAYERS. I NEED GOD TO REACH OUT AND HEAL MY BODY. I WANT TO FEEL GOOD. I NEED ENERGY. I NEED STRENGTH. GOD PLEASE HEAL MY BODY AND SPIRIT.
My Lord, please have mercy on me, your servant and heal my body. Strengthen my spirit. Thank you for blessing me so much, but there is still so much to do. Give my husband the strength to help his hurting wife. Keep him strong while I am weak. Thank you Father, you are in control. Thank you, for hearing my plea. I am asking. I am knocking. Please come quickly and help me.
It is when you are at your weakest that you can see God work. I have been feeling like I have done such a good job, I... I get up early every day and spend time in God's word, but I have not really felt like I needed Him. Well, I know I need Him, but I haven't really felt like I needed to ask for Him to act in my life. It was not that I felt I was doing everything, but I was so sure that it was all taken care of. I had quit totally relying on Him to get me through the day. I need Him to get me through every day especially now. I have ten people living in my home, six are six yrs and under. I need energy to help me cope with every day. I need my fingers and my hand so that I can function as a "normal" person. I need prayers to be said on my behalf.
I have been reading in Luke, wouldn't you know it, at just the right time I read about the importance of constant prayer. Jesus, in His own words, tells us that we are to keep asking we are to be persistent in our requests to God. This is something that I have not been diligent in. I have been so busy working that forget that I need Him to heal me. I desperately need Him to see me and have mercy on me His faithful servant and to heal my body. I am begging You my Lord, have mercy on me, heal my broken and weak body so that I can do your work.
Sunday, I felt like I was supposed to tell the church that I needed their prayers. I did not. I just sat there wishing that I had the courage to stand and ask them to pray for me. I failed the test... I am so sorry. I must put aside my pride, my... I don't know what it is. Why can't I tell others I need them to pray for me? Why is it so hard to stand up and let others know that you do not have it all together and that you are struggling?
I AM STRUGGLING. I NEED YOUR PRAYERS. I NEED GOD TO REACH OUT AND HEAL MY BODY. I WANT TO FEEL GOOD. I NEED ENERGY. I NEED STRENGTH. GOD PLEASE HEAL MY BODY AND SPIRIT.
My Lord, please have mercy on me, your servant and heal my body. Strengthen my spirit. Thank you for blessing me so much, but there is still so much to do. Give my husband the strength to help his hurting wife. Keep him strong while I am weak. Thank you Father, you are in control. Thank you, for hearing my plea. I am asking. I am knocking. Please come quickly and help me.
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