A little observation that happened to me this morning...
It's amazing how just ONE WORD will create a "want" in your mind. This morning I read the word BROWNIE while skimming over some email, now I really want one! :-) What "word" could you use today to create a hunger in someone's heart to know the true Savior of the world...JESUS? You may not even realize the impact you are having on someone today, but your "word" just might be the very one that awakens their spiritual appetite to know Him! God knows the exact timing for that one "word" to be spoken. He see's the heart of the people you are surrounded by, and loves them so much that He reaches to them in some of the simplest of ways. They may not know at that particular moment what is going on, but in the quiet of their evening He will bring to their remembrance that one "word" when something stirred inside their heart. When I let myself think about Jesus and how He came to redeem us, I think of LOVE...just one simple "word," but the most powerful of all!
Have a blessed Monday!
Showing posts with label A thought. Show all posts
Showing posts with label A thought. Show all posts
Monday, December 17, 2012
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
What Do You See?
I think there's a lesson in this. Many times we scrutinize ourselves under a microscope causing us to see a lot of negative qualities that we don't like. But, when we look at the bigger picture of how God made us, if we allow ourselves to "look through His eyes of love", we just might see the wonderful things He placed in us. Yes, there ARE times we should place ourselves under a microscope, but let those times be in the presence of God so He can take away the things that hinder us from being all He wants us to be. Just a thought...
It is now several hours later than when I wrote the first part of this post: I was visiting with my daughter-in-law Mandy and we were talking about "what we saw" in this puzzle. I read to her this post. In a little bit she said, "Mom, that doesn't say "mental", it's SENTIMENTAL! LOL! We laughed and then I realized that sometimes we need someone else to point out what we do not "see". I must say that I AM SENTIMENTAL, and I'm sure glad she came along and pointed out the "rest of the word" so I could tell you "the rest of the story". I feel much better about myself now. :-)
Monday, May 02, 2011
Balanced Thinking
I have so many thoughts racing through my "tiny brain" today! I have started this post over and over. I am wanting to choose my words carefully, because the printed word seems to go so much further than a spoken one.
After the happenings of yesterday, and upon hearing the news of one of America's enemies being killed, I have heard and read many reactions. Some reacted with..."GREAT! I'm glad he's dead!" Someone else said..."I know I should be happy, but when I think about the consequences of sin I can't help but feel sorry for the man." Some have said things like..."It sure isn't the present administration that has brought this great victory to America. They shouldn't get the credit!" Some have given accolades to President Obama, others to our former President, George W. Bush.
Through all of the "voices" I am hearing, I stopped and listened to my own "thoughts" and questioned myself a little. And I must say, I have been looking for a "balance" in all of it. I think so many times we get on a "band wagon of emotions" and say things that really don't add up.
September 11, 2001...the "day the world changed", was a terrible day for America! We had been attacked by an enemy we had only heard about, but had now become reality. We were stunned by the happenings of that day. Then, last night, ten years later we learned of a "great victory for America" and the "punishment" of the one who was the master mind of the horrible attack on our people on September 11. I want to say that the "victory" we heard about last night, didn't "just happen" last night. It has been happening over the past ten years! It started the day our former President, George W. Bush spoke to our nation on the day of the attack. As he learned of the attack on the World Trade Center Towers, one of the things he said was:
“Terrorism against our nation will not stand.”
- George W. Bush – Remarks at Emma Booker Elementary School. Sarasota, Florida – delivered 11 September 2001, 9:30 A.M. EDT
A couple days later President Bush said: “Time is passing. Yet, for the United States of America, there will be no forgetting September the 11th. We will remember every rescuer who died in honor. We will remember every family that lives in grief. We will remember the fire and ash, the last phone calls, the funerals of the children. “
- President George W. Bush, November 11, 2001
President Bush did an outstanding job leading our nation during this crisis. I cannot imagine the pressure he was under as he was thrown into this horrible happening, yet in the midst of it all he kept America SAFE! I'm thankful for his leadership during this time. I wish I could meet him someday and tell him how much I appreciate all he did! President Bush has moved on in life, and will never be forgotten. Now, we should pray for President Obama and those he has working beside him that God will lead them to make the right decisions for the future of our country.
