Gustav – Hanna – Lord – We need your mercy! Saturday, Aug 30 2008

Hurricane Gustav - Today a Cat 4

Now that we live here on the Gulf Coast we keep track of hurricanes.  I was raised in tornado country, and have to confess was oblivious to hurricanes until we moved here.  But as with tornadoes – we cry out for mercy – and so we’re doing today as we drive down to the Gulf to pray.

The following scripture is one I claimed for Houston when Hurricane Rita was due to come “right down our throat” in the words of one weatherman.  Our 48 hour evacuation to Dallas (5 hours north) is one I NEVER want to repeat.

2 Samuel 22:26 With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful

Houston’s testimony was one of great mercy with the Katrina folks and so that’s why I claimed this one.  Intercessors in India told us “no damage, no worries, no problem – you can remain home” but circumstances beyond our control forced us to evacuate.  They were 100% right.  We didn’t even get rain to speak of according to neighbors.

We’re using 2 Sam. 22:26 and these following ones (all in King James Version) today.  Join us, will you, in praying for all of us Gulf Coast folks.

Psalm 59:17  Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy .

Psalm 86:15-16  But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me; give thy strength unto thy servant, and save the son of thine handmaid.

Psalm 90:14  O satisfy us early with thy mercy ; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.

Psalm 109:21 But do thou for me, O GOD the Lord, for thy name’s sake: because thy mercy is good, deliver thou me.

Psalm 123:2 Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us.

Isaiah 49:13 Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the LORD hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted.

Thank you Lord – that your mercy endures forever.

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God’s Will for You! Thursday, Aug 28 2008

Are you stuck wondering what your life purpose is?
Have you hit a plateau and have no idea what to do next?
Are you searching for God’s direction??

Here’s a short Bible study I did for a dear friend – a wonderful Christian woman – whose job is fraught with difficulties and stresses.  She rescues many – but is in need of rescue herself from time to time (like all of us) so I put this together to help her refocus – get away – and get set to strategize and receive Heaven’s help.

 

HOW TO KNOW THE WILL OF GOD

E. Julie Baxter

 

The first thing you need is to realize God LOVES you and will absolutely give you wisdom when you ask.  (1 John 4:8, 16; James 1:5)

 

1.  ASK (for inspiration) BELIEVE (God’s Word) RECEIVE (success & personal growth experiences).  God knows what you need before you ask Him (Matthew 6:8) and if you ask you will receive (Matthew 7:7-8; 21:22; Mark 11:24-25; Luke 11:13)

 

2.  WATCH GOD – John 5:19-21 Therefore Jesus answered and was saying to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner.  For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself is doing; and the Father will show Him greater works than these, so that you will marvel.”

 

3.  DO NOTHING EXCEPT WHAT YOU SEE GOD DO – John 8:28-30 So Jesus said, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me. And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him.”  As He spoke these things, many came to believe in Him.

 

4.  EXPERIENCE SUCCESS – John 14:12-15 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father.  Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it. If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.

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Christian “Dating”? Monday, Aug 25 2008

Okay – so this post is for the benefit of one of the ones who surfed into my blog and left a comment on another post. She asked for my take on Christian dating. Bless her! 

I’m not a for dating, period.

It seems counter-productive.

You date this one, it doesn’t work out, you move on.  You date this one – it doesn’t work out, you move on. You date this one, it doesn’t work out, you move on.  It seems to me that it sets one up for quitting a marriage when it gets tough, instead of working it out. 

Divorce is at an epidemic stage in the USA and other westernized nations – whereas nations that have either arranged marriages or do not approve of unchaperoned “dating” – they don’t have those statistics.

I am in favor of having loads of friends (male and female), doing lots of group activities, and having young people over to the parent’s homes – and getting to know men and women in every situation.  When loads of people are doing things, helping out, serving one another, fellowshipping or worshipping, going to the beach or park or whatever together – you really get to know one another. 

You know who is mature, who isn’t.  You know who you can trust, who is dependable, who has character. You know whose strengths would compliment your weaknesses and visa versa.  You know their parents, their friends, their extended families in a lot of situations.   No wierd surprises.

