tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15838626769632438642024-03-12T19:56:08.417-04:00The Voice of OneJust My Mind BlogglingsDavidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802760823476186119noreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1583862676963243864.post-62846348763089534272010-12-31T10:00:00.000-05:002010-12-31T10:00:11.830-05:00Blameless or Sanctified?<span style="font-style:italic;">Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24</span><br /><br />Blamelessness, I believe, is when our heart is pure, our motives are pure. There may be blind spots in our lives that God doesn't hold us responsible for, and He holds us blameless as we are "living up to the light that we have".<br /><br />Sanctification on the other hand, is God's work to bring us into greater light. Even though we may be blameless, our sins of ignorance can have hurtful effects on ourselves and others.<span class="fullpost"><br /><br />God's desire is to bring greater understanding, and as we respond through repentance and faith, then we become more sanctified.<br /><br />"He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it." This is the rub. God is ever concerned with our sanctification, and is willing to allow any and all circumstances to come our way to expose those areas that are still hidden and hurtful.<br /><br />Do we sometimes go around the same mountain for forty years? Is it because God is relentlessly pursuing our sanctification, and we may be resisting?<br /><br />While His sanctifying work is not usually enjoyable, His desire is to bring us to a place of greater fullness and life. Thus He is committed to our sanctification.<br /><br />For you, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried. You brought us into the net; you laid a crushing burden on our backs; you let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water; yet you have brought us out to a place of abundance. Psalm 66:10-12<br /><br /><br />(copied from <a href="http://www.davidsouthwick.net">www.davidsouthwick.net</a>)<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Please share your feedback by posting a comment below.</span></span>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802760823476186119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1583862676963243864.post-57327933291858701802010-12-24T10:18:00.000-05:002010-12-24T10:18:00.224-05:00An Integral Part of Saving PeopleSomehow in the great scheme of salvation, it became necessary for the Infinite to become finite, subjected to and raised by those who knew less than Him. The Almighty God became vulnerable, weak, dependent, and helpless, as an integral part of his plan to save people from their sin. He came from heaven, and became a child.<br /><br />Then during His ministry, Jesus made an astounding statement to those who would be saved:<span class="fullpost"><br /><br />"Truly I say to you, unless you change and become like little children, you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven."<br /><br />Jesus became a little child. We can only become LIKE a little child. And we must. We must become vulnerable, weak, dependent, and helpless. We must be teachable toward people who know less than us. We must become vulnerable to those who could hurt us. Without doing this, Jesus says, we will never enter the kingdom of heaven.<br /><br />(copied from <a href="http://www.davidsouthwick.net">www.davidsouthwick.net</a>.)<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Please share your feedback by posting a comment below.</span></span>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802760823476186119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1583862676963243864.post-48722416514402680522010-12-21T09:58:00.000-05:002010-12-21T10:00:39.784-05:00Servant of AllReflecting upon the principle Jesus shared about people who want to be great in God's kingdom, I realized something a little ... uncomfortable. I realize there are some people I don't mind serving. There are others whom I would prefer not to serve. <span class="fullpost">Jesus clearly saw that sometimes we wouldn't mind serving 'important' people. In fact we might readily volunteer to help them. With others, it may be more of a struggle. But Jesus was clear, we must become servants of all. This (and nothing else, I suppose) is greatness in God's kingdom.<br /><br />(copied from <a href="http://www.davidsouthwick.net">www.davidsouthwick.net</a>)<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Please share your feedback by posting a comment below.</span></span>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802760823476186119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1583862676963243864.post-5982110228707125122010-11-22T10:05:00.000-05:002010-12-21T10:06:48.287-05:00Expressing Thanks to GodI am often thankful to God for His blessings. It is important, however, to express my thankfulness verbally, not just in my head as a prayer to God.<br /><br />There is something powerful that happens when we say what we think. There is a real transferrance to the heart.<span class="fullpost"><br /><br />Paul talked about this regarding salvation, "with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved" (Romans 10:10). Salvation isn't just through believing, but stating, confessing what we believe. <br /><br />When I teach strumming and rhythm to my guitar students, it is imperative they count out loud so their hands can 'hear' the count. At times when they don't count, often the timing and rhythm veers off.<br /><br />It is vital to express verbally our thanksgiving to God. It actually makes us more thankful, believe it or not.<br /><br />Hebrews 13:15 says, "By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name."<br /><br />(copied from <a href="http://www.davidsouthwick.net">www.davidsouthwick.net</a>.)<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Please share your feedback by posting a comment below.</span></span>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802760823476186119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1583862676963243864.post-41557403502826756132010-02-08T07:38:00.002-05:002010-02-08T08:07:00.191-05:00Where is Jesus in the Trials?All of us are faced with trials, difficulties and crises. The past two months were very trying for me personally. James 1 says to "Consider it all joy when you encounter various trials", but I don't know that I've ever been able to do that.<span class="fullpost"><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Nature of Man vs. The Nature of Jesus</span><br />My nature is to resist and run from trials, trouble, conflict, hardship, difficulty. I kick and fight, cry and whine. I want Jesus to take me out of trouble, and solve the difficulty. I want Jesus, but I don't want the trials.<br /><br />Jesus' nature is totally different. He began his journey to the earth by emptying himself, becoming less -- a man. He became a lesser man, a servant; and then he died a shameful, torturous, criminal's death (Phil. 2:6-8). His direction was toward difficulty, hardship and trial; toward rejection, hatred, and pain. And he didn't turn back.<br /><br />Paul says that I am to have the attitude that Jesus had (Phil. 2:5), that I am to lay aside the old nature, and take up Christ's nature (Rom. 6, Col. 3).