It’s not Your Fault.

 

A recent post “Visiting Hours” by Rick Dawson  told of his father-in-law limping for several days.  Then his dad fell in the bathroom at the swimming pool, and although Rick tried, he was not able to catch him. 

The ER doctor said the limp was because his hip had a fracture that had not been previously noted at the last ER visit and the fall was NOT Rick’s fault. 

Rick's story reminded me of a time not too recent when I too felt guilty thinking I could have done more.

 

My mother smiles down from heaven, and I remember the blame I experienced when I took her to the mall with her walker that had four wheels.

She tired easily, so on the way back to the car I had her sit on the seat that went with the walker and began to push giving her a ride.

I forgot the handles engaged the break, and I must have pressed down, and up she went head over heels, and skinned her forehead good.

I took her to the ER and we sat for several hours.  Finally I decided to take her home and see if our neighbor who is a nurse was home.

Sweet Neighbor Nurse Debbie came over to our place and treated her with ointment, gauze and tape and when she left mother was in smiles.

Have you experienced guilt over something over which you had no control?  Most of us have at one time or another.

If only we could go back and change the past, we would do a lot of things differently than when we first encountered them, but we must live through it again when the memories haunt us.

I am so glad that God sent Jesus to take our punishment and our guilt and pain.  He does not remember those things that we are still sorry for and even yet may feel guilt at times.

As Rick would say, “I am not buying the tickets for a “Guilt Trip.”  I thought that was a good saying to remember.

What is the Mystery?

When I was a child, my mother would allow us listen to the evening radio shows.  One of my favorites was “I Love a Mystery.” 

 

It was a scary program, but it was so much fun to try to solve the mystery.

Jesus spoke about a mystery and no one seemed to understand what he was saying. 

Mark 4:11  And Jesus said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:

Paul stated the mystery quite well when he said, the mystery is that God allows even the Gentiles (all of us) to receive eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 3:3-6  How that by revelation God made known unto me the mystery (as I wrote afore in few words,  Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)  Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;  That the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

Paul continued when he said the mystery is something that happens to us in our Spirit (inside of us.)

Colosians _1:27  To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

 

Ephesians 3:16-19  That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith

The MOST important mystery of the Gospel, is that Jesus Christ is IN us by His Spirit.

 

Romans_11:25  For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery,

 

God delights to reveal this mystery to us and He has not hidden it from us.  

1 Corinthians  2:7  But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

God’s Will is to be revealed to us !!   Ephesians_1:9  Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

Let us not forget this important MYSTERY – regarding the final resurrection.

1 Corinthians _15:51  Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

This too is a mystery how Christ Jesus could be IN God, God IN Him

1Timothy_3:16  And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

Yes, there are many mysteries that are yet to be revealed once we see Jesus, but for now let us search the Scriptures, for in them we find LIFE and that life is in Christ Jesus.

 

 

 

 

You Want Me To Do What?

 

You Want Me To Do What?

 

Pastor Jerry made a (tongue in cheek) announcement that from now on our church building would become a clinic to house and feed the homeless with three meals a day.

Proclamations such as this would frighten some of us and cause much anxiety among most.  Although our church supports local groups who do this type of ministry, our mission is not along those lines.  The congregation realized this was an illustration for what was to follow in the sermon.

Pastor began to read the scriptures from Genesis 22:1-4 regarding Abraham hearing the voice of God that told him to take his beloved son of promise to the land of Moriah to a certain mountain and sacrifice his boy there.

Many years ago, God had promised Abraham that from his seed would come a great nation, and now he was being asked to do the unthinkable.  Perhaps Abraham could have said, “You Want Me To Do What?” but this was not what he said. 

Naturally he was puzzled, but with a heavy heart, and without question he made preparations for their three day journey to make a sacrifice. 

 

As they approached the mountain, - -
Genesis 22: 5 Abraham said to his young servants, “Stay here with the donkey, and I and the lad will go over there; and WE will worship and WE will return to you.”

Abraham’s faith was so strong that he believed God would raise Isaac from the dead if he made this supreme sacrifice, and they would both return together.

Now the lad began to question, where is the Lamb?  

Abrahams only reply was; "God will provide.” 

Abraham did not hesitate, as he bound his son, laid him on the altar and raised his knife.

 

A voice from heaven said, “Abraham Stop, this was a test.” And it was then he saw a ram in the thicket, and the ram became the sacrifice.

 You have heard this story preached many times, so what does this account have to do with us?  The significance was the place.

