We have a very real enemy, very real and it's not the IRS or the obnoxious jerk trying to make your life miserable it's Satan. He's real, very real and we need to recognize where he is in our lives because he's tricky and he'd have us blame God, or blame others, or blame the weather and anything else but him for things that go wrong and upset us. If he can keep our thoughts anywhere but on him he's thrilled. He's devious, he works through deception and doesn't want to be brought into the light, into the open to be seen for what he is and how he works.
It's easy to tell someone that the devil was in that one- meaning someone who is let's say a serial killer, and people will nod and agree. But try to tell them that the devil is working in them and their lives in less blatent ways and they'll scoff at you. Satan only works through 'BAD' people they'll tell you and claim their goodness in the next breath. They're wrong. Satan works through any and all He can. It's pretty obvious when you read some of the following Bible verses. Jesus even calls Peter, Satan. A disciple, one of His apostles He calls Satan. Why? To make a point. Satan can be in any of us if we allow. Satan's ways can be enacted by us all and Satan's ways are many.
Satan is real. He's not some fictional character for books and movies, he's not some imaginary being we've created to blame things on, he's not only concerned with so-called 'bad' people. He's as real as you and I are real. He's as real as Jesus is real. We have to bring him out into the light in our own lives. He has to be revealed in our lives so we can- through our Lord and Savior- find victory over him and his deceptive ways. Recognizing the reality of Satan is important because we need desperately not to cling to life and its bad aspects blaming God, blaming situations, blaming our fellow human beings, we need to place the blame where it truly belongs. How can we truly love our enemies unless we can put the blame for their hateful actions where they belong? If we are told to love those that hate us it's all but impossible unless we realize that they are being controlled by Satan and whether willingly or not, they aren't acting of their own accord. They might say they are, but that's what Satan loves. He loves using people and getting them to take the blame. He loves using them and controlling them so they don't even know they are being used and controlled. We who are Christ's need to recognize the devil working in others and only by doing so can we take pity upon them and love them. Because how could you love someone that killed another you loved? How could you ever love someone that tortured a child? How could you ever love someone that betrays you completely? You'd look at them and the hatred inside yourself would grow and grow because all you'd see is their hurting the others you love, or hurting you. And if all you see is that hatred, detesting that person how can you love them- how could you love your enemy?
You might want to protest and say they have to pay for what they done and if I love them I'm excusing what they've done, I'm letting them get away with their evil by not reminding them of it daily by hating them, despising them, by being loathed to look at them. It's not our duty to remind them, it's not our duty to condemn them. We have a duty to Jesus and Jesus alone. Jesus tells us to love those who hurt us and to truly love our enemies, our attackers, our abusers we have to realize they are under the control of Satan and Satan would use them to fill us with hatred and not only have our abusers under their control but have us as well.
We can't let Satan hide working his insidious ways in our lives. We have to be able and willing to recognize that he's alive and well and seeking to devour all he can before his end comes-- and it will come.
*******
Job
{1:6} Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.
{1:7} And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.
{1:8} And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that [there is] none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?
{1:9} Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?
{1:10} Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.
{1:11} But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.
{1:12} And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath [is] in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.
Job
{2:1} Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD.
{2:2} And the LORD said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.
{2:3} And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that [there is] none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.
{2:4} And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life.
{2:5} But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face.
{2:6} And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he [is] in thine hand; but save his life.
{2:7} So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown.
{2:8} And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes
Psalms
{109:1} Hold not thy peace, O God of my praise;
{109:2} For the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of the deceitful are opened against me: they have spoken against me with a lying tongue.
{109:3} They compassed me about also with words of hatred; and fought
against me without a cause.
{109:4} For my love they are my adversaries: but I [give myself unto] prayer.
{109:5} And they have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my love.
{109:6} Set thou a wicked man over him: and let Satan stand at his right hand.
{109:7} When he shall be judged, let him be condemned: and let his prayer become sin.
{109:8} Let his days be few; [and] let another take his office.
{109:9} Let his children be fatherless, and his wife a widow.
{109:10} Let his children be continually vagabonds, and beg: let them seek [their bread] also out of their desolate places.
{109:11} Let the extortioner catch all that he hath; and let the strangers spoil his labour.
{109:12} Let there be none to extend mercy unto him: neither let there be any to favour his fatherless children.
{109:13} Let his posterity be cut off; [and] in the generation following let their name be blotted out.
{109:14} Let the iniquity of his fathers be remembered with the LORD; and let not the sin of his mother be blotted out.
{109:15} Let them be before the LORD continually, that he may cut off the memory of them from the earth.
{109:16} Because that he remembered not to shew mercy, but persecuted the poor and needy man, that he might even slay the broken in
heart.
{109:17} As he loved cursing, so let it come unto him: as he delighted not in blessing, so let it be far from him.
{109:18} As he clothed himself with cursing like as with his garment, so let it come into his bowels like water, and like oil into his
bones.
{109:19} Let it be unto him as the garment [which] covereth him, and for a girdle wherewith he is girded continually.
{109:20} [Let] this [be] the reward of mine adversaries from the LORD, and of them that speak evil against my soul.
{109:21} But do thou for me, O GOD the Lord, for thy name’s sake: because thy mercy [is] good, deliver thou me.
{109:22} For I [am] poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me.
{109:23} I am gone like the shadow when it declineth: I am tossed up and down as the locust.
{109:24} My knees are weak through fasting; and my flesh faileth of fatness.
{109:25} I became also a reproach unto them: [when] they looked upon me they shaked their heads.
{109:26} Help me, O LORD my God: O save me according to thy mercy:
{109:27} That they may know that this [is] thy hand; [that] thou, LORD, hast done it.
{109:28} Let them curse, but bless thou: when they arise, let them be ashamed; but let thy servant rejoice.
{109:29} Let mine adversaries be clothed with shame, and let them cover themselves with their own confusion, as with a mantle.
{109:30} I will greatly praise the LORD with my mouth; yea, I will praise him among the multitude.
{109:31} For he shall stand at the right hand of the poor, to save [him] from those that condemn his soul.
Zechariah
{3:1} And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. {3:2} And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: [is] not this a brand plucked out of the fire?
{3:3} Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel.
{3:4} And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.
{3:5} And I said, Let them set a fair mitre upon his head. So they set a fair mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the LORD stood by.
{3:6} And the angel of the LORD protested unto Joshua, saying,
{3:7} Thus saith the LORD of hosts; If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou wilt keep my charge, then thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also keep my courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by.
{3:8} Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they [are] men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth my servant the BRANCH.
{3:9} For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone [shall be] seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.
{3:10} In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, shall ye call every man his neighbour under the vine and under the fig tree.
Matthew
{4:1} Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
{4:2} And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
{4:3} And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
{4:4} But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
{4:5} Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,
{4:6} And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in [their] hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
{4:7} Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
{4:8} Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
{4:9} And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
{4:10} Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
{4:11} Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
Matthew
{12:22} Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw.
{12:23} And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David?
{12:24} But when the Pharisees heard [it,] they said, This [fellow] doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. {12:25} And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:
{12:26} And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?
{12:27} And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast [them] out? therefore they shall be your judges.
{12:28} But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.
