Ya know, if I keep posting links like these, people are gonna things this is a political blog, but it isn't.
It's just, this candidate keeps supplying clear examples of what this blogs all about - delusion and how we fall for it.
Everyone does it. My concern is when modern preachers do the same.
By that I mean, to create a world that doesn't exist by the words we use and how they USE those words.
For example, someone could utter the simple phrase "I'm going to the store."
Depending on which emotion is used when saying that simple phrase, a dozen different people will imagine a completely different view of the one Going to the store.
The idea of actually 'going to a store' gets lost.
It's amazing when we see this.
Now imagine that happening in serious issues such as politics and (where my concern is at) God's Word.
Here's the latest example I'll use to illustrate this. It comes from a political candidate I'm not interested in debating over.
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/trump-vows-solve-californias-water-crisis-39436230
My first (knee jerk) reaction to this was predictable. But the slightest consideration to things people say, which most don't do anymore, reveal alot.
I realize that those who don't love God and His Word, have the same type knee jerk reaction to me, when I say things.
Because of that, I'd best be sure my thoughts align themselves with God's Word.
Then their reactions are not towards me (even though they "think" they are) but towards God.
Since I didn't hear the entire speech, I can't give the context of that.
Yet the notion of what was said is of staggering delusion.
I always like to begin with the idea of thinking "what if what the candidate was saying was actually true, right now."
What would that mean? What would the world have to look like? What conditions of culture must exist for that? What circumstances are needed to bring it about? What might hinder these circumstances? Might we apply these answers to other of this nations issues?
People say things all the time and little thought is given to it.
Oh sure, there are media outlets and bloggers and websites that pay attention and attempt to bring clarity but all that goes up against an enormous foe that to date, hasn't been conquered.
That foe is, our emotions.
When common sense comes in contact with that insurmountable foe, we best be standing on something solid or we are most likely to be swept out into the abyss of rampant liberalism delusion.
Not to worry though, for there is a willing and able media, waiting to give that one (being swept away) a jet size engine to speed their trip up.
As in the case of making people believe that just by a few "simple" actions of mankind's effort, we can avert such calamities as drought.
Not that long ago, attempts at this would have been impossible (kinda like mankind destroying this planet) but not today, 2016.
I need to keep reminding myself, that when one gets to this point, where common sense is applied via examining the words we use, it's no fun.
Getting others to consider what's needed to create what's said, is frustrating.
Ya know, God said alot too. But somewhere along life's time line, men somehow felt it best to help God along and preach what they thought God said, via sermons & messages.
For these men to get off the hook, of possible twisting of God's Word, all they need to say is "God laid this on my heart, to share" and presto, it's off to the biblical theological races.
This blogs intent is to encourage others to.. Slow. . . things. . . down.
When you do, it's rewarding.
For the Christian, that means indescribable joy.
For the non christian, that means more popular blogs and websites. (Many people like common sense, they just don't like the Bible)
For the Christian, that means reading God's complete Word.
For the non christian, who likes their views, that means staying as far away from the Bible as possible.
For the Christian, that means clarity of God's "mind."
For the non christian, that means clarity of "their" mind.
Everyone benefits from slowing things down.
TryReadNit!
Intro to tryreadn6640
Introduction to this blog (click image) to find out more.
2020 recent thoughts/how to discern
click image
The theme of this blog is - WE NEED TO WAKE UP!
TryReadNit!
Sunday, May 29, 2016
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
A constant state of denial
Once again, I'm glad to have a place on this blog to vent frustration over current day senseless liberal (christian or not) thinking.
I have no problems including this to this blog because, how mindsets get created is a main theme to many of my posts.
Consider for a moment, this transgender flap concerning rest rooms.
http://nbc4i.com/2016/05/13/white-house-tells-public-schools-to-let-transgender-students-use-bathrooms-of-their-choice/
There is not a person on this planet, young or old, from 9 to 90 that doesn't see this for the foolishness that it is.
The interesting aspect to that is, why do normal thinking people suppress what they KNOW to be true?
There is an answer to that. Even the Bible addresses it.
How and why people suppress what they KNOW is something that continues to amaze me. I suppose it wouldn't be so amazing if not for the fact that I'm this way too.
Discussing subjects under this light is pointless. But we keep trying.
I guess that's where the "fun" is.
Talk shows, 24 hr media that needs to fill time, and we can't forget those wonderful chats with liberal family members.
These people who think this way "think" they are so intelligent.
By that I mean, those who believe we have rights to do anything at anytime (and here's the lie that propels that) as long as it doesn't affect others.
Liberals have much more on their minds as well as much more at stake then they care to admit.
Because of their beliefs that morality is subjective or at best, non existent, if these people were to express what they KNOW to be true, concerning this issue (simply put, men do not belong in a ladies room) then they'd be forced to concede that morality does exist and these people just can't risk having this thought enter their minds.
I actually feel sorry for liberal minded people.
They have cornered themselves into a tough corner.
A corner that breeds a non caring mindset.
They have no choice to adopt this.
It's sad that not caring is more preferably to them then to consider that someone, somewhere, established a set of morals and absolutes.
If my saying liberals don't care, bothers anyone, I'd refer them to my first post under this label, where I demonstrated, with the definition of "liberal", that they don't even believe their own beliefs.
To maintain liberal theology, this requires many extremes.
The liberal emergent christian needs to water down or dial back on biblical morals & absolutes to attract the liberal non christian to their church. It's pretty sad, to say the least.
So why can I say these things?
Because it's not the transgender crowd that's driving this bathroom issue. There's less than one percent of them.
It's cowardly liberals afraid to consider something greater than them, establishing absolutes and it's fearful Christians reluctant to point that out.
These liberal ideas have destroyed what the founders of this country intended concerning liberty and freedom.
It needs to be pointed out though, that the founders of this countries ideas about freedom, which includes inclusion of all Faith's, is not a completely biblical concept.
But God will and does bless nations that seek His will.
We are only seeing and witnessing the inevitable consequences of mankind's best effort to achieve any sense of freedom which enlists diversity as its core foundational principle.
Liberals have no place else to turn than to just continue to reinvent their own flawed ideas.
That would explain the redefining of clear language, or words.
It would be foolish to think this thinking hasn't entered the modern church but since this blog is dedicated to that notion, I'll leave it out of this post.
The struggle within us will always be the same and it will never change.
That struggle is, when anyone's eyes are opened to the fact that there IS a set of morals and there ARE absolutes and it's only GOD that can establish them, where that person goes from there can vary greatly.
If they seek answers anywhere other than God's Word, all I can say is, good luck.
Liberals don't even want to consider their own reasons for not believing God's Word. If they did they'd see their own inconsistencies.
But meantime, the liberal has a hard line to tow. He can keep believing his beliefs, even to not knowing what bathroom one should use OR admit that some things are just wrong and in doing so, collapse their entire world view.
God says it this way in Romans :
Romans 1:18
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to
Those who still love every word of God's Word
desperately need to be encouraging their kids and grandkids to read God's Word straight thru and keep it in its context.
That's important because it will most likely be them to live even more destructive consequences of liberal theology.
Our kids may not immediately see the value to this but in time, if they stay faithful to the Bible, they will see it.
As the days we're in get steadily worse, what their standing on will determine whether or not they make it thru or not.
My best advice,
TryReadNit!
I have no problems including this to this blog because, how mindsets get created is a main theme to many of my posts.
Consider for a moment, this transgender flap concerning rest rooms.
http://nbc4i.com/2016/05/13/white-house-tells-public-schools-to-let-transgender-students-use-bathrooms-of-their-choice/
There is not a person on this planet, young or old, from 9 to 90 that doesn't see this for the foolishness that it is.
The interesting aspect to that is, why do normal thinking people suppress what they KNOW to be true?
There is an answer to that. Even the Bible addresses it.
How and why people suppress what they KNOW is something that continues to amaze me. I suppose it wouldn't be so amazing if not for the fact that I'm this way too.
Discussing subjects under this light is pointless. But we keep trying.
I guess that's where the "fun" is.
Talk shows, 24 hr media that needs to fill time, and we can't forget those wonderful chats with liberal family members.
These people who think this way "think" they are so intelligent.
By that I mean, those who believe we have rights to do anything at anytime (and here's the lie that propels that) as long as it doesn't affect others.
Liberals have much more on their minds as well as much more at stake then they care to admit.
Because of their beliefs that morality is subjective or at best, non existent, if these people were to express what they KNOW to be true, concerning this issue (simply put, men do not belong in a ladies room) then they'd be forced to concede that morality does exist and these people just can't risk having this thought enter their minds.
I actually feel sorry for liberal minded people.
They have cornered themselves into a tough corner.
A corner that breeds a non caring mindset.
They have no choice to adopt this.
It's sad that not caring is more preferably to them then to consider that someone, somewhere, established a set of morals and absolutes.
If my saying liberals don't care, bothers anyone, I'd refer them to my first post under this label, where I demonstrated, with the definition of "liberal", that they don't even believe their own beliefs.
To maintain liberal theology, this requires many extremes.
