Wordless Wednesday- Sending Love to God

Early Morning Bible Study time, from the perspective of a 6 year old. Those hearts are sending out love to God! Hallelujah for faith like a child!

coram Deo

Yes, that title is in Latin. No, I haven't gone and learned Latin on you. However, I did learn what this means recently. Would you like to know? It means essentially living in the face of God. Ok, what does that mean, you ask? It means living out our lives, each day, as though we are right in front of God's face.

A Christ follower should already be doing this, but how often have you actually stopped to think about this? Are you living your life as though God is watching your every move, your every step, and your every action? He is, you know. What does He see?

Because I am a sinner, I know that there are some things God sees in my life, that I'm sure He does NOT want to see. Though I do live my life each day, trying not to do these things. What kinds of things does God see in your life, that you think He wouldn't want to see?

For me, these are just a few of the things that I am aware of, that I know He doesn't want to see. Sometimes, I am selfish. I think I deserve more than I'm getting, and I even if I don't let the feeling be known to the people around me, He knows. Sometimes, I'm not honest. I can justify it all I want, and call it a little white lie, but a lie is a lie, period. Even lying by omission, is still lying. Sometimes I exaggerate. Guess what...That's lying too. Sometimes I'm lazy. Ever heard of the "deadly sins"? This is one of them. Sometimes I'm proud, and unsubmissive. Sometimes, I'm judgemental. Sometimes, I'm angry and say hurtful things. Sometimes, I'm covetous. I want things I don't have, sometimes. Come to think of it, I am constantly sinning in some way. I don't mean to, and I don't want to, but I do it nonetheless. How about you? Got any sins you need to acknowledge?

For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but [how] to perform what is good I do not find. Romans 7:18 NKJV

Now being a sinner, does not necessarily make you what we humans think of as a "bad person". However, remember what Scripture says:

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23 NKJV

Guess what, that means that as far as God is concerned, you are a "bad person." So, does this then mean that we can continue on the way that we do, just because it's not humanly possible to be perfect (for those of us that are not Jesus)? Um, NO!!! We must endeavor each day to be sinless. Though we are justified by faith, because of our faith, we do works. Through these works, we prove that our faith is genuine. So, today, I'd like to challenge you to really live coram Deo. I'm going to be praying that God gives me a spirit of humility, and submission to His will for my life, so that each day I get closer and closer to righteousness. I'll never get there of my own will, that's for sure. One last Scripture for you to meditate on:

I will cleanse them from all their iniquity by which they have sinned against Me, and I will pardon all their iniquities by which they have sinned and by which they have transgressed against Me. Jeremiah 33:8 NKJV

Just remember, this is God speaking. He will cleanse us, He will pardon our iniquities. But we must acknowledge them first, and we must be willing to let Him do His work within us. Blessings to you!

There is no "MORE" to this post.

photo courtesy of 0 W8ing

God Is Our Provision by Shalene

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as [it is] in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. Matthew 6:9-13 KJV

I have discovered something recently, that I don't know how I managed to miss in all this time. That is: the concept of "daily bread". I never really got what this meant. Now, for a little background: some of you know that I grew up in a household that was Catholic, and did learn some of the prayers that went along with that practice, and learned how to say my rosaries, and everything. However, it was always by rote, that I said them. They meant nothing. I did not realize that one of the prayers- the Lord's Prayer, was something that was actually in the Bible. I also did not know that "bread" did not mean literally "bread."

What does it mean then, you ask?

Our daily bread is His Holy Word. I read something today, that really put this in perspective. It is from the study that I am doing right now, of Beth Moore's book "A Woman's Heart God's Dwelling Place." In it she states:

How deeply our Provider wants us to recognize that He is our daily provision. Our lives could never be sustained on a once-a-week meal; yet we often expect a hearty Sunday serving to be enough to sustain spiritual growth.

How true that is! How often do we expect our church's sermons to give us the information we need to grow spiritually, and then never really bother to crack open our Bibles for ourselves.

Now, thankfully, that is no longer the case for me, most of the time, thanks to these articles I write for you- my readers. I want to thank you all for that. By reading what I am led to write, you are helping me to grow. Ok, now back to my point.

So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the LORD. Deuteronomy 8:3 NKJV

Are you living? Or are you dying? Do you fill yourself up each day with the only Provision that is necessary for a Spirit filled life? Remember, one of the many names of our Lord is Jehovah-Jireh "God will provide." Do you trust Him each day to provide for you? Or do you rely on yourself?

