Lukewarm Special with a Side of Indifference

Dinner has always meant a lot to my family.  It is the one moment in the day where everyone comes together, sits at the table, giving thanks to the Lord and for at least thirty minutes we are all together as a family. With my family never knowing that at least five meals a week is a strategic, well thought out plan that took a better part of the day just so I could have those thirty minutes.  Because anyone that has prepared a meal knows that timing is everything.  You have to know when to start cooking what so that it is all done at the same time and if you are like me, you are timing everything to be ready to be pulled out of the oven as your spouse is pulling into the driveway.  I do this because I want everyone to have a hot plate of food so, they can enjoy that thirty minutes as much as I do.  I’m sure there are many families that are just like mine that put just as much effort into their family dinners.  But, as I look at the current state of this country and sadly enough, the church body, I can’t help but wonder why is it we put so much work into having a hot meal but the faith and obedience with which we serve Christ is lukewarm at best?

 

This country was founded on Biblical principles.  The Word of God was the guideline our founding fathers used for how our nation was to be governed.  Over the generations, however, we have picked over the Bible and as a country only keeping what we like.  Even non-believers are guilty of this.  Christmas and Easter are Christian holidays last time I checked but, how many celebrate those holidays?  Why in an era that the separation of Church and State is at an all-time high are those two days still considered national holidays?  The answer is simple; they are Biblical observances that are mutually non-offensive.  People can get things they want, the government gets the economic boost of people spending above their means and Christians get to celebrate the birth and resurrection of their Savior.  So we keep those Biblical institutions and everyone is okay with the mixing of Church and State for the moment.  But, what happens when a Biblical principle is found to be offensive?  The people rally against it, scream for separation from the Church and call it a civil rights issue.

 

Just as Christmas and Easter are Biblical observances, the sanctity of marriage is Biblical as well.  God’s law on marriage is clear. In Ephesians 5:21-33 He lays it out clear and simple.  Today, that Biblical institution is under attack.  It has been found to be unfair and offensive and there is a movement of millions fighting for marriage equality.  Now, I am by no means a Biblical scholar nor have I ever been to seminary school but from all my reading in the Word, I have yet to find a passage where God requires our approval for any commandment He has laid before us; He only requires obedience.  The truth of the matter is there maybe commandments that to some are unfair but that never negates the requirement to obey it.  If I was a talented public speaker (which I am not) and I wanted to pastor a church 1 Timothy 2:12 says that female pastors would go against God’s will and 1 Corinthians 11:3 just confirms God’s order in the Church.  So, if I wanted to be the head of a church I may find those verses unfair.  God is not asking me to agree with His plan but commanding that I obey it.  As parents we shouldn’t offer suggestions to our children on how to behave nor should they be given an option to disobey because they think we are unfair.  But instead, we should give them specific sets of rules with clear consequences when the rules are broken.  Our Heavenly Father has done the same.  Marriage is not a civil rights issue but a Biblical privilege and it should remain a union between a man and a woman brought together and blessed by God.

Now, having made my beliefs clear; I am not advocating Christians to practice condemnation either.  Jesus says in John 8:7 only those without sin can is qualified to throw the first stone and He made it clear again in Luke 6:37 “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.  Even though we shouldn’t be throwing stones, we also shouldn’t be neutral in those issues that go against the Will of God.  We need to stand firm in our faith, without shame.  It is a very thin line between loving the sinner and supporting the sin.  When we let our foothold waiver and we become neutral, we in turn begin to support the sin.  In the eyes of the Lord, there is no gray area; only black and white, only hot or cold. Lukewarm is not acceptable.  Revelation 3:15-16 “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other!  But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!”

 

So, my prayer for all of us as a nation and as a church body is to receive a fire from the Holy Spirit to stand firm in our faith, active in the Word, obedient in our service to Him and to do all things in love for our fellow man.  In Jesus name.

 May all we do in service to Christ be just as hot as the meal we place on the table.