Knowing one another in every type of circumstance – without the phoniness of dating – trying to impress one another because you might want them to really like you – is the only honest way.  And it’s wisdom.

Consider – “For wisdom is protection just as money is protection, but the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the lives of its possessors.” Ecclesiastes 7:12

The rub comes when the group doesn’t all have the same mind regarding dating – or there aren’t enough young people to promote group activities.  Then I think the parents (and/or mentors) need to take the iniative and visit other churches and fellowships with their young people.  Wisdom is to visit like-minded fellowships – rather than just any old place because they have a large youth group.

Biblically – it is the man who “finds” a wife.  And the woman who is found.  There are other exceptions of course – like Ruth who followed her mother-in-law’s counsel to  approach Boaz.  This is not dating.  The young woman was in submission to an adult.

I think it’s okay to be pro-active in finding a mate.  And I don’t believe it’s “super-spiritual” to pray and wait.  A lot of folks are critical of my method – pray, trust God and be the kind of individual that attracts others!  My idea of pro-active is what I learned in Teen Challenge.  I was taught early on to pray every day to be what my future mate needed me to be. 

What a concept!  Get ready for marriage like it’s real.  Build character instead of hopes and fantasies.  Get your house in order, have something to bring to the table.  Build a portfolio, have your finances in order, be in need of nothing.  Be the kind of individual that is a blessing!  Not someone who is sweet and simply “available.”  I don’t think there is anything wrong with pursuing your God-given destiny with all your heart – living as if heaven was going to invade earth at any moment and putting God first.

Consider ~ :”Seek first  His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.  So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself.” Matthew 6:33-34 

In everything – PRAY, PRAY, PRAY.

I was single from 1966 until 1990 ~ 24 years, before I met and married Scott, my sweet husband.  I would have waited another quarter of a century. I am supremely happy and after 18 years, we truly love one another, desire one another and are thrilled to be married to our best friend.

Waiting and enjoying God, serving the Lord, being a light and salt to the world is far better than dating unsuccessfully.

I hate the “meat-market” mentality that some folks have.  I hate it when I hear of brilliant young women nearly prostituted to the goal of getting them married off. I hate it when more goes into the wedding than into the marriage. And I hate it when young women are made to feel horribly unfulfilled because they aren’t married by age 25.  It’s sin. It is NOT God’s heart for His creation!

If the culture you are in embraces this bondage to the concept of marriage – be careful you don’t get caught up in it.  You don’t have to do it – there’s nothing in the Word of God that says you must be in bondage to culture when it puts people in bondage to “sell them” selves to the highest bidder.

The other thing I’m not fond of is the internet dating aka relationship clubs.  Yeah, I know this is the technology age.  Yeah, I know they say they have standards and testimonies.  I even know a couple who met over the internet and have a happy marriage.  Unfortunately – I know folks who are unhappy, unsatisfied, and just as lonely because these relationships lack reality.  And the other sad fact is most people join up when their needs are driving them to do it.  Like they are lonely and unfulfilled and desperate for friendship and companionship.  I wonder what their love-life with Jesus is like.  Hmmmm? Can this be a good way to begin a relationship?

If your desire to be married is greater than your passion for the Lord – stop and take time to examine your priorities.  If it is overwhelming, then you’re probably not in a safe place emotionally to “date” online or otherwise.  Everyone deserves a whole person – and if you’re out of balance – you’re a problem, not a blessing.

Go for God.  Be available to HIM only as your lover.  If you are a woman – let Jesus be your only lover.  If you’re a guy – be faithful and pure for Jesus.  HE knows your needs – and it’s His promise to meet your needs!  He’s the one who created us to love and be loved – He’s working on your behalf. Hang in there. 

Go for God. He will never disappoint you.

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THE CALL DC August 16 Saturday, Aug 16 2008

Do not FORGET!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6ldTQzAdFY  Watch it.

Do not FORGET to PRAY!

