The Pharisees Perception?

Disclaimer: Sorry if this is too long or if it doesn't flow very well. Take it with a grain of salt and receive a seasoned meal with Christ teaching you(not me) and receive whatever blessing He has for you in there somewhere.

Last night I had just finished cleaning my room, everyone else was otherwise engaged and so I was left with nothing else to do but contemplate and meditate. For some reason the thought of the pharisee popped into my head and so that is what I pondered. I began with the nature of the pharisees identity. These were men who had devoted their lives to the living out of Gods Law and the teaching of God's righteousness. I began to surmise that they had three identities, one the world perceived, one God distinguished, and one that the pharisee himself envisioned.

I'd like to just sum up the first two briefly because the last one is of more interest at this time to me.
1. Man perceived the pharisee to be proud, pompous and pious, but in the end the goodie-goodie who was without fault and righteous according to the Law (as they were taught anyway). The people who knew the law thought they needed to be like them and the people who knew them couldn't stand to be near them and their superior natures. They were revered and exalted yet feared. There are, however, as many guesses at how they were viewed as there are people to view them and so this point ends here.
2. God loved the pharisee yet hated their heart. He distinguished the actor and their act from the truth He would bring. Was it devotion to Him that made them create new rules to follow so that they wouldn't break His, and yet scorn and despised the works of their fellow man? Jesus knew the truth about them for Jesus was The Truth. God the Father knew their hearts and their deeds that they were but filthy rags. Certainly such devotion to the letter of the Law could and would never bring them righteousness for there very conscience accused them daily. Jesus gave them Truth yet they would not let go of their self-made righteousness to receive it. They were unrepentant and knew not the spirit behind the Law that they held so dear.

3. But what of the pharisee himself? Was He caught in the very lie and act in a show that he caused others to believe? I strongly believe that the pharisee thought he was a man in the know. He believed the very act and performance he daily put on in the local church and market place. For he thought himself righteous because of the works and good deeds he did in accordance with the law. I wonder how the mind of the pharisee conducted this thought. For in my own mind when I slip up I feel guilt, shame, remorse, and hatred concerning that pit in which I've fallen, and when I overcome a temptation I feel I'm one step closer to being that better man I know the Lord Jesus is transforming me into. But the pharisee... did he mess up? Did he feel such remorse and fall on his knees before his maker in repentance? Or did he make the necessary sacrifice, a declaration before man and God of his wickedness, probably for not washing his hands before he ate, and thus be now free of the ridicule of man and God? In a sense to save himself by his actions?
Now, if you didn't perceive where I'm going, I am about to compare this pharisee to the pharisee in myself and in the church today.
For the Truth came, Christ Jesus the light of the world, and the very word of creation, has come into this world to seek and to save that which was lost. That means he came for everyone, including the pharisee who was lost in their false righteousness. Jesus spoke harshly to them and yet He loved them no less than the poor man and "visible" sinner. He did say those who know the truth yet cast it aside receive the stricter judgement and alas I think the pharisees received the first fruits of that truth. For the pharisee, knowing the letter of the law, was the first to scoff at and shake his head concerning Jesus(the only true fulfilment of the law). The pharisee who would give his very life to the act of serving God, would be the first of all to reject the reward of righteousness found in Christ Jesus. Oh... you may say the pharisee is full of good intentions(as we often think ourselves to be). I wonder if the pharisee knew he was the actor in a play so detrimental. I have often seen the pharisee in myself and know that what I do is but a show. Whether I do something to be praised by others, or at least something to be seen as someone who is living the "Christian life." Yet, I know that which is false... Did the pharisee? Perhaps, but perhaps they held onto a lie so long that they throughout the generations even deceived themselves. I know there are times in my life where I had thought something to be entirely Christian, yet it was far from anything Christ said. I have been such a pharisee and were it not for God's grace I still might be so deluded. What words will Christ have for that deluded and self-seeking pharisee. "Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you who practice lawlessness." For they held their "law" from God in more esteem than God Himself. Their manmade "righteousness" could have no part in the truth. Nor could their law be considered to be in any true likeness to God's Law. For God's law is about faith and love and their was merely "good deeds"wrapped in whitewashed filthy rags. They held onto a form of Godliness yet denied it power...it's power to save trough faith alone. For faith, not works, brings the righteousness of God to all those who believe. The pharisee and that nature in us have a sad story indeed.

