The 5 'F's of FAITH

In my walk with God I have seen a trend or pattern. One must begin the journey of faith, and grow through it to eventually, 'win the race.' It may look different to each Christian but here is one pattern I have observed. 

- A healthy Fear OF God leads to a living Faith IN Him and His Christ who prepares us for a supernatural Fellowship WITH Him (as the Holy Trinity) that we might also be WITH AND IN Him Forever.

Once we acknowledge and revere God, we are then able to trust His character or have FAITH in Him;  Thus beginning to walk with Him... following Him into a deeper and more intimate relationship (or fellowship) that lasts through eternity. -

One may start this journey with 'being aware of God' and even 'acknowledging Him.' For example:

- 1st: Possessing a healthy and holy FEAR of the Lord (or a holy reverence) ... (becoming God-fearing people).

Proverbs 9:10 ; Psalm 111:10a  NIV "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." -

Proverbs 3:5 KJV "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."-


- The 2nd is an actual living FAITH (i.e. - belief or trust) 

Luke 7:50 "Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."

 Mark 5:36 NIV "Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, "Don't be afraid; just believe." 

James 2:23 NIV "And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend. "

- 3rd: FOLLOW the Master (Come follow me) 

Matt 4:19 NIV "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." 

- 4th: experience FELLOWSHIP with Him (Face to face, as a friend) 

Acts 2:42 "And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

Philippians 2:1-2  "If therefore there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.

1 John 1:6-7  "If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

2 Peter 1:4 "Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires."

 Exodus 33:11, "And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle." 

- 5th: Be connected  FOREVER with Him ("That where I am you may also be" and I will be with you always)

John 14:1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”

John 14:15  “If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth."

Matt 28:20 "and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Colossians 3:1-4 (ESV) "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."

(Can I love God Part 2) Social Justice Anyone?

LOVE AND JUSTICE COEXISTING
Remember I told about 1 John 4 "God is Love." many people have trouble understanding Him as love as well as Holy and Just all at once. So, let me explain how Christ reconciles the perfect Holiness of God (He must to uphold righteousness and justice by nature and His character makes Him forever true to His Word and Holy standards) Well, how then do Grace and Wrath fit in the same plan? God must uphold Justice and "the wages ( consequence or punishment) of sin is death (romans 3)" and in the same chapter "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." Now, if God must remain Holy and perfect and be the perfect Judge that His is, and you wouldn't want it any other way, than He has to punish sin. We as finite beings and sinners may ask "is that fair?" Yes, it is what we all deserve, no matter how nice a person seems, sin is still present.... that's why Jesus came. And you and I know that Jesus had to have chosen to come for lots of reasons.
If people don't want God to punish sin than Holiness and true Justice would not be exercised, and what would Jesus have died for? Jesus' death paid the "wages of sin" for "those who believe (john 1:12 and 3:16)" So, his love and mercy created a bridge to justice and wrath. For those who believe, God poured out the wrath and punishment that we earned unto Christ on the cross . Jesus' sacrifice satisfies true and fair justice, because OUR sin, for those who accept it, has been paid for, we are covered by the precious Blood of The Lamb who was slain before the foundation of the world. Those who reject God's act and extension of divine love, grace and mercy, may say "I'll take my chances, or maybe He'll let me off the hook?" and still have to pay for the "wages" that they have earned by sinning over an over. Jesus offers them the chance for Him to pay their debt for them and some people refuse, thinking “if my good wages (deeds and their consequential actions) out weigh my bad ones than maybe that will be enough?" But as long as sin is still unaccounted for (by God who knows all), than the one who committed the sins will be held accountable for them unless they can pay or someone else (namely JESUS) can pay it for them.
Some people think they may think that this life gives them enough time to do enough good works to get by, but the law of God demands and requires perfection which only comes from Him any way. If we try to obtain perfection some other way we would “fall short” like Romans 3 says. Jesus said in the gospels that every “word" and "a man's works" will be judged according to what a person has done. Its more than fair, for God has given us an opportunity to receive a redemption that even angels don not get. AND His also gave us Himself, His Son, God in the Flesh. He came and dwelt among us (John 1). So, if God dies for us than that is above and beyond what a limited sense of justice like ours would obligate Him to do. His Mercy is so great because he didn't have to do all that just for us, He had the power and the right to destroy us all. And remember that God is Life itself and separation from Him, or Life, is death. than death is what we deserve, separation from Him, which is what hell truly is, I chose Christ I chose Life, you see? Any way, you may have heard this but I know that God's wrath is hard to understand sometimes, I just wanted to assure you that the God who has"lavished His love on us (Paul said)" is the same God who "will judge the living and the dead (1 peter)"AND that this is a good and marvelous truth that God can be both LOVE and JUSTICE all at once.

