We've covered the keys to prayer, so now we're going to cover the foundations of prayer, and yea even later the attitudes of prayer. (You know like thankfulness, etc.) Foundations are that upon which all the other things are built. I used to be in construction, building and remodeling homes, and even spent some time, concrete forming. They all start the same, first you dig down to rock, preferably bedrock, then, you form up "footers". Footers are either pillars of concrete, or the base layer of cinder blocks filled with concrete. Either way, its the main part of the foundation upon which you build the whole house. These truths from God's Word are the principles upon which all of praying hangs. Now, the keys we covered first because the person who cares about getting it right will cover these practically without even thinking! When your heart wants to be with God, you'll get these right.
Showing posts with label Bible. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bible. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
Spiritual Endeavors Part 2a - Keys to Prayer
We've covered the need for Spiritual Disciplines, even though it was somewhat brief. This entry will cover prayer.
This is the most basic, and generally is the first discipline practiced by a new believer. Prayer is the enigma of the ages for new believers because its represented in Scripture so many ways. It can be simple, such as the publican's "Lord be merciful to me a sinner" prayer, or it can be long and involved like one of Solomon's prayer. You can stand looking toward Heaven, or lie completely flat (prostrate) upon the ground. There are examples of those on their knees, sitting, laying prostrate, and standing. There are examples of short and long, simple and complicated, and nearly everything in between. I cover this because there are some who worry about their posture more than they worry about their attitude, or spiritual condition in prayer. Some, just starting out, are concerned because they "want to get it right," which is commendable. There are some keys to praying, and none of them have to do with how your body is situated, or which way you are looking. I believe those things will come in time, but for the new believer, or for the person who is trying to renew their walk with Christ there are issues that are far more important, and I hope to cover those briefly.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Spiritual Endeavors Part 1
Today, I want to talk about Spiritual Disciplines. Its kind of difficult because when most Americans hear "Discipline" its immediately negative, painful and hard to do. Actually its nothing more than actions of correction. They can be negative, but they can also be positive. For example, prayer. Prayer is always positive. Unless you are a Roman Catholic and Hail Mary's, Our Fathers, and the Jesus Prayer is what you say for self punishment (Penance) . The problem with our culture is that we're taught in every way to avoid self control. Even the Public School system encourages the lack of it. It does so by avoiding asserting external discipline when a child misbehaves, and when handing out free condoms to students. All of the arguments they use defeat any effort they weakly expend at teaching a kid to discipline himself in any other effort. I could easily say, "They're not going to do homework anyway, so we shouldn't assign it." Isn't that the EXACT logic they use for Condoms? "They're going to do it anyway, so we should teach them to be safe at it." Instead of standing up, and asserting self control, they cave in and destroy it, and the efforts of every parent who has diligently tried to build it into their children's lives. The same with Churches. We Preach that person should read their Bible, Pray, Fast, and be faithful to attend the worship services, and yet Church after Church will put a person into a position of service who is unfaithful, doesn't really read their Bible, or pray, and hasn't fasted in years, if ever. It defeats the message we're trying to preach. Every Sunday School Teacher, Deacon, Treasurer, Song Leader, and especially the Pastor, should be faithful in every one of the disciplines that I'm going to cover. If they are, God has promised blessings upon their lives, and upon the Church they serve. Look at Joseph. He was faithful to do what was right, and God blessed him, and the places and people he served were blessed as well.
So, the question is, are we going to work together to bring about revival, or are we going to blindly keep allowing the world to go to Hell by the millions because of our laziness? I say we get off our butts, and get on our knees in prayer and repentance, and do what it takes to correct our ungodly nature, or at least keep it in Check.
Now, we need a little Scriptural basis for this endeavor. I mean a valid question is "Why, on earth, would I want to live a life of self denial and self control?" I say its valid because God provides answers, and God doesn't give answers to useless and troubling questions.
First. We need to recognize the base nature of man. There are many who believe man is basically good, and that "given the opportunity" he'll choose to do right. Bologna, or Bull, which ever you like. God's Word says that men are altogether bad, and that given the choice they'll go their own way, and that is the way of sin. Read Romans 1 - 3 when you get a chance. Romans 3:10 - 18 sums it up nicely:
Actually if you are NOT SAVED by the grace of God through faith in Christ, you need salvation! You need to repent of your sin, and your sins (they are different). Jesus died on the cross to redeem you from sin, was buried, and rose again the third day for your justification. Thanks to His work on the cross we can now find Grace, Mercy and Forgiveness with God! email me if you want to know any more.
Second, We need to understand Spiritual Disciplines, or Exercises in relationship to that Deceitful heart. You see we have a base sinful nature, (yes all of us), and left to itself it'll lead us down a path of sin (any of them you pick). Spiritual Disciplines are a way to correct the child in us that is bound up in foolishness. And, according to Proverbs 29:15, "The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame." That's why Paul said in First Corinthians chapter 9 verse 27 (written normally as 9:27) "But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." You see we must, as Christians, practice these things in order to keep ourselves in line, or allow God to get us in line. Its just like maintaining a fire. Just because you got it started doesn't mean its going to burn there all night. Some one is going to have to keep wood on it. The same is true with human hearts as is true with wind up clocks. Every know and then they have to be maintained.
Third, we need to be Disciplined in order to serve God. Romans 12:1 - 2 tells us:
This is by NO MEANS an exhaustive study of the need for Spiritual Disciplines. However, it should give you enough information to understand the need for them. As we go through in the coming days, or weeks, studying them or talking about them, I hope to explain how they relate to countering some base part of our nature, like giving counters selfishness, Fasting counters self indulgence, praying counters self sufficiency and pride, worship counters rebelliousness, Bible Study counters ignorance and sin, service counters laziness, and Witnessing counters apathy and spiritual death. Now, that's not an exhaustive, or exclusive list, because praying also counters selfishness for example.