How do you view then this verse? "For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven."The pharisee in us will say "Now wait just a minute, how can that be? They've done it all. They have even kept laws that aren't in the Bible just so they wouldn't break laws that were! How could I ever live a more righteous life than they did? Hmmm... perhaps if I could do my best... yes even a bit more, yes... I know, I'll do what they could not. I'll do that stuff Jesus talked about, like not hating because is the same as murder. Oh!... and I won't lust because that is just like adultery. Hmmmm... what else? Perhaps if I don't drink, swear, gamble, smoke, do drugs, eat meat...yes, that just might do the trick(the trick indeed)! I'll just die to my pleasures and find life in that sacrifice( sigh...Big Smile...relief)" But Christ has revealed the truth. That these very thoughts are those of the pharisee and no more righteousness is attained this way than by hunting witches or cutting off your tongue. I was in the mind set of the pharisee and didn't know it. So what does Christ Jesus (The Truth) reveal to me, and the church... to us all? He revealed the good news! That to have a righteousness that surpasses that of the pharisee is to have a righteousness of FAITH and NOT WORKS! For works that don't come from faith and love are both proud and meaningless, they lead strait to death. An example of works without faith and those done because of faith can be seen in the story of the sheep and goats.

"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'
"They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
"He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."

I pray that we won't miss the truth in Churches today, and that we won't just try to be "Christians" by name alone, being no more righteous than that pharisee of old. Just doing works and trying to save ourselves by being merely "good" people with seemingly "right" intentions. May our eyes be open to the light of the truth. That faith alone in Jesus saves, and faith alone bears fruit and true works of love and not false works and fake intentions. Then beware the leaven(works) of the pharisee which are praised by the world. For their works are of the law of sin and death and they will never see the kingdom that way. There is only one who has the keys of life eternal. He is the way, the truth, and the life. He is God's son Jesus Christ.

Have Faith and know that your worth is not found in things perishable(like good intentions or works done by your own perishing hands) but your worth is found in the imperishable love that came with Jesus' death and resurrection. So cast the pharisee in your heart aside with the act and the seemingly good intentions. Rely on God alone! Hold firm to His gifts of faith, hope and love, and die to yourself daily, not merely to pleasures but to the thoughts of saving yourself by your own means. It's not self-righteous and sanctimoniousness to declare the truth, but it is if you act for merely your own glory. I shall endeavour to trust in Him alone, for all other self-made truth is false.

One more thing... never feel ashamed to declare your love of Christ if it is true. For we all too often fear the judgement of man, but it is right to express our faith in God by expressing our love for God, and by loving not just with word and tongue but by actions and truth. For I love Jesus! Because He loves me. So I shall also love others as He, in me, desires me to. How? Well, We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us(Philippians 4:13) and He can do the rest!

Good thoughts

Isn't it good when someone love's YOU!
Isn't it infinitely better that God love’s YOU!
If we could let all other thoughts fall out of our heads and that one remains, I think we would all be better off!

"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. John 15:9”(word's of Jesus to us all)

Galatians 3:5

So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?

Not everything is done the way we expect it to be done. If our Father the King and creator of all things, invisible and visible, has declared to us a truth… how can we justify unbelief?

Why do we search out answers by circumstance alone? Why do we analyze our future by the way we currently live (do we forget He's changing us moment by moment)?

Why do we judge ourselves to be so very inept in our Christian walks? He is with us, both guiding and perfecting us!

He is able to do what He is willing to do!

Jesus said “Let not your hearts be troubled, you believe in God, believe also in me! (John 14:1)”


Faith, mighty faith, the promise sees,
And looks to God alone; Laughs at impossibilities,
And cries it shall be done! - Charles Wesley

RE: Feed Back!

Matthew 17:14-20
14 When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before Him. 15 "Lord, have mercy on my son," he said. "He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water.
16 I brought him to Your disciples, but they could not heal him."
17 And Jesus answered and said, "You unbelieving and perverted generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring him here to Me."
18 And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out of him, and the boy was cured at once.
19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not drive it out?"
20 And He said to them, "Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.

I asked for some feed back on the above passage 27 days ago and was pleasantly surprised to receive a lot of good insights and different points of view. Today my mind came back to this scripture, however, and so I thought I’d add a point I have previously overlooked. It is a witness on the character and wonderful life of Jesus.
In these verses Jesus’ disciples were unable to heal a man’s son and so the man took his plea strait to the author of faith and life. Jesus responded in quite a confusing way. He didn’t say to the man “go your faith has made him well.” He responded with some harsh yet necessary words of tough love, and then proceeded to heal the boy.
Now this is the interesting point that was solidified in my mind today. Jesus still healed the boy! The disciples lacked faith at this point to heal the child and apparently their faith was smaller than a mustard seed. Yet Jesus with them remained faithful, even when they were faithless. I love to see that testimony in this scripture because that is an important part of Christ. He was/is both full of mercy and faith. When our lives doubt, or our faith shrinks in fear, Christ in us remains faithful. Christ in us heals the broken hearted releases the captives and declares the glory of our God! If our faith is weak and cannot move mountains, Christ’s Spirit in us and with us strengthens our faith and does the deeds we couldn’t yet perform. In short this passage of His word shows us how we are, in Him, made complete. With Jesus in our lives, He proclaimed that greater things we would accomplish then He did while on this earth. Not because of our great faith in God but because of our faith in a Great God. He is our King of kings and savior who is full of mercy and grace. Let us never disown His rightful place in our hearts and then nothing will be impossible to us! (That’s including overcoming a twisted nature which is prone to wonder, and even one lacking a mustard seed worth of faith)