Not all that is beautiful, is pretty

I remember when I first felt the call to serve Jesus; I tried to ignore it at first.  You know, the way most of us have tried to ignore the bill collectors when they call (Caller I.D. was such a beautiful invention).  And, just like with the bill collectors, I knew what Jesus wanted when He called.  He wanted me, not just some of me and not just on Sundays.  He wanted all of me, all the time.  I knew this, so I tried to ignore the call.  I knew that like the bill collectors, He wanted more than I wanted to give.  But lucky for me, He can’t be easily ignored like they can.  I couldn’t just turn off the phone or change my number and I eventually answered that call.  I remember my body trembling, the tears falling and even being afraid of what I was feeling because I had never felt anything like that before.  I had so many emotions that my mind could not sort them out and I had no other choice but to surrender them to Christ.  The experience of turning my life over to Jesus was beautiful.  Thank You, Jesus for being more persistent for my soul than bill collectors were for my money!

Now, being born again will always be the most beautiful experience that could ever happen here on earth but, Jesus never promises that it will always be pretty.  In fact, it’s quite the opposite.  In 2 Timothy 3:12 Paul writes, “Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”  He said everyone will; not some and not maybe.  I’m thinking Timothy gave an Amen when he read that.  I’m thinking all Christians can give Paul an Amen to that.  Sometimes, it seems that we have a “no money down and no payment until...” mindset on our salvation but, it seems the “until” part never comes.  When we first become born again the down payment is easy: confess and repent your sins and believe Christ is the Son of God and He is you Savior.  Confess, repent, believe; I can afford that.  Then we sport our transformation around like a brand new car, showing it off to anyone that wants to see.  We’re armed with all the specs and perks His grace has to offer.  Then, we turn into salesmen to let everyone know they can afford all this too.  But, then, the payments start becoming due and that shiny new car starts to look a little dull.

The question is not whether or not we can still afford His salvation but whether or not we want to pay for it.  Sometimes, it’s not pretty.  Even though, we could never pay what His gift is worth; we should strive daily to pay with our obedience, even if that means to sacrifice. Not only is not always going to be pretty but sometimes it is going to downright hurt.  It could cost us relationships or financial stability, the freedom to go out and party or even the bitter taste of some humble pie because you have to forgive someone you don’t want to.  In my case, I had to learn to love everyone, not just those who loved me or that I felt deserved my love.  When Jesus sacrificed Himself on the cross; trust me, it hurt.  Just like when He was here on earth, He never asks anything of us that He isn’t willing to do Himself.  Even if He didn’t want to, even if it caused Him pain; He obeyed and paid the price that was ours to pay. Matthew 26:39 He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, "My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine."

Like I said before, He doesn’t want part of us, part of the time.  He wants all of us, all of the time.  When the call is answered and we give Him all we are and could ever hope to be; the reward will be great because we will stand before Him when He calls again to bring us home.  Even if the journey to get there comes with sacrifice or pain or isn’t pretty; it will be absolutely beautiful.

The Not So Comfortable Comfort Zone

I mentioned before that I was going through some spiritual maintenance.  I’m starting to feel some changes taking place.  By no means am I out of the shop but, it is becoming clearer what improvements need to be made (this time around, anyway).  I’ve been realizing that since I’ve dedicated my life to Christ I have been very selective on what I’m willing to give Him access too.  It wasn’t intentional or anything, I have always resisted change.  Even as a child, I was never impulsive and I never let others impulsiveness intrude on my routine.  I’ve always needed control, needed a schedule and preferred solitude over interacting with others.  I guess I wasn’t a very fun child to play with, huh?  Anyway, what I’m trying to say is that my comfort zone has always been very small and I’ve always tried to stay in its boundaries.

