A Basic Reminder

Any self effort or striving to obtain approval, acceptance, significance or love from God is worthless. For the crucifixion and resurrection restored our relationship with God in the here and now (no, the point was not going to heaven, that is merely a bonus) and the righteousness we have is that of Christ Himself - a gift and not of our own efforts - and there is no improving upon that. Thru Christ, we are accepted by God, not in spite of our flaws but with them and our significance is wrapped up in the knowledge that we are passionately and unconditionally loved by God. There is nothing - NOTHING - that we can do to make God love us more, nor anything we can do to make Him love us less. For God's love is not like the love of man - it does not shift or change - for it depends on who He is not who we are.

 

I know this is "pretty basic" but we all need a reminder now and then.

Beloved - Updates from social media

Three related updates from the last two days from my social media page
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"So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most" ~ Heb 4:16

As believers we know we can come 'boldly' into His presence to seek whatever we need at the time. But, as people we tend to think that we must ask for the barest minimum and/or do something in order to earn the right to ask for more. This is far from the truth and comes not from the Spirit's voice but comes out of our own flawed, insecure brokenness. For if we must "do" to receive, those would be wages not grace - something given solely to an employee, not a dearly loved child. For yes, you may be a servant of the Most High but you are, first and foremost, His child and His love for you is without equal.
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"How we view ourselves at any given moment may have very little to do with who we really are" ~ Gerald May

I find a great truth in this quote for I know that in my own life I have felt as though I have had my sh*t together and was all that one moment, and literally a minute later, felt as though I was the worst of the worst, and this without doing anything other than responding to thoughts in my head. This is one of the reasons why our identity and worth must come from something other than how we feel at the time, the choices we make or what we do - it must be based in something solid and unchanging. For the believer, this something is the fact that we are loved by God, and that, not "in spite" of our flaws and failings, but with them, just as we are with all our curves and rough edges
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You may say (or think), "I am a better Christian than so and so", or "I am not as good a Christian as whomever" - neither statement is true - you are merely either Christian or not. God neither shows favoritism nor compares one of His children to another. People, on the other hand, do this far too often. But know this: no matter where you are - or think you are - in your walk or faith, God loves you every bit as much as He loves me, your pastor and even the Apostles from the pages of the Bible. He does not think less of you but, He does not think more of you either. We all stand equal - as dearly loved children - before Him.

Missed Memo

A (redundant) question regarding "Name and Claim" / "Prosperity" preaching:  did the Apostles "miss the memo"?

"Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” ~ 2 Cor 12:8-9

"Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses." ~ 1 Tim 5:23

"To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless." ~ 1 Cor 4:11

At its' core, the name and claim/prosperity "gospel" is a self-centered view of Christianity, as well as God, which teaches the humanistic view that He exists for the health, wealth, well being and happiness of man.  The "claiming" that this teaches is more akin to neo-pagan practices than that of the Bible - that one can change reality by merely thinking, or speaking it, into being. Let that sink in for a minute.

While it is true that we are loved by God, He never promises us an easy life. If anything we are told that we will see trouble in this life (John 16:33) but we're also told that we will never be left to face it alone either (Matthew 28:20).  He does say we are to give our anxiety and worries to Him (1 Peter 5:7) and that He will provide for us daily (Matt 6:11) but our trust is to be in Him each day and not in our stockpiles or surplusses (Exo 16:19-20). After all, a slight change in the stock market can put a millionaire in a homeless shelter very quickly.

There are people in the grave - the grave - who "named and claimed" themselves free of cancer right until the end and surely one cannot argue they had no faith since they held to it even as they felt their life leaving them. Does God still heal? Yes, but not because somehow we can force Him into action. He heals when He heals for numerous reasons, some of which we understand, some of which we do not but, then again, we're not God either (Isaiah 55:9).  Does God allow some people to have more than others? Yes, He does, but again since am not God cannot tell you who or why or anything of the like but I do know that He does say we're not supposed to hoard it for ourselves (Luke 12:16-21) so that we can "live the good life" - we cannot take it with us after all.

