SelahV Today

When We Mess Up

do we give up?

No.  We all mess up.  We are not perfect.  We fail at times.  We get our priorities all out of whack and wake up and find we need to back track and correct some things.  When NASA launched our astronauts into space and pointed them towards the moon, they were not left on their own.  There were constant corrections to the flight pattern in order to keep it on course and allow them to reach their destination.  Such is our life.

As Believers in Christ, we have a final destination and that destination is to be with God forever.  We, too, must make corrections in our lives, in our attitudes, our actions, and habits.  When we stumble down and fall down, we need to get up and remember what caused us to trip.  We need to repent and move on in the right direction.  We need to reset our course from where we were when we first became a Christian.  We need to be better mothers, fathers, wives and husbands.  We need to be better examples of our faith and truer ambassadors for the One who saved us from our sin.

Is there some word you said yesterday in the heat of a moment?  Is there some attitude you fostered, some grievance against someone you have not forgiven?  Is there some activity you have allowed to take you away from God's perfect plan and purpose for your life?

“Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first..."  ~Revelation 2:5a

Notice it does not say to "remember from where you have fallen" and then wallow in a sea of regret and remorse.  It says to repent.  Change directions.  Turn around.  Resist any temptation to remain where you are and continue in that sin of apathy, of disloyalty, of whatever sin you are committing.  Instead, do what God intends for you to do.  Love Him, love others and love yourself.  Live justly, mercifully, and humbly.  Do what He's called you to do, then rest in Him and His grace to see you through another day.  selahV

What to Say and When to Say It

Several years ago I wrote a post entitled:  Words Unfit To Print.  I revisted that post recently and felt it was probably a good idea to ponder my own words.  I wonder if there are those who find themselves struggling with what is acceptable to print, but more-so, what a person needs to say while balancing what one should not say.

Of late, I have found that when we are accused of specific things, and are wrongly perceived, our first reaction to diffuse the stick of dynamite placed in our pathway and the paths of others, is one of defense.  We defend ourselves.  We do that in several ways.  We try to pull the fuse that has been lit.  Then we gather others to our side to defend our actions.  Then we go on the offense.  We circumvent what others say by saying things to make ourselves less "guilty-of-charges".

I do believe that blogging can be one of the most destructive things on earth, with the exception of Facebook.  The world has entered a new age with multi-media and social-media.  Things which use to be said in private, dealt with in private, has become completely public.  Much of what we might never have voiced in a face-to-face, is easily squeezed out of the proverbial toothpaste tube with no way to squish it back in.  Many areas of disagreement that were once settled over a cup of coffee, or private sidebar discussion, are now displayed in the living-rooms and office laptops for all the world to witness.

Blogging provides the perfect outlet for an instantaneous "letter-to-the-editor/writer".  That letter then invites the next response.  Admittedly, I have hastily written a few of those myself and been on the receiving end of a response.  Some warranted, some unwarranted.  However, if we are going to jump into any frying pan in life, we must accept the fact that we are liable to get burned in the sizzling fat.  Clearly, the best way to avoid blisters is to stay out of the pan.  In fact, sometimes the pan is so hot, it is best to station oneself far beyond the fryer, or  chance an errant hot oil hitting your hand or popping you in the eye.

So, what is the best thing a person can do?  Stop entering conversations--whether invited or uninvited?  Stop thinking our viewpoint is necessary to a conversation?  Refrain from opining?

Let anyone say anything, write anything?  Stop challenging opinions?  Stop debating issues with others whether or not the issue is germane to us or those we love?  Stop reading blogs?  Let the world do what it wants to do without any input?  Ignore unseemly stuff?  Refuse to wallow with pigs?  Just keep your toes clean and stay away from pig-pens?  Do not hold anyone accountable for their views and actions?  Keep your thoughts to yourself?

Scripture offers muliple instruction on controlling our tongue, our thoughts, our attitude, our spirit.  Several bloggers I know have given some really sage advice on these things through the years.  I have written multiple posts--most of which have received little attention.  When a person is a peacemaker or an encourager, we tend to have less company in the midst of strife, struggle, and sour situations.  That does not mean others are not reading or hearing our words.  Nor does it mean our words of wisdom and admonition return void upon a hearer's or reader's mind.  It just means, we follow what the Lord leads us to say, then leave the fall-out and the consequence of our seed-sowing, watering, and fertilizing to Christ for manifestation of obedience to Him.  I am not the Holy Spirit; I'm merey an ambassador.

I shall not grow weary in well-doing.  I shall not faint in the day of adversity.  I shall choose this day Whom I shall serve.  I shall do all I can to live at peace.  So does the Lord want from me?

"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" Micah 6:8

"DO justice?  love kindness?  walk humbly with your God?  How does one "do" justice and condone the unjust?  How does one "love" kindness and behave unkindly?  How does one "walk" humbly with God and run proudly with man?  It's quite a balancing act, isn't it?  What is "good" to me, may be totally bad to another.

Search me, O, God and know my thoughts.  Give me discernment in what is wise, what is good, kind and just.  Help me walk in that discernment with humility before You.  selahV

When Men Disappoint You

What do you do?  How do you get over the fact that they failed to act in a manner you'd expected or even felt proper?  How do you reconcile their actions and their decisions to things which affect you and yours in a counterproductive way?  How do you settle in and accept that which is totally wrong in your eyes?  How do you trust anything in them anymore?  How do you move beyond the suspicion and distrust they've planted in your heart?

I'm having a great deal of trouble with this at the moment.  By all accounts, there is nothing anyone can do to correct the error of man.  It's certainly beyond my control.  We're on a fast track to fundamentally change America and everything else in my life.

Not only do I feel betrayed, I feel discouraged and weary.  I have no desire to be counted among those who failed to even consider my view, my desires and my opinion.  It's as if we are on a fast track to complete annihilation of all that is normal, true, trusted, and certain.  Perhaps this would not bother me so much if not for all the other changes I am going through at the moment.  Perhaps.  

There's really no way to know.  All I know is, I feel like a wad of someone else's clay.  Not my Maker's mind you.  It's okay.  I'll get through it.  In time.  But right now, I am sorely disappointed and have no desire to be connected to those who have no desire to connect with me.  I suppose that is where I rest at the moment.  I just don't care anymore.  I join a friend of mine who had tremendous input into, and control over, the situation of which I speak.  He doesn't care either...one way or the other.  It just doesn't matter.  I think he's tired too.

If things don't really matter one way or the other to us, yet we do things which change things that truly matter to others, what are other folks to do with that?

Continue to change whatever you want to?  Do whatever you feel like doing?  Ignore everyone around you?  Toss gumdrops, beads, and band-aids to the crowds that gather to celebrate the disconnections of life?  I don't know about you folks.  But...well...

I'm tired of dysfunctional groups.  Simply tired.  I have all I need in my Savior.  He is enough.  His grace is complete.  My hope is built on nothing less than His unchanging faithfulness.  Perhaps it is time to move on.  To find another space where folks can sing  "Just As I Am" and be loved just as they are.  Perhaps.  Perhaps the time is drawing nigh.  I just don't know.  I'm still praying and clinging to "The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me".  It's all I can do at the moment. selahV

[AT THE RISK OF ANNOYING R.C. SPROUL FANS/link]

Change Is Inevitable. Go with the Flow Or...

swim against the tide.  Each carries its own set of obstacles.  Each has its own challenges and opportunities.  We each have been given everything we need to meet the obstacles, challenges and opportunites before us.

With God as my strength, Jesus as Lord of my life, and His Spirit as my guide, I am able to do all things through Him to accomplish the plan He has set before me.  It does not matter what the status quo does.  It does not matter how many "yays" I receive--nor how many "nays".  With faith and perseverance, I will complete the task set before me if I desire to be in the center of God's will.  Me.  Personally.

I am a fortunate person.  God has not given me the task of seminary president, of theologian, of professor, of trustee or statesman.  Nor has God given me the task of shepherding a flock, or accounting for another's spending habits.  God will not hold me accountable for an abortionist's hands, a thief's exploits, or a friend's choices.  He holds me accountable for me...for what I do and say...for what I do not do, and do not say as an ambassador for Christ.