If we endure, we will also reign with Him. If we disown Him, He will also disown us; if we are faithless, He will remain faithful, for He cannot disown Himself. 2 timothy 2:12-13

The Farmer in all of us!

I was doing my nightly meditation before sleep and thinking about the parable of the sower lately and God showed me something new I had previously overlooked.

A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. He who has ears, let him hear."

I have usually always previously taken the position of the seed in the soil and had often wondered whether I was the seed planted in good soil bearing fruit or that in the thorns being choked by "weeds." However, this time I saw that because of Jesus’ life giving Spirit in us, I could be the sower of the seed. Also I found it fascinating that the sower in the parable spread the word everywhere. He hadn't spent years cultivating the perfect soil or learning the ancient lost art of seed planting and irrigation. He was a farmer who simply spread his crop generously around knowing that the nature of the seed will take hold and grow as it was planned and created to function. I think sometimes we imagine that sharing the "good news" has to be more difficult and complex than Jesus had intended it to be. When all we were instructed with is the sharing of His word and gospel with those who can listen and receive it. He has made His word with the power to take root in their heart WITHOUT necessarily needing our clever explanations to be ready before we can share it, because that is the nature of His word. It is both the power and the wisdom of God to those who believe.

Hear then the parable of the sower. "When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is the one on whom seed was sown beside the road. "The one on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, this is the man who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls away. “And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. "And the one on whom seed was sown on the good soil, this is the man who hears the word and understands it; who indeed bears fruit and brings forth, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty."

Here's an awesome verse full of promise and hope for both the seed in us and the sower:
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1 12-13

I’m not saying I never have taken the position of the sower before but that I more frequently (I don’t know why) assume the position of the seed.

Fact for the day: Did you know that the George means farmer or "earthworker" and that George just happens to be one of my middle names. Coincidence?... I don't think so!

Extremely Shocking News!

I found an elephant in my pajamas, how an elephant got into my pajamas I shall never know! HAHAHAHAHA!

For more great jokes like the one above just watch movies like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang!

Now, do you want to hear a dirty joke?

A man on horseback fell into a mud puddle HAHAHAHA!

April fool!

Disclaimer: This news was neither extreme nor shocking nor news!

P.S. for more great April fools day fun check the comments portion of this blog!

Feed back!

Matthew 17:17-20
17And Jesus answered and said, "You unbelieving and perverted generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring him here to Me."

18And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out of him, and the boy was cured at once.

19Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not drive it out?"

20And He said to them, "Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.

I just wanted to know some of your opinions on this text. Feel free to share your comments.

My book review of Sadhu Sunder Singh

I have a day off today... and so I just finished reading “The Story of Sadhu Sundar Singh” by Cyril J. Davey. It was a compelling 156 page tale of God’s provision, grace and mercy to those who love Him and long to serve Him. It is an account of Sundar’s life in Jesus. Sundar was born in 1889 in a Sikh family with strong Hindu affinities, and he was still in his early teens when he became a follower of Christ. Sundar converted to Christianity immediately after seeing a literal vision of Jesus at the age of fourteen, and was consequently poisoned by his family and thrown out of his home in dishonor because of his faith and love for Christ. After being baptized at sixteen he spent most of the rest of his life as an Indian “Holy Man”(Sadhu) observing “the way” and living as a missionary to both India and Tibet. During every year of his life that followed, he faced both torture and death because of his love of Christ. One of the most convicting parts of this book is to know that he lived this fantastic life full of peril and blessing at a relatively young age. From the age of fourteen until his disappearance at around the age of forty he didn’t sway towards the temptations of family and friends. His decision of devotion to his now first love, Jesus Christ was more than enough. This was a man whose deep conviction and love for Christ Jesus lead him to live a life set apart from the things of this world and from the desires of wealth and pleasures of youth. His pleasure was his savior and his joy was to walk in the foot steps of Jesus, covered in blood and sweat though they were. He declared that “a Christian is a man who has fallen in love with Christ.” and “When we have left this life we shall not have a second chance of bearing the cross for Christ.” I love the fact that this book reminds me that a life fully lost for Christ is a life found and full!