This life and world is far from perfect - something 2020 has been more than willing to show us thus far - and if you believe that you can name and claim your way into a paradise here and now, you are in for a rather unpleasant surprise.  God does love you - wildly so - but He does not exist for us, we exist for Him. After all, we are called His children, not his equal and certainly not His master.

*NOTE*
It is not my intention to come off hateful, mocking or any other such thing with this post. It is merely cautionary in nature for it is so very easy to get led off the path and into a false doctrine which sounds good on the surface or appeals to our own selfish or self righteous natures. Even the Apostles warned of such things because they were present in the early church. And it does not matter if you sit in a pew or stand behind a pulpit, we are all capable of being deceived for we are all human. So please, be mindful of what you listen to; weigh it well and against scripture (remember in context) and the character of God

Social Media Postings Update

Most posts are done in social media these days but here are some of them:

Welcome to today! God wants you to know that He loves you, treasures you and likes you - yes, you! He does not want you focused on whether or not you deserve it, He simply wants you to let Him love you and to enjoy it, because frankly, He's over the moon for you.
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Christian, do you realize the moment of your salvation - the moment you came "home" - was not some cold, theological or intellectual event? That the moment - the moment - in time that you came, He ran to you with arms open and tears of joy streaming down His cheeks. He did not come running to condemn you or question you, He came running to you, wrapped His arms around and spun you like you were 5 up into the air, filled with this wildly passionate joy and happiness that His child - you - were finally home. No, this was no cold, sterile moment in time ... at least not for Him it wasn't...and if it was for you, I pray it is no longer so; for His love - for you, for me, for us - is overwhelming and quite far from sterile or merely intellectual.
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"And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” ~ Matt.3:17
"Jesus had done no miracles when the Father proclaimed that He was His beloved Son in whom He was well pleased! He hadn’t raised the dead or healed anyone or preached the Sermon on the Mount. He had done NOTHING! He simply was. And in that place, the Father loved Him fully just as He does you and me.…“You don’t need to earn anything. I don’t require your performance, just rest in this truth just as you are right now - you are loved".The truth of Love, a truth that cannot be earned because it is a free gift that already cost God everything to give." ~ AJ Jones, Finding Father
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Considering the 12 disciples would be those whom Jesus would spend the rest of His earthly life closest with, not to mention eventually entrust the Gospel to, whom they would be would constitute a fairly big decision. So, does He merely pick 12 at random or based on personal likes or dislikes? No, we see in Luke 6:12-13 that He spends the night in prayer before making His choices. If He did this, how much more important is it for us to do likewise before making final decisions on life matters of importance.
So whatever choice or decision lies before you, take time and seek the Lord first and foremost, for surely His input is of far more value than that of even our friends or gut instincts.
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As believers, as children of the living God, we never have to worry about what is waiting for us around the corner of life for we know that He is already there and He only ever has our best interests at heart. So, instead of allowing ourselves to focus on things which have not yet happened (or may not at all) - which only fills us with anxiety, worry, fear, etc - let us keep our hearts and minds focused on Him and let Him take care of the details. After all, what did worry ever do other than age you faster.
Matthew 6:33-34
Jeremiah 29:11
Colossians 3:2

We, the Prodigal Children

"If we feel hateful towards ourselves, we assume God feels hateful towards us. But we cannot assume that He feels about us the way we feel about ourselves—unless we love ourselves compassionately, intensely, and freely. It takes a profound conversion to accept that God is relentlessly tender and compassionate toward us just as we are—not in spite of our sins and faults, but with them. Though God does not condone or sanction evil, He does not withhold his love because there is evil in us." Brennan Manning ~ Abba's Child

And it really does seem that love ties everything together and that it is all interconnected: love, forgiveness, His heart, grace, mercy... everything

And in this, motive. The motivation to not sin is not to stay in good graces, it is not to avoid punishment or being cast aside or to earn something for noting worth having can be earned, only given and received. The motivation is with regards to self. For if we do that which we know we ought not to, is it not our view of self which changes? Does not our own heart feel heavy, does not guilt weigh us down or thoughts of "what if" plague our minds - shifting our view of ourselves to something very far removed from what God sees us as. Our motivation to not do wrong is with regards to our view of ourselves seen thru the lens of our own sin.