Now, in another post, I'm going to tell you about my Kubuntu 7.04 upgrades (NICE OS).
So, the question is, are we going to work together to bring about revival, or are we going to blindly keep allowing the world to go to Hell by the millions because of our laziness? I say we get off our butts, and get on our knees in prayer and repentance, and do what it takes to correct our ungodly nature, or at least keep it in Check.
Now, we need a little Scriptural basis for this endeavor. I mean a valid question is "Why, on earth, would I want to live a life of self denial and self control?" I say its valid because God provides answers, and God doesn't give answers to useless and troubling questions.
First. We need to recognize the base nature of man. There are many who believe man is basically good, and that "given the opportunity" he'll choose to do right. Bologna, or Bull, which ever you like. God's Word says that men are altogether bad, and that given the choice they'll go their own way, and that is the way of sin. Read Romans 1 - 3 when you get a chance. Romans 3:10 - 18 sums it up nicely:
10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:So, as you can see you are a wretch, yes you (and me unfortunately). In Jeremiah 17:9 God says of the human heart, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" What this means is that if you think your heart doesn't need discipline, you've been deceived. That's why the next verse in Jeremiah says, "I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings." What this means is that what you think of yourself is not accurate, what your mom thinks of you is not accurate, what your wife, brother(s), sister(s), dad, children, and friend(s) think of you is not accurate. Only God can accurately judge. And He says, you need discipline.
11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
13 Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:
14 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:
15 Their feet are swift to shed blood:
16 Destruction and misery are in their ways:
17 And the way of peace have they not known:
18 There is no fear of God before their eyes.
Actually if you are NOT SAVED by the grace of God through faith in Christ, you need salvation! You need to repent of your sin, and your sins (they are different). Jesus died on the cross to redeem you from sin, was buried, and rose again the third day for your justification. Thanks to His work on the cross we can now find Grace, Mercy and Forgiveness with God! email me if you want to know any more.
Second, We need to understand Spiritual Disciplines, or Exercises in relationship to that Deceitful heart. You see we have a base sinful nature, (yes all of us), and left to itself it'll lead us down a path of sin (any of them you pick). Spiritual Disciplines are a way to correct the child in us that is bound up in foolishness. And, according to Proverbs 29:15, "The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame." That's why Paul said in First Corinthians chapter 9 verse 27 (written normally as 9:27) "But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." You see we must, as Christians, practice these things in order to keep ourselves in line, or allow God to get us in line. Its just like maintaining a fire. Just because you got it started doesn't mean its going to burn there all night. Some one is going to have to keep wood on it. The same is true with human hearts as is true with wind up clocks. Every know and then they have to be maintained.
Third, we need to be Disciplined in order to serve God. Romans 12:1 - 2 tells us:
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.The only way to "Be transformed" is to work at it. Much of it God does, but even He expects us to "put our hands to the plow" and not look back (Luke 9:62). In Haggai we find that God required the people to get up and get at it BEFORE He blessed. Now, understand this is in relationship to SAVED people, the work God requires of those who are NOT SAVED is different, and NO amount of spiritual disciplines are going to get you saved. They only help you act more like you are saved. You cannot "earn" salvation, it is a gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast, but we are HIS workmanship, created in Christ Jesus UNTO GOOD WORKS (see Ephesians 2:8 - 10). So, we need to be transformed, and we need to be workers to the field, but we need to be disciplined in order to complete the picture. God tells Timothy through Paul in 2 Timothy 2:15, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." What that means is that we must be diligent to behave in a way that is pleasing to God, diligent to know the Word of God, and diligent to be about the work of God. Diligence, by the way, is another way of saying "through self control you pay close attention to."
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
This is by NO MEANS an exhaustive study of the need for Spiritual Disciplines. However, it should give you enough information to understand the need for them. As we go through in the coming days, or weeks, studying them or talking about them, I hope to explain how they relate to countering some base part of our nature, like giving counters selfishness, Fasting counters self indulgence, praying counters self sufficiency and pride, worship counters rebelliousness, Bible Study counters ignorance and sin, service counters laziness, and Witnessing counters apathy and spiritual death. Now, that's not an exhaustive, or exclusive list, because praying also counters selfishness for example.
Now, in another post, I'm going to tell you about my Kubuntu 7.04 upgrades (NICE OS).
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Bye Bye Sugar Coating
Well, I've been preaching this kind of stuff for years. I have long believed that you CAN NOT win a soul to Christ using the flesh! A person will not be won to the Spirit after having the flesh appealed to first!! Why do I say that? Because for years now the SBC (at least the TBC) in their "Youth Evangelism Conferences" have used "Christian Rock" or "Contemporary" music to attract young people. Well, I read in the December 15, 2006 The Sword of the Lord an Article with the following Headline:
The Summary of that article was to enforce the idea that true Bible Based Worship, was what gets kids, adults, women, men, boys and girls, into Church, and its what keeps them there! God centered Churches are what we need, NOT seeker friendly, or man centered Churches! I'm not here to please men, I'm here to please Christ!