He won't judge me based upon Dorothy Patterson's awesome hospitality abilities, nor will He judge me based upon my step-mother's failures.  He will not judge me by Beth Moore's popularity or Joyce Meyer's following.  He will not reward me according to their success or failure--their pride or humility. 

I cannot stand before God and explain what others did that kept me from my own actions or inactions.  I cannot stand before God and blame the status quo, the majority or the minority.  I can only account for myself.  My attitude.  My actions.  My words.  My silence.  My inaction.  What do I do to ease another's pain?  to meet another's needs?  to quench another's thirst?  What do I say to another's harshness?  another's anger and bitterness?  What do I return for hatred I encounter?  for unkindness I find?

Whether I go with the flow or swim against the tide, life is going on--changing with or without my say-so.  This day, this hour, is mine to squander or invest in the kingdom of God.  It is my deepest prayer that I be found faithful to Him, to His instructions, to His Word...come what may...no matter what another does or says.  selahV

[WHAT CONCERNS ME...link]

It Is Coming To This

Is Clutter YOUR Friend ?

I read an amusing article online today about the mess in our lives.  The article, What the Location of Your Mess Says About You, examines various areas of the home and gives an opinion of what my clutter says about me (well, anyone, actually).  According to the staff writers, they based their report on author and environmentalist, Sally Augustin, PhD., and if her opinion has teeth, I am one messed-up person.

I already knew that; this article confirmed it.  Here's how it breaks down:

If my clutter is in the entrance of my home, then I'm extroverted...

if it is in my living room, I'm tense...

in my bedroom and bathroom, I'm insecure...

in my dining room, I'm shy and on a perennial diet....

in my kitchen, I'm adventurous.

As I read the rather amusing article, I analyzed all my clutter. I've concluded that I am a tense, insecure, shy, adventurous, extrovert who is on a perennial diet.

Rather confusing, huh?  Well, that's me.  You see, I literally live in clutter.  I clutter up my world with crafts, coffee mugs, old cards, books, magazines, decorative items and memorabilia.  I get one area organized and then bing, bang, boom, I mess it up again.   Every area in my house gets cluttered up almost as soon as I clear it.  It's scary.  Yet, according to the Phd., Sally Augustin, I must be a pretty balanced individual.  There is nowhere I lack clutter.  I may be an oxymoron to the psychologists...but we are what we are, and though sometimes I get really aggravated with my tendency to drop stuff and let it pile up...I'm beginning to see a pattern for my penchant to clutter up my world.  Complexity is my norm.  Hoarding is my weakness. Odd that in the midst of my mess, I usually know exactly where something is when I'm looking for it, huh?

One might think, I don't know how I manage to live life.  Makes me wonder how I managed to publish my own family-oriented newspaper, and do all the writing, photograph all the pictures, design all the advertisements, do all the sales work, deliver the paper every month with the shyness I exude.  I wonder how I managed to own and manage my own Antique Mall with the tension and insecurity that rules me.  Perhaps it's because I am driven by adventure...risk, and excitement.  Maybe my extroverted personality is the ember that burns the rest of my weaker traits.  Whichever it is, I'm guessing since I've made it 63 years, I'll be this way until I decide to clean up the clutter and maintain my bedroom, livingroom, and diningroom.  Then I can run the race the Lord has for me to run.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us," Hebrews 12:1

Since witnesses are watching my life and cheering me on, I think I'll start clearing some of the clutter and exercise better self-control.  And actually?  The mess has been weighing me down a bit --so much so that I hardly know where to begin to eliminate it.  Therein lies the tension and my dilemna with the livingroom.  Hmmn, I'm beginning to see why the LORD is having us downsize our living space from 1,800 square feet to 560.  It's going to be quite the challenge to cut 1,240 square feet from our lives, but with God's help, I can do it, and will leave it all behind.

I kinda like the extrovert and the adventurous side of me, though, so maybe I'll just leave that clutter for the moment.  It can be the catalyst to keep me working on the rest of it.  As I think about the entrance of my home, and the extrovert it symbolizes, I think my clutter is my friend.  With less weight in my life, I'll be free to run without encumbrance. And at my age, that's a good thing--since I need to get hopping and finish my devotional book before October.

How about you?  Any area in your life that needs de-cluttering?  Have any weights you need to lay aside?  Do you see the strength you have in the midst or your mess?  selahV for Today

The Worst Offense

It doesn't take much to offend some people today. When terrorists bombed the World Trade Center in New York City, a steel cross arose from the mangled steel and concrete rubble. Workers stored the cross at a nearby church.  Today there is much contention about allowing it to be brought back to Ground Zero Memorial site because it is symbolic of Christianity which could offend those who are not Christian.

Displaying a cross offends. Wishing someone a Merry Christmas offends. Using God's name in public prayer offends.  Ignoring a person we pass in a hallway offends.  Some folks are offended simply because you disagree with their opinions or views.

Others are offended because a friend is offended.

A grief counselor I talked with told me that the hardest thing to forgive is an offense against someone we love or care about.  It's not an offense against ourselves, personally...but one against someone we care about--be that a child, a parent, a friend.  We seem to be able to forgive more easily when someone offends us than when someone hurts those we love.

Peter was quick and ready to defend Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.  Peter drew his sword and lopped off the ear of Potiphar's servant. That servant was just there doing his job--attending to his master.  Jesus healed his ear, then rebuked Peter's offering of help.

People will bend over backwards and fall on swords to protect a friend or family member...or someone who thinks like they do.  Recently we've seen how offended the public at large was over the death of Caylee Anthony, a toddler in Florida.  Because of the morbid way little Caylee was left in a swamp, and her absence went unreported by her mother, the public took offense for the tiny child.  They were outraged when the mother, Casey, was found not guilty.  They wanted a pound of flesh. 

The same is true with some people when they see a friend or someone they respect placed under a microscope, or criticized--fairly or unfairly.  They immediately come to the "rescue" so to speak and try to explain away actions, words, and even give answers for motive and intent, even though they are not privy to those innermost feelings and thoughts.  If the advocates do not correct their friend's critic, they may go so far as to begin a war of sorts to destroy the offender.  This happens because we take offense for others wherein we have no business being offended.

Sometimes people have no idea how deeply they offend us with words and actions.  Jesus gives us the best example on what to do with them.  Forgive them.  Have mercy.

This is not easy.  It is harder, still, for us to watch the pain and heartache others exact on those we love.  After all, the worst offense is the hardest to forgive.  But oh how necessary for us if we want to live an abundant life--free of animosity, distrust, and bitterness.  If we don't let the offenses go, we shackle our hearts and quench the Spirit of God within us.  How quickly we can fall into a pit of self-righteousness and superiority.

LORD, give us Your strength to break the bonds of unforgiveness in our hearts.  Help us see others as You see them and act according to Your Word.  May all we do and say be that which brings honor and glory to You.  selahV

Wednesday CONTENTIONS

Contention is a work of the flesh. It is bred from a superior mindset. I-know-better-than-they-do. So isn't it something we should avoid at all costs? (Galatians 5:19-21)

How do we do that when there are so many different viewpoints? personalities? emotions? mindsets?

I've always had an aversion to contention and conflict. It stems from all the conflict I witnessed while growing up. I often find myself swallowing my words and praying away my thoughts...sometimes not nearly as quickly as I would like to avoid an argument.

Lately, I have less and less desire to read posts or news reports filled with contention. You see, I think contention breeds contention, begets contention. In time, contention flows into a cesspool of stagnation. The pool fills with anger, bitterness, animosity, division, strife, and pride.

It's becoming a deep conviction for me that as long as there is contention in my heart or mind, then it will travel out my fingertips and onto the monitor of potentially millions of people. I don't want that. I don't believe God wants that.

It seems that all contentious elements about a particular topic need to be addressed with the utmost care and concern for those who observe us--for those who read us. I do not want to add to another's ire with ire of my own. Do you?

I have less and less desire to write about things I disagree with. Brothers and sisters in Christ must tread far more carefully than the world when discussing differences. Since 2006 when I first began blogging, I have seen more contention between Christians than I did in my entire 23 years in ministry. It seems that the internet has provided a venue for venting that exploded into a venue for polarizing brothers and sisters.

Does this bother you?

This is cannot be the fruit of the Spirit. We can rationalize it four-thousand ways to Sunday, but in the final analysis, contention is contention. It is fingerpointing from any direction the hand is extended.