The liberal emergent christian needs to water down or dial back on biblical morals & absolutes to attract the liberal non christian to their church. It's pretty sad, to say the least.
So why can I say these things?
Because it's not the transgender crowd that's driving this bathroom issue. There's less than one percent of them.
It's cowardly liberals afraid to consider something greater than them, establishing absolutes and it's fearful Christians reluctant to point that out.
These liberal ideas have destroyed what the founders of this country intended concerning liberty and freedom.
It needs to be pointed out though, that the founders of this countries ideas about freedom, which includes inclusion of all Faith's, is not a completely biblical concept.
But God will and does bless nations that seek His will.
We are only seeing and witnessing the inevitable consequences of mankind's best effort to achieve any sense of freedom which enlists diversity as its core foundational principle.
Liberals have no place else to turn than to just continue to reinvent their own flawed ideas.
That would explain the redefining of clear language, or words.
It would be foolish to think this thinking hasn't entered the modern church but since this blog is dedicated to that notion, I'll leave it out of this post.
The struggle within us will always be the same and it will never change.
That struggle is, when anyone's eyes are opened to the fact that there IS a set of morals and there ARE absolutes and it's only GOD that can establish them, where that person goes from there can vary greatly.
If they seek answers anywhere other than God's Word, all I can say is, good luck.
Liberals don't even want to consider their own reasons for not believing God's Word. If they did they'd see their own inconsistencies.
But meantime, the liberal has a hard line to tow. He can keep believing his beliefs, even to not knowing what bathroom one should use OR admit that some things are just wrong and in doing so, collapse their entire world view.
God says it this way in Romans :
Romans 1:18
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to
Those who still love every word of God's Word
desperately need to be encouraging their kids and grandkids to read God's Word straight thru and keep it in its context.
That's important because it will most likely be them to live even more destructive consequences of liberal theology.
Our kids may not immediately see the value to this but in time, if they stay faithful to the Bible, they will see it.
As the days we're in get steadily worse, what their standing on will determine whether or not they make it thru or not.
My best advice,
TryReadNit!
Monday, May 16, 2016
to vote or not to vote
I saw this article on my Fox app and this article is the perfect reason I began a blog such as this. Read a post I labeled "Words are important" for more thoughts. This article illustrates perfectly how , unknowingly by the reporter , the language used , via words , can lead one in a certain direction as they read it . Modern preachers do this all the time. The premise is , for an article like this is, "we Christians should be voting this time around."
We all grew up under this light , and so much more that resembles it.
The problem is, for many Bible believing Christians , their eyes will , at some point , open to the truth . When they do , they will be met head on with this kind of thinking.
To object to these things means (too many) you are un American. No one wants to be called that.
To best describe what "our eyes being opened" means , I guess if I had to sum it up in one sentence it might be something like - " when one sees how utterly fruitless , the best of human wisdom can achieve."
Be ready for a ton of accusations as one begins to become aware of this. Only ridiculas accusations can answer the one whose eyes are being opened. That's one sure way they are being opened.
People say "we'd prefer to go back to the stone age" or "we don't like progress" and yes, even "Christians should vote , no matter what the cost ."
People think and say things like "we are throwing in the towel" if we do not vote, making the voter think things are in mans control. This is done all the while , the leaders are saying, it is not in our control.
This type of contradictory thinking shows up Sunday after Sunday in churches everywhere and after awhile, it gets frustrating.
As we observe well known Christians , popular names from large ministries , encourage Christians to vote , I am reminded that even Moses permitted divorce.
But the difference here is so vast that too miss it truly indicates the severity of peoples blindness.
Many will say Moses allowing divorce and Christian leaders encouraging voting , are not the same.
Yet both seek to permit something God is against.
But one stood on Gods Word when asked to address an issue..
The other is driven by their own fears .
If you think I'm kidding, I am not.
There are many people who remember what freedom and liberty is. Now, that freedom and liberty is not in a Biblical sense. The Biblical view, or Gods view , of freedom and liberty , look nothing like what we know of.
Telling that to others is next to impossible.
The freedom and liberty we are used too is in a sense of making our lives , on this earth , more at ease (as best as can be anyway) and more livable.
I sadly, voted that way many times. I wanted to keep a society as close to what I grew up with. I connected my vote to those who paid a price so as for me to have this privilege.
But the truth is so much more. The truth is hard to swallow , many times.
As I have indicated throughout this blog, the things that cause Christian leaders to act upon are many times the very things they object to or fear or do not like.
What drives the seeker friendly church is wrapped in a package that pretends to be in a context of "we only care about the one who isn't attending church" but truth be known , the changes made to accommodate that are the very things the leaders do not like.
And the same with the election.
Many leaders know what will happen if this country keeps heading in the direction it is. None of us want that.
Many ignore what they know will occur.
Many falsely accuse those who warn others.
Many seek to unite with others on some common cause (I seem to remember a tower being built that way, in the Old Testament)
All of this is wrapped in a package of we only doin this for the betterment of mankind .
Objecting to it will find that one with much grief so to avoid that, we just clam up and go along for the ride.
It goes without saying , that the harshest form of judgement is , giving the people what they want. Because of that , we will all go thru this , whether we agree or not.
We have grown up so long , in denying the judgement we are currently in , we have become masters at kidding ourselves.
The most intense struggle anyone can have , is with themselves, as their eyes begin to open , to Gods truth. This is why reading Gods Word is not popular.
I actually find it quite ingenious , when we think about it.
Centuries ago , Gods Word was not available too the public , as a way to keep it from the people.
Today , it is everywhere , in plain sight , in every home , and it is still hidden from the people.
People buy into the lies, they do not have time or this book is too hard . Preachers will avoid clear harsh examples of what God thinks of all this.
Lets take a close look at this Fox article I saw. my thoughts will be in red.
I like this columnist. My dismay most often is in how those in the public eye cant be straight and water down every issue. It is a well known fact that politicians speak on an elementary level when campaigning , Preachers read from watered down versions because they think their congregation cant handle the "Big person Bible" and at times , the media follows the flow.
This article reveal that.
Reveals what , we ask?
How long will it be till people get tired of being viewed as fools?
here is the article in full
http://nation.foxnews.com/2016/05/12/starnes-should-christians-vote-donald-trump
Should Christians Vote for Donald Trump?
10:00AM EDT 5/13/2016
Todd Starnes
We all grew up under this light , and so much more that resembles it.
The problem is, for many Bible believing Christians , their eyes will , at some point , open to the truth . When they do , they will be met head on with this kind of thinking.
To object to these things means (too many) you are un American. No one wants to be called that.
To best describe what "our eyes being opened" means , I guess if I had to sum it up in one sentence it might be something like - " when one sees how utterly fruitless , the best of human wisdom can achieve."
Be ready for a ton of accusations as one begins to become aware of this. Only ridiculas accusations can answer the one whose eyes are being opened. That's one sure way they are being opened.
People say "we'd prefer to go back to the stone age" or "we don't like progress" and yes, even "Christians should vote , no matter what the cost ."
People think and say things like "we are throwing in the towel" if we do not vote, making the voter think things are in mans control. This is done all the while , the leaders are saying, it is not in our control.
This type of contradictory thinking shows up Sunday after Sunday in churches everywhere and after awhile, it gets frustrating.
As we observe well known Christians , popular names from large ministries , encourage Christians to vote , I am reminded that even Moses permitted divorce.
But the difference here is so vast that too miss it truly indicates the severity of peoples blindness.
Many will say Moses allowing divorce and Christian leaders encouraging voting , are not the same.
Yet both seek to permit something God is against.
But one stood on Gods Word when asked to address an issue..
The other is driven by their own fears .
If you think I'm kidding, I am not.
There are many people who remember what freedom and liberty is. Now, that freedom and liberty is not in a Biblical sense. The Biblical view, or Gods view , of freedom and liberty , look nothing like what we know of.
Telling that to others is next to impossible.
The freedom and liberty we are used too is in a sense of making our lives , on this earth , more at ease (as best as can be anyway) and more livable.
I sadly, voted that way many times. I wanted to keep a society as close to what I grew up with. I connected my vote to those who paid a price so as for me to have this privilege.
But the truth is so much more. The truth is hard to swallow , many times.
As I have indicated throughout this blog, the things that cause Christian leaders to act upon are many times the very things they object to or fear or do not like.
What drives the seeker friendly church is wrapped in a package that pretends to be in a context of "we only care about the one who isn't attending church" but truth be known , the changes made to accommodate that are the very things the leaders do not like.
And the same with the election.
Many leaders know what will happen if this country keeps heading in the direction it is. None of us want that.
Many ignore what they know will occur.
Many falsely accuse those who warn others.
Many seek to unite with others on some common cause (I seem to remember a tower being built that way, in the Old Testament)
All of this is wrapped in a package of we only doin this for the betterment of mankind .
Objecting to it will find that one with much grief so to avoid that, we just clam up and go along for the ride.
It goes without saying , that the harshest form of judgement is , giving the people what they want. Because of that , we will all go thru this , whether we agree or not.