{12:29} Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.
{12:30} He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.
Matthew
{16:21} From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
{16:22} Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.
{16:23} But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that
be of God, but those that be of men.
Mark
{1:13} And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.
Mark
{3:22} And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils. {3:23} And he called them [unto him,] and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan?
{3:24} And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.
{3:25} And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.
{3:26} And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end.
{3:27} No man can enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house.
{3:28} Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: {3:29} But he that shall blaspheme againstthe Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:
{3:30} Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.
Mark
{4:1} And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.
{4:2} And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,
{4:3} Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:
{4:4} And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.
{4:5} And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:
{4:6} But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.
{4:7} And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.
{4:8} And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty,
and some an hundred.
{4:9} And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
{4:10} And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.
{4:11} And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these [things] are done in parables:
{4:12} That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and [their] sins should be forgiven them.
{4:13} And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?
{4:14} The sower soweth the word.
{4:15} And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.
{4:16} And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;
{4:17} And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended.
{4:18} And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,
{4:19} And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.
{4:20} And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive [it,] and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.
Mark
{8:27} And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them, Whom do men say that I am?
{8:28} And they answered, John the Baptist: but some [say,] Elias; and others, One of the prophets.
{8:29} And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ.
{8:30} And he charged them that they should tell no man of him.
{8:31} And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and [of] the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.
{8:32} And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him.
{8:33} But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.
{8:34} And when he had called the people [unto him] with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
{8:35} For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.
{8:36} For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
{8:37} Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
{8:38} Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
Luke
{4:1} And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,
{4:2} Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.
{4:3} And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread.
{4:4} And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.
{4:5} And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.
{4:6} And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.
{4:7} If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.
{4:8} And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
{4:9} And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself
down from hence:
{4:10} For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee:
{4:11} And in [their] hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
{4:12} And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
{4:13} And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.
{4:14} And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.
{4:15} And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
We never deserve forgiveness
Luke
{6:27} But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you
{6:28} Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.
{6:29} And unto him that smiteth thee on the [one] cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not [to take thy] coat also.
{6:30} Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask [them] not again.
{6:31} And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
{6:32} For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.
{6:33} And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.
{6:34} And if ye lend [to them] of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.
{6:35} But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and [to] the evil.
{6:36} Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
{6:37} Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven
{6:38} Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
Love your enemies.
What if your enemy is someone you already love? Seriously. Does that sound contradictory? It's been proven that people you know and love hurt you more than strangers do. We don't want to believe that could be true. We trust the ones we love. Love and trust often go hand in hand don't they? How can you truly love someone and not trust them? As soon as the element of distrust creeps in it taints the love doesn't it? Instead of an 'I love you', it becomes an 'I love you but...' And as soon as that but emerges it changes the love doesn't it?
Love your enemies. What was Christ asking us to do by asking us to do good to them that hate us, bless them that curse us, pray for those who despitefully use us? What was He asking? The impossible? So much inside us rises up in rebellion, in revenge, in anger, in hatred when we are set upon by enemies, especially enemies you thought were your most cherished loved ones already. The sense of betrayal coupled with abuse is so raw, so intense.
So what was Christ asking for, the impossible? Yes. Yes, I said yes. Because it is impossible for the natural man in us to do that. So if Christ was asking us to do the impossible and we know that Christ wouldn't really ask us to do anything impossible, what was the purpose of His asking us to do all that to despicable creatures that are somehow below the standard of humanity we like to think should exist?
Christ was asking us to rely on Him. To rely on Christ in us to do these things.
Col.{1:27} To whom God would make known what [is] the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory
Gal. {3:26} For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
{3:27} For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Christ in us, putting on Christ.
Col.
{3:1} If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
{3:2} Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
{3:3} For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
{3:4} When Christ, [who is] our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory
Risen with Christ.
We are dead and our live is hid with Christ in God.
Of ourselves we can do nothing.
John {15:5} I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing
Abide in Christ.
Jesus knew when He told us to love our enemies that it would be impossible for us to do so without Him in our lives. The natural man inside each of us wars against the love of Jesus in favor of the sinful things that we have come to know as our natural tendencies. Paul knew this just as we do.
Romans
{7:24} O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
{7:25} I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
Jesus Christ our Lord alone can save us from ourselves. It is only through Him that we can truly face the worst of our enemies even if they are an enemy of the worst kind, a beloved trusted family member, and turn the other cheek. Love our enemies, impossible for us, but not for Christ in us.
Satan wins a victory over us if we allow his wily well laid schemes to bear fruit and rip us from the grasp of our Lord. Don't think that Satan doesn't scheme and have patience to do so, he does. The evil in Him is satisfied to lay traps down for us and glory in our falling into them and then using those captured in the traps as bait for future trapping. Yes, he sows his own seeds of discord and sits back to watch them take root and shoot up, grow and flourish until they try and bear fruit to our destruction. Only Christ saves us from that trap, from that wicked plant that would crush the life from us, the eternal life.
Don't be afraid to name names and point at Satan and declare him for what he is, a liar, an evil angel bent on destruction of all that is good in humanity.
When we truly realize we're fighting against principalities and wickedness in high places and not just our fellow man, we can know that the battle we're in is fierce. We fight against an unseen enemy using any means possible to fuel our destruction. So while our enemy might appear to be our fellow man, we need to recognize the truth-- our enemy is using our fellow man and yes, even our loved ones. Satan will stop at nothing to take us, to 'sift us as wheat'. Christ has prayed for us, for our faith to remain and in Him we have to place all our hope, all our trust. Such hope, such trust will allow us to truly love our enemies because we see beyond the here and now and glimpse into eternity when we do so. We lay hold of a future filled with love in Christ and we condemn the evil that would destroy us here and now and take eternity from us with bitterness and hatred.
Yes, we can do the impossible with Christ and with Christ alone through faith in Him.
May God bless us and keep us in Him now and forever. May our faith be renewed through each and every assault on it, may it serve to only make us stronger in our love for Christ and the hope of His love eternally.
Christ wasn't saying let the wicked escape punishment, Christ was saying there is a bigger picture- a much bigger picture where love rules and if your enemies can find that love in Christ because you reveal your own love of Christ then all glory and praise to God! Christ was saying if your enemy never finds their way to Christ but continuously and everlastingly abuses you that their reward for their wickedness is in His hands. We need to trust in Christ. If we love our enemies we are allowing Christ to reveal His love through us.
Someone once said to me they didn't deserve my forgiveness, and I said to them, that's the whole point-- we never deserve forgiveness. Christ died for us who don't deserve to be forgiven and isn't that the whole point?
Love.
Christ's love.
By His love, by His mercy and grace now and forever.
Amen.
{6:27} But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you
{6:28} Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.
{6:29} And unto him that smiteth thee on the [one] cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not [to take thy] coat also.
{6:30} Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask [them] not again.
{6:31} And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
{6:32} For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.
{6:33} And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.
{6:34} And if ye lend [to them] of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.
{6:35} But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and [to] the evil.
{6:36} Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
{6:37} Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven
{6:38} Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
Love your enemies.