Is it quarrelsome when one knows in his/her heart that they do not "like" another individual they intentionally engage on a subject? Is it quarrelsome if a person thinks for one second that their comment one-ups another in a discussion. Competition in the mind of man on wholesome, spiritual and biblical topics is just as vulnerable to the expression and birth of jealousy, envy and pride as arguing over who is the worst sinner at the altar of God. Do we even recognize our desire to contend is perilous in the family of God? To our own growth as a Christian?

I wonder if the race for more page views, greater readership, or more commenters illustrates a seed of idolotry growing in one's heart. Do those thoughts breed the germ of lust--lust for recognition--the approval of man, the validation from man?

No matter how we wrap it up in ribbons, contention is sin. It's a sin born in pride. It is ego on steroids, running a race to the next "Amen" and "hoo wah". The fist-bumps, the chest-thumps, the thumbs-up can be all the reward we need in life--and all the reward we receive in eternity. It's up to us. For me? Well...

"It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife." Proverbs 21:9

So I think I'm going to crawl into the corner of my housetop and pray a bit more about the direction of my reading habits and writing. Meanwhile, let me recommend a few excellent articles:

FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT, (part 1) Counterfeits

FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT, (part 2) Love

Monday Contention

For what will we contend this week?

There's always something.  A sun never rises but what we struggle against something to gain advantage, reveal some truth, battle an adversary.

In Oklahoma, we contend with exceptional drought and three-digit temperatures that have broken records for the longest running heat above 100 in decades upon decades.  Odd that to contend with heat, we seek those things which cool us down.  Air-conditioned buildings, and transportation.  I saw on the news this weekend, how some folks had to travel in a hot bus without air for several hours and it caused all kinds of heat exhaustion.

CONTEND: 1. To strive in opposition or against difficulties; struggle: armies contending for control of strategic territory; had to contend with long lines at the airport. 2. To compete, as in a race; vie. 3. To strive in controversy or debate; dispute.

It's one thing to contend for a worthy goal, and quite another to contend for contention's sake.

Christians contend every day.  Our adversary is the flesh.  Our adversary is Satan.  Our adversary is lies.  We contend for truth.  Sadly, at times, Christians contend against one another.  We compete for louder microphones, higher pedestals, wider platforms to debate.  These debates and controversy quickly and smoothly turn to contentions...a contentious spirit...an argumentative attitude.

Contentions are works of the flesh, born of pride, nurtured in ego, carried in self-satisfaction and self-aggrandizing...and giving birth to full-fledge sin.

May we seek to remember the warnings of God's Word this week.  Practice love.  Be filled with the Spirit.  Let our light shine.  Be the salt of the earth.  Be vigilant.  Put on the whole armor of God.  Pray unceasingly.  Be quick to hear--really hear--a brother or sister, be slow to anger--and when angry--sin not.  Examine me, Oh Lord, see if there be any wicked way in me--an unholy thought, a snipey attitude, a sarcastic phrase, an egocentric motive.  Fill me with wisdom, discernment, kindness and love.  Let me be bold to contend for that which You have led me to contend.

Let me be as wise as Oklahomans this week and seek to "cool off" as I contend in heated environments.  Let me find ways to extinguish the flames of discontent.  To quench the fiery arrows of evil.  May I rest in Thee.  Let me drink of Your Spirit and the refreshing Living Water of Christ.  And let my words be ones that bring glory to your name.  Let my thoughts be those born of the Spirit and not of the flesh.  Let my words be a balm of healing, encouragement and understanding.  selahV for Today by hariette petersen

"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel." Philippians 1:27

 

 

SELF-CONTROL, A Choice Fruit, An Evidence of Faith

It is one of those slices of the proverbial "fruit" that gives evidence of faith and the Holy Spirit in our lives. It seems to be a never-ending battle to attain it.  It takes restraint. It's an exercise of will over desire...of thought over impulse. Self-control is one of those words we either love or hate. We envy it in others and long for it ourselves.

The Lord gives the Holy Spirit to His adopted ones--we are exhorted "to be filled with the Spirit". The fruit of the Spirit is evidence of a healthy relationship with our LORD.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23

Paul tells us to practice love. It takes a concerted effort on our part to surrender our weakness, to remove things in our lives which cause us to fail to exhibit love--bitterness, anger, hatred, evil thoughts, grudges, unforgiveness. As we relinquish those things, put aside those things, then love is visible--as is the Spirit of God in our lives.

Self-control is no more automatic than love.

The more disciplined we are in our lives, the more challenges we may face to disrupt that discipline. The less love we have, the more chances we are given to exhibit love. The more love we have, the more joy we receive, the more joy we receive, the greater peace we know. The more we develop these attributes in our lives, the more forbearance we show, the more kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control we have. To be filled, we need to be emptied. Paul writes:

^"Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips." Colossians 3:5-8

I posted a list of verses and passages about self-control at Devotional Christian(/link). As I researched verses I found one thing true in all of them; self-control is a virtue. It is a discipline of one's entire person. It is preventive medicine for many of man's emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual woes. It is a process of yielding to God all that we are.

It is a choice...to exhibit that which we have, to build upon it, to exercise it. Or we can ignore it's call on our lives and live in total abandon to our own desires--regardless of what others think or say. Regardless of consequences.

Self-control is not forced upon us, but instead a relinquishing of our will to God's in obedience to His Word and the principles taught through His Word. Self-control listens to the Holy Spirit's directions and convictions.

It is most interesting in our quest to control ourselves, that the Lord adds an element of choice. We have the choice to control our tongue, our words, our actions, indeed our feelings and thoughts. It's up to us to live out a life of control, abstinence, temperance, and sober-mindedness. When we choose disobedience, we lack self-control and our indulgence comes with consequences.

Of course our greatest example of self-control is our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Indeed, how better to visualize this attribute, this concerted effort, this predetermined disposition, than to look at Jesus?

Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, hammered by the Jewish leaders on the legitimacy of His authority to preach, to heal, to forgive and minister to the multitudes of people. There are no temptations given to man in which Jesus was not tempted to indulge. Yet, Jesus exhibited complete self-control.  And we, as Christians, have the mind of Christ.  We just need to use His mind instead of ours more often than not. (But that's another post.) selahV

BEWARE OF WOLVES

It's odd how often I hear this phrase.

How often have you been told to beware of wolves?

I've heard preachers warn of wolves when someone dares to oppose another's biblical or doctrinal position.  I've even heard it used in political circles.

Wolves are dangerous beasts.  A pack of wolves can tear apart a human in a few minutes.  They can rip open a buffalo's neck and feast upon its blood before it has time to kick its heels in defense.  How do we detect wolves?  By their howl, their bark, or their sneakiness and stealth?

Jesus said, "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves." Matthew 7:15  In other words they appear to be something they are not.  Obviously, as Christians, we can each be taken in by wolves, we may never realize they are in our midst till we are caught by our heartstrings and pulled away into their lair.

Paul said, "I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them."  Romans 16:17  Seems wolves can bring us into their way of thinking even though we have previously believed and trusted and found truth "contrary" to their evidences, prooftexts, and psychological rationale.  We can each be deceived by a single wolf.  They are so very dangerous, we are to "keep away from them".

Later Paul cautioned Timothy that he'd run into people who would have "a form of godliness but denying its power.  Have nothing to do with them."  2 Timothy 3:5

Seems wolves are those who come in with sneaky intentions, with cloaked intentions, with covered agendas.  They aren't out in the open with what they think or believe.  They tend to speak one way and act another.  They try to confuse and confound us.  They say one thing to one person and something else to another.  That is what causes the divisions which Paul warns about.  They "put obstacles" in our "way that are contrary to the teaching" we "have learned", and preached and taught since we began preaching and teaching.

I see this as warning us to stay true to what God has spoken to us...to what God's Word clearly reveals...not what man waters it down to mean, or society condones it to mean, or culture redefines it to mean, or politicians and judges legislate it to mean.  God does not change.  Nor does His Word.