With all of that said, let me go on. Most great victories do not "just happen" because of ONE person. Great victories happen when a group of people makes a concerted effort to do "what it takes" to produce that VICTORY! ONE MAN or ONE WOMAN can make a GREAT IMPACT on our lives, and that of a nation, but the total victory does not come to pass just because of that ONE person. Great victories happen when EVERYONE puts their mind and strength into whatever needs to be done, no matter how long it takes, then at some point in time all efforts culminate into one GREAT VICTORY!
A nation, a church, an organization does not just happen because ONE person decides it's going to happen. Great things happen within these "structures" because someone lays a foundation, then others come along and build on it. I will say again...A GREAT VICTORY is WON because MANY PEOPLE have done their part to see it happen.
The churches we have been privileged to pastor through the years were filled with great people. These people loved God, and they were faithful in the good times, and the bad. They gave of their time, talents, and treasure to see the kingdom of God go forward. These churches had different pastors throughout their history and we were happy to be part of building on the foundations of those who had labored before us. Now, there are other men who pastor these churches, and they are doing their part to see that the church goes forward in victory and growth. As time goes on, someone else will become the pastor of these churches, and saints who are strong pillars now will step aside to let a younger generation take the leadership. The church will continue marching forward in revival and growth as these great men and women of God continue laboring in the Kingdom.
I guess what I am saying in all of these words I've written is: If we are not careful, we can get caught up in things we "like or don't like" about our President or leaders in the church, and never stop to think that we might be "swayed" by the thoughts and words of those around us. It is hard to be "balanced" in an unstable environment. We, as Christians should try our best to be a balance to those around us. We should strive to stay "calm, cool, and collected" whenever things are not going the way "we think it ought to go". We should be positive in a negative world. I don't want to be the reason for anyone being "tossed to and fro" in their emotions when they need an anchor. I want to do my part to give honor to those who have fought for the freedom of America. I also want to give honor to those who labored before us in the work of God. I want to make sure I give credit to those who have lead us into great victories. And, I want to give honor to those who have worked beside their leaders helping them to see their VISION of VICTORY come to pass.
As we labor together in the Kingdom of God, in a FREE NATION UNDER GOD, please join me in saying...
GOD BLESS our leaders, past and present!
GOD BLESS the men and women who have fought for our freedom!
And...GOD BLESS AMERICA!
After the happenings of yesterday, and upon hearing the news of one of America's enemies being killed, I have heard and read many reactions. Some reacted with..."GREAT! I'm glad he's dead!" Someone else said..."I know I should be happy, but when I think about the consequences of sin I can't help but feel sorry for the man." Some have said things like..."It sure isn't the present administration that has brought this great victory to America. They shouldn't get the credit!" Some have given accolades to President Obama, others to our former President, George W. Bush.
Through all of the "voices" I am hearing, I stopped and listened to my own "thoughts" and questioned myself a little. And I must say, I have been looking for a "balance" in all of it. I think so many times we get on a "band wagon of emotions" and say things that really don't add up.
September 11, 2001...the "day the world changed", was a terrible day for America! We had been attacked by an enemy we had only heard about, but had now become reality. We were stunned by the happenings of that day. Then, last night, ten years later we learned of a "great victory for America" and the "punishment" of the one who was the master mind of the horrible attack on our people on September 11. I want to say that the "victory" we heard about last night, didn't "just happen" last night. It has been happening over the past ten years! It started the day our former President, George W. Bush spoke to our nation on the day of the attack. As he learned of the attack on the World Trade Center Towers, one of the things he said was:
“Terrorism against our nation will not stand.”
- George W. Bush – Remarks at Emma Booker Elementary School. Sarasota, Florida – delivered 11 September 2001, 9:30 A.M. EDT
A couple days later President Bush said: “Time is passing. Yet, for the United States of America, there will be no forgetting September the 11th. We will remember every rescuer who died in honor. We will remember every family that lives in grief. We will remember the fire and ash, the last phone calls, the funerals of the children. “
- President George W. Bush, November 11, 2001
President Bush did an outstanding job leading our nation during this crisis. I cannot imagine the pressure he was under as he was thrown into this horrible happening, yet in the midst of it all he kept America SAFE! I'm thankful for his leadership during this time. I wish I could meet him someday and tell him how much I appreciate all he did! President Bush has moved on in life, and will never be forgotten. Now, we should pray for President Obama and those he has working beside him that God will lead them to make the right decisions for the future of our country.