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Consider it All Joy</span><br />Albert Barnes says that we aren't supposed to consider our trials "as a punishment, a curse or a calamity", we are to consider it joy. What impacted me in his statement is that it is easy to question if our adversity is coming from God being displeased with us, or maybe it is coming from sin in our lives, or even from the devil himself. But James' exhortation to us is to first consider it joy, not defaulting to the position that maybe we sinned and brought trials on ourselves.<br /><br />Hebrews 12 talks about God disciplining those he loves. This word doesn't specifically imply punishment, but rather training. Trouble is a natural part of living. And God is resourceful enough to use all of life for my discipline, for my training, for my good.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Where is Jesus in the Trials?</span><br />I've recently learned to move the question mark in the above statement: Where is Jesus? In the trials. <br /><br />I want Jesus. But I've found when I try to distance myself from my trials, I am moving in the direction opposite Jesus. If I want Jesus, I need to put on His nature and not bail in the struggle.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">A Great Picture</span><br />Three men's response to the greatest trial of their lives was, "God is able to deliver us, but even if he doesn't..." And Jesus went ahead of them into the fiery furnace and met with them there.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Please share your feedback by posting a comment below.</span><br /></span>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802760823476186119noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1583862676963243864.post-70818274298141249292009-12-11T10:50:00.001-05:002009-12-11T10:59:09.730-05:00The Image of Christ<p>I’ve recently discovered that what I resist in fellow Christians comes from me comparing them to the image of Christ, and finding fault. In reality, I’m not comparing them to the image of Christ, but rather to the image of me. </p> <span class="fullpost"><br /><p>The only one qualified to measure people by Christ’s image is Christ Himself. Do I completely understand the image of Jesus? No. Besides, the image of Jesus has more to do with internal issues than external expressions.</p> <br /><p>I realize I’ve become more concerned with how their actions adversely affect me. I’m not really caring about them being conformed to the likeness of Jesus. If I was, I would be asking Jesus how to pray for them to be conformed to His image. Jesus sees there are more important issues in their lives than simply how their choices impact me.</p> <p>And He’s resourcefully using them to help mold me into His image.</p> <br /><p><em>“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” Galatians 6:2 (NKJV).</em></p><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Please enter your comments below.</span></span>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802760823476186119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1583862676963243864.post-6406057432952976932009-11-24T17:01:00.002-05:002009-11-24T17:06:43.624-05:00What is There to be Thankful For?Life is grim<br />The world is gray<br />Things go from bad to worse<br /><br />The snow is unavoidable<br />The plumbing fixes are temporary<br />The tires need replaced (again)<br /><br />Friends fail<br />Bills pile up<br />Kids fight<br />The dog does you know what in the house<br /><br /><i>There is so much to be unthankful for<br />But unthankfulness darkens my soul<br />So I’m thankful for thankfulness<br />Thankfulness makes my life full</i><span class="fullpost"><br /><br />Life may be tough – at least I’m alive<br />The world, gray today, constantly changes color<br />Things go from bad to worse, yet it all works together for good<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eftLNDvvT1o/SwxY0ZhFPlI/AAAAAAAAATg/gcTxzFaNic0/s1600/guiltydog.png"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 177px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eftLNDvvT1o/SwxY0ZhFPlI/AAAAAAAAATg/gcTxzFaNic0/s200/guiltydog.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407794909791206994" /></a>The snow is coming, so I’ll enjoy its beauty<br />The plumbing leaks; something the Amish don’t have to worry about<br />The tires need replaced; that means I have wheels<br /><br />Friends fail; at least I have them<br />Though bills pile up, I have what I need for today<br />The kids fight, but they do not dictate my mood<br />The dog? I can get rid of the dog!<br /><br /><i>There is so much to be thankful for<br />Thankfulness brightens my soul<br />Yes, I’m thankful for thankfulness<br />Thankfulness makes my life full</i><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Please share your feedback by posting a comment below.</span><br /></span>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802760823476186119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1583862676963243864.post-47901713764746858432009-11-24T09:56:00.005-05:002009-11-24T10:00:54.390-05:00The Kingdom of Heaven is NOT Like...<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><ul><li>a fireman picking and choosing which people he wants to rescue from a burning building</li><li>an orchestra with only a cello</li><span class="fullpost"><li>a flashlight shone directly in someone's eyes<br/></li><li>a man who tries to coerce a woman to love him</li><li>a wealthy man hosting a banquet and inviting only his friends and family<br/></li></ul><br/><br/></span></div>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802760823476186119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1583862676963243864.post-51657019973552187082009-11-24T09:22:00.002-05:002009-11-24T09:47:31.045-05:00Very Unofficial Guide to Gauging Coffee<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eftLNDvvT1o/SwvxQoLqDtI/AAAAAAAAATY/eR8WStlUR7s/s1600/coffee.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eftLNDvvT1o/SwvxQoLqDtI/AAAAAAAAATY/eR8WStlUR7s/s200/coffee.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407681045554925266" /></a>Yesterday I drank coffee at a local restaurant, and the only comparison I could give it was to the kick of a .410 shotgun. In fact most of the coffee served at local restaurant would fit that comparison.<br/><br/>One location in town (which will remain anonymous) might qualify for the kick of the 20-gauge, not a bad coffee, and the best I've tasted at an in-town restaurant.<span class="fullpost"><br/><br/>Let's see, some store bought 100% Colombian might attain the 16-gauge comparison.<br/><br/>All bias aside, I would compare my home-roasted Sumatra Mandheling to the kick of the 12-gauge.<br/><br/>"What about decaf?" you might ask. Have you ever fired bird-shot from a .22 rifle?<br/><br/></span>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802760823476186119noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1583862676963243864.post-63543776416360712222009-11-19T10:28:00.008-05:002009-11-19T10:34:13.490-05:00Acrostic Poem from my Son BenI just wanted to share with you all this Acrostic Poem written by Benjamin last week:<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-size:130%;">D</span>evoted, never leaving your side<br /><span style="font-size:130%;">O</span>beying, listening to your every command<br /><span style="font-size:130%;">G</span>enerous, giving you all they are, no matter what they receive in return<br /><span style="font-size:130%;">S</span>olicitous, concerned and loving<span class="fullpost"><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">C</span>heap, only doing whats best for themselves<br /><span style="font-size:130%;">A</span>ggravating, so repulsive<br /><span style="font-size:130%;">T</span>errible, only looking out for what will benefit them<br /><span style="font-size:130%;">S</span>neaky, suspicious</span><br /><br /></span><span class="fullpost"><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Please share your feedback by posting a comment below.