The problem I have now is that there are those who are wrapped up in their sin of selfishness, and pride who will refuse to accept these facts regardless of what the Bible says, and facts show. They'll point to the very few who keep attending Church to "prove" they are right. I remember way back, before I went to Bible College, I left the TBC's (Tennessee Baptist Convention) Youth Evangelism Conference and swore to never return because it was nothing more than a Rock Concert with a little bit of Jesus sprinkled on to make it look good! Why? Because while the hectic music was playing I saw all manner of godless behavior, and NO worship coming from the youth attending, and because as soon as the preaching started, they became restless and uninterested. Imagine that? If the music was what those who push it on us say it is, WHY does it not draw these young people to a full commitment to Christ? I have long held that music should move your heart to bow before God, to praise His greatness, and think of all His benefits as the Psalms tell us. I have also used as a guide to the music I listen to, the Bible. If a song isn't Biblical in its message, its of the Devil I don't care if Billy Graham sings it himself!
Finally let me finish with one more Quote from Dr. Shelton Smith of the Sword:
"Compromised Youth Ministries Now Admit Failure"Imagine that? The first half of the article is a quote from Christianpost.com's article quoting Time's "IN Touch with Jesus" for November 6, 2006. whew, that was a chain to follow. Anyway, I finally find out that I'm not alone in my stand against Christianizing the World's music!!! Sorry, but I lived the Rock-n-Roll scene for real, AC/DC, Journey, Motley Crue, etc. etc. concerts, the whole nine yards. I have always held to the FACT that you cannot convert something of the world and call it Christian without putting it through the fire, melting it, and remolding it. THIS is exactly what modern Christianity has failed to do with Rock Music. Had they put it through the Fire of God's Word, they'd find out from its history, and its layout (the beat) that it is NOT healthy, spiritually or physically. The Word of God COMMANDS us to come out from among the World, NOT make friends with them, or appeal to their flesh in competition with worldly pursuits!! I especially appreciated this part from the Editor of The Sword of the Lord,
Over the past few decades churches by the thousands have caved in to the pressure of the culture. They compromised their values and capitulated to "what kids want." What they wanted was entertainment, a good time, fun and games, rock music, no work, no demands and certainly no standards. Now they are forced to "fess up" to their failure. The churches went along, and so did the kids (for a while).So, now does anyone believe me? Those who truly believe in the Lord Jesus Christ will. Because they are more worried about glorifying Christ than they are about putting up good numbers for the associational report letter!!
The Summary of that article was to enforce the idea that true Bible Based Worship, was what gets kids, adults, women, men, boys and girls, into Church, and its what keeps them there! God centered Churches are what we need, NOT seeker friendly, or man centered Churches! I'm not here to please men, I'm here to please Christ!
The problem I have now is that there are those who are wrapped up in their sin of selfishness, and pride who will refuse to accept these facts regardless of what the Bible says, and facts show. They'll point to the very few who keep attending Church to "prove" they are right. I remember way back, before I went to Bible College, I left the TBC's (Tennessee Baptist Convention) Youth Evangelism Conference and swore to never return because it was nothing more than a Rock Concert with a little bit of Jesus sprinkled on to make it look good! Why? Because while the hectic music was playing I saw all manner of godless behavior, and NO worship coming from the youth attending, and because as soon as the preaching started, they became restless and uninterested. Imagine that? If the music was what those who push it on us say it is, WHY does it not draw these young people to a full commitment to Christ? I have long held that music should move your heart to bow before God, to praise His greatness, and think of all His benefits as the Psalms tell us. I have also used as a guide to the music I listen to, the Bible. If a song isn't Biblical in its message, its of the Devil I don't care if Billy Graham sings it himself!
Finally let me finish with one more Quote from Dr. Shelton Smith of the Sword:
Youth groups that are entertainment based are destined to fail. Kids need to get a steady diet of Bible teaching and strong preaching with an emphasis on Scripture, salvation, sanctification, separation, standards, soul winning and the surrendered life!Amen.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Christmas and KJ2000 Reading
Well, Christmas is over, and all the gifts have been unwrapped around our house. This actually turned out to be a better Christmas for the kids than I thought it would be. We spent last Saturday with the family from my side, and had a GREAT time. We played Cranium (a neat game, and the more people the better). We snacked, and opened presents. We all swapped "White Elephant" gifts, which was real fun. I wound up with a bottle of soap from Bath and Beauty, or whatever its called. My Wife, Angela, wound up with the gift she brought, an empty Harmonica case. :-). My sister's Husband wound up with an older Wireless access point I had retired. I updated it and made sure it worked before I took it.
Sunday Evening we went to My wife's side's get together. Another good time. We had a great meal, and exchanged gifts. It was good. WE also had Sunday Morning Worship services at Missionary Ridge (Just in case you were wondering). I hope your Holidays, Christmas in particular, have been good to you. I really hope you focused on Family, friends, and the Christ who set us free. I know some of you will point out that Christmas was originally a Pagan Holiday, not Christian as many suppose. However, I feel that most of the traditions around this day can be redeemed. Just as God commanded the Israelites to melt down the gold and silver from the pagan temples and use it in the Temple, I think traditions that can be put through the fire of God's Word, and can come out OK, are fine. Like exchanging gifts in celebration of Christ's birth. Now, we all know that Jesus was NOT born on Dec. 25th, as there are too many indicators to the contrary. However, we can celebrate that He was born. His birth in and of itself did not redeem mankind, but had He not come into this world, and set aside His glory, we would have never had a Christ to redeem us at all!! Not only that but the story of Christ's birth teaches us a great many things that are backed up by other Scriptures. I'll probably go into them a little bit at a time over the next few weeks (yes I know afterward) so you can be prepared for Next year. I meant to this year before Christmas, but it just didn't work out.