With all of that said, let me go on. Most great victories do not "just happen" because of ONE person. Great victories happen when a group of people makes a concerted effort to do "what it takes" to produce that VICTORY! ONE MAN or ONE WOMAN can make a GREAT IMPACT on our lives, and that of a nation, but the total victory does not come to pass just because of that ONE person. Great victories happen when EVERYONE puts their mind and strength into whatever needs to be done, no matter how long it takes, then at some point in time all efforts culminate into one GREAT VICTORY!
A nation, a church, an organization does not just happen because ONE person decides it's going to happen. Great things happen within these "structures" because someone lays a foundation, then others come along and build on it. I will say again...A GREAT VICTORY is WON because MANY PEOPLE have done their part to see it happen.
The churches we have been privileged to pastor through the years were filled with great people. These people loved God, and they were faithful in the good times, and the bad. They gave of their time, talents, and treasure to see the kingdom of God go forward. These churches had different pastors throughout their history and we were happy to be part of building on the foundations of those who had labored before us. Now, there are other men who pastor these churches, and they are doing their part to see that the church goes forward in victory and growth. As time goes on, someone else will become the pastor of these churches, and saints who are strong pillars now will step aside to let a younger generation take the leadership. The church will continue marching forward in revival and growth as these great men and women of God continue laboring in the Kingdom.
I guess what I am saying in all of these words I've written is: If we are not careful, we can get caught up in things we "like or don't like" about our President or leaders in the church, and never stop to think that we might be "swayed" by the thoughts and words of those around us. It is hard to be "balanced" in an unstable environment. We, as Christians should try our best to be a balance to those around us. We should strive to stay "calm, cool, and collected" whenever things are not going the way "we think it ought to go". We should be positive in a negative world. I don't want to be the reason for anyone being "tossed to and fro" in their emotions when they need an anchor. I want to do my part to give honor to those who have fought for the freedom of America. I also want to give honor to those who labored before us in the work of God. I want to make sure I give credit to those who have lead us into great victories. And, I want to give honor to those who have worked beside their leaders helping them to see their VISION of VICTORY come to pass.
As we labor together in the Kingdom of God, in a FREE NATION UNDER GOD, please join me in saying...
GOD BLESS our leaders, past and present!
GOD BLESS the men and women who have fought for our freedom!
And...GOD BLESS AMERICA!
Friday, April 15, 2011
Thoughts Invade
I sometimes wonder where my thoughts come from, then realize it's what was "put in me" by my parents, husband, and godly men and women in my life. While sitting here at my computer I remember being cautioned about young men who were "playboys", not only in moral conduct, but in "spiritual conduct". I can hear it as if it were yesterday, "Linda, there are guys who claim to be preachers, but if they don't get hold of something more than they have they won't be around for long. Be careful of those "fly by night" preachers who don't take the work of God to heart." I heard my father's words in my memory today. As I write those words, I am reminded of another time sitting in a conference when Sis. Kilgore was very upset because some young men were being so "light hearted" during a move of the Spirit of God. She said, "I can't believe they have "no reverence" for the things of God".
I have lived long enough now to understand what Daddy and Sis. Kilgore were saying. I have also lived long enough to see those who were being referred to are no longer living in Truth and Righteousness. It makes me sad to think there are some who still "take the work of God lightly" and some still do not "reverence His presence", but I am not worried, and I'm sure not dismayed!
With the passing of some of the greatest men and women I have ever known, I believe something is being passed down to all of the generations following. I know a lot of young preacher's who love Truth and Righteousness and will let nothing stop them from living the whole Truth and preaching it! I encourage ALL preacher's and wives, no matter your age, to love God and the things of God like never before. Yes, there is a shaking going on, but I will not be shaken! Let the winds blow! Let storms arise! I intend to keep my anchor deep.
Thank you Daddy, Mother, Wendell, men and women of God for the "thoughts that invade" my mind so many years later. I owe a debt...I will pay it with loyalty to you, God, and generations following.
