“God’s wounds cure, sin’s kisses kill” - William Gurnall
God is a wise disciplinarian. Concerning the difference in Adam and Eve’s consequences for sin, it is significant to consider what are generally topics of interest and value in each sex. Men usually find their greatest sense of significance in their work while women find it in their relationships. Adam’s discipline was associated with his work, increasing its challenge and difficulty. He had taken (with practically no effort) what did not belong to him to eat. His punishment was related to his sin in that now he must work very hard for what it was his right to eat.
Eve’s sin involved a breakdown in relationships—first with God then with her husband. Her discipline involved experiencing pain in the closest relationship—mother with child. The pain of childbearing is the pain of separation. This is symbolic of the pain Eve caused when she separated from God. (Patriarchs and Prophets, Ellen G. White, pgs. 58-60)
Showing posts with label Obedience. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Obedience. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Sunday, November 14, 2010
THE GARDEN IN EDEN: EARTH'S FIRST FAMILY
During the week of creation, God planted a garden and put the man Adam whom he had made.
A river that had four openings, flowed out of Eden to water the garden.
In addition to the trees that God made to provide food, two special trees were put in the garden.
One was the Tree of Life and the other was the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.
God gave man another job, to take care of the garden.
God told Adam that he may eat from any of the trees that were for food, but not to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.
God warned him that in the day he ate from that special tree, he would surely die.
Remember what Adam’s other job was, to name the animals, fish and birds?
Well, while he was naming them, he realized that they all had a partner, but he didn’t have one.
God already knew that it was not good for man to be alone, but now Adam knew it too.
God put Adam to sleep and performed the first surgery by taking a rib from Adam’s side and using it to make a partner for him.
Adam called her woman and she became known as Eve, the mother of all living.
During that time, the man and his wife didn’t wear any clothes, but they were not embarrassed and did not seem to notice.
Since there was no sin on the earth, this family could have lived happily every after.
(C) Leuanna N. Matheson 2007
A river that had four openings, flowed out of Eden to water the garden.
In addition to the trees that God made to provide food, two special trees were put in the garden.
One was the Tree of Life and the other was the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.
God gave man another job, to take care of the garden.
God told Adam that he may eat from any of the trees that were for food, but not to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.
God warned him that in the day he ate from that special tree, he would surely die.
Remember what Adam’s other job was, to name the animals, fish and birds?
Well, while he was naming them, he realized that they all had a partner, but he didn’t have one.
God already knew that it was not good for man to be alone, but now Adam knew it too.
God put Adam to sleep and performed the first surgery by taking a rib from Adam’s side and using it to make a partner for him.
Adam called her woman and she became known as Eve, the mother of all living.
During that time, the man and his wife didn’t wear any clothes, but they were not embarrassed and did not seem to notice.
Since there was no sin on the earth, this family could have lived happily every after.
(C) Leuanna N. Matheson 2007
Thursday, July 15, 2010
THE WILL OF GOD
"...if any man be a worshiper of God, and doeth His will, him He heareth." (John 9:31)
Romans 8:27 - That He (Jesus) that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit (Holy Ghost), because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
1 Corinthians 12:11 (see v. 7-10*) - That all these (the 9 spiritual gifts described*) worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing (distributing) to every man severally (individually) as He will.
Galatians 1:3-5 - That Jesus Christ game himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world according to the will of God and our father: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 5:17:21 - That wherefore ye be not unwise, but understanding what the will of the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; submitting yourselves on to another in the fear of God.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-6 - For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: that every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor; not in lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: that no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any thing: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 - In every thing give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
1 Peter 2:13-16 - That ye submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as servants of God.
1 Peter 3:17 - For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
1 Peter 4:2,19 - That ye no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God...Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing , as unto a faithful Creator.
Romans 8:27 - That He (Jesus) that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit (Holy Ghost), because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
1 Corinthians 12:11 (see v. 7-10*) - That all these (the 9 spiritual gifts described*) worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing (distributing) to every man severally (individually) as He will.