I turned to Christ and it was no different.  I’ve been willing to give Him everything; everything inside that small circle of a comfort zone, that is.  I struggle with prayer, especially for other people, especially out loud.  I know we’re not supposed to pray for show (Matthew 6:5) but we are supposed to pray with our brothers and sisters in need (James 5:16).  I struggle with letting my emotion show, including and most of all, joy.  I’ve never been one to wear my heart on my sleeve, so to speak.  How was anyone going to see the love of Christ in me?  I struggle with the need to stick to a strict schedule. Sometimes, I ignore what He is tugging on my heart to do because I didn’t put that in as a part of my day.  Someone forgot to tell me that God doesn’t make appointments.  I suppose my real struggle is just giving up that control.  I gave Jesus my heart but didn’t want to hand over the key.

I suppose that wasn’t enough for Jesus so, in the shop I went.  Since He knows my heart, He knew my commitment was sincere; that I wanted to give Him all of me but I was battling with my old self.  I would have lost that fight too if it hadn’t been for Him intervening.  The work is not done yet and it never will be.  I will always be a work in progress but I am starting to feel the improvements.  The smile that has been in my heart is starting to show on my face.  Praying out loud is still intimidating but He knows that sometimes the quickest way around an obstacle is to go through it.  So, He is throwing prayer opportunities in my direction.  I’m starting to see that not everything can fit in a specific time allotment and its okay.  As long as His will takes priority then everything is right on time and according to plan.

I see now that no one can grow as long as they stay in their comfort zone because His work is bigger than what we can do.  He wants us in that uncomfortable zone; that is where it is all about Him and He shines the brightest because our controlling Self is out of the way.  I know it is a process that won’t be complete until He calls me home but I’m willing to do whatever He has set before me so that He will be glorified.

If it doesn’t cost you anything, it's not a sacrifice.

Needing Input

Here lately I feel that God has placed on my heart that we, as Christians, need to come together as the body of Christ; regardless of how our denominations divide us.  So, I began having a Bible study with a pastor other than my own.  I believe that different perspectives can lead to better understanding of God's Word but I am learning that it can also lead to greater confusion. I know that is the enemy at work; keeping me from growing in my faith.  I could really use some clarification right about now.

I was always taught that being saved meant (1)Accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior (2)Believe that he died for your sins and God resurrected Him from the dead (3)Asking Him to come into your heart (4)Repent for your sins (5)Give Him control over your life and allow His will to show through you.  Then, if you asked for all that with a sincere heart, your sins will be forgiven and your heart forever changed.  Your walk with Christ can begin.  And, one of your first steps should be to show the world your commitment and obedience to Christ by being baptized.

Now, through this Bible study I am being taught that forgiveness of your sins cannot take place until you are baptized.  What if there is a time gap between being saved and being baptized? Are you not really saved in that time?  Then what happens when you sin after being baptized? Is baptism needed again?  Can anyone help with this or have scripture that can show me the truth?

Just in the shop

Psalm 55:22 Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you.  He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.

It’s been a few weeks since I have felt compelled to write anything and even today I’m in a very awkward place in my mind.  But, at least, I’m compelled to share something.  I’m not sure what it is, though.  So, I leave it to God to guide my fingers and use His words.  I always pray for that before I start writing but, I need His guidance especially now.  Not just to share it with those who read it but, for me who writes it.  

We all have our ups and downs in our walk with Christ.  There are times where we feel like our cup is overflowing with blessing and times where we feel parched because it seems the cup is empty.  Now, we know (or at least we should) that the cup is not really empty.  God doesn’t put a cap on how many blessings He gives.  Some might say that if the blessings seem to run dry; we have strayed and become undeserving of any.  I, disagree, for the simple fact, we have always been undeserving even when our cup was overflowing.  Instead, I view this dry time as God performing “spiritual maintenance” in our lives.  Just like our vehicles, if we want them to continue to run like the day we bought it we have to do maintenance on them.  Fluids need changed, tires need air and sometimes certain parts have exceeded their usefulness and just need replaced with a new one.  Of course, while our car is in the shop we can’t drive it and so; it sits there while it is being worked on.  Our walk is always going to be full of peaks and valleys and I think that it is in those valleys that we are just in the shop so to speak.

