Saturday, January 29, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Monday, January 3, 2011
Winter Camp
Winter Camp was a BLAST!!!! The youth of our church along, with Bro. Brad Parker's youth from Faith Baptist in Brownsboro as well as Bro. Travis Gilbert and family from Rodgers Baptist in Garland, attended Forest Glen in Huntsville for this year's Winter Camp. The fun and fellowship were awesome!! The messages were encouraging and much needed. Bro. Josh Pettijohn and his wonderful wife Susan did an AWESOME job hosting this year's camp as did Bro. Wade Wilson organizing the games!!! There were many things offered to the attendees such as: Canoeing, Sumo Wrestling, Food Football, Zip Line, Huge Ball Volleyball, Shaving Cream War, Minute to Win It Games as well as Laser Tag and the awesome game truck from Pearland's Road Gamers. Let's not forget the campfire and s'mores as we rang in the New Year with like minded people and the best youth I can think of:-)
^After shaving cream war^
^Splendid view^
^Christian in the Sumo suit^
^Miguel and Oliver Cornelio^
^Lois Cornelio and Amy Sanchez^
^Preparing for Zip Lines^
^Nicholas and Isaiah on the canoes^
^Inside the game truck^
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Follow The Light: Does Being A Christian Hurt?
Follow The Light: Does Being A Christian Hurt?: "And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him. And Jesus said unto him, Friend… Matthew 26:49, 50aIf you s..."
Quotes
“ The friendship that can cease has never been real.
— Saint Jerome
“ Sometimes it is not enough to do our best; we must do what is required
— Sir Winston Churchill
“ Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune
— Jim Rohn
“ Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.
— Will Rogers
“ Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still.
— Dorothea Lange
“ Don’t be afraid to go out on a limb. That’s where the fruit is.
— H. Jackson Browne
“ You were born an original, don’t die a copy
— John Mason
“ A wise man makes his own decisions, an ignorant man follows public opinion.
— Chinese Proverb
“ If you want your life to be a magnificent story, then begin by realizing that you are the author and everyday you have the opportunity to write a new page
— Mark Houlahan
— Saint Jerome
“ Sometimes it is not enough to do our best; we must do what is required
— Sir Winston Churchill
“ Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune
— Jim Rohn
“ Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.
— Will Rogers
“ Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still.
— Dorothea Lange
“ Don’t be afraid to go out on a limb. That’s where the fruit is.
— H. Jackson Browne
“ You were born an original, don’t die a copy
— John Mason
“ A wise man makes his own decisions, an ignorant man follows public opinion.
— Chinese Proverb
“ If you want your life to be a magnificent story, then begin by realizing that you are the author and everyday you have the opportunity to write a new page
— Mark Houlahan
Monday, December 13, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Monday, November 8, 2010
Many people have strange and unbiblical ideas about the forgiveness of sins. Some seem to believe that confessing our sins is a kind of universal admission of guilt in all circumstances. It is asking God to make all the bad people good and all the good people better. In truth, confessing our sins involves recognizing our sins and knowing what those sins are.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Forgiveness
Over the past several weeks I have had several people ask me about forgiveness.
I believe forgiveness is a two part process. It must be offered and then it must be accepted.
For example: If someone has wronged me it is my Christian duty to forgive them. Having said that I must also say the they must receive the forgiveness that I have offered. Jesus Christ forgave me of my sins but in order for me to receive that forgiveness I had to repent and accept the forgiveness that Christ offered. So, the person that has wronged me must show evidence of genuine repentance and accept the forgiveness that I have offered.
One of my favorite places to visit on line is http://momof9splace.com/ It is here that I came across the following:
Forgive to Live
Written by Karen
Does the Bible provide any means whereby we can judge ourselves as to whether or not we´re truly in the faith? (We don´t forgive in order for God to save us, please don't misunderstand the two)
Key Text: Matthew 6:12
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors
When we strive against all thoughts of revenge, when we will not do our enemies mischief, but wish well to them, grieve at their calamities, pray for them, seek reconciliation with them, and show ourselves ready on all occasions to relieve them. Thomas Watson
This quote can be directly related to Romans 12
1. When we strive against all thoughts of revenge.
Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
2. When we will not do our enemies mischief
Romans 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
3. But wish well to them
Romans 12:14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not
4. Grieve at their calamities
Romans 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
5. Pray for them
Romans 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer
6. Seek reconciliation with them
Romans 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
7. And show ourselves ready on all occasions to relieve (come to their aid) them
Romans 12:20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head
These elements of forgiveness that Watson included in his definition are deeply rooted in Scripture.