I've also learned another powerful truth, since becoming a Christ follower, and that is that so long as I rely on myself, I fail. When I rely on Him, my life is blessed beyond compare. I do not worry about tomorrow, for today has worry enough of it's own. (Matthew 6:34 NKJV)

Focus on these Scripture verses today:

O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off.
You comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O LORD, You know it altogether. You have hedged me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain it. Psalm 139:1-6 NKJV

Lord, I thank you each day, that You are my provision, daily. If I focus on You, and the things that are of You, I cannot go wrong. I will become more like You in all that I do and say. I will become the effective witness that You created me to be. I thank You Lord, that You always have my best interests in Your Divine Plan. I pray these things in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.

Explaining the Nephilim by Shalene

NOW it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born to them, that the sons of God saw the daughters of men, that they were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves of all whom they chose. And the LORD said, "My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he is indeed flesh; yet his days shall be one hundred and twenty years." There were giants on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men and they bore children to them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown. Genesis 6:2-4 NKJV (emphasis mine)

I've always wondered who the Nephilim were and how they came to be. For awhile, I was confused and thought they were perhaps some other creation that God made outside the Garden of Eden, but that just didn't seem biblical, so I've attempted to find the answers, that I'd like to share with you here. What the verses above suggest is that the Nephilim were actually the offspring of angels and the "daughters of man."

Of course, they couldn't be the angels that were still in Heaven, because in verse 6, we learn that there was evil rampant on the Earth, and you would think that if daughters of men and angels from Heaven reproduced, we would have an even godlier race. No, these were offspring of fallen angels- Satan's minions.

The reason I believe them to be angels? The term used to describe the "Sons of God" is bene elohim and a similar term bar elohim. This term- bene elohim- is used only three other times in the Old Testement: Job 1:6; 2:1; and 38:7 and refers, very clearly, to spiritual beings. Twice the reference is of those fallen spirits who accompanied Satan in his periodic appearances before the Lord in heaven.

Why would angels, even fallen angels want to reproduce with the "daughters of man" you ask? It's very simple, really, to corrupt the human race, so that a Savior could not come from them. That brings us to the reason for the Flood. God had to destroy the races that created the corrupt flesh. For they were also ungodly and evil. Our Savior could not come from that line. This was Satan's plan. To corrupt the human race to such a degree that a Savior that would defeat him could not be found. Isn't it wonderful, how our Lord saved Noah and his family, all to thwart Satan's plans. We have an awesome God. Praise Him Forever! If you'd like to learn more about this and have some time to wade through all the details, I strongly suggest this link: Notes on the Nephilim and also this one: Biblical Archaeology Society Online Archive

Observing the Sabbath by Shalene Kearney

For the law was given through Moses, [but] grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. John 1:17 NKJV

Yesterday, while reading another blog (that I thoroughly respect, for the record) I came across a post about observing the Sabbath and what that means for today's Christian. While what my brother in Christ stated made perfect sense, and he did attempt to back up what he said with scripture, I must beg to differ.

My brother explained that while he is not a Seventh Day Adventist, he is of the opinion that the bible indicates that Christians should indeed practice the observance of the Sabbath on Saturday, as opposed to Sunday as many, if not most do. (Of those that observe a Sabbath at all.) Now before I go any further, let me say this: I do try to observe a day of rest. Can I call it a Sabbath in the traditional sense? No. I cannot. Why is that, you ask?

These are the requirements for Sabbath-keeping: A person placed under that Sabbath law could not leave his home on the Sabbath (Exodus 16:29), he could not build a fire (Exodus 35:3), and he could not cause anyone else to work (Deuteronomy 5:14). A person breaking the Sabbath law was to be put to death (Exodus 31:15; Numbers 15:32–35).