50 Million babies killed.  We need God.  We need repentance.

This is a massive call to fasting and prayer – the stakes are higher than ever – but we must humble ourselves and pray! 

We must overthrow the mentality
that permits 50 MILLION BABIES to be murdered.

 

PRAY – PLEASE take time set aside so God can speak to your heart and mind – are you guilty? 

What part have you in the murder of the unborn? 

Apathy?  Igorance?  Turning a blind eye?  Voting for politicians who approve abortion? 

Ask God to reveal your part in it.  Ask Him. 

And when He does – the choice is yours. 

Who will you vote for this election?

If for any reason you do not know why abortion is evil
click on the below urls
http://www.nrlc.org/  National Right to Life
http://www.nrlc.org/abortion/pba/PBA_Images/PBA_Images_Heathers_Place.htm 
images of partial birth abortion

And check this out – how your elected officials vote.
http://www.nrlc.org/Election2008/Comparison071408.pdf

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Hindsight ~ in response the crisis of Todd Bentley Saturday, Aug 16 2008

The Value of Hindsight

Hindsight has no value if we don’t learn
No value, no promise to give

Hindsight isnt’ like street smarts
Which teaches you as you live

Hindsight is judgment on fast wheels
And memory tempered by zeal

No one wants to make the same mistake
Nor be caught being stupid

Not me – I know I need God’s grace
I know I’m fallible and fail each day

Hindsight shows me the sins
of my flesh, my pride, and fears

Let us learn from history and other’s errs
Let us apply our hearts to learning

Let us get wisdom and understanding
Beginning with the fear of the Lord.

Fathers, mothers provoke your children to excel
And they will do better than you

Teach them God’s heart and His ways
And to respect one another

Hindsight – wonderful or terrible hindsight

Our choice.

Let’s be merciful when we pray for Todd & Shonnah Bentley.
And let us pray as if he were our brother, and Shonnah our sister.
For so they are.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The quote below is from an email letter from Doris Wagner, C. Peter Wagner’s wife. 
She quotes a letter to Peter from Chuck Pierce. I think it bears repeating.

“The thing we must remember is that God chose to use Todd to stir up the hunger in the Body of Christ.  Therefore, as I prayed, the Lord took me to the life of Samson.   He is a mystery. 
He had a Nazarite vow on his life, yet he had many character flaws.  His character flaws did not stop God from using him.  I think this is the biggest misunderstanding that the Body has when it comes to the anointing.  That is why you see anointed men and women being used so mightily by the Lord,
and then falling into sexual sin or monetary impropriety.”

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The answer to abuse. Friday, Aug 15 2008

I know there’s no one answer to spousal abuse…..but I have one that works.

I know my life changed and the violence went out of it when I met Jesus, the lover of my soul. I was different.  I am different.  I am changing day by day – more into His likeness – and less like the world patterned me.  Less like the one all the bad decisions made me.  More like someone you could trust and respect.

Here’s a study to show you how to live in such a way abuse is not in the picture.  I did this study many years ago, and it is still motivating.  It is still the best guage for behavior no one is ashamed of – it’s what Jesus wants to find in us.  He is the only one who can change us – take advantage of that fact.  He will help you.

In the meantime, I grieve for you who are hurting – and I’m praying for you to meet the Savior.

An Illustration of Abundant Life in the New Testament. 

(All scriptures NKJV unless otherwise noted.)

 

LOVE ONE ANOTHER

John 13:34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another

John 15:12 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.

John 15:17 These things I command you, that you love one another.

Romans 13:8 Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.

1 Thessalonians 4:9 But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another;

1 Peter 1:22 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart,

1 John 3:11 For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another,

1 John 3:23 And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment.

1 John 4:7, 11, 12  Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God…Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.  No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us.

2 John 5  And now I plead with you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we have had from the beginning: that we love one another.

 

BE KINDLY AFFECTIONATE ONE TO ANOTHER

Romans 12:10  Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;

 

PREFERRING ONE ANOTHER

Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another

 

DON‘T JUDGE ONE ANOTHER

Romans 14:13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.

