Fighting God

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We all make mistakes. We all are sinners, missing the mark on the target. We all fall short of our high calling in Jesus Christ.

We all can have forgiveness in Christ Jesus.

But what if a brother does something that sets our teeth on edge?

Pray.

You just might be the one that is wrong. If you start arguing before you pray you might find yourself fighting God.

Read the Bible, and pray some more. Pray that the Holy Spirit will guide you into the truth of the matter.

I say things here that annoy folks, but it is what I have gleaned from the scripture. I may be wrong. If after you have prayed and studied the Bible you still believe I am in error, let me know. Then it is my turn to pray and study the word. I will.

Some examples sure to get someone upset. I am not relating these to get someone upset, but because I believe they are true problems in today's church. We will just hit three right now.

1) Sin is Sin. If you are not in Christ Jesus even your charitable work is sin. This brings up a big problem. Gossip is a sin. Causing division in the church is a sin. Do you talk about brothers disdainfully, do you gossip? Churches that focus on sins of those outside the church, particularly one type of sin, miss the point. Preach about a relationship with Jesus to those outside, preach on the quest for holiness to those inside, and clean up your own sin before you point out other's sins.

2) Being more fervent about politics and your country than about God. God must come first. Those things that belong to God need to be subject to God. More prayer and Bible study. A case in point, your children. Did you dedicate your children to the Lord? If you have they are his, not your government's. Pray to God and seek his will for your children. Should you move to another country that has freedom of religion? Should your kiddos be home schooled, or put in a private school? They are God's children if you have given them too him, ask him to lead you to what is the right path. Be led not by emotion, but by every word of God.

3) Giving to God. If you are not a Christian, we do not want your money. If you are a Christian, you have been bought with a great price. Ask God what to do with your money and your life. Don't be legalistic, don't respond to emotional pleas; ask God. Seek God's will with prayer and fasting in all things. Don't settle for an easy way out. If you have little, give of your little if God so directs; he has promised to pay it back, and he is good for it. As he expands you, give more at his direction, - You can not out give God. As a Christian it is your responsibility to give, but seek to only give where God directs. Set aside what God says is the right amount, pray over it, follow his will. Don't worry about ministries that might fail for lack of support; if God is with them they will remain.

The basics: God is love, he loves you and yours more than you do. God is smarter and wiser than you. If God leads, Follow. The path walked following God will be to everyone's benefit, your, your children's, your churches, God's kingdom, - everyone.

Trust God.

Read the Bible.

Pray.


Do God's Will.


Jesus Is Lord!

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A Life Of Faith And Miracles

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This was the life of George Muller.

Your life can also be one of faith and miracles.

Muller's was not an instant ministry, but one borne of trust and dependency on God over a period of many years.

When in 1854 The scriptural Knowledge Institution For Home And Abroad was founded by Muller, they held to these seven principles. (The links are of course ours.)

1. "We consider every believer bound - to help the cause of Christ."
2. "We never intend to ask unconverted persons of rank or wealth to countenance this Institution - In the name of God we set up our banners."
3. "We do not mean to ask unbelievers for money."
4. "We reject altogether the help of unbelievers in managing - the affairs of the Institution."
5. "We intend never to enlarge the field of labor by contracting debts - but in secret prayer - we shall carry the wants of the Institution to the Lord, and act according to the means that God shall give us."
6. We do not reckon the success of the Institution by the amount of money given - but by the Lord's blessing upon the work."
7. "We desire to go simply according to the Scripture, without compromising the truth."

I do not wish to imply that Junior Partner Ministries is on par with the institution Muller founded that housed and fed thousands of orphans by faith alone. But we, those of us and you that serve the risen Christ, serve the same Jesus that so rewarded the faith of Muller.

If we will allow God to work in us, he will do great things through us also.


If you have accepted Jesus as your savior - follow God.

Don't ask for money of men - ask God who provides liberally.

Don't ask for approval or help from unbelievers.

Don't borrow for the Gospels sake - if God wants it, he can afford it.

God is our Righteous Judge - his approval and blessing is our measurement of success.

Scripture, not the traditions of men, is our guideline.


Live a life of faith and miracles.

Jesus is Lord!

Opiate Of The Masses

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One thing Marxists and Randian objectivists agree on. They have not seen God, they have not touched God, he therefore must not exist.


I however have met God, I have seen God, he has touched me, I have watched him work. The handiwork of God is all around us, if you care to take off the blinders of arrogance you will see that evidence.