I do leave my home on my day of rest, I do cook sometimes (or at least heat leftovers made from Friday's meal,) and at times, I have gone shopping, which makes another person work. Aside from that, I am not a Jew, but a Gentile and therefore the true purpose of the Sabbath is not for me. The purpose of keeping the Sabbath was to remember Israel's slavery in Egypt and God delivering them from that slavery. (Deuteronomy 5:15)

'Therefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations as a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.' Exodus 31:16-17 NKJV (emphasis mine)

So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ. Colossians 2:16–17 NKJV (emphasis mine)

And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Colossians 2:13-14 NKJV (emphasis mine)

One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks. Romans 14:5-6 NKJV

Now, I am by no means an expert on biblical study, but I think this makes my point. Though a day of rest is a very good idea, in my opinion, strictly for refreshment of the body and soul, (reading and studying God's Word, fellowship with like-minded believers, and to just plainly remember that this life is just a moment in time to be used to glorify the Lord.) A Sabbath in the traditional sense is not meant for Christians at all.

"The Sabbath was given to Israel, not the church. The Sabbath is still Saturday, not Sunday, and has never been changed. But the Sabbath is part of the Old Testament Law, and Christians are free from the bondage of the Law (Galatians 4:1-26; Romans 6:14). Sabbath keeping is not required of the Christian—be it Saturday or Sunday. The first day of the week, Sunday, the Lord's Day (Revelation 1:10) celebrates the New Creation, with Christ as our resurrected Head. We are not obligated to follow the Mosaic Sabbath—resting, but are now free to follow the risen Christ—serving." (emphasis mine)(1)

So having said all that, I will say here that I am going to continue to take my day of rest on Sunday and that I will continue to worship the Lord every day. Not just Sunday, or Saturday. I will attend services within my church on both days, as is needed (because I serve in a capacity that at times may require this.) But I will serve my fellow man every day. You make the choice for yourself, between yourself and God. It is for no one else to judge you in this regard.

--Lord, I pray that these words are edifying to the believer and that they glorify You above all. I thank You, that in your divine wisdom You provided a means for the children of Israel to remember their delivery from bondage. I also thank You for nailing to the cross the requirements of that law for the Gentile that I am. May Your Name be praised Forever. In Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.

(1) http://www.gotquestions.org/Saturday-Sunday.html

The Blind Leading the Blind by Shalene

Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. 1 Timothy 5:24 KJV

This scripture is referencing the choosing of the Pastors and Ministers in the church. Why do I mention this today you ask? I mention this today because of something I learned yesterday. I found out yesterday, first hand, how easy it is to become an ordained minister! Yes, I'm now ordained. Does that mean anything? NO! (And if any of you start calling me pastor or minister, you will really offend me.)

The thing that concerns me is not that pretty much anyone can become ordained, but that too many of us believe that if a person holds a title of ordained minister, pastor, or evangelist, that they must really know their stuff. And we follow them blindly because of it. Today, I hope to shatter that notion!

Let me be clear here. I am not anti-pastor, anti-minister, or anti-evangelist. What I am is anti-ignorance of HIS Holy Word. (Yes, I know none of those things are real words, but let's pretend for a moment shall we?) How many of you, like me, assumed that to be a pastor or to hold the title of minister, you needed some kind of schooling? That's what scares me! I am frightened for all those souls that are following someone that claims to be one of these; thinking that they are somehow more qualified to teach the Word of God- based solely on their title! This is not always the case.

I am aware that there ARE learned men and women that preach the true Word of God, and these esteemed people are most definitely qualified to do so. They also have my utmost respect. But there are some that claim to be learned and do not preach what is true.

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John,and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13 KJV

It's true that anyone can minister, if they but know the Word of God. And anyone can know the Word of God, by reading and studying it. You must ask yourself, though, anytime that you choose to follow the teachings of anyone: have they "been with Jesus"? Test what they say, test their claims. Do not blindly follow them! I exhort all of you, do not blindly follow me either. I am no one. I only follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, and am inspired by Him alone. But test all that I say as well. Know for yourself the Truth! We have become a society that does not recognize a fraud because we don't know one when it is staring us in the face. Get into the Word, and you too shall know the Truth.

I happen to belong to a wonderful institutional church, and am not telling anyone that they should abandon their church. What I am saying is that everyone one of the teachers within your church, if you belong to one, should be willing that you question them on their theology and their teaching, and it should fall in line with what the bible says. I, for one, believe the Bible to be the final authoritative, only infallible Word of God. Do you??

--Lord, I pray today that those reading these words will see that Your Name is to be glorified above all others in every teaching. I pray that they will learn the Truth of their own reading of Your Holy Word, and that they will not blindly follow the blind. I pray that Your Name has been glorified by my words, and that you continue to use me to reach others. I pray this in Jesus' Holy Name. Amen.