Tag Archives: Holy Spirit

“Jesus Stuff” or “Jesus’ Stuff”.

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We serve the Lord Jesus as His people.  But how shall we serve Him?  What shall we do and what kind of people shall we be? 

You have heard many speak of what is called a “Wealth” doctrine (teaching).  In this doctrine we are supposed to experience happiness, joy, an increase of our worldly wealth, health in our bodies, and peace among our family and friends.  Some believe that if Jesus is the Lord of a congregation, we will see great harmony and peace among the people.  And, we understand by this doctrine that if one follows Jesus there will be a sure footed nature to his life.  I can’t see it like that. 

With all that I read and all I experience I have a different view of what it’s like to serve Jesus.  As I embrace His Lordship in my life I find many circumstances where I have to chose to lose.  The happiness those people speak of is not that of laughing and a permafrost smile.  Often it’s a furrowed forehead and a grim bend to my mouth.  I find that giving becomes the purpose of my income.  Had I remained in the world I would gather all I could to spend it on what I want.  But the money now belongs to Jesus.  And my soul continually looks to His face to determine what to do with it.  My body wears out just like the unbeliever’s.  Old age takes over and ravages the youth I once was.  Sickness is still part of my personal experience.  But I embrace these things as part of the gift of life God has ordained in this place of testing.  And, if I look at any serious congregation of “saints” I find constant turmoil regarding the direction and intended use of resources. 

Yet in these things is a great peace, joy and health.  For those who follow Jesus don’t rely on the things and measuring sticks of this world.  Our eyes, mind, and body are set toward the Lord of Life.  We never take our eyes off His leading.  

Let the people of this “wealth” doctrine say what they will.  Let them chase after all the things the world loves.  It’s ok with me.  They would not listen to me if I told them they were wrong.  And If they won’t look into these things on their own, they sure won’t hear my words. 

There are two scriptures that come to mind regarding this post.  One finds it’s anchor in the nature of Jesus’ approach to the things of this world:  

 18 When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake. 19 Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.”

 20 Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” (Matthew 8)

And:

 4 You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? 6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:

   “God opposes the proud
   but shows favor to the humble.” (James 4)

What you do about this post is up to you.  Perhaps you agree.  Then scream out your agreement from every possible vantage point.  Perhaps you disagree.  Then keep on going in the direction you’re headed.  I didn’t post this to gain friends.  I posted this to uphold the words of He who can not lie.  The way of Jesus’ people must be walked upon a narrow path.  With every step we take we set the next foot exactly with the guidance of Jesus.  And He has marked it out clearly enough in His word.  And even if a man can’t read, there is the Spirit of God, which is given to us, to guide each moment’s decisions. 

Chase after everything worldly if you wish.  But you should be aware that there is a moment of consequence coming.  God is Holy and will call every man to account for every step, word, and intent.  Why would you risk eternal separation from the God of Life?  There is a cost to following Jesus.  If you look at your life and find that the only difference between you and the world around you is that you hang out with a bunch of people who listen to “Jesus stuff” on Sunday, you might do well to consider your future.

By His Grace.

Way Too Much Information.

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In days past there was no mass media.  A man lived and prayed according to the knowledge he had.  He helped who came his way and did what he could in his own little corner of life.  It is not the same today in regard to media and knowledge.  But man has not changed.

While we listen to the media and hear from our friends of a massive turmoil in this world, let’s remember something.  One way to win over an opponent is to swamp him with so much to defend that he cannot focus on the singular attack which will pronounce him defeated.  You are no different than cain or able (or any other man), in that you are a singular human.  We war with what we have, not what we are yelled at to respond to. 

Focus your attention on those things which you can effect in a positive manner.  dispel the call for praying and giving for every worthy need.  Though God is able to grant us far more than we can even imagine, we are still warriors placed on a certain plot of ground.  Do not let this world confuse you with the myriad of requests you now hear.  Keep your focus on Jesus and do what He gives you to do.  He knows we are limited.  Keep your hope fresh and do not waver in your faith.  Isn’t our faith the object the enemy is trying to defeat?

By His Grace.

The Place of Shadows.

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He prepares a table for His people in the midst of their enemies.

