Tag Archives: Bible

Speak with Boldness, Not Timidity!

by

0


Painting of Samuel learning from Eli

Painting of Samuel learning from Eli (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

For those who think we have no right to speak firmly of the folly of Oprah’s teachings about God:

 

We are representatives to the world for the Most High God, through the sacrifice of Jesus.  They count on us to bring God’s message of light to the darkness of the world (though they clearly hate us for it).  If we do not speak out with boldness, against the sins of man, who will?   I ask you to consider the plight of Eli, the priest of God in 1 Samuel.  Because he did not rebuke or restrain his sons, Hophni and Phinehas, to be careful with the things of God, all three were killed.

 

We have an obglation to speak of what is true AND to point out the folly of wicked men (and women).  It is not judging to speak these words.  It is wise to speak of the ways of God with a firm and stern word.  If Oprah were doing these things in a small place, and had not accused the Lord publicly, we would have little to say.  But she puts herself up as the salvation of millions.  And for this we point out her error.  Perhaps some will read and consider what is said concerning her teachings.  Perhaps none will read these words we speak.  Regardless, we will have spoken what is true and avoided Eli’s fate.

 

There is “judging others”.  And there is firm and stern teaching against all wickedness.  Wisdom draws the line.  And there is no shame in taking the mantel of the Gospel upon our shoulders.  What shall be said between incompetent liars, though they walk in ignorance, and those who speak what is true by the power of Christ Jesus?  There is a line.  And the wisdom of the Gospel has drawn it clearly.

 

There is a folly in today’s watered down gospel (which is no gospel at all).  The folly says we have no right to claim the truths of the Bible.  And the tool used against the Lord is the word “judge”.  We are told we must love everybody.  We must not be intolerant, they tell us.  I, for one, hate that watered down gospel.  It is a lie and must be challenged where ever it is found.  There is judging others, yes.  And often such judging has to do with considering the other as less than yourself.  We do not consider ourselves better than any other.  We point out sin in this world just as I will gladly point out sin in myself.

 

As long as we remain silent, the world spirals into hell all by itself.  This silence has come upon the Church with a black vengeance because others have judged the Gospel of Jesus Christ too harsh for the world to endure.  God is pure.  And what we are doing is warning of that absolute truth.  The meaning of the word “judge” has been taken to the cleaners!  There is a love in Christ Jesus which rebukes with all earnest speed and strength.  Love isn’t always a soft little teddy bear on a clean bed.  It is often necessary for love to rebuke and correct.

 

In Hopes of Helping

by

0


A cardboard box that appears to look shocked a...

A cardboard box that appears to look shocked and unhappy (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I will relate what the Lord has done for me.  I hope this is helpful to others.

He came back to get me when He had let me chase after sin for a season.  During the last three years, or so, He has spoken plainly to me regarding what I must do every moment of every day.  Now, if that were the sum of my testimony about what He has done for me it would not be fair to others.  One more thing He has done that needs mentioning:

I had no teacher during those three years.  It was the voice of Jesus alone which guided me toward what was pleasing to His Father.  And as I understood I noticed Him ceasing to speak of certain issues.  And when a new issue came up about my behavior He would instruct me in that also.

Now I have reached a point of understanding that seems to please the Father enough to suffice.  There are many more things to build on, to say the least, but they will become a testimony of what is “more”.  I am not saying I have arrived at a holy life.  I am saying that it was the leading (the direct leading) of Jesus that has brought me to this place.

I mention these things because many of my brothers and sisters struggle against many sins and difficult times.  I want to encourage you to seek His face with all patience and humility.  I know you already do that.  But I urge it all the more.  He has taught me to listen to “what is.”  I mean that He taught me to look for Him in the present, for the present is what eternity is.  He has allowed the memory of what I have done to remain as He has uncovered the reasons for it and shown me the proper way to live my life.  I hear His voice less clearly now.  But there is absolutely no loss.  For He has taught me how to live what His voice was urging me to attain.

Was there a formula I used to get here?  The answer is a yes and no.  These things you have known from the beginning:  Read your Bible, pray, then do what the Bible and answer to prayer says you should do.  If there is a formula that is it.  Seek the will of the Holy Father in Heaven and do not lean on your own understanding.  Don’t rely on man’s version of Christianity (psychology and the watered down gospel of the day).  But seek the pure will of the Lord.  He will show you what is necessary.  And if you do not have a worthy teacher in Christ, Christ Jesus Himself will show you.