 

RECEIVE ONE ANOTHER

Romans 15:7 Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God

 

GREET ONE ANOTHER WITH A HOLY KISS

Romans 16:16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you.

2 Corinthians 13:12 Greet one another with a holy kiss

1 Corinthians 16:20 All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

1 Peter 5:14 Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to you all who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.

 

BE KIND ONE TO ANOTHER

Ephesians 4:32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.

 

 

FORGIVING, FORBEARING ONE ANOTHER

Ephesians 4:2   with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace

Colossians 3:13  bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.

 

ADMONISH, EXHORT, TEACH  AND PROVOKE ONE ANOTHER

Romans 15:14 Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.

Colossians 3:16-17 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Hebrews 3:13 but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

 

COMFORT ONE ANOTHER, EDIFY ONE ANOTHER

1 Thessalonians 4:18  Therefore comfort one another with these words

1 Thessalonians 5:11  Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.

 

SERVE ONE ANOTHER,

Galatians 5:13  For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

 

BE SUBMISSIVE ONE TO ANOTHER

Ephesians 5:21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.

1 Peter 5:5 5 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

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Why do men feel the need to hit a woman? Friday, Aug 15 2008

I’ve gotten some pretty provocative posts in the last couple days – and I confess – I have long looked at the issue of spousal abuse from solely a woman/victim’s view.  I was one.  I want to be one who does ask the question, “why does he do it?”  (And yes, I understand women abuse also.)

But many years later I still fail to understand it and I’ve made my peace with the fact I probably never will.

Oh, there’s answers.

Men hit women for the same reason women hit them.  The need to control their situatioin, the need to dominate.  Their frustration has boiled over into uncontrollable anger and fomented into abuse. 

It’s not right.  It won’t ever be right.  It doesn’t have anything to do with the rightness of it being totally against the loving nature of God – and us being created in His image. 

It’s wrong – and always will be.  And it will continue forever until Satan is destroyed and no longer able to motivate people with his destiny (kill, steal, destroy) and then convince judges, juries, police, pastors, parents and other supposed care-givers there is a valid excuse for it.

“The devil made me do it” may not be far off.  But it doesn’t justify it.

I am nearly as sorry for the abuser as I am the abused.  The abusers wounds don’t show.  They don’t wind up in a morgue, but they’re hurting and dying all the same.  All you have to do is look in a habitual abusers eyes when they are doing it and you see all you need to see. 

I was talking to a friend the other day bemoaning the fact that while our schools seem to be failing in educating our children academically – I’m more saddened by the fact that our children are not educated for life period.  No classes on dating, marriage, parenting, balancing your checkbook and paying your bills.

I remember etiquette classes.  Etiquette is the conventional requirements regarding social behavior; or right conduct for any occasion.  

R-E-S-P-E-C-T  – it is simply not something we are familiar with any longer.  It’s not required that a student respect their teacher, that a parent respect their child or visa versa.  Men do not respect women, women do not respect each other.

People who respect one another won’t hit each other. 

I’m calling out for a revival of respect!!!  How about you?

Yes, I know it’s simplistic.  But if you and I begin to respect one another and teach whoever will listen to us – it’s a beginning.

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JUDGE NOT! JUDGE NOT! Wednesday, Aug 13 2008

JUDGE NOT, JUDGE NOT!

A word in due season.

Judge Not!

Oh, church, what madmen we have become!  What self-righteous fools we are!  The unholy stench of our pride must offend even the angels.

How dare we judge men and women of God with such rancor, such bitterness, such fault-finding when it is clearly spoken by the Lord that we should not do so?

Do we expect that we should not be also judged?

Do we believe ourselves to be without fault?

Will we make ourselves one with the accuser of the brethren, accusing one another as if we were God?

Is our heart not wicked also, and are we not truly ignorant what is in it?

Will we bite and devour one another, like Christian cannibals?

Will you continue singing “the somebody done me wrong” song? 

Will you not pursue and receive healing for being taken advantage of, being deceived, or in any way let down by a leader?

How long will you wear your victim badge, making the cross of Jesus of none affect.