I have lived long enough now to understand what Daddy and Sis. Kilgore were saying. I have also lived long enough to see those who were being referred to are no longer living in Truth and Righteousness. It makes me sad to think there are some who still "take the work of God lightly" and some still do not "reverence His presence", but I am not worried, and I'm sure not dismayed!
With the passing of some of the greatest men and women I have ever known, I believe something is being passed down to all of the generations following. I know a lot of young preacher's who love Truth and Righteousness and will let nothing stop them from living the whole Truth and preaching it! I encourage ALL preacher's and wives, no matter your age, to love God and the things of God like never before. Yes, there is a shaking going on, but I will not be shaken! Let the winds blow! Let storms arise! I intend to keep my anchor deep.
Thank you Daddy, Mother, Wendell, men and women of God for the "thoughts that invade" my mind so many years later. I owe a debt...I will pay it with loyalty to you, God, and generations following.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Jumping to Conclusions Isn't Fun
Definition for Jumping to Conclusions: to judge or decide something without having all the facts; to reach unwarranted conclusions.
"The only exercise some people get is jumping to conclusions, running down their friends, side-stepping responsibility, and pushing their luck!" ~Author Unknown
While looking at pictures tonight of friends and those they love I saw people who are living life "to the best of their ability". They have had troubles and trials, been tested and tried, yet I saw people who love God and are doing their best in serving Him. I had a warm feeling come to my heart while thinking about my friends and their families. In my mind I could see them all together and knew the love and loyalty they feel. Why could I imagine that? Because, we all have family gatherings and have wonderful times with those we love. There's really not a whole lot of difference in the human race when it comes to "relationships". We were made to share our lives with each other, and none of us are complete and totally happy if we withdraw from family, or friends. It's wonderful being with family, and it's also wonderful being with friends.
I have no idea why I am thinking along these lines, except I have found that none of us are perfect. I know there is pain because of sickness, grief in losing a loved one, and disappointments for many reasons. I know everyone cannot have a smile on their face at all times, although we all really try to "put our best foot forward". This is LIFE and there are times we just can't bring ourselves to be that "happy, bubbly" person we know others are expecting. Life can be hard! Life can be frustrating! Life can bring on unpleasant "surprises"and there's not one thing we can do to stop it!
We have a God who understands those "hard, frustrating, unpleasant times", and I'm so glad He does. "To be like Jesus" is a cry of my heart. I want to show compassion and mercy like He showed! I'm not wanting to sound like I "know it all", but I know "what Jesus would do" if He saw one of us laden down with an unpleasant situation. I know for sure He would not condemn us, and would definitely have an encouraging word. I think He would even pat us on the shoulder to let us know, "it's going to be alright". I'm sure that when we walked away from Him we would know we were loved. A song I love says..."Mercy...rewrote my life! Mercy... rewrote my life! I should have fallen my soul cast down. But, mercy rewrote my life."
Our human nature causes us to "jump to conclusions"! We try to "figure it all out" and decide if "THEY would have done something different THEY wouldn't be in the situation THEY are in. If THEY would have done it the way we would have, that wouldn't have happened". Yes, we've all heard it. Yes, we've all said it. We all know that none of us are perfect, so let's remember to "do unto others as we would have them do unto us."
As we walk along this road called LIFE let's lend a hand to those who have lost their way. Let's make sure when we are with someone who has decided to "jump to conclusions" that we don't fall off the cliff with them. There will definitely be a rude awakening when they hit bottom, and they'll need you to pick them up and help them get their footing again.
After writing my thoughts tonight I ran across this quote that I liked. I would acknowledge who said it, but there was no one listed. (sorry) If they happen to run across my blog and see I used it I hope they would be happy to be quoted. LOL!
"Jumping to conclusions seldom leads to happy landings."
As our friend Ron Mullings wrote: "People Are Pitiful...and We're All People".
"The only exercise some people get is jumping to conclusions, running down their friends, side-stepping responsibility, and pushing their luck!" ~Author Unknown
While looking at pictures tonight of friends and those they love I saw people who are living life "to the best of their ability". They have had troubles and trials, been tested and tried, yet I saw people who love God and are doing their best in serving Him. I had a warm feeling come to my heart while thinking about my friends and their families. In my mind I could see them all together and knew the love and loyalty they feel. Why could I imagine that? Because, we all have family gatherings and have wonderful times with those we love. There's really not a whole lot of difference in the human race when it comes to "relationships". We were made to share our lives with each other, and none of us are complete and totally happy if we withdraw from family, or friends. It's wonderful being with family, and it's also wonderful being with friends.
