I love to look up quotations from Spurgeon, Moody, etc. Today I happened across these quotes. This has turned into one of my favorite past times and has been extremely encouraging.
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Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of it's sorrows,
but only empties today of it's strength.
- Charles Spurgeon
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Feelings come and feelings go,
And feelings are deceiving.
My warrent is the Word of God --
Naught else is worth believing.
Though all my heart should feel condemned
For want of some sweet token,
There is one greater than my heart
Whose Word cannot be broken.
I'll trust in God's unchanging Word
Till soul and body sever,
For, though all things shall pass away,
HIS WORD SHALL STAND FOREVER!
- author unknown
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It can be said:
That using one's time in this manner and fashion is a "truly teachable moment."
- B. Harless
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
When Confustion Is Added
I have another Christian blog on another social network. Two days ago I posted a blog about salvation from God's Word. I was bombarded immediately by criticizers. It was very hard for me to answer questions from those who really had interest. It took some time thinking about what had happened to realize that posting these blogs were truly a good thing.
Eventhough some didn't believe at least they took the time to read it. Some were suprised upon learning some of the Greek and Hebrew meanings of words that had gotten them so upset. Some were suprised to learn some of the Jewish customes that explained some verses clearer to them.
I also learned practically that "soft answers turn away wrath". Most became very polite after awhile possibly realizing they had leaned up to their own understanding of some scripture. Some were irritated from answers given they had no idea about. Some, I am sure will go to the bookstore and purchase concordances and commentaries to check for themselves. One imparticulat appologized for hi-jacking my blog because I had been so compassionate in my answers to him/her.
I have to say, I was suprised to see how fellow Christians were so quick to ridicule and jump in on the free for all. I was also suprised that most of them also came across as angry and bombardant. This confuses and turns away those that don't believe so they won't even listen. This has also made me realize that I need to show genuine concern and compassion to unbelieves so they too will hear the Word.
I feel sure that they are at least hearing and considering scripture. This is all I can hope to accomplish through these blogs. God will do the rest.
Eventhough some didn't believe at least they took the time to read it. Some were suprised upon learning some of the Greek and Hebrew meanings of words that had gotten them so upset. Some were suprised to learn some of the Jewish customes that explained some verses clearer to them.
I also learned practically that "soft answers turn away wrath". Most became very polite after awhile possibly realizing they had leaned up to their own understanding of some scripture. Some were irritated from answers given they had no idea about. Some, I am sure will go to the bookstore and purchase concordances and commentaries to check for themselves. One imparticulat appologized for hi-jacking my blog because I had been so compassionate in my answers to him/her.
I have to say, I was suprised to see how fellow Christians were so quick to ridicule and jump in on the free for all. I was also suprised that most of them also came across as angry and bombardant. This confuses and turns away those that don't believe so they won't even listen. This has also made me realize that I need to show genuine concern and compassion to unbelieves so they too will hear the Word.
I feel sure that they are at least hearing and considering scripture. This is all I can hope to accomplish through these blogs. God will do the rest.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Fear and Faith (Part 2)
I have continued in my study once again because I feel it has been laid upon my heart to dive even further. So many questions by so many are being asked because of the fear they have in their personal lives due to these economic times. My study has led me to 1 John 4:16-18.
v. 16 And we (have known and believed) the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
v. 17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
v. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
These verses further convinced me further that fear is a tool used to diminish our faith. If we truly have confessed that Jesus is the Son of God (v.15), then God lives in us, His love abides in us, we have experienced the love of God and believe in His love toward us. There is no fear in love. God is love. His love casteth out fear.
Also, these verses have further convinced me that fear comes from unbelief. These verse say
to me that, If I believe that God's love is perfect toward me then I can believe that I can have no fear. This also means that, If I don't believe that God 's love is perfect toward me then I will have fear because of my unbelief in God's perfect love. This is perhaps something I will never completely master. But I can spend an abundance of time striving to overcome by studying scripture, meditating, and referencing.
This also is futher convincing that we desperately need to spend more time in scripture; reading, studying, meditating, asking the question to ourselves about what we don't understand about God and His love toward us, but more importantly than asking the questions to ourselves, we desperately need to make the time to SEARCH, SEARCH, SEARCH the scriptures for the answers to our questions. It will bring you closer to God, bring clearer understanding, bring lasting peace and comfort. It will also bring a desire to know more and to understand more.
v. 16 And we (have known and believed) the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
v. 17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
v. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
These verses further convinced me further that fear is a tool used to diminish our faith. If we truly have confessed that Jesus is the Son of God (v.15), then God lives in us, His love abides in us, we have experienced the love of God and believe in His love toward us. There is no fear in love. God is love. His love casteth out fear.
Also, these verses have further convinced me that fear comes from unbelief. These verse say
to me that, If I believe that God's love is perfect toward me then I can believe that I can have no fear. This also means that, If I don't believe that God 's love is perfect toward me then I will have fear because of my unbelief in God's perfect love. This is perhaps something I will never completely master. But I can spend an abundance of time striving to overcome by studying scripture, meditating, and referencing.