Can you not for a moment put yourself in the place of the fallen?

Is there no mercy in you? 

How destitute we are – nothing like the ONE who saves to the uttermost.

How sick we are!  We are nothing like the He whose mercy endures forever.

Will you continue in bitterness, wrath, anger, throwing out everything good God has done because a portion of it is at the hands of one who falls prey??

Will you judge God’s excellent works by the fruit of a few??

Don’t you understand that the demons will manifest in the presence of God, and finding them at work should be a clarion call to practice deliverance in the fear of God – NOT to JUDGE and CONDEMN those who the enemy holds in his grasp???

You consider yourself spiritual???  Where are your efforts to restore???

I call forth a generation who will be known for righteous AND merciful judgment!

I call forth a nation who will restore with humility and meekness!

I call forth the intercessors who take the side of the one caught in sin’s awful snares!

I call forth a people who will look in the face of those who condemn, judge, and spew the vomit of malice and rise up and say, “In the Name of the Lord, I charge you to shut up unless you can manifest the grace of the Lord.”

 Scriptural references to demonstrate the truths above.

God is Judge:

• Jeremiah 17:10 I, the LORD, search the heart; I test the mind, even to give to each man according to his ways, according to the results of his deeds.
  
•  John 8:15-17 You judge according to the flesh; I am not judging anyone. But even if I do judge, My judgment is true; for I am not alone in it, but I and the Father who sent Me. 

 Only God knows the hearts of men:

• 1 Kings 8:39-40 Hear in heaven Your dwelling place, and forgive and act and render to each according to all his ways, whose heart You know, for You alone know the hearts of all the sons of men, 40 that they may fear You all the days that they live in the land which You have given to our fathers.
  
• 1 Samuel 16:7-8 For God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

 

• Jeremiah 17:9-10 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings. KJV

 

• Jeremiah17:9-10 The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it? I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give to each man according to his ways, according to the results of his deeds.

 

Who can say I am innocent?

 How we are to act and think:

• 2 Chronicles 19:6-7 He said to the judges, “Consider what you are doing, for you do not judge for man but for the LORD who is with you when you render judgment. Now then let the fear of the LORD be upon you; be very careful what you do, for the LORD our God will have no part in unrighteousness or partiality or the taking of a bribe.”

 

• Luke 6:37-38 Do not judge, and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon and you will be pardoned.  Give and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure — pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.
  
• Matthew 7:1-5 Do not judge so that you will not be judged.  For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.  Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and behold, the log is in your own eye?  You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.   

• John 7:24 “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.”  

• Proverbs 16:2-6 All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, but the LORD weighs the motives. Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be established. The LORD has made everything for its own purpose, even the wicked for the day of evil. Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; assuredly, he will not be unpunished. By loving kindness and truth iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one keeps away from evil.

• Isaiah 11:2-5 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and strength, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. And He will delight in the fear of the LORD, and He will not judge by what His eyes see, nor make a decision by what His ears hear; but with righteousness He will judge the poor, and decide with fairness for the afflicted of the earth; and He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips He will slay the wicked. Also righteousness will be the belt about His loins, and faithfulness the belt about His waist. 
• Deuteronomy 1:17 You shall not show partiality in judgment; you shall hear the small and the great alike. You shall not fear man, for the judgment is God’s.

 How to pray when you see wrongdoing:

• Psalm 119:156 Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to thy judgments.
  
• Psalm 51:7 Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your loving kindness; according to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against You, You only, I have sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You are justified when You speak and blameless when You judge. Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me. Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being, and in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom. Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
  
• Psalm 140:3 Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men; preserve me from violent men who devise evil things in their hearts; they continually stir up wars. They sharpen their tongues as a serpent; poison of a viper is under their lips. Selah.

 

• Matt 23:27-28 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.  So you, too, outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. 

 

• Acts 8:22-24 Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray the Lord that, if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity. But Simon answered and said, “Pray to the Lord for me yourselves, so that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.”

 

• Psalm 14:2-3 The LORD has looked down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. They have all turned aside, together they have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.