For one: God shows that there are no age limits on those whom He can use. God used a girl, no more than 16 years old (Mary) to be the mother of His Son, Anna and Simeon we're "well stricken in years", with Anna being at least 84 years old, then there were Joseph, a young man, Elizabeth, probably middle age, Zacharias her husband, the parents of John the Baptist, who was filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother's womb. So you see, whether you are young or old God can use your service, and enable you to do extraordinary things. Not only that, but God can use Rich and Poor, Jew and Gentile, Slave and Free. He doesn't care whether you have an education (Matthew the publican, Paul the Apostle) or not (Peter the Apostle). You can be a fisherman, a shepherd, a Carpenter, a Tax Collector (publican), or even a leper. God used Kings, and slaves to write His Word, and to bring Jesus Christ the Living Word into this world. All the ground is level before the Cross, and there is no such thing as a big I and a little you. This is the consistent message of the Bible as a whole, and especially in the Birth of Christ.
Another tip, notice how God inconvenienced the WHOLE WORLD, to make it possible? God can move mountains if we'll only believe.
Now, the KJ2000 update. I ran into a snag. There appears to be an issue with the text, that I just can't get over. Here's a snippet from the email I sent Dr. Couric on Dec. 5th:
I found something that has me, well, kinda thinking.
In Galatians 3:16 the KJ2000 says, "Now to Abraham and his descendant were the promises made. He says not, And to descendants, as of many; but as of one, And to your descendant, who is Christ." However I couldn't find ANY such passage in Genesis. They all use "descendants" plural (except in one place that was specifically talking about Isaac). What do we do there?
I think that's why they went with "seed" in the KJV. My problem is I never got to take any Hebrew, I know how to tell a plural vs. a single Greek word, but with Hebrew I'm in the dark
end snippet.
This may not seem to be much of a big deal to some, however it deals with the prophecy of Christ's coming. And, if we force the plural onto a place in the Old Testament where there is no plural then we're not being faithful to God's Word. So, until I hear back my reading of that version has stopped. I haven't heard anything from Dr. Couric in a while, and I pray that everything is well with him.
Sunday Evening we went to My wife's side's get together. Another good time. We had a great meal, and exchanged gifts. It was good. WE also had Sunday Morning Worship services at Missionary Ridge (Just in case you were wondering). I hope your Holidays, Christmas in particular, have been good to you. I really hope you focused on Family, friends, and the Christ who set us free. I know some of you will point out that Christmas was originally a Pagan Holiday, not Christian as many suppose. However, I feel that most of the traditions around this day can be redeemed. Just as God commanded the Israelites to melt down the gold and silver from the pagan temples and use it in the Temple, I think traditions that can be put through the fire of God's Word, and can come out OK, are fine. Like exchanging gifts in celebration of Christ's birth. Now, we all know that Jesus was NOT born on Dec. 25th, as there are too many indicators to the contrary. However, we can celebrate that He was born. His birth in and of itself did not redeem mankind, but had He not come into this world, and set aside His glory, we would have never had a Christ to redeem us at all!! Not only that but the story of Christ's birth teaches us a great many things that are backed up by other Scriptures. I'll probably go into them a little bit at a time over the next few weeks (yes I know afterward) so you can be prepared for Next year. I meant to this year before Christmas, but it just didn't work out.
For one: God shows that there are no age limits on those whom He can use. God used a girl, no more than 16 years old (Mary) to be the mother of His Son, Anna and Simeon we're "well stricken in years", with Anna being at least 84 years old, then there were Joseph, a young man, Elizabeth, probably middle age, Zacharias her husband, the parents of John the Baptist, who was filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother's womb. So you see, whether you are young or old God can use your service, and enable you to do extraordinary things. Not only that, but God can use Rich and Poor, Jew and Gentile, Slave and Free. He doesn't care whether you have an education (Matthew the publican, Paul the Apostle) or not (Peter the Apostle). You can be a fisherman, a shepherd, a Carpenter, a Tax Collector (publican), or even a leper. God used Kings, and slaves to write His Word, and to bring Jesus Christ the Living Word into this world. All the ground is level before the Cross, and there is no such thing as a big I and a little you. This is the consistent message of the Bible as a whole, and especially in the Birth of Christ.
Another tip, notice how God inconvenienced the WHOLE WORLD, to make it possible? God can move mountains if we'll only believe.
Now, the KJ2000 update. I ran into a snag. There appears to be an issue with the text, that I just can't get over. Here's a snippet from the email I sent Dr. Couric on Dec. 5th:
I found something that has me, well, kinda thinking.
In Galatians 3:16 the KJ2000 says, "Now to Abraham and his descendant were the promises made. He says not, And to descendants, as of many; but as of one, And to your descendant, who is Christ." However I couldn't find ANY such passage in Genesis. They all use "descendants" plural (except in one place that was specifically talking about Isaac). What do we do there?
I think that's why they went with "seed" in the KJV. My problem is I never got to take any Hebrew, I know how to tell a plural vs. a single Greek word, but with Hebrew I'm in the dark
end snippet.
This may not seem to be much of a big deal to some, however it deals with the prophecy of Christ's coming. And, if we force the plural onto a place in the Old Testament where there is no plural then we're not being faithful to God's Word. So, until I hear back my reading of that version has stopped. I haven't heard anything from Dr. Couric in a while, and I pray that everything is well with him.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
BAH HUMBUG!
Gotcha. Well, that title is me. Its not that I don't like Christmas, I like it. Its that I can't stand the misuse of it by vendors who want to benefit from "Christmas Gift" shoppers but will not use the name 'Christmas'! If you are going to use the images to prompt people to buy from your store, and those images are unique to Christmas alone, then by George, use the word!!!