Don´t seek revenge
Don´t return evil for evil
Wish your enemies well (it can be friend, family. Etc)
Grieve at their misfortunes
Pray for them
Seek reconciliation over a matte of disagreement
Meet your enemy's need with generosity
What if this is not our definition of forgiveness?
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:14-15
Matthew 18:21-35Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
What is the message in these verses? One who is truly born again will have a spirit of forgiveness within him.
John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing
The believer is in Christ, and Christ is in the believer. That which flows out of the believer is a result of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.It´s impossible to be truly born again and not have the spirit of forgiveness. It may not be completely developed, but it must be there. Thus, whether one has a forgiving spirit or not is a test of whether or not one is genuinely born again. This may be one of the best tests of the validity and sufficiency of our faith. We must forgive to live.
A lesson from Corrie ten Boom:
Quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IT WAS IN A CHURCH in Munich where I was speaking in 1947 that I saw him-a balding heavyset man in a gray overcoat, a brown felt hat clutched between his hands. One moment I saw the overcoat and the brown hat, the next, a blue uniform and a visored cap with its skull and crossbones.
Memories of the concentration camp came back with a rush: the huge room with its harsh overhead lights, the pathetic pile of dresses and shoes in the center of the floor, the shame of walking naked past this man. I could see my sister's frail form ahead of me, ribs sharp beneath the parchment of skin.
Betsie and I had been arrested for concealing Jews in our home during the Nazi occupation of Holland. This man had been a guard at Ravensbruck concentration camp where we were sent.
Now he was in front of me, hand thrust out: "A fine message, fraulein! How good it is to know that, as you say,, all our sins are at the bottom of the sea!"
It was the first time since my release that I had been face to face with one of my captors and my blood seemed to freeze.
"You mentioned Ravensbruck in your talk, " he was saying. "I was a guard there. But since that time, " he went on, "I have become a Christian. I know that God has forgiven me for the cruel things I did there, but I would like to hear it from your lips as well. Fraulein-" again the hand came out-"will you forgive me?"
And I stood there-and could not. Betsie had died in that place- could he erase her slow terrible death simply for the asking?
It could not have been many seconds that he stood there, hand held out, but to me it seemed hours as I wrestled with the most difficult thing I had ever had to do.
For I had to do it-I knew that. The message that God forgives has has a prior condition: that we forgive those who have injured us. "If you do not forgive men their trespasses," Jesus says, "neither will your Father in Heaven forgive your trespasses."
Still I stood there with the coldness clutching my heart. But forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart. "Jesus, help me!" I prayed silently. "I can lift my hand. I can do that much. You supply the feeling."
And so woodenly, mechanically, I thrust my hand into the one stretched out to me. And as I did, an incredible thing took place. The current started in my shoulder, raced down my arm, sprang into our joined hands. And then this jealing warmth seemed to flood my whole being, bringing tears to my eyes. "I forgive you, brother!" I cried. "With all my heart!"
For a long moment we grasped each other's hands, the former guard and former prisoner. I had never known God's love so intensely as I did then.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adolph Coors IV (yes from the Coors beer name)
On February 9, 1960, Adolph Coors III was kidnapped and held for ransom. Seven months later his body was found on a remote hillside. He had been shot to death. Adolph Coors IV, then fifteen years old, lost not only his father but his best friend. For years young Coors hated Joseph Corbett, the man who was sentenced to life for the slaying. Then in 1975 Ad Coors became a Christian. While he divested himself of his interest in the family beer business, he could not divest himself of the hatred that consumed him. Resentment seethed within him and blighted his growth in faith. He prayed to God for help because he realized how his hatred for Corbett was alienating him from God and other persons. The day came, however, when claiming the Spirit's presence, Ad Coors visited the maximum security unit of Colorado's Canon City penitentiary and tried to talk with Corbett. Corbett refused to see him. Coors left a Bible inscribed with this message: I'm here to see you today and I'm sorry that we could not meet. As a Christian I am summoned by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, to forgive. I do forgive you, and I ask you to forgive me for the hatred I've held in my heart for you." Later Coors confessed, "I have a love for that man that only Jesus Christ could have put in my heart."