Scripture warns us to stay away from those who declare right what God says is wrong. "Have nothing to do with them."  It's not always easy because they project "a form of godliness".  However, with that "form of godliness", they deny "its power".  God has the power to change the nature of man, to reconcile man to Himself, to give man a new nature.  For once a person comes to Jesus, all things are made new.  He is a new creature who no longer follows after the world and its ways, but sets himself apart from the world even as he must walk amid the world.  There is a difference in him.  He seeks after God, not Satan.  His faith is evident.  He doesn't flaunt himself as worthy, but humbles himself as unworthy of the grace he has been given through Christ.  He does not expect man to accept his sin as something to condone, but to hold him accountable.  He admits his sin and perseveres.  He does not hold a brother in contempt for not accepting and celebrating his transgressions with him.  He seeks the hand of brothers to keep himself on the straight and narrow path, which show him the lighted path and understand the truth, the way and the life as he goes.

Beware of wolves.  And also beware of sheep who act like wolves and use their wool to tickle our ears and pull it over our eyes as they sacrifice one of our own to the genuine wolves in our midst--all in hopes of silencing the lambs who hear the Shepherd's voice.  selahV

Blog-phobia

Since 2006 I have met all kinds of folks in Blogville USA.  Some folks read but don't write blogs.  Some read and don't comment on blogs.  Some comment but do so anonymously so no one knows who they really are.  Some sign-in with a pseudo name without ever revealing who they are.  They think that makes them legitimate voices in the world of blogging.  They may think that gives power to their opinion--but they just don't flip my switch.  I think it's highly possible they may be suffering from *blogphobia.

However....there's no reason to fear...

...anyone or anything when one is in Christ Jesus.

I don't fear anyone...

...for their views...or their proclivities...or their ideologies...or their theologies...or their skin tone...or their power...or authority...or position...or their diseases or their preferences for blue and lime-green hair and matching rhinestone nose studs.

I figure, "If God be for us, who can be against us?"

I admit, though; I have few "phobias".

I'm afraid of stupid drivers.

Occasionally I feel like someone has punched me in the gut when a car pulls out in front of me. I figure that is a kinda post traumatic stress syndrome since someone jumped a stopsign last December and plowed into the front-end of my little Chevy Malibu. So I wouldn't really call that a "phobia"....Yet.

While there are some folks I don't make a habit of sharing waterbottles with, I don't get any goosebumps when I bump into them in a crowded mall, or am served by one at a restaurant, have one as a nurse, or am followed by one in the dark of night.

You see. We live in America. And in America, we are entitled to our own views, proclivities, ideologies, theologies and preferences. We are not entitled, in my belief, to think ourselves better than any---because after all...

..."we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23

I have made mistakes.

I have failed.

I have chosen unwisely.

I have spoken too quickly.

I have rebelled against God. But for the grace of God, I'd be wallowing in dens of iniquity now. I am a blessed person.  At a time when my life hung in the balance, the LORD reached down into the miry clay in which I squirmed and saved my sorry neck. He set my feet upon higher ground and told me to walk in His way, to stand in the hour of adversity, to trust in the hour of darkness, to be unfraid in the face of raging waves--for He was gonna hang with me--through thick and thin, for better or for worse.

A friend of mine has a similar story. And quite often I get agitated and irritated at folks for treating my brother-in-Christ like the scum of the earth while they piously extol their compassion for those "unregenerates" who self-righteously wallow in dens where I once wallowed and spit on God.

I don't know everything that others (my friend's critics, for instance), have done to promote integration...or right wrongs done to society's outcasts. I do know what my friend has done. He's not one to blow his own horn. And to be honest, I'm not gonna to blow it for him. (not today, anyway.) I will just say he's an honorable person. A man who loves Jesus. He loves Jesus far more than he does his own reputation or likeability. I couldn't ask for any person on earth, other than my husband, who is more loyal. I think that's why I like him so much. He's the real deal.

Sometimes I scratch my head in wonder...

How can we condemn and slander and misrepresent our adopted brothers or sisters and expect the unadopted lost souls to believe we have one ounce of sincerity?

But "phobias"?  I don't know; perhaps folks have **boldphobia. ***Boldphobiacs have an unreasonable fear of bold people. They congregate in groups and pretend they are bold and make anonymous statements against bold people. They only speak when they know their army is standing behind them with swords drawn, or from behind the anonymity of monitors and bogus email addresses. They'd never go to war with a slingshot and stone because boldphobiacs are afraid of giants.  selahV

**boldphobia and ***boldphobiacs and *blogphobia are not in the dictionary. I made them up.

ON ANOTHER NOTE:  Below is a link to a compilation of the kind of church that made the difference between life and death to me in 1976. I'm so glad they reached out and gave. If you want to read about being a part of something great, go here.

BUILDING More Than A House

Beginnings.  A fresh canvas.  A clear screen.  A new house.  What difference does it make to begin anything in the world without the LORD's hand, His blessing, His guidance?  I sometimes wonder how the tiny little decisions I make in a day effect the purpose for all eternity.  I once read a quote, "All that matters is what is eternal," by Amy Carmichael.

I'm in process of building a home.  We are downsizing to 572 square feet. I look at all the things I've accumulated over my nearly 46 years of marriage and think, do I really need this?  Did I ever?  As we choose various appliances to fit the space we are moving into, I keep this thought running through my mind.  Some of the things I thought we would put into the building, have failed to materialize.  At times I've been more than disappointed.  As I tell the Lord about my petty disappointments, I hear the Lord reply, "it just doesn't matter, Hariette. It really doesn't matter."

What if everything I wanted was given me?  What if all the doo-dads and extreme makeover wishes were made possible?  Would I be any happier than I am without them? God often answers our prayers--selfish ones as well as unselfish ones.  He did that for Israel when they complained about the manna.

"And He gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul." Psalm 106:15

"To gain silver and lose gold is a poor increase; but to win for the body and lose for the soul is far worse. How earnestly might Israel have unprayed her prayers had she known what would come with their answer! The prayers of lust will have to be wept over. We fret and fume till we have our desire, and then we have to fret still note because the attainment of it ends in bitter disappointment." Charles Spurgeon, The Treasury of David Commentary

I wouldn't want to have my every wish granted and be so spoiled the Lord sends leanness to my soul.  Would you? Yet, I'm sure at times I've been just as guilty of asking something of God that was not in keeping with His best for me.  There are times we all act shallow, and think shallow.  I think about how I feel when I expect one thing and receive something else entirely.  God knows better than I do what I need and what will come between my faith and trust in Him.  He knows not to give me more than I can handle.

"Except the LORD build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman wakes but in vain." Psalm 127:1

In vain.  All our plans.  All our measurements and calculations.  All our time spent on research.  All the money.  All the anxiety and sweat--even tears.  All of it is vain without God's blessing.  We may think we are doing everything according to His purpose but when we hit snags, or our building plans are altered, we grumble and complain.  Somewhere in the midst of our planning and building we take stock of our spirit and realize our soul is lean--undernourished--unbecoming of a child of God.  Our focus  wavers...our priorities crumble.

I have no doubt the LORD is in the midst of this building endeavor.  However, it is me who has to keep focused on that which matters in it all--the eternal.  God is in the details.  He is far more interested in the temple in which He dwells than the house in which I dwell.  His presence in me must precede His presents to me.  I am trying to remember that as I consider the mindset of Christ and keep the priorities He gives me to keep at the forefront of my paths.  I may be building a house, but God is building more.  Just wish He'd go a bit easier on the sandpaper; sometimes it leaves me raw when He's done smoothing away my rough spots. selahV

[ Another SOMETHING to Consider /link  A bit about priorities.]

DOWNSIZING DOESN'T HAVE TO BE A DOWNER/link

IS IT REALLY A WASTE OF TIME?

Sometimes I wonder where in the world did 62 years go?

After today, I know what happens with about 4 hours.

It's making sure a hubby (if you are a woman), takes his medicine before he leaves the house.

It's babysitting grandchildren and teaching them befriending an Iraqi family is more than a ministry--it's love.

It's visiting McDonald's, filling cups, finding straws, and handing out five Happy-Meals while simultaneously opening toys and distributing little ketchup cups.  It's insisting kids eat their chicken nuggets before they get a chocolate chip cookie, or go to the play area.

It's putting on shoes and taking off shoes and putting on shoes, at least 6 times in the course of events.  Two hours after ignoring whines, but paying special attention to boo-boos and blisters, we hit the Public Library to help an imigrant apply for a library card. 

It's keeping two four-year-olds, and one six-year-old occupied while my Arabic-speaking friend tries to find a book (out of a gazillian), to practice reading English.

