When I first came into the knowledge of the Truth, I was really hungry for the Word. I tried to pick up the bible to study but it wasn't making sense to me. How could I use that language to make my life what Jesus said it could be? I was so frustrated, even to the point of throwing the bible across the room. I had to be angry with God because who else's fault could it be? Here He saves me and when I try to get to know Him, I can't understand not one thing He is telling me in His Word. I felt so insignificant. What made matters worse is going to church and hearing the man of God talk about how simple it is to understand and apply God's Word. This angered me more but I kept coming back to the house of God. Why? Like I said, I was hungry!
Because God answers prayer, a family member gave me a parallel bible. One side was Living Word and the other was King James. I didn't know they made bibles like that. It helped some but for me the Living Word reads more like a storybook. I was still looking for a means to make those Elizabethan words more applicable to my life.
Then I heard a woman speak using a version of the scriptures that I wasn't familiar with. She spoke like the Word was her native language. That's exactly what I was looking for; but I didn't know what version she was reading from. When I attended services I heard the man of God say that King James is the base for all lessons just to stay safe and away from man's notes like the Scoffield Bible. What's a Scoffield? A better question, what am I suppose to do now?
The lesson in the Old Testament about David and Goliath applied to me at this point in my life. David couldn't understand why God's people were afraid of one man when the Almighty told them who they are. David had to prove it to them. He was called to do so. He wasn't afraid. He had some major fights that God had already brought him through. Yet when it came time to act on the fight for the children of Israel, here comes the appointed king giving David armor that wasn't fitted for David. Saul, the king, was head and shoulders above the rest and David wasn't fully grown. How was he suppose to fight like he had done before with armor that wasn't made for him?
This holds true with the scriptures as well. When I saw a pastor bring two books with him to the podium before speaking. I thought nothing of it until he referenced the scriptures with a different version. I almost gasped because the morsel was so good. I had to get that reference and see if there was a parallel of it. There was! I read and read and continued to ponder through the Word over and over. It was so delicious to me.
Seeking what was perfect for me was as if God was hiding His face as well. He had not forsaken me, He was making me do some leg work that babies are not equipped to do. Yeah, it was scary but I was determined to find Him and no one can take from me what I have learned especially when I have had success in my own personal battles. I don't care if the Pope says not to use any other version but the King's; David didn't do it. It didn't fit him. This version I use is perfect for me. It is still the Word of God.
Have you been sized up and fitted for that perfect armor? What are you waiting for?
Remember David did grow up to be king and in that time he himself said he could not complete what God called him to do (build the temple) because he had trouble on every side. What can we learn from this?
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Saturday, March 29, 2008
People Love A Good Murder Mystery
I am a writer, amongst other things, and I have been writing since grade school. When my poem was put up on the bulletin board for the whole class to read, I was actually surprised when they went to read it. I think about that now and again to know what to write should be interesting to the masses rather than a handful who like to read or are academically seeking a challenge.
I also remember when talking to a medical therapist, she conveyed to me that many people like a murder mystery. Not having any experience in that genre, I took what she said and placed it on the shelf of my mind until it would be of some use.
About 10-15 years ago, there was a rash of murders that were focused on children. Three of them had stayed on my mind for quite some time, though there were others. Recently, I thought about writing those 3 and when I began 4 more came to mind. So I started outlining all 7 to be a book of short stories. But there was a problem that bothered me about writing this. What purpose would it serve in the body of Christ?
Aside from detectives, police officers, and reporters, what purpose would a believer have to read about murder? We know that it is something we don't do. So why would any of us (excluding the aforementioned) think on such a thing (Philippians 4:8 AMP).
I had already outlined 5 of the 7 when it didn't make sense to write them. We strive to be in right standing with God knowing that temptation could be right around the corner or some test that would either cause us to rise in maturity or fall relying on the "old nature" than the Word. With that in mind, righteousness scriptures were brought to my recollection and it is what I took heed to. For in righteousness there is life and in the pathway thereof there is no death (Proverbs 12:28 AMP).