He once showed me a vision to give to another:  I saw a box with eyes and arms with its hands folded in prayer.  He commanded me to fold my hands like that and speak.  What my lips spoke I relayed to the man, “Though they are led in darkness, yet will I lead them out.”  So I can say with great confidence, take great heart in the Lord you serve in faith.  He is willing to lead you to the Father.  He is willing to give you the prosperity of eternity.  And He is quite able to accomplish what He has promised He will do.  Only be patient and humble while you wait for Him to arrive in that certain moment of eternity which is called “today”.

By His Grace.

Rise Up!

by

0


Dove of the Holy Spirit (ca. 1660, alabaster, ...

Dove of the Holy Spirit (ca. 1660, alabaster, Throne of St. Peter, St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If my brother stood beside me while we spoke of the beautiful things of Christ, and someone were to accost him in that moment, would I stand idle?  Would not my hands draw blood?  If I were able to defend I would indeed defend.  Should a soldier stand by silent and motionless as the enemy attacks his fellow soldier?  NEVER!  Now my brothers are attacked.  Now they suffer loss.  Now they cry out to the Living God for help.  And I will not stand by idle.

But we do not war against the flesh of our enemy.  We war through prayer and the confidence born of belief in the Son of God.  Silently to our ears comes the attack.  Sightless eyes look and do not perceive their approach.  A blow is delivered and the brother staggers.  Horror and deep guilt assail our brother, and he falls to his knees.  Only he knows the pain he endures now.  He cries out for help.  In his plight he cries to our flesh and our ears hear him.  We can see him as he cries.  Shall we do nothing?  May it never be.

Are we prepared in spirit to pray for him?  Are we ready to reach out a holy hand to lift him to his legs again?  Have we overcome by the blood of the Lamb enough to drive away what assails and nearly defeats him?  Are we ready, at a moment’s notice, to apply the power of our God to those who scream out for help?  The time of preparation is not upon us when our ears and eyes perceive his need.  The time to prepare is upon us now.

Who will be available to render the help of the Holy Spirit to those who cry out to us?  Who will have made himself ready and able to give the help requested?  Who, of us, is living filled with the Holy Spirit?

In this age of utter wickedness how can we walk one more moment void of the power of Christ?  We are not set apart and cleansed from our sins so that we can smile and “have a good day”.  We are separated from the ungodly wickedness around us so that we can work, by the power of God, the things of God!  Who will rise up and take hold of the things necessary?   Who now sits idle while our brothers suffer under hideous rule of sins?  Who will stand in the gap, ready and able to come to their aid as they cry out?  Where has the Church of God gone that men should find no help in their time of need?   Have we retreated to silent amazement as we watch men die?

By His Grace.

Entering In

by

0


Teddy Bear

Teddy Bear (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There is an entering into Christianity much as there are “entering ins” in the world around us.  We enter into kindergarten and experience a whole new world of knowledge and honing of abilities.  In Christianity, I guess, we could liken this to the favored verbal acceptance of Christ Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

There is an entering in that happens when we move into the school system between grades 1 and 12.  Every year we are expected to grow in knowledge and ability.  And in Christianity, again I guess, this would equate with the body of knowledge taught in what is called the Church today.  These are basic truths that can be found in writing.  In school we call them text books.  In the Church we refer to the Bible, hymns, and other literature that surround the Christian with appropriate knowledge.   Each of these have their supported values in season.  But I propose that there are two more enter ins that should happen to every Christian.

After grade 12 some go on to college.  Others move directly into the work force.  But regardless their choice, they are not faced with a rather loud slap in the face.  “No more learning the basics.  Now you learn how to apply what you learned before.”

One of the entering ins that are obvious is that of entering into the peace of God after the judgment.  We know that will be an eternal entering.  And those whose names were found in the Lamb’s book of life will never again exit His presence.  The other “entering in” is rarely considered in the Church today.  It has to do with a certain undeniable confidence we gain before the Lord.  It is the place where faith and hope turn into a kind of knowing.  We are no longer tossed about like styrofoam on a wildly tossed sea.  We become settled in the matters of forgiveness, holiness, obedience, and love.