It's guiding (uh, manipulating), children to choose appropriate books for their reading levels.  It's reading a book about Rotten Ralph's rotten behavior (three times), while overseeing two kids playing the Arthur game on the library's computer.

Sixty books and two more hours later, we're checking out 8 books and filling out library forms.  I'm trying to get out of the building before one of the three kids gets knocked over while playing tag on the playroom area rug.  When Abodda starts crying, I am praying a prayer of thanksgiving that (before the day began), my four-year-old Kinsey insisted I read one of Disney's Princess books, where Belle showed Chip how to practice patience (I figure God strategically placed that one in my life to forewarn me of things to come).

Between seeing my hubby off to work and going to pick up my grandchildren for our McDonald's/Library adventure today, God also had me write devotionals on measuring words, and being filled with strength, and praying for power in our weakest moments.

I also had just enough time to read my new-found blog-sister's post Putting On The Brakes, and realize now, how providential her words were to my own situation.

After making round sandwiches, having a tea-party, attending to potty breaks, answering emails, and consoling long-distant grief-stricken friends, I found another message for my wearied time-worn frame:

My life is probably not much different than anyone else's. Everyone is busy.

My four hours had far more situations occur than I lay before your weary eyes, today.  Suffice it to say, I realize that all the little things, which seemingly rob us of important moments of life, are really the big things that restore the time we think is misspent.

For at the close of day, I am reminded of the bear-hug I received and the thank you voiced by my Arabic-speaking friend.  I still see Abodda's tear-streaked face because he didn't want us to go home.  I am content in knowing yesterday's four hour portion of my 62 years, was spent exactly like my Lord wanted it spent.  And as I consider what today holds, I shudder a bit, yet find myself believing it's never too late when you invest your time in another's life for God's glory.  selahV

Hey...don't rush off.  Am I alone?  Do you ever think the little things are too little to count? 

WHAT DO YOU THINK THIS IS?

It's an anomaly.  A deviation from the norm.  Are you?

There are a lot of things in life that don't quite fit into the mold of what we are accustomed to seeing, tasting, and smelling.  They are just different--a break from our own norms.  However, the thing I hold pictured in my hand is really and truly an anomaly.  I've lived over 62 years and have seen thousands upon thousands of its kind and never, ever seen one like this.  Do you know what it is?  It kinda looks like a tiny red pumpkin, doesn't it? =>>>

SINCERITY COMES NATURALLY

Sincerity.  The very sound of that word conjures up a gentle softness, and honest like-ability.  There's not one iota of persuasion attached to it.  No cajoling, no forcefulness, no proving a point.  Sincerity is a genuine light of purity and goodness.  It's kind of like a spontaneous hug--from heart to heart.

Romans 12: 9,10 commands, "Let your love be sincere [the real thing]; hate what is evil [loathe all ungodliness, turn in horror from wickedness], but hold fast to that which is good.  Love one another with brotherly affection [as members of one family], giving precedence and showing honor to one another." (Amplified)

"Let your love be sincere".  Sincere.  The real thing.  Without wax.

At the time Paul wrote this, many statues were being made and sculpted of goddesses and gods.  Whenever the sculptor chinked the marble or stone with miscalculation, a chunk off the nose or a chip on an ear-lobe could result.  To cover the mistake, the sculptor would melt wax and fill in the spot.  No one would be the wiser unless the sculpture was placed in the heat of the noonday sun.  Should it be placed in that light, the wax would melt and reveal the flaw.  The word "sincere" in this passage is the same as "without wax".  Sincerity has no flaws, no hidden motives, no covered pimples, no deceitful flattery.  Sincerity is without guile.

Sincere love is pure and trustworthy.

"Love 'thinketh no evil,' imputes no motive, sees the bright side, puts the best construction on every action." Henry Drummond ~~The Greatest Thing In The World

Do we love like that?  Can we love like that?  I think we all do at one time or another.  But consistently, continually?  Only through the Spirit of God.

Paul tells us what to do.  Practice that love.  Work at it until it becomes second nature, then first nature.  We must so surrender our own importance, our own status, reputation and opinion that only pure love is shown to every brother and sister in Christ.  Why?  So others will know Jesus by our love for the brethren--every last one of the brethren.  We are not allowed to pick and choose which brethren to love.

"From the fruit of his words a man shall be satisfied with good, and the work of a man's hands shall come back to him [as in harvest]." Pr.12:14

Can people see a pure holy God when we treat each other with disdain?  Can people see the love of Christ when we show contempt and disgust for our brethren?  Can a lost world desire to know Whom we serve as Lord when we bow to man, or to society?  Can we exemplify sincerity with our schemes, back-biting, finger-pointing, tale-bearing and strife?  Can we add one person to the Kingdom of Heaven with our deceit, our waxed-over sin?

According to Drummond, sincerity "is the self-restraint which refuses to make capital out of others faults; the charity which delights not in exposing the weakness of others but 'covereth all things'; the sincerity of purpose which endeavors to see things as they are and rejoices to find them better than suspicion feared or gossip denounced."

Oh that we could be so self-restrained!  Oh that we could be so sincere!  May all my flaws be visible to me, oh Lord, as You light the darkest corners of my heart.  Let me bring them into Your presence that You might cleanse me of all iniquity and prune the useless branches from Your Vine that Your fruit would be given Life to harvest in the time You have appointed unto me.  selahV

STRIKES, SPARES AND OTHER BOWLING BLESSINGS

Last weekend, Hubby tried to teach everyone how to bowl with his fine form and precision-like throws.  No one got the bend and release motion. Instead, balls crashed onto the alley with loud pops. I was sure that at any moment the bowling attendants would come throw us all out of the alley.

I felt like I'd bowled twenty games instead of simply watching four little girls and a husband bowl a mere two games.  I wondered if my muscle-pain was due to pain-by-proxy.  Empathy pains?  The contortions they all made to get their heavy balls to roll down the alley and clobber bowling pins reminded me of pretzels making their way down an assembly line.

 

I wanted to bowl, too, but I discovered on my third throw that my neck wouldn't allow me the privilege of bowling with my grandkids.  Fortunately for me, the girls loved taking turns when it was Grama's time to bowl.  Corporately, I had pretty good scores. Yet even with all four girls bowling collectively for me, my score still didn't top my youngest 4-year-old granddaughter, Kinsey's score of 82.  Yeah.  Tiny little Kinsey would grab a 7 or 10-pound ball, lug it over to the alley, drop it on the floor, then give it a shove down the alley.  Then she'd sit down and wait to see what happened.  That ball would take an entire minute to reach the pins and topple 5 to 10 pins with one whack.  It was hilarious.  Of course the bumper helped her when balls ricocheted off the padding.  But everyone used the same lane, so it was all even-stevens. 

Gutter balls and splits abounded.  Spares and strikes were sparce except for Grampa.  Still, every pin that came down was highly celebrated with cheers and high-fives.  Who needs trophies when we have one another to encourage and affirm our efforts?

It kinda reminds me of Hebrews 10:24 "...let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." 

Bowling affords great opportunities to teach addition, cooperation, sharing, patience, perseverance, encouragement and the plain old joy of being with one another...don't ya think?  selahV

CELEBRATING DILIGENCE, PERSEVERANCE and FAITH

Diligence and persistance are synonymous with my 19 year-old grandson.  Even as a little boy, he played ball while hurt because his dad had taught him to persist and persevere--even when you don't feel like it.  The team was counting on him.  Through his life, I've marveled at the perseverance he has shown in multiple ways, through many difficulties he's faced head-on.  Again and again he followed through on commitments when more tempting situations and social events were ignored.

A year ago eighteen-year-old Ryan sat on the sofa in my living room and told me he simply was not interested in becoming an engineer, even though he had a scholarship to college.  He knew he had the potential to be anything he wanted to be--he's just that bright.  He didn't want to disappoint his teachers who'd recommended him for scholarships.  But he felt God was leading him to be a fireman.  He had joined the volunteer fire department in a little rural town near his home in the county before he even finished highschool.  He immediately started getting certified and training.  He loved it.  When he got his equipment, he came to our house to show us all of it.  Everything was used and old, but he spread it out and explained it all like it was Christmas in July.  He was so proud.