I have no idea why I am thinking along these lines, except I have found that none of us are perfect. I know there is pain because of sickness, grief in losing a loved one, and disappointments for many reasons. I know everyone cannot have a smile on their face at all times, although we all really try to "put our best foot forward". This is LIFE and there are times we just can't bring ourselves to be that "happy, bubbly" person we know others are expecting. Life can be hard! Life can be frustrating! Life can bring on unpleasant "surprises"and there's not one thing we can do to stop it!
We have a God who understands those "hard, frustrating, unpleasant times", and I'm so glad He does. "To be like Jesus" is a cry of my heart. I want to show compassion and mercy like He showed! I'm not wanting to sound like I "know it all", but I know "what Jesus would do" if He saw one of us laden down with an unpleasant situation. I know for sure He would not condemn us, and would definitely have an encouraging word. I think He would even pat us on the shoulder to let us know, "it's going to be alright". I'm sure that when we walked away from Him we would know we were loved. A song I love says..."Mercy...rewrote my life! Mercy... rewrote my life! I should have fallen my soul cast down. But, mercy rewrote my life."
Our human nature causes us to "jump to conclusions"! We try to "figure it all out" and decide if "THEY would have done something different THEY wouldn't be in the situation THEY are in. If THEY would have done it the way we would have, that wouldn't have happened". Yes, we've all heard it. Yes, we've all said it. We all know that none of us are perfect, so let's remember to "do unto others as we would have them do unto us."
As we walk along this road called LIFE let's lend a hand to those who have lost their way. Let's make sure when we are with someone who has decided to "jump to conclusions" that we don't fall off the cliff with them. There will definitely be a rude awakening when they hit bottom, and they'll need you to pick them up and help them get their footing again.
After writing my thoughts tonight I ran across this quote that I liked. I would acknowledge who said it, but there was no one listed. (sorry) If they happen to run across my blog and see I used it I hope they would be happy to be quoted. LOL!
"Jumping to conclusions seldom leads to happy landings."
As our friend Ron Mullings wrote: "People Are Pitiful...and We're All People".
Friday, February 05, 2010
What's Wrong With This Picture?
I woke up early this morning, fixed breakfast for my husband, and ate with him...all the while a nagging question kept banging around in my mind.
"Mom, why is it when I fold these dinner napkins the pretty side is always on the wrong side?"
I chuckled a little, and admitted that I have wondered that very thing many, many times! I would buy a certain paper "dinner napkin" and every time I folded it, it seemed wrong! I would think: Surely this isn't right! All this time, I just thought it was ME thinking they were printed wrong. Not until my daughter-in-law asked me about the same thing that had frustrated me for YEARS did I really give it much thought. When one of my family members "questioned" the "dinner napkin" is when I realized I hadn't been wrong in my assessment.
With this nagging question from my "daughter" going through my mind the last few days, I now wonder why someone hasn't done something about getting the print on the right side of the napkin. After all, this "dinner napkin problem" is now affecting someone I love! Surely someone has contacted the "dinner napkin company" and told them they printed the napkins wrong! Even though I get frustrated when I fold them, I've never asked anyone if that was the way they were suppose to be. I've never called the company to see if they printed them wrong. So, they keep printing them, because no one really cares to bother with such a "little matter". After all, aren't we just going to throw them in the trash when we're finished with them? Besides, if I fold them carefully, and place it on the "right side" of the plate, everyone will think "that's the way they're suppose to be"! Breathe deep... Sigh....Ahhhh....I got that one figured out! Relax...sit back....it's really no big deal!
Along with this "no big deal" situation, there are other questions that are banging around in my mind today, and they ARE a BIG DEAL! These questions are now affecting "my family"....those I have been a part of all of my life!
Questions like:
Why is "the Church" allowing the "things of the world" in? Then they go on and make this statement: I thought we were suppose to live a godly, holy, separated life!
In a frustrated voice a young pastor spoke, "I was told this is "the Church" and what it teaches will save me, yet some do not treat it as "the Church"! Is this just "another club"?