Galatians 1:3-5 - That Jesus Christ game himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world according to the will of God and our father: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 5:17:21 - That wherefore ye be not unwise, but understanding what the will of the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; submitting yourselves on to another in the fear of God.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-6 - For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: that every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor; not in lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: that no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any thing: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 - In every thing give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
1 Peter 2:13-16 - That ye submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as servants of God.
1 Peter 3:17 - For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
1 Peter 4:2,19 - That ye no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God...Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing , as unto a faithful Creator.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
PERFECTION OF CHARACTER
Perfection of Character
One of the current errors in Christianity is that there is justification (Romans 4:24, 25), i.e. saved by grace (Ephesians 2:5, 8) without sanctification, i.e. change of character and habits through obedience to the truth (Acts 16:26, 1 Peter 1:2). Study these precepts in the following lines, Romans 8:1 and 2 Corinthians 5:7 and Acts 26:18. The two work together.
Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently (1 Peter 1:22)
Jesus said to the demoniac and to the woman caught in adultery, “go and sin no more”. Sin is transgression of the law (1 John 3:4). The law of God is spelled out for us in the 10 Commandments (Found in the Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, all the way to the Gospels, Paul’s letters and finally in Revelation).
Recurring themes: victory over sin; overcoming; being perfect; purifying our souls; and many more
Living a sinless life through the merits of Christ is possible!
Since you’re interested in understanding more of God’s word, here are some texts for further study (this is by no means and exhaustive list of bible texts):
Zephaniah 3:13 [no guile in our mouths]; Revelation 14:1, 5 [the 144,000]; Revelation 7:1-8 [144,000 receive the seal of God]; 1 Peter 1:16 [be ye perfect]; 1 Peter 2:21 [Christ our example]; Hebrews 8:8-10 [the sealing of God’s law in our hearts is the new covenant] and many more
One of the current errors in Christianity is that there is justification (Romans 4:24, 25), i.e. saved by grace (Ephesians 2:5, 8) without sanctification, i.e. change of character and habits through obedience to the truth (Acts 16:26, 1 Peter 1:2). Study these precepts in the following lines, Romans 8:1 and 2 Corinthians 5:7 and Acts 26:18. The two work together.
Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently (1 Peter 1:22)
Jesus said to the demoniac and to the woman caught in adultery, “go and sin no more”. Sin is transgression of the law (1 John 3:4). The law of God is spelled out for us in the 10 Commandments (Found in the Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, all the way to the Gospels, Paul’s letters and finally in Revelation).
Recurring themes: victory over sin; overcoming; being perfect; purifying our souls; and many more
Living a sinless life through the merits of Christ is possible!
Since you’re interested in understanding more of God’s word, here are some texts for further study (this is by no means and exhaustive list of bible texts):
Zephaniah 3:13 [no guile in our mouths]; Revelation 14:1, 5 [the 144,000]; Revelation 7:1-8 [144,000 receive the seal of God]; 1 Peter 1:16 [be ye perfect]; 1 Peter 2:21 [Christ our example]; Hebrews 8:8-10 [the sealing of God’s law in our hearts is the new covenant] and many more
Monday, May 17, 2010
THE REFINED GOSPEL - PROCESSED RELIGION
The Refined Gospel – Processed Religion
“And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man saying, we will eat our own bread and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name to take away our reproach” (Isaiah 4:1)*
There is a plethora of religious options to choose from, all claiming to be true. The patient seeker of truth has the guarantee that they will find it (Jeremiah 29:13). In the hodgepodge of religious teachings there is a pure and undefiled religion (James 1:27) and there is a processed religion.
In the processed religion the people say, “prophecy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophecy deceits” (see Isaiah 30:10). The leaders of the people cause them to err (see Isaiah 9:16) and the idolatrous priests…that burned incense unto Baal, to the sun, and to the moon, and to the planets, and to all the host of heaven (2 Kings 23:5) are misleading the flock.
When we begin to feed upon the pure, unrefined word of God it will have a powerful effect on our lives. We will preach with power (Revelation 18:1) and there will be no spiritual constipation or a form of godliness (2 Timothy 3:5). Just like food with its full fiber moves the waste and impurities from our bodies, so the pure word of the Lord purges the mind of impure thoughts and false teachings to the perfection of our character (Ephesians 5:26).
The word, however, must be chewed (studied) thoroughly (2 Timothy 2:15). If you’re not used to such full truth, it may be difficult at first, but as you become accustomed to the word of God, it will become easier to understand. Isaiah encourages us to study the word line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, there a little (Isaiah 28:10). By a casual perusal or by trying to take in too much at one time, we will not be edified and confusion and frustration will be the sure result.