It is an Archeological fact that this land became Jerusalem, and the same mountain was where Jesus was sacrificed. Yet God himself did not withhold His only begotten Son, but freely gave Him up for us all.

In life we may be puzzled as we face uncomfortable situations, and our creative thinking will try to figure a way out.  Life is not always clean cut and nice, and sometimes it is ugly. 

Consider the depth level.  When all hope is gone, God provides.  We need to trust God that He will work it out for our good and according to His purpose.

God may be dealing with you to pray face to face with those you contact.  Or God may even be asking you to do something for Him, that you have never attempted before.  

Listen carefully for God is still speaking even today.

May we act in obedience with boldness and not be guilty of saying - - - “You Want Me To Do What?”

 

SOZO



We also are Triune : Spirit, Soul and Body

 

The word SOZO translated into English means Saved, and we usually consider Saved means to be Born Again in our Spirit. 

However in the original Greek language it has a deeper meaning that takes in the entire person: SPIRIT, SOUL and BODY.

When Jesus died and rose again, he enabled us to experience Salvation in our spirit, also Healing for our human body, and healing for our Soul (soul defined as “Mind, Will and Emotions.”) 



The soul is in your Head
Your spirit is in your Heart !

Some Christians in error believe the soul is what gets spiritually saved, but the truth is that our soul is in our head.  (Our Mind, Will and Emotions).

The spirit is in our heart.

 

We are in effect a triune person:  It is good to remind ourselves, “I am a Spirit (that unseen Real person which lives inside me) and that part of 'ME' dwells in my body (tent house) and I have a Soul.”  The Soul is where we usually have our problems.   Our thought life and our emotional outlook, and our will.

 

 Our wills are stubborn, and we desire our own way, and of course our emotions tip every which way at once like a teeter totter.

 

Our will must be given to Jesus first before we act on our own.
Not my will but thine be done!  We struggle with our emotions our fears and self doubts and our soul is in need to be redeemed.

 

Romans 12:2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.   

 

This is where the Word of God comes in and reading our Bible is important to renew our mind.  It is important to Memorize portions of scripture that speak to you and say them with your mouth to yourself when in trouble.  It is good to hear yourself say God's word.

 

So many of us hurt in our physical body, and although we realize that Jesus wants us well and healthy but this brings us a definite struggle when we do not immediately receive a miracle for our body.

 

Those who walk in miracle ministry tell us that as we seek the presence of Jesus that we enter into the supernatural where miracles happen. 

We cry “How long?” and God answers back, “It takes time for a birth and I am developing it.”

You might enjoy this article from Sozotoday.com/ blog    
http://sozotoday.com/what-is-sozo/

 

 

Praying with the Holy Spirit

 

Praying With the Holy Spirit 

Our eyes are closed and our thoughts are open and directed toward you O Lord,

Yet we see into worlds unknown by others, and you are there,

Your presence enfolds us to your bosom, and your arms hold us secure,

We are helplessly, transfixed as we realize your very virtue flows through us here!

 

We sense your gentle touch reaching out - - over the miles and through space and time,

In rapture our prayers flow out through you to those in need and those in pain,

You are there already before our voice did call or mention the need today!

Though darkened vision, their faces are yet before us as we call their name.

 

If you are there already, why must we agonize these words of request?

Are you asking that two or three are enough to send the enemy on his way?

Do you need someone to “stand in the gap” and stir the healing flow?

Patiently and soberly our petition is brought before you and there we let it lay!

 

Is it enough to ask once and believe that you have heard?

Should now our prayers be words of thanksgiving and praise?

We know that behind the scenes you are working in their behalf,

Our trust is in you, and all your Word declares and says!

 

We wait and rise for now, shake and alert us again when need is there,

Your word declares that you alone are God and you know our frame is as dust,

Willing to intercede and be your vessel we lean on you, Use us O God, we are here!

Your hand moves when we ask in faith, and it is in you we place our trust.

 

Jeremiah 33:3  Call unto me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you know not.

 

 

All in the Family

All In the Family

Pastor Jerry was reading from Genesis 21:8-21  The story of God’s promise to Abraham to have an heir, and Sarah deciding to help God by offering her maid to her husband.  The result was a male child who later became a source of bitterness and jealousy to Sarah.

The fulfilled promise of a child to Abraham came late in life and the impossible happened.  Sarah was beyond the age of child bearing, yet she became the mother of Isaac.

Sarah could not hold her resentment and hostility toward the son of the maid and requested Abraham to send them away.  He did as she asked, and the mother and child were driven out into the desert. 