We have grown up so long , in denying the judgement we are currently in , we have become masters at kidding ourselves.
The most intense struggle anyone can have , is with themselves, as their eyes begin to open , to Gods truth. This is why reading Gods Word is not popular.
I actually find it quite ingenious , when we think about it.
Centuries ago , Gods Word was not available too the public , as a way to keep it from the people.
Today , it is everywhere , in plain sight , in every home , and it is still hidden from the people.
People buy into the lies, they do not have time or this book is too hard . Preachers will avoid clear harsh examples of what God thinks of all this.
Lets take a close look at this Fox article I saw. my thoughts will be in red.
I like this columnist. My dismay most often is in how those in the public eye cant be straight and water down every issue. It is a well known fact that politicians speak on an elementary level when campaigning , Preachers read from watered down versions because they think their congregation cant handle the "Big person Bible" and at times , the media follows the flow.
This article reveal that.
Reveals what , we ask?
How long will it be till people get tired of being viewed as fools?
here is the article in full
http://nation.foxnews.com/2016/05/12/starnes-should-christians-vote-donald-trump
Should Christians Vote for Donald Trump?
10:00AM EDT 5/13/2016
Todd Starnes
To be honest, though, Donald Trump could walk the aisle at a Billy Graham Crusade, while waving a King James Bible and singing "Amazing Grace" and it still wouldn't be enough to convince the holier-than-thou club. (Reuters) Yup , that's me folks. But not for the same reasons as this so called "never trump " crowd.
It is sad that Christians with a brain are dubbed "holier than thou." I am telling ya, it is getting to be the time where the average Christian will have to make a choice. These Christians who have never read Gods Word in context are sure to trip big time when they see the list of names telling them its ok for them to vote for trump.
All they see are the names they heard before saying its ok to vote and since it is far more easier to criticize those who object to this trump guy than it is to actually compare things and do research on this , they will blindly vote for who the respectably Christian community says.
For many Christians—Donald Trump is like a bucket of store-bought chicken at a Wednesday night church supper. It may be a culinary heresy—but folks will still eat it.
For many Christians—Donald Trump is like a bucket of store-bought chicken at a Wednesday night church supper. It may be a culinary heresy—but folks will still eat it.
And since that is true , it tops many lists of why I am probably gonna sit this election out.
That's the best-case scenario
How stupid are people? As we read these articles fast, we miss how dumb we can be. An admission that "heresy" is the "best case scenario"...and yet we should feel good voting .
for the Trump campaign as they try to woo wary evangelical Christians.
First things first. We sure could use less of them. "evangelical Christians." How fortunate are we, to be "wooing" them." Haven't they done enough damage to the church ? Now they wanna finish off this country?
Many are still not convinced that the man who has had more wives than there are letters to the Corinthians shares their view from the pew.
Now that's just a dumb sentence. Funny but dumb.
It's not just the #NeverTrump crowd that is causing the campaign to worry. It's the unknown number of evangelicals who may stay home on Election Day.
This article will help correct that. These evangelicals just need a little push from a reputable media outlet ,toss in some well known names so they can say to others "see, I am not the only one voting for him" and that will just enough for these Bible illiterate church goers to sleep at night.
A popular quote by the renowned Pastor Charles Haddon Spurgeon has been trending on social networking websites.
"Of two evils choose none," Spurgeon once said.
ya know, Spurgeon said a lot of good things but leave it too evangelicals to quote famous theologians as they do their Bibles. Selected quotes or passages . I am sure that quote could apply to the last several elections.
But is that really our best and only option—to throw in the towel?
I was having some fun up too this point but it is getting to be more and more ridiculas and somewhat even offensive.
It is almost like we do not read our Bibles anymore and we have no clue as to what God is doing.
Christians have been so long, adding to Christian principles as well as getting them backwards that we lump prayer in with "throwing in the towel."
The best many Christians can do is accuse those who choose not to vote that they are anti vote or un American.
I am not so annoyed as to how this article is written than I am of the fact that many Christians will fall for this language hook , line and sinker.
Do Christians get to claim the moral high ground by electing President Hillary Clinton?
I can see this sentence. Its got words and nouns , etc. But just as it is with any seeker friendly sermon, I can not make heads or tails of this thought. Christians do not "get" to claim anything but Jesus death and resurrection . And is the phrase "moral high ground" put in the same thought with Clinton?! Is staying away from trump and voting Hilary "high ground?"
"The idea of not voting—you're sacrificing your Christian worldview on the altar of political expediency," said Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference.
I am getting to the point where I am reaching my "disgust" limit. This comment by this person is so slick that so many Christians will never see it. Look up that word "expediency." I did.
I am glad I read thru the Bible verse by verse and word for word. In doing so it has helped me spot serious deception that for many years fooled me. I would rather spend the rest of my life being accused of being too critical than to go back to buying this kind of fast talking. I know many people who think that the end result to our (so called) wise informed voting, that this will prepare the way for the Lord to return. My suggestion to the one who likes this view? Do not read that Bible .
"It is silly to talk about not voting for either candidate.
This kind of false accusation aint nuthin compared to what discerning Christians will receive as time goes by. Imagine, thinking its silly to even talk about.The kind of "discerning" I mean is anything that doesn't agree with the mainstream.
Every single Christian should vote."
I sure would like to see chapter and verse on that.
As I type this, it made me think that maybe I was too hard on many in the past that chose not to vote. Now, many of those were just lazy or just uninformed. But there are many that had good reason , in the past , not too vote . I too also fooled and all it took for my eyes to be opened was to first , read Gods Word in context and then be faced with a first time ever situation, where I might not vote.ans
ya know, Spurgeon said a lot of good things but leave it too evangelicals to quote famous theologians as they do their Bibles. Selected quotes or passages . I am sure that quote could apply to the last several elections.
But is that really our best and only option—to throw in the towel?
I was having some fun up too this point but it is getting to be more and more ridiculas and somewhat even offensive.
It is almost like we do not read our Bibles anymore and we have no clue as to what God is doing.
Christians have been so long, adding to Christian principles as well as getting them backwards that we lump prayer in with "throwing in the towel."
The best many Christians can do is accuse those who choose not to vote that they are anti vote or un American.
I am not so annoyed as to how this article is written than I am of the fact that many Christians will fall for this language hook , line and sinker.
Do Christians get to claim the moral high ground by electing President Hillary Clinton?
I can see this sentence. Its got words and nouns , etc. But just as it is with any seeker friendly sermon, I can not make heads or tails of this thought. Christians do not "get" to claim anything but Jesus death and resurrection . And is the phrase "moral high ground" put in the same thought with Clinton?! Is staying away from trump and voting Hilary "high ground?"
"The idea of not voting—you're sacrificing your Christian worldview on the altar of political expediency," said Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference.
I am getting to the point where I am reaching my "disgust" limit. This comment by this person is so slick that so many Christians will never see it. Look up that word "expediency." I did.
I am glad I read thru the Bible verse by verse and word for word. In doing so it has helped me spot serious deception that for many years fooled me. I would rather spend the rest of my life being accused of being too critical than to go back to buying this kind of fast talking. I know many people who think that the end result to our (so called) wise informed voting, that this will prepare the way for the Lord to return. My suggestion to the one who likes this view? Do not read that Bible .
"It is silly to talk about not voting for either candidate.
This kind of false accusation aint nuthin compared to what discerning Christians will receive as time goes by. Imagine, thinking its silly to even talk about.The kind of "discerning" I mean is anything that doesn't agree with the mainstream.
Every single Christian should vote."
I sure would like to see chapter and verse on that.
As I type this, it made me think that maybe I was too hard on many in the past that chose not to vote. Now, many of those were just lazy or just uninformed. But there are many that had good reason , in the past , not too vote . I too also fooled and all it took for my eyes to be opened was to first , read Gods Word in context and then be faced with a first time ever situation, where I might not vote.ans
Franklin Graham, the president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, said Christians need to take a stand in 2016.
Ok, so here is where it gets tough for me. Well , not that tough but many will either think I am back peddling or they might think I am judging him. You see , I have much respect for Franklin and his ministry. What makes objecting to things is, people think in "right or wrong and labels."
Since God is the only one right, that makes the rest of us wrong, even me. It is hard when one wrong person wants to object to another wrong person, but I suppose we do it all the time.
The problem is...the first thing said was "Christians need to take a stand in 2016 " and the connected that to ---->>"You don't just stay home and not vote—you vote," Graham told me.
Christians, myself included , have no real idea of what "taking a stand" means. You see, its not what's being said. Its what these things get connected too. Again, modern sermons in churches , do the same thing , all across this land and we all grew up under this mess. These connections we make are many times considered universal when in truth I wonder if the connection can be made at all. As for me, the only thing I have found too smooth out this mess is to read things and take things in their intended context. Sadly , all good and respectable men, such as Franklin , have to work with , is a complacent , often too busy too care , generation. This connection continues ---->
"Vote for the candidates (who) best support biblical truth and biblical values." The premise is solidly in place by now for msny Christians to trip on . It is not intentional. This is the natural course for the human mindset to travel. The addressing a culture that doesn't care. Too further prove my points, sentences such as the next one are needed ------>
But what if your candidate is not exactly an altar boy in good standing? it pains me to have to remind anyone that , who on this earth is an "altar boy in good standing." Not even an altar boy fits that. This addressing a complacent culture continues ------>>
Ok, so here is where it gets tough for me. Well , not that tough but many will either think I am back peddling or they might think I am judging him. You see , I have much respect for Franklin and his ministry. What makes objecting to things is, people think in "right or wrong and labels."