When he happened to be the first responder to a horrific fatal accident a half-mile from his home, Ryan called in the accident; he didn't panic.  He simply assessed the situation and ordered all the right things--including jaws-of-life for the nineteen-year-old girl trapped inside her vehicle.  He told me he couldn't believe how calm he was in the midst of it all.  He believed God was using him as he sat on the bank--just talking to a little boy who'd been in the accident while other responders attended to the boy's grandfather.

When Ryan went to his first structure fire, they were able to save the trailer.  But Ryan wasn't satisfied with that.  He felt he needed to hook up the family with churches in the area to minister to their needs.  He even organized a few meals for them through his mom, and his youth minister at church.  Ryan felt God could use him in the fire-department.  "It could be a ministry," he told me.  I remember telling him that he could do anything he wanted to do and no matter what he did, God could use him to minister to people.  But if God was calling him to be a fireman, then He would make a way for him to do all he needed to do to become one.

Within a few months, he was in the top three applicants out of 60 who made it through the rigorous testing required for firefighting applicants in a nearby town.  When folks told him he was in--not to worry about it, he hoped, but knew his age might be against him.  When the position was given to another who had more certifications, he didn't give up; he dug in.  He got more certifications.  He went to every single training event he could.  Before long he was training others.

A couple of weeks ago, when he went for his interview with Lawton's Fire Chief, Ryan knew his youth was still against him.  However, he had taken every class and prepared in every way necessary to get hired.  He scored well on all his tests and excelled in every training exercise.  While he awaited the Chief's decision, Ryan attended another school--this one for smoke jumping.  He figured if he didn't get the Lawton position, he'd find one somewhere else.  Fortunately, he didn't have to, he got the call that he'd made it through.  All that was left was his physical.

Last week he took his physical and though he passed it, he had to have an x-ray of his back where he broke his neck a few years ago while riding motocross.  Remember me requesting prayers for him then?  We wondered, would that accident be his undoing?  We prayed as we waited to hear the results of the x-ray and the doctor's recommendations.  Tonite we celebrated.  We've held our breath and prayed for him.  He has been so diligent...so persistent, so faithful and trusting.  He is now cleared and officially part of our town's fire department.

I have no doubts Ryan will be one of the best firefighters our town has ever had.  It will not surprise me to learn he saves another's life or that he boldly faces challenges others shy away from.  He's just that kind of man.  In a day when jobs are harder and harder to come by...when budgets are tight and firefighting positions are scarce, God has blessed my grandson.  In our state 97% of all fires are fought by volunteer firemen.  This is an incredible blessing for Ryan, and for us.  I'm so grateful, I just had to share my joy with you all.  selahV

ABUSE OF THE ELDERLY EVERY FIVE SECONDS

I headed for the check-out at Hobby Lobby.  As I approached the empty counter, another lady, probably in her early fifties, came out from a side aisle without a cart, and blocked my way.

"C'mon, mother!  Get over here!" she snapped. Her elderly mother had stopped at a little section in the store to read some plaques and magnets. "What are you doing?  Great; you're going to miss the line by reading those things. You don't need them," she huffed, continued to block me from the check-out, and grumbled, "Fine.  I will stand here and wait. But you are going to hold up the line."

Her elderly mother, stooped, and leaning over her cart, moved haltingly as she turned her cart, her cane hanging on the handle.  Just a few skeins of yarn lay in the cart.  I understood.  I can't walk around the store without a cart to lean on, either.  As I stood there observing this scene, it struck me how impatient this younger adult-daughter was.  She snapped, huffed, and snarled.  She shook her head in exasperated shame.  Anyone could tell she had no respect for her mother, just disdain and contempt.  Pity.

How often does this happen today in society?  I do not know.  Does this contempt lead to greater abuse?  A jerk?  A shove?  I do not know.  But it is definitely not the first time I have witnessed a scene like this of late.  For years I watched my elderly father slowly draw his breath, and take baby steps to walk to the bathroom in his assisted living center bedroom.  I watched peas, cream corn, and soup dribble down his chin onto his white tee-shirt.  Something inside me always wanted to help, to reach out.  But Daddy was proud and did not want that help.

Dignity in the latter years of life is scarce but protectively clutched to an elderly person's soul.  What do they have left?  Their health is failing.  Their eyesight dims, their hearing goes, and their tastebuds lose all sense of taste.  They become dependent on their children--the very children they gave at least 18 years of their own lives, if not more, to raise, to feed, to clothe, to clean up after, to chase, to chauffer, to teach, to pray for, to guide.  And what do some elderly parents get in return?

Not even the time to peruse a few knick-nacks in a store.

It was all I could do to muzzle my mouth.  I was angered.  I was aggravated.  I wanted to ask the lady if she'd like to go ahead and I would take her mother home.  I wanted to intervene.  I could not.  I said nothing.  I thought about myself.  I realize I am getting older.  Though not so ill I cannot drive myself to a store, I do have difficulty walking around the mega-stores now.  It's harder to reach things on the lower and higher shelves.  I spend more time deciding between brands.  I wonder.  How often do I annoy a younger, more able person with my hesitation?  How long will it be before I am the one in the way...the one who impedes another from doing what they want to do in a timely fashion?

I wonder, too, should we be addressing this in our churches today?  When do we stop honoring our fathers and mothers?  Should we be teaching our younger adult members to respect their parents, their grandparents?  Other elderly church members?  What happens if we do not?

According to Elder Abuse Daily, Data and Statistics on February 15, 2010:

There are nearly 6 million cases of elder abuse every year. That's approximately one case every five seconds.  Unfortunately, many of these cases go unreported.  According to EADaily.com's projections, California continues to be the state with the greatest number of elder abuse cases in the U.S., with 36% more than that of Florida, a state with second greatest number of elder abuse cases.  Alaska has the fewest in the U.S. at approximately 8,900 cases per year.  Just five states account for over 1/3 of all elder abuse cases in the U.S.  California, Florida, New York, Texas and Pennsylvania have the most cases annually.

"You shall rise before the gray headed and honor the presence of an old man [or woman], and fear your God: I am the LORD." Leviticus 19:32

In our church, we have an elderly veteran who lives at our nearby Veterans Home.  Some men go pick him up each week for church.  He gets in his wheelchair, and is pushed up and down the halls.  He sits in Sunday School with others and fellowships in the department.  Later, someone pushes him to the sanctuary and parks his wheelchair at the bottom of the stage stairs.  A couple of men assist him as he slowly and feebly makes his way up the stairs to the choir loft where he sings praises to a God of mercy and love.  Whenever I see him go up the stairs and come down, I am moved.  Tears of deep respect fill my eyes.  I am grateful for this example before our congregation.  I am grateful the youth in our church sit at the base of those stairs each week and are witnesses to the honor that younger, stronger, more able men show this veteran.  They preserve his dignity as surely as he once fought to preserve our freedom.  As they honor the presence of a gray-headed old man, we see the reverence they have for the Lord.  selahV 

JUST DO SOMETHING

When you find yourself thinking more about yourself and your problems and your needs, then just listen to this song and follow its message.

DO BLOGGERS DO UNTO OTHERS

AS THEY WOULD WANT OTHERS TO DO UNTO THEMSELVES?

I wonder.  If all we bloggers took the time to consider just five positive things about a blog-host before we commented on their blog (or a fellow commenter in the stream), how would our comment appear in the stream?  What would the tone be like?  I wonder if we mentioned a few of those positive things to them in the stream, would it help us communicate better should we have differences?  Is it possible to dwell on that which is pure in blogland?  Is it possible to "do unto others as we would have them do to us"?  Or do we think so little of ourselves that we invite barbs rather than blessings?  Do we encourage others to judge us?  condemn us?  dump garbage on our doorstep?  Sometimes I wonder.  selahV 

"A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." Proverbs 25:11

I don't understand

I truly don't.  I don't understand why people take pleasure in putting others down.  I truly don't get it.  I understand when non-Christians do it.  But I do not understand how Christians can slam others, belittle them, and speak ill of other Christians. And when other Christians laugh, chuckle, agree, and laud others for such behavior, I have to wonder.  I cannot fathom the glory to God in it.  Can you?  selahV

IS THIS OF GOD

When does bonafide reproof cross the line into picking specs out of another's eye?  When does the Holy Spirit need our help?