Tired and hungry the servant woman wept but an angel appeared showing her food and water, and provided a promise that God would also make of her son a great nation. 

 

Later in life Ishmael had 12 sons who became chieftains and rulers in the Arab nation.

In many neighborhoods and cities there is a multi-culture of mixed races and religions. As people move from place to place the world becomes smaller.  Naturalism and protecting one’s culture, language and religion are evident.

Multi-Cultural

How do we respond to this racial and cultural mix?

The covenant between God and Abraham incorporated that he move toward Cannon where he was to claim the promised land that would become Israel.

The Jewish religion came through Abraham’s descendants, and Islam from the Arabs, and Christianity all three state; "The Lord God is One God."

What has all this to do with us?  There is never always smooth sailing through life.  Many times there are broken dreams, promises, jealousy and even rage between friends and families.

We are filled with joy and hope, and then come bitterness and strife.

We like stories where the younger brother does well and succeeds.  Jacob, David, The prodigal son to name a few, and of course little brother Isaac.

The good news is to us all and God has methods to redeem and restore lives.  In the symbol of the cross, we find life.

Although we are all one human family – the fact is that unless we receive Jesus as our Lord, we are not Children of God. 

May we be reminded that Jesus said HE is the door and no man comes to the Father except through Jesus.  Jesus is the Way into heaven and He is the truth and the life.

May we all become "One" as we are a part of God’s Family through Jesus the Christ.

 

What Does Speaking in Tongues Have to do With the Holy Spirit?

 

Many teachers, theologians and ministers endeavor to explain away Holy Spirit the need for Tongues and they are like the blind leading the blind – because they have NO knowledge of what they speak.

They meekly admit they have never experienced the fire or the experience according to the scriptures but boldly teach against it, saying “Let’s not get too emotional.”

 

Their explanation of the Holy Spirit reminds me of the story of the blind men explaining what an elephant is like.  Each blind person had not actually seen an elephant and their varied opinions were different for each person - -and there we are today! Assuming without experience will not get you to the truth.

Being saved (born again) and being Spirit filled are two separate events.  Most Christians assume that they mean the same thing, or that they happen in a single occasion.  But that is an incorrect assumption. The Bible clearly distinguishes between them as two separate acts.

It’s no wonder so many hearts cry out from the depths of unfulfilled spiritual hunger.

Now you may already know that speaking in tongues is probably the most controversial issue surrounding the baptism in the Holy Spirit. If it weren’t for this unique expression and gift of the Spirit, this baptism would probably be much more readily accepted by the overall Christian community.

The words above in Italics and in red are taken from Craig Tanner’s blog “Just One Touch from the King.”

I agree whole heartedly with the above comments – but differ just a bit in how easy it is to receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

In the Bible, those who received this gift of endowment of power were earnestly seeking and desiring for God to fill them to overflowing.  There was a hunger and thirst with yearning and craving after what was being offered. 

Their hearts were open to receive from God and there was NO fear that He would give them a false gift.  Although faith was necessary, there was also a willingness to be used of God and to follow Him with almost blind obedience.

The New Testament saints expected those who were baptized with the Holy Spirit to speak in tongues, as this was a sign that the believer had received. 

Acts 8:44-47 While Peter yet spoke these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.  And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.  For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

The gift of tongues becomes a powerful prayer language that will enable the believer to keep built up on their most Holy faith; (Jude 1:20) and to be able to pray according to God’s will.  (Romans 8:26)

I trust R.T. Kendall and you might find more answers you seek in his book.  HOLY FIRE  Available from Amazon.com

The debate about the Holy Spirit has been around for a long time. In Holy Fire, best-selling author and respected theologian R. T. Kendall sets the record straight about the Holy Spirit’s role in our lives and in the life of the church.

May we not settle for less when there is more of God available for seeking believers.

 

 

A Good Book Can Help 2

This is a Chapter from my Book

"Rescue the Stories Book Two" 

 

 

 

Besides the Good Book, (The Bible,) I have enjoyed magazines and books on parenting helps.  When my children were just babies, I subscribed to Parent’s Magazine.  I gleaned many tips and ideas that were of tremendous help to me in those early years.

As time passed, I found a special book - - probably at a Thrift Store or at a Garage sale; but I discovered it to be a wonderful book on raising children.

Here was an outstanding book that incorporated answers to all sorts of behavior problems.  Included were fact-filled chapters covering various ages through the teenage years, along with suggestions on how to cope with different and difficult problems.