 

• Romans 3:11-18 There is none righteous, not even one; there is none who understands, there is none who seeks for God; all have turned aside, together they have become useless, there is none who does good.  There is not even one. Their throat is an open grave, with their tongues they keep deceiving.  The poison of asps is under their lips, whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness; their feet are swift to shed blood, destruction and misery are in their paths, and the path of peace they have not know.  There is no fear of God before their eyes.

The End of the Matter:

Hebrews 12:14-17 Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord. 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 are defiled; that there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. For you know that even afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears. 

Romans 8:28-29 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

Galatians 6:1-10 Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. For each one will bear his own load. The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him.  Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.  

James 5:15  Pray for one another!

All clip art in this post courtesty of www.Christart.com

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Watch Your Mouth! Wednesday, Aug 13 2008

Watch Your Mouth!

 

This study was generated because I had to do something to deal with the anger I feel as I watch a certain politician (Barak Obama) promise “CHANGE” month after month and say absolutely nothing! Using buzz words, charisma and appealing to what people want him to say – he said nothing, nothing, nothing anyone could actually take into the ballet box and hold him accountable for. Then on top that I got angrier because reasonable people who celebrated how far we’ve come in terms of destroying racism – chose to support someone simply because of color and said so.

 

As you read ~ ask Him to convict you of error and then do as I did ~ allow His Spirit to forgive, cleanse and heal you.  You might have to go to others to apologize for things you should not have said but do so with humility and kindness, or it will not help you to build bridges instead of walls.

 

• You will not go about as a busybody among your people (Leviticus 19:16).
  
• Too much talk makes sin unavoidable, but he who guards his lips acts wisely (Proverbs 10:19).  
  
• The tongue of the righteous is as choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value (Proverbs 10:20). 
  
• The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools, lacking good sense, die (Proverbs 10:21).
  
• A gossiper goes about telling secrets, but a trustworthy person conceals a matter (Proverbs 11:13).
  
• The words of a man’s mouth bring satisfaction, and the deeds of his hands bring him a reward (Proverbs 12:14). 
  
• A fool openly lets his anger be known, but a prudent man keeps quiet about dishonor (Proverbs 12:16). 
  
• A man of truth tells what is right, but a false witness conveys deceit (Proverbs 12:17)
  
• Reckless words cut like a sword, while the tongue of the wise brings healing (Proverbs 12:18).
  
• Lips of truth endure on and on, but a lying tongue is only for a moment (Proverbs 12:19).
  
• The lips of liars are an abomination to Yahweh, but he delights in honesty (Proverbs 12:22).
  
• A wise man does not display his knowledge, but a fool blurts out his nonsense (Proverbs 12:23).
  
• Worry in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a cheerful word lifts his spirits (Proverbs 12:25).
  
• The words of a man’s mouth can bring satisfaction, while the desire of the deceitful is to hurt (Proverbs 13:2).  
  
• He who guards his mouth protects himself, but a free talker ruins himself (Proverbs 13:3).
  
• A righteous man hates lying, while a wicked man is covered with shame and disgrace (Proverbs 13:5).
  
• A fitting reply is a joy and a word at the right time, how good! (Proverbs 15:23). 
  
• Repulsive to Yahweh are the schemes of the wicked, while the words of pure people are his delight (Proverbs 15:26). 
  
• The mind of a righteous man ponders a reply, while the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things (Proverbs 15:28).  
  
• Yahweh is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous (Proverbs 15:29).
  
• An evil man spreads strife, and a gossip separates close friends (Proverbs 16:28).
  
• An evil-doer listens to lips of wickedness, and a liar pays attention to a wicked tongue (Proverbs 17:4). 
  
• As excellent speech comes not from a fool, so lying lips and a person of character have nothing in common (Proverbs 17:7).
  
• One who loves covers a transgression, but he who keeps talking about a matter separates close friends (Proverbs 17:9).
  
• A rebuke affects a man of understanding more than a hundred blows on a fool’s back (Proverbs 17:10). 
  