Since God is the only one right, that makes the rest of us wrong, even me. It is hard when one wrong person wants to object to another wrong person, but I suppose we do it all the time.
The problem is...the first thing said was "Christians need to take a stand in 2016 " and the connected that to ---->>"You don't just stay home and not vote—you vote," Graham told me.
Christians, myself included , have no real idea of what "taking a stand" means. You see, its not what's being said. Its what these things get connected too. Again, modern sermons in churches , do the same thing , all across this land and we all grew up under this mess. These connections we make are many times considered universal when in truth I wonder if the connection can be made at all. As for me, the only thing I have found too smooth out this mess is to read things and take things in their intended context. Sadly , all good and respectable men, such as Franklin , have to work with , is a complacent , often too busy too care , generation. This connection continues ---->
"Vote for the candidates (who) best support biblical truth and biblical values." The premise is solidly in place by now for msny Christians to trip on . It is not intentional. This is the natural course for the human mindset to travel. The addressing a culture that doesn't care. Too further prove my points, sentences such as the next one are needed ------>
But what if your candidate is not exactly an altar boy in good standing? it pains me to have to remind anyone that , who on this earth is an "altar boy in good standing." Not even an altar boy fits that. This addressing a complacent culture continues ------>>
"In some races, it may not always be clear," Graham said. "You may have to hold your nose and choose of the two." If that thought doesn't prove a point , nothing will. What point is that? That somewhere along the line , Christians stopped reading their Bibles. Now the ones that know Gods Word in context are forced too come down to their level as to encourage them to do something (vote) so as to avoid living in a culture most thinking believers know, will occur.
So what are Lutheran church ladies and Baptist deacons and Church of God Sunday school teachers supposed to do? Should Christians vote for Donald Trump? First, lets remove all the stupid labels we give others and this decision is , as its stated later, between them and God. That's its. Since voting or not voting are both in error , it makes no sense for one crowd to judge another.
I decided to assemble an all-star panel to address that question. I reached out to Franklin Graham, Samuel Rodriguez, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and Richard Land, president of Southern Evangelical Seminary. Has anyone stopped to wonder if these can be united? What would unite them? Where has their beliefs come from? I sense that the one writing this. the columnist sought to seek an opinion of very different minded individuals . That seems to be the modern template used when looking for answers in what we have come to know as "fairness" in this culture. To question this method is sure to have the one questioning it , labeled many ,not so pleasant things.
"Can a Christian vote for Donald Trump running against Hillary Clinton? I would say yes," Dr. Land told me. "Is it OK for Christians to vote for Donald Trump? That's a decision for each individual Christian to make for himself or herself." This language is also used from many pulpits. First , give the one wondering permission to do whatever, then swing it around to remind that one, its between them and God. This gets the preacher and politician , off the hook and puts it back where it always was and never left it. meaning "the buck stops here" but the person is never quite sure where the "buck" stops. Is it with them or is it with God? Articles like this never help answer that.
Land told me he plans to "vote against Hillary Clinton, and I don't believe in third-party candidates."
"Can a Christian vote for Donald Trump running against Hillary Clinton? I would say yes," Dr. Land told me. "Is it OK for Christians to vote for Donald Trump? That's a decision for each individual Christian to make for himself or herself." This language is also used from many pulpits. First , give the one wondering permission to do whatever, then swing it around to remind that one, its between them and God. This gets the preacher and politician , off the hook and puts it back where it always was and never left it. meaning "the buck stops here" but the person is never quite sure where the "buck" stops. Is it with them or is it with God? Articles like this never help answer that.
Land told me he plans to "vote against Hillary Clinton, and I don't believe in third-party candidates."
"I'm perturbed—deeply perturbed that I'm presented with such a lousy choice, but that's who the American people have selected," he told me. "I suspect I am not alone among my fellow Americans in saying that I will cast my vote with no joy." Notice where the emphasis is. the , vote. Squarely on the vote while at the same time, its God? Which is it folks. Let me ask ya, how has this voting our principles worked out so far? Its not a question of whether we should vote or not. Its a question of , what is God doing and the answer to that is , He is judging us. If we haven't figured that out by now, I doubt a few months before some election will reveal it. We are coming up on ,in this article , the lie that is propelling this thinking.
But that's the key—actually voting on Election Day. this mindset gets sadder and sadder as I read on. I myself believe in the vote, but this mindset has run amuck and no longer fits Gods Word.
But that's the key—actually voting on Election Day. this mindset gets sadder and sadder as I read on. I myself believe in the vote, but this mindset has run amuck and no longer fits Gods Word.
"I will vote my Christian values," Rodriguez said."MY Christian values" we are getting close to the main lie now.
"It's life,that's a "value"? the family ethos,I had to look up that word "ethos." it's religious liberty, if people know that this kind of liberty will get their head cut off or their house burned down , then ok. I'm guessing most don't know that it's limited government. The only ones who knew about limited gov't were the ones no longer taught to our kids and the ones who most under 30 have great distain for--our founders. That's the person I'm going to vote for." as we know, no such candidate exists.
"It's life,that's a "value"? the family ethos,I had to look up that word "ethos." it's religious liberty, if people know that this kind of liberty will get their head cut off or their house burned down , then ok. I'm guessing most don't know that it's limited government. The only ones who knew about limited gov't were the ones no longer taught to our kids and the ones who most under 30 have great distain for--our founders. That's the person I'm going to vote for." as we know, no such candidate exists.
Rodriquez conceded that the 2016 candidates are not his "dream team"—but he's only concerned about one issue—the Supreme Court. Ta-daa ! there it is. The lie that will hook the "on the fence Christian voter." I get annoyed at those who think I do not care. As I see it, vote if you want or don't vote if you want. That is not the point. The issue is, Christian leaders running around telling everyone , Christians, that they Need to vote and they site reasons such as this. And earlier on , it was folks like me who were labeled "holier than thou." Let me ask you, how's that Conservative court working for ya? I know. Lets ask two gay men or maybe the 54 million aborted babies . We have been fed this "the majority wins" stuff so long, we still believe it. People can and will do what they want. Just don't connect this choice to some makeup of some court . The one who said this comment is more afraid , and rightfully so, than letting on. We all should be. But why does not turning to Jesus emphasized this much. We are a nation that has turned its back on God and somehow we think God will just give that a wink and a nod. Well, to say that better, we all know severe judgement is coming. We just don't want it to occur in our lifetimes.
"I'm going to vote for protecting the Supreme Court from judges that are activists—that run counter to our Judeo-Christian value system." Somebody needs to get this guy a newspaper or some access to the internet. They should also encourage him to look over recent history . It is true, God has undeservingly blessed this nation , yet for a people who says that as much as we do , we sure do forget in times like these. What I mean is, all the "leaders" pushing the vote. It is pointless to persuade one who has strong convictions but I am afraid many will succumb to this kind of language. A language that says its God yet Gods needing our help.
Huckabee, who was a preacher before he was a politician, has been a supporter of Trump. And he's also been mentioned as a possible vice presidential running mate. Gee, never saw that coming (not!)
Huckabee, who was a preacher before he was a politician, has been a supporter of Trump. And he's also been mentioned as a possible vice presidential running mate. Gee, never saw that coming (not!)
He told me Christians can and should vote for Trump. I am not sure if I should be laughing here or insulted. Can we imagine being told this or that we "can" and "should" vote for this guy. Has anyone stopped to consider his total ineptness and blatant avoiding issues when seeking this office? I have heard it said , and I believe it, that for so long , we are accustomed to voting for smart sounding people and seeing nothing done , soo when a slick, fast talking (while saying nothing) candidate comes along , who talks to people like they are two year olds, even the more affluent of this society will fall prey to his words. We are witnessing this now.
"I'm not going to try and suggest that Donald Trump is in any way the reincarnation of the apostle Paul," Huckabee said. a comment like that is a sure indicator , we are about to head in a very wrong direction.
"But he's been very open to not only dialogue with—but listen to and understand where many people in the faith community are coming from." There is so much wrong with this thought it is hard to fathom. But it fits the mindset this and past generations were deceived into believing. I suggest that if this comment makes sense too you, stay far away from the major/minor prophets of Gods Word. Oh...that's right. Preachers don't read those in context.
"I'm not going to try and suggest that Donald Trump is in any way the reincarnation of the apostle Paul," Huckabee said. a comment like that is a sure indicator , we are about to head in a very wrong direction.