Do you find yourself on the receiving end of someone's long-winded exhortation and rebuke?  Most folk don't like the least bit of criticism.  They don't like preachers who bring up sin and spell out things to avoid in this world.  Most folk are naturally defensive.  How are we to receive reproof?  Personally, I have no problem with a minister of the gospel preaching, admonishing, reproving, rebuking, and exhorting.  That is his calling. His instruction is biblical. He studies God's word and prays for God's message and delivers that message.  We need it.  Paul exhorted Timothy:   

"I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction." (2 Timothy 4:1–2)

I do not argue with scripture.  Paul charged Timothy "in the presence of God and of Jesus Christ", in the above verse.  He didn't suggest to Timothy that he preach, be ready, reprove, rebuke and exhort; Paul charged him to do so.  What about us?  What do we receive from Paul's instruction to Timothy?

Some Christians read "reprove, rebuke, exhort" and a particular person's sin or misconduct comes to mind and they go straight for the jugular. They feel justified in their rebuke because scripture gives them license to admonish another for sinful actions and attitudes.  In their exuberance and enthusiasm to lay someone out on the carpet, they completely miss the latter part of Paul's instruction. "...with great patience and instruction." 

Is this of God?  What is the purpose of reproof and rebuke without patience or instruction?  What end does it meet to admonish without patience and steadfast love?  What does it accomplish to call a person a hypocrite?  a liar?  a deceiver?  or, for that matter, any name?

I maintain that these pejoratives, coupled with badgering tones of antagonism, do nothing to bring glory to God.  They may serve to build campaigns to destroy and annihilate another's life and ministry, but they do nothing to lay foundations for reconciliation and restoration.  Nothing.  When an admonisher resorts to public ridicule and a perpetual pursuit of defamation of a brother or sister in Christ, do they succeed in their rebuke? Or do they simply poison the mind and spirit of all who are involved in the public scourging? To me, such action does not serve to instruct to restore, but to rebuke to destroy.  It begs the question: Is this of God?  selahV

IS GOD INTERESTED

It depends. God is not interested in dirt. He sent His only begotten Son to die and wipe out dirt.  God is interested in love.  He is interested in covering a multitude of sins.  "Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins."1 Peter 4:8.

We can have all knowledge and not have one iota of love and faith.  We can know every wrong there is to know and see clearly the unrighteousness of man, but if we have not love in our heart for people we try to expose as sinful, our claim to love and faith is weak at best and non-existent at worst. "...The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." Galatians 5:6b.

In Christ we own hope and righteousness, justification and sanctification.  It's not my place to poke you in the eye and make you righteous; nor can I justify you for anything.  It's not my job to sanctify you; the Spirit of God within you is doing that.  God is not interested in me digging up dirt in my brother's backyard.  God is interested in seeing His children doing such good for one another that He is glorified. "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:35.

"All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation." 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

God is interested in ambassadors who are devoted to the "ministry of reconciliation" that draw all men to His Son. He is interested in forgiveness, not condemnation.  He is interested in us wiping away the dirt from our brother's cheeks--not slapping on more.  He is interested in seeing righteousness exceed that of Pharisees who constantly set themselves above the people as judge and jury. God is not interested in smut, dirt, pride and self-righteousness. He is not blind; he's interested in humility, meekness, kindness and gentleness.  All that counts is what is eternal.  "He has committed to us the message".  If our eyes are constantly looking down, gazing at the things of this earth--the weaknesses and flaws of man--we call attention to disgrace and do nothing, absolutely nothing, for the eternal.  Think a moment.

What is the "message" we bring to the world with hammering, nailing, and stripping a person down in the world of public opinion? Is that not a distortion of the "message of reconciliation" He "committed to "us"? God is not interested in bent fingers and broken keyboards; He's interested in bent knees and broken hearts. 

"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself. If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other." Galatians 5:13-15

Stop putting out the Light within you.  Stop throwing your salt to the wind.  Treat one another as you would want to be treated.  Restore one another as you would want to be restored.  Lift up another's burden to the throne of grace; don't stand upon the burden and stomp to bring them further down.  That is not love.  selahV

THE BLAME GAME

It's so easy to blame another for the carnage we bring upon ourselves and those we love. It rings hollow to claim others are being mean to us simply because we stand with a gigantic "S" on our chests for the Supersaints we imagine ourselves to be.  We point our blood-soaked fingertips at the world and say this happened as a result of the righteousness we have exhibited, and it's all someone else's fault.  Why should we be surprised when the volcano erupts and spews its ash upon our heads? We laugh at a brother's ash covered face, then we wail:

Why me, Lord?  I've ministered in Thy name! I have pointed out the iniquity of every single person I see sinning--who waste Your money, and teach things I know You do not condone.  Look, Lord; look!  I've saved them all on my computer. I've linked them to others so they will also see their sin.  I've exposed these atrocities. I've written many posts defending all the oppressed, the maligned, the unfortunate. My hands are clean; I've only exposed the truth.  Why am I now being persecuted for Thy name's sake? 

It's so very hard to go to the well and look down to see who is really at fault for the havoc we've unleashed upon ourselves and those we love.  Shame on us.

Our faultless rhetoric means nothing to God.  Our pretty words and fancy writing do nothing to change the fact that it is we who call attention to the trash dumped upon our doorsteps.  It is our very own, verbose spewing that says:  Come smell the garbage, world!  Come look at how horrible the world treats me for daring to circumcise another in the name of Christ!  Look at what others do to me because I am so good.

False humility is a gall-soaked sponge to our Savior's lips.  "Forgive them, for they know not what they do."  Shame, shame on us.

"Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?" "God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess."

I look forward to Your return, when You bring my reward.  Surely you have a "well done" in Your hand for me; I do not need a crown.

"Depart from me, I  have not known you."   

Oh, Most High God, we beg Thee; give us eyes to see ourselves, ears to hear ourselves, and the wisdom to look to You for cleansing power.  Woe, are we of unclean lips.  Forgive us, Lord.  Forgive us for laughing when we should be crying.  selahV

 
Luke 18:11-12; Matthew 7:22-23; Isaiah 6:5; Psalm 139:23-24

STOP CASTING STONES

They brought an adulteress before Jesus to have her stoned.  Jesus said, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." John 8:7b

Has someone brought someone before you to judge?

To condemn?  Are you holding a stone?

 
How dare they?  Outrageous.  How could they?  Can you hear those words whispered in your ears?  Are you irritated?  ...offended by some sinner before you?  Does your skin crawl?  Have they hurt someone you love?  Does their sinfulness keep you awake at night--writing, typing, tweeting, texting, crafting ways to let their sin be known to others?  How low can people stoop?

Superiority.  Self-righteousness.  Judgment.  Hatred.

Are you without sin?

Please.  Throw down your stone.

Do you know someone who is being repeatedly stoned?

Do you know someone who is holding the stones?

Who are they to cast a stone?  Who are they to batter, blast, and cram stones down another's throat?  Are you holding a stone?  Put it down. Drop it. Toss it aside.

"Go, and sin no more." 

WHEN BLOG POSTS ARE DISPENSABLE

Everyone has a reason for reading what they read.

Bloggers usually have a reason for writing what they write when publishing a blog.  From political bile to ministry of broken-hearted. Freedom of speech opens the door to nearly everything--including slander, misrepresentation, gossip--even vindictive hatred.  All is permissible.  That is the world.

Is that liberty in Christ?

As Christians we are called to a higher righteousness than the world. {Matthew 5:20).  Our blogging space might be considered an extension of our life in Christ, where folks who need comfort or encouragement could find posts that edify, inform and produce a measure of the Spirit of God in words, style, and tone.  Writing is a medium where communication is restricted; one cannot see into another's eyes, reach across the table and pat a hand, elbow someone in jest.  We have no vision into the soul's intent.  All we have is letters, words, and sentences--as well as a blogger's history--to determine what one is trying to communicate.  Occasionally we have podcasts or videos that lend a bit more voice to the heart of man.  Nevertheless, we are living in a world where people are rarely held accountable for the vitriol they spew.  Even Christians.  There are no blog police.  Yet, some blog posts are dispensible--useless garbage.  Why do some find pleasure in their odor of death?  Why do some folks feed on their decay?  I do not know.