Praise God, Amen!! thanks for reading with and open heart. love you - B

Its like this, God is the Judge and Love as well. Let's Imagine a court room, maybe the Judge
(played by GOD) would be examining this case. The accuser (the devil) could say, “Your Honor, in the case of “the Law versus “mankind”, you have admitted to the whole human race, as recorded in their own texts, that “all like sheep have gone astray (Book of Isaiah)” and giving them your own Holy Law stating, “Chose this day... life or death (Exodus and Deuteronomy).” Therefore you're own words condemn them. Should you not correct this matter? than let the defendants be sentenced immediately.” And then the Defense counsel (Jesus) who is also the prosecution ( He would be the only one qualified for both positions) could say, “Your honor, Father, I do not need to remind this court of the agreement we had before the foundation of the world and the creation of mankind.” The judge could reply, “What I have done, I have done. All have sinned and fallen short of my Glory and the wages of (their) sin is death. Since, my glory has been dishonored and evil has taken place because of this sin, the price of death must be paid that My Law may be upheld in perfect justice.” So, maybe the Judge sends a summons letter, a copy of the law and explanations thereof (all 3 are in the Bible) to those who represent the whole human race (Prophets and Apostles). And part of the letter could say something like this, “Because of your deeds and disregard for the law a sentencing must commence-but your Advocate (lawyer) and I have come to an agreement that fulfills the law to the fullest degree, and still gives each of you a chance to pay for the damages that you have done according to your works... we have decided that you have exactly one lifetime or how ever long you live, to find someone else to pay this debt for you, since you are unable. He must be blameless and without sin, and worthy of the highest honor and praise in order to withstand death (the punishment) and my wrath. I am pleased to announce to the defendants, that the defense counsel Himself, Jesus Christ my own Son, has offered to pay these damages for you in accordance with the terms of the law. He has appeased my Holy anger and satisfied my jealous and compassionate love for you by willingly shedding His own blood unto death for each of you and rising again unto glory So, do you accept His offer and come into agreement with my only Son and I?” Now, God is really a Judge and Jesus is our real Advocate and doesn't this scenario sound somewhat similar to the Bible?

Signs of a Maturing Christian

7 SIGNS OF A MATURE CHRISTIAN

Spiritual Growth Series: Lesson 1
 Learn to Discern

When you meet someone who claims to be "spiritual" or "religious,"

 simply do as the Apostle Paul instructed,

 "Test and weigh everything!" (1 Thess 5:12; 1 Cor 14:29; 1 John 4:6)
And look for good Spiritual Fruit in their life (as in Galatians chapter 5).

You may also use these scriptures to test yourself.

Question 1:

Are they (and are you)

LED BY THE SPIRIT?  

Are they FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD?

Or are they (or perhaps you) just wandering around in the dark, subject to their/your fleshly impulses?

Exodus 35:31 And He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding and in knowledge and in all craftsmanship;"

Micah 3:8 On the other hand I am filled with power— With the Spirit of the LORD— And with justice and courage To make known to Jacob his rebellious act, Even to Israel his sin."

Luke 1:15 "For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; and he will drink no wine or liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother’s womb." 

Luke 4:17 And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. And He opened the [f]book and found the place where it was written,18 “THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME, BECAUSE HE ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR. HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES, AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND, TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED, 19 TO PROCLAIM THE FAVORABLE YEAR OF THE LORD."

Romans 8:14 "For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God."

Galatians 5:18 "But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law."

Luke 1:67 "And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied," 

Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.

Acts 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness.

Acts 9:17 So Ananias departed and entered the house, and after laying his hands on him said, “ Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 5:18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,"

Question 2:

 Are they (and are you)

BEARING THE FRUITS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT?

 Or are they/we exhibiting hatred, malice, selfishness, and rage instead?

Galatians 5:22 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 Now those who [k]belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires."

 Galatians 5:25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. 26 Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.

Luke 6:43 "For there is no good tree which produces bad fruit, nor, [z]on the other hand, a bad tree which produces good fruit. 44 For each tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they pick grapes from a briar bush. 45 The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart."