Let us choose our spiritual food carefully.
*symbolic language: woman – church (Jeremiah 6:2; Revelation 12:17); bread - word of God (2 Peter 1:20; Matthew 16:12); apparel – character (Revelation 19:8; Isaiah 61:10); man/name – Christ (2 Chronicles 7:14)
“And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man saying, we will eat our own bread and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name to take away our reproach” (Isaiah 4:1)*
There is a plethora of religious options to choose from, all claiming to be true. The patient seeker of truth has the guarantee that they will find it (Jeremiah 29:13). In the hodgepodge of religious teachings there is a pure and undefiled religion (James 1:27) and there is a processed religion.
In the processed religion the people say, “prophecy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophecy deceits” (see Isaiah 30:10). The leaders of the people cause them to err (see Isaiah 9:16) and the idolatrous priests…that burned incense unto Baal, to the sun, and to the moon, and to the planets, and to all the host of heaven (2 Kings 23:5) are misleading the flock.
When we begin to feed upon the pure, unrefined word of God it will have a powerful effect on our lives. We will preach with power (Revelation 18:1) and there will be no spiritual constipation or a form of godliness (2 Timothy 3:5). Just like food with its full fiber moves the waste and impurities from our bodies, so the pure word of the Lord purges the mind of impure thoughts and false teachings to the perfection of our character (Ephesians 5:26).
The word, however, must be chewed (studied) thoroughly (2 Timothy 2:15). If you’re not used to such full truth, it may be difficult at first, but as you become accustomed to the word of God, it will become easier to understand. Isaiah encourages us to study the word line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, there a little (Isaiah 28:10). By a casual perusal or by trying to take in too much at one time, we will not be edified and confusion and frustration will be the sure result.
Let us choose our spiritual food carefully.
*symbolic language: woman – church (Jeremiah 6:2; Revelation 12:17); bread - word of God (2 Peter 1:20; Matthew 16:12); apparel – character (Revelation 19:8; Isaiah 61:10); man/name – Christ (2 Chronicles 7:14)
Sunday, May 9, 2010
RANDOM QUOTE
"If you don't know who you are, then anyone can name you, and you are then theirs by right of possession" - partial quote on the *Metro New York Men's Prayer Ministry conference call, with my addition
Romans 6:16 says, "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?"
Praise the Lord for the encouragement that follows in verse 17,18 of the same chapter, "But God be thanked, that ye were servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being made free from sin ye became servants of righteousness."
*Metro New York Men's Prayer Ministry
Daily 5:30am (EST)
218-486-1622
Pin: 13514#
N.B. Women are invited and welcome to participate as silent listeners and prayer partners
Romans 6:16 says, "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?"
Praise the Lord for the encouragement that follows in verse 17,18 of the same chapter, "But God be thanked, that ye were servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being made free from sin ye became servants of righteousness."
*Metro New York Men's Prayer Ministry
Daily 5:30am (EST)
218-486-1622
Pin: 13514#
N.B. Women are invited and welcome to participate as silent listeners and prayer partners
Thursday, December 24, 2009
JEREMIAH THE PROPHET, SON OF HILKIAH THE PRIEST (the conclusion)
"...I spake unto you, rising up early and speaking, but ye heard not; and I called you, but ye answered not..." (Jeremiah 7:13).
"...But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you. But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward" (Jeremiah 7:23,24).
"...I have sent unto you all my servants the prophets, daily rising up early and sending them: yet they hearkened not unto me, nor inclined their ear, but hardened their neck: they did worse then their fathers" (Jeremiah 7:25,26).
"..This is a nation that obeyeth not the voice of the Lord their God, nor receiveth correction: truth is perished, and is cut off from their mouth" (Jeremiah 7:28).
"Why then is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding? they hold fast deceit, they refuse to return...no man repenteth him of his wickedness, saying, What have I done? Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgement of the Lord" (Jeremiah 8:5-8).
"...from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely. For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace... We looked for peace, but no good came; and for a time of health and behold trouble!" (Jeremiah 8:10,11,15).
"Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?" (Jeremiah 8:22).
"...But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you. But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward" (Jeremiah 7:23,24).