What if your enemy is someone you already love? Seriously. Does that sound contradictory? It's been proven that people you know and love hurt you more than strangers do. We don't want to believe that could be true. We trust the ones we love. Love and trust often go hand in hand don't they? How can you truly love someone and not trust them? As soon as the element of distrust creeps in it taints the love doesn't it? Instead of an 'I love you', it becomes an 'I love you but...' And as soon as that but emerges it changes the love doesn't it?
Love your enemies. What was Christ asking us to do by asking us to do good to them that hate us, bless them that curse us, pray for those who despitefully use us? What was He asking? The impossible? So much inside us rises up in rebellion, in revenge, in anger, in hatred when we are set upon by enemies, especially enemies you thought were your most cherished loved ones already. The sense of betrayal coupled with abuse is so raw, so intense.
So what was Christ asking for, the impossible? Yes. Yes, I said yes. Because it is impossible for the natural man in us to do that. So if Christ was asking us to do the impossible and we know that Christ wouldn't really ask us to do anything impossible, what was the purpose of His asking us to do all that to despicable creatures that are somehow below the standard of humanity we like to think should exist?
Christ was asking us to rely on Him. To rely on Christ in us to do these things.
Col.{1:27} To whom God would make known what [is] the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory
Gal. {3:26} For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
{3:27} For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Christ in us, putting on Christ.
Col.
{3:1} If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
{3:2} Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
{3:3} For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
{3:4} When Christ, [who is] our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory
Risen with Christ.
We are dead and our live is hid with Christ in God.
Of ourselves we can do nothing.
John {15:5} I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing
Abide in Christ.
Jesus knew when He told us to love our enemies that it would be impossible for us to do so without Him in our lives. The natural man inside each of us wars against the love of Jesus in favor of the sinful things that we have come to know as our natural tendencies. Paul knew this just as we do.
Romans
{7:24} O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
{7:25} I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
Jesus Christ our Lord alone can save us from ourselves. It is only through Him that we can truly face the worst of our enemies even if they are an enemy of the worst kind, a beloved trusted family member, and turn the other cheek. Love our enemies, impossible for us, but not for Christ in us.
Satan wins a victory over us if we allow his wily well laid schemes to bear fruit and rip us from the grasp of our Lord. Don't think that Satan doesn't scheme and have patience to do so, he does. The evil in Him is satisfied to lay traps down for us and glory in our falling into them and then using those captured in the traps as bait for future trapping. Yes, he sows his own seeds of discord and sits back to watch them take root and shoot up, grow and flourish until they try and bear fruit to our destruction. Only Christ saves us from that trap, from that wicked plant that would crush the life from us, the eternal life.
Don't be afraid to name names and point at Satan and declare him for what he is, a liar, an evil angel bent on destruction of all that is good in humanity.
When we truly realize we're fighting against principalities and wickedness in high places and not just our fellow man, we can know that the battle we're in is fierce. We fight against an unseen enemy using any means possible to fuel our destruction. So while our enemy might appear to be our fellow man, we need to recognize the truth-- our enemy is using our fellow man and yes, even our loved ones. Satan will stop at nothing to take us, to 'sift us as wheat'. Christ has prayed for us, for our faith to remain and in Him we have to place all our hope, all our trust. Such hope, such trust will allow us to truly love our enemies because we see beyond the here and now and glimpse into eternity when we do so. We lay hold of a future filled with love in Christ and we condemn the evil that would destroy us here and now and take eternity from us with bitterness and hatred.
Yes, we can do the impossible with Christ and with Christ alone through faith in Him.
May God bless us and keep us in Him now and forever. May our faith be renewed through each and every assault on it, may it serve to only make us stronger in our love for Christ and the hope of His love eternally.
Christ wasn't saying let the wicked escape punishment, Christ was saying there is a bigger picture- a much bigger picture where love rules and if your enemies can find that love in Christ because you reveal your own love of Christ then all glory and praise to God! Christ was saying if your enemy never finds their way to Christ but continuously and everlastingly abuses you that their reward for their wickedness is in His hands. We need to trust in Christ. If we love our enemies we are allowing Christ to reveal His love through us.
Someone once said to me they didn't deserve my forgiveness, and I said to them, that's the whole point-- we never deserve forgiveness. Christ died for us who don't deserve to be forgiven and isn't that the whole point?
Love.
Christ's love.
By His love, by His mercy and grace now and forever.
Amen.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
In Christ Alone I Place My Trust
Psalms
{130:1} Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD.
{130:2} Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice
of my supplications.
{130:3} If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall
stand?
{130:4} But [there is] forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be
feared.
{130:5} I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I
hope.
{130:6} My soul [waiteth] for the Lord more than they that watch for
the morning: [I say, more than] they that watch for the morning.
{130:7} Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD [there is]
mercy, and with him [is] plenteous redemption.
I wait fot the Lord, my soul doth wait and in his word do I hope.
Waiting for the Lord. Hoping in His word.
Matthew {28:20} Teaching them to observe all things
whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you
alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.
Waiting for the Lord-
Jesus is with us always.
So if Jesus is with us alway, what are we waiting for? We're waiting for the new world promised by Jesus. The world without sin, without pain, without heartache.
Hebrews {9:28} So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many;
and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second
time without sin unto salvation
Christ died bearing our sins, not a single sin of His own, but taking on all of our sins. He will come again and without any of our sins, bringing salvation to us that look for Him. We are looking for Him with hope. We are waiting for Him, hoping in the word that He's given us.
If we had this world with all its sin and pain to only look forward to then there is no hope at all. The only true hope lies with Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior who died to save us for eternity with Him. Are we worthy? No, we're never worthy and we never can be worthy. The worth that deserves salvation is Christ's alone.
There is a song...
'In Christ alone I place my trust
And find my glory in the power of the cross
In every victory let it be said of me
My source of strength, my source of hope is Christ alone'
It's so true. Our hope is Christ alone. We can't have hope in ourselves because we'll fail ourselves, it's inevitable. Our hope has to be in Christ who alone will not fail us, Christ who has the victory already for us. He's our source of strength, our source of hope and when we fail to be as He'd have us be, we need to trust in Him to help us and anything we lack He will supply.
'Forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who tresspass against us'
Help us to forgive Lord.
Help us to forgive.
Ps. {7:1} O Lord my God, in thee do I put my trust
Ps. {11:1} In the LORD put I my trust
Ps. {16:1} Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust.
Ps. {25:20} O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I
put my trust in thee.
Ps. {31:1} In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed:
deliver me in thy righteousness.
{31:2} Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong
rock, for an house of defence to save me.
{31:3} For thou [art] my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s
sake lead me, and guide me.
{31:4} Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for
thou [art] my strength.
{31:5} Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O
LORD God of truth.
{31:6} I have hated them that regard lying vanities: but I trust in the
LORD.
{31:7} I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast
considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities;
{31:8} And hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy: thou hast
set my feet in a large room.
{31:9} Have mercy upon me, O LORD, for I am in trouble: mine eye is
consumed with grief, [yea,] my soul and my belly.
{31:10} For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my
strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are
consumed.
{31:11} I was a reproach among all mine enemies, but especially among
my neighbours, and a fear to mine acquaintance: they that did see
me without fled from me.
{31:12} I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken
vessel.