John 15:8 "My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples."

Question 3:

 Do they (and do you)

SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD?

 Or are they self centered?

Matthew 6:33 "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

Luke 9:23 "Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me."

Colossians 3:2 "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."

4) Do they/we... BOAST IN THE LORD rather in themselves/ourselves?

1. Psalm 20:7 "Some boast in chariots and some in horses, But we will boast in the name of the LORD, our God."
2. Psalm 34:2 "My soul will make its boast in the LORD; The humble will hear it and rejoice.

Question 4:

 Do they (and do we)

DEDICATE THEIR/OUR LIVES TO GOD?

Do they/we truly submit to God and His Word, the Bible?

Romans 12:1 "Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."

Romans 6:13 "Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness."

1 Corinthians 6:20 "...you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."

Question 5:

 Do they (and do we)

CORRECTLY HANDLE THE WORD OF TRUTH? 

Do they/we want to receive revelation and wisdom from God to interpret His Word correctly?

2 TIMOTHY 2:15 "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth."   

John 8:31 So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “ If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine;"

Acts 17:11 "Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true."

1 Corinthians 14:29 "Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said."

                                                                                          Question 6:

                                                                                   Do they (and do we)

                                                                         HAVE CHRIST'S CHARACTER?

                                            Note: Spiritual fruit is evidence of holy character in the inner man.

Philippians 2:1 Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion,… 3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."

John 13:34 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

 Question 7:

Are they (and are you)

 PRESSING ON TOWARDS THE NEXT STEP IN THEIR/YOUR SPIRITUAL JOURNEY?

Philipians 3:13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 4:15 "…but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ,"

Hebrews 12:11 "All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.12 Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed.14 Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled;"

Hebrews 6: 1 "Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of instruction about washings and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. 3 And this we will do, if God permits."

Conclusion 1: The Holy Spirit can give us "discernment" as Paul wrote, and help us "know them by their fruits" (Matt 7:16) as Jesus said.

1 Cor 12:7-11 "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good… to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits…All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines."


Conclusion 2: Sometimes the Lord simply reveals to us whether someone is trustworthy or not, or in "truth or error" (1 John 4:6)  through a gift or through proper examining as to how they handle truth.

1 John 4:6 "We are from God; he who knows God listens to us; he who is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error."

Healing & Blessing IS Yours IN CHRIST, But Beware of Televangelists Who Seek Wealth.

Here are some verses that are certainly true and inspired by the Holy Spirit from the Word God. BUT may be misinterpreted and presented by some as a  "Prosperity Gospel." Please Read them pray-fully and I will show the reader how they are used wrongfully to further larger ministries and increase wealth rather than make mature Christians. -


Ephesians 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he[a] predestined us for adoption to sonship[b] through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves." Footnotes:Ephesians 1:5 Or sight in love. He Ephesians 1:5 The Greek word for adoption to sonship is a legsal term referring to the full legal standing of an adopted male heir in Roman culture.

2 Corinthians 1:20 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God"

Romans 4:3 &22 Gen. 15:6;  "What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”


* Instead of spending month after month reading new mini-books from famous televangelists (though some may be sincere) who search over and over for "secret" clues and keys or method and rituals to unlocking God's favor and blessing, read  Rom 4:3 and Gen15: 6 about Abraham's faith being blessed by God. It's not un-bliblical to comb through the Old Testament to look for specific Blessings from God to the Jews (Abraham's fleshy seed), yet as Abraham's spiritual seed (children of faith) we already have these blessings as stated in Ephesians 1 and 2 Corinthians chapter 1 as well. AND we have them because  Christ has done the work for us. We don't need to repeat Old Testament sacrements to try to earn God's blessing. So, when a man looks into the TV camera and says something like, " I believe that God is saying that since Jacob was blessed  one hundred fold when he married Rebecca, that you need to give or sow  a one hundred dollar financial seed to our ministry as a show to Him that you want that same blessing," He better be speaking from God otherwise he is  using the Bible for his own benefit.-

So, stay close to Jesus and learn to discern. Discover the Blessings of God but don't try to earn them or look for a magic number or dollar amount to unlock them, Christ has already  unlocked them all you have to do is be like Abraham and "believe."

 

The Relationship Detectives Series: Vol. 1 [Updated]

Uncovering the Truth about Relationships.