"But he's been very open to not only dialogue with—but listen to and understand where many people in the faith community are coming from." There is so much wrong with this thought it is hard to fathom. But it fits the mindset this and past generations were deceived into believing. I suggest that if this comment makes sense too you, stay far away from the major/minor prophets of Gods Word. Oh...that's right. Preachers don't read those in context.
He predicted Trump, if elected, would have a very strong relationship with evangelicals.That's good but even many Christians don't want that. Here is your prove that when God opens the eyes of the believer , their number one obstacle will be that "evangelical" Christian. Get used to it. It will happen. A separation is on the horizon. Its already here but the heat is being turned up . If you are a believer not interested in uniting with different faiths, you are in for a tough ride. Question is, are you ready for that? You either believe the entire Word of God or you believe the "evangelical." That's your choice. You cant have both.
"Donald Trump could well be a great president for those of us who are evangelicals," Huckabee told me.
Besides, Huckabee pointed out, the Republicans have nominated people who are far more contemptuous of the evangelical community. Ok...he caught me here. Yes, that's true and I pulled the switch for several of them.
Anybody remember Sen. John McCain's infamous "agents of intolerance" rhetoric? In 2000, McCain said parts of the religious right were divisive and even un-American—in reporting by The New York Times. first of all , they still say that. They hide it better. This article even indicates that. And second, those parts that were "divisive and un American" are better called ,"becoming aware believers."
So what's a good Christian to do?
Pray, Graham said.finally some straight talk
He's been leading prayer gatherings outside capitol buildings in all 50 states. Tens of thousands of Americans have attended the "Decision America" events.
He's been leading prayer gatherings outside capitol buildings in all 50 states. Tens of thousands of Americans have attended the "Decision America" events.
""We aren't supporting political candidates," he said. "I'm encouraging Christians to vote.darn , straight talk did not last long.
The problem in our country today is that we have allowed the progressive to take God out of our government. We have allowed godless secularism to take control of Washington." the language gets confusing and tricky here. It gets fuzzy as to how much authority a praying Christian has. We are told unlimited , because it is God who is in control. What gets fuzzy is, if we are praying that progressive mindsets stays out of our culture, does the average Christian know what that means? Its kind of like, Christians will pray for a Godly man in the Whitehouse but never consider what might occur if that were to become a reality. I can assure you, it isn't gonna be that cushy life we enjoy now. Christians pray for all kinds of things, never giving thought as to what the answer might look like. We pray for revival. Do we understand that persecution accompanies that answer?
This answer gets fuzzy because the problem is not what we allow or don't allow. The problem is, we are separated from a Holy God. The average church goer is not interested in that or maybe they think its not connected with their vote. They're wrong.
Land suggested Trump could win over evangelicals by offering a few olive branches—like naming Sen. Ted Cruz as his pick to the Supreme Court. I am sure those evangelicals are shallow enough to buy that.a
The problem in our country today is that we have allowed the progressive to take God out of our government. We have allowed godless secularism to take control of Washington." the language gets confusing and tricky here. It gets fuzzy as to how much authority a praying Christian has. We are told unlimited , because it is God who is in control. What gets fuzzy is, if we are praying that progressive mindsets stays out of our culture, does the average Christian know what that means? Its kind of like, Christians will pray for a Godly man in the Whitehouse but never consider what might occur if that were to become a reality. I can assure you, it isn't gonna be that cushy life we enjoy now. Christians pray for all kinds of things, never giving thought as to what the answer might look like. We pray for revival. Do we understand that persecution accompanies that answer?
This answer gets fuzzy because the problem is not what we allow or don't allow. The problem is, we are separated from a Holy God. The average church goer is not interested in that or maybe they think its not connected with their vote. They're wrong.
Land suggested Trump could win over evangelicals by offering a few olive branches—like naming Sen. Ted Cruz as his pick to the Supreme Court. I am sure those evangelicals are shallow enough to buy that.a
"That would help pro-lifers a lot," L and told me. "Ted would be easy to confirm too. A lot of senators would vote for him just to get him out of the Senate. Mitch McConnell might lead the fight."
That's true. maybe God will forget about those 54 million aborted babies. We are getting what we deserve , in trump.
"If he picked an evangelical as his running mate—that would help too," he added. lets give this mindset a plus, for at least trying. Then the next time you pass by a field of cow manure, spray some men's cologne on it .
To be honest, though, Donald Trump could walk the aisle at a Billy Graham Crusade, while waving a King James Bible and singing "Amazing Grace" and it still wouldn't be enough to convince the holier-than-thou club. stop calling me "holier than thou!" It bugs me, I'll admit it. I'd like to think the one who says this would see it as an unjust connection.
And for all you folks quoting Spurgeon—I would offer this rebuttal: not to vote is to vote.
and so goes the final nail in this "getting Christians to vote" coffin. We cater to the one who never research anything , making them think they are vital while inviting guilt on the informed crowd with strong convictions.
Again, vote if you want or don't vote if you want. My purpose for looking at this article line by line was to demonstrate how words are used to create a mindset. In this case, the mindset being , if a Christian doesn't vote , they are somehow un American and or aiding the decline of this nation. If I sit this vote out, it will be my first . The reasons for that have nothing whatsoever to do with anything this article has indicated. My reasons are more towards knowing what God thinks of all this and when I think on that , I cringe. It should bring me too my knees and ask Gods forgiveness for being so foolish as tooo not have been praying more and sharing the Gospel with my friends and co workers.
Their are real answers to todays issues but no one wants too discuss those. They know that if their prayers are answered , it will bring on more persecution then they are ready for. My last several votes are what I call a "Hezekiah" vote. In other words, judgement will come , but not in my lifetime. Well , its becoming clearer by the day , it just might come in my life time.
Don't allow others to go against your strong convictions. I understand those who will vote and I understand those who will not. Lets keep this simple.
tryreadNit!
and so goes the final nail in this "getting Christians to vote" coffin. We cater to the one who never research anything , making them think they are vital while inviting guilt on the informed crowd with strong convictions.
Again, vote if you want or don't vote if you want. My purpose for looking at this article line by line was to demonstrate how words are used to create a mindset. In this case, the mindset being , if a Christian doesn't vote , they are somehow un American and or aiding the decline of this nation. If I sit this vote out, it will be my first . The reasons for that have nothing whatsoever to do with anything this article has indicated. My reasons are more towards knowing what God thinks of all this and when I think on that , I cringe. It should bring me too my knees and ask Gods forgiveness for being so foolish as tooo not have been praying more and sharing the Gospel with my friends and co workers.
Their are real answers to todays issues but no one wants too discuss those. They know that if their prayers are answered , it will bring on more persecution then they are ready for. My last several votes are what I call a "Hezekiah" vote. In other words, judgement will come , but not in my lifetime. Well , its becoming clearer by the day , it just might come in my life time.
Don't allow others to go against your strong convictions. I understand those who will vote and I understand those who will not. Lets keep this simple.
tryreadNit!
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
So, how blessed am I?
Today, May 11,is my anniversary.
Thirty one years ago I had no clue to what I was in for. So many things I didn't understand.
I asked Mindy, a quiet soft spoken woman to be my wife and on this day, 31 years ago, that happened.
I talk a lot about context in this blog and what better place than marriage is there, to mention that.
Think about who you know and who you think you know.
There is no one on this earth that knows me.
No one but my wife.
She's the only one who knows my life in context.
Now if anyone thinks that's un romantic, I've got news for you.
Your wrong!
We live in a world where people rarely truly know one another.
Just think of all those who think they know you.
Because of our insecurities in all of us, we were forced to redefine words as a way to accommodate these insecurities and that has had an effect on us as to how we relate to others.
But too truly know someone, we need to live with them.
That holds true w/God as well.
Sometimes I wonder if we confuse, being aware of things, with people, with knowing them.
I'm fully aware of how friendships are
formed.
That's not what I'm addressing.
When people think they know something, of their own doing, this gives them a false sense of authority.
Most times, the only ones their fooling are themselves.
A majority of our acquaintances are with those of whom we know "about."
This is no small matter, although many will think it is small.
If we think we can know something or someone, apart from God's Word, we aren't thinking straight.
Christians are much to casual when they say things like "I know God."
If our saying that is based on anything but God's Word in context, it's fair to question one saying that.
That's because, our present day definition of "knowing someone" has radically changed.
I am forever thankful God gave us marriage.
It's as if God knew we'd struggle with comprehending us having a relationship with Him, so He gave us marriage.
I mean, think about it.
Two completely different creations, opposite each other, coming to love each other and then asked to become one flesh.
It's not only amazing, it's ingenious. A perfect illustration of God & mankind.
But what do we do?
We don't like that opposing nature thing, so we go online to find others who have the same interests, thinking their compatible.
We read books and watch movies and listen to songs, all driven by emotion (which are all wrong. Btw)
We say things like "we fell in love" or "I'm falling in love."
We don't fall in love anymore than we fall in God's grace.
Let's face it, we all grew up with these sacred cows that no one dare object too.
I wonder if we got this backwards (as we do with most things)
We put the "falling" aspect in front of any relationship.
All I know is, if there is any "falling in love" it happens 20 years into the marriage.
