Its On Like Donkey Kong!

Now, you do realize that we have a Lord and Savior that has been in the process of waiting for His bride. You also know that His bride is the church (Revelation 22:17 AMP).You have to know that we are the church and have to all be in one accord for us all to walk together to do what we have to do (Amos 3:3 KJV). You have to see that because it just looks crazy for a body with all of its limbs doing whatever each of those parts want to do. There is a head to that body and the head operates the body. We progressively yield our will to the Lord so He can rule and reign in our lives.

This is the same order in a successful marriage, in a well constructed business, in raising a healthy well adjusted child, and so forth and so on. If it works, there is no reason to try to fix it or believe you can do better then the One that created all things. Its absolute foolishness to think that you could. Humble yourself (James 4:10 AMP). Jesus didn't take the role of being judge and defendant for us. It was given to him because of who He is. We are also promoted in the same manner because of allowing Him to be magnified in our lives. We are because He is. Living with these principles in the forefront of our minds, we have peace and conduct ourselves accordingly (Isaiah 26:3 AMP).

Can we change our minds? Yes, but why would you? There is nothing better out there without Him. Once we understand who we are in Him, we have the liberty to do as we please. All of those things that would have caused us hurt, harm, and/or danger is no longer enticing because we know better. Therefore, we do better (1 Corinthians 10:23 AMP).

With these things in mind, what happens when tempted from the other side of the fence? Well, picture it. There we were trudging through so much mess and mire and then Jesus came along. He introduced Himself and taught you a better way. He took the burden that was loading you down and told you He will carry it from now on (1 Peter 5:7 AMP). Then as you both were walking together and He kept showing you what He has for you, you noticed that the mire had gone away. You noticed how clean you felt and the love that just seemed to be oozing from your pores, you just have to share with someone else (James 4:8 AMP). Why, when you have never done this before? Its because of Him, being around Him and developing that relationship, you just can't help yourself. But after so many years, you might get use to those wonderful feelings and skipped on a few services, missed some time you use to have in prayer, and made excuses for not reading your bible on a regular basis. One of your "old" friends sees you and remarks how long its been. He/she tells you that such and so is in town and is having a get together at the house. You are invited. Those were some of the best times back in the day. It was so much fun and the antics you use to do is what's going through your mind. Those entertained thoughts of a life from the past you are having with that smirk is just like peering over the other side of that fence. Its like Lot's wife looking back at the life she was leaving. Its as if you don't appreciate what Jesus did for you when you were at your worst. How could you miss the mire (Proverbs 26:11 AMP)? Why would you want the filth? Why would anyone desire to be burdened?

Understand the above scenario as you would teaching a toddler how to walk. If the toddler falls, it is expected. He/she doesn't get punished because of a temporary fall. You have to be taught some things and with practice the toddler will be walking in no time and trying to run. Its in him to do.

So, you say you are a Christian and you said it out loud too. God smiles. Its like, "awe, that's so cute." Then you go a little further. Got some moxie and now when you say you are a Christian, you got a little base in your voice like no one can ever change your mind (Hebrews 10:35 AMP). God smiles. Its as if He, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are elbowing each other to show, "that's our child!" Still walking the walk and talking the talk. Nothing is going to stop you now. It looks like its time. Time for what? Its time to enlarge your territory. Its time for you to use all of the lessons you learned. Its time for those that talked about you to stand up and notice what God is doing to and for you in your life. Its time for you to recognize that this was no fad, not a ritual, no religious ordeal that's here today to be gone tomorrow if not sooner. This process was as real as God is. He has watched you all of this time and now is not the time to withdraw, or pretend that you aren't as grown as you were when you were talking the talk. You cannot shrink and go back to diapers making believe that you didn't learn or haven't seen God's glorious power at work! If you do, that would be a lie....and you know what's about to happen if you continue on that route.

This is not play time. This is for real. The position you have been called to do is a necessary work for
the body to function properly. We don't have time to go over the same stuff that you already learned. You cannot claim to have dull senses (Hebrews 5:11-14 AMP). If you do, you might have to move out of the way for someone else to take your place. We have to be in position for each member to operate in the way God created for the body to function. Jesus epitomizes patience as He waits for His bride (Revelation 19:7 AMP). His return is closer then ever before. Are you on your mark? You have a place and should be set. When God says go..... no man will stop this from happening.  Go means go - we learned that way back in kindergarten.

Deck The Halls!

Its that wonderful time of year again. Its the time when all religions come together whether they believe in the reason for the season or not, and do what we are all supposed to be doing all year. Its the time when all people recognize and acknowledge that there needs to be peace on earth and good will toward all men. Its when joy is abound and giving is the foundation for all. Though unbelievers say when they give, its not for the holiday, yet they aren't giving at any other time with as much happiness. I love this time of year!

For believers, we waffle with whether to decorate the house, home or even have a tree. I did the same thing. It was lousy not having a tree. It was only lousy because I was so use to having one. The reason I didn't put up a tree that one Christmas was from what I read out of the scriptures. I saw that the tree was idolized and decorated as a thing to worship. I then equated what I was doing must be insulting to God. I felt guilty and repented. I was so young in Christ back then. I laugh at that behavior now.

You see, what people did in the Old Testament they did trying to recuperate from the disobedience of Adam. They were under the old covenant law of which they had to abide by or die. Being a new creation in Christ, gives us the liberty that the Old Testament Christian didn't have. The Word is clear about abiding under the law (Galatians 3:10 AMP). You must do all that is required to maintain righteousness. This includes animal sacrifice for atonement of sins. Though some think this act is unreasonable, how can you (in your state of wrongness) pick and choose what to and not to do, not knowing what is right unless you are taught? Who is doing the teaching? Is it someone who fared well in making excuses for not abiding under the whole law or
has God been merciful to you too?

Believing in Christ is much more then just enjoying Christmas. His birth is what the children of Israel had been waiting for. They called on the Messiah and He came. Born in a manger with the very animals that were used to sacrifice for atonement (Luke 2 AMP). His birth in of itself is a message to all who had been bound under the law. The stirring of those who had been waiting came to see the miracle of His birth. The 3 wise men traveled for miles being led by a star. Through the weather conditions, the outside elements that they might have come against, with all of the other stars shining, those 3 men presevered to get to the Messiah (Matthew 2:1-12 AMP).

This is the image I think of when I trim my tree every year. All of the twinkling lights represent the stars in the sky. This one tree is representing all of the other trees that the wise men had to go passed to get to the manger. The ornaments represent the outside elements that may have or not served as obstacles for them. And at the very top which God is the Head of it all, is His guidance leading them through to get to their destination - the star. The presents, isn't it obvious?

In keeping with the theme of this blog, wondering why life is treating you like this or that, could it be what you have done to yourself (Galatians 4:1-7 AMP)? Could it have anything to do with believing a lie when on the inside you would like to celebrate the Savior's birth too? Its alright, enjoy Christmas, it was meant for you too. By the way, have a Happy New Year!