We must learn to truly forgive ourselves - not ignore things done or undone, nor justify them, but acknowledge those things, own them and actually truly forgive ourselves. Then we can actually accept how God sees us, receive the overwhelming love He has for us - for we shall have seen the depths of His grace first hand - and then share that love with the world around us. Not because we are told to do so, not because we must "or else", but because we ache to do so.

And it's Monday again

Not quite worthless...

https://youtu.be/cyb8OiuwjXM

Divine Hitman

Love Live Forgive

Having a day?

On a Personal Note

"My beautiful child, do you not realize you are the apple of my eye? Do you not realize that I do not think of you as a mere servant or employee, but as my precious, incredible child? You do not have to earn my love nor prove you are worthy of it - I love you because you are you and nothing can change that. I do not desire some arms' reach, formal relationship with you, I yearn to have you crawl up on my lap and just chat or vent or share whatever is on your heart - I already know what is there so do not think you are going to shock me. Come, my child, come hang out with Dad and let Me love you."

~ God

Just Don't...

A note with regards to judging others: Don't.



The fact that you are saved - not by anything you did but by grace, at that - does not give you the right to judge another person. "But we will judge angels", you say. Taking 1 Cor 6:3 out of context (the verse is about resolving arguments between believers) does not give you the right to do so either. There is only One Judge (James 4:12) and only He can judge the hearts and motives behind the actions (1 Cor 4:5), the best you can do is compare another against yourself with an uneven scale which ignores your own faults and failings. So, choose to love instead of judge for there is fear and punishment in judgment but there is no fear in love (1 John 4:18).

Ready! Aim! ....

This is one of those posts that may be a bit over due but, then again, perhaps it is right on time for someone.

Spiritual warfare.  It is a term which many Christians know altho not everyone understands what it is, or even if it is something they should know anything about.  With the last part, it certainly is something we should all know about since, as believers, we are part of a spiritual war, whether we want to be or not.

I am no expert but I have run into no small number of situations over the years and have learned some things along the way, so I shall share some of the tidbit I know. Generally speaking, there are three variations of spiritual warfare, altho there are certainly many branches beyond three.

The first involves things being said directly to you. These things may be said from the outside but, more often than not, they are spoken directly into your heart and mind.  These things will usually be some form or fashion of lie, fear or doubt and tend to cause confusion and chaos, among other things.  Now then, if we were to use the Ephesians 6 imagery of the armour, this battle would see us making heavy use of our shield or, more specifically, our faith. 

Do you recall the story of Eve and the garden?  Do you remember satan's words "did God really say"?  This type of battle sees a fair bit of that kind of thing as the enemy tries to make us question everything from the existence of God Himself to our salvation to who God says we are to what He has called us to or into, in an effort to keep us from being effective at all, keep us struggling when we don't have to and, inevitably, attempting to throw a spiritual wrench into whatever God wants to do.  In essence, satan is trying to destroy the very thing which is our defense:  faith.  So what is our defense in this situation?  Simply put, knowing what God said.  Knowing what God has said in the Bible about who we are, knowing whom He has said He is, and knowing what it is that God has directed us into or called us into whether that be ministry, relational, occupational, etc. So when the lies, fears, doubts, chaos, etc come we will know what God has said and be able to stand on that.

Another variation of warfare involves interactions with other people - whether individuals or groups.  Now sometimes, there are just personality clashes or issues on the go but other times there is a strong sense that "someone" else may be pulling strings behind the scenes.  This is the type of situation where we may become conscious that our struggle is not against flesh and blood at all.