"...I have sent unto you all my servants the prophets, daily rising up early and sending them: yet they hearkened not unto me, nor inclined their ear, but hardened their neck: they did worse then their fathers" (Jeremiah 7:25,26).
"..This is a nation that obeyeth not the voice of the Lord their God, nor receiveth correction: truth is perished, and is cut off from their mouth" (Jeremiah 7:28).
"Why then is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding? they hold fast deceit, they refuse to return...no man repenteth him of his wickedness, saying, What have I done? Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgement of the Lord" (Jeremiah 8:5-8).
"...from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely. For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace... We looked for peace, but no good came; and for a time of health and behold trouble!" (Jeremiah 8:10,11,15).
"Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?" (Jeremiah 8:22).
JEREMIAH THE PROPHET, SON OF HILKIAH THE PRIEST (the continuation)
"...the Lord liveth, in truth, in judgement, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory. For thus saith the Lord to the men of Judah and Jerusalem, Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns. Circumcise yourselves to the Lord, and take away the foreskins of your heart..." (Jeremiah 4:2-4).
"The prophets prophecy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?" (Jeremiah 5:31)
"For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely...saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace. Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein. Hear, O earth; Behold, I will bring evil upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not hearkened unto my words, nor to my law, but rejected it." (Jeremiah 6:13,14,16,19).
"Behold, ye trust in lying words, that cannot profit. Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not; and come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations? Is this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, even I have seen it, saith the Lord" (Jeremiah 7:8-11).
to be continued...
"The prophets prophecy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?" (Jeremiah 5:31)
"For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely...saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace. Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein. Hear, O earth; Behold, I will bring evil upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not hearkened unto my words, nor to my law, but rejected it." (Jeremiah 6:13,14,16,19).
"Behold, ye trust in lying words, that cannot profit. Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not; and come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations? Is this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, even I have seen it, saith the Lord" (Jeremiah 7:8-11).
to be continued...
JEREMIAH THE PROPHET, SON OF HILKIAH THE PRIEST
"The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, of the priests...to whom the word of the Lord came in the days of Josiah..."(Jeremiah 1:1,2).
"Then the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.
Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I a child. But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord. Then the Lord put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the Lord said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth" (Jeremiah 1:4-9).
"And I will utter my judgements against them touching all their wickedness, who have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, and worshiped the works of their own hands...and they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the Lord, to deliver thee" (Jeremiah 1:16,19).
"Israel was holiness unto the Lord, and the first fruits of his increase...and I brought you into a plentiful country, to eat the fruit thereof and the goodness thereof: but when ye entered, ye defiled my land, and made mine heritage an abomination. The priests said not, Where is the Lord? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me and the prophets prophesied by Baal and walked after things that do not profit" (Jeremiah 2:3,7,8).
"For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water...yet I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into a degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me?" (Jeremiah 2:13,21)
"...Yet return again to me, saith the Lord...A voice was heard upon the high places, weeping and supplications of the children of Israel: for they have perverted their way, and they have forgotten the Lord their God." (Jeremiah 3;1,21)
to be continued...
"Then the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.
Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I a child. But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord. Then the Lord put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the Lord said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth" (Jeremiah 1:4-9).
"And I will utter my judgements against them touching all their wickedness, who have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, and worshiped the works of their own hands...and they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the Lord, to deliver thee" (Jeremiah 1:16,19).
"Israel was holiness unto the Lord, and the first fruits of his increase...and I brought you into a plentiful country, to eat the fruit thereof and the goodness thereof: but when ye entered, ye defiled my land, and made mine heritage an abomination. The priests said not, Where is the Lord? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me and the prophets prophesied by Baal and walked after things that do not profit" (Jeremiah 2:3,7,8).
"For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water...yet I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into a degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me?" (Jeremiah 2:13,21)
"...Yet return again to me, saith the Lord...A voice was heard upon the high places, weeping and supplications of the children of Israel: for they have perverted their way, and they have forgotten the Lord their God." (Jeremiah 3;1,21)
to be continued...
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
THE CLASH OF WILLS
First thing this morning, before the cock crew, I had a clash of wills with one of my children. It was a hard fought battle, but once entered in, it had to be won by me. The challenge was to guide the will of my child without loud-voiced commands, threatenings or force.