• The beginning of strife is like opening a water faucet.  Close the faucet before a quarrel erupts (Proverbs 17:14).
  
• A gossiper’s words, like dainty morsels, sink deeply into ready listeners (Proverbs 18:8).  
  
• He speaks in shameful nonsense who speaks before he listens (Proverbs 18:13). 
  
• A man is satisfied with his own words, yes, his speech pleases him (Proverbs 18:20).  Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and he who loves talking will eat its fruit (Proverbs 18:21).
  
• A gossiper reveals secrets; do not associate with a babbler (Proverbs 20:19).
  
• He keeps himself from trouble who guards his mouth and tongue (Proverbs 21:23).
  
• If your neighbor has wronged you, talk to him alone, not to others (Proverbs 25:9).
  
• If you tell others, he will hear of it, and accuse you, and ruin your reputation (Proverbs 25:10). 
  
• Like apples of gold in a network of silver are fitting words at the right time (Proverbs 25:11). 
  
• Like jewels of gold are corrective words to one who listens (Proverbs 25:12). 
  
• As the north wind brings rain, so a secretive tongue brings angry looks (Proverbs 25:23).
  
• An undeserved criticism, like the flitting of a sparrow, like the fluttering of a swallow, does not come to rest (Proverbs 26:2). 
  
• Answer not a fool’s foolishness, lest you make a fool of yourself (Proverbs 26:4).  Answer a fool’s foolishness, lest he considers himself wise (Proverbs 26:5). 
  
• Without wood, a fire goes out, and without gossip quarrels cease (Proverbs 26:20).  What charcoal does to hot embers, and what wood does to a fire, a quarrelsome man does to a dispute (Proverbs 26:21). 
  
• The words of a gossiper are as dainty morsels, being readily swallowed by a listener (Proverbs 26:22). 
  
• He who hates lies with his lips and stores deception in his heart (Proverbs 26:24).  Though his speech is charming, do not believe him, for seven wicked plans are in his heart (Proverbs 26:25).
  
• Better is an open rebuke than hidden love (Proverbs 27:5).
  
• There is more hope for a fool than for a man who speaks before he thinks (Proverbs 29:20).
  
• I assure you, that in the day of judgment, men will give an account of every worthless word, for by your words you will be accounted righteous, and by your words you will be condemned (Matthew 12:36-37).
  
• Therefore, put away the lie, and speak the truth each one with his neighbor, because we are members one of another (Ephesians 4:25). 
  
• Let no unwholesome word come from your mouth, but that which builds up, as the occasion requires, that it may give grace to the ones who hear (Ephesians 4:29).
  
• Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, learning how you ought to reply to each one (Colossians 4:6).  
  
• At the same time, they learn to be idle, going from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, saying things they should not (1 Timothy 5:13).
  
• He has an unhealthy desire for arguments and word-battles, from which come envy, strife, hurtful talk, evil suspicions, and wranglings of men ruined in mind (1 Timothy 6:4-5)
  . 
• Remind them of these things, charging them before God to shun word-battles, which are useful for nothing, but which ruin the listeners (2 Timothy 2:14).

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Why do some men choose to be a jerk? Wednesday, Aug 13 2008

This is Part 2 of my post “Why do women fall for jerks?” – It’s written by my dear friend, the director of a shelter for those abused by domestic violence.  Her wisdom is worth reading.  She has years and tons more experience than I do.

I think the questions we need to start asking should be not why was she attracted to a jerk…..but why did he choose to be a jerk?

If he could be romantic and charming to win her over….why did he change once he had her?  Why not just love her and endeavor to treat her wonderfully? Why torture and tear down? What sense does that make?

Loving is hard to do, sometimes. But, I would think the energy it takes to plan, plot, lie, cover-up, manipulate, cheat and beat, would just be overwhelming.

We all treat our loved ones wrongly at some point. I think perhaps we over-identify with abusers, sometimes, and even empathize with some of them, because of those moments, or the moments when we have been so angry we were on the verge of exploding.

We look at the guy who punched his wife, and think we can see how it happened, especially if we perceive her as annoying, unfaithful, abusing substances, or having mental health issues.