In these situations our "gut reaction" may well be to react out of our own humanity - meeting violence or hatred with violence or hatred (something which rarely ever ends well for anyone) - but we may find ourselves merely running in circles getting more and more tired by the second.  So, we keep in mind the truths we know (from our first situation) and attack this situation prayerfully.  We pray for the other person or persons.  We may also pray for wisdom for ourselves in the situation for God will gladly give you wisdom (James 1:5).  But what do we pray?  Do not pray too specifically about what "you" want - leave room for God to do what He wants.  You can, however, pray for wisdom for them, for their salvation if applicable, for the enemy's influence in their lives or the situation to cease, for any deliverance which may be needed and for God to reveal Himself in a big away to them.  All good things to pray for and you may see the situation shift fairly quickly.  It does not hurt to enlist other people to pray as well.

Yet another variation occurs when things get, um, weird.

Now then, if that last sentence makes you lift an eyebrow and go "huh", don't over think it too much. However, I have no doubt that no small number will read it and say "yep, know that".

Occasionally, the enemy will make his actual presence known. And contrary to movies and TV programs, tossing salt around or trying to shoot it with a shotgun won't do any good.  What will do good on other hand is knowing the truth about who God is and who God says you are and who they are.  Now then, I am not going to get into the "how to's" of deliverance if for no other reason than to not freak anyone out who is unaware that it happens and fairly often at that.  What I will mention though is a few things worthy of note.

A common term heard is "rebuke", but it is a bit misunderstood sometimes.  Think of it this way: dog runs in from outside, soaked from the rain, and jumps up on the new chair in the living. If you ask the dog "oh get down off the chair please poochy" it is not likely going to move. However, if you snap out "Get down!", even if it is not your dog it will likely jump off the chair. The latter is a rebuke. Short, to the point, no nonsense, command. It is not a request. Nor is it phrased "I rebuke you dog!", it is merely done.

There are also things which should not be done, like do not taunt them.  Jesus didn't in the NT and He could have if He wanted to.  You are not God, do not even try - you will be setting yourself up for something you would rather not get into.  Also, do not get into a conversation with them.  When they speak, they lie. Even if it is 90% truth, that other 10% is lethal and they are VERY good at it. I know Jesus spoke with legion but if God wants to talk to them, He can. As mentioned before, you are not God and there is nothing they know that you want to or should know.

There you go, a little basic spiritual warfare stuff. Like I said, am no expert and there are all kinds of branches off of these three that could be gone into, but hopefully this bit is of use to you.  Remember, we are more than conquers (Romans 8:37) and we do not have to live this life constantly on the defensive struggling to keep our heads above water.

Stand and Deliver

No small number of believers are aware of the words of Ephesians 6 with regards to the "armour" of God.  However, no small number may also not be aware that merely quoting those words is akin to sitting on your couch and saying "I lock the door, I bar the windows and I turn on the security system" all without actually getting up and doing any of it.  The Apostles words are not merely something to be stated - they are instructional in nature and are things to be done and known, not merely spoken.

For instance, if you wish to defend yourself against the lies, fear and doubts that the enemy tosses your way, you should 1) know what God has said to and about you and 2) stand on the validity of those words because of Who it was that said them.  This is your shield and you will find knowing and doing this far more effective at stopping "arrows" than just quoting a verse about strapping on a "shield of faith."

Do not be caught unaware my Brother, do not be caught off guard my Sister, our enemy is not of flesh and blood, and they roam this plane like a hunting lion looking for prey.  Know the truth and stand firm.

A Brief Q & A

Q: Hey, what is required for me to be a part of the church?

A: Well, if you are talking about the Church,  as in the Body of Christ as described in the Bible, the answer would be faith in Christ.

Q: But, what about all that other stuff about dressing a certain way, or talking certain ways or giving up habits, etc?