Applications:
We are not required to feel good about bad things. If someone hurts a member of your family, you are not going to feel good. Neither should you let it destroy you by not giving it to the Lord. Vengeance is His to execute.
1Peter 2:23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously
Ephesians 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath
Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
To forgive doesn´t mean to excuse the wrong. This is a common misconception. Look at how God deals with us. On the one hand, He forgets our sin; on the other He chastens us and deals with us as children.
Hebrews 8:12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.
Hebrews 12:6-7 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
If a man commits a crime and is caught, he will serve the time. We need to forgive him and pray for his restoration, but we can´t overlook the fact that his sin will bring judgment, and leave scars. We need to forgive even if the other person does not. Not only did God forgive us, but He forgave us despite the hurt to Himself. We say something like, “I know I should forgive him, but you don´t know how badly he´s hurt me; I just can´t forgive him.”
What is the Scriptural response:
Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Colossians 3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye
We need to forgave as we have been forgiven. At the cross, Christ paid the price with His body and blood to make possible our forgiveness. It becomes effective only when we believe, but the atonement was completed on the cross at the greatest possible hurt to the Lord Jesus-not just His physical hurt, but that of taking upon Himself the sins of all mankind. Failure to forgive often results in deep-seated anger. And anger can eat away at us like a cancer. It strips us of our ability to function as God would have us to.
In the case of Adolph Coors and Corrie ten Boom, the deeds were very bad. But they were freed from the slavery of anger and bitterness by surrendering them to God and trusting Him to make the wrongs right in His time. They could have easily become prisoners of their own hatred. Instead they learned that “To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.”
Ephesians 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
Hebrews 12:15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
Are you and I characterized by a spirit of forgiveness in our hearts? That´s one test of the validity all sufficiency of our faith.
I believe forgiveness is a two part process. It must be offered and then it must be accepted.
For example: If someone has wronged me it is my Christian duty to forgive them. Having said that I must also say the they must receive the forgiveness that I have offered. Jesus Christ forgave me of my sins but in order for me to receive that forgiveness I had to repent and accept the forgiveness that Christ offered. So, the person that has wronged me must show evidence of genuine repentance and accept the forgiveness that I have offered.
One of my favorite places to visit on line is http://momof9splace.com/ It is here that I came across the following:
Forgive to Live
Written by Karen
Does the Bible provide any means whereby we can judge ourselves as to whether or not we´re truly in the faith? (We don´t forgive in order for God to save us, please don't misunderstand the two)
Key Text: Matthew 6:12
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors
When we strive against all thoughts of revenge, when we will not do our enemies mischief, but wish well to them, grieve at their calamities, pray for them, seek reconciliation with them, and show ourselves ready on all occasions to relieve them. Thomas Watson
This quote can be directly related to Romans 12
1. When we strive against all thoughts of revenge.
Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
2. When we will not do our enemies mischief
Romans 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
3. But wish well to them
Romans 12:14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not
4. Grieve at their calamities
Romans 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
5. Pray for them
Romans 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer
6. Seek reconciliation with them
Romans 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
7. And show ourselves ready on all occasions to relieve (come to their aid) them
Romans 12:20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head
These elements of forgiveness that Watson included in his definition are deeply rooted in Scripture.
Don´t seek revenge
Don´t return evil for evil
Wish your enemies well (it can be friend, family. Etc)
Grieve at their misfortunes
Pray for them
Seek reconciliation over a matte of disagreement
Meet your enemy's need with generosity
What if this is not our definition of forgiveness?
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:14-15
Matthew 18:21-35Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
What is the message in these verses? One who is truly born again will have a spirit of forgiveness within him.