I’ve been in what seems to be a valley for the past few months now.  There hasn’t been anything really specific to complain about; like I said before just been in an awkward place in my mind.  It has felt like I’ve been just going through the motions.  The fire I had when I first got saved was dwindling down to a flicker.  It felt like it had been months since a sermon had reached my soul.  But, God is always faithful.  He has been sure to keep spiritually strong influences around me to keep me company while my spirit is undergoing some maintenance.  He knew I was in need of some reassurance and so a couple weeks ago when I was just going through the motions and going to Bible study He put it on my pastor’s heart to talk about the peaks and valleys that we go through and how the valleys are just as important (if not more so) than the peaks.  He also pointed out that to get to the next peak we need to go through another valley.  When I heard those words, I was reminded of an old saying that my previous pastor said for times like this: “Smooth seas never make good sailors.”  So, what my pastor was saying started to really resonate in me.  I’m sure I am not the only that has been listening to a sermon and thought, “This seems to be meant for me.”  Guess what?  Sometimes it is for you.  God is just using the speaker to tell you the message He has for you.  Praise God my pastor is interested in God’s will and not his own.

It is only when you combine knowledge with experience do you get wisdom.  And, with wisdom comes strength.  If this is true, then when I climb out of this valley, I will have the wisdom and the strength to get out of the next one. So, instead of giving me a blessing that is temporary, it is permanent.  My cup of blessings isn’t dry; God is giving me one that not only has unlimited refills but has the ability to be upgraded to a bigger cup.  I don’t know how long I will be in these rough seas but now I know God is not letting me drown; He is teaching me to swim.

Isaiah 41:10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Don't blame me

When I first began my walk with Christ and really started getting into the Word, my eyes started to see the world the way it was supposed to be instead of the way it is.  I already knew that we were self-destructive, I just didn’t realize to what extent.  I knew before I started reading the Bible that killing, stealing and cheating was wrong and since I didn’t take part in things of that nature, I didn’t have to take any blame for the problems of this world.  I have always had a strong since of responsibility, I don’t do drugs or break the law, I believe in working hard and paying your own way.  I took comfort in thinking I was one of the good guys. Then, I opened up my Bible and learned there was plenty of blame for me to take.  God started showing me that just because I am not a drain on society, doesn’t mean I’m not a drain on His kingdom.

As I began to study His word, I learned that lies are color blind.  There is no such thing as a “little white lie.”  All lies are the work of the enemy and go against God’s will.  Psalm 101:7 I will not allow deceivers to serve in my house, and liars will not stay in my presence.  So many people don’t realize that the smallest lie can destroy the strongest foundation.  I also learned that gossip is just as destructive.  Even when you think what you’re saying is true, if it’s negative, what is the purpose of saying it?  Are we trying to help?  Are we trying to build someone up?  If we spreading gossip, the answer is always NO.  No one has the right to assume they know what it’s like to be someone else.  I, then, realized that since I was this hard working, law abiding, all around good citizen that I had also became a little self- righteous and judgmental.  For some reason, I thought I had the authority to pass judgment on everything that didn’t measure up to my standard. The Bible taught me that I have no authority to pass judgment.  He showed me that just because I don’t kill or steal doesn’t mean that I don’t have plenty of improving to do.

The problem, however, is that once we learn how sinful these things really are, we can’t seem to take accountability for them.  We search for justification of the sin or we want to place the blame on someone else.  That is not God’s will.  He never said thou shall not kill unless you think you have to.  We have to humble ourselves and admit our own sin to the Lord.  How can He forgive us if we refuse responsibility?  We can’t just stop passing judgment onto others; we have to take accountability for our own actions.  Everything wrong isn’t always someone else’s fault.  Just because we are all God’s children doesn’t mean we should act like children.