I urge you to look into this for yourself.  I know it is real.  And there are times when I experience this for myself.  But it comes and goes according to our understanding of His love toward us.  We are no longer called servants then, but we are refered to as brothers.  For a servant does not know his master’s business.  But a brother is part of the family and is heir to what is yet to be unveiled by the Father.

There is another reason to seek out the truth in this matter:  “Now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming.”  (1 John 2:28)  Have you given much thought of what you will do when you see Him face to face?  Remember what the prophet Isaiah said?  Such a sturdy servant of the Lord, and yet he could not stand.  “”Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty.”  (Isaiah 6:5)

Let’s get sober here!  Don’t listen to those who paint the Lord Jesus as a big cuddly teddy bear.

Night is Obliterated, Thus Folly Walks in Broad Daylight.

by

0


Español: Vista aerea de la población Taritari,...

Image via Wikipedia

Standing with coffee in hand.  Perched on a porch in the early morning light I stand.  “Who are you?  What do you have to say for yourself now?”  The question is posed by He who does not lie.

A moment of silence while the mind considers what is, as opposed to what used to be.  Tracing steps between, the answer comes voluntary from lips without warning.  “I am born of God.”

What I was before is held up for inspection; shadows of what is now.  They, which consumed my way before, cannot be seen for the brilliant light that now shines within.  As if a man would determine darkness by shining a light to find it.  They are, yet they are not.  God has done what man could not do.

As the night is obliterated by morning’s sunrise, so my sins and folly are replaced by that which promotes growth.  Now a man walks with sure feet, though he still might not know where he is going.  In this, folly walks in broad day light.  God has come upon me.  And the denseness of sin is replaced by a faith which knows.

Folly Plays a Game of Chess

by

2


Folly?

Folly? (Photo credit: Bobbytee)

Wisdom and Folly sat down on the lawn; a great green carpet for a great white house.  They had come together to play a game of chess in the warm spring air.  Greetings were exchanged and pleasant words were spoken.  The sun warmed, so very gently, while they sat through the first game.  Folly had won and was pleased with himself.  Wisdom had lost that game.  Yet, joy was the noise that attended them both just the same.

Another round played and wisdom had lost.  Now folly thought well of himself.  Afternoon drifted by with cheering speech loft.  The sun watched intently, both of them having a grand old time on the lawn of that grand old white house.

Six games in all rattled pieces of marble, as they cordially spent a fine day.  “How beautiful it is when good friends gather”, said folly.  And wisdom, with cheer, could to agree.  Six games had been played and folly had bested his new friend every one.  Though some games were close and tension teased folly, the wins made his spirit stand tall.

Evening drew near and it became very clear that the sun was about to retire.  Wisdom thanked his new friend and spoke well of a joy to have played such a worthy opponent of fire.  Folly grinned broadly with eyes sparkling glee;  “I have had such a wonderful day!”  While gladness embraced them, folly rose up to leave, while wisdom remained to put the sun to bed.

Sweet to the heart is a beautiful sunset.  How lovely to do what is good.  Like flight to a Condor, effort not taken.  And height provides a safe rest.

Folly’s steps home danced upon feet without weight.  He had proved himself a man of great mind. In his heart folly gave thanks that his parents had raised such a good man.  There is marvelous joy in accomplishing a good name.  He would surely pass on a grand legacy.  And he would sleep well tonight, for his children would prosper in the way of their father!

Wisdom arose when the sun’s eyes finally shut.  His heart held a firm knowledgeable joy.  He had done what was right and allowed loss to win; knowing the game was a front for the better of both.  He had bested his friend in love’s ways.

As he entered the great white house he passed a small table.  Upon which lay trophies for the game played in the sun.  The trophies appeared to wisdom in the corner of his eye as he passed.  And a smile imperceptible was there, then was gone.

All next day was the ranting great cheer, which folly’s delight held so dear.  Great praise was addressed, and openly taken in ear.  Boast and praise went up like a song all through the day.  All among them performing what was good and expected for such friends so dearly bonded, and wise with gentle cordiality.  Counsel was given and heads nodded “yes”.  Oh how bright the eyes of students can be when they are hungry for what is offered.

Yet wisdom perceived no memory of loss.  Not one flea of sorrow pestered him. Never alone, his two feet took him, “there”.   What is good has just got to be done.  And the new day demands the tender work, heart and hand.  About and about.  Another labor of love to be found, lest the sun sleep in peace all alone.