By Brandon Miller (2008)

Do you ever find yourself acting like a Relational P.I., (or Private Investigator) in a particular friendship, family relationship, or even in your marriage? 

Do wonder why you or someone else has behaved in a way not pleasant?

Well, I invite you to use these helpful codes and acronyms which illustrate the law of Sowing and Reaping, as it applies to relationships. You can't expect a healthy response from others if you begin a conversation or debate with a bad attitude. These acronyms can help you decipher some of the relationship mishaps you may be currently experiencing, but will only work if used objectively and with prayer and introspection. As a Christian, I know that God will empower you to become someone whom others can rely on, and give you the self-control and understanding needed to navigate difficult relationships. 

Verses for Mediation: The Ancient Principle of Sowing and Reaping:

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, 

this he will also reap.” - Galatians 6:7

“Consider this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” - 2 Corinthians 9:6

Proverbs 15 shows this principle in action...“A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable, But the mouth of fools spouts folly.” - Proverbs 15:1-2

______________________________________________________________________________________________

 Become a Relational  P.I.

Discerning between reality and wishful thinking.

When engaging with others in social situations are you a good P.I. or and bad one?

Do you know the difference between what you wish and what is real? 

P. - Perceived Affection: I think a person likes me simply because I want them to,
despite their obvious signals of disinterest or lack thereof.

I. - Intended Affection: I know for sure that this person likes me. For they have intentionally responded to my gestures of friendship or obvious signs affection.

Example 1: Give your Love Life the “P.I.” test…

When you are in love but not sure if the other person feels the same way, simply ask yourself:

Is there a genuine connection between us, or is it just my imagination?

Are they sending social cues or using body language to indicate an attraction, or is it just me?

Dealing with the pain:

When someone seems to hurt you emotionally, is your pain perceived or intended?

P. - Perceived Hurt: I feel hurt because I want to be hurt.

I. - Intended Hurt: I feel hurt because someone intended to hurt me.

Example 2: Give your Pain the “P.I.” test…

When someone close to you hurts your feelings, ask yourself:

Did they hurt me on purpose, or am I really upset about something else?

Truth: Some people project pain from their past unto those of us in the present.

We can't hold our current friends and loved ones accountable for the emotional trauma and baggage of the past. It's not fair. We must be able to tell whether or not someone meant to upset us, and when it is simply a misunderstanding.

Constructive P.I.'s?                           Destructive P.I's?

Perceptive and Interactive               Prideful and Indifferent

Peaceful and Inviting                     Pretentious and Interruptive

Are you an A.C.E. at relationships?

Do you make others feel... A. Affirmed C. Comforted and E. Edified Because you are… A. Accepting, C. Compassionate and E. Encouraging?

Or Do they feel... A. Agitated, C. Confused and E. Exploited Because you are… A. Abrasive, C. Condescending and E. Explicit?

Are you a good D.A.T.E.?

Reveal your best qualities: Show them that you are.... D. deep, delightful, and dependable A. accepting, adaptive, and active T. tasteful, thoughtful, and therapeutic E. endearing, empathetic, and engaging

Don't be... D. demanding, domineering, or dysfunctional A. abusive, adamant, or anxious T. threatening, tense, or temperamental E. evasive, exclusive, or emotionally unstable

Do you express yourself clearly like C.I.A. agents and C.S.I. officers...?

When it's your turn to speak, be... C. Confident I. Intelligent & A. Assertive Offer comments and ideas that are... C. Creative S. Stimulating and I. Innovative

Don't be... C. Condemning I. Inconsiderate or A. Adversely Aggressive Or you will look... C. Complacent S. Stubborn and I. Inconsiderate

Be like an N.C.I.S. Agent by Navigating Carefully In Social Situations.

Resolve conflict utilizing the I.R.S. System...

Resolve conflict with... I. Intellect R. Reason and S. Skill Change the atmosphere by being... I. Introspective and Intuitive R. Respectful and Refreshing S. Sympathetic and Soothing

When angry don't act... I. Impulsive R. Rash or S. Simple-minded Or you will look... I. Insensitive R. Rude and S. Selfish

Motivate others like a relational F.B.I. Agent…

See if you are a Helpful or Destructive Force in your immediate circle of influence.

Motivate others with... F. Faith and Fortitude B. Beauty and Boldness I. Inspiration and Intelligence

Not with... F. Fear or False Promise B. Bitterness or Bondage I. Intimidation or Ignorance

Questions for personal growth:

“Am I…_______?”