This also is futher convincing that we desperately need to spend more time in scripture; reading, studying, meditating, asking the question to ourselves about what we don't understand about God and His love toward us, but more importantly than asking the questions to ourselves, we desperately need to make the time to SEARCH, SEARCH, SEARCH the scriptures for the answers to our questions. It will bring you closer to God, bring clearer understanding, bring lasting peace and comfort. It will also bring a desire to know more and to understand more.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Fear and Faith
2 Timothy 1:7 - "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and
of a sound mind."
This is one of my favorite verses in the Bible. It first took hold of my heart in 1994 while my father was undergoing heart by-pass surgery for the second time. I was afraid that he may not make it at that time. I remember picking up a Bible on the table in the waiting room and skimming through the pages while family members talked among themselves. It was very difficult to focus on any scripture with all the talking going on around me. But, God somehow allowed me to focus on this one scripture, 2 Timothy 1:7. Since that time, I continue to return to this scripture time after time. It has been a great help to me. It has given me great peace.
All through the scriptures I have noticed time after time phrases such as "fear not" and "do not fear". Each time I read a passage with these phrases, my mind comes back to 2 Timothy.
If fear didn't come from God, why did I have fear? This is a question that baffled me for a long time. It took a lot of searching through scripture for this verse to make sense to me.
I began to look at people in the Bible and saw that in many instances they had failures due to fear. I discovered that my fear came from my unbelief. An unbelief that God wasn't able to do all that He said He could do. I began to realize that fear is a tool that is used to diminish my faith. At this point I knew that they only was I could ease my fear was to deal with my unbelief. I still work daily at growing my faith through reading scripture, prayer, meditating on God's Word and trying to, with the abilities that God has given me, to tell others about Christ. I figured that if fear comes from unbelief, it would be very difficult - if not impossible for God to work within my fear. Now, I go to God in faith when I pray instead of fear.
There is a lot of fear today in world. News casts are filled with overwhelming reports on how bad the economy is and what it will mean for us in our own lives and families. It is good to know what is going on in the world around us. But, we need to realize that we who are saved are not of the world but rather are in the world. Instead, we should focus and have belief and trust on the promices that God gives us while we are still in the world. For most of us, if you are like me, our focus should be working on our fear by striving to rid our unbelief.
of a sound mind."
This is one of my favorite verses in the Bible. It first took hold of my heart in 1994 while my father was undergoing heart by-pass surgery for the second time. I was afraid that he may not make it at that time. I remember picking up a Bible on the table in the waiting room and skimming through the pages while family members talked among themselves. It was very difficult to focus on any scripture with all the talking going on around me. But, God somehow allowed me to focus on this one scripture, 2 Timothy 1:7. Since that time, I continue to return to this scripture time after time. It has been a great help to me. It has given me great peace.
All through the scriptures I have noticed time after time phrases such as "fear not" and "do not fear". Each time I read a passage with these phrases, my mind comes back to 2 Timothy.
If fear didn't come from God, why did I have fear? This is a question that baffled me for a long time. It took a lot of searching through scripture for this verse to make sense to me.
I began to look at people in the Bible and saw that in many instances they had failures due to fear. I discovered that my fear came from my unbelief. An unbelief that God wasn't able to do all that He said He could do. I began to realize that fear is a tool that is used to diminish my faith. At this point I knew that they only was I could ease my fear was to deal with my unbelief. I still work daily at growing my faith through reading scripture, prayer, meditating on God's Word and trying to, with the abilities that God has given me, to tell others about Christ. I figured that if fear comes from unbelief, it would be very difficult - if not impossible for God to work within my fear. Now, I go to God in faith when I pray instead of fear.
There is a lot of fear today in world. News casts are filled with overwhelming reports on how bad the economy is and what it will mean for us in our own lives and families. It is good to know what is going on in the world around us. But, we need to realize that we who are saved are not of the world but rather are in the world. Instead, we should focus and have belief and trust on the promices that God gives us while we are still in the world. For most of us, if you are like me, our focus should be working on our fear by striving to rid our unbelief.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Thanks
Recently, as you know, we have gone through some difficult financial situations. We are still facing them somewhat. I know and believe with everything in me that God always provides whatever you need. I am thankful to God that He has provided all our needs and know that He will continue to do so in the future.
Saying that, I would also like to thank my mother. She has been extremely instrumental in God providing for us. She has gone above and beyond providing our needs. She has also made it possible for improvements in our yard making it more comfortable and pleasing to the eye. Eventhough at times, life can be difficult, God uses others and their unique circumstances to help in times of difficulties.
I also am thankful for the new roof and driveway the owner of the house we live in has provided as well. This also has made our yard more pleasing to the eye. His graciousness is greatly appreciated. We know that God also has used the owner's unique circumstances to provide these things as well.
I am thankful for the many prayers from family and friends regarding the lack of work we had during the winter months. The phone is ringing again and if it be God's will, we will once again be back on track with our business. I know that God is also using our customer's to provide our needs as well.