I can not see or touch Marx or Rand, I can read their books and understand their thoughts. I have friends that are Marxists, I have spent a fair amount of time with folks that knew Rand. I believe Marx and Rand existed. I believe Marx is an archaic industrial age phenomenon that will hardly be a historical foot note in a few hundred years. I think Rand was brilliant, but was quite wrong about several things. I see it as a sign of mental laxity to fully agree with any human, the opiate for a lazy mind.


Marx could decry religion as the opiate of the masses, Rand could say God can not be proved. That does not change the reality; I know God, I have read his book, I talk with him constantly. If you knew the God I know, you would want to spend time with him too.


You too can know God.


If you know of God, but have not experianced his presence, you can.


Discover the real you have missed.

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WWJD, What Would Jesus Do?

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This is not to minimize the fact that Jesus cares about every part of your life.

Every part.

But WWJD can convey more than an admonition not to break the speed limit or avoid a political argument.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

If ye love me, keep my commandments.

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. - John 14: 12-18

Greater works than Christ did? Because he went to the father and sent us the Holy Spirit?

I guess it is just the first step to ask "What Would Jesus Do?"

The second step is, How do I do what Jesus did? Heal the sick, raise the dead, feed the hungry; how do I do this?

The answer is with the third question. How do I do greater works than Christ did? I can't do what Christ did alone. I need to use the authority of Jesus' name for God's power as instructed by the Holy Spirit.


Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. - John 16: 7


How do I show my obedience to Jesus? - Follow what he said.

Read the Gospels, they will show you who Christ is. Read the book of Acts and find out who we the Church are.

The book of Acts starts with a hidden and timid church, much like many today. They had an encounter and empowering of the Holy Spirit that changed them - even the opposing religious leaders noticed.

Then everyone noticed. Greater works, as promised by Jesus, happening all over the place.

Read the Gospels and the book of Acts, then pray for the Holy Spirit to instruct you. Men, myself included, can confuse. The Bible, with God's direction, will lead you to the truth.

Not just WWJD, but will I let God empower me to do more than Jesus did?

Trust God.

Read.

Pray.

Obey.

Jesus is Lord.

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Jesus is Lord!

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I tend to end messages with Jesus is Lord but after last Wednesdays message it seemed appropriate to use it in greeting. If you want a review of who rules your life, look at the prior post.


Jesus is Lord!


Do you mean it? Are you willing to do as he asks, when and where he asks? Are you willing to have people point and stare and say "how unchristian," unfairly, as you do God's will.


Since they of course will say "how unchristian" even if you don't do his will, it is better to be condemned for doing the right things. You cannot and will not please everyone, concentrate therefore on pleasing God.


If you have Jesus as your lord you are in a good place. God is smarter and wiser than you are, and he loved you so much Jesus died for you. Obeying the Holy Spirit is doing what is best for you, your family, your world, and Christ's Kingdom.


Your dedication to Jesus must come before anything else. Read the Bible, Pray, get to know the man of peace. God is your source, start with him.


Follow Jesus.


Jesus is Lord!


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What does not matter

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But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. - Mark 10: 42-25

Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2: 11-13

In this world the governments exercise lordship over their citizens. As Christians it is Jesus that is our Lord. Jesus said his kingdom is not of this world. We have been grafted into the vine of Israel. We are part of Christ's kingdom, not an earthly one.

Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Hebrews 13: 7, 8

Those that have rule over us are those that led us to Christ. Follow their faith. Follow their leadership, as long as they continue to be led by the Holy Spirit. Learn to be lead by the Holy Spirit yourself. Follow Jesus.

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly. - Hebrews 13: 16-18

Obey your rulers ===> those in Christ that watch over your soul. Pray for Christian leadership, those that serve you in Christ.

Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's. - Matthew 22: 19-21

No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. - Luke 16: 13

Chose this day whom you will serve. Follow God, or follow man, you cannot follow both and succeed for either. If the government wants your paycheck, give it too them. You are an ambassador of Christ's heavenly kingdom, if you keep God as your source he will keep you regardless of what government is in power. Read the book of Daniel again.

But your ruler is not an earthly government, it is God, follow the Holy Spirit as he leads. You and your family, if you are dedicated to God, are God's citizens not Caesar's property. Do and act as God Directs, not as mere man demands. Give the government their money and give God what is his, your life.