The book continues to share how this Sadhu who had given up his life for Christ Jesus did have the chance to visit the west(Europe, Australia & America) in 1920. He stated, without abashment, some important warnings to the west. In one of which he declared, “I found a stone in a pool among the Himalayas. It was hallow, and when I broke it, I found the center completely dry. So it is here in the west. You have lain for centuries in the waters of Christianity, but it has never penetrated your hearts.” The truth of this can still be seen today! We must remember to pray. Once when in a rat infested prison for declaring Christ’s gospel in Tibet, Sundar wrote in his now tattered new testament “Christ’s presence has turned my prison into a blessed heaven. What will it be like in heaven itself?”

This is definitely a book filled with conviction for the reader. And I must admit that I will certainly be more willing to live a life devoted to Christ after reading it (with His help of course). I do desperately wish that I had the courage to live such a life, and perhaps with His Spirit to guide and help, I/we might all find His joy that comes with suffering for Him. We must remember how much it is that God loves us. We must remember that Jesus is our first love, He is the light found in our eyes and the delight of our souls. May we know no other joy then Him.

All in all, this is an excellent book and a must read for those who need a good kick in the pants (like I did) in reminding what a new life in Jesus is all about. It isn’t about not going to hell and it’s definitely not just about going to heaven. It’s about loving Him as He loves us. Not loving Him like you love a fine cigar or a cold glass of Iced tea. Not loving Him like you love your mother, father, sister or brother, nor like loving best friend. But it’s loving Him like He loves us(something we are only capable of doing because of Christ’s love for the Father in us). However, we often neglect the fact that love must be sacrificial. We must die to our sinful desires and take hold of this new life and love. It takes courage and guts to stand outside in foreign clothing declaring words the world hates. Let’s remember to pray for each other!

Anyway, this book is filled with tons of interesting glimpses into the Indian culture of Asia, as well as a mysterious secret society of believing Sadhu, a three hundred year old Christian hermit and tales of Gods protection from man’s hatred, wild beasts, and tumultuous acts of nature.

I’ll end with this interesting paraphrase of Jesus’ words. Sundar had told this to America on his visit here after seeing our state of affairs, “Come unto me all ye that are heavy-laden with gold and I will give you rest.”

I assure you His rest is far better than all the world’s gold, riches, and pleasures!

Analyzing the Analytical Analyst

I have decided through many thorough and methodical thought processes that my human nature is bizarre. I am to myself, a bit of an enigma. I have a life which is not my own and yet that is the very life I yearn to dominate. I was/am an analytical control freak! I don’t ever just see one situation for what it is. Instead I see a situation with a myriad of possibilities and hang-ups. The frustrating part is that I know better. I know that I am no longer my own, and I know that nothing will change by my worrying about it. I know that I must die to myself daily and that God has promised to be a Father to me. I know I should trust in the Lord with all of my heart, leaning not on my own understanding and in all my ways acknowledge Him and He WILL direct my path!

Shouldn’t that be enough? It is enough! The problem is that I often forget that truth. The world around us is constantly judging our appearance, success rate, ideals, and drive for worldly things etc. I think because of this the warning bells within my old nature immediately start going off and the analyst within takes over. He begins by screaming, “Don’t judge me! I can be normal and successful and everything you think I should be, just you wait and see!” He continues with a hearty dose of doubt and with a truck load of pride. Then the analyst within starts to hide popular memoirs of my mind, usually beginning with promises from God and anything else that will give him friends on the jury(world). I start by analyzing my past, things I could or should have done differently, and then I continue by analyzing my current state of affairs and how they will play a role in my future i.e. What goals do I have for my life? Will these goals support me or a family if my life takes that turn? What should I be doing now to advance myself toward such goals? Are these goals from God or are they just something my surroundings are pushing me towards? Is God using my surroundings to push me towards them? Am I missing the obvious way because I’m to busy analyzing the situation? What about timing should I wait or should I go now? Is there an obvious way?

Does this get me anywhere? No…If anything it distracts me from the truth. The truth is that I must seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to me as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matt. 6:33-34) I know that… I just need to hold onto it! There are so many distractions in life…I am so thankful that I have a Father who promised to always love me and who is always there to counsel His children. His Holy Spirit daily gives us the wanting to be…the wanting to be new creations free from the sin that so easily entangles...the wanting to be humble before the God of the universe… the wanting to be set apart and special… the wanting to seek first His kingdom and righteousness etc. And the best part of all is that His Holy Spirit also daily gives us the how to be…the how to be all of the things we can’t be without him…the how to be a new creation… the how be a person who can love his enemies and neighbors just as Christ loves the church... the how to be a man fully dedicated to the Lord etc. He is both our wanting to be and our how to be! (referencing Philipians 2:13)

So my advice to those whose analytical doubts in life are clouding their joy in Christ is this… Rejoice in the Lord always…again I say rejoice, for being in the way the Lord will lead you!