It isn’t the same, even though it may look it. 

We all get pushed to the brink. But we still choose whether to step off it or not. 

There is also a huge difference in being pushed to the brink…..and creating it. 

When we look at abuse rising for a lust of power and control,   it changes the landscape.

It is common for abusers to set up standards that are impossible for anyone to meet, especially on a regular basis. They demand that the spouse (and usually the children) attend to every detail of what they want, and because to violate even the tiniest part of that is met with violence….verbal & physical.

Everyone walks on egg shells, trying to keep the abuser happy, and always feeling like a failure when they can’t. From the outside it can look like a guy just trying to keep his house in order….after all, isn’t that what God wants?  

I also wanted to talk some, about what happens when we fail to hold an abuser accountable.   Somewhere along the way, we have allowed ourselves to be overly impressed with men. (Please note this is NOT male-bashing, or a hatred of men.  Quite the opposite) 

Our culture has almost come to worship men. This is dangerous for everyone.  It is dangerous for us (society in general) because it allows us to be drawn into lies that are destructive to the entire population, families, individuals, and the church.

It is a trap set by Satan. He has used a tasty bait. 

When we hold men up hirer then women, we grant them privileges and ignore behavior that can eat a hole in a person’s soul. 

Most people make choices about the person they are during crisis….those fork in the road moments. But people who are protected from those moments when they have to choose a path…are left on the one they are on.

What happens when they are on a bad path? When we blame the victim, and always excuse or cover up an abuser’s behavior….he never comes to a fork in his road.

We are robbing him of that moment where he must choose what kind of man he will be. He cannot grow up. He has no reason to be accountable for his own actions. We force him to stay where he is…as he is. 

That is just wrong!  It is the most unloving thing we could do, yet we do it while proclaiming it as love. 

We are willing to use almost any weapon to keep him from having to see where he is and what he is becoming.    We become willing to twist God’s Holy Word, to “protect” him.  We became willing to take people who are abused, broken and in need of care…..even children, and accuse THEM of being the problem and the cause of his behavior.  

We buy into that lie, and it keeps him stuck on this road to hell (literally) and blocks every turn lane for him to get off of it. It chains his victims to his ankle, so they will be dragged down this path with him. It is the meanest thing we could do for these people and families…..all the while we shout sanctity of marriage and sanctity of life. 

I say we need to get off our “high horses” and take a real stand, tell Satan to take a hike, and ask for our sight to be restored on this matter. 

This sort of idolatry does not honor men, it does not honor God, and it does not honor marriage, or life, or families. It is a lie from the pit of hell, and we are buying it hook line and sinker.

We need to love men enough to hold them accountable, to teach them the power of love and the strength of gentleness. We need to teach them that they are amazing creations of the Most High God, and that they have been blessed with women and children of the same creator. We need to teach women and children that they are also creations of God, and teach them that their value is in Christ….not in who they marry, or in what he tells them their value is. 

I believe that if we really love men, then we have an obligation to act lovingly, and sometimes that means telling them what they are doing is wrong. We have no problem understanding that addicts need to “hit bottom” to choose to get sober.

But because of our own sins – we avoid putting abusers in the position to acknowledge sin, repent for sin, and have the same opportunity to get well as we afford substance abusers.

My comments follow:

Get rid of the lie, “Men will be men, or boys will be boys.”  It justifies evil and wrong behavior and binds us to accept wrong behavior as normal and natural.

God’s great gift – His son of love – Jesus Christ – is the pattern for all men, women and children.  We have no other pattern.  Whatever does not measure up to this pattern has missed the mark – and cannot be excused, because Jesus proved you can live a life without sin.  Sin is optional.  And so is rehabilitation.

We can live differently than our parents.  We can choose life and not death.  We can, we should and I pray that each one who reads this will choose abundant life. There are people who are understanding and have answers.  If you need help – email us.

John 10:10 tells us “the thief comes only in order to steak and kill and destroy.  I (Jesus) came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows.)  Amplified Version of the Bible

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