Then one of them, a lawyer, asked tempting him and saying "Master which is the great commandment in the law?" Jesus said unto him "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." Matthew 22:35-40 ( KJV), see also Luke 10: 25-37

There is only one thing God is taking out of this world -– people.

What does not matter. God has promised to take care of the what.

Who are your priorities.

Jesus is Lord.

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Freedom of Thought

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Public schools do not put the child first.

Management of the child comes first. The rules and guidelines, the indoctrination by repetition, the pleasing of authority rather than the pleasure of learning.

If you can, home school the kiddos. Let them explore knowledge they want to learn. Encourage them to read broadly.

They may not grow up to be a good employee. They will discover that we don't know it all. What they will also find is that they enjoy learning. The more they read, the easier and faster they will read, the more they will want to read.

If your kids want to know about a subject, they can study it in whatever depth they desire. If in the future they need knowledge for a project they will know how to find it, other than sign up for a class.


Here are some education and employment links:

• Work in the future
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• Separating school from state

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• Message for Garcia
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• Education for the future
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• Thinking for yourself
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• Bastiat Free University

Mark Twain said something to the effect that education is the unlearning of what we have been taught. He also said not to let your schooling get in the way of your education.

Self directed learning is a pleasure, teach that.

The most important decisions our kiddos make will be by their personal choice. Give them the tools to think and act from knowledge, independently, and with wisdom. That is true education.

Jesus is Lord!

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Awareness

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It happened during a walk along the back bay. I was admiring the view, and in the back of my mind was an awareness that there were frequently lizards sunning in that patch of sunlight in front of me. Sure enough, as I approached I was looking right where a lizard sat watching me.

What does this have to do with your walk with Jesus?

I probably saw the lizard when I first thought about it, or perhaps a bit of motion from where he lay. Our senses are like that, we see hundreds of things with every glance in a new direction, but we notice at most a few of them. Our subconscious sorts all those impressions by what we have found important and paid attention to in the past, and lets through a filtered image. A reflection of ourselves hides the view through the window.

All of our lives are like that, if you spend your time complaining about your job or spouse, you will find more to complain about. If you spend time in prayer, expecting God to answer, you will start too see where he answers, when he does it. If you spend time reading God's word, the Bible, you will recognize God's voice when he speaks.

This is not an overnight process. I looked where I expected to see a lizard and saw none. I got closer and saw him, he had been there but my subconscious knew the waves and the view were more important to me. When I approached the lizard was "suddenly there" enjoying the sun. This was the threshold where I normally watched the lizard watch me, and start to react. Next time, unless I go looking for lizards, I will probably notice him sooner. After this message lizards will seem more of a priority to my subconscious.

Everyone sees what is important to them and ignores that which is contrary or unsupportive to their view.

Look around the room you are in, there are hundreds of items there. Not just chairs and a computer, but perhaps a spot on the wall, a tilt to a picture, a plate of cookies (how many?). What we notice is limited by our trained perceptions. A cleanie will notice every spot, I will overlook most of them. I may notice a hawk in the distance instantly and miss a pretty rock next to me.

To know the fullness of joy God has for you, you need to see and feel him work. God's love is surrounding you right now, enter in, stay a while.

Spend time in God's word.

Spend Time talking with God.

consciously enter into a life where Christ is central.


An hour each Sunday and Wednesday is not enough. You want to notice Jesus in your life, he is there for you all the time.


Spend your time with him, give him the importance he deserves. Your life will be fuller, and more joyful for that awareness.



Then one of them, a lawyer, asked tempting him and saying "Master which is the great commandment in the law?" Jesus said unto him "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." Matthew 22:35-40 ( KJV), see also Luke 10: 25-37



Jesus is Lord!

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Sunday Service 2 October 2005

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Tough Love and Sin


Tithes and Offerings


Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?

Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. - Matthew 7: 7-12

Decently and in order

Count it all Joy


Jesus is Lord!
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Resources, Links, & Stuff

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I should be back with a regular message by Wednesday.


Take time to wander and wonder:

Billy Graham's steps to peace with God

Teen Mania

Partner sites links

Evolution inversion: A mere is a reflective puddle.

The free Church: The separation of church and state.

Violence and religion: What do you first notice about a cut diamond?

You can find good sources of information in your Bible.

PRAY!

The Deal is on The Table

Heaven and Hell

Check everything anyone writes or says with the Bible.

An essay by Pufendorf written in 1687

Our School






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