I know things look down at times especially in this economy and with all that is going on in our world. But, I also know if you look up and focus on things above that God is faithful. He never leaves or forsakes you. He is always with you and able to carry you through.
Saying that, I would also like to thank my mother. She has been extremely instrumental in God providing for us. She has gone above and beyond providing our needs. She has also made it possible for improvements in our yard making it more comfortable and pleasing to the eye. Eventhough at times, life can be difficult, God uses others and their unique circumstances to help in times of difficulties.
I also am thankful for the new roof and driveway the owner of the house we live in has provided as well. This also has made our yard more pleasing to the eye. His graciousness is greatly appreciated. We know that God also has used the owner's unique circumstances to provide these things as well.
I am thankful for the many prayers from family and friends regarding the lack of work we had during the winter months. The phone is ringing again and if it be God's will, we will once again be back on track with our business. I know that God is also using our customer's to provide our needs as well.
I know things look down at times especially in this economy and with all that is going on in our world. But, I also know if you look up and focus on things above that God is faithful. He never leaves or forsakes you. He is always with you and able to carry you through.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Praying
I have prayed constantly for my friend in the previous post. I have prayed when I rose in the morning, when I've been busy about my work, when I eat lunch, when I'm doing errands, when I cooking dinner for my family, before and after my study time and when I lie down at night. I have prayed with tears for this friend. I have been sorrowful for the friend but more than that my tears have been for the hurt I know God must have had for the position my friend was taking. It was hard to hear my friend say those harsh words but it was harder to know that if those words hurt me to the core, how much more they must have hurt God. After all God has done for me and my family, I couldn't bare to hear that someone would turn from him.
After all of my praying and crying, I was happy to know that my friend returned to Church on Sunday and is still planning to carry out their duties they had already planned. Though feeling wounded and let down somewhat in their circumstances it is good to see that they are continuing to run the race they began. I know they may not be walking on their own right now because God is carrying them through. This alone is comfort to me to know that when we fall, God still cares enough to not let go and keep us afloat.
I do know that my friend feels embarrased because of their earlier statement. But, if they are encouraged and feel loved and given just a little help they will be alright. We all get embarrassed by our lack of faith at times. My comfort in that is, God shows his strength in our weakness. We are not alone.
After all of my praying and crying, I was happy to know that my friend returned to Church on Sunday and is still planning to carry out their duties they had already planned. Though feeling wounded and let down somewhat in their circumstances it is good to see that they are continuing to run the race they began. I know they may not be walking on their own right now because God is carrying them through. This alone is comfort to me to know that when we fall, God still cares enough to not let go and keep us afloat.
I do know that my friend feels embarrased because of their earlier statement. But, if they are encouraged and feel loved and given just a little help they will be alright. We all get embarrassed by our lack of faith at times. My comfort in that is, God shows his strength in our weakness. We are not alone.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
What To Do?
What do you do when someone you love and care about deeply stands up and says they are done with God because they have been wronged. Yes I can truly say they were wronged. My response would have to be:
I understand you have been wronged and I agree with you on that point. However, making such a bold statement doesn't end the matter. Just because you feel that God has hurt you because of circumstances doesn't mean he is done with you. He is still the one in control and the decision of whether or not things are done between you and God is in his control not yours. I believe that such a statement would mean you will probably be feeling his presence even more...and maybe not in such a favorable manner. If you are so weak in faith that you can't take what circumstances comes at you with God on your side, then I seriously doubt that you can take circumstances better without him on your side.
I still believe that all things work for the good for those who love him. People can make mistakes to hurt you personally, financially and in all manners of ways but we have to remember that God gave man free will to choose to do things the right way or the hurtful way. God can't interfer with free will. If someone hurt you in any manner it is not because of anything God did, it was simply because they exercised their free will and chose the wrong way. But we have to forgive them. Not blame God. If we don't forgive them and blame God, we are exercising our free will also in the wrong way as the one who hurt you did. That fact alone should give compassion and forgiveness for the one who hurt you.
Please let me know any comments you have about the matter of what to tell others in this circumstance.
I understand you have been wronged and I agree with you on that point. However, making such a bold statement doesn't end the matter. Just because you feel that God has hurt you because of circumstances doesn't mean he is done with you. He is still the one in control and the decision of whether or not things are done between you and God is in his control not yours. I believe that such a statement would mean you will probably be feeling his presence even more...and maybe not in such a favorable manner. If you are so weak in faith that you can't take what circumstances comes at you with God on your side, then I seriously doubt that you can take circumstances better without him on your side.
I still believe that all things work for the good for those who love him. People can make mistakes to hurt you personally, financially and in all manners of ways but we have to remember that God gave man free will to choose to do things the right way or the hurtful way. God can't interfer with free will. If someone hurt you in any manner it is not because of anything God did, it was simply because they exercised their free will and chose the wrong way. But we have to forgive them. Not blame God. If we don't forgive them and blame God, we are exercising our free will also in the wrong way as the one who hurt you did. That fact alone should give compassion and forgiveness for the one who hurt you.
Please let me know any comments you have about the matter of what to tell others in this circumstance.
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