</span><br /></span>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802760823476186119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1583862676963243864.post-47218779457990823722009-08-25T15:27:00.008-04:002009-08-25T21:35:19.984-04:00Drawing People to God<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eftLNDvvT1o/SpQ8_7lRQxI/AAAAAAAAASg/9fnA6FzSgf0/s1600-h/cathedral.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eftLNDvvT1o/SpQ8_7lRQxI/AAAAAAAAASg/9fnA6FzSgf0/s200/cathedral.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373987324383281938" border="0" /></a>My religious little mind was slightly surprised at Ruth's claim that Naomi's God would be her God (Ruth 1:16). It appears she didn't know who God was, but she knew who Naomi was. She doesn't say she will follow Naomi because Naomi follows God. It's the other way around. She wasn't drawn to God because of himself, but because she loved who Naomi was.<span class="fullpost"><br /><br />Interestingly, it doesn't appear that God is offended with this. Religion might be, but God isn't. In fact, God rewards Ruth when she returns to Israel: she finds a great husband, and then has children and grandchildren -- even descendants which include King David and Jesus Christ.<br /><br />These thoughts challenge my perspective in drawing people to Christ.<br /></span>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802760823476186119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1583862676963243864.post-13975642494391264152009-06-25T10:09:00.003-04:002009-06-25T10:11:53.899-04:00Interesting Youtube Video on Coffee Cupping<object width="340" height="285"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zkLmp4WmRbo&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zkLmp4WmRbo&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="340" height="285"></embed></object><br /><br />Please let me know what you think about this video by leaving a comment below!<br /><br /><span class="fullpost">Did you leave a comment???<br /></span>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802760823476186119noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1583862676963243864.post-61454117808203480032009-06-03T06:48:00.009-04:002009-06-08T20:16:33.508-04:00The Little Rock That Was Different<span style="font-style:italic;">A Story for My Son</span><br /><br /><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 198px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eftLNDvvT1o/SiZ9wKC6aMI/AAAAAAAAASI/Zldjs-mQxMI/s200/hillside.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343096274205436098" />There once was a Little Rock dwelling among a thousand other rocks scattered on the Hillside. This rock was a sad rock, for as it happened, he was different than all the other rocks around him. Sure each rock was different. But he was <span style="font-style: italic;">more </span>different. <span class="fullpost"><br /><br />His color wasn't quite the same. His shape wasn't as rough and jagged. All the other rocks teased him for being different.<br /><br /><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 120px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eftLNDvvT1o/SiZ_pX3Hn0I/AAAAAAAAASQ/F8TKWpjAV0I/s200/hike.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343098356678238018" />Many days Travelers would walk up and down the Hillside. Many rocks enjoyed the weight of boots and shoes upon their backs, knowing they were helping carry People to their destination.<br /><br />But not Little Rock. He was afraid the travelers would also make fun of him. He tried to hide his color and his unusual shape. When that didn't help, he just tried to hide. Little Rock was miserable and depressed. He wondered why God had made him so different.<br /><br />One day an unusual Traveler came up the Hillside. He wasn't content to walk straight up the slope. He seemed to be wandering. No. Inspecting. He was picking up rocks, and then throwing them aside. Little Rock knew if he was found, he would be discarded too. And he just <span style="font-style: italic;">knew</span> he would be found.<br /><br />Eventually, the Traveler spotted Little Rock. He picked him up and inspected him carefully. Instead of being thrown aside, something worse happened. The Traveler put Little Rock in a tiny burlap sack that he tied to his belt.<br /><br />It was dark. He was lonely. It seemed things always got worse for Little Rock.<br /><br />He didn't know how many days had passed before he was finally taken out of the burlap. A Person placed him between two pieces of metal that clamped down on him and squeezed him. He wasn't very comfortable. And he was scared.<br /><br />Suddenly he was blinded by a light strapped to the Person's head. He couldn't see what was happening. BANG. OUCH! Little Rock was being attacked by a chisel. The Person kept hammering and chipping away at him.<br /><br />He had never known such pain, such suffering. He longed to be back on the Hillside. He longed for answers from God.<br /><br /><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 162px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eftLNDvvT1o/SiaBydiFWdI/AAAAAAAAASY/3DHrf_JDoak/s200/equipment_hammer_chisel.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343100711842699730" />More time passed. Little Rock had been turned, hammered, chiseled and ouched in every way possible. When the hurting stopped, he was placed on some piece of metal which was shaped around him to hold him down. Fingers of metal held him firmly. <br /><br />Then he was covered in darkness by a thick cloth. <span style="font-style: italic;">This must be the end</span>, he thought. <span style="font-style: italic;">It wasn't enough to be tossed away on the Hillside. I must be so awful, I needed to be tortured before being thrown out.</span><br /><br />After a long period of being moved and bumped about, there was the growing sound of many, many People talking and laughing and singing. It sounded like a celebration. This went on for hours, and Little Rock wished he could see what was going on. He was beginning to feel a happiness he had never known, but he didn't know why.<br /><br />There was a sudden hush, and then the sound of one Man speaking. <br /><br />Without any notice, the cloth that covered Little Rock was removed. Little Rock could see thousands of People. He saw a Young Man sitting beside him, wearing clothing of purple and red. <br /><br />He could see the metal that held him firmly. It was a bright and shiny yellow, and it curved away from his view on his left and right side. He thought he could also see some other colorful rocks sticking out from the sides of this metal object. It was sparkly. It was beautiful. It was sitting on a large red pillow.