{31:13} For I have heard the slander of many: fear [was] on every side:
while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take
away my life.
{31:14} But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, Thou [art] my God.
{31:15} My times [are] in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine
enemies, and from them that persecute me.
{31:16} Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy
mercies’ sake.
{31:17} Let me not be ashamed, O LORD; for I have called upon thee: let
the wicked be ashamed, [and] let them be silent in the grave.
King James Bible Psalms Page 331
{31:18} Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous
things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.
{31:19} [Oh] how great [is] thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for
them that fear thee; [which] thou hast wrought for them that
trust in thee before the sons of men!
{31:20} Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the
pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from
the strife of tongues.
{31:21} Blessed [be] the LORD: for he hath shewed me his marvellous
kindness in a strong city.
{31:22} For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes:
nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I
cried unto thee.
{31:23} O love the LORD, all ye his saints: [for] the LORD preserveth
the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.
{31:24} Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye
that hope in the LORD.
Ps. {56:3} What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.
{56:4} In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I
will not fear what flesh can do unto me
Ps. {56:11} In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can
do unto me.
Ps. {71:1} In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to
confusion.
{71:2} Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline
thine ear unto me, and save me.
{71:3} Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually
resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou [art] my
rock and my fortress.
{71:4} Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the
hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.
{71:5} For thou [art] my hope, O Lord GOD: [thou art] my trust from my
youth.
{71:6} By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that
took me out of my mother’s bowels: my praise [shall be]
continually of thee.
Ps. {73:28} But [it is] good for me to draw near to God: I have put my
trust in the Lord GOD
Ps. {141:8} But mine eyes [are] unto thee, O GOD the Lord: in thee is my
trust; leave not my soul destitute.
{141:9} Keep me from the snares [which] they have laid for me, and the
gins of the workers of iniquity.
{141:10} Let the wicked fall into their own nets, whilst that I withal
escape.
Heb. {2:13} And again, I will
put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children
which God hath given me. {2:14} Forasmuch then as the
children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself
likewise took part of the same; that through death he might
destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
{2:15} And deliver them who through fear of death were all
their lifetime subject to bondage. {2:16} For verily he took
not on [him the nature of] angels; but he took on [him] the
seed of Abraham. {2:17} Wherefore in all things it behoved
him to be made like unto [his] brethren, that he might be a
merciful and faithful high priest in things [pertaining] to
God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
{2:18} For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted,
he is able to succour them that are tempted
{130:1} Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD.
{130:2} Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice
of my supplications.
{130:3} If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall
stand?
{130:4} But [there is] forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be
feared.
{130:5} I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I
hope.
{130:6} My soul [waiteth] for the Lord more than they that watch for
the morning: [I say, more than] they that watch for the morning.
{130:7} Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD [there is]
mercy, and with him [is] plenteous redemption.
I wait fot the Lord, my soul doth wait and in his word do I hope.
Waiting for the Lord. Hoping in His word.
Matthew {28:20} Teaching them to observe all things
whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you
alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.
Waiting for the Lord-
Jesus is with us always.
So if Jesus is with us alway, what are we waiting for? We're waiting for the new world promised by Jesus. The world without sin, without pain, without heartache.
Hebrews {9:28} So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many;
and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second
time without sin unto salvation
Christ died bearing our sins, not a single sin of His own, but taking on all of our sins. He will come again and without any of our sins, bringing salvation to us that look for Him. We are looking for Him with hope. We are waiting for Him, hoping in the word that He's given us.
If we had this world with all its sin and pain to only look forward to then there is no hope at all. The only true hope lies with Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior who died to save us for eternity with Him. Are we worthy? No, we're never worthy and we never can be worthy. The worth that deserves salvation is Christ's alone.
There is a song...
'In Christ alone I place my trust
And find my glory in the power of the cross
In every victory let it be said of me
My source of strength, my source of hope is Christ alone'
It's so true. Our hope is Christ alone. We can't have hope in ourselves because we'll fail ourselves, it's inevitable. Our hope has to be in Christ who alone will not fail us, Christ who has the victory already for us. He's our source of strength, our source of hope and when we fail to be as He'd have us be, we need to trust in Him to help us and anything we lack He will supply.
'Forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who tresspass against us'
Help us to forgive Lord.
Help us to forgive.
Ps. {7:1} O Lord my God, in thee do I put my trust
Ps. {11:1} In the LORD put I my trust
Ps. {16:1} Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust.
Ps. {25:20} O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I
put my trust in thee.
Ps. {31:1} In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed:
deliver me in thy righteousness.
{31:2} Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong
rock, for an house of defence to save me.
{31:3} For thou [art] my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s
sake lead me, and guide me.
{31:4} Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for
thou [art] my strength.
{31:5} Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O
LORD God of truth.
{31:6} I have hated them that regard lying vanities: but I trust in the
LORD.
{31:7} I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast
considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities;
{31:8} And hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy: thou hast
set my feet in a large room.
{31:9} Have mercy upon me, O LORD, for I am in trouble: mine eye is
consumed with grief, [yea,] my soul and my belly.
{31:10} For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my
strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are
consumed.
{31:11} I was a reproach among all mine enemies, but especially among
my neighbours, and a fear to mine acquaintance: they that did see
me without fled from me.
{31:12} I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken
vessel.
{31:13} For I have heard the slander of many: fear [was] on every side:
while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take
away my life.
{31:14} But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, Thou [art] my God.
{31:15} My times [are] in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine
enemies, and from them that persecute me.
{31:16} Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy
mercies’ sake.
{31:17} Let me not be ashamed, O LORD; for I have called upon thee: let
the wicked be ashamed, [and] let them be silent in the grave.
King James Bible Psalms Page 331
{31:18} Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous
things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.
{31:19} [Oh] how great [is] thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for
them that fear thee; [which] thou hast wrought for them that
trust in thee before the sons of men!
{31:20} Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the
pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from
the strife of tongues.
{31:21} Blessed [be] the LORD: for he hath shewed me his marvellous
kindness in a strong city.
{31:22} For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes:
nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I
cried unto thee.
{31:23} O love the LORD, all ye his saints: [for] the LORD preserveth
the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.
{31:24} Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye
that hope in the LORD.
Ps. {56:3} What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.
{56:4} In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I
will not fear what flesh can do unto me
Ps. {56:11} In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can
do unto me.
Ps. {71:1} In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to
confusion.
{71:2} Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline
thine ear unto me, and save me.
{71:3} Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually
resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou [art] my
rock and my fortress.
{71:4} Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the
hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.
{71:5} For thou [art] my hope, O Lord GOD: [thou art] my trust from my
youth.
{71:6} By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that
took me out of my mother’s bowels: my praise [shall be]
continually of thee.
Ps. {73:28} But [it is] good for me to draw near to God: I have put my
trust in the Lord GOD
Ps. {141:8} But mine eyes [are] unto thee, O GOD the Lord: in thee is my
trust; leave not my soul destitute.
{141:9} Keep me from the snares [which] they have laid for me, and the
gins of the workers of iniquity.
{141:10} Let the wicked fall into their own nets, whilst that I withal
escape.