Concerned parents poured their hearts out: "My kids are being pulled by those who no longer believe it like they use to! What can we do?"
Frustration, frustration, frustration! The "dinner napkin" just isn't coming out right when I fold it!!!!!
We are living in perilous times, and "the Church" has always been bombarded with questions about our "separated lifestyle". People have always wondered and asked...
Why we do not cut our hair.
Why we do not wear pants.
Why we do not go to the movies.
Why we do not wear make-up.
Why we do not wear jewelry.
Why? Why? Why?
Through the years it never bothered me that they asked those questions! They were not professing to be an Apostolic believer. They had not "repented of their sins" and had them washed away through "baptism in Jesus Name". They had not received the "gift of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues as the spirit gave them the utterance"! They had not experienced the "power that would change their life". They had a right to QUESTION! It didn't bother me to answer these questions. Some sincerely wanted to know why the Church held a standard of "separation from the world". I loved it when people would ask me about these things, because I knew they were seeing a difference in me and maybe, just maybe they would see God in my life. They might even be drawn to what it was that was making me different!
On the other hand, it does bother me when those "within the Church" start asking questions...not because they haven't heard it taught...because most of them have, but because they are seeing those who "have left the truth of separation" and have caused confusion in the minds of our young. I can deal with the questions from the outsiders, but when those who are suppose to believe it "just like I do" turns from what we've always known is right causing questions in those in "my family" it bothers me!
They might have even taught... that it was "a sin for a woman to cut her hair for it is her glory".
They might have even taught that... a lady should not wear pants....for it is "an abomination in the sight of God".
They might have even taught that... we should "abstain from the things of the world".
They might have even taught... "when you receive the Holy Ghost your wants change" and you will not "crave the things of the world".
They might have even taught... "you will receive POWER to overcome SIN"!
They might have even taught that... "separation from the world" is part of salvation!
They might have even taught that... you can "live in this world", but not be "a part of this world".
Yes...some have taught it, and believed it, but something happened and they started reasoning away the truths they "use to love". Now, they throw questions. Now, they quietly walk among us touching our young, wooing them into the "web of deception" putting questions in their minds, maybe not with words, for they know they would be discovered, but by their lifestyle changes. Yes, it bothers me to know this is taking place as I write today. My heart is heavy because there is a "deception" that is DEADLY to our walk with God and to our Apostolic heritage of truth that has invaded us causing some to return to the things of this world.
So, today I am asking myself some questions....
What am I going to do about it? Am I going to just keep "folding the dinner napkin" thinking nobody notices the obvious?
"Mom, why is it when I fold these dinner napkins the pretty side is always on the wrong side?"
I chuckled a little, and admitted that I have wondered that very thing many, many times! I would buy a certain paper "dinner napkin" and every time I folded it, it seemed wrong! I would think: Surely this isn't right! All this time, I just thought it was ME thinking they were printed wrong. Not until my daughter-in-law asked me about the same thing that had frustrated me for YEARS did I really give it much thought. When one of my family members "questioned" the "dinner napkin" is when I realized I hadn't been wrong in my assessment.
With this nagging question from my "daughter" going through my mind the last few days, I now wonder why someone hasn't done something about getting the print on the right side of the napkin. After all, this "dinner napkin problem" is now affecting someone I love! Surely someone has contacted the "dinner napkin company" and told them they printed the napkins wrong! Even though I get frustrated when I fold them, I've never asked anyone if that was the way they were suppose to be. I've never called the company to see if they printed them wrong. So, they keep printing them, because no one really cares to bother with such a "little matter". After all, aren't we just going to throw them in the trash when we're finished with them? Besides, if I fold them carefully, and place it on the "right side" of the plate, everyone will think "that's the way they're suppose to be"! Breathe deep... Sigh....Ahhhh....I got that one figured out! Relax...sit back....it's really no big deal!
Along with this "no big deal" situation, there are other questions that are banging around in my mind today, and they ARE a BIG DEAL! These questions are now affecting "my family"....those I have been a part of all of my life!
Questions like:
Why is "the Church" allowing the "things of the world" in? Then they go on and make this statement: I thought we were suppose to live a godly, holy, separated life!
In a frustrated voice a young pastor spoke, "I was told this is "the Church" and what it teaches will save me, yet some do not treat it as "the Church"! Is this just "another club"?