Immediately, Child Guidance, by Ellen G. White came to mind and I had to pick it up for encouragement. The chapter entitled, "The Will a Factor in Success" helped me greatly and pointed me to pray to the Lord for strength at that moment. Before that, in my carnal state, prayer had not even entered my mind. In humility, I bowed my head in prayer and asked the Lord's strength, to which He mercifully and lovingly supplied. Not only did He strengthen me, but as I felt my anger melt away, He also worked on my child to bring her into compliance.
So, with a more surrendered spirit, she went to perform the word that had gone out of my mouth. She even asked for my assistance, which I reluctantly gave. Here the Spirit was calling me to surrender to Him again.
"Thanks be to God who giveth us the victory through Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:57).
Immediately, Child Guidance, by Ellen G. White came to mind and I had to pick it up for encouragement. The chapter entitled, "The Will a Factor in Success" helped me greatly and pointed me to pray to the Lord for strength at that moment. Before that, in my carnal state, prayer had not even entered my mind. In humility, I bowed my head in prayer and asked the Lord's strength, to which He mercifully and lovingly supplied. Not only did He strengthen me, but as I felt my anger melt away, He also worked on my child to bring her into compliance.
So, with a more surrendered spirit, she went to perform the word that had gone out of my mouth. She even asked for my assistance, which I reluctantly gave. Here the Spirit was calling me to surrender to Him again.
"Thanks be to God who giveth us the victory through Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:57).
Monday, April 20, 2009
PATRIOTISM OF ANOTHER ORDER (Pt. 2)
The weekend after writing PATRIOTISM OF ANOTHER ORDER (Pt. 1), I had the opportunity to drive six hours on the highway. I maintained the speed limit all the way, either going at 55mph or 65mph depending on the Interstate.
In a small town, I was cruising down a mountain, letting gravity do it natural work, not paying attention to my speed and ended up being pulled over for going 48mph in a 25mph speed zone. For one split moment, not paying attention caused me to transgress the law.
Are you beginning to see the spiritual importance here as it relates to the Law of God? Are you beginning to get a clearer picture of the deception that is being preached concerning the Ten Commandments and their validity in our lives today?
This is important friends. This is not legalism. If obeying the law is legalism, then that police should not have pulled me over and I should not have received a ticket. He should be out of a job and the courts should be closed. We would be free to do as we please and there would be no governing body to appeal to.
Can you see the chaos this world would be in. The law is there for our happiness, not to hinder us. Why should God's laws be any different?
Do you get the picture?
In a small town, I was cruising down a mountain, letting gravity do it natural work, not paying attention to my speed and ended up being pulled over for going 48mph in a 25mph speed zone. For one split moment, not paying attention caused me to transgress the law.
Are you beginning to see the spiritual importance here as it relates to the Law of God? Are you beginning to get a clearer picture of the deception that is being preached concerning the Ten Commandments and their validity in our lives today?
This is important friends. This is not legalism. If obeying the law is legalism, then that police should not have pulled me over and I should not have received a ticket. He should be out of a job and the courts should be closed. We would be free to do as we please and there would be no governing body to appeal to.
Can you see the chaos this world would be in. The law is there for our happiness, not to hinder us. Why should God's laws be any different?
Do you get the picture?
Thursday, April 9, 2009
NEHEMIAH THE CUPBEARER
What vision has God given you? Goals are man made but vision is from God. ~
Your goals must line up with God's vision.
The book of Nehemiah in the Old Testament is one we can glean from. The story of Nehemiah was during the exile of the Israelites from Jerusalem into Babylon. There was a remnant that survived the exile. (Nehemiah 1:1) At the time God gave Nehemiah a vision, he was a servant to the king of Babylon. God gave Nehemiah the vision to repair the wall that once surrounded Jerusalem. Interestingly enough, an attempt to repair the wall had been made by a group before but where they failed, God would allow Nehemiah to succeed.
Once God gave Nehemiah the vision, he then turned it into action. Nehemiah's distress over the destruction of the wall was so great that he couldn't hide his sorrow, not even from the king. Nehemiah 1:4-2:1. Before even being in the king's presence though, Nehemiah consulted God. Let's see how he did it.
Step 1: Nehemiah prayed and fasted
Step 2: Nehemiah asked for foregiveness of his sins and the sins of his people.
Step 3: Nehemiah asked for God's favor. A very important factor in doing anything.