<br /><br />Excitement grew inside Little Rock as this beautiful object was lifted in the air and placed on the head of the Young Man. Immediately, trumpets sounded and People sang. <br /><br />Little Rock was shocked to find himself 'front and center', taking his part in adorning the new King. He instantly knew he didn't have to be afraid any longer. He realized God had a good reason for all the hurt and pain he had endured. And he discovered that his uniqueness was a gift that would not be hidden, and it would serve the King for a long time to come.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Please share your feedback by posting a comment below.</span><br /></span>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802760823476186119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1583862676963243864.post-10341223431199078302009-04-29T15:15:00.002-04:002009-04-29T15:19:01.234-04:00The Devil's Battleground<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eftLNDvvT1o/SfioDNVLo2I/AAAAAAAAASA/VQgaoL9KpgE/s1600-h/gettysburg1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 137px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eftLNDvvT1o/SfioDNVLo2I/AAAAAAAAASA/VQgaoL9KpgE/s200/gettysburg1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330194932064559970" /></a>It's been said that the majority of people's self-esteem is based on what they <span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-weight:bold;">think</span></span> others think about them. Many become the puppeteer behind others' voices in their minds. They live out their lives, stuck in the track of speculation about people's views of their worth. And they are constrained by what others have said in the past, having come to a place of surrender and acquiescence to these ideas.<span class="fullpost"><br /><br />Paul’s hope was that people would “come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil” 2 Timothy 2:26. The persistent thoughts contrary to God’s word are strongholds of the enemy. These oppose the true knowledge that comes from God about who we are in him. According to 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, this is the devil’s battleground. <br /><br />God’s word is filled with many amazing declarations about who we are in Christ Jesus. Most Christians I survey, say they believe the Bible is 100% true, and yet their lives demonstrate a stark contrast to what the Bible claims is available for them.<br /><br />The devil has won the battle in their minds, and has rendered them powerless, at least for anything substantial for God’s kingdom.<br /><br />Paul exhorts several times that we be renewed in our minds (Romans 12:2, Ephesians 4:23) and that we take every thought captive and bring it under the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:4,5). <br /><br />Colossians 2:10 says, “You are complete in him.” I hope you can believe this. If not, check out some of these other scriptures: 2 Peter 1:3,4, Romans 8:34-39, and 2 Corinthians 5:17.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Please share your feedback by posting a comment below.</span><br /></span>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802760823476186119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1583862676963243864.post-11290123068830929392009-04-21T12:13:00.005-04:002009-04-21T13:34:38.004-04:00I Bleeb I'b Eeled (Part 3)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eftLNDvvT1o/Se32Q_dNaoI/AAAAAAAAARs/CD1AQQ9By3g/s1600-h/back-pain.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 196px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eftLNDvvT1o/Se32Q_dNaoI/AAAAAAAAARs/CD1AQQ9By3g/s200/back-pain.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327184706021452418" /></a>The last two posts on this subject emphasize a couple important points in the mysterious area of healing. Cessationists say God doesn’t heal today. Non-cessationists say he does, yet many times struggle with the difference between their experiences and their understanding of Scripture. <br /><br />Two important things we’ve covered in the area of healing are: 1) Listen to what God is saying about the physical affliction – then you can pray in faith in response to what he is directing. 2) Scripture also tells us in the book of James to call the elders of the church to have them pray for us when we are sick. Sometimes this simple act of faith is a huge mountain-mover in healing.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">One Final Thought</span><br />Although there are many things yet to be discovered as to the ways of God in healing, I will close these posts with one more principle I became convinced of nearly five years ago. There is a connection between “authority in Christ” and healing. <span class="fullpost"><br /><blockquote>• In Genesis, God begins by placing mankind in authority over every living thing on the earth. (Side notes: Are viruses and bacterial infections living things? Was Satan a living thing on the earth at that time?)<br />• David reiterates that this authority was not lost through the Fall – Psalm 8.<br />• The centurion recognized the connection between authority and healing in Matthew 8:5-13.<br />• The crowd were awed that God had given authority to men (not just Jesus) to forgive sins and to heal – Matthew 9:2-8.<br />• Jesus gave his disciples and the seventy authority over sickness and disease and over demons, and commanded them to heal and cast out demons – Matthew 10, Mark 6, Luke 9, Luke 10:1-20. Jesus told them, “Freely you have received, freely give.” What had they just received? Authority.<br />• Jesus has given his authority to every believer (Matthew 18:19-20, 28:18-20, Mark 16:17, John 14:12-14, 15:16, 16:23-26).</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Praying in Jesus’ Name</span><br />I don’t suppose any Christian would argue that we are instructed to pray in Jesus’ name. Most of the times we finish a prayer like this: “... in Jesus’ name, Amen.” Jesus instructed us to pray and ask in his name. But do we realize that “in Jesus’ name” means “in Jesus’ authority”? In the Greek, name also means “authority”. <br /><br />You’ve probably heard a similar phrase to this one: “Open up in the name of the king!” This means all the king’s authority is backing up the officer of the law. <br /><br />Jesus authorizes us to represent him, to act, pray, and move in his name, in his “authority”. This is what Paul is referring to when he calls us ambassadors. Ambassadors have to right and privilege and responsibility to speak on behalf of the one whom they represent.<br /><br />So we pray in Jesus’ name, Jesus’ authority. We bless our food in Jesus’ name, in his authority. This is not something trite that we do, it actually means something to bless our food in Jesus’ name, or to pray in his name. And we are instructed to heal in his authority.<br /><br />The question isn’t whether or not we are endowed with his authority. The question is whether we believe it. Mark 16:17 might be better translated, “These signs will accompany those who believe in My name: they will...” (notice the placement of the colon, versus modern translations). Many times we “believe”, but how often do we expressly believe in his authority?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Peter Said So Himself</span><br />In Acts 3, when God used Peter to heal the lame man, Peter declared that the man was healed “on the basis of faith in His name” and the “name of Jesus has strengthened this man”. Peter not only saw the connection between Christ’s authority, but he believed in Christ’s authority in him. He said, “What I have, I give to you.” Then he said the man was made well on the basis of faith in Jesus’ name, Jesus’ authority. Peter believed in Christ’s authority; he believed in his name.