John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing
The believer is in Christ, and Christ is in the believer. That which flows out of the believer is a result of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.It´s impossible to be truly born again and not have the spirit of forgiveness. It may not be completely developed, but it must be there. Thus, whether one has a forgiving spirit or not is a test of whether or not one is genuinely born again. This may be one of the best tests of the validity and sufficiency of our faith. We must forgive to live.
A lesson from Corrie ten Boom:
Quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IT WAS IN A CHURCH in Munich where I was speaking in 1947 that I saw him-a balding heavyset man in a gray overcoat, a brown felt hat clutched between his hands. One moment I saw the overcoat and the brown hat, the next, a blue uniform and a visored cap with its skull and crossbones.
Memories of the concentration camp came back with a rush: the huge room with its harsh overhead lights, the pathetic pile of dresses and shoes in the center of the floor, the shame of walking naked past this man. I could see my sister's frail form ahead of me, ribs sharp beneath the parchment of skin.
Betsie and I had been arrested for concealing Jews in our home during the Nazi occupation of Holland. This man had been a guard at Ravensbruck concentration camp where we were sent.
Now he was in front of me, hand thrust out: "A fine message, fraulein! How good it is to know that, as you say,, all our sins are at the bottom of the sea!"
It was the first time since my release that I had been face to face with one of my captors and my blood seemed to freeze.
"You mentioned Ravensbruck in your talk, " he was saying. "I was a guard there. But since that time, " he went on, "I have become a Christian. I know that God has forgiven me for the cruel things I did there, but I would like to hear it from your lips as well. Fraulein-" again the hand came out-"will you forgive me?"
And I stood there-and could not. Betsie had died in that place- could he erase her slow terrible death simply for the asking?
It could not have been many seconds that he stood there, hand held out, but to me it seemed hours as I wrestled with the most difficult thing I had ever had to do.
For I had to do it-I knew that. The message that God forgives has has a prior condition: that we forgive those who have injured us. "If you do not forgive men their trespasses," Jesus says, "neither will your Father in Heaven forgive your trespasses."
Still I stood there with the coldness clutching my heart. But forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart. "Jesus, help me!" I prayed silently. "I can lift my hand. I can do that much. You supply the feeling."
And so woodenly, mechanically, I thrust my hand into the one stretched out to me. And as I did, an incredible thing took place. The current started in my shoulder, raced down my arm, sprang into our joined hands. And then this jealing warmth seemed to flood my whole being, bringing tears to my eyes. "I forgive you, brother!" I cried. "With all my heart!"
For a long moment we grasped each other's hands, the former guard and former prisoner. I had never known God's love so intensely as I did then.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adolph Coors IV (yes from the Coors beer name)
On February 9, 1960, Adolph Coors III was kidnapped and held for ransom. Seven months later his body was found on a remote hillside. He had been shot to death. Adolph Coors IV, then fifteen years old, lost not only his father but his best friend. For years young Coors hated Joseph Corbett, the man who was sentenced to life for the slaying. Then in 1975 Ad Coors became a Christian. While he divested himself of his interest in the family beer business, he could not divest himself of the hatred that consumed him. Resentment seethed within him and blighted his growth in faith. He prayed to God for help because he realized how his hatred for Corbett was alienating him from God and other persons. The day came, however, when claiming the Spirit's presence, Ad Coors visited the maximum security unit of Colorado's Canon City penitentiary and tried to talk with Corbett. Corbett refused to see him. Coors left a Bible inscribed with this message: I'm here to see you today and I'm sorry that we could not meet. As a Christian I am summoned by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, to forgive. I do forgive you, and I ask you to forgive me for the hatred I've held in my heart for you." Later Coors confessed, "I have a love for that man that only Jesus Christ could have put in my heart."
Applications:
We are not required to feel good about bad things. If someone hurts a member of your family, you are not going to feel good. Neither should you let it destroy you by not giving it to the Lord. Vengeance is His to execute.
1Peter 2:23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously
Ephesians 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath
Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
To forgive doesn´t mean to excuse the wrong. This is a common misconception. Look at how God deals with us. On the one hand, He forgets our sin; on the other He chastens us and deals with us as children.
