Showing posts with label offerings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label offerings. Show all posts
Monday, June 18, 2007
My "Church," My "Religion," and My Faith
If you have followed my last few posts regarding "church" membership, fellowship and accountability, then you will understand that I do support the attendance within a "church." I do this not because I support a particular doctrine or place of worship, rather it is because I find that fellowship with like minded believers helps to strengthen my own faith walk. I do not expect others to agree with my stance, nor do I feel it lessens their ability to strengthen their own faith walk, unless they find that they are unable or unwilling to "walk in the Spirit" on their own. There are not many that can do so. In order for most to be strong in their faith and in their convictions that what they believe is the Truth, they need others to help guide their steps. Yesterday, in the church that I attend, our pastor made a good point for this. He gave an illustration of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus took 3 of his closest "friends" and asked them to stand watch for him, because as He said: "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Matthew 26:36-38 (NIV) In Ecclesiastes we read that "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to heop him up! Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NIV) This was also from our sermon yesterday. The basis for this sermon was being Spiritual Warriors for the Lord, and that we all need others that will help us. This does not mean that we must belong to a "church" as a place, but rather to a "church" as a body of LIKE MINDED believers, regardless of the meeting "place." I do not think it necessary for me to denounce my "religion" as my faith is my "religion." I give myself a label of "Christian" because that is what others would say I am. I am a Christ follower, first and foremost. I am not perfect, only loved by a perfect God! Nor has any other Christian ever been perfect (Jesus was not a Christian, as He did not follow himself.) I do not feel as some do that the Cross is a symbol of warfare, but rather a symbol of all that Christ gave, so that we might have eternal life. I do not worship the cross, but rather the one that died upon it, and then rose from the dead 3 days later! I pray the blessings of the Lord upon all that read this post.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
HOLINESS By Gail Rodgers
"Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place" (Psalm 51:6).
The preacher was talking about "holy living." Sharon yawned. It made her think of quiet monasteries. Surely "holiness" could not to be expected in this day and age! She dismissed the word as old and musty and the sermon as irrelevant.
Before going to sleep, Sharon opened her Bible. Tonight she would read a quick Psalm. Verse 6 of Psalm 51 jumped out at her:
"Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place."
The Holy Spirit shone His light into her heart. Suddenly, with clarity, she understood what holiness was. God was whispering to her heart. "Holiness is truth in the inner parts."
She hadn't expected God to really speak to her heart tonight. The inner parts were the places no one else saw...only God. This was where her true attitudes lived, this was where she hid the words that sprang to her mind when she was angry, this was where the justifications of her little white lies were tucked away.
Sharon had recently asked God to help her become "whole" as she struggled with some issues in her life. She had had no idea that "wholeness" comes through "holiness."
Sharon knew she needed God's wisdom to teach her in these hidden places. A new desire for holiness sprang up in her heart. With the light of God's Spirit shining on these hidden areas Sharon knew she wanted to live differently.
What a revelation. God had so gently taken her heart and drawn her on toward wholeness. Never again would she see "holiness" as musty and irrelevant.
She asked God to forgive her for the hidden things in her heart. With His help she would begin telling the truth in her inner part. She thanked Him for showing her the true meaning of a holy life. She asked Him to bring His wisdom into the places where attitudes, words and integrity were hidden issues that were silently robbing her of all God wanted to do in and through her. Holiness...the pathway to wholeness!
~Father God, today I want to thank You that You never leave me alone. You always draw me on in my walk with You. Thank you for showing me that holiness is simply "truth in the inner parts." Today I invite You to penetrate my inner parts and reveal to me the areas where You want to free me from hidden thoughts, words, attitudes, and integrity issues only I know about. I need Your wisdom in these places as I journey on to wholeness. Thank you for the light of Your Holy Spirit in my heart. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.
The preacher was talking about "holy living." Sharon yawned. It made her think of quiet monasteries. Surely "holiness" could not to be expected in this day and age! She dismissed the word as old and musty and the sermon as irrelevant.
Before going to sleep, Sharon opened her Bible. Tonight she would read a quick Psalm. Verse 6 of Psalm 51 jumped out at her:
"Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place."
The Holy Spirit shone His light into her heart. Suddenly, with clarity, she understood what holiness was. God was whispering to her heart. "Holiness is truth in the inner parts."
She hadn't expected God to really speak to her heart tonight. The inner parts were the places no one else saw...only God. This was where her true attitudes lived, this was where she hid the words that sprang to her mind when she was angry, this was where the justifications of her little white lies were tucked away.
Sharon had recently asked God to help her become "whole" as she struggled with some issues in her life. She had had no idea that "wholeness" comes through "holiness."
Sharon knew she needed God's wisdom to teach her in these hidden places. A new desire for holiness sprang up in her heart. With the light of God's Spirit shining on these hidden areas Sharon knew she wanted to live differently.