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Present Day Examples</span><br />After talking about this one Sunday morning, I encouraged people to test this out in their homes. One family in our church have a son who ended up with a spot on his lung that showed up on an X-Ray. They prayed for him in the authority of Jesus. When they went later that week for another X-Ray, the spot had disappeared.<br /><br />Another example was at a prayer meeting where there was a woman who suffered with chronic back pain for years. A friend and prayed for her, and after waiting and listening to the Lord, we prayed for her back in the authority of Jesus. That night at 10:30, she called me and told me that the pain was completely gone.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">We are Commanded to Believe in His Name</span><br />“This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ...” 1 John 3:23a.<br /><br />The centurion believed in the authority of Christ to heal. And Jesus remarked that he had not seen such great faith in all of Israel. This is perhaps some of the greatest faith we could walk in.<br /><br />We are not instructed to believe that if we have enough faith, someone will be healed. This is presumption. We are not instructed to pray, “Lord, if it is your will” – we are to prove what his will is (Romans 12:2, Colossians 1:9, 1 John 5:14,15). We are not instructed to believe in healing.<br /><br />We are commanded to walk in his authority, to believe in his authority, and to pray in his authority. Are you convinced that Christ’s authority resides in you?<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">If you would like to read four more testimonies from people in our church, click on this link: <a href="http://www.titusvillebranchfellowship.org/Four_Healing_Testimonies_from_Branch_Fellowship.pdf">Four Testimonies of Healing</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Please share your feedback by posting a comment below.</span><br /></span>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802760823476186119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1583862676963243864.post-5186453587640920062009-04-12T07:38:00.001-04:002009-04-12T07:41:24.370-04:00The Day of Atonement<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eftLNDvvT1o/SeHS7lXspuI/AAAAAAAAARk/wwwE7VCUpcI/s1600-h/lamb.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 175px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eftLNDvvT1o/SeHS7lXspuI/AAAAAAAAARk/wwwE7VCUpcI/s200/lamb.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323768155614258914" /></a><span style="font-style:italic;">by George Otis Jr.</span><br /><br />It was typical of many families in [ancient Israel], in lieu of dogs and cats, to keep other animals, particularly lambs, as pets. As in our society the young children would grow very attached to these lambs.<br /><br />One evening as you and your brothers and sisters are running around outside your house, your father arrives to put a halt to the horseplay. After hustling you in for dinner, he snatches your favorite lamb up into his arms and ties it inside the door. On most days Dad’s arrival is a highlight, but today something must have gone wrong. He’s too serious tonight, not like usual when he throws you up on his shoulders and carries you through the door. Tomorrow, you discover, the family is going to the Temple; but what’s really great is that lamb gets to go, too!<span class="fullpost"><br /><br />Early the next morning your mother wakes you up, ordering you to clean up and put on your best clothes. The fact breakfast was skipped this morning for the Lord wasn’t new, but Dad has never looked so serious . . . so sober. Anyway, your guess is that he’s tying the lamb’s feet together so he won’t get loose in the Temple.<br /><br />The family is finally on the way; Dad’s in front, with the lamb on his shoulders with Mom and all the siblings in tow. Nearing the Temple you notice some of your friends arriving but Dad won’t let you talk to anybody. Once inside the Temple, all you can see are the backs and legs of a forest of grownups. Nobody’s talking; they’re all just kind of crying and moaning real loud. Every so often a family or group of people press their way through the crowd heading for the door of the Temple. They’re always crying the hardest even the kids. It’s hard to figure out what’s happening. You had never really noticed the people’s faces the other times. This was the first time, too, that Dad had ever let lamb come, even though lot’s of other people brought theirs.<br /><br />After a very long two hours you have crept near the front. Occasionally you can see the priests’ legs and bare feet around the altar through a crack in the crowd. The wailing and moaning near the front is almost deafening.<br /><br />Finally, your family is standing in front of the altar. There is blood all over the ground and splattered on the priests’ clothes. While your attention is fixed on all the blood, Dad has handed the lamb over to a priest. After saying something to Dad he lifts his head and speaks again probably praying. His hands are both resting on the lamb when you notice for the first time the menacing, long knife on the side of the altar.<br /><br />The lamb anticipates its future with a meek struggle but the leather cords hold firm. After the priest finishes praying he picks up the knife and puts his hand under the lamb’s jaw pulling its head back. Horror-struck, you watch the priest plunge the knife into its throat; the blood spills out onto the breast of the lamb, the priest and the altar. After one last spasmodic convulsion the life of your lamb is over.<br /><br />As the priest spreads the blood around, the reality of the whole gruesome spectacle begins to melt your frozen stupor. Leaving the temple tears flow uncontrollably as you press through other Jewish families awaiting their turn. Nothing was said on the way home but no one noticed anyway.<br /><br />That evening Father lifted your little frame off your tear-stained pillow and gently explained as he had to your older brothers and sisters in prior years. Explaining how a lamb could die instead of you.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Please share your feedback by posting a comment below.</span><br /></span>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802760823476186119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1583862676963243864.post-34394181942099950012009-03-17T18:05:00.002-04:002009-03-17T18:09:03.050-04:00I Bleeb I'b Eeled (Part 2)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eftLNDvvT1o/ScAdj_fyG0I/AAAAAAAAARU/cVrPz6ZuFrs/s1600-h/pain-map.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 147px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eftLNDvvT1o/ScAdj_fyG0I/AAAAAAAAARU/cVrPz6ZuFrs/s200/pain-map.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314280064474553154" /></a>Some Christians believe God doesn’t heal today like he did in the first century church. On the other hand, many believe that God is a healing God, that he is the same yesterday, today and forever, and that includes the arena of healing. But these often have difficulty finding congruency between what is believed and what is experienced. And some of these feel compelled to say, “I believe I’m healed” though every visible sign suggests otherwise.