During that time, we had five teenagers in our household! Yes, I said five!   Disturbing emotional problems plagued our foster daughter!. Some would say she needed therapy.  I was prompted to give special attention to her each evening.  It was ten minutes with no preaching, but rather just talking and listening. 

 

What wonderful therapy there is for others if a person can just be a good listener!

Before entering her room, I reviewed a current chapter in the book, and prayed asking the Lord how this would apply to her.  Certain lines from the book seemed to stand out, and were to become the answer for that evening. 

Just a sentence or two, and the Lord’s direction on what else to say next, the answer was provided for her need each evening.

Today, with children, and even with friends, using a few moments of quality time, can work wonders!  Share an encouraging thought that will bring them confidence and will show your support!

At times, it might be a line from something you have picked up from a book; a magazine or possibly the internet; that will carry enough weight to bless your child or your friend.

Of course do not forget to utilize the Bible!

Ask the Lord, “What do I say next?”  God may direct you to a Scripture verse that can complement, and then completely cement the thoughts for you to share.

Proverbs 15:23  A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good it is!

 

In The Beginning (Trinity Sunday)

 

As I took notes and edited the sermon, Pastor Jerry and his wife read the entire creation story from Genesis chapters one and two. 

Today is celebrated by many main line churches as Trinity Sunday.   Although the word Trinity is not found in the Bible, we do find God the Father, His Beloved Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit through out the Scriptures.

Even in Creation there was a presence of God in three persons.  God Created, The Spirit moved upon the waters, and God said let US make man in our own image.  God was speaking to someone when he said let US.  John Chapter 1 identifies this further as Jesus.

John 1: 1-3 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  The same was in the beginning with God.  All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

Colossians 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

Pastor told a joke about a young child who asked his dad how the human race began.  His father said, God made Adam and Eve and told them to produce and we have the human race.  Not satisfied by that answer the child went to his mother with the same question.  His mother said, “We came from monkeys.”  Returning to his dad, the child told him what mom said, and the father answered, I told you where my side came from and she told you whence came her side.”

Science has stories that are taught in our schools, but if we believe the Bible we need to remember - -  1 Corinthians 15:39 All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.

Most cultures have a creation story and from ancient paintings and writings the story is similar to Genesis.

The creation took six days and then God rested.  At times we struggle with rest, for often we are frantically filling our days with activity and are too busy to rest.

This world is extraordinary and we are stewards of this God created world.  Many have abused our earth and we are thankful that past Presidents have saved the redwoods, and set aside forests and parks.  We humans get in the way of preserving God’s creation.

Seriously – literally what is true – exact and definite?  We might have questions, because we do not check our brain at the door of the church.  Search the scriptures for in them is life. 

Then believe the Bible - - God’s word for it is true.

Fathers are Needed by their Family 2

This post is from my Book,

“Rescue the Stories Book Three”

 

Dad Reading to his Children

 

Every work place has their own set of abbreviations that mean something to those working there.

At our job at the Family Support Department, there were words and abbreviations known only to us.  

AP meant Absent Parent (could be either one).  NCP was Non Custodial Parent, again either one.    Our main function at our job was to collect the monthly child support payments and forward them to the CP, (Custodial Parent.)

I remember one day, when my co-worker was extremely upset with her husband.  I knew she was angry by the way she tore into her work.  A bee was certainly under her bonnet!!

Later that morning, up the stairs happily skipped one of the girls from the front desk carrying a large bouquet of roses.   She sang a sort of sing song remark as she yodeled, “These just came for YOU,” then she handed the lovely flowers to my friend.  The girl continued, “He must have done something real-ly bad!” 

The other workers who could not help overhearing laughed, but my friends face softened.

When all was quiet and my friend was ready to listen; I began to speak softly just to her.  Not referring to the flowers, or to my friend’s anger, but telling her a short parable.

I began, “You know, darlin’, I have noticed that most of these NCP cases we deal with all have an interesting story.  Many times, the woman becomes so angry with her stupid, no good, useless husband, that she dumps him for what ever good reason she believes. 

 

The amazing part of these cases is that there is usually another women out there waiting to grab that worthless, son of a gun, as soon as he is free.  I wonder if the wife might just be better off to forgive that no good guy, keep him and simply go on with their life?”

That day, she was listening but she said nothing.  I knew in my heart that she had got the message “Big time.”  We never talked about her situation, and there was no need to do so.

The story went on; their home was not broken, he applied for and got a better job.  He continues to be a good father to their children, and they have a somewhat happy home!

Wives (and hubby too) always be forgiving, and Husbands (and wife too), make no opportunity for offense.

Happy Father’s day to you out there, no matter who you are!