Heb. {2:13} And again, I will
put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children
which God hath given me. {2:14} Forasmuch then as the
children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself
likewise took part of the same; that through death he might
destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
{2:15} And deliver them who through fear of death were all
their lifetime subject to bondage. {2:16} For verily he took
not on [him the nature of] angels; but he took on [him] the
seed of Abraham. {2:17} Wherefore in all things it behoved
him to be made like unto [his] brethren, that he might be a
merciful and faithful high priest in things [pertaining] to
God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
{2:18} For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted,
he is able to succour them that are tempted
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Because God loves us His plan for Atonement equals that love
Make An Atonement.
Throughout the Bible there is mention of making atonement for wrongs committed.
Atonement-
1. Amends or reparation made for an injury or wrong; expiation.
Reparation-
1. The act or process of repairing or the condition of being repaired.
2. The act or process of making amends; expiation.
3. Something done or paid to compensate or make amends.
4. Reparations. Compensation or remuneration required from a defeated nation as indemnity for damage or injury during a war.
Expiate-
To make amends or reparation for; atone: expiate one's sins by acts of penance.
Excerpted from The American Heritage® Dictionary
The reason for making an atonement, for an act of reparation, is quite involved and necessarily so, and yet very simple.
You wrong someone you make up for it.
You make something wrong then you make something right.
You injure someone and you have to help fix them again.
There are reasons our justice system has in place awards for damages suffered. I'm not saying that sometimes it's not all screwed up and people get awarded way more than they should or vice versa, but putting a price on suffering isn't easy to do.
Suffering is a personal thing. Torment is a personal thing. Causing someone to suffer even when you think you only hurt them a little bit is ludicrous because unless you're the person actually suffering you CAN'T know the degree of their pain. You think you can, but in reality you can't.
Emotional, mental pain is horrific. Wounds received from enemies are expected. Wounds received from those you love and trust, from those who are supposed to protect you and keep you safe cause the worst kind of suffering imaginable. When wounded by a loved one they've stripped away your sense of reality. They've taken from you the ability to feel protected, to trust. They've stripped from you the basic foundation of life and how do you ever make amends for something like that? How?
Yet an atonement needs to be made.
Do you think killing an animal compares to killing the Son of God? Is it equal at all in any way? The Son of God Himself, killed so that an atonement could be made for our sins, so that we could be made right again with God.
No. There isn't an animal sacrifice that can be made that can equal the sacrifice of the Son of God and yet throughout the old testament sacrifices were being made to cover the sins of God's people and once a year on the Day of Atonement all those accumulated, covered sins were transferred to a scapegoat and sent away forever.
People were told to make amends, to atone for the wrongs committed by each other. If you stole a sheep you had to make amends and give back even more than you stole. You are not only returning what you took you are paying for the crime of the stealing.
When Jesus came He told us to love our enemies, and yet if our enemies turn around and believe they should love us they will naturally atone for their wrongdoings.
Making that atonement first of all calls for admitting there was something done that needs to be atoned for. It's taking responsibility for the crime and letting the one you hurt know you realize you did something wrong. Making atonement shows that you want to make things right again, as right as you possibly can. You're guilty and you want to be make it right somehow.
No, you can't put a price on suffering. You might be able to put a price on a stolen car- you pay for the car, or return it and you compensate for all the hardship it caused. But how do you put a price on stealing innocence? Of stripping away trust? How?
It's no wonder some crimes were punishable by death by Old Testament standards. Because some crimes can never be compensated for in reality. You can't give back trust as you can a car. You can't give back innocence as you can a wallet. Crimes against the very core of a human being are the most heinous. You can't give back life if you've murdered someone, as you can a handful of jewelry. Some crimes steal so much more than people imagine.
So, how do you atone for something that you can't return?
You admit the wrong. You let the other know you realize the seriousness of what you've done. You tell them that you understand that you've done something horrific by stealing their innocence, by crushing the trust they placed in you. You own up to it-- not just once. You've destroyed something that can't be replaced and a single admission of guilt isn't enough. You do this as often as it takes. You don't ever reach a place where you can say I've atoned enough, not until the one you hurt decides it's enough and there isn't a time limit on something like this. Unlike giving back a stolen car and paying for damages where all is said and done, when you've stolen something you can't give back the small sacrifices of having to do all you can to atone, no matter what that may be is nothing in compared to the thing you took, NOTHING.
Atonement.
Because God loves us His plan for Atonement equals that love.
Because a person loves someone they've irrevocably hurt, they too need to plan to atone for that in whatever ways necessary for as long as necessary.
A single admission of guilt doesn't absolve a person. It's contrition, it's repentance.
repentance-
1. The act or process of repenting.
2. Remorse or contrition for past conduct or sin.
repent -
1. To feel remorse, contrition, or self-reproach for what one has done or failed to do; be contrite.
2. To feel such regret for past conduct as to change one's mind regarding it: repented of intemperate behavior.
3. To make a change for the better as a result of remorse or contrition for one's sins.
contrition- (ken-trîsh´en) noun
Sincere remorse for wrongdoing; repentance
The act of repenting... the act of making a change for the better, the act of feeling remorse, the act of repenting is just that... an act- something you do and keep doing- making a change for the better. Making a change. It's a process, it's not something instantaneous. It's not simple.
When you've done something horrific it's something the injured party will NEVER forget, it will color their lives forever. They have to learn to live with what was done to them and find in life good things.
It's up to the wrong doer to do whatever it takes to help the one they've hurt recover as much as they can, whatever it takes.
By the grace of God when we are told to love our enemies, may the Holy Spirit guide us to do so. When we are called to forgive, Jesus, please help us to forgive. When we need to make amends to someone may the Lord help us to do what is right, guiding us to do so-- whatever it takes.
Please Lord.
By your mercy and grace, by your love.
Amen.
Throughout the Bible there is mention of making atonement for wrongs committed.
Atonement-
1. Amends or reparation made for an injury or wrong; expiation.
Reparation-
1. The act or process of repairing or the condition of being repaired.
2. The act or process of making amends; expiation.
3. Something done or paid to compensate or make amends.
4. Reparations. Compensation or remuneration required from a defeated nation as indemnity for damage or injury during a war.
Expiate-
To make amends or reparation for; atone: expiate one's sins by acts of penance.
Excerpted from The American Heritage® Dictionary
The reason for making an atonement, for an act of reparation, is quite involved and necessarily so, and yet very simple.
You wrong someone you make up for it.
You make something wrong then you make something right.
You injure someone and you have to help fix them again.
There are reasons our justice system has in place awards for damages suffered. I'm not saying that sometimes it's not all screwed up and people get awarded way more than they should or vice versa, but putting a price on suffering isn't easy to do.
Suffering is a personal thing. Torment is a personal thing. Causing someone to suffer even when you think you only hurt them a little bit is ludicrous because unless you're the person actually suffering you CAN'T know the degree of their pain. You think you can, but in reality you can't.
Emotional, mental pain is horrific. Wounds received from enemies are expected. Wounds received from those you love and trust, from those who are supposed to protect you and keep you safe cause the worst kind of suffering imaginable. When wounded by a loved one they've stripped away your sense of reality. They've taken from you the ability to feel protected, to trust. They've stripped from you the basic foundation of life and how do you ever make amends for something like that? How?