Truth is, when we find fault and blame others; we are doing the enemy’s work but when we hold ourselves accountable for our own sins, seek forgiveness and turn away from it; we can allow God’s work to take place within us.  And, not speaking for any other Christian, but that is what I pray for every day.

2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all stand before Christ to be judged.  We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.     

Not to offend, but...

Proverbs 22:6 Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.

We are well aware that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23) but, how about the wages of removing God from our schools and in turn our country?

Violent crimes committed by teens

Violent crimes are committed by teens every year. The National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center (1) provides these statistics on teen violence regarding violent crimes: 

• In 2000, about 1,561 youth under the age of 18 were arrested for homicide. 
• In 2000, nine percent of the murders in the United States were committed by persons under the age of 18. 
• One in ten teens arrested has been engaging in a violent activity that could have resulted in the serious injury or the death of another person.

Teen violence is a very real occurrence, and violent crimes are committed by teens regularly.

Suicide

We often neglect suicide in our examinations of teen violence. However, suicide is violence against oneself and deserves very real consideration. Two teen violence statistics to think about regarding suicide (1):

1.      The third leading cause of death among teens is suicide

2.      Over the past year, one in 11 high school students admit to having made a suicide attempt.

These statistics do not even take into account the number of students that think about violence against themselves on a regular basis. Additionally, these statistics do not take into account the rising instances of self-injury, which do not necessarily need to be associated with suicidal feelings, but which is a form of self-violence (2, 3).

Teen violence every day

Not only is teen violence related to violent crime and self-violence, but also there are lesser forms of violence that are perhaps more prevalent and worrisome, as they indicate a trend toward teen violence as an everyday occurrence. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report the following teen violence statistics (4):

• National estimates indicate that 30 percent of youth in grade six through 10 are involved in bullying, either as a target or as the bully. Some even experience both.
• A national CDC survey indicates that 33 percent of high school students were in at least one physical fight within a 12 month period.
• In 30 days preceding the CDC survey, 17 percent of high school students reported that they carried a weapon at least once. The weapon could be a gun, knife or club.

Those numbers are a little scary.  This is the world our children live in.  Where is God in all that?  That’s right; we removed Him from our schools.  We send our kids to the lion’s den five days a week and hope they survive.  It’s not just about fitting in anymore.  They deal with real issues and real dangers every day.  It is not just a lack of caring for someone else’s feelings; there is a serious lack of respect for human life.  Death holds no meaning.  For Christians, death means we get to go be with our Heavenly Father.  But, whether its suicide or murder, death has become an answer to a problem for today’s youth.  I see these problems almost every day on the news, I hear the stories my own kids tell me about their day at school.  So I ask; why aren’t we putting God back in all that?

I’ve always believed that our experiences as children help mold us into the type of adult we are to become.  If that is true, those numbers are now horrifying.  The children of today are the leaders of tomorrow.  If they have no respect for life as children, what kind of leaders can they make as adults?  In the 40’s and 50’s God was the cornerstone in most homes and communities.  Now, in 2012 children know more about Greek mythology than they do about the story of Moses.  Look at how times have changed between the two eras.  Is it a coincidence that the more we try to remove God from our country, the worse it becomes?  I don’t think so.

Now I completely believe that the Word of God needs to start in the home and we as parents take the bulk of the responsibility.  But, let’s face it; there are too many homes where God is not the cornerstone.  So, if His words aren’t taught in the home and their not being taught outside the home...once again I ask; where is God in all that?  There used to be a saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.”  Hmmm, that takes a whole new meaning for me now.

We need to instill love and respect into our children; not just the need to survive.  They are screaming out to us for help.  How many more will die by their own hand or the hand of others before we answer?

Deuteronomy 11:18-21  Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.  Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.  Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates,  so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth.