The other problem I have with this time of year is the music. I don't mind a Christmas song, but good grief do we HAVE to play it 24 hours a day? The ABSOLUTE dumbest idea Solidgospel Radio had was turning that mess on all the time!! By the time Christmas does actually get here we're all so sick of the stinking music we're glad its over!! At least I am. The problem is that just about the time I can actually warm up to hearing one they play the stupid thing so much I'm sick of it. And, what business does a "Solid Gospel" supposedly Christian, radio station have playing secular Christmas songs? You don't think there are any? What about "Rockin' around the Christmas tree"? You know, that catchy, rocky song they played in "Home Alone" when Kevin was trying to fool the would be crooks? It was cute there, its out of place on Christian Radio.
Not to mention the fact that I'm only gonna get a hundred dollar bonus, and the tires on my truck have to be replaced. This all adds up to a sucky Christmas for my family. Yea, I used that word. I couldn't think of a nearly acceptable word bad enough to describe how I feel.
Well, the weather outside pretty much duplicates my mood, dreary, rainy and dark. So, I think I'll go have some Egg Nog and call it a night.
Oh, and Merry Christmas to you and yours, May Christ be the center of your Holidays, not just this one.
Oh, I'm making some progress on the KJ2000 Bible reading. Its looking good so far. If only I can get the how to on making Sword modules!
The other problem I have with this time of year is the music. I don't mind a Christmas song, but good grief do we HAVE to play it 24 hours a day? The ABSOLUTE dumbest idea Solidgospel Radio had was turning that mess on all the time!! By the time Christmas does actually get here we're all so sick of the stinking music we're glad its over!! At least I am. The problem is that just about the time I can actually warm up to hearing one they play the stupid thing so much I'm sick of it. And, what business does a "Solid Gospel" supposedly Christian, radio station have playing secular Christmas songs? You don't think there are any? What about "Rockin' around the Christmas tree"? You know, that catchy, rocky song they played in "Home Alone" when Kevin was trying to fool the would be crooks? It was cute there, its out of place on Christian Radio.
Not to mention the fact that I'm only gonna get a hundred dollar bonus, and the tires on my truck have to be replaced. This all adds up to a sucky Christmas for my family. Yea, I used that word. I couldn't think of a nearly acceptable word bad enough to describe how I feel.
Well, the weather outside pretty much duplicates my mood, dreary, rainy and dark. So, I think I'll go have some Egg Nog and call it a night.
Oh, and Merry Christmas to you and yours, May Christ be the center of your Holidays, not just this one.
Oh, I'm making some progress on the KJ2000 Bible reading. Its looking good so far. If only I can get the how to on making Sword modules!
Monday, November 20, 2006
Bible Reading
I've been a bad boy, and its beginning to affect everyone around me . . . . Well, its true. Did you know that the reason sin is so grievous, and heinous, is not the affects it has on you, but the affects it has on those around you? Think about it. Why is murder so wrong? It hurts those who had no choice in the matter, right? Well, it could be argued that they had some choice, but lets not get technical. Its also a manifestation of robbery. You are attempting to take by force that which does not belong to you, the right to decide who lives and who dies. God only has that right. He has delegated to the Government the ability to execute His wishes in putting a man to death who has committed Murder, and only them. Not any individual. There's a difference.
I know, at this point many of you are wondering 2 things. 1. You can't believe I would support and advocate Capital Punishment, and you have all kinds of Quasi Biblical, worldly reasons for being against it. good for you. 2. What does this have to do with Bible Reading? Simple. Its the furthest extent of sin I could think of at the moment. Yes, not reading your Bible is sin, and leads to sin. Why? Because the Bible says that God's word acts as a cleansing agent, (washing of the water by the word, go look it up here). Without it you can't watch, if your not watching, you're falling. Its that simple. someone once said, and please leave a comment if you know who, "Sin will keep you from the Bible, or the Bible will keep you from Sin."
My problem is that for some time know, almost without noticing, I haven't been reading my Bible. I think its affects are beginning to show. I, like everyone else, get busy, get sick, get tired, get _______ (fill in the blank). I know in a day when ministers are getting accused of rape, incest, and all kinds of immoral godlessness how can not reading your Bible rank? Well, quite simply, the reason all these ministers are falling into the things they are falling into is the same reason things haven't been completely right in my life. They have left their Bibles on the nightstand and went off to live life on their own. They, like me, foolishly thought they were strong enough, or "spiritual" enough, or whatever to handle it. Or, like me, they may have become discouraged because of so many past mistakes that they had lost their fire. Why do I put myself in the same category as them? Because in God's eyes, sin is sin, whether its a little anger, in my case, or rape or murder, it harms other people, and it robs God of what is rightfully His, your obedience. My point is before we go to slamming our fists at others, and pointing hateful fingers we need to look at the three fingers pointing back in our direction. I would like to say emphatically, because a guy is accused of something wrong, we shouldn't be quick to assume he's done something wrong. Women and Girls have long been known to be plants, either of their own accord, or some greedy man, to get money out of Church and Minister. They know, what I know, that an accusation is all it takes, and gullible, ignorant, or hateful people will take up the cause with more zeal than they ever had proclaiming Jesus' Gospel Message!! And, I'll say this too, If you can't open your mouth about Jesus then no matter how right any thing else is, keep it shut. If you can't open it about Jesus' death on the cross to pay for the sins of mankind, and pave the way to forgiveness and mercy, then keep it shut.
I get fed up with people who have all kinds of zeal to tell me about the offense of some preacher, but can't even quote a single Bible passage relating to the Gospel message! If you're not a Christian, then this wouldn't apply to you, it only applies to those who know Christ, as they are the only ones who were commissioned to carry the Gospel in the First place.