Once in front of the king, Nehemiah was given the opportunity to express God's vision. (Nehemiah 2:4-6) Once given the blessing of the king, he took a small trusted group/team to exam and begin rebuilding the wall. (Nehemiah 2:11-20, 3)
Soon after the rebuilding started, Nehemiah faced opposition. (Nehemiah 4:1-3). How did Nehemiah handle the opposition? He gave the battle to God. Understand that we do not battle against flesh and blood but against the principalities of darkness. (Ephesians 6:12)
Any opposition that we encounter is spiritual in nature so why would you battle what is spiritual in the flesh? (Nehemiah 4:4-5) Once Nehemiah prayed he allowed God to point him in the direction he needed to go.
Of course then the people assisting him became weak. So Nehemiah had to encourage them despite what was going on. (Nehemiah 4:13-14)
This process of dealing with opposition and the people needing encouragement continued in chapter 5. God also provided Nehemiah with the discernment to see what and who was of God and who wasn't as false prophets were sent to further destress him. Nehemiah continued to be in prayer and stayed in God's presence through the process. The wall was completed because Nehemiah sought God throughout the process. (Nehemiah 6:15) He didn't leave God out. Why leave God out of a vision that He gave you? If you do, you delay the fruition of God's vision and even the termination of by you. Remember what I said in the beginning. The attempt had been made before but where the others failed, God allowed Nehemiah to succeed.
(EMAIL SENT BY JOY RILEY)
Your goals must line up with God's vision.
The book of Nehemiah in the Old Testament is one we can glean from. The story of Nehemiah was during the exile of the Israelites from Jerusalem into Babylon. There was a remnant that survived the exile. (Nehemiah 1:1) At the time God gave Nehemiah a vision, he was a servant to the king of Babylon. God gave Nehemiah the vision to repair the wall that once surrounded Jerusalem. Interestingly enough, an attempt to repair the wall had been made by a group before but where they failed, God would allow Nehemiah to succeed.
Once God gave Nehemiah the vision, he then turned it into action. Nehemiah's distress over the destruction of the wall was so great that he couldn't hide his sorrow, not even from the king. Nehemiah 1:4-2:1. Before even being in the king's presence though, Nehemiah consulted God. Let's see how he did it.
Step 1: Nehemiah prayed and fasted
Step 2: Nehemiah asked for foregiveness of his sins and the sins of his people.
Step 3: Nehemiah asked for God's favor. A very important factor in doing anything.
Once in front of the king, Nehemiah was given the opportunity to express God's vision. (Nehemiah 2:4-6) Once given the blessing of the king, he took a small trusted group/team to exam and begin rebuilding the wall. (Nehemiah 2:11-20, 3)
Soon after the rebuilding started, Nehemiah faced opposition. (Nehemiah 4:1-3). How did Nehemiah handle the opposition? He gave the battle to God. Understand that we do not battle against flesh and blood but against the principalities of darkness. (Ephesians 6:12)
Any opposition that we encounter is spiritual in nature so why would you battle what is spiritual in the flesh? (Nehemiah 4:4-5) Once Nehemiah prayed he allowed God to point him in the direction he needed to go.
Of course then the people assisting him became weak. So Nehemiah had to encourage them despite what was going on. (Nehemiah 4:13-14)
This process of dealing with opposition and the people needing encouragement continued in chapter 5. God also provided Nehemiah with the discernment to see what and who was of God and who wasn't as false prophets were sent to further destress him. Nehemiah continued to be in prayer and stayed in God's presence through the process. The wall was completed because Nehemiah sought God throughout the process. (Nehemiah 6:15) He didn't leave God out. Why leave God out of a vision that He gave you? If you do, you delay the fruition of God's vision and even the termination of by you. Remember what I said in the beginning. The attempt had been made before but where the others failed, God allowed Nehemiah to succeed.
(EMAIL SENT BY JOY RILEY)
JONAH THE PROPHET
There a few lessons we can learn from the Book Jonah regardless of how short it is. Some of you may remember the story of Jonah as it is a story often told. If not: Here is your chance.
Jonah was a prophet for the Lord. A prophet is a spokesperson or mouthpiece for God. A prophet is called to encourage through God's word, rebuke when necessary and to tell God's people what the Lord is doing or is going to do.
In Amos 3:7 Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.