'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.

A Fork in the Road

Have you ever reached a turning point or a fork in the road and wondered which path to take? Of course you have, everyone must make life altering decisions at least once in their life. I am at such a fork. I've been here awhile (years) and still I wait. I know God will guide me but sometimes the waiting is almost unbearable. It isn't that I don't know the way, but it's that I don't know the time. The thing that gets me the most is that the longer I wait the more inconvenient circumstances seem to become. But perhaps the less suited I am for life’s task the more suited I am for Christ's purpose. How long must you wait at the fork in the road before His time reveals your path? Only God knows I suppose, and I see that patience is most certainly a virtue and it's a fruit of the Spirit that those who are in Christ must bear! Why is human nature so quick to give up! Why does it sometimes seek to stop seeking and yearn to stop yearning? Why are you in despair, O my soul and why have you become disturbed within me!?! Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.

O what grace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear… all because we do not carry, everything to God in prayer!

Godliness with contentment is great gain!

End Result

What will my life be like ten years from now? I realize that we can only live day to day and in fact we are instructed not to worry ourselves about the things of tomorrow, but here is the same question in other words… How are the choices I’m making today shaping my temperament, personality, and morality? Am I living in such a way that ten years from now (if myself or world last that long) I will be more like Christ?
“Do not be deceived bad company corrupts good morals 1 Cor.15:33” Am I daily choosing a life that is surrounded by good or bad influences? Because whether you want to believe it or not… it does matter!

In Christ Alone

I think that the older I get the more aware of my sinful nature I become, and yet (when I remember to focus on His love and not my guilt) it is that awareness that draws me closer to Him and allows me to praise Him all the more. Yet, even that is only because of God’s presence in me and His promises to me.

I was listening to this song the other day as it is one of my favorites, probably because of it’s gospel message and the wonderful hope and truth that can be found in it. I love this song because it helps me to not focus on myself and all of my short comings but to fix my eyes on Jesus, on him alone. He is our Comforter our All in All... well I’ll let you read it for yourself.

In Christ Alone

In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
‘til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
‘til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand

Amen to that!

High Places

Now Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of his father David, except he sacrificed and burned incense on the high places.
But the high places were not taken away; nevertheless the heart of Asa was wholly devoted to the LORD all his days.

Jehoshaphat was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned twenty-five years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi. He walked in all the way of Asa his father; he did not turn aside from it, doing right in the sight of the LORD However, the high places were not taken away; the people still sacrificed and burnt incense on the high places.

Jehoash did right in the sight of the LORD all his days in which Jehoiada the priest instructed him. Only the high places were not taken away; the people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places.

Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah became king. He did right in the sight of the LORD, yet not like David his father; he did according to all that Joash his father had done. Only the high places were not taken away; the people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places.

Azariah son of Amaziah king of Judah became king. He was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned fifty-two years in Jerusalem; and his mother's name was Jecoliah of Jerusalem. He did right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah had done. Only the high places were not taken away; the people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places.
(Excerpts from 1 & 2 Kings)

Do you notice a trend in these passages?
Why were these high places not removed from the land of the kings who served the Lord God?
Is there a right and a wrong way to worship the Lord nowadays?
How can this be applicable to us today, are we leaving “high places” untouched in our Christian lives?
Are we doing right in the sight of the Lord according to those around us and their standards(like those kings) or according to His life in us?
We have an advantage that these Kings never did. We are Christ Jesus’ inheritance because of what He did and we have an inheritance found in Him (His Spirit to guide us and overcome the world around us.) You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4 So let us shed these “high places” (anything that hinders us from fully surrendering our lives to Christ Jesus) for we are not our own but we have been bought with a price more precious than gold or anything else for that matter. We are His inheritance. Yep, even when we were at our most sinful and wretched He wanted us soooo much that He died for us!

Scribes and Pharisees

Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God. Matt. 22:29”

John, I find this to be an interesting verse because of who Jesus was speaking to. He was responding to the scribes and pharisees. These are men who would have been meticulously studying the scriptures since their youth. They would have been known by their peers to be men of renown, great intellects and masters in the law. They are the ancient equivalent of having a doctor of divinity and being professors, M.D.s, lawyers and judges, and yet they were in error because despite their study they did not really know the Scriptures or the power of God. They were in fact trying to use their knowledge to confound Jesus (the creator of the universe) and publically discredit Him. This error is something to be careful of today as pride often blinds a person to it. Even the most brilliant and best can have it all wrong if their eyes aren’t focused on Jesus Christ. You may see this problem in some churches today. Some have no trouble understanding and being witness to the power of God, but they do not know the Scriptures and so they can easily be deceived concerning God’s word and led astray. Others know the Scriptures backwards and forwards, yet they deny His power to be evident today and so all of their learning is powerless (blind and useless). You must remember that the gospel is both the wisdom and the power of God for those who believe. However, to the “wise” who are perishing it is seen as foolishness and weakness.