Relatable or Resistant Selfless or Selfish

Inspiring or Intimidating Inviting or Inconsiderate

Insightful or Immature Discerning or Defensive

Giving people space while building up the relationship:

Keeping tabs on your mate or a friend?

“Are we…_______?”

“Keeping Up” on our relationship? or “Keeping Track” of each others’ failures?

Resolving Conflict:

Arguing?

Consider which of these phrases are more constructive and life-giving instead of destructive and selfish…

“I love you so” vs. “I told you so”

“I’m here for you.” vs. “I’m better than you.”

Sowing and Reaping in Relationships

The Cycle of Pain: From right to left…

We Hurt Others = 's

Hurt in Self =                        = Hurt in Others

= Others Hurt Us

Commentary:

Human nature is flawed: We are all sinners and act out of sin. We all may disappoint ourselves and others at some point in life. We all have faults and quirks and baggage. We need help to flourish and thrive in life and in relationships.

Verses for Reflection: The Truth about Human Depravity

Romans chapter 3 says that, “The consequences (or result) of sin is death…all have fallen short of the glory of God.”

And Proverbs says that, “There is a way that seems right to a man but in the end leads to death.” Also, Isaiah says that All are like sheep gone astray and have turned to there own ways. There is not one righteous.”

“Wide is the gate and broad the path that leads to destruction and many follow it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” - Jesus in Matthew 7

“Do not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. For the day that you eat of it you will die.” (God to Adam, Genesis Chapter 3).

The nature of God is perfection. He does not settle for less but turns sinners into saints. We too, should not make excuses, but help others reach their potential and rise above their circumstances.

"For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." - Luke 19:10

The example God gave through His Son is above and beyond what was required. We didn't deserve His grace. Thus, we should pass on His grace to others whether they deserve it or not.

"We love, because He first loved us." - 1 John 4:19

Jesus Christ breaks the cycle of sin and death. "... I have come that you may have life more abundantly." - John 10:10b

House Church with Simple Church Ministries

House church with Simple Church Ministries
 
Youtube channel with more videos
http://www.youtube.com/user/timdale#p/u

 When you come together part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10ZIMJU3DhU

 When you come together part2http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2_hiPSW54Y

Missionary Testimonies

 Missionary Testimonies....Awesome! PRaise Jesus!!

  Part 1 of Mouk tribe
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8FOVYT9CH8

Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ma6U-wae6A

New Tribes Missions Tesimonies

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PfNCemTs-k

Another NTM Testimony
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57cHMFLPkLw

“A Story of Three Men / or A Parable of the Trustworthy King?”

“A Story of Three Men /or
A Parable of the Trustworthy King?”

The Kingdom of God is similar this story:

There was a certain King who was the most righteous and noble of all kings, famous for his mighty deeds and known for His godly character. One day, He was deeply grieved because some of his own servants had betrayed him and rebelled against his father’s kingdom. He was not surprised, for many people did the same to his father. Therefore, he set it in his heart to obey the command of his father, “let us dwell not only with loyal servants but among a people to receive as our own. Ones who will love and trust us as sons and daughters, and brothers and sisters do.”







So, he began searching the entire earth for trustworthy people to call his own and fellowship with: that they would experience the love that he and his father shared together. During his adventures, he once traveled as a Sheppard, allowing humble garments to temporarily veil his royal clothing.







Eventually, he came upon a large city that was full of wickedness, and met three people outside its gates; an angry person, an indecisive one, and friend with a soft heart.






The first man came running from the opposite direction and rushes towards the city. He attempted to push the king aside, but the famous one was as an unmovable rock and kept him from his pursuit of wickedness. This man became angry and yelled at Him, “Who are you to get in my way?” So, the king revealed himself, but the angry one did not believe him. “You can’t be this man who you claim to be. I have heard many different things from all kinds of people regarding the king and he is not like you. Besides he does not come this way.” However, before the angry one could leave, the king warned him once more, “I tell you the truth, I AM. Also, if you continue on this path, you will surely die tonight. Rather, believe me for who I am. Come sup (eat) with me tonight, that you may dwell in my father’s house as one of our own. Then you we would trust one another and you will surly have abundant life and not taste death.” The man did not listen or heed the king’s godly warning and invitation, but hurried off into the city and pursued all his sinful desires.