Yet an atonement needs to be made.
Do you think killing an animal compares to killing the Son of God? Is it equal at all in any way? The Son of God Himself, killed so that an atonement could be made for our sins, so that we could be made right again with God.
No. There isn't an animal sacrifice that can be made that can equal the sacrifice of the Son of God and yet throughout the old testament sacrifices were being made to cover the sins of God's people and once a year on the Day of Atonement all those accumulated, covered sins were transferred to a scapegoat and sent away forever.
People were told to make amends, to atone for the wrongs committed by each other. If you stole a sheep you had to make amends and give back even more than you stole. You are not only returning what you took you are paying for the crime of the stealing.
When Jesus came He told us to love our enemies, and yet if our enemies turn around and believe they should love us they will naturally atone for their wrongdoings.
Making that atonement first of all calls for admitting there was something done that needs to be atoned for. It's taking responsibility for the crime and letting the one you hurt know you realize you did something wrong. Making atonement shows that you want to make things right again, as right as you possibly can. You're guilty and you want to be make it right somehow.
No, you can't put a price on suffering. You might be able to put a price on a stolen car- you pay for the car, or return it and you compensate for all the hardship it caused. But how do you put a price on stealing innocence? Of stripping away trust? How?
It's no wonder some crimes were punishable by death by Old Testament standards. Because some crimes can never be compensated for in reality. You can't give back trust as you can a car. You can't give back innocence as you can a wallet. Crimes against the very core of a human being are the most heinous. You can't give back life if you've murdered someone, as you can a handful of jewelry. Some crimes steal so much more than people imagine.
So, how do you atone for something that you can't return?
You admit the wrong. You let the other know you realize the seriousness of what you've done. You tell them that you understand that you've done something horrific by stealing their innocence, by crushing the trust they placed in you. You own up to it-- not just once. You've destroyed something that can't be replaced and a single admission of guilt isn't enough. You do this as often as it takes. You don't ever reach a place where you can say I've atoned enough, not until the one you hurt decides it's enough and there isn't a time limit on something like this. Unlike giving back a stolen car and paying for damages where all is said and done, when you've stolen something you can't give back the small sacrifices of having to do all you can to atone, no matter what that may be is nothing in compared to the thing you took, NOTHING.
Atonement.
Because God loves us His plan for Atonement equals that love.
Because a person loves someone they've irrevocably hurt, they too need to plan to atone for that in whatever ways necessary for as long as necessary.
A single admission of guilt doesn't absolve a person. It's contrition, it's repentance.
repentance-
1. The act or process of repenting.
2. Remorse or contrition for past conduct or sin.
repent -
1. To feel remorse, contrition, or self-reproach for what one has done or failed to do; be contrite.
2. To feel such regret for past conduct as to change one's mind regarding it: repented of intemperate behavior.
3. To make a change for the better as a result of remorse or contrition for one's sins.
contrition- (ken-trîsh´en) noun
Sincere remorse for wrongdoing; repentance
The act of repenting... the act of making a change for the better, the act of feeling remorse, the act of repenting is just that... an act- something you do and keep doing- making a change for the better. Making a change. It's a process, it's not something instantaneous. It's not simple.
When you've done something horrific it's something the injured party will NEVER forget, it will color their lives forever. They have to learn to live with what was done to them and find in life good things.
It's up to the wrong doer to do whatever it takes to help the one they've hurt recover as much as they can, whatever it takes.
By the grace of God when we are told to love our enemies, may the Holy Spirit guide us to do so. When we are called to forgive, Jesus, please help us to forgive. When we need to make amends to someone may the Lord help us to do what is right, guiding us to do so-- whatever it takes.
Please Lord.
By your mercy and grace, by your love.
Amen.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Forgiving the Unforgivable- How?
Forgiving the Unforgivable.
There shouldn't be such a thing, should there? It's contradictory. There is no list in the Bible that says this sin is forgivable, that one isn't. You might argue that obviously in the Old Testament that any sin that you were put to death for committing was unpardonable because of the fact it warranted immediate death. However, all sin truly warrants death, right? For the wages of sin is death... Ro. 6:23.
Then you might say that this is the only unforgivable sin... '{12:10} And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven.'
So if you can even be forgiven for speaking against Jesus, the innocent of God, God's Son, the Sinless One then truly that's the worst of the worst that can be forgiven. But where do we who live our lives day to day and are confronted with sins that seem unforgivable, where do we find forgiveness, or the ability to forgive?
The Lord's prayer says... Matthew {6:12} And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
We are forgiven as we forgive. It's scary to think that we will be forgiven as we forgive when we find it so hard to forgive. Does God find it hard to forgive? It had to be harder than we can imagine for Him to sacrifice His own son, yet in our mind we can think of so very many horrific things that people do to one another that are unforgivable, or rather seemingly unforgivable. We say Jesus wasn't sinned against in this particular way, surely if He had been God would never forgive the one who did that to Him, to His Only Son.
Are there those who are unforgiven? Obviously those who blasphemeth against the Holy Spirit. We are told outright they are unforgiven and why? Because it is the Holy Spirit who pricks our hearts, who strives with us to bring us to the point where we can seek forgiveness, repenting and putting away of our sins. If we deny, if we blasphemy we are...
Dict.
blasphemy (blà s´fe-mê) noun
plural blasphemies
1. a. A contemptuous or profane act, utterance, or writing concerning God or a sacred entity. b. The act of claiming for oneself the attributes and rights of God.
2. An irreverent or impious act, attitude, or utterance in regard to something considered inviolable or sacrosanct.
Excerpted from The American Heritage® Dictionary
...committing a contempuous or proface act, utterance, writing against God. We are claiming attributes and rights of God. We are committing irreverent, impious acts against God.
Sin is being against God. Permanently being against God is unforgivable.
If anyone lives against God, if anyone commits acts that are against God, they are sinning. The act itself warrants death. The severity of the acts varies but death is death. In the end people will suffer as they have sinned if they've gone unrepented, unforgiven.
Here's another thing to think of... Matthew {7:1} Judge not, that ye be not judged. {7:2} For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
Can we forgive the unforgivable? Can we hold up our own lives to inspection and say our sins aren't as bad as anothers? That for some reason our sins are undeserving of death but theirs are? Can we say while I've picked a pocket or two, they'f robbed banks; while I've had lascivious thoughts they've committed the acts of the lasciviousness; while I've wanted to kill they've actually murdered someone so surely they deserve death and not forgiveness, but I deserve it more. This reminds me of this...Luke {18:11} The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men [are,] extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
{18:12} I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. {18:13} And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as [his] eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. {18:14} I tell you, this man went down to his house justified [rather] than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall
be exalted.
We can't extol our own virtues, we can't pit our seemingly less sinful sins against those who seemingly have great sins.
Again we can go back to the whole business about some sins warranted death in the Old Testament while other sins didn't so surely that is putting degrees on sin and which are really bad and which aren't. Today we have laws that tell us murdering someone means putting them in jail if caught, while thinking about it doesn't. Stealing someone's treasures warrants jail time, but again...just thinking about it doesn't. We've determined that some crimes in some states are punishable by death and some crimes aren't. We have to have such determinations don't we, or we'd live in a world of complete chaos.