<span class="fullpost"><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Cessationism</span><br />I am not a cessationist. And my belief that God heals today isn’t first based on experience (mine or others), rather it is based on my understanding of Scripture. If I could find a Biblical basis for believing that supernatural works ceased with the early church, then I’d become a cessationist. However, I’ve read the Bible many times, and have found no basis to support this view. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Well Intended Cliches</span><br />What do “non-cessationists” say when someone isn’t healed? “They didn’t have enough faith.” “It must not be God’s will.” “God is trying to produce a greater good than what the actual healing would have produced.” <br /><br />These well intended responses do little to glorify God, and often bring more internal struggle than anything else: guilt about not having more faith, frustration with God not wanting them to be healed, or confusion about what God is trying to teach them.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />What is God Saying?</span><br />The above responses may at times be true. But until we seek the Lord, and find out what he has to say about the problem, we are just stabbing in the dark with trite answers. And well meant cliches are complicating the issue. (Almost reminds me of Job’s ‘comforters’.)<br /><br />If you are unsure about whether God speaks to us today, I’ll just throw out a couple of passages: “My sheep hear My voice” (John 10) and “If anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives generously... and it will be given to him” (James 1). Jerry Lamey points out that many people who deny that God speaks to us today, will readily admit that the Devil puts thoughts in our heads. Let’s not doubt any longer that the Lord speaks today. <br /><br />And if it was his will to heal the majority of the people in Jesus’ ministry, and in the apostles’ ministry, maybe there are some extenuating circumstances as to why we don’t see him healing more people today. We ought to find out what he has to say about the present situation we are praying about. We might find more success in praying for those with physical afflictions.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">James’ Simple Advice (which so few of us heed)</span><br />One thing God has already spoken about healing is in the book of James, but so few of us seem to believe. James writes: <br /><blockquote>“Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” James 5:14-16</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">A Real Life Example</span><br />A friend of mine who suffered from chronic pain for probably more than a decade refused to call the elders of our church to pray for her, simply because she didn’t what to be a burden. So she suffered alone. However, after a surgical procedure that didn’t resolve one of her physical problems completely, she finally asked us to drive to her house one Sunday after church and pray for her. And of course, we did – gladly. <br /><br />Two days later her testimony went beyond help with the surgical procedure. She moved an inch toward God, and he moved a mile. That day, God delivered her from pain all throughout her entire body.<br /><br />This was about two years ago. This week I asked her again (as I sometimes do) how she was doing in the area of pain, and she said she was pain-free.<br /><br />There are many people in our church that will tell you how God has met them, and brought help and healing, after simply calling on the elders of the church for prayer. As elders, we would first listen to what God was saying about the situation, and then we would pray accordingly. And as a result, many times people are healed.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Coming Up Next</span><br />In "I Bleeb I'b Eeled (Part 3)" I plan to discuss the connection between authority in Christ and healing. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Please share your feedback by posting a comment below.</span><br /></span>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802760823476186119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1583862676963243864.post-83400490709573151002009-02-06T09:03:00.016-05:002009-02-06T09:20:41.594-05:00Thoughts from My Home Schooled Son<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eftLNDvvT1o/SYxD8b2_90I/AAAAAAAAARE/mMV_GEwVBxo/s1600-h/boycomputer.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 177px; height: 119px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eftLNDvvT1o/SYxD8b2_90I/AAAAAAAAARE/mMV_GEwVBxo/s200/boycomputer.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299685567057884994" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Average Home School Day</span><br /><br />Get up, start workin', no fun or play,<br />Looks like this will be the average school day<span class="fullpost"><br /><br />Sit down at my desk, grab paper and pencil<br />And seizing my brain, a useful utensil<br /><br />Working for hours that feel like years<br />I wish that Saturday soon would be here<br /><br />Finally finishing, I feel so free,<br />But I was mistaken, my mom calls me<br /><br />Now here I'm sitting, feeling no glee,<br />Lo and behold, I'm folding laundry!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Benjamin Southwick<br />Age 12, 6th Grade</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Click below to post a comment.</span></div><br /></span>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802760823476186119noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1583862676963243864.post-52898931428217413862009-01-22T07:43:00.019-05:002009-01-23T12:13:45.939-05:00I Bleeb I'b Eeled (Part 1)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eftLNDvvT1o/SXnc2je9mSI/AAAAAAAAAQg/Q58JxG_aY7Y/s1600-h/sneeze.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 155px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eftLNDvvT1o/SXnc2je9mSI/AAAAAAAAAQg/Q58JxG_aY7Y/s320/sneeze.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294505666746882338" /></a>You might hear someone with a cold (and perhaps a misunderstanding of Biblical faith and healing) say "I bleeb I'b eeled". <br /><br />Obviously, scripture proclaims God is a healing God, he desires to heal people, and that Christians can be used by God to bring physical healing to people. Jesus said, "He who believes in me, the works that I do, he shall do also, and greater works than these shall he do" (John 14). But why don't we see more of this today?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Scripture Trumps Experience</span><br />One problem we encounter is the difficulty squaring our experiences with scripture. It is difficult to believe that God wants to heal more often than not, because we haven't often seen healings.<span class="fullpost"> The fact is that many times we pray for healing and see no results. Thus we reinterpret scripture to match our experiences. And we default to such prayers as, "If it is your will, heal so and so." <br /><br />Jesus demonstrated God's will in sickness and healing. Paul says that we are to "prove what the will of God is", not guess what it is. Can we truly pray the prayer of faith if we don't know God's will?