Concerned parents poured their hearts out: "My kids are being pulled by those who no longer believe it like they use to! What can we do?"
Frustration, frustration, frustration! The "dinner napkin" just isn't coming out right when I fold it!!!!!
We are living in perilous times, and "the Church" has always been bombarded with questions about our "separated lifestyle". People have always wondered and asked...
Why we do not cut our hair.
Why we do not wear pants.
Why we do not go to the movies.
Why we do not wear make-up.
Why we do not wear jewelry.
Why? Why? Why?
Through the years it never bothered me that they asked those questions! They were not professing to be an Apostolic believer. They had not "repented of their sins" and had them washed away through "baptism in Jesus Name". They had not received the "gift of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues as the spirit gave them the utterance"! They had not experienced the "power that would change their life". They had a right to QUESTION! It didn't bother me to answer these questions. Some sincerely wanted to know why the Church held a standard of "separation from the world". I loved it when people would ask me about these things, because I knew they were seeing a difference in me and maybe, just maybe they would see God in my life. They might even be drawn to what it was that was making me different!
On the other hand, it does bother me when those "within the Church" start asking questions...not because they haven't heard it taught...because most of them have, but because they are seeing those who "have left the truth of separation" and have caused confusion in the minds of our young. I can deal with the questions from the outsiders, but when those who are suppose to believe it "just like I do" turns from what we've always known is right causing questions in those in "my family" it bothers me!
They might have even taught... that it was "a sin for a woman to cut her hair for it is her glory".
They might have even taught that... a lady should not wear pants....for it is "an abomination in the sight of God".
They might have even taught that... we should "abstain from the things of the world".
They might have even taught... "when you receive the Holy Ghost your wants change" and you will not "crave the things of the world".
They might have even taught... "you will receive POWER to overcome SIN"!
They might have even taught that... "separation from the world" is part of salvation!
They might have even taught that... you can "live in this world", but not be "a part of this world".
Yes...some have taught it, and believed it, but something happened and they started reasoning away the truths they "use to love". Now, they throw questions. Now, they quietly walk among us touching our young, wooing them into the "web of deception" putting questions in their minds, maybe not with words, for they know they would be discovered, but by their lifestyle changes. Yes, it bothers me to know this is taking place as I write today. My heart is heavy because there is a "deception" that is DEADLY to our walk with God and to our Apostolic heritage of truth that has invaded us causing some to return to the things of this world.
So, today I am asking myself some questions....
What am I going to do about it? Am I going to just keep "folding the dinner napkin" thinking nobody notices the obvious?
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
True Love...
"A new commandment I give to you, that you LOVE one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By THIS all people will know that you are my disciples... if you have LOVE for one another." (John 13:34-35, ESV)
True love...do you know what it is...if so, do you have it? Let's check and see.
According to 1 Cor. 13
Love is...
1. Patient
2. Kind
3. Does not envy
4. Does not boast
5. Is not arrogant
6. Is not rude
7. Does not insist on its way
8. Is not irritable
9. Is not resentful
10. Does not rejoice at wrong-doing
11. Rejoices with the truth
12. Bears all things
13. Believes all things
14. Hopes all things,
15. Endures all things
16. Love never ends
My "little brain" has been thinking today. These are some of my thoughts...for what it's worth:
When someone speaks to others in a demeaning way...is that love?
When you find it easy to "give a piece of your mind" and "tell someone off"...is that love?
When you treat a brother as if he is a "nobody"...is that love?
When you speak lies about someone...is that love?
When you knock them further down with hurtful words than they already are...is that love?
When you gossip and say hurtful things...is that love?
When you yell and scream at those you say you care about...is that love?
When you abuse them, emotionally or physically...is that love?
We are living in perilous times. Why don't we all STOP and CHECK our hearts and ask God to cleanse us from anything that would keep us from having TRUE LOVE. I've told God before that He knows my deepest thoughts, and can go into my heart, into the furtherest corner and see more than I can see. He knows what my motives are and the very tiny seeds of ugly spirits and attitudes that may be taking root that will spring up later with a putrid word or deed.
My heart cries out...CREATE IN ME A CLEAN HEART, OH GOD! RENEW IN ME A RIGHT SPIRIT!
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