Yet, a lot of crimes are committed, crimes worthy of jail and worthy of death and they go unpunished. Sometimes they go unpunished because we choose to let them be that way. Pardoned, forgiven, undeserving of both and yet given both.
Why is it we desire forgiveness and yet find it so hard to forgive the seemingly unforgivable?
How often should we forgive? Matthew {18:21} Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? {18:22} Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
Endlessly forgiving...
Forgiving the unforgivable.
Forgive as we'd be forgiven. Our supposed lesser sin is as worthy of death in the realm of eternity if not forgiven, just as the largest sin in existence is the same. And if we would be forgiven at all we have to extend forgiveness ourselves-- but how?
Matthew {6:14} For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: {6:15} But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses
But how?
Matthew {18:23} Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. {18:24} And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. {18:25} But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. {18:26} The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. {18:27} Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. {18:28} But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took [him] by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. {18:29} And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. {18:30} And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. {18:31} So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. {18:32} Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: {18:33} Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? {18:34} And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. {18:35} So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
But how?
Help us Lord to learn how. Help us.
Amen.
There shouldn't be such a thing, should there? It's contradictory. There is no list in the Bible that says this sin is forgivable, that one isn't. You might argue that obviously in the Old Testament that any sin that you were put to death for committing was unpardonable because of the fact it warranted immediate death. However, all sin truly warrants death, right? For the wages of sin is death... Ro. 6:23.
Then you might say that this is the only unforgivable sin... '{12:10} And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven.'
So if you can even be forgiven for speaking against Jesus, the innocent of God, God's Son, the Sinless One then truly that's the worst of the worst that can be forgiven. But where do we who live our lives day to day and are confronted with sins that seem unforgivable, where do we find forgiveness, or the ability to forgive?
The Lord's prayer says... Matthew {6:12} And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
We are forgiven as we forgive. It's scary to think that we will be forgiven as we forgive when we find it so hard to forgive. Does God find it hard to forgive? It had to be harder than we can imagine for Him to sacrifice His own son, yet in our mind we can think of so very many horrific things that people do to one another that are unforgivable, or rather seemingly unforgivable. We say Jesus wasn't sinned against in this particular way, surely if He had been God would never forgive the one who did that to Him, to His Only Son.
Are there those who are unforgiven? Obviously those who blasphemeth against the Holy Spirit. We are told outright they are unforgiven and why? Because it is the Holy Spirit who pricks our hearts, who strives with us to bring us to the point where we can seek forgiveness, repenting and putting away of our sins. If we deny, if we blasphemy we are...
Dict.
blasphemy (blà s´fe-mê) noun
plural blasphemies
1. a. A contemptuous or profane act, utterance, or writing concerning God or a sacred entity. b. The act of claiming for oneself the attributes and rights of God.
2. An irreverent or impious act, attitude, or utterance in regard to something considered inviolable or sacrosanct.
Excerpted from The American Heritage® Dictionary
...committing a contempuous or proface act, utterance, writing against God. We are claiming attributes and rights of God. We are committing irreverent, impious acts against God.
Sin is being against God. Permanently being against God is unforgivable.
If anyone lives against God, if anyone commits acts that are against God, they are sinning. The act itself warrants death. The severity of the acts varies but death is death. In the end people will suffer as they have sinned if they've gone unrepented, unforgiven.
Here's another thing to think of... Matthew {7:1} Judge not, that ye be not judged. {7:2} For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
Can we forgive the unforgivable? Can we hold up our own lives to inspection and say our sins aren't as bad as anothers? That for some reason our sins are undeserving of death but theirs are? Can we say while I've picked a pocket or two, they'f robbed banks; while I've had lascivious thoughts they've committed the acts of the lasciviousness; while I've wanted to kill they've actually murdered someone so surely they deserve death and not forgiveness, but I deserve it more. This reminds me of this...Luke {18:11} The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men [are,] extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
{18:12} I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. {18:13} And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as [his] eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. {18:14} I tell you, this man went down to his house justified [rather] than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall
be exalted.
We can't extol our own virtues, we can't pit our seemingly less sinful sins against those who seemingly have great sins.
Again we can go back to the whole business about some sins warranted death in the Old Testament while other sins didn't so surely that is putting degrees on sin and which are really bad and which aren't. Today we have laws that tell us murdering someone means putting them in jail if caught, while thinking about it doesn't. Stealing someone's treasures warrants jail time, but again...just thinking about it doesn't. We've determined that some crimes in some states are punishable by death and some crimes aren't. We have to have such determinations don't we, or we'd live in a world of complete chaos.
Yet, a lot of crimes are committed, crimes worthy of jail and worthy of death and they go unpunished. Sometimes they go unpunished because we choose to let them be that way. Pardoned, forgiven, undeserving of both and yet given both.
Why is it we desire forgiveness and yet find it so hard to forgive the seemingly unforgivable?
How often should we forgive? Matthew {18:21} Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? {18:22} Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
Endlessly forgiving...
Forgiving the unforgivable.
Forgive as we'd be forgiven. Our supposed lesser sin is as worthy of death in the realm of eternity if not forgiven, just as the largest sin in existence is the same. And if we would be forgiven at all we have to extend forgiveness ourselves-- but how?
Matthew {6:14} For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: {6:15} But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses
But how?
Matthew {18:23} Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. {18:24} And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. {18:25} But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. {18:26} The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. {18:27} Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. {18:28} But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took [him] by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. {18:29} And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. {18:30} And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. {18:31} So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. {18:32} Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: {18:33} Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? {18:34} And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. {18:35} So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
But how?
Help us Lord to learn how. Help us.
Amen.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Satan hath desired [to have] you, that he may sift [you] as wheat
Luke {22:31} And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired [to have] you, that he may sift [you] as wheat: {22:32} But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
Satan desires to have us all.
Satan wants us all desperately. You think I'm kidding? You think that little ol' you isn't worth his trouble? That he only wants those with power and such? You're wrong. He wants each one of us and he'll stop at nothing to get us. Each person kept from God is another bonus for Satan. He wants to mock God. He wants to be able to glory in all those he can take with him to the eternity of non-existence. He knows that his time is short and he does go about as a roaring lion.
1 Peter {5:8} Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour
Satan wants to sift us all as wheat. He wants to give us trial after trial, after trial without end and whether you believe it or not it's true. More true than you probably can imagine.
Jesus prays for us, that our faith won't fail. Because it's when our faith fails that Satan has won.
Faith - the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews {11:1} Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
The substance of hope in things we cannot see. Jesus prays for us that our faith will not fail, that we continue to hope in something invisible, something beyond all the pain and heartache we live through in this world ruled by Satan, and don't think for one moment it's not ruled by him because it is-- for now.
Eph. {6:10} Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. {6:11} Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. {6:12} For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places.]
The wiles of the devil- not flesh and blood but principalities, powers, ruler of the darkness of THIS world, spiritual wickedness in high places.
2 Corinthians {4:4} In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
The god of THIS WORLD hath blinded the minds of them which believe not.
Satan is the go of this world.
John {14:30} Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.