So, what am I doing? Well, a good fella, Dr. Robert Couric, whom I had as a Professor in College at Mid-Continent, has published an update of the KJV, called KJ2000. Its not a "Revision" as best I can see, it just updates some words and archaic phrases to something more modern, while preserving the flow. I have read the New King James once, New American Standard once, and some of the New Ignoramus er. . uh. International Version, and the KJV at least 6 times. I have yet to find a Bible Version that I could stand upon as THE Word of God for English speaking people. So, I'm hoping this one does the job. I have started reading three chapters a day, (starting today), and will read the Bible through in the KJ2000, and see for myself whether it be so or not. I'll report here what I find, and if I believe God is verifying its worthiness I'll back it with all my heart, if not, I'll delete its text from my hard drive, and never bother it again. I only use one version, God isn't the author of confusion.
So, stay tuned. May God work a work in your heart to keep you from sin.
Here's Dr. Couric's Website.
I know, at this point many of you are wondering 2 things. 1. You can't believe I would support and advocate Capital Punishment, and you have all kinds of Quasi Biblical, worldly reasons for being against it. good for you. 2. What does this have to do with Bible Reading? Simple. Its the furthest extent of sin I could think of at the moment. Yes, not reading your Bible is sin, and leads to sin. Why? Because the Bible says that God's word acts as a cleansing agent, (washing of the water by the word, go look it up here). Without it you can't watch, if your not watching, you're falling. Its that simple. someone once said, and please leave a comment if you know who, "Sin will keep you from the Bible, or the Bible will keep you from Sin."
My problem is that for some time know, almost without noticing, I haven't been reading my Bible. I think its affects are beginning to show. I, like everyone else, get busy, get sick, get tired, get _______ (fill in the blank). I know in a day when ministers are getting accused of rape, incest, and all kinds of immoral godlessness how can not reading your Bible rank? Well, quite simply, the reason all these ministers are falling into the things they are falling into is the same reason things haven't been completely right in my life. They have left their Bibles on the nightstand and went off to live life on their own. They, like me, foolishly thought they were strong enough, or "spiritual" enough, or whatever to handle it. Or, like me, they may have become discouraged because of so many past mistakes that they had lost their fire. Why do I put myself in the same category as them? Because in God's eyes, sin is sin, whether its a little anger, in my case, or rape or murder, it harms other people, and it robs God of what is rightfully His, your obedience. My point is before we go to slamming our fists at others, and pointing hateful fingers we need to look at the three fingers pointing back in our direction. I would like to say emphatically, because a guy is accused of something wrong, we shouldn't be quick to assume he's done something wrong. Women and Girls have long been known to be plants, either of their own accord, or some greedy man, to get money out of Church and Minister. They know, what I know, that an accusation is all it takes, and gullible, ignorant, or hateful people will take up the cause with more zeal than they ever had proclaiming Jesus' Gospel Message!! And, I'll say this too, If you can't open your mouth about Jesus then no matter how right any thing else is, keep it shut. If you can't open it about Jesus' death on the cross to pay for the sins of mankind, and pave the way to forgiveness and mercy, then keep it shut.
I get fed up with people who have all kinds of zeal to tell me about the offense of some preacher, but can't even quote a single Bible passage relating to the Gospel message! If you're not a Christian, then this wouldn't apply to you, it only applies to those who know Christ, as they are the only ones who were commissioned to carry the Gospel in the First place.
So, what am I doing? Well, a good fella, Dr. Robert Couric, whom I had as a Professor in College at Mid-Continent, has published an update of the KJV, called KJ2000. Its not a "Revision" as best I can see, it just updates some words and archaic phrases to something more modern, while preserving the flow. I have read the New King James once, New American Standard once, and some of the New Ignoramus er. . uh. International Version, and the KJV at least 6 times. I have yet to find a Bible Version that I could stand upon as THE Word of God for English speaking people. So, I'm hoping this one does the job. I have started reading three chapters a day, (starting today), and will read the Bible through in the KJ2000, and see for myself whether it be so or not. I'll report here what I find, and if I believe God is verifying its worthiness I'll back it with all my heart, if not, I'll delete its text from my hard drive, and never bother it again. I only use one version, God isn't the author of confusion.
So, stay tuned. May God work a work in your heart to keep you from sin.
Here's Dr. Couric's Website.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Wednesday Evening Lesson
Tonight's Message at Missionary Ridge Baptist Church was a continuation of our New Testament Lessons in Old Testament Prophets series.
I'm in Habakkuk. (its in there, keep looking).
From verse 12 of chapter 1 to verse 1 of chapter 2 (1:12 - 2:1) you have Habakkuk's second question. I call it the Prophet's Worry.
Its about a man who knows certain things, or believes certain things, about God. He also knows certain things about what God is doing, however he has a hard time reconciling the two things together. God is Everlasting, so Israel will not be completely destroyed, and God is in Full control, and has appointed the Chaldeans as instruments of Judgment and Chastisement for Israel. (This is the part Habakkuk can't figure out By the Way.) God is also Holy, so much so in fact, that He can't bless wicked people. That's what Habakkuk means by "look upon iniquity". According to Habakkuk God is too holy to answer a lost man's prayer. The only problem with that picture is that God has, in the Bible, answered lost men's prayers. Remember the King of Assyria that was healed of Leprosy? What about Cornelius in Acts, who while still lost, got a visit from an Angel that said God was impressed! No, God does hear, however, the truth is that He is not obligated to respond. There is no promise that God will hear the prayers of those who are not His, but there is precedence that shows He could. Not only that, but, God appears to be blessing the Chaldeans, and encouraging their sinful pride and false idol worship!
So, what's in this for us?