The effects of righteousness is quietness and assurance forever (Isaiah 32:17 AMP). The murders of those children had disturbed me for a little while. It is probably why I thought to write about it. But if the little that was known and reported bothered me that much, how much more would affect the members in the body of Christ after reading the literary license to fill in what the reporters didn't speak of? It would be what I speculated rather than fact. And with that I recall from the Word, the heart of the righteous studies to answer, the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things (Proverbs 15:28 AMP). That which is hidden will come to light ( 1 Corinthians 4:5 AMP), there is no need for me to write and speculate about such matters. It is a care belonging to the Lord (1 Peter 5:7 AMP).
I also remember when talking to a medical therapist, she conveyed to me that many people like a murder mystery. Not having any experience in that genre, I took what she said and placed it on the shelf of my mind until it would be of some use.
About 10-15 years ago, there was a rash of murders that were focused on children. Three of them had stayed on my mind for quite some time, though there were others. Recently, I thought about writing those 3 and when I began 4 more came to mind. So I started outlining all 7 to be a book of short stories. But there was a problem that bothered me about writing this. What purpose would it serve in the body of Christ?
Aside from detectives, police officers, and reporters, what purpose would a believer have to read about murder? We know that it is something we don't do. So why would any of us (excluding the aforementioned) think on such a thing (Philippians 4:8 AMP).
I had already outlined 5 of the 7 when it didn't make sense to write them. We strive to be in right standing with God knowing that temptation could be right around the corner or some test that would either cause us to rise in maturity or fall relying on the "old nature" than the Word. With that in mind, righteousness scriptures were brought to my recollection and it is what I took heed to. For in righteousness there is life and in the pathway thereof there is no death (Proverbs 12:28 AMP).
The effects of righteousness is quietness and assurance forever (Isaiah 32:17 AMP). The murders of those children had disturbed me for a little while. It is probably why I thought to write about it. But if the little that was known and reported bothered me that much, how much more would affect the members in the body of Christ after reading the literary license to fill in what the reporters didn't speak of? It would be what I speculated rather than fact. And with that I recall from the Word, the heart of the righteous studies to answer, the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things (Proverbs 15:28 AMP). That which is hidden will come to light ( 1 Corinthians 4:5 AMP), there is no need for me to write and speculate about such matters. It is a care belonging to the Lord (1 Peter 5:7 AMP).
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Renewed Thinking
Have you ever wondered why your memory isn't as good as it use to be? I don't mean while in mid sentence you can't remember what your next word was going to be but when there is an event or something that you knew you would never forget so you could tell someone and no matter how hard you tried, even praying for God to give it back to you, it doesn't return to your recollection. Do you just sign off of it thinking that age is coming and the loss of memory is a sign of what it does?
Well, I have some fantastic news for you! You are not going senile!!! Give thanks and rejoice. Seriously, I thought senility came early and I was trying not to cry about it. I prayed and even used scripture to solidify my prayers; you know, reminding God of His Word, but it kept happening. My kids would have that look on their faces, like, "it won't be long now." I mean, that sort of thing will make you cease from talking altogether. Then again, that might be the very thing that God is trying to convey. Hm.
Well, the second thing is that your so called memory loss isn't the lack that you might think it is. Seeing that He did not give you a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind, be confident in that (2 Timothy 1:7 AMP). You have a sound mind.
Now consider when we confess our faults. He is not only faithful and just to forgive us, He also puts them in the depths of the sea (Micah 7:18-19 AMP). He doesn't bring them back up to condemn you or to teach you a lesson (Psalm 103:8-12 KJV). The Word states it and God cannot lie (Numbers 23:19 KJV).
With that understanding, you must realize that geater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. You being made in the image of God as you continue to mature in Him being holy for He is holy (1 Peter 1:16 AMP); you will act more like Him.