A second man was wondering indecisively back and forth outside the city entrance, and asked the godly king for advice. They immediately recognized each other, and began walking and talking together.Then the trustworthy king invited him as he did with so many others, “Come sup (eat) with me, and dwell in my father’s house as a member of my own family. I will give you rest for your weary soul and you will have life. Then we might trust one another and live in peace.” The indecisive man was flattered by the request, but politely declined, “Though you are very willing to help me and I remember how trustworthy and powerful you are, I must do as I please for now. Later I will come, after short while. Once I have tried my own way in this city, doing all that I want with my own strength Then, I will surly come.” The trustworthy king was deeply saddened once more, but not surprised. He replied gently, “I tell you the truth, you are right in saying that I AM. Though my invitation is always yours, if you continue on this path you will surely die this very night while you sleep in your drunkenness. Rather, believe me for who I am ever more. Come follow me, be with me forever and you will most assuredly have life to the fullest.” However, the man convinced himself that he would come later and insisted that he go his own way for a period of time.


A third man was traveling in the same direction as the godly king and following in his footsteps along the same path. He begins walking beside him. “It is you!” he shouts joyfully, “Just as I have heard from your trusted friends! I too, am in search of those with good character that we might be as brothers and dwell in peace together. Yet, I am tired from the trials of my journey; let’s stop in the city for a while. I know this place is evil, so we won’t stay long.” He then led him to the entrance of the city gates but the good king stopped and rebuked him gently, “if you continue on this path, you will surely die tonight.” Then the tired one, in holy fear, took him at his word and believed. So, he asked, “My gracious king, you are truly greater than all man I have ever known. Say the word, and I will obey. Therefore, tell me how I may find life instead of death?” The king answered, “You have brought me great delight good and faithful servant. For I know you will believe me for who I am and serve me through the ends of your days. Come, you are now my brother. Follow me, and we will sup (eat) together, and dwell with my father in peace. Then, you will have the abundant life you seek.”Immediately, he came to his senses and heeded the words of the king. Therefore, they turned around and did as the king had instructed.




Later that very night, just as the king prophesied, a band of robbers came and burned the wicked city to the ground. Everyone there, including the first two men, was killed. Though they were warned by the most trustworthy of all men, and the greatest king is history, they did not believe.

On his journey, the king found more people who would not repent and take his hand, but the countless others who longed for the love of his father and joined him became as numerous as the stars.


-END-

The Meaning:

The godly king one represents Christ, the King of all kings: God Himself inviting men to His home (Heaven) to be one with Him, and adopting them as sons of God. The angry man is in rebellion towards God and knows his own selfishness and stubbornness. He persists to do things his way and dies because he did not believe God that “the road to destruction is wide.” Instead, this person believed what others people said and even believed wrongly or incorrectly about God. The second man is someone who is familiar with God but never knew Him intimately. He wants to join God, but is led astray by the world and his own sinful desires. The third is one who is in continual search for God, but has worn himself out by trying to do much of his rightful journey by his own strength. He begins towards destruction, but his childlike faith, given him by the Holy Spirit causes him to heed (trust and obey) the word of the Lord instead. The wicked city burning to the ground represents “the place of weeping and gnashing of teeth” that Jesus calls Hell or Hades. The two men made their choice and the righteous man his as well. What will yours be? Proverbs of Solomon: There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end leads to death: Many are the plans of a man’s heart, but the will of God prevails:Trust in the LORD with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledged Him and He will direct your paths. Also, Isaiah prophesied, “there is not one person righteous, we have all like sheep, gone astray to our own wicked ways.”-

The Birds and the Bees: What’s Up With That? A Sex Life vs. Life-Sex:

Theme verses: Galation 5:16 “So I tell you: Live by following the Spirit. Then you will not do what your sinful selves want.17 Our sinful selves want what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit wants what is against our sinful selves. The two are against each other, so you cannot do just what you please.18 But if the Spirit is leading you, you are not under the law. 19 The wrong things the sinful self does are clear: being sexually unfaithful, not being pure, taking part in sexual sins,20 worshiping gods, doing witchcraft, hating, making trouble, being jealous, being angry, being selfish, making people angry with each other, causing divisions among people,21 feeling envy, being drunk, having wild and wasteful parties, and doing other things like these. I warn you now as I warned you before: Those who do these things will not inherit God's kingdom.22 But the Spirit produces the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23 gentleness, self-control. There is no law that says these things are wrong.24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their own sinful selves. They have given up their old selfish feelings and the evil things they wanted to do.25 We get our new life from the Spirit, so we should follow the Spirit.26 We must not be proud or make trouble with each other or be jealous of each other.”