That's when you truly know what the other is made of.
And that's why I can honestly and Truthfully say, I love my wife more today, than I did 31 years ago and mean it,and I must admit, that feels so good to say.
We both know that's not of our doing, which makes it real.
So what's the secret to a long and growing marriage?
I have no clue.
And neither does anyone else outside God's Word.
Even as believers in Jesus, we can't define it.
If we could define it, we wouldn't need the Holy Spirits daily revealing it to us.
How can anyone define a life's journey?
So on this day, as I reflect on all the earthly relationships I've had, with friends & family, in my 53 years on this earth, the one I value most is the one that has remained faithful & constant for a total of almost 34 years.
Thank you Mindy, for 31 wonderful, many times difficult, always exciting and always maturing in Christ Jesus.. Years of marriage.
( let's go for 30 more :-)
Just as it says, in the opening, of the old 1940's radio program *my Favorite husband *..
We are definitely..
"two people who live together.... And like it "
TryReadNit!
Thirty one years ago I had no clue to what I was in for. So many things I didn't understand.
I asked Mindy, a quiet soft spoken woman to be my wife and on this day, 31 years ago, that happened.
I talk a lot about context in this blog and what better place than marriage is there, to mention that.
Think about who you know and who you think you know.
There is no one on this earth that knows me.
No one but my wife.
She's the only one who knows my life in context.
Now if anyone thinks that's un romantic, I've got news for you.
Your wrong!
We live in a world where people rarely truly know one another.
Just think of all those who think they know you.
Because of our insecurities in all of us, we were forced to redefine words as a way to accommodate these insecurities and that has had an effect on us as to how we relate to others.
But too truly know someone, we need to live with them.
That holds true w/God as well.
Sometimes I wonder if we confuse, being aware of things, with people, with knowing them.
I'm fully aware of how friendships are
formed.
That's not what I'm addressing.
When people think they know something, of their own doing, this gives them a false sense of authority.
Most times, the only ones their fooling are themselves.
A majority of our acquaintances are with those of whom we know "about."
This is no small matter, although many will think it is small.
If we think we can know something or someone, apart from God's Word, we aren't thinking straight.
Christians are much to casual when they say things like "I know God."
If our saying that is based on anything but God's Word in context, it's fair to question one saying that.
That's because, our present day definition of "knowing someone" has radically changed.
I am forever thankful God gave us marriage.
It's as if God knew we'd struggle with comprehending us having a relationship with Him, so He gave us marriage.
I mean, think about it.
Two completely different creations, opposite each other, coming to love each other and then asked to become one flesh.
It's not only amazing, it's ingenious. A perfect illustration of God & mankind.
But what do we do?
We don't like that opposing nature thing, so we go online to find others who have the same interests, thinking their compatible.
We read books and watch movies and listen to songs, all driven by emotion (which are all wrong. Btw)
We say things like "we fell in love" or "I'm falling in love."
We don't fall in love anymore than we fall in God's grace.
Let's face it, we all grew up with these sacred cows that no one dare object too.
I wonder if we got this backwards (as we do with most things)
We put the "falling" aspect in front of any relationship.
All I know is, if there is any "falling in love" it happens 20 years into the marriage.
That's when you truly know what the other is made of.
And that's why I can honestly and Truthfully say, I love my wife more today, than I did 31 years ago and mean it,and I must admit, that feels so good to say.
We both know that's not of our doing, which makes it real.
So what's the secret to a long and growing marriage?
I have no clue.
And neither does anyone else outside God's Word.
Even as believers in Jesus, we can't define it.
If we could define it, we wouldn't need the Holy Spirits daily revealing it to us.
How can anyone define a life's journey?
So on this day, as I reflect on all the earthly relationships I've had, with friends & family, in my 53 years on this earth, the one I value most is the one that has remained faithful & constant for a total of almost 34 years.
Thank you Mindy, for 31 wonderful, many times difficult, always exciting and always maturing in Christ Jesus.. Years of marriage.
( let's go for 30 more :-)
Just as it says, in the opening, of the old 1940's radio program *my Favorite husband *..
We are definitely..
"two people who live together.... And like it "
TryReadNit!
Monday, May 9, 2016
-Sunday morning/mothers day
5/8/16I want to address that account of the unforgiving servant but before I do, I want to remind anyone of why this blog exists.
It exists because over the past 4 decades I've noticed that Christians have messed up all the language used to advance the kingdom of God.
Christians have hijacked plain language so as to accommodate there own church growth, emergent, seeker friendly purpose driven mess we now call the visible church.
Does that bug me?
You bet it does.
Why?
Because when our pastor mentioned that the only way to understand the forgiveness Jesus talks about, he said "the only way to do this is to experience that forgiveness."
The moment I heard the word "experience" my radar went up.
And rightfully so.
Modern Christianity has all but ruined that word.
But it's a good word, and it was applicable. Let me explain.
The modern church tries so hard to define things that can not be defined. But it is possible to experience forgiveness. I also know that a good way to experience that is through His Word. Too many, that sounds like it could be part of or one piece of the solution.
We tend too think "yeah , read the Bible but we need to also (fill in the blank)"
It is possible to experience many of the things God speaks of but not in the abstract ways the visible church tries to convey. Anytime we add anything to hearing Gods Word (and that can only be done in the Bible) what we add becomes law thinking.
That is even true for as we consider loving God and loving others.
That is a summary of the Law.
When it comes to the Bible , its not the law that is the problem.
Its the conditions.
The condition of Law , in the Bible, is perfection.
Since no one can achieve that, why do we bind ourselves to it.
Is it not better to be bound by Grace? When we do , only then can true liberty be experienced.
Whether its Gods peace or Gods joy or Gods understanding , we can experience it. Many times these things come at the very time we need it and not before.
I know for a fact that we can indeed experience Gods forgiveness. We struggle with all of these things but I can assure you , as we walk daily with God , when we need His provision , it will be there for us.
Christians are forever telling everyone that they need to experience this or that. They say to me "I need to experience God."
How unfortunate it is , that we constantly miss Gods provision because we pass right over it in our daily lives. Then when we need it most, we wonder where God is.
What we miss is , the answer is in the long , long journey of everyday life.
These answers are in a lifetime of events and circumstances . They are all around us. That does seem to be consistent with human behavior. We excel in missing what we are already in.
The pastor did a good job conveying something that can not be easily conveyed. By his sharing a personal experience he is saying that no one can explain these things but the one faithful with Gods Word will experience all of Gods provision , when it is needed.
After finishing chap 18 , we got into chap 19 and there it begins with discussing divorce.
Here we can again see that the twisting of Gods Word is not something new.
that can be seen in v 7 when those religious leaders asking God to explain why Moses gave the command to give a certificate.
Just one slight problem there.
Moses never commanded that.
Sometimes I feel sorry for those who don't pay attention to words.
These people are easy to spot. There the ones who go along with the Christian flow, they attempt at all cost, to avoid division and they ridicule those who point out slight nuisances such as: Moses didn't command, he permitted.
When you consider, that's just one, of an infinite amount of ways, to be deceived, is it any wonder why we're not to be in constant prayer as we walk the Christian walk.
That is a huge difference , commanding and permitting.
But because pointing that appears to be "judgmental", a majority of Christians just say "it's no big deal."
That even appears judgmental, but observation is not passing judgment.
It's like me saying, "my opinion is.. the sun will come up today."
Have you seen today's churches (hence the term, visible.)
We either over socialize or no socializing at all.
It would take a long time for the light to come on, in people's mind, to clearly see this.
Most folks don't have that time but the slightest consideration of discovering the genesis of the Emergent church would reveal a lot. But most won't consider this because they like where they attend and they see nothing wrong.
I'll end this post with another word Christians have hijacked.
That word is "relationship."
It shows up when the rich young man asks "what am I lacking.?"
The answer to that falls under experiencing God and having a relationship with God.
I struggle in these areas. That's due to plowing my way out of past churches abuse of the words "experience" & "relationship."
The account of the rich young ruler is a good one. Our pastor handled it as best as possible.
My wife and I both know the struggles we have in these areas.
We both approach these in different ways but we are keenly aware that the answer is in the walk. It's years worth of time. It's falling. It's getting up and knocked back down. It's fights, it's making up. It's anger and it's forgiveness. Its conflicts and the settling of conflicts. It's hurt feeling and it's laughing at one another's corny jokes.
As my wife and I get ready to celebrate 31 years of marriage this week, it reminds us that our declaration of love was made 31 years ago.
Now what if, on a weekly basis, for 30 years, my wife and I were constantly told..
"you must experience one another."
"do you have joy with one another "
"u must experience joy with her/him "
Can u imagine if our marriage was handled in a similar way as any visible church? A mindset that even though it acknowledges negative aspects , would prefer that they never show up.
No one wants negative aspects in our lives. But because we have watered down this thing called sin , we have difficulty understanding life as it is. We take that understanding to other concepts of the Bible.
We struggle with difficult passages of the Bible. We apply our version of "fair" to them.
This is a big problem because at some point, we will need to deal with sins ultimate consequences, those being disease and ultimately death.