Hebrews 8:12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.
Hebrews 12:6-7 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
If a man commits a crime and is caught, he will serve the time. We need to forgive him and pray for his restoration, but we can´t overlook the fact that his sin will bring judgment, and leave scars. We need to forgive even if the other person does not. Not only did God forgive us, but He forgave us despite the hurt to Himself. We say something like, “I know I should forgive him, but you don´t know how badly he´s hurt me; I just can´t forgive him.”
What is the Scriptural response:
Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Colossians 3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye
We need to forgave as we have been forgiven. At the cross, Christ paid the price with His body and blood to make possible our forgiveness. It becomes effective only when we believe, but the atonement was completed on the cross at the greatest possible hurt to the Lord Jesus-not just His physical hurt, but that of taking upon Himself the sins of all mankind. Failure to forgive often results in deep-seated anger. And anger can eat away at us like a cancer. It strips us of our ability to function as God would have us to.
In the case of Adolph Coors and Corrie ten Boom, the deeds were very bad. But they were freed from the slavery of anger and bitterness by surrendering them to God and trusting Him to make the wrongs right in His time. They could have easily become prisoners of their own hatred. Instead they learned that “To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.”
Ephesians 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
Hebrews 12:15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
Are you and I characterized by a spirit of forgiveness in our hearts? That´s one test of the validity all sufficiency of our faith.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Quotes
"He who cannot forgive others destroys the bridge over which he himself must pass." -George Herbert
"A blessed thing it is for any man or woman to have a friend; one human soul whom we can trust utterly; who knows the best and the worst of us, and who loves us in spite of all our faults; who will speak the honest truth to us, while the world flatters us to our face, and laughs at us behind our back."
-Charles Kingsley
"He who runs from God in the morning will scarcely find Him the rest of the day." -John Bunyan
"You can have no greater sign of confirmed pride than when you think you are humble enough."
-William Law
"One of the first things which a physician says to his patient is, 'Let me see your tongue.' A spiritual advisor might often do the same." -Nehemiah Adams
"A blessed thing it is for any man or woman to have a friend; one human soul whom we can trust utterly; who knows the best and the worst of us, and who loves us in spite of all our faults; who will speak the honest truth to us, while the world flatters us to our face, and laughs at us behind our back."
-Charles Kingsley
"He who runs from God in the morning will scarcely find Him the rest of the day." -John Bunyan
"You can have no greater sign of confirmed pride than when you think you are humble enough."
-William Law
"One of the first things which a physician says to his patient is, 'Let me see your tongue.' A spiritual advisor might often do the same." -Nehemiah Adams
Monday, October 18, 2010
Psalms 127:3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
20 years ago God made me a Mom!! I have not been perfect, but I have done the best I know how.
Jesus Jaime Sanhez II
October 18th 1990
Born @ 12:21 a.m.
Weighed 7lbs 4oz
20 inches long
Jaime (as we call him) has been such a wonderful blessing to our lifes.
He has been a great asset to this family and at times a much needed encouragement to his mama.
God has given him a very postive outlook on life which flows over to us.
Psalms 16:6 The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.
Proverbs 4:3 For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother.
Proverbs 6:20 My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
Proverbs 23:25 Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.
Am I Pilate?
I came across this today and thought it worthy of sharing:
Am I Pilate?
Am I Pilate,
washing my hands,
expecting someone else
to take the blame
when I walk away from what
God asks of me?
HT
I have taken the blame many times in order to uphold the reputation of someone else.....NO MORE!!
Am I Pilate?
Am I Pilate,
washing my hands,
expecting someone else
to take the blame
when I walk away from what
God asks of me?
HT
I have taken the blame many times in order to uphold the reputation of someone else.....NO MORE!!
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Whatever Happened to Holiness?
In our culture today, holiness is a word that we hear very little and see in action even less. Sadly many people, including some Christians, don't take God's command to be holy seriously enough and non-Christians could care less about this vital character quality. As Christian women, we should strive daily to display holiness in our speech, attitude and conduct.