Verses to ponder on pride and humility:

In his pride the wicked does not seek Him;
in all his thoughts there is no room for God. Psalms 10:4

But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God, and entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense. 2 Chron. 26:16

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. Luke 14:11

Hmmm....

John here are some points to ponder:

1. The spiritual can influence the physical, but the physical can’t directly affect the spiritual(Physical= mass, energy etc. Spiritual=???)

2. If physical can physically affect spiritual, then man could alter or affect the unshakable, constant, steadfast, eternal.

3.Spiritual is made unshakable, constant, steadfast, eternal. Physical is made destructible, chaotic, temporal.

4. God created all eternal and spiritual things as well as the physical. He made everything that is visible and invisible and all eternal beings i.e. Angels, mans spirit, unclean spirits, demons, and everything else I don’t fully understand. He is therefore not just greater, but infinitely greater... surpassing all angels or demons(the devil included) in power and in every other way.

5. God is eternal yet even eternity in its’ fullness is subject to only Him. And so it can be said that only God is God. The All-powerful, All-knowing, All-present God of everything and anything.

6. If God knows the beginning and the end is eternity itself a created thing? Time is created but is eternity part of time or something else?

7.God is Spirit(is that a created aspect of God for our explanation or part of an uncreated eternal?)

8. God is so much greater than anything anyone could invent with the imagination of a created mind. He is greater than any man made god and greater than mans atheism.

9. I do not understand eternity or God and even these thoughts of God are subject to error because they come from theories and guesses I have made. How can man understand God. How foolish we can be to try to explain God as we are His creation not His creator. All we can know of Him is what He chooses to reveal to us and gives us understanding about.

10. There is not a part of me that wasn’t created by God right down to every part of every atom in my body was masterfully created by Him. Even the abilities of my brain, whether the ability to breathe, smell, taste, see, hear, even my personalty, my thought processes and everything that makes me...me. We were truly wonderfully and marvelously made. Can anyone or anything say the same about Him. No!

These points to ponder are just interesting to me. They let me unmask some of my unfounded preconceived ideas about God and the spiritual realm. And they let me realize just how amazing it is that He loves us. I can know that His promises are not subject to some physical or spiritual force but they come from Him who is able. It is not just a coincidence that His name means “I AM”. He is!

I ‘ll end with a children’s song that we are never too old to use in singing His praises.

“My God IS so big so strong and so mighty there is nothing my God can not do. The mountains are His... the rivers are His... the stars are His handy work too... My God IS so big so strong and so mighty there is nothing my God can not do. For you!”

Of Faith and Love

People have been writing a lot of blogs about Faith lately and I’ve been reading them. Because of this I thought of a few things that I would like to share on the subject.

What is faith and why do we need it? Would you say that faith is necessary to believe and if so how much do we need?
To start... What is faith “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Heb.11:1” It isn’t just about having a vague hope in God or in His promises, it is freedom from doubt and something that inspires confidence concerning hope. It’s the state of being convinced of something we can’t see.
But why do we need it? Well here are four reasons out of hundreds:
“By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead. By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Heb.11:3-6” So we need faith to be able to please God.
“This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. Rom.3:22” We need faith to receive righteousness.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. Eph.2:8-9” We need faith, which comes from God, to receive His grace and salvation in Jesus.
“You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Gal.3:26” “In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. Eph.3:12” We need faith to be children of God and to receive a clear conscience before Him.

Anyway you can see that faith is important and necessary for the believer, so how much do we need? How do we measure how much we currently have? Ah... but is this the right question. Why do we as BELIEVERS need MORE faith? Is there any where in the bible that says that Christians need more faith? There are some spots where it talks about mens faith being weak and not as strong as it could be, and says that they could do with their faith being strengthened, but as for them needing more... I think it just talks about people needing some. Jesus said that faith the size of a mustard seed can move a mountain. Is there such a thing as believing in Jesus and having His Spirit yet being devoid of a mustard seeds worth of faith in Him.
Well then if it’s an issue of weakness how do we strengthen our faith? We can start by encouraging one another. If you need an example read Paul’s letters they’re all about strengthening different churches through encouragement. God will also supply all of our needs according to His riches and Glory. He tells us simply to ask and we shall receive. If you need your faith strengthened ask Him.