As Christians "...our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." {Ephesians 6:12)  Indeed, the demons from hell, and Satan, himself.  We also battle professing Christians who are so filled with hatred and bitterness, that they trash the children of God to destroy them.  They malign character.  They manipulate.  They strategize, collaborate and form covies with evil.  Why?  To place themselves higher on a pedastal of public opinion?  To destroy a reputation?  To destroy a family?  If not, the results are the same.  Some people are not satisfied until a particular person they seek to malign is removed from office, loses a ministry, or their guts are strewn on the ground.  They never stop to consider innocent children, precious wives or husbands--the collateral damage.  As far as I am concerned these kind of bloggers with their posts do nothing but puke upon the feet of Jesus.  And someday, my friends, the dog shall return to its own vomit, and the cleansed sow to her mire. {2 Peter 2:18-22)

How do we know when a blog crosses the line of informing to inciting violence and hatred?

If it smells like death, it is death.  If it smells like life and love, and peace, and goodness, and kindness, and joy, and humility, it is Life.  If it does not produce love in you for a fellow Christian--it is death.  If it does not stir you unto righteous, honorable, and holy attitudes, it is death.  If it stirs you to more of the same writing to spread a tale of darkness, it is death.  If it does not draw you closer to the Living Lord through a need to intercede and pray for others--it is death.  If all you do is write more and pray less, then it is death.  If it is not something you'd want to share in Sunday School to edify, and build up the body--it is death.  And, it leads others to death, not salvation nor good works.

As Christians do we have a responsibility to the body of Christ to let another know when the line has been crossed?  I suppose it depends on the blog and the blog owner, doesn't it?  Some bloggers are blind to their sin.  Humor at the expense of another's character is funny.  Puns, smears and unbridled bluntness is cute.  Brutality cloaked in a smiley-face is not irenic grace, nor honesty.  Spiteful rhetoric reconciles no one to anything--it divides--it destroys.  These bloggers seek only to gain notoriety and will use any means to accomplish such.  Such is the death of man.  It links itself to whomever it can to spread more death.  What can we do?  What can I do?

I can do little in the scheme of things.  I have no reputation.  I have no platform from which to complain.  I only have this little blogsite.  But I will fill my Lord's bottles with tears, and His vials with prayer for the saints. {Rev.5:8)  I will pray for my adversaries that the Lord pours upon them the coals of fire to purify their minds and mouths. {Isaiah 6:6-8)  I will dedicate my writing to bring a sweet fragrance of Christ unto God.  I will yield any vengeance within the corners of my mind, or walls of my heart, to God and pray He purges me from all unrighteousness.  I will weep, because I can do no less than my Savior did for me on His way to Jerusalem.  Will you join me?  selahV

 

Blogger's Blight

Have you had it?  I have.  When I first started blogging, my heart brimmed with great expectations.  I envisioned designing a colorful blog, and writing inspirational stuff to encourage the masses.  Somewhere along the course of things, my hopes and ambitions withered (that's what happens to something infected with blight).  I lost heart.  Not in the Lord, mind you--but definitely in the blogging community. 

I branched out with my main blog, which I started in 2006 to keep myself from going absolutely insane over the loss of my son, Chad.  I only knew one person on the internet, so my blog grew from that core.  I started a few blogs which I have eliminated from my blogroll.  I built Feminine Matters hoping to develop some dialog with other women.  Hardly a peep.  I created Daily Impact and found most folks don't really have much to say to a devotional thought.

My stats indicate that my readership has grown, 65% of my readership is new every day.  I was greatly encouraged at that discovery.  I sure wish some of you folks would leave a comment and say hello...tell me what brought you here, how can I keep you coming by.  What interests you?  Am I accomplishing my goal to encourage, inspire, edify?

I was "stumbled upon" by someone who recommended my site to folks.  The message said,

"A member of the StumbleUpon user community previously added your page to StumbleUpon's index of hi-quality, human-powered content.

Now, each time StumbleUpon refers a user to your page (based on StumbleUpon's analysis of what that user's friends and other like-minded users have recommended) --voila! --an entry in your referral log will be generated."

I was pretty impressed with that message, but wondered if it was just one of those generic messages the cyber-search engine sites use to get you to sign up with them.  I don't know.  I'm so SEO limited.  SEO is "Search Engine Optimization, the process of improving ranking in search engine results."  Who knows for sure?  Sincerity is a rare commodity these days.  I digress (someone shoot that rabbit!). 

The online dictionary says blight is "an extremely adverse environmental condition, such as air pollution."  I thought about that and realized the air in which my blog floated for the most part was polluted--with debate, confrontations, and religious politics.  I didn't fit in.  Not at all.  I don't like that kind of stuff.  Don't like the back and forth, the analyzing of every single word one writes--the contending, the arguments that aren't arguments.  Don't like motives being presumed, attacks being lodged.  It's just not very loving.  One can get infected with that kind of writing style and opinionated dialog, and before one knows it, they are eaten up with it.  Also, it is dominated by men.  Most of the women that venture into those sites weren't like me.  They enjoyed battling it out with the guys.  Not my idea of fun.  Ask my husband.

Thus, I've decided I have Blogger's Blight.  This blight upon my heart and mind leaves me wondering.  Why in the world do I do this? Sometimes I find myself surrounded in an "air" of suffocating bitterness, anger, finger-pointing, talebearing and slander.  I cannot breathe.  The scent is overwhelming. 

I've been thinking about a remedy for this blight.  It's not like I can go down to Lowe's and purchase some kind of spray, some kind of repellant.  I've thought about how one gets rid of blighted stems on a rose bush.  They cut it off.  The healthy stems are nurtured and fed, tilled and fertilized.  Could that be it?  Chop off the blighted part of my blogging experiences?  Feed on the Word of God and develop a better root system?  Then bloom, grow fruit, and wait upon the Lord for the harvest?  I think so.

We who blog for Jesus, are the fragrance of Christ.  At least that is how I see myself in the kingdom's garden.  Lilacs, roses, hyacinths and more.  May my scent bring pleasure to my Father, and all those He brings my way.  God bless you today.  selahV

One man's arrogance is another man's wit

Ever notice that?  When one person uses sarcasm and wit--they are criticized for being arrogant and mean-spirited--ah, yes, even un-Christ-like.  Yet, if one spends enough time in the critic's stomping grounds, one quickly sees the same--uh, "arrogance", only now it is labeled wit, sarcasm, and tongue-in-cheek humor.  Tomato, to-may-toe, to-mah-toe.  Such is life in all its sardonic mockery.  One man's drink is another man's poison, I suppose.  One man's joke is another's veiled animosity.

Likewise is the accusation of hypocrisy.  One man (let's call him Benny) condemns another (let's call him Abe).  Seems Benny is upset that Abe critiqued Benny's friend's work or preaching style.  Benny accuses Abe of misrepresentation, falsehoods, arrogance, hypocrisy and being flat out disingenuous.  Benny quickly points out Abe's penchant for attacking brothers in Christ.  Benny nails Abe to the cross for being dismissive and mean in comment streams.  Benny demands that Abe admit fault and repent.  Abe does not believe he is guilty of doing that which he's been accused of.  Benny is so torqued, he turns around and writes a post condemning Abe for being a hypocrite for daring to challenge his friend in the first place.  The finger pointing goes back and forth and others join the frey. Benny-bandwagon circles their wagons and everyone starts calling Abe the hypocrite. 

One man's hypocrite, is another man's epitome of righteousness.  One man's righteousness is another's unrighteousness.  It is absolutely mind-boggling.  I think that must be why the Lord said, "judge not, lest you too will be judged."  Don't you think?

"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Matthew 7:1-2

When is judging another's words or actions permissible?  When is judging another's character and motives permissible?  I'd suppose anytime one doesn't mind being judged himself. selahV

What grace is there?

...in condemnation?  in judgmental accusations?  in tale-bearing?  in gossip?

While others do these things to us, are we to return the favor?  Or are we to stand in the righteousness of Christ and silence the critics without personal defense?  Can we not share the gospel of our living Lord without pointing fingers at adversaries?  at brothers and sisters in Christ?

"He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still." Revelation 22:11 KJV

Our Redeemer lives.  Our Deliverer is coming.  May we be found faithful in our own righteousness and merciful in our own speech.  May we seek first the kingdom of God and leave the devil to dance without our partnership.  selahV