Teen Violence Statistics Sources:

1. safeyouth.org/scripts/news/statistics.asp

 2. pamf.org/teen/life/suicide/selfinjury.html

3. cignabehavioral.com/web/basicsite/bulletinBoard/selfInjury.jsp

4. cdc.gov/ncipc/factsheets/yvfacts.htm

Disturbing Behavior

I know earlier I had mentioned that when I first became saved that I had put too much focus on looking like a Christian instead of being one.  I feel the conviction of the Lord right now because I failed to include that if I wasn’t being one than I couldn’t possibly act like one either.  Like I had said before I was trying to dress the part but because I wasn’t living it, it was all a costume; a mask of righteousness and the only kind of righteousness I was seeking at the time was self-driven.  I did what a lot of new christians do: I made my faith about me instead of making me about my faith.  Like a child, it was all about me.

I went to church every Sunday and gave God a whole two hours of my time.  I couldn’t tithe because I was too busy telling my pastor all about my financial needs; I couldn’t bother with the needs of the church.  I was ready to use the church’s resources to satisfy my needs, even after it started to take a toll on theirs.  I held a Bible study at my house every week that every time the pastor would try to get into scripture, I quickly pulled the focus to what I believed instead. Every time I was given an opportunity to minister about Christ, I would debate why my beliefs were right and all other religions were wrong.  The time I spent in God’s Word was minimal at best.  I spent so much time passing judgment on others that I never saw or sought forgiveness for my own transgressions.  I was young and thought I had all the answers.  If I only knew a portion of what I thought I did.

At the time, I didn’t even realize that I was being that way.  I thought I was really trying to be what God wanted me to be.  What truly bothers me now is: How many people did I turn away from Christ with my actions?  How many people were curious to know the Lord and changed their mind after meeting me?  I let the enemy get a hold of me.  I was new in my walk and susceptible to his attacks.  Even though God had blessed me with a loving, compassionate pastor that was more than qualified to spiritually guide me; I couldn’t learn.  He blessed me with a wonderful church with a congregation that was trying to show me God’s love; I couldn’t see.  He blessed me with the most powerful weapon, His Word; I couldn’t use it.

I said before, when God gives us that calling to serve Him; we become a threat to the enemy and God knows this too.  He gives us the tools and resources to resist temptation and fight back.  He gives us the instruction manual, The Bible, to learn how to use the tools and apply the resources.  He never leaves us defenseless but when we refuse to read His Word we make ourselves defenseless.  That is what gives the enemy a foothold and lets our actions be led by him instead of by the Heavenly Father.  I fell into this trap and had no one to blame but myself for my lack of growth.

Since then, I have recommitted my life to Christ and without fail God has provided the same tools and resources that I need to better serve Him.  Once again, He surrounded me with loving, compassionate spiritual leaders, a wonderful church that overflows with His love and of course The most powerful weapon, His Word.  But, this time it wasn’t about me.  I am willing to be His servant; I’m eager to be and I read His Word’s daily so I can be.  Because of this, the enemy is no longer glorified by my actions.  I desire only for the love of Christ to show through my behavior so that anyone seeking the truth will find it.     

As christians, our behavior should always reflect the love of Christ.  All that we do should be in the service of God.  We never know who is watching and because of our actions find Christ or turn away from Him.  We do know that God is ALWAYS watching and will hold us accountable.

Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

   

Where's Your Place?

When I was young, it was mandatory for us kids to respect our elders.  My parents had a kids should be seen; not heard rule.  We were not allowed to ask for anything or say no to any request and if grandma had started to clean-up I had better jump in to take over. And, in my home sentences ended with sir or ma'am.  When we decided to ignore these rules, my parents also believed in a more "capital" approach to discipline.  So, needless to say, overall me, my sister and two brothers were pretty good kids.  Now, that's not to say we weren't a little mean to each other; of course we were.  And, I think we all would be lying a little if we said we didn't take some enjoyment when one of the others got in trouble at least once.  But, that was okay, we were equals.  We knew we could be disrespectful to each other as long as there was no disrespect aimed at any adult. I guess what I'm trying to say is: We knew our place; with each other and with everyone else.