The Birds and the Bees:
What’s Up With That?
Sex Life vs. Life Sex:

I remember when I was in fifth grade and a nurse came into our homeroom to teach us sexual- education. She told all the girls that, depending on their ovulation cycles, every time they have unprotected sex, they have of chance of becoming pregnant. I didn’t really understand the cycles of the female body at that time, being of the male gender. However, I did understand what the nurse, as well as my parents, were trying to say. They made it clear to me that sex is not only for fun, it’s for making babies too.

Why am stating the obvious? Well, as I grew older and more exposed to the world around me, pop culture seemed to bombard us with a very different message from what we were taught about the “birds and the bees.” Television, magazines, and most films conveyed the idea of “sex for pleasure” as more significant than sex for reproduction. Where is the balance. I’d see countless episodes of TV dramas and movies with scenarios such as this: a man is at a party and suddenly notices a dazzling young beauty from across the room. They make eye contact and instantly the viewer is taken to a bedroom scene. The two strangers are now having sexual intercourse without even learning each other’s names. Finally, they spend the rest of the movie getting to know one another, and possibly falling in and out of love, several times. So, according to holly-wood, are we actually supposed to think that romance comes with, sex first, than a relationship, and eventually, marriage.... maybe. Adults can be such hypocrites! Didn’t the little girls in your town sing, “Ken and Barbie, sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G. FIRST COMES LOVE, THEN COME MARRIAGE, THEN COME KENNY IN THE BABY CARRIAGE. When did sex become more like a handshake, instead of an intimate and private thing between a man and his wife, or Mommy and Daddy?

I was just as stunned as you. Between birth control, abortion, and the mass media, I wouldn’t be surprised if some kids today are more confused than I was. Birth control and contraceptives introduced what many call “safe sex.” I was under the impression that abstinence and a monogamous relationship was the safest way for a healthy sexual relationship to be nurtured. Some view me as old-fashioned in this regard. Whatever you believe about birth control, that is not my concern. I am not against contraceptives, I just think that they are a privilege, and in a face paced society, privileges can be abused and perverted. Perhaps, the pleasure and simplicity of sex has been overexposed or exploited and most definitely, overemphasized in this culture. For example: have you ever heard someone say, “I had know idea I was going to get pregnant?” Was it really that unexpected? I understand that they were using birth control, and weren't planning on it, but are some people actually forgetting that large amounts of sexual activity actually promotes reproduction and may increase the chances of pregnancies?
I believe that history shows us that cultures in every major time-frame have struggled with these types of issues with sexuality. So, I’m not shocked at what I see in American culture. Rather, I’m shocked that people are so forgetful of the facts of life.
When did we forget that reproduction comes from either having sex at the right time or having lot‘s of it for long periods of time, and that “Sex CAN equal reproduction.” It’s not just for our enjoyment, but for creating families and furthering the human race and the Kingdom of God as well. We all know what a “sex life” is, but many fail to grasp what I refer to as “life sex” or a monogamous sexual relationship with one life-long and exclusive partner in order to create the potential of a family unit. Hmmm... sounds like marriage? Maybe some in the culture don’t want us to think of sex as something responsible and mature people do. If pleasure has consequences, than one might have to be careful and exercise self-control. Without meaningless pleasure and countless sex partners, might some people get bored? No, they would then be forced by their own consciences to seek purpose in life, instead of the constant pursuit of pleasure and good feelings. Also, they would have to hold themselves accountable. However, this would require divine intervention, and possibly values and conviction. Honestly though, how many of those in the mass media and worldly culture do you know that are ready to have convictions about things like self-control? They traditionally have convictions about issues like the environment and civil rights, but not about self-control and patience. For example: Hollywood would not be a billion dollar industry if their viewers had more self control. If people shut off the television and experienced more of real life while sitting at home, and spent money on more valuable things than cable and pay per view, it would be broke.. I don’t know, but I will personally continue to encourage “life sex” and discourage multiple partners and sexual promiscuity. How about you? When in doubt Jesus said “ a tree is known by it’s fruit.” Let’s ask the Holy Spirit for the fruits that He has for us like love, longsuffering , patience and self control… to name a few.-