A: Ah, well, those would be requirements to join a local church, club, clique, etc set in place by someone at some point in time, not the Church as in the Body.  That is not take anything away from your local church but God only requires faith and nothing else.

Q: Local church or Body?

A: A local church is like the baptist church down the road or even that interdenominational one across town - a relatively small group which typically meets in the same building once or more a week.  Church - as in Body - is what the Bible frequently is talking about when it says church and that would be all of those people - regardless of who they are, where they live, when they meet, etc - who have a relationship with God via faith in Jesus Christ. So there is a pretty significant difference, for there are people who belong to the Body who have never been in a "church building", just as there are people who meet faithfully in a "church" who would not know Jesus if He knocked on their door selling cookies.

Thus concludes this evenings Q&A, we hope it has been informative.

Keeping Christ in Christmas

And Your Challenger...

Day 1

This challenge involves social media (Facebook, twitter, etc).

Today, you will start praying through your entire friends list.  Some of us have quite lengthy lists, so this may take more than a day to get through but I encourage you to continue at it until you have gotten through it at least once.

Pray for each person to be blessed - mention each one by name. Other things include (but not lmited to): that they come to know God, that He reveals Himself in new ways, that they feel His love for them, etc. Do not pray against anyone and try not to be overly specific with situations - leave God lots of play room/ don't try and limit Him.  If you come to someone whom you feel you have something in your heart against, pray to release them and forgive them.  Don't rush this - if you feel you are starting to rush along, stop and come back later.

This may seem kind of simple but you might be the only person who will be praying for <whomever> today, or ever, for that matter, so it is a bigger deal than you realize.  Also, You may think  that those in "vocational ministry" positions (pastors, etc) on your list have lots of people praying for them but that is not necessarily true either.

Day 2

One cannot underestimate just how much power there is in an unexpected encouraging word or kind action.   There have been lives changed, and even saved, due to the words or actions of someone unexpected or a stranger.  Today, you are going change lives.

As you go throughout your day, make an intentional effort to speak a word of encouragement or kindness to someone and I want you to do it for someone that you either do not know (at all, or well) or towards someone you feel does not deserve it.  Do not falsely flatter someone, just say something honestly nice.  You may also do something nice for someone. Something as simple as holding door open can sometimes make a huge difference. In addition to just "being nice", I want you to either add a "God bless you" or "God loves you" - because He does, and you are doing this as an extension of that as opposed to just feeling like being nice today (you are associating your words and actions with God's love as opposed to good manners, etc).  You do not, however, take it any further than that - there are no strings attached, after all.  God loves everyone - today, show people love; encourage them, say or do something that lifts them up and makes their day a bit brighter.

Some suggestions for people, if your stuck:  cashiers, sanitation/janitorial workers, transportation workers, and, in your church, elders/deacons - all people who tend to not get shown much appreciation for what they do.  And do not stress out about mentioning God - a simple God bless you will suffice - baby steps, after all.

PS:  I also want you to make a point of doing this for someone very close to you as well - sometimes we can take people in our lives for granted.

Day 3

Someone you know - immediate / close family or friend - has something wrong. It might be something small, like a headache or it could be something bigger. Should they mention this thing when you are together (physically) sometime over the next 24 hours, I want you to ask if you can pray for them. If they know you, they will likely say "sure" and expect you to maybe remember to pray at some point for them. But I am not asking you to do that. I am asking for you to ask them if you can pray right then for them and, should they agree, I want you to reach out, and pray for them, then and there.

Maybe you step out and do it and the headache (for example) stays. At least they know you actually prayed for them, since they were there for it. Then again, maybe it goes away ... that changes things a bit, for both of you.

The Final Challenge

Here is your final challenge:  keep doing these.

None of these things - praying for people both in private and in person, encouraging people and sharing God's love, forgiving people and seeking His leading - are odd or over the top - they are all normal, practical Christianity.  Unfortunately, we sometimes can find ourselves lulled in complacency and start believing that if we go to church now and then, or a Bible study or even post "inspirational" pics on social media that somehow we are living our faith.  That is not quite true.  Our God is active and alive, therefore, our faith should be as well.