How can we begin to understand those if we can't even understand what having a relationship means?
Many Christians are not good with things that have already been done. We feel as though we need to be constantly doing something, adding something.
We all know that Jesus did it all
Yet truthfully, that has to be the most difficult of all of God's Truths to comprehend.
People might say," oh, I'm being ridiculous. " as I think of how our marriage might be if handled in a similar way as the visible church.
But they would say that after a summer sermon series entitled" having a relationship with God "
or" how to experience God. "
And this makes sense!?
And we wonder why people leave the church?
These believers say things like "how will people know if we don't tell em how that's done?"
I'm sorry, but if church's would just read all of Gods Word , isn't that enough to encourage the true believer to walk in a right manner.
Isn't that enough to comfort the one going through unimaginable , painful struggles?
Isn't just loving that one , as God says enough?
There are reasons marriage comes to light as we read God's Word in context.
But to date, the visible church has missed it, big time.
It goes without saying, had our marriage be lived in a similar way we are told to experience God, we would not be celebrating 31 years.
Our testimony is perseverance.
Since the visible church can't see "perseverance" more times than not, that's not good enough.
And perseverance turns into persecution many times.
But that truth rarely shows up in one's church life.
And note, the persecution isn't from the outside. It's from the inside, or better said, church family as well as human family.
And we're encouraged to endure all that as we sit week after week in many pews.
We think there's some formula?
Truth is, most formulas are just one believer saying to the other "you need to do this" and the council ends their.
The ending of chapter 19 is a painful reminder of what's missing
It's also a glorious reminder of what's to come, as seen in these verses :
Mat 19:28 — Mat 19:30
Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.
It doesn't get much better than that. This walk in Christ, on this earth, will be fought with much adversity, peppered with intense joy.
How unfortunate that our culture has managed to even reverse those.
Till next Sunday, God blessings to all
TryReadNit!
The modern church tries so hard to define things that can not be defined. But it is possible to experience forgiveness. I also know that a good way to experience that is through His Word. Too many, that sounds like it could be part of or one piece of the solution.
We tend too think "yeah , read the Bible but we need to also (fill in the blank)"
It is possible to experience many of the things God speaks of but not in the abstract ways the visible church tries to convey. Anytime we add anything to hearing Gods Word (and that can only be done in the Bible) what we add becomes law thinking.
That is even true for as we consider loving God and loving others.
That is a summary of the Law.
When it comes to the Bible , its not the law that is the problem.
Its the conditions.
The condition of Law , in the Bible, is perfection.
Since no one can achieve that, why do we bind ourselves to it.
Is it not better to be bound by Grace? When we do , only then can true liberty be experienced.
Whether its Gods peace or Gods joy or Gods understanding , we can experience it. Many times these things come at the very time we need it and not before.
I know for a fact that we can indeed experience Gods forgiveness. We struggle with all of these things but I can assure you , as we walk daily with God , when we need His provision , it will be there for us.
Christians are forever telling everyone that they need to experience this or that. They say to me "I need to experience God."
How unfortunate it is , that we constantly miss Gods provision because we pass right over it in our daily lives. Then when we need it most, we wonder where God is.
What we miss is , the answer is in the long , long journey of everyday life.
These answers are in a lifetime of events and circumstances . They are all around us. That does seem to be consistent with human behavior. We excel in missing what we are already in.
The pastor did a good job conveying something that can not be easily conveyed. By his sharing a personal experience he is saying that no one can explain these things but the one faithful with Gods Word will experience all of Gods provision , when it is needed.
After finishing chap 18 , we got into chap 19 and there it begins with discussing divorce.
Here we can again see that the twisting of Gods Word is not something new.
that can be seen in v 7 when those religious leaders asking God to explain why Moses gave the command to give a certificate.
Just one slight problem there.
Moses never commanded that.
Sometimes I feel sorry for those who don't pay attention to words.
These people are easy to spot. There the ones who go along with the Christian flow, they attempt at all cost, to avoid division and they ridicule those who point out slight nuisances such as: Moses didn't command, he permitted.
When you consider, that's just one, of an infinite amount of ways, to be deceived, is it any wonder why we're not to be in constant prayer as we walk the Christian walk.
That is a huge difference , commanding and permitting.
But because pointing that appears to be "judgmental", a majority of Christians just say "it's no big deal."
That even appears judgmental, but observation is not passing judgment.
It's like me saying, "my opinion is.. the sun will come up today."
Have you seen today's churches (hence the term, visible.)
We either over socialize or no socializing at all.
It would take a long time for the light to come on, in people's mind, to clearly see this.
Most folks don't have that time but the slightest consideration of discovering the genesis of the Emergent church would reveal a lot. But most won't consider this because they like where they attend and they see nothing wrong.
I'll end this post with another word Christians have hijacked.
That word is "relationship."
It shows up when the rich young man asks "what am I lacking.?"
The answer to that falls under experiencing God and having a relationship with God.
I struggle in these areas. That's due to plowing my way out of past churches abuse of the words "experience" & "relationship."
The account of the rich young ruler is a good one. Our pastor handled it as best as possible.
My wife and I both know the struggles we have in these areas.
We both approach these in different ways but we are keenly aware that the answer is in the walk. It's years worth of time. It's falling. It's getting up and knocked back down. It's fights, it's making up. It's anger and it's forgiveness. Its conflicts and the settling of conflicts. It's hurt feeling and it's laughing at one another's corny jokes.
As my wife and I get ready to celebrate 31 years of marriage this week, it reminds us that our declaration of love was made 31 years ago.
Now what if, on a weekly basis, for 30 years, my wife and I were constantly told..
"you must experience one another."
"do you have joy with one another "
"u must experience joy with her/him "
Can u imagine if our marriage was handled in a similar way as any visible church? A mindset that even though it acknowledges negative aspects , would prefer that they never show up.
No one wants negative aspects in our lives. But because we have watered down this thing called sin , we have difficulty understanding life as it is. We take that understanding to other concepts of the Bible.
We struggle with difficult passages of the Bible. We apply our version of "fair" to them.
This is a big problem because at some point, we will need to deal with sins ultimate consequences, those being disease and ultimately death.
How can we begin to understand those if we can't even understand what having a relationship means?
Many Christians are not good with things that have already been done. We feel as though we need to be constantly doing something, adding something.
We all know that Jesus did it all
Yet truthfully, that has to be the most difficult of all of God's Truths to comprehend.
People might say," oh, I'm being ridiculous. " as I think of how our marriage might be if handled in a similar way as the visible church.
But they would say that after a summer sermon series entitled" having a relationship with God "
or" how to experience God. "
And this makes sense!?
And we wonder why people leave the church?
These believers say things like "how will people know if we don't tell em how that's done?"
I'm sorry, but if church's would just read all of Gods Word , isn't that enough to encourage the true believer to walk in a right manner.
Isn't that enough to comfort the one going through unimaginable , painful struggles?
Isn't just loving that one , as God says enough?
There are reasons marriage comes to light as we read God's Word in context.
But to date, the visible church has missed it, big time.
It goes without saying, had our marriage be lived in a similar way we are told to experience God, we would not be celebrating 31 years.
Our testimony is perseverance.
Since the visible church can't see "perseverance" more times than not, that's not good enough.
And perseverance turns into persecution many times.
But that truth rarely shows up in one's church life.
And note, the persecution isn't from the outside. It's from the inside, or better said, church family as well as human family.
And we're encouraged to endure all that as we sit week after week in many pews.
We think there's some formula?
Truth is, most formulas are just one believer saying to the other "you need to do this" and the council ends their.
The ending of chapter 19 is a painful reminder of what's missing
It's also a glorious reminder of what's to come, as seen in these verses :
Mat 19:28 — Mat 19:30
Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.
It doesn't get much better than that. This walk in Christ, on this earth, will be fought with much adversity, peppered with intense joy.
How unfortunate that our culture has managed to even reverse those.
Till next Sunday, God blessings to all
TryReadNit!
Sunday morning/Mothers day (pt1)
Good Sunday morning. 5/8
And its Mothers day even.
I got up late this morning. Anyone ever do that?
Funny how, as I'm driving to "church" I'm thinking "am I ready to go to the house of the Lord.?
Then I remembered, " the Lord lives in me.?
There are several things about that many believers will find hard to comprehend.
That's because people say things like "I am".. the church.
Kind of like when people say things like" I call Jesus my friend. "
The truth is,
Jesus lives in me & Jesus calls US His friend
Another thing that's sad is, many Christians think there's no difference in how we say things and they frown at those who might point something like that out.
All of life, and especially our Christian walk, is a matter of perspective.
I suppose this could fall under the light of "glass half empty, glass half full" kinda thing but that's not the best example.
Christians have "this way" of , even when we are talking or singing about Jesus, somehow it's "us" that becomes the focus.
I never could explain that but it occurs daily.
That's the stuff that messes us up.
Since there is no way to avoid this kind of thing, the next best thing to hope for is to be able to spot it when it occurs.
I myself find that going thru God's Word verse by verse does that.