1. IN all your ways acknowledge Him. When you're faced with facts that appear contradictory, first fall back on what God's Word says is true about God, and Acknowledge that. There are times when you cannot see either the Hand or the Face of God, however He's still there. Habakkuk acknowledges God's plan in verse 12 by saying that he knows the facts, God has ordained them. Habakkuk may not understand how God could do that, but this doesn't stop Habakkuk from knowing its by God's hand! Too many think that if they can't understand it, then they can't believe it. Well, I've got news for ya' God's thoughts are higher than your thoughts, and God's ways higher than your ways, you'll NEVER, no NEVER, understand it all! That's a part of what it means to walk by faith, sometimes you don't get it, and don't see it, but that doesn't stop you from knowing its true anyway.
2. IN all your troubles go to Him. If you listen to Habakkuk you'll see that he takes his thoughts and concerns to God without reservation, but he does so humbly. Habakkuk acknowledges God, then confesses his own ignorance in the situation. However, either way don't bottle it up. If you are God's child He WANTS you to come to Him, even if you are a little upset. God can correct a wrong attitude, if its brought before Him, and confessed. God resists the proud, but gives grace unto the Humble.
3. IN all your ramblings learn to wait and watch. Habakkuk says in essence, "I'll climb up on my tower, and keep an eye out in case God answers me, and I'll work out how I will answer when God rebukes me." By so doing he demonstrates a very New Testament command by Jesus, "Watch and Pray". He confesses that he's wrong, which is much better than most people in our day. Too many people come before God thinking they are owed something, or they have a right to have their questions answered. You have no rights before God, only privileges, use them wisely or lose them fast.
This isn't all we went over but the jist of it anyway.
I'm in Habakkuk. (its in there, keep looking).
From verse 12 of chapter 1 to verse 1 of chapter 2 (1:12 - 2:1) you have Habakkuk's second question. I call it the Prophet's Worry.
Its about a man who knows certain things, or believes certain things, about God. He also knows certain things about what God is doing, however he has a hard time reconciling the two things together. God is Everlasting, so Israel will not be completely destroyed, and God is in Full control, and has appointed the Chaldeans as instruments of Judgment and Chastisement for Israel. (This is the part Habakkuk can't figure out By the Way.) God is also Holy, so much so in fact, that He can't bless wicked people. That's what Habakkuk means by "look upon iniquity". According to Habakkuk God is too holy to answer a lost man's prayer. The only problem with that picture is that God has, in the Bible, answered lost men's prayers. Remember the King of Assyria that was healed of Leprosy? What about Cornelius in Acts, who while still lost, got a visit from an Angel that said God was impressed! No, God does hear, however, the truth is that He is not obligated to respond. There is no promise that God will hear the prayers of those who are not His, but there is precedence that shows He could. Not only that, but, God appears to be blessing the Chaldeans, and encouraging their sinful pride and false idol worship!
So, what's in this for us?
1. IN all your ways acknowledge Him. When you're faced with facts that appear contradictory, first fall back on what God's Word says is true about God, and Acknowledge that. There are times when you cannot see either the Hand or the Face of God, however He's still there. Habakkuk acknowledges God's plan in verse 12 by saying that he knows the facts, God has ordained them. Habakkuk may not understand how God could do that, but this doesn't stop Habakkuk from knowing its by God's hand! Too many think that if they can't understand it, then they can't believe it. Well, I've got news for ya' God's thoughts are higher than your thoughts, and God's ways higher than your ways, you'll NEVER, no NEVER, understand it all! That's a part of what it means to walk by faith, sometimes you don't get it, and don't see it, but that doesn't stop you from knowing its true anyway.
2. IN all your troubles go to Him. If you listen to Habakkuk you'll see that he takes his thoughts and concerns to God without reservation, but he does so humbly. Habakkuk acknowledges God, then confesses his own ignorance in the situation. However, either way don't bottle it up. If you are God's child He WANTS you to come to Him, even if you are a little upset. God can correct a wrong attitude, if its brought before Him, and confessed. God resists the proud, but gives grace unto the Humble.
3. IN all your ramblings learn to wait and watch. Habakkuk says in essence, "I'll climb up on my tower, and keep an eye out in case God answers me, and I'll work out how I will answer when God rebukes me." By so doing he demonstrates a very New Testament command by Jesus, "Watch and Pray". He confesses that he's wrong, which is much better than most people in our day. Too many people come before God thinking they are owed something, or they have a right to have their questions answered. You have no rights before God, only privileges, use them wisely or lose them fast.
This isn't all we went over but the jist of it anyway.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Careless Caretakers
Ok, here it is. The post I alluded to earlier today.
For some reason I've really begun to notice a reckless attitude toward children from their moms or caretakers. Today, while at McD's I was sitting in a center area where a water tank in the shape of a tube with a floating Nemo in it, and some bar type chairs around it. This little girl, who I had seen come in with a lady and another girl a little younger, immediately left mom and started climbing over the chairs. Now, this is a very busy place, lots of men, women, and others running around. Mom doesn't even notice for at least 5 minutes that this girl isn't with her. By the time I see mom even wondering where the girl is she had already darted for the play area. Why is this a problem? Well mom began looking for her, and I told her where the girl had gone. Mom thanks me and rushes to get back in line!! WHAT THE HECK?!? She was more worried about her spot in line than she was her daughter! Once she heard the girl was in the play area she acted as though professional child keepers were there! I could have stuffed the kid in a bag, told mom the kid was in the play area and left and MOM WOULD HAVE NEVER KNOWN!!! I was finished eating and had left and NEVER saw mom go get the girt!