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">One Important Principle For Healing</span><br />Learning about healing has been a quest of mine for a long time. I'm endeavoring to conform my experience to scripture (not the other way around). One thing I've learned is the importance of gaining God's perspective on the immediate situation. <br /><br />There are many causes for physical symptoms and sicknesses. These can be physical, emotional, spiritual, etc. or a combination. But if we merely approach a sickness from a physical standpoint, we may miss the boat, and suffer needlessly in the long run. <br /><br />God knows the root causes of our ailments, and he can make them clear. Without seeking him, we end up stabbing at solutions. We try to pray harder. Our doctors experiment with treatments. Sometimes God says, "Go to the doctor". But not always.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Deliverance by Man</span><br />Here's an example. At least three people I know of have been treated for melanoma. Knowing the danger of this disease and observing for several years a small abnormal spot on my skin, I began to seek God about going to the doctor. Now I never had it diagnosed, but I do know that it was not clearing up, and if anything, it was slowly getting worse. God spoke to me this passage: <br /><blockquote>Oh give us help against the adversary, <span style="font-style:italic;">For deliverance by man is in vain</span>. Psalms 108:12</blockquote><br />So I have believed God, and have trusted in his specific word to me for this situation. After a couple of months, the spot cleared up over half-way. A year later almost all the discoloration is gone.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Pink Eye Hit Home</span><br />One more example that occurred in my family is when conjunctivitis took its turn with three of my boys. The first two battled recurring fevers and red, gooping eyes. When prayer did not help them, we took them to the emergency room (of course this happened on the weekend!) and obtained antibiotics for them. Then the third boy came down with the fever and the seeping, red eyes. <br /><br />I was frustrated. But after God adjusted my attitude, I heard the Holy Spirit clearly say to anoint him with oil (James 5), and I was reminded of Jesus' words about agreement (Matthew 18). So my wife and I anointed him and agreed together in prayer for him to be healed. The following morning the fever was gone, and the eyes had significantly cleared. That night we did the same thing, and the next morning he was completely healed. (Incidentally, it took around four or five days for the other two's symptoms to clear up.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Jesus is More Accessible than Your Doctor</span><br />So why not give Jesus a chance to speak to us about our physical symptoms? We may just need to seek medical help. But maybe God will point us in another direction. He certainly desires to heal us. And we don't need to set up an appointment with him.<br /><br />"Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers" (3 John 1:2).<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Please share your feedback by posting a comment below.</span><br /></span>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802760823476186119noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1583862676963243864.post-14109528147675094832009-01-15T17:17:00.014-05:002009-01-26T06:51:12.620-05:00Great Song from Deluge<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eftLNDvvT1o/SW-4bN7EsMI/AAAAAAAAAQY/2NIn34wxQhA/s1600-h/worshipsky2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 132px; height: 100px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eftLNDvvT1o/SW-4bN7EsMI/AAAAAAAAAQY/2NIn34wxQhA/s200/worshipsky2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291650864917033154" /></a><br>"Open up the Sky" is a great song from the band Deluge. It's been around for almost a year and currently can be downloaded for free at the link at the end of this post.<span class="fullpost"><br /><br><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Open Up the Sky </span><br /><span style="font-size:75%;">by John Stockstill<br />(c) 2008 Integrity's Praise! Music</span><br /><br />Our beloved Father please come down and meet us<br />We are waiting on Your touch<br />Open up the heavens shower down Your presence<br />We respond to Your great love<br /><br />We won’t be satisfied with anything ordinary<br />We won’t be satisfied at all<br /><br />Open up the sky fall down like rain<br />We don’t want blessings we want You<br />Open up the sky fall down like fire<br />We don’t want anything but You<br /><br />Our beloved Jesus we just want to see You<br />In the glory of Your light<br />Earthly things don’t matter they just fade and shatter<br />When we’re touched by love divine<br /><br />Here we go let’s go to the throne<br />The place that we belong<br />Right into His arms<br /><br /><br />If you would like the chords for this song, <a href="http://guitar.titusvillebranchfellowship.org/OpenUptheSky-Chords.pdf">click here</a>. Click this link to play (or right click to download) the free mp3 of this song: <a href="http://www.verticalmusic.com/audio/06%20Open%20Up%20The%20Sky.mp3" target="blank">http://www.verticalmusic.com/audio/06%20Open%20Up%20The%20Sky.mp3</a><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Please share your feedback by posting a comment below.</span><br /></span>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802760823476186119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1583862676963243864.post-58534307544881898422009-01-14T17:55:00.000-05:002009-04-18T10:04:17.654-04:00Ravi Demonstrates Unscientific ScienceOriginal source: <a href="http://www.thetruthproject.org/about/culturefocus/A000000211.cfm">http://www.thetruthproject.org/about/culturefocus/A000000211.cfm</a><OBJECT id=ttp_ravi_talking_to_scientists codeBase=http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,0,0 height=266 width=400 align=middle classid=clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000><PARAM NAME="_cx" VALUE="5080"><PARAM NAME="_cy" VALUE="5080"><PARAM NAME="FlashVars" VALUE=""><PARAM NAME="Movie" VALUE="http://fotf.cdnetworks.net/truthproject/swf/ttp_ravi_talking_to_scientists.swf"><PARAM NAME="Src" VALUE="http://fotf.cdnetworks.net/truthproject/swf/ttp_ravi_talking_to_scientists.swf"><PARAM NAME="WMode" VALUE="Window"><PARAM NAME="Play" VALUE="-1"><PARAM NAME="Loop" VALUE="-1"><PARAM NAME="Quality" VALUE="High"><PARAM NAME="SAlign" VALUE=""><PARAM NAME="Menu" VALUE="-1"><PARAM NAME="Base" VALUE=""><PARAM NAME="AllowScriptAccess" VALUE="sameDomain"><PARAM NAME="Scale" VALUE="ShowAll"><PARAM NAME="DeviceFont" VALUE="0"><PARAM NAME="EmbedMovie" VALUE="0"><PARAM NAME="BGColor" VALUE="FFFFFF"><PARAM NAME="SWRemote" VALUE=""><PARAM NAME="MovieData" VALUE=""><PARAM NAME="SeamlessTabbing" VALUE="1"><PARAM NAME="Profile" VALUE="0"><PARAM NAME="ProfileAddress" VALUE=""><PARAM NAME="ProfilePort" VALUE="0"><PARAM NAME="AllowNetworking" VALUE="all"><PARAM NAME="AllowFullScreen" VALUE="true"><br /> <br /> <embed src="http://fotf.cdnetworks.net/truthproject/swf/ttp_ravi_talking_to_scientists.swf" quality="high" bgcolor="#ffffff" width="400" height="266" name="ttp_ravi_talking_to_scientists" align="middle" allowScriptAccess="sameDomain" allowFullScreen="false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" /><br /> </embed></OBJECT><br /><span class="fullpost"><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Please share your feedback by posting a comment below.