Why wouldn't you think that others may have confessed their sins too. Because they have, you cannot remember those events because those events which very well could be confessed sins have been dropped into the sea of forgetfulness forever. You can't remember it! Glory to God!
Well, I have some fantastic news for you! You are not going senile!!! Give thanks and rejoice. Seriously, I thought senility came early and I was trying not to cry about it. I prayed and even used scripture to solidify my prayers; you know, reminding God of His Word, but it kept happening. My kids would have that look on their faces, like, "it won't be long now." I mean, that sort of thing will make you cease from talking altogether. Then again, that might be the very thing that God is trying to convey. Hm.
Well, the second thing is that your so called memory loss isn't the lack that you might think it is. Seeing that He did not give you a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind, be confident in that (2 Timothy 1:7 AMP). You have a sound mind.
Now consider when we confess our faults. He is not only faithful and just to forgive us, He also puts them in the depths of the sea (Micah 7:18-19 AMP). He doesn't bring them back up to condemn you or to teach you a lesson (Psalm 103:8-12 KJV). The Word states it and God cannot lie (Numbers 23:19 KJV).
With that understanding, you must realize that geater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. You being made in the image of God as you continue to mature in Him being holy for He is holy (1 Peter 1:16 AMP); you will act more like Him.
Why wouldn't you think that others may have confessed their sins too. Because they have, you cannot remember those events because those events which very well could be confessed sins have been dropped into the sea of forgetfulness forever. You can't remember it! Glory to God!
Friday, March 7, 2008
Marriage and Divorce in the Body of Christ
I have seen the statistics that have been documented as to how many divorces there have been in the world and what percentages is actually in the church. No matter the number, isn't it astounding? Are those numbers real? Is divorce higher in the church than it is in the world? Should we automatically believe what has been documented?
Actually, I was believing it and my first reaction is, why should any of us get married if divorce is inevitable? But then we must use the intelligence we were given. Wouldn't that be a distraction not to do what we know to do that is right? Isn't that what the world is suppose to do so they could point the finger at the Christian for not adhering to the Word? No matter what seems to be the fad, the church cannot go along with everyone that is riding on the bandwagon. The Word says that the road is broad that leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13 AMP). We are to stay on the path of righteousness where there is peace an no oppression.
With that understood, I have a question to pose. God told us to let our yay be yay and our nay to be nay (Matthew 5:37 AMP). He warned us about pledges and vows. For this reason many Christians have opted not to serve on jury duty. My question then is, where did the marital vows come from and why aren't they in the scriptures? When God told us about vows and pledges He didn't make the stipulation for marriage only. So I ask, should Christian weddings be different from the world or are people so untrustworthy that we must make pledges to maintain the strength of the marriage? Oh, but according to statistics, isn't there a problem anyway?
Actually, I was believing it and my first reaction is, why should any of us get married if divorce is inevitable? But then we must use the intelligence we were given. Wouldn't that be a distraction not to do what we know to do that is right? Isn't that what the world is suppose to do so they could point the finger at the Christian for not adhering to the Word? No matter what seems to be the fad, the church cannot go along with everyone that is riding on the bandwagon. The Word says that the road is broad that leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13 AMP). We are to stay on the path of righteousness where there is peace an no oppression.
With that understood, I have a question to pose. God told us to let our yay be yay and our nay to be nay (Matthew 5:37 AMP). He warned us about pledges and vows. For this reason many Christians have opted not to serve on jury duty. My question then is, where did the marital vows come from and why aren't they in the scriptures? When God told us about vows and pledges He didn't make the stipulation for marriage only. So I ask, should Christian weddings be different from the world or are people so untrustworthy that we must make pledges to maintain the strength of the marriage? Oh, but according to statistics, isn't there a problem anyway?