A day before, at about 15 minutes before 6 am, I'm getting gas at a local station right near the Interstate. Very busy, even for that time. A Mom, again, I'm assuming here, has three boys in the car. Without locking, or securing the car in any way, proceeds into the gas station as I start pumping gas into my pickup. She doesn't come out until I'm done! I have a 21 Gallon Tank! More than enough time for some one to snatch at least one or two out of the car and be gone!
Note, these are just two examples, I've seen so many in the area where I work its unreal! These Rich or well to do women are more worried about their looks, place in line, coffee, or whatever, than they are the behavior of their Children! Like I said above, I'm a Baptist, I believe in Discipline. My children make me practice that belief very regularly. I guess hopping that I'll lose the faith. Note, I believe in the rod as well, but that isn't the ONLY form of discipline. (that's a topic for another BLOG entry). My point is my children know, and are reminded regularly, how to behave in a place like that. I'm not saying they don't dart off when they're not supposed to, or that they don't cause a stink, I'm just saying that more often than not they'll think twice. Not only that, but I or my wife are paying enough attention to notice BEFORE they get out of sight. My point is that I think Mom and Dad need to care more about little johnny's behavior, and running off than their place in line. I also think you shouldn't run off into a very busy truck stop / gas station with your children in an unlocked car that is unattended!! The reason kids aren't any better behaved than they are in our day isn't because they are any worse than any other kid, its that they are not cared for properly. Proverbs 29:15 tells us, "The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame." And so I say, shame on any mother who would not even bother KEEPING the children close enough to know they are starting to run off!
The problem is we forget that, again according to God's Word, foolishness is bound in the heart of a child. Because we forget that, we get frustrated, angry, and / or overly trusting in the child. We either think the child is a little angel who could do no wrong, or we get overly upset because it seems they can do no right. What we need to understand is that they, like ourselves, are sinners who are bent toward sin. Our rod of correction will help them get over it, I hope, just like God's Discipline works our disobedience out of us. We need to remember, they do good on occasion, and they'll do bad on occasion. We just have to pay attention so that we notice and either correct the bad, or reward the good. I dare say those moms who aren't paying any more attention than the one's noted above don't do either, and so encourage, (even if unintentionally) the bad.
That's my opinion, and I'm sticking to it! Sorry about the Rant, I just care more about kids than to see one hurt because of careless caretakers.
For some reason I've really begun to notice a reckless attitude toward children from their moms or caretakers. Today, while at McD's I was sitting in a center area where a water tank in the shape of a tube with a floating Nemo in it, and some bar type chairs around it. This little girl, who I had seen come in with a lady and another girl a little younger, immediately left mom and started climbing over the chairs. Now, this is a very busy place, lots of men, women, and others running around. Mom doesn't even notice for at least 5 minutes that this girl isn't with her. By the time I see mom even wondering where the girl is she had already darted for the play area. Why is this a problem? Well mom began looking for her, and I told her where the girl had gone. Mom thanks me and rushes to get back in line!! WHAT THE HECK?!? She was more worried about her spot in line than she was her daughter! Once she heard the girl was in the play area she acted as though professional child keepers were there! I could have stuffed the kid in a bag, told mom the kid was in the play area and left and MOM WOULD HAVE NEVER KNOWN!!! I was finished eating and had left and NEVER saw mom go get the girt!
A day before, at about 15 minutes before 6 am, I'm getting gas at a local station right near the Interstate. Very busy, even for that time. A Mom, again, I'm assuming here, has three boys in the car. Without locking, or securing the car in any way, proceeds into the gas station as I start pumping gas into my pickup. She doesn't come out until I'm done! I have a 21 Gallon Tank! More than enough time for some one to snatch at least one or two out of the car and be gone!
Note, these are just two examples, I've seen so many in the area where I work its unreal! These Rich or well to do women are more worried about their looks, place in line, coffee, or whatever, than they are the behavior of their Children! Like I said above, I'm a Baptist, I believe in Discipline. My children make me practice that belief very regularly. I guess hopping that I'll lose the faith. Note, I believe in the rod as well, but that isn't the ONLY form of discipline. (that's a topic for another BLOG entry). My point is my children know, and are reminded regularly, how to behave in a place like that. I'm not saying they don't dart off when they're not supposed to, or that they don't cause a stink, I'm just saying that more often than not they'll think twice. Not only that, but I or my wife are paying enough attention to notice BEFORE they get out of sight. My point is that I think Mom and Dad need to care more about little johnny's behavior, and running off than their place in line. I also think you shouldn't run off into a very busy truck stop / gas station with your children in an unlocked car that is unattended!! The reason kids aren't any better behaved than they are in our day isn't because they are any worse than any other kid, its that they are not cared for properly. Proverbs 29:15 tells us, "The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame." And so I say, shame on any mother who would not even bother KEEPING the children close enough to know they are starting to run off!
The problem is we forget that, again according to God's Word, foolishness is bound in the heart of a child. Because we forget that, we get frustrated, angry, and / or overly trusting in the child. We either think the child is a little angel who could do no wrong, or we get overly upset because it seems they can do no right. What we need to understand is that they, like ourselves, are sinners who are bent toward sin. Our rod of correction will help them get over it, I hope, just like God's Discipline works our disobedience out of us. We need to remember, they do good on occasion, and they'll do bad on occasion. We just have to pay attention so that we notice and either correct the bad, or reward the good. I dare say those moms who aren't paying any more attention than the one's noted above don't do either, and so encourage, (even if unintentionally) the bad.
That's my opinion, and I'm sticking to it! Sorry about the Rant, I just care more about kids than to see one hurt because of careless caretakers.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