So yes, keep doing these things as often as you can - even if you do have to stick to doing them on day 1, day 2, etc, the important thing is that you start, and continue, to do these things.

May God bless each and every one of you and give you wisdom, insight and boldness as you do each (or any) of these challenges that have been set before you this day.

Matter of Life and Death

Faith in Christ does not make you sinless or "sin-free". The Bible tells us that anyone who thinks they are without sin is not only fooling themselves but is making God out to be liar (1 John 1:1-10) - strong words.  It is not sin we are free from but rather the power of sin, which is death, that we are freed (not will "eventually" be free) from (Romans 8:2).  But we still all die right?  Physically, yes, we do all die regardless of what we believe, but that is not the death we speak of.

Let us contrast this "death" with the eternal life we have through Christ.

What is eternal life?  It is not that we will live forever, for all of us - believers or not - are, in a very real sense, immortal.  That part which makes us "us" - our soul - does not die when our physical forms fade away and decay; this  part of our being lives on. So eternal life cannot refer to immortality.  Jesus Himself defined this in John 17:3: "Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent."  So eternal life actually refers to knowing - and being known by - God.  Something we have in the here and now through Christ, for "the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus" (Romans 6:23).

Romans 5 tells us that sin brought death into the world and the prophet Isaiah says that sin has cut us off - separated us - from God (Isaiah 59:2).  So we see that  the power of sin is in stark contrast to eternal life, for sin has the power to keep us apart from God.  But this is not in the sins we commit, for it is not the act of sinning which makes us sinners, it is the fact that we are all born as sinners which makes us sin.  If the reverse were true, then every stray thought or bit of frustration would plunge us back into darkness, but this is not what happens for God is faithful to us even when are less than faithful to Him (2 Tim.2:13) which, if you are anything like me, is really good news.

So, if you are a believer - that is, you have made the conscious decision to follow Jesus - know this:  you are free.  Sin no longer has the power to keep you and God apart, for God Himself took that power away from it on the cross and nothing - not angels or demons or anything else - can separate us from God (Romans 8:38-39).

*DING* You Have Mail

From:  God@eternalthrone.div
RE:      your life

Heya,

Now that you're into a new year, I had a few things on my mind that I wanted you to know so I thought I would try out this digital communication thing so many of you down there are using lately and drop you a quick note.  So, here goes.

Don't be concerned about yourself.

There is no sense in you worrying about anything because it doesn't do you any good.   And don't go complaining about what you don't have either.  I'll take care of everything.  Things you need and even a fair few of your wants I will gladly provide in due time every time. I don't mean you should run out and tell your boss off in the morning but stop getting all panicky about stuff, especially things well out of your own control.  I got this, k.

Stop trying to be good enough.

I gave you my own righteousness, how in blazes do you figure you're gonna improve on that exactly?  What, you figure by you forcing yourself via your own will power to not check out that girl that just walked by somehow means you're earned what I have given you? Really?  Everything you have - everything - I have given you. You not only have not earned it but you can't earn it - that is kind of the point of it being a gift from me to you.  Although, that is not quite the same as when I ask you to do something small to get you ready for something bigger. You still didn't earn it initially but seeing it through does prepare you for the next item I send your way - so don't get those things confused.

Actually try loving each other.

I showed you mercy, grace and compassion - all of which you did not deserve nor, do you actually deserve it now.  So perhaps you could tell me why you feel you do not have to show that to other people, especially other siblings of yours in the Body?  You know, I am certain I did not put conditions on that whole "love one another" thing like you only have to love people from churches you like or who dress a certain way or who only work in jobs you personally approve of.  So maybe you should stop picking and choosing who you are going to show love to and just show it every chance you get.  And no, judging people is not loving.  Like, do you really want me to judge you?  Trust me when I say this:  the answer is no.  I know you wayyy better than you know yourself after all, including all those little things you think no one else knows about.  And don't just stop with loving other Christians either - love everyone.  I do.  I made every single one of them in my own image, trust me, I love them all.  So stop acting like judge, jury and executioner and start showing some real mercy and compassion.