As 1 Timothy 4:12 says, Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
In Noah's day, when God saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, He was grieved in His heart that He had made man (Genesis 6:5-6). How much more is God grieved by the evil in our world today?
What is holiness?
Quote, "Holiness is the habit of being of one mind with God, according as we find His mind described in Scripture." In other words, hating what God hates, loving what God loves and measuring everything by the standard of His Word.
A woman who desires to be holy will hate every false way and have a great fear of displeasing God
(Psalm 119:11,120).
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.
She will seek after God with her whole heart and strive to be more conformed to Christ's image
(Psalm 119:10,
With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.
She will bear with and forgive others, even as God also has forgiven her
(Ephesians 4:32).
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
She will aim to be unselfish, humble, faithful and full of love and compassion for sinners, like Christ.
She will deny herself in order to minister more effectively to others, just as Dorcas did (Acts 9:36-42).
Sound impossible? Only by God's grace and the work of the Holy Spirit can we ever hope to become holy and even with our best efforts we will never be perfectly holy in this life.
Why is holiness important?
Holiness is essential because God commands it.
1 Peter 1:15-16 says, But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."
Hebrews 12:14 says, Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
Scripture also says,
For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. (1 Thessalonians 4:7).
How much clearer does God need to be?
Another reason to be holy is that holiness shows the world whose we are.
I Peter 2:9 says, But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
QUOTE:
"The only safe evidence that we are one with Christ, and Christ in us, is a holy life." We are called to be holy women that give the world proof that we love Christ.
A Christian who exhibits holiness will stand out since holiness is almost non-existent in our culture. Christian women have the opportunity to shine for Christ by choosing to be obedient to Scripture's commands to be holy.
*That means examining our hearts for sins that can keep us from holiness, like carelessness and dishonesty.
*Most of us can resist the big temptations because we fear the consequences, but do we give in to the smaller ones like TO MUCH TIME ON COMPUTER, IN FRONT OF TV, SHOPPING ETC.
What Produces Holiness?
--Holiness begins with the fear of the Lord.
2 Corinthians 7:1 states,
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Holiness is perfected or completed by obedience, which is produced by the fear of God.
"I have thought about it a great deal, and the more I think, the more certain I am that obedience is the gateway through which knowledge, yes, and love, too, enter the mind of the child. "
"My heart is singing for joy this morning! A miracle has happened! The light of understanding has shone upon my little pupil's mind, and behold, all things are changed!"
Anne Sullivan 1866-1936
Let's look at four conditions that must be present in our lives in order for us to have the quality of holiness:
--There must be a hungering and thirsting after God, His righteousness and His Word (Psalm 42:1-2); As the heart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God:
--We can never experience holiness without a repentant spirit (1 John 1:9); If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
--The third condition for holiness is an abhorrence of all evil (Romans 12:9A); Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil;
--We must consciously, deliberately and purposefully cling to that which is good (Romans 12:9b cleave to that which is good
It takes time to be holy and there are no short cuts. Unlike oatmeal, there's no such thing as "instant holiness." As we seek to develop a faithful and consistent prayer life and feed on God's Word, the Holy Spirit will begin to produce Christ's holiness in us.
In 1882, William Longstaff, a wealthy Englishman, heard a sermon from 1 Peter 1:16, "Be holy, for I am holy." This prompted him to write the hymn Take Time to Be Holy. The first stanza says:
"Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord.
Abide in Him always, and feed on His word.
Make friends with God's children; help those who are weak,
Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek."
Robert McCheyne was a saintly man of God, who, in his comparatively short life, won many souls to the Lord. After he died, a letter addressed to him was found on his desk. It was from a person he had led to Christ and said, "It was nothing you said that first made me wish to be a Christian. It was the beauty of holiness which I saw in your face."
May we seek to be holy women in all that we say and do. Then Jesus will be glorified and magnified in our lives and the world will see the beauty of holiness, without which no man (or woman) will see the Lord.
http://momof9splace.com/holywomen.html
In our culture today, holiness is a word that we hear very little and see in action even less. Sadly many people, including some Christians, don't take God's command to be holy seriously enough and non-Christians could care less about this vital character quality. As Christian women, we should strive daily to display holiness in our speech, attitude and conduct.