It makes confusing language recognizable.
Personally, I'm weary of always being on my guard in the Christian world.
On one hand, I'm glad to recognize it but on the other hand, it's tiring.
It's like I almost said (to myself) this morning, "I am the church" rather than "Jesus lives in me."
No difference you say?
I heard it put this way once, that makes sense.
Let's say I go running around telling everyone.. "I know the president of the United States."
Is that so great?
Would people believe it?
I suppose I could prove it but what's the point?
But suppose the president said "I know Dave D"
Now we have something.
Christians say "oh ,your nit picking."
What they fail to see is, much of life gets run thru this grid they develop.
That grid being," me. "
It's no fun, being this way, when it comes to fellowship with emergent believers.
People tend to put the emphasis on" me " and how I interpret things rather than God and what He said.
Again, this is why i like contextual verse by verse thinking. It takes the spotlight off me and puts it on Jesus.
When that's done, things aimed at" me " are clearly seen.
I'm so not interested in me and my opinions.
Thinking that way is not popular. People rarely want to be reminded how easy it is to get wrapped up in yourself, in this culture.
People like thinking, "not me" when it comes to being self centered.
Now what's really tough to convey is when Jesus is the center of ones life, they are indeed given so much, by God.
The only analogy I came up with (on my own) on this is,
Let's say your standing out in a driving rainstorm.
Your getting wet.
You don't have to pull the rain in on yourself to get wet. You don't have to work hard or come up with some new way to get wet.
You just get wet.
Silly analogy but when loving God, trusting Him, things happen.
It's in how we interpret those "things" that can easily mess us up.
We call those "things" blessings.
It's God keeping His promises that create in us who we become.
Christians have this knack for saying over & over its all about God while at the same time, focusing on themselves.
If you need prove of that.. Consider how a very popular book can begin with "it's not about you" and then proceed to write an entire book, about you, and get away with it.
Dust off ur copy of 'purpose driven life' and see for yourself.
We can't escape mentioning ourselves. That's not the point. How can a person witness if they can not talk about themselves.
But we have seem to perfected the technique of , as we discuss Jesus, WE become the focus.
We are so good at this. We don't even know we are doing it.
That is why ,, another undesired effect of verse by verse is spotting inconsistent language when otherwise (for years) went missed.
But when we talk about rain, we talk about the rain storm. We mention getting wet but we don't dwell on it.
Christians dwell on their version of "blessings."
Notice, i said "their version."
The language we use makes no sense when we think about it.
Problem is, most believers never think about it.
Does reading God's Word in context clear that up? Sure does.
The confusing language will never ever go away. Best thing to do is recognize it and when seen, ask God to forgive us when we forget how self focused we all are.
That could be a good Segway into what we were reading this morning.
Again, I didn't say sermon or message.
God's Word IS the message.
We say "c'mon, do we really need to watch our words that close?"
Yes.. In this day and age, yes we do.
Why?
Because when one grows up in the church, with a sermon /messages mindset, as I did, it allows for preachers to stray from the main thing (salvation) and come up with some holiday themed "message , such as a mother's day message.
Yes, today's mothers day and I'm thankful our pastor did not preach a message about mothers.
(slight pause as modern believers reading this, regain their composure)
We finished chap 19 where we left off and it began with that man who was forgiven of a huge debt (it was noted, it would take 15 yrs to earn one talent and he owed 10,000)
That same man tossed into jail a guy who owed him $40.
I think we can see where this is going.
My thoughts are long on this so I'm gonna finish in another part 2 post.
as always...tryreadNit!
And its Mothers day even.
I got up late this morning. Anyone ever do that?
Funny how, as I'm driving to "church" I'm thinking "am I ready to go to the house of the Lord.?
Then I remembered, " the Lord lives in me.?
There are several things about that many believers will find hard to comprehend.
That's because people say things like "I am".. the church.
Kind of like when people say things like" I call Jesus my friend. "
The truth is,
Jesus lives in me & Jesus calls US His friend
Another thing that's sad is, many Christians think there's no difference in how we say things and they frown at those who might point something like that out.
All of life, and especially our Christian walk, is a matter of perspective.
I suppose this could fall under the light of "glass half empty, glass half full" kinda thing but that's not the best example.
Christians have "this way" of , even when we are talking or singing about Jesus, somehow it's "us" that becomes the focus.
I never could explain that but it occurs daily.
That's the stuff that messes us up.
Since there is no way to avoid this kind of thing, the next best thing to hope for is to be able to spot it when it occurs.
I myself find that going thru God's Word verse by verse does that.
It makes confusing language recognizable.
Personally, I'm weary of always being on my guard in the Christian world.
On one hand, I'm glad to recognize it but on the other hand, it's tiring.
It's like I almost said (to myself) this morning, "I am the church" rather than "Jesus lives in me."
No difference you say?
I heard it put this way once, that makes sense.
Let's say I go running around telling everyone.. "I know the president of the United States."
Is that so great?
Would people believe it?
I suppose I could prove it but what's the point?
But suppose the president said "I know Dave D"
Now we have something.
Christians say "oh ,your nit picking."
What they fail to see is, much of life gets run thru this grid they develop.
That grid being," me. "
It's no fun, being this way, when it comes to fellowship with emergent believers.
People tend to put the emphasis on" me " and how I interpret things rather than God and what He said.
Again, this is why i like contextual verse by verse thinking. It takes the spotlight off me and puts it on Jesus.
When that's done, things aimed at" me " are clearly seen.
I'm so not interested in me and my opinions.
Thinking that way is not popular. People rarely want to be reminded how easy it is to get wrapped up in yourself, in this culture.
People like thinking, "not me" when it comes to being self centered.
Now what's really tough to convey is when Jesus is the center of ones life, they are indeed given so much, by God.
The only analogy I came up with (on my own) on this is,
Let's say your standing out in a driving rainstorm.
Your getting wet.
You don't have to pull the rain in on yourself to get wet. You don't have to work hard or come up with some new way to get wet.
You just get wet.
Silly analogy but when loving God, trusting Him, things happen.
It's in how we interpret those "things" that can easily mess us up.
We call those "things" blessings.
It's God keeping His promises that create in us who we become.
Christians have this knack for saying over & over its all about God while at the same time, focusing on themselves.
If you need prove of that.. Consider how a very popular book can begin with "it's not about you" and then proceed to write an entire book, about you, and get away with it.
Dust off ur copy of 'purpose driven life' and see for yourself.
We can't escape mentioning ourselves. That's not the point. How can a person witness if they can not talk about themselves.
But we have seem to perfected the technique of , as we discuss Jesus, WE become the focus.
We are so good at this. We don't even know we are doing it.
That is why ,, another undesired effect of verse by verse is spotting inconsistent language when otherwise (for years) went missed.
But when we talk about rain, we talk about the rain storm. We mention getting wet but we don't dwell on it.
Christians dwell on their version of "blessings."
Notice, i said "their version."
The language we use makes no sense when we think about it.
Problem is, most believers never think about it.
Does reading God's Word in context clear that up? Sure does.
The confusing language will never ever go away. Best thing to do is recognize it and when seen, ask God to forgive us when we forget how self focused we all are.
That could be a good Segway into what we were reading this morning.
Again, I didn't say sermon or message.
God's Word IS the message.
We say "c'mon, do we really need to watch our words that close?"
Yes.. In this day and age, yes we do.
Why?
Because when one grows up in the church, with a sermon /messages mindset, as I did, it allows for preachers to stray from the main thing (salvation) and come up with some holiday themed "message , such as a mother's day message.
Yes, today's mothers day and I'm thankful our pastor did not preach a message about mothers.
(slight pause as modern believers reading this, regain their composure)
We finished chap 19 where we left off and it began with that man who was forgiven of a huge debt (it was noted, it would take 15 yrs to earn one talent and he owed 10,000)
That same man tossed into jail a guy who owed him $40.
I think we can see where this is going.
My thoughts are long on this so I'm gonna finish in another part 2 post.
as always...tryreadNit!
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Have you been thinking lately , there's something missing? Discernmen...........t.[CLICK IMAGE]
![Have you been thinking lately , there's something missing? Discernmen...........t.[CLICK IMAGE]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoiNr7OjdutaE1fnZNfulF4VjXIW0Se2t3cO8WivL1l5R6Wbt2LwysTEwiZFMJ0dpXz_y4NKF-u3eG0WEbn9FenoXUIgL88SG5IMWLUyfp7N7J35eUPmE2a2zvy8nq6ZAIJ9eOmXmbNMYn/s376/PicsArt_01-21-05.55.38.jpg)
Read GOD'S WORD IN CONTEXT!
(CLICK IMAGE)..but I raised my hand to accept Jesus...(CLICK IMAGE)
(CLICK IMAGE)
do we really get this???
Believe then receive
Believe then receive
Matt 7:15 wolves in sheeps clothing (CLICK IMAGE)
CLICK IMAGE
CLICK IMAGE/ OLD TESTEMENT
CLICK IMAGE / NEW TESTEMENT
CLICK IMAGE
Slippery slope!? (click image)