The Lord gave Jonah an assignment/directive to go the city of Nineveh and preach against it. (Jonah 1:1)
Lesson #1: It is clear when God speaks.
Now there was no mistake that the Lord spoke to Jonah. Some question when God is speaking to them. In John 10:27 it says, My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. But if we don't study His word, we don't pray and listen for His direction, then we will never know Him. And if Jonah was a prophet for the Lord, then he knew exactly who was speaking to him. However we see in verse 3 that Jonah refused to do what God told him to do and ran from God, or so he thought.
Lesson # 2 God does not take disobedience lightly, especially if you have said to Him that you are His servant and you will follow him. That's a vow. God is very serious about vows. Jonah thought he was running from God but you can't run from Him. Running from Him means doing the opposite of what He told you to do. We see that God wouldn't give Jonah any peace in verse 4. Jonah thought if he slept he wouldn't know that God was there. God is everywhere! And when you disobey Him you may not only be causing yourself harm but those around you will suffer as well. Those that were on the boat with Jonah going to Tarsus were caught in the middle of Jonah's struggle with God. Have you ever struggled over what God has told you to do? Did you know you could harm others around you by your disobedience? God does this to get your attention so that you see that everything you do or don't do impacts more than just you. In verse 17 it's clear that Jonah wanted to die in order to get out of his assignment. God is the giver of life and death so He wouldn't let Jonah die.
Lesson #3 God does not care about your personal feelings or issues when He tells you to do something. Jonah refused to follow God's direction because he didn't like the people of Nineveh and thought they didn't deserve to hear from God. After being swallowed by the fish, we see that Jonah prayed his way out in Chapter 2. Truthfully, his heart hadn't changed. It doesn't matter if you have racism, sexism, agism, married/unmarried, cultural or any other type of issue against a person. If the Lord is saying you are to do something, get your feelings out of the way. God knew all about Jonah's heart and knew that Jonah didn't like the Ninevites but God was trying to show Jonah that the Israelites were not the only ones who could benefit from God's word. And that he must learn compassion and forgiveness. We see in chapter 3 that the Ninevites turned from their evil ways and submitted to the Lord. Jonah thought they didn't deserve to live and made it clear in Chapter 4. First and foremost we need to understand something from Isaiah 55:8-9.
8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,"
declares the LORD.
9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Who are we to determine what God does and doesn't do? It is just for us to follow His directions. Not out of fear but out of Love and reverance for Him. But the only way that comes about is stated in lesson #1.
(EMAIL SENT BY JOY RILEY)
Jonah was a prophet for the Lord. A prophet is a spokesperson or mouthpiece for God. A prophet is called to encourage through God's word, rebuke when necessary and to tell God's people what the Lord is doing or is going to do.
In Amos 3:7 Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.
The Lord gave Jonah an assignment/directive to go the city of Nineveh and preach against it. (Jonah 1:1)
Lesson #1: It is clear when God speaks.
Now there was no mistake that the Lord spoke to Jonah. Some question when God is speaking to them. In John 10:27 it says, My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. But if we don't study His word, we don't pray and listen for His direction, then we will never know Him. And if Jonah was a prophet for the Lord, then he knew exactly who was speaking to him. However we see in verse 3 that Jonah refused to do what God told him to do and ran from God, or so he thought.
Lesson # 2 God does not take disobedience lightly, especially if you have said to Him that you are His servant and you will follow him. That's a vow. God is very serious about vows. Jonah thought he was running from God but you can't run from Him. Running from Him means doing the opposite of what He told you to do. We see that God wouldn't give Jonah any peace in verse 4. Jonah thought if he slept he wouldn't know that God was there. God is everywhere! And when you disobey Him you may not only be causing yourself harm but those around you will suffer as well. Those that were on the boat with Jonah going to Tarsus were caught in the middle of Jonah's struggle with God. Have you ever struggled over what God has told you to do? Did you know you could harm others around you by your disobedience? God does this to get your attention so that you see that everything you do or don't do impacts more than just you. In verse 17 it's clear that Jonah wanted to die in order to get out of his assignment. God is the giver of life and death so He wouldn't let Jonah die.