That said I can get to my main reason for writing this. Are we as believers too fixated on faith instead of love and Christ Jesus? Love, because it is greater than faith and Jesus because He is it’s author and perfector. After Hebrews chapter on faith(Ch.11) It says that now those who have faith (any amount I’m sure) are too cast off the sin that so easily entangles us and fix our eyes on Jesus. Here’s a question... Is it faith in having more faith that sets us free or is it faith in Jesus? Should we now be asking for more faith or because of our faith more Love? Which would help us more in our ministry or in the life that he has given us more faith or more love? Does more faith strengthen our love or more love strengthen our faith? This is God’s command to the faithful.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”“And this is his command: to believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as He commanded us.”“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.”“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”“Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.”“No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us.”“Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” Perfect love casts out fear and love covers a multitude of sins. What better reasons are there to seek after Jesus and receive His love. Faith brings us to His love, a love that lasts forever. We should be using the faith we’ve received with the gifts we’ve received for the purpose of sharing the love we’ve received.

“For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things To Him be the glory forever. Amen.”

The Treasure of ...Life!

This is a truth I need to remember!



“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it. Matthew 13:44-46”

Does this description sound like any believer you know myself included? Do we cherish the kingdom this much?
Now I’m sure that we have all made small or once in awhile large( at least we think they’re large)concessions here and there because of our faith, but do we put our everyday All into it!
Now, I’m not saying that you or me should go out right now and sell everything of value that we don’t need and give it to the poor. But then again, why am I not saying that? Is it because it’s unrealistic or because I don't want to believe that is what these verses are actually saying? Or because I’m just too comfortable. Besides no respectable Christian would ever advise me of doing anything of the sort nor do they live that way themselves. No, these can't be valid reasons!
What did Jesus tell the rich young ruler? He told him that “you shall not commit murder, you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; Honor your father and mother; and You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Matt. 19:18-19” (When the man said he had done all of those things) Jesus said to him, "If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me. Matt.19:21"
Did Jesus say to him “Wow good job on keeping those laws, some of them are pretty tough. I mean, for years people have forsaken them, but not you. You’re a man among men, let me give you a pat on the back. If only Judas here were as good as you. Haha just kidding Judy ol’ boy”
No, of course this sounds nothing like Jesus. Jesus was there to tell the truth about the Father and about His kingdom. He was there to speak the truth about how it was worth far more than the treasures/pleasures of this life. Selling everything we own may not be the point. My point is that, why when we have found and received such a great blessing as to be called sons of the most high God, and an inheritance such as eternal life in the presence of God and the angels, do we act as if it were a chore? Why do we try to hold on to the pleasures of this life?
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 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. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Galations 5:16-25”
So let us rejoice that our names are written in the lambs book of life, and let us fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith. Let us lose our lives that we might find life. These are days of deception and propaganda, a world constantly telling us that the fun we have and ease of life we enjoy are the most important things in life. They say in more subtle ways “Eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow you die!” and we swallow it hook, line, and sinker!

I’ll end with this quote from the apostle Paul who considered his life as nothing in comparison to the riches found in Christ Jesus.
“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith. Gal.6:7-10”

God is Love!

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16"

I had an interesting thought yesterday, It was about a deep down subconscious thought that I had always kept a little below the surface. I sometimes thought (not believed, but thought) that God loved us (believers) more than He does non-Christians. Although I wasn’t conscious that I thought this way, and were you to ask me, I would have answered you passionately (perhaps in a Sunday school tone) “God loves everyone equally!” but I think I really meant that He loved all Christians equally. Because, after all, we believe in Jesus the Christ, and we who believe in Jesus are called (in His word the Holy Bible) His children. Now of course He died for every one, and He would certainly love them as much as me and other believers; if only they too would choose salvation through Jesus by believing in Him. (I probably didn’t think this way when I caught myself in a sin, but on the whole it is something that was inside of me none the less.) The problem with this thought was that not only is it wrong,  but it takes away from God’s unchanging love and perfection. It creates a religion of good works and a false hope concerning God’s love for us. It destroys the meaning of true love as defined by His word. His love is so beyond our own that it bewilders me and all of us really ( like it did the prophet Jonah when the wicked people of Nineveh repented and were spared from utter destruction). I think that it is hard for us to love somebody unless they loved us back, at least just a little bit(not a biblical principle just a way we often think). And I think we sometimes think that God’s love operates in a similar way. How could God really love those who are sinners, those who rebel and hate Him (or at least rebel and hate His law He's placed in their conscience). Those who, because of their disbelief/rejection of Jesus, are going to hell for eternity; being separated from Him and everything good that is found in and comes from Him. How could He love them as MUCH as He loves His own precious children (those born/"adopted" by faith, as His child) who He died for and who are going to be with him forever? But then I see that is not His nature. He is love! Even Hitler had a chance to live a good life, but in his rejecting truth(Jesus) became a monster. Did Jesus love his disciple Judas Iscariot less than the other disciples, even while knowing that He would be betrayed by him? No, of course not. You see... I have put stipulations on His love, and I have subjected it to circumstances. I didn’t know that I had, but I’m glad that I do now. Because there is something that I have to know/remember about His love. It IS unchanging... truly and wonderfully unchanging. He loves us all equally, both the sinner and the saint. He took everyone's penalty onto Himself in Jesus(should they accept it). Why? Because God is love!
The rest (receiving the gift of salvation, choosing Jesus and recieveing heaven or rejecting Him and in essense choosing hell) is up to us and our free will (insomuch as God gave us the choice to believe in Jesus the Christ,or not. That is why the lies of the devil againt God's love being found in Jesus are so wicked. After all, He (Jesus) is mankind's salvation and the love of God the Father displayed. So we can never say that He doesn't love us(He showed us that He does, even to be executed on a cross in our place), and we can never say that He didn't love those who rejected Him. Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  Jesus is "the way" because of God's love for everyone in the world to know the only true God, and to receive the everlasting life that comes from knowing Him. Here is a great bit of Christ's teaching that shows clearly the love of God the Father  “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:43-47"