As 1 Timothy 4:12 says, Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
In Noah's day, when God saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, He was grieved in His heart that He had made man (Genesis 6:5-6). How much more is God grieved by the evil in our world today?
What is holiness?
Quote, "Holiness is the habit of being of one mind with God, according as we find His mind described in Scripture." In other words, hating what God hates, loving what God loves and measuring everything by the standard of His Word.
A woman who desires to be holy will hate every false way and have a great fear of displeasing God
(Psalm 119:11,120).
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.
She will seek after God with her whole heart and strive to be more conformed to Christ's image
(Psalm 119:10,
With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.
She will bear with and forgive others, even as God also has forgiven her
(Ephesians 4:32).
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
She will aim to be unselfish, humble, faithful and full of love and compassion for sinners, like Christ.
She will deny herself in order to minister more effectively to others, just as Dorcas did (Acts 9:36-42).
Sound impossible? Only by God's grace and the work of the Holy Spirit can we ever hope to become holy and even with our best efforts we will never be perfectly holy in this life.
Why is holiness important?
Holiness is essential because God commands it.
1 Peter 1:15-16 says, But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."
Hebrews 12:14 says, Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
Scripture also says,
For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. (1 Thessalonians 4:7).
How much clearer does God need to be?
Another reason to be holy is that holiness shows the world whose we are.
I Peter 2:9 says, But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
QUOTE:
"The only safe evidence that we are one with Christ, and Christ in us, is a holy life." We are called to be holy women that give the world proof that we love Christ.
A Christian who exhibits holiness will stand out since holiness is almost non-existent in our culture. Christian women have the opportunity to shine for Christ by choosing to be obedient to Scripture's commands to be holy.
*That means examining our hearts for sins that can keep us from holiness, like carelessness and dishonesty.
*Most of us can resist the big temptations because we fear the consequences, but do we give in to the smaller ones like TO MUCH TIME ON COMPUTER, IN FRONT OF TV, SHOPPING ETC.
What Produces Holiness?
--Holiness begins with the fear of the Lord.
2 Corinthians 7:1 states,
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Holiness is perfected or completed by obedience, which is produced by the fear of God.
"I have thought about it a great deal, and the more I think, the more certain I am that obedience is the gateway through which knowledge, yes, and love, too, enter the mind of the child. "
"My heart is singing for joy this morning! A miracle has happened! The light of understanding has shone upon my little pupil's mind, and behold, all things are changed!"
Anne Sullivan 1866-1936
Let's look at four conditions that must be present in our lives in order for us to have the quality of holiness:
--There must be a hungering and thirsting after God, His righteousness and His Word (Psalm 42:1-2); As the heart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God:
--We can never experience holiness without a repentant spirit (1 John 1:9); If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
--The third condition for holiness is an abhorrence of all evil (Romans 12:9A); Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil;
--We must consciously, deliberately and purposefully cling to that which is good (Romans 12:9b cleave to that which is good
It takes time to be holy and there are no short cuts. Unlike oatmeal, there's no such thing as "instant holiness." As we seek to develop a faithful and consistent prayer life and feed on God's Word, the Holy Spirit will begin to produce Christ's holiness in us.
In 1882, William Longstaff, a wealthy Englishman, heard a sermon from 1 Peter 1:16, "Be holy, for I am holy." This prompted him to write the hymn Take Time to Be Holy. The first stanza says:
"Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord.
Abide in Him always, and feed on His word.
Make friends with God's children; help those who are weak,
Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek."
Robert McCheyne was a saintly man of God, who, in his comparatively short life, won many souls to the Lord. After he died, a letter addressed to him was found on his desk. It was from a person he had led to Christ and said, "It was nothing you said that first made me wish to be a Christian. It was the beauty of holiness which I saw in your face."
May we seek to be holy women in all that we say and do. Then Jesus will be glorified and magnified in our lives and the world will see the beauty of holiness, without which no man (or woman) will see the Lord.
http://momof9splace.com/holywomen.html
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