What we are and what we have belongs to Jesus.  This is not eternity, though we float under His gaze.  This is the place of shadows.  What we see, hear, taste, feel, and think are but shadows of what is True.  There is a place of Truth.  And to that place we all will enter.  Right now we live in a place of testing.  Do you love God and His things?  Or are you taken in by all the shadows.  Do you love the world more than you love God?  If so, you will be horribly disappointed when you appear before Him.

Repent of all things ungodly and seek His lovely face while you live in this place of shadows.  If you wait till death it will be too late to prove your allegiance. 

By His Grace.

Vain Superstitions

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We are not called to frolic in the guestimations of the world regarding the Holiness of God.  We are called to join with Him in implementing His will among men.  While men make guesses regarding end times, the “Way”, the nature of Jesus’ salvation and glorification, God remains steady and sure.  He does not shift or change according to the limited understanding of man’s wicked contrivings regarding Holy.  God is.  And it is enough for us to live by the faith He gives each one of us.

Cease your constant wandering and rest.  It is God who works His will in His people.  Do not be swayed by all kinds of foolish words with which man builds his kingdoms.  They speculate about what is true.  It is God’s domain to KNOW what is true.  The one who follows Jesus will lay aside all this foolishness and pick up what is absolute.  God is willing to share wisdom to anyone who will ask.  And He will share this vast resource without judgment of any man’s history or bend toward wickedness.  Only, let us not give in to believing all the short sighted superstitions the world begs us to endure.  Hold firmly to Jesus and the truth He reveals.

Let those who will chase after vain knowledge; knowledge that is puffed up by the mind and wicked heart of man.  It is not the lot of Christians to cave to the foolish of the world around them who do not know the Lord of Glory.

By His Grace.

Concrete Man

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My feet plod along through this withering wind.

And my body is perched top them both.

There is stealth to my way which few comprehend.

But I promise you now with an oath.

If you’ve met this new that I’ve come to be,

Then you’ve stood near the One who is true.

Though my skin and my words are how you see me, 

The One who gives rest is near you.

I carry His word and His promises strong.

Though the wind around me shoves hard.

He has given me power to move forward headlong.

He has made much more than a card.

By His Grace.

The Calling of God (Being a Christian)

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You’ve heard of people who say they are “Called by God” to do something.   But did you know every man and woman has a “Calling”?  Well, Yea!  The first calling you’re called to do is accept Jesus, God’s Son.  Some have termed it “Believe” in God’s Son.  And, certainly, there’s nothing wrong with that term.  But do people today understand the meaning of “Believe”?  Likely not.  Words and their real meaning aren’t very well applied these days. 

When we’re called to “Believe” it means, not only to understand that Jesus is the Son of God, but to put everything you are and own under His ownership.  After you’ve done that, everything you are and everything you own belongs to Him.  He has the exclusive right to do with you and your belongings as He sees fit.  This is what “Believing in the Son of God, Jesus, means.  I’d bet you’ve been told or understood it differently. 

The second “Calling” has to do with those who have given themselves to the leadership of Jesus.  And this calling is what most people associate with the word “Calling”.  Once He has accepted you as His disciple (student and servant), He will have certain tasks for you to accomplish for His Father’s Will.  Now, it might be that He will call you into a ministry or something rather obviously “Jesus”.  But it might also be that He will allow you to keep many of the current trappings you now possess.  Dunno. 

But regardless your “calling” from the Lord of Glory, the calling is a full time and continuous situation.  You no longer belong to yourself, regardless what you want to believe.  He can’t lie and He doesn’t take His calling back.  People might throw away the arrangement between Jesus and themselves.  But Jesus does not.  You will be held accountable for whatever task He has given you to do.

He has said that the “Wind blows wherever it pleases.  You hear it’s sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going.  So it is with everyone born of the Spirit”.  This calling He has placed upon you will be such that you will not know what, exactly, He wants you to do next.  This is by design, lest anyone boast that they know the “Way” (Another misunderstood word).  You’ll need to submit yourself to His leading every second of every day if you want to know His will according to your “Calling”.

I just thought I’d clarify a few items regarding what it takes to be a Christian.

By His Grace.