Of all that I was taught as a child, that lesson still resonates in me today.  I've always tried to teach my own children to have respect.  I've always told them that I don't want to just raise them to be good kids but to be good people.  To be a good person they needed to have respect for others and to always know their place.  I wanted them to understand that whether they are four or forty, they will always have place that they need to stay in the boundaries of.  A place with God, with their elders, with authority, even with their peers.   Of course, at times, it has been an up hill battle considering I feel that this is a Godless generation and respect is turning into a 4 letter word.  The problem is not just with children not knowing their place; we as parents need to know ours.  It is not our job to be their friends(at first).  First, we need to be their teachers and disciplinarians.  Love them and guide them and make sure we equip them with the tools to be productive, respectful adults.  Then, once we're done raising them, we can look at our children as friend.

I have a different place for each role God has blessed me with.  Some of them I need to be a leader and some I have a more submissive part.  No matter what the role, I try to fulfill it to the best of my ability because I know it all is to be a better steward for Christ.  For us to truly learn and to submit to God's will, we need to accept His authority and know our place. I will be honest, being submissive was a very hard concept for me to grasp considering that I have a domineering  personality.  It wasn't until I started reading The Word that I realized that submission doesn't mean weakness nor is it a measure of worth.  Jesus, himself, submitted to God's will and washed the feet of His disciples before they betrayed Him and He was crucified on the cross.  If the Son of God can know His place; I can know mine as well.

Now, consider this: What if we all were equally submissive?  I absolutely understand my place with my husband.  He is the provider in my home and he works many very hard, very long hours to take care of our family and still comes home and makes time for me.  Because of this, I'm proud to say he is the head of my house.  In turn, he understands his place with me.  He acknowledges that with or without a paycheck I work long hours too and I still find time for him.  He doesn't downgrade my worth or importance of the role I have in this marriage  So, we have equally submitted to one another.  I am NOT the woman behind the man.  I am the woman at my man's side; each in our place and each submitting equally.  Because of this, we are a team with the utmost respect for one another.

When we forget our place whether it be with our parents, our children, our spouse, ones in authority, and especially with God we lose the ability to have respect for one another and for Him.

Ephesians 5:21 And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Creating our own hell

One of my favorite things to do is to sit on my front porch with a good cup of coffee and a book (more often now my e-reader).  Sometimes, I get distracted by the people walking by and it saddens me.  I'm honestly not trying to listen to their conversations but we all know we can't always control what our ears take in.  Just like in most places, my hometown is a victim of a lot of struggling families.  Drug and alcohol abuse is common.  Jobs are here but the pay is low and everyone does drug testing these days.  I don't think you can even flip a burger without peeing in a cup first.  So, I hear the things they say as they walk by; people worrying about money.  The rent is late, the electric is due, the baby needs diapers, and... you get the point.  Some asking me for a cigarette (praise God I haven't smoked a cigarette for almost 7 1/2 months!!!)  Of course some just wanting to party. Even others rolling their eyes at the ones that have it so hard right now.  It saddens me because as a lot of us are complaining on how hard times are, we don't even realize we are part of the problem.

There, I said it.  We create our own hell.  I hear people use the term "hell on earth" and it confuses me.  If that is where you think you are; truth is, it is of your own doing.  In Genesis 1:1 it says God created the heavens and the earth.  If you continue to read on you will see that He saw all His creations as good. That means earth as well.  Our sins create the hell we live in.  But, instead of turning away from our sins and choosing to be a part of the solution; we chose to stay a part of the problem.  We don't turn to God seeking answers; we turn to each other seeking someone to blame.  I see the down-and-out blaming their lack of jobs or money on the ones that seem to have jobs and money.  On the other hand, I hear the ones with jobs blaming the taxes they pay on the down-and-out.