Its Not Him, Its You
We attend church services as much as we can tolerate just to get some answers as to why things have been the way they have been. Scriptures state that in a multitude of counselors there is safety and yet the people you have spoken to seem to be in a quandary as much as you. Who do you talk to when it doesn't seem like anyone has the answers that you are seeking?
The answer is as simple as the question. You go to the one who holds the blue print of what He created. No one knows you better than God and He knows exactly what is bothering you. I know it isn't the answer that is very popular these days because we live in a microwave kind of society but if we focus on the Word as much as we do everything else we will see that His Word does have those microwave qualities as well. He says that His Word is quick and powerful and sharper than any two edged sword (Hebrews 4:12 KJV). He also tells us to remind Him of His Word. Why because He has forgotten it? Certainly not, but to build your faith in Him. He says that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17 KJV). So the more you hear it the more energized in Him you become.
Like it or not, we will have to come to the reality of knowing that the more we are focused in Him, the more we will see where those whom we have held in high esteem will need prayer. Everyone won't have the answers you seek the more mature we get in the Word. All of those Ministers, Evangelists, Deacons, Prophets, Apostles, Pastors, and Bishops had to walk out their love walk just like you and are still apt to make mistakes. I had to learn that lesson the hard way but once learned, it was much easier to reverence them without hoisting them on such a high pedestal.
That's the other thing about the abundant life, if its hard to do its not God. Jesus said to follow Me, My burden is easy and yoke is light (Matthew 11:30 KJV). If I am called to do something and trust in the anointing to get the job done, it can't be hard. The Word says so. This same would apply to you. If you find a task too difficult to manage, consider your ways. Did you acknowledge Him and when He gave you the instruction did you follow it to the letter? Many times our instruction is to be still. Would that be difficult for anyone to do? If so, you have found the answer as to why life isn't what you thought it would be. Other times it could be the same question that was asked of me, "when are you going to stop thinking about you?" Not having the answer to that question because I thought it was a perfectly ordinary thing to do, I had to change. Once I started helping others and meeting the needs of someone else besides myself, there appeared the abundant life that Jesus was talking about.
Is there anyone else who has to look within and stop blaming others?
The answer is as simple as the question. You go to the one who holds the blue print of what He created. No one knows you better than God and He knows exactly what is bothering you. I know it isn't the answer that is very popular these days because we live in a microwave kind of society but if we focus on the Word as much as we do everything else we will see that His Word does have those microwave qualities as well. He says that His Word is quick and powerful and sharper than any two edged sword (Hebrews 4:12 KJV). He also tells us to remind Him of His Word. Why because He has forgotten it? Certainly not, but to build your faith in Him. He says that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17 KJV). So the more you hear it the more energized in Him you become.
Like it or not, we will have to come to the reality of knowing that the more we are focused in Him, the more we will see where those whom we have held in high esteem will need prayer. Everyone won't have the answers you seek the more mature we get in the Word. All of those Ministers, Evangelists, Deacons, Prophets, Apostles, Pastors, and Bishops had to walk out their love walk just like you and are still apt to make mistakes. I had to learn that lesson the hard way but once learned, it was much easier to reverence them without hoisting them on such a high pedestal.
That's the other thing about the abundant life, if its hard to do its not God. Jesus said to follow Me, My burden is easy and yoke is light (Matthew 11:30 KJV). If I am called to do something and trust in the anointing to get the job done, it can't be hard. The Word says so. This same would apply to you. If you find a task too difficult to manage, consider your ways. Did you acknowledge Him and when He gave you the instruction did you follow it to the letter? Many times our instruction is to be still. Would that be difficult for anyone to do? If so, you have found the answer as to why life isn't what you thought it would be. Other times it could be the same question that was asked of me, "when are you going to stop thinking about you?" Not having the answer to that question because I thought it was a perfectly ordinary thing to do, I had to change. Once I started helping others and meeting the needs of someone else besides myself, there appeared the abundant life that Jesus was talking about.
Is there anyone else who has to look within and stop blaming others?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