The Prince of this world has nothing in Jesus, nothing.
We have to cling to the hope that Jesus gives as Jesus prays that our faith will not fail.
Please Jesus, Satan is sifting us so much trying to destroy our faith in you. Help us Lord, pray for us now and always. Lord please. By your grace, have mercy on us. The sifting is so painful.
Amen.
Satan desires to have us all.
Satan wants us all desperately. You think I'm kidding? You think that little ol' you isn't worth his trouble? That he only wants those with power and such? You're wrong. He wants each one of us and he'll stop at nothing to get us. Each person kept from God is another bonus for Satan. He wants to mock God. He wants to be able to glory in all those he can take with him to the eternity of non-existence. He knows that his time is short and he does go about as a roaring lion.
1 Peter {5:8} Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour
Satan wants to sift us all as wheat. He wants to give us trial after trial, after trial without end and whether you believe it or not it's true. More true than you probably can imagine.
Jesus prays for us, that our faith won't fail. Because it's when our faith fails that Satan has won.
Faith - the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews {11:1} Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
The substance of hope in things we cannot see. Jesus prays for us that our faith will not fail, that we continue to hope in something invisible, something beyond all the pain and heartache we live through in this world ruled by Satan, and don't think for one moment it's not ruled by him because it is-- for now.
Eph. {6:10} Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. {6:11} Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. {6:12} For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places.]
The wiles of the devil- not flesh and blood but principalities, powers, ruler of the darkness of THIS world, spiritual wickedness in high places.
2 Corinthians {4:4} In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
The god of THIS WORLD hath blinded the minds of them which believe not.
Satan is the go of this world.
John {14:30} Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.
The Prince of this world has nothing in Jesus, nothing.
We have to cling to the hope that Jesus gives as Jesus prays that our faith will not fail.
Please Jesus, Satan is sifting us so much trying to destroy our faith in you. Help us Lord, pray for us now and always. Lord please. By your grace, have mercy on us. The sifting is so painful.
Amen.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Guest Blog by Matthew - God & Entertainment
Psalm 100: MAKE a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is god: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
I'm going to be honest with you, I don't think I have that much insight or intelligence in this kind of matter. I'm no more qualified to write up a bill than I am to write for my mom's blog. Though perhaps comparing her blog to the government is a bad idea. She asked me to write something for today and said to find a passage and write what it made me feel so I spent a small amount of time flipping through the pages of my Bible. The more I looked the more I thought that I shouldn't be doing it but I can at least try.
Psalm 100 stood out to me because of a news story about a boy being unable to graduate if he attends his girlfriend's high school prom. Because Rock music, dancing, holding hands, and kissing were against their policy. The paslm above makes no specific mention of what music the Lord likes. It just tells us to come before him singing. I won't debate what songs were played at that school prom and whether they would or would not please God but I know of plenty of Christian Rock bands that sing songs to God so an outright hatred of any kind of music seems irrational to me because any kind of music can be used for the Lord. The content of each song should probably be evaluated to decide whether it would or would not be acceptable in God's eyes but the very genre itself seems up to the individual. Indeed, why would God influence musicians to make that kind of music for him if he didn't want it?
2 Samuel 6:14-23
14And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.
15So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.
16And as the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal Saul's daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart.
17And they brought in the ark of the LORD, and set it in his place, in the midst of the tabernacle that David had pitched for it: and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.
18And as soon as David had made an end of offering burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of hosts.
19And he dealt among all the people, even among the whole multitude of Israel, as well to the women as men, to every one a cake of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine. So all the people departed every one to his house.
20Then David returned to bless his household. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, How glorious was the king of Israel to day, who uncovered himself to day in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants, as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovereth himself!
21And David said unto Michal, It was before the LORD, which chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel: therefore will I play before the LORD.
22And I will yet be more vile than thus, and will be base in mine own sight: and of the maidservants which thou hast spoken of, of them shall I be had in honour.
23Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death.
I apologize for the length of this one and for the format, I retrieved it off of Bible.com without knowing exactly where to look for it myself. This passage also comes to mind when thinking about what God does and does not want from us. David himself danced in honor of God. We should also praise god in any manner possible. Not just in uncomfortable routine ways that become chores. We can praise God by dancing and singing and he wants that. But then again who am I to say what he wants? Who's to say I'm right? I don't feel very confident or competent and I can't wrap my mind around what I'm trying to say.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that we shouldn't jump the gun and decide for God what is right and wrong when it comes to entertainment. And that goes for myself as well. I shouldn't try to tell you what is acceptable. The best advice I can give is to read his word and go from there.
May the Lord help us all find out what is right and wrong and help us walk along the right path.
Amen.
I'm going to be honest with you, I don't think I have that much insight or intelligence in this kind of matter. I'm no more qualified to write up a bill than I am to write for my mom's blog. Though perhaps comparing her blog to the government is a bad idea. She asked me to write something for today and said to find a passage and write what it made me feel so I spent a small amount of time flipping through the pages of my Bible. The more I looked the more I thought that I shouldn't be doing it but I can at least try.
Psalm 100 stood out to me because of a news story about a boy being unable to graduate if he attends his girlfriend's high school prom. Because Rock music, dancing, holding hands, and kissing were against their policy. The paslm above makes no specific mention of what music the Lord likes. It just tells us to come before him singing. I won't debate what songs were played at that school prom and whether they would or would not please God but I know of plenty of Christian Rock bands that sing songs to God so an outright hatred of any kind of music seems irrational to me because any kind of music can be used for the Lord. The content of each song should probably be evaluated to decide whether it would or would not be acceptable in God's eyes but the very genre itself seems up to the individual. Indeed, why would God influence musicians to make that kind of music for him if he didn't want it?
2 Samuel 6:14-23
14And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.
15So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.
16And as the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal Saul's daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart.
17And they brought in the ark of the LORD, and set it in his place, in the midst of the tabernacle that David had pitched for it: and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.
18And as soon as David had made an end of offering burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of hosts.
19And he dealt among all the people, even among the whole multitude of Israel, as well to the women as men, to every one a cake of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine. So all the people departed every one to his house.
20Then David returned to bless his household. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, How glorious was the king of Israel to day, who uncovered himself to day in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants, as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovereth himself!
21And David said unto Michal, It was before the LORD, which chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel: therefore will I play before the LORD.
22And I will yet be more vile than thus, and will be base in mine own sight: and of the maidservants which thou hast spoken of, of them shall I be had in honour.
23Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death.
I apologize for the length of this one and for the format, I retrieved it off of Bible.com without knowing exactly where to look for it myself. This passage also comes to mind when thinking about what God does and does not want from us. David himself danced in honor of God. We should also praise god in any manner possible. Not just in uncomfortable routine ways that become chores. We can praise God by dancing and singing and he wants that. But then again who am I to say what he wants? Who's to say I'm right? I don't feel very confident or competent and I can't wrap my mind around what I'm trying to say.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that we shouldn't jump the gun and decide for God what is right and wrong when it comes to entertainment. And that goes for myself as well. I shouldn't try to tell you what is acceptable. The best advice I can give is to read his word and go from there.
May the Lord help us all find out what is right and wrong and help us walk along the right path.
Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)