So, let's be honest: to the ones that are jobless; it's not the employed that's to blame for your lack of a paycheck.  Maybe it's because you didn't further your education or you can't pass a drug screening or maybe you run from the jobs that have been offered to you because you realized that you actually had to WORK to get paid.  Now, to the ones blessed with a job; it's not the unemployed that's to blame for the taxes you pay.  Sure, some of those funds go to help those who need it but, face it; your paying taxes no matter what the unemployment rate is.  It is also not up to you to judge them on why they are unemployed.  Maybe, they were laid off because of the current economic hardship we are under right now or the field they did go to school for is not in high demand at the moment or maybe they have been stricken with illness that has rendered them incapable of performing the only trade they've ever known.  Regardless, we can't know everyone's circumstances so, we should stop blaming each other for what we think is the truth.

Now, I am not naive.  I know there are plenty of dishonest people out there.  There is no short supply of liars and thieves.  They will be held accountable for their deeds the same as everyone else but not by me or by any of you.  You don't have to be a believer to be judged by God; no one will escape Him on judgement day.  So, I say let God do His job.  He does not need our help to do it.  

Don't think I'm being judgmental.  I have been through all walks of life first-hand.  I've been homeless and hungry all the way to homeowner and well fed.  I used to be the undefeated champion of the blame game from both sides.  God has truly convicted me of creating my own hell.  I now know that if we stop blaming each other for all the wrongs here on earth and just strive to help one another; hell will stay where it belongs and that is not here on earth.

So, instead of ending with scripture I feel He is calling me to end with this prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for all Your blessings today.  I pray that it was Your will that led me to write this today and not my own.  I ask that it finds it's way into the hearts of all that need it and that all Your children can begin to come together, to help and love each other; all to glorify Your holy name.  In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Who's Judging?

I never realized how non believers viewed christians until I became one.  It seemed that as soon as people found out I had faith there was an ambush of accountability for the actions of every christian they had ever come across that I was suppose to take responsibility for.  I heard countless stories about one christian or another who condemned them for their way of life.  How they were told constantly that every choice they've made in their life was wrong and that according to the Bible if they don't change they will go to hell. So, consequently, since I am now one of those "Bible-thumping hypocrites" I must think the same way and should explain why we think we are better than everyone else.  At first, I tried to defend my faith.  I tried to tell them that I wasn't a "Bible-thumping hypocrite" and that my faith does not give me the authority to condemn anyone to hell. I tried to show them that I didn't view the Bible as a do what I say or burn forever book but instead as loving instructions from the Heavenly Father to all His children. That approach didn't work very well. So, I prayed for them.  I prayed that they would open their hearts to God's love; to feel His presence and come to know the joy that only He can provide.  Then, God showed me that they were not the only ones who needed prayer.

We as christians need prayer, too.  Our responsibility is to show people God's love. To make them aware of His most amazing gift; His one and only son Jesus Christ.  Jesus taught us numerous times that our thoughts, words and deeds should have love as the motive; love for God, love for our neighbor.  Instead, as a whole body we have given the impression that it is love for ourselves that drives us.  No matter what non-believer I have come across their experiences with believers are very similar and have one theme.  They felt looked down upon by a representative of Christ.  Being called to the Lord does NOT remove our capability to sin nor does it change the fact that we are still sinners.  Being saved gives us the privilege to be forgiven as long as we sincerely strive to stop serving this world and serve only Him in everything we do.  So, if being saved doesn't make us perfect, why would we judge the sins of others when we still have plenty of our own?

Of course, just like any other parent, our Heavenly Father does have rules for us to follow.  They are in the Bible for us to learn and follow.  Like the rules we make for our own children; they are for our own good.  He loves us and wants to keep us safe.  Safe from the enemy and safe from ourselves.  His intent was not for us to take His commandments and become the judge and jury of other people's transgressions.  We should build one another up, not tear each other down.  Let us love and support each other in Christ and show others that in God they will find that Amazing Grace that we are always singing about.  Show them that we are not perfect; just forgiven.






John 8:7 They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, "All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!"