</span><br /></span>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802760823476186119noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1583862676963243864.post-81375717573522194552009-01-06T14:18:00.005-05:002009-01-06T17:07:50.461-05:00Have a Seat<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eftLNDvvT1o/SWO-Jc2BCQI/AAAAAAAAAP4/HVULoCfm6JQ/s1600-h/seat.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 130px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eftLNDvvT1o/SWO-Jc2BCQI/AAAAAAAAAP4/HVULoCfm6JQ/s320/seat.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288279457033947394" /></a>Paul wrote that Christ, after rising from the dead, has been seated at God's right hand in the heavenly places, "far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And He put all things in subjection under His feet" (Ephesians 1:21,22). <br /><br />This is nothing especially new, but it is awesome to think that Christ is not barely above every rule, authority, power and dominion. But he is <span style="font-style: italic;">far above</span> them. <br /><br />They can't touch him. <br /><br />But I think there is something even more remarkable here that may go unnoticed.<span class="fullpost"><br /><br />In the next section of his letter, Paul writes that God has "seated us with him in the heavenly places." To me this has significant implications, if we choose to believe what he says. If we are seated with Christ in the heavenly places, then we are far above every power and dominion of hell. <br /><br />They can't touch us unless we concede to them.<br /><br />Will circumstance and trouble, difficulty and trial bring us down from our seat in the heavenly places, down to the realm of Satan's bullying? Or through faith will we take our seat with Christ in the heavenly places, "<span style="font-style: italic;">far above</span> all rule and authority and power and dominion"?<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Please share your feedback by posting a comment below.</span><br /></span>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802760823476186119noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1583862676963243864.post-21567633284390424912008-12-23T08:09:00.000-05:002008-12-23T08:44:13.235-05:00Crossing Heaven's Threshold<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eftLNDvvT1o/SVAUClnuFGI/AAAAAAAAAPw/NqmTclKY_8o/s1600-h/babyjesus.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 160px; height: 114px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eftLNDvvT1o/SVAUClnuFGI/AAAAAAAAAPw/NqmTclKY_8o/s320/babyjesus.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282744397596595298" border="0" /></a>Christmas is a time of celebrating a simple fact: God crossed heaven's threshold to 'incarnate' himself to the world to rescue it. Have we learned from his example?<span class="fullpost"><br /><br />In the previous post I referenced Jesus' words to us that we, his church, are the light of the world. (Individuals are not that light!) But he said, does anyone put a light under a basket? Or do they put it out in the open for everyone to see and receive light?<br /><br />It seems to me that in many ways, we have hidden our light under the basket of the church building. We have expected to reach people by attracting them to church programs. But how many unchurched people do you know who really care about church programs? They have other real and/or felt needs.<br /><br />Shouldn't we, the church, get the light out of the building and out to the world? Shouldn't the church should be impacting all levels of society and culture as salt, and bringing light and life to all people in need?<br /><br />As one person said, we should start fishing on the other side of the boat. And another, "Bait the hook with what the fish like, not what the fisherman likes."<br /><br />Jesus crossed heaven's threshold to 'incarnate' <span style="font-style: italic;">himself</span> to the world. His church, I believe, should cross the building's threshold to 'incarnate' <span style="font-style: italic;">herself</span> to the world.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Please share your feedback by posting a comment below.</span><br /></span>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802760823476186119noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1583862676963243864.post-24148896931317017392008-12-22T16:50:00.004-05:002008-12-22T17:07:31.433-05:00You are Not the Salt of the Earth<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eftLNDvvT1o/SVAPbjZvJyI/AAAAAAAAAPo/7DoNFgM2wC4/s1600-h/earth-portrait5.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 152px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eftLNDvvT1o/SVAPbjZvJyI/AAAAAAAAAPo/7DoNFgM2wC4/s320/earth-portrait5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282739328939665186" /></a>Last month I was struck with the realization that I am not the salt of the earth, and I am not the light of the world. Probably many of us who grew up in Sunday School had learned that we are the salt and we are the light. I have recently had to 'unlearn' this. <span class="fullpost"><br /><br />If we could read the Greek, we would realize that Jesus said "You (plural) are the salt, and you (plural) are the light." In fact, he followed up with, "A city set on a hill cannot be hidden." I've begun to wonder if so many of our attempts to bring hope and light to the world have been feeble because we have tried to do it on our own.<br /><br />Yes, we have measured impact through individual effort. But our impact could be exponentially increased through synergism, two or more working together. Synergy comes from "syn" meaning "together", and "ergo" meaning "to work".<br /><br />Jesus then said, "Let your (plural) light (singular) shine in such a way that men may see your (plural) good works ("ergov"), and give glory to your Father in heaven." Yep, it's an 'us' thing, and it looks like there is a considerable amount of work to be done. <br /><br />We won't get much done working alone.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Please share your feedback by posting a comment below.</span><br /></span>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802760823476186119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1583862676963243864.post-20820214956847609632008-12-16T11:14:00.003-05:002008-12-16T11:19:38.335-05:00For All You Bloggers Out ThereAnother great poster from Despair.com<span class="fullpost"><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eftLNDvvT1o/SUfU7bu4W-I/AAAAAAAAAPg/SXC5oZ1rAic/s1600-h/blogging.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 335px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eftLNDvvT1o/SUfU7bu4W-I/AAAAAAAAAPg/SXC5oZ1rAic/s400/blogging.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280423205636955106" /></a><br /><center><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Blogging</span><br />Never before have so many people with so little to say said so much to so few.<br /></center><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Please share your feedback by posting a comment below.</span><br /></span>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802760823476186119noreply@blogger.com0