The earth is full of Your lovingkindness, O LORD; Teach me Your statutes. Psalms 119:64

A Firm Foundation

Jesus said, “you believe in God, believe also in Me.”
I have just finished reading some of the most wonderful words. Words of promise and hope. Words that bring warnings yet joy. You may have already guessed that the words were from the Holy Bible. I have read them before several times, but this time was different. I know it is true that His words are living and each time I read them I learn something new. Now this may not be any grand epiphany, but it is a simple truth that we often forget. I don’t know why I forget, but at times like this I’ll rejoice that He lets me relearn things. The words were those of Jesus to His disciples and to those who believe in Him. From the book of John chapters 14-17. I can’t even write on them, but I insist and wish that you who believe will read them and be blessed! Read them over and over feasting on each verse (as odd as that may sound). There are sooooooo many verses that I wanted to use. About His love for us, His promises, our role as believers, our hope as children of God, the glory of the Father, the reason of existence, and the truth found in His word. But in the end I think that just as He teaches me He can teach you so much more than I ever could.

My only advice is this, that while reading the chapters you accept and believe that everything Jesus says is true(why wouldn't you anyway right). I know that sometimes when I read, I get into a mode, so to speak, of taking the book I’m reading as a story and not as fact. And so I have to remind myself when reading His word that everything is true and profitable for me. He is who our lives in Him are to reflect. His teaching is better than any you’ll find in the latest novel or sermon.

So rejoice in what you read, for He is coming again and has given us His Spirit of truth.
Wow!!! The God of the universe, of the smallest atom and largest galaxy, of the air we breath and blood that flows in our veins, He has chosen to reside with us... in us. Even if we were disobedient sinners, He said that His very words have made us clean. I’ve said this before, but can I really say it too many times? It is after all a wonderful thing. His Spirit has sealed us and He died to take our place. Why, because He was obeying God the Father who so loved the world that He sent His Son. Oh the deep, deep love of Jesus, vast, unmeasured, and boundless.

I’ll end with a verse that speaks a glorious truth, from a prayer of Jesus to the Father.
“Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent. John 17:3"

The kingdom of Heaven

I find this to be an interesting story and so I thought I would share it!

“After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of Him to every town and place where He was about to go. He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road. When you enter a house, first say, 'Peace to this house.' If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you. Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house. When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is set before you. Heal the sick who are there and tell them, 'The kingdom of God is near you.' But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say, 'Even the dust of your town that sticks to our feet we wipe off against you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God is near.' I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town. Luke 10:1-12"

“Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to the skies? No, you will go down to the depths. Luke 10:13-15"

"He who listens to you listens to me; he who rejects you rejects me; but he who rejects me rejects him who sent me. Luke 10:16"

“The seventy-two returned with joy and said, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name." He replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven. Luke 10:17-20"

This is just a portion of what the Jesus taught His disciples. That they were to go and share the good news about the Kingdom of God. I find it neat that they were sent ahead of Him to every town and place where He was about to go, because today we are also called to share the good news of the kingdom and even now He is coming soon. But now the good news this great and glorious hope of the kingdom, is given to all the world. “The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life. Rev.21:26-27"
Remember, our home is not here on earth(as crazy as that may sound) but He has gone to prepare a place for you and He encourages us to store up treasure in heaven not on earth! If you, like me, believe that is true, why do we still try to build ourselves feeble little kingdoms on this earth? Isn't it so much more important to share His kingdom with those who are willing to receive it.
So rejoice if your name is written in His book, and continue to look forward to His coming. The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field. Go!

"He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon."
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus."


There is a lot more written in this text so please share what you may have learned!