Lesson #3 God does not care about your personal feelings or issues when He tells you to do something. Jonah refused to follow God's direction because he didn't like the people of Nineveh and thought they didn't deserve to hear from God. After being swallowed by the fish, we see that Jonah prayed his way out in Chapter 2. Truthfully, his heart hadn't changed. It doesn't matter if you have racism, sexism, agism, married/unmarried, cultural or any other type of issue against a person. If the Lord is saying you are to do something, get your feelings out of the way. God knew all about Jonah's heart and knew that Jonah didn't like the Ninevites but God was trying to show Jonah that the Israelites were not the only ones who could benefit from God's word. And that he must learn compassion and forgiveness. We see in chapter 3 that the Ninevites turned from their evil ways and submitted to the Lord. Jonah thought they didn't deserve to live and made it clear in Chapter 4. First and foremost we need to understand something from Isaiah 55:8-9.
8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,"
declares the LORD.
9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Who are we to determine what God does and doesn't do? It is just for us to follow His directions. Not out of fear but out of Love and reverance for Him. But the only way that comes about is stated in lesson #1.
(EMAIL SENT BY JOY RILEY)
Monday, March 16, 2009
PATRIOTISM OF ANOTHER ORDER (Part 1)
“I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free.” Free to do whatever I please? Free from religious persecution? Exactly what freedoms are afforded to me?
Well this isn’t going to be an appeal for the separation of church and state.
This is about obeying the laws as an act of patriotism or loyalty and an act of love. How deep does your pride go? How much do you love your country? Do you love it enough to obey its laws? Do you love it enough to follow those laws even when you don’t want to, when everyone else is breaking them or when transgressing them would be easiest thing to do?
Speeding is a problem for me. A sin if you will. My problem does not consume me continually because we don’t have a car, but when we rent or borrow a vehicle I come face to face with my sin problem. I don’t like speed limits. They limit my ability to sin (speed) freely.
Have you ever tried driving on a normal day at 55 mph or worse yet, 35 mph? I did. Yesterday I decided to obey all the speed limits for 1 day.
Here are my observations:
• I’ve been so accustomed to speeding for so long that it feels natural, exhilarating even
• The other drivers became irritated with me for obeying the law because it kept them from breaking it
• They rode my bumper to force me to sin (speed)
• I was not even aware of what the speed limit was on certain roads
• I didn’t even notice when I far exceeded the speed limit, until I heard sirens or saw a police cruiser which caused me to look at the speedometer
• None of the above would have been an excuse if I’d been pulled over
At the end of the day, maintaining a lawful speed requires a conscious effort (mind) and physical action (will) and cannot be just something that I tell myself I’m going to do.
My actions must be based on principle, not on what everyone else is doing. If I’m not aware of the law, it does not mean that I’m exempt from obeying it. Fear of punishment is not a pleasant motivator for obedience.
Obedience must be based on respect and love for the governing entity and the belief that its laws are there for my good….
(to be continued)
Well this isn’t going to be an appeal for the separation of church and state.
This is about obeying the laws as an act of patriotism or loyalty and an act of love. How deep does your pride go? How much do you love your country? Do you love it enough to obey its laws? Do you love it enough to follow those laws even when you don’t want to, when everyone else is breaking them or when transgressing them would be easiest thing to do?
Speeding is a problem for me. A sin if you will. My problem does not consume me continually because we don’t have a car, but when we rent or borrow a vehicle I come face to face with my sin problem. I don’t like speed limits. They limit my ability to sin (speed) freely.
Have you ever tried driving on a normal day at 55 mph or worse yet, 35 mph? I did. Yesterday I decided to obey all the speed limits for 1 day.
Here are my observations:
• I’ve been so accustomed to speeding for so long that it feels natural, exhilarating even
• The other drivers became irritated with me for obeying the law because it kept them from breaking it
• They rode my bumper to force me to sin (speed)
• I was not even aware of what the speed limit was on certain roads
• I didn’t even notice when I far exceeded the speed limit, until I heard sirens or saw a police cruiser which caused me to look at the speedometer
• None of the above would have been an excuse if I’d been pulled over
At the end of the day, maintaining a lawful speed requires a conscious effort (mind) and physical action (will) and cannot be just something that I tell myself I’m going to do.
My actions must be based on principle, not on what everyone else is doing. If I’m not aware of the law, it does not mean that I’m exempt from obeying it. Fear of punishment is not a pleasant motivator for obedience.
Obedience must be based on respect and love for the governing entity and the belief that its laws are there for my good….
(to be continued)
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