In short:  LIVE.

Live this life I have called you to.  Don't let yourself become self centered - focus on me first then everyone else.  I'll take care of you.

Oh, one last thing:  Don't confuse the instruction above with me being mad at you - I certainly am not mad.  I love you.  I love every part of you and I always will.  I will always be in your corner, cheering you on and holding you tight when you get overwhelmed.  I will never, ever leave you - after all, your are my beautiful, wonderful, perfect child, how could I ever bear us being apart.

Love always,

Dad

Simply Said...

Since we tend to make things more complicated than necessary...

1.  Love God.
2.  Love others.

"Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” ~ Matt. 22:37

"The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law." Rom. 13:9-10

No check list involved or required, for a "checklist" only serves to gives one a false sense of personal righteousness - making one smug, cocky or judgmental - for "..all our righteous acts are like filthy rags" ~ Isaiah 64:6

Thanks be to God it is not our righteousness we wear:  "not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith" ~ Phil 3:9 and "This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe" ~ Rom 3:22

Therefore there is no room for feeling superior or better than another "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast" ~ Eph 2:8-9

Any questions?

Good.  Now let's go live it shall we.

Eye of the Hurricane

Some of this post is from posts I put up on my social media (Facebook) page, some of it is not.
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Whether consciously or not, we all set something as our center in "our world" but if we set something in that place that is temporary - whether person or thing - then there is a chance that someday we find ourselves lost and adrift and without purpose for living at all should that center be gone.

If your reason for being is your significant other, what happens if that relationship ends? If the center of your world revolves around your children, what happens if things are not going well, or they leave or something much more tragic happens? If your career is the center of your universe, what happens if that is taken away from you or it just ends?

I am not saying these things cannot be very, very significant parts of your world but to make them the center of it, and your reason for existing, when any or all of them could leave your life without warning may be worth rethinking a bit.

For me, God is my center. He is eternal so no worries on Him coming to an untimely end. And, even in times when I was not exactly "faithful" in this relationship of ours, He was - He stayed with me even though I did not deserve it, so He is not about to go anywhere anytime soon.

I am not saying you have to have God as your center - that is something between you two - but, since we all need to have 'something' in there, in that place, then does it not make sense to have that be something greater - and far less finite - than ourselves.

Now then, as believers we know God is to be our center and reason for being and we may even say He is, but is He? Is He really everything to us or is something (or someone) else the center of our world and He is merely a part of it?  If that relationship ends or our children leave us or our career disappears or that ministry falls apart, are we left grieving, yet still standing, or do we find ourselves so devastated that, if He were not holding onto us, we would sink beneath the waves never to resurface again? 

Jesus said the greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength.

All your life, people have "made sure" you knew how worthless you were. Those closest to you have treated you like little more than trash and made sure you knew how much of a disappointment you were. They have done so, so often, and for so long you "know" this to be the truth about you.

God says you are worth more than all the gold in Fort Knox - that you are wonderful, beautiful and amazing - very, very much the opposite of what those people closest to your heart say.

To love Him - above and beyond all others- is to take His word over theirs. His opinion over their opinion, no matter how often they try and tell or show you differently, taking what He says to be the truth in spite them or even your own heart.

Does this hold true for others in your world or is it indeed only God's view which actually matters?  If your parents or spouse occasionally say or do things which make you feel worthless, do you take that in as truth or do you let it slide because you take God's word over theirs? If your children treat you poorly or say things which make you feel like a failure or of no value, do you take that in and make that a reality in your heart and mind or do you simply grieve the comments but rest in the reality of what God says you truly are?

These are things well worth pondering and being totally, truly honest about with yourself and with God - maybe for the first time ever.