What a revelation. God had so gently taken her heart and drawn her on toward wholeness. Never again would she see "holiness" as musty and irrelevant.
She asked God to forgive her for the hidden things in her heart. With His help she would begin telling the truth in her inner part. She thanked Him for showing her the true meaning of a holy life. She asked Him to bring His wisdom into the places where attitudes, words and integrity were hidden issues that were silently robbing her of all God wanted to do in and through her. Holiness...the pathway to wholeness!
~Father God, today I want to thank You that You never leave me alone. You always draw me on in my walk with You. Thank you for showing me that holiness is simply "truth in the inner parts." Today I invite You to penetrate my inner parts and reveal to me the areas where You want to free me from hidden thoughts, words, attitudes, and integrity issues only I know about. I need Your wisdom in these places as I journey on to wholeness. Thank you for the light of Your Holy Spirit in my heart. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Is There Any Need for Church??
There are those that would say that going to church is not necessary for salvation. There are those that would disagree. Here's what I think: going to "church" is not necessary for salvation. However, I do think that fellowship with other believers is necessary for continued growth and discernment in your Christian faith walk. Jesus said that gathering together to study his words and his message and finding agreement (everyone agreed as to what was meant, and all understood.)
"I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers,* I am there among them." Matthew 18:19,20 (NLT) *Greek: gathered in my name
These were Jesus' words, people! He instructed us to gather together so that we might lift one another up, and be able to discern God's will in all matters, rather than our own. All believers have the Holy Spirit within to help guide their ways, but God did not take away our free will when He gave us the Spirit. We are still tempted, and we will still ignore the Spirit's prompting and need others that will hold us accountable, and take the time to explain why our sin was sin. (I think that quite often our sin may not actually be intentional, or we just have not evaluated whether our actions or thoughts are sinful.)
The only perfect human was Jesus himself, and even He kept fellowship with others so that He might teach them, and so that all might learn from one another and keep each other accountable to the Word of God and to His instruction as Christ followers. Jesus also stated that the church would be the rock upon which His foundation would be laid.
By "church" He meant a body of believers that were in fellowship with one another on a regular and consistent basis. Whether that means going to an organized church every Sunday, or having a bible study in your home regularly, I don't know if it matters. What does matter is that you have fellowship.
In fact, I think it's possible to have virtual fellowships, if they are consistent, and the people in fellowship with one another can truly be in fellowship with one another. I also feel it's necessary that there is some educated knowledge of scripture, with attendees all having various levels of spiritual maturity, but with at least one person that is able to teach the others (because they have studied the word extensively and have tested their interpretations of it.)
Even Jesus went to synagogue regularly. "When Jesus came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures. Luke 4:16 (NLT) If Jesus, the Son of God, and Savior of all, went to church regularly, who are we to dissuade anyone??? I for one wouldn't want to take the chance that I might be discouraging someone from seeking the Lord.
If you read 1 Corinthians 12:12-25 You will find that Paul shows us here that we all need one another, because we are each a part of the whole "body of Christ." And goes on to say that "This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. All of you together are Christ's body, and each of you is a part of it..." 1 Cor 12:25-27 (NLT)
For those that say that the church today is not what Jesus intended, I say this: Many churches and congregations have stumbled in their efforts to spread the Good News, and some have had leaders that stumbled. But who are we to judge? Do we not have logs in our own eye? I do not think that we can lump all churches into this group.
There are churches available that teach the Word of God, as it is written; and that strive to be truly godly in their leadership, and encourage their members to do the same. The only thing that is accomplished by discouraging church attendance, is that unbelievers usually stay unbelievers, and sinners die without ever knowing the saving grace of God.
So again I say: Do I think that church attendance is the only way to be in fellowship with other believers? No, I don't. However, I do think you must be in fellowship, in some manner. Do I think that every believer needs another to help hold them accountable? Most assuredly yes. To believe otherwise, is to listen to the deceiver, just as Eve did in the Garden, when she was told that by eating the fruit of knowledge, she would be as God. You cannot be sinless, it is not possible. You can try, and you can come close, perhaps, but all of us are sinners and have fallen short of the glory of God. Even after accepting Christ as our savior. Let go of pride in self, and reach out in love to others that may need your "body part."
Love and Blessings in His Holy Name.
"I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers,* I am there among them." Matthew 18:19,20 (NLT) *Greek: gathered in my name
These were Jesus' words, people! He instructed us to gather together so that we might lift one another up, and be able to discern God's will in all matters, rather than our own. All believers have the Holy Spirit within to help guide their ways, but God did not take away our free will when He gave us the Spirit. We are still tempted, and we will still ignore the Spirit's prompting and need others that will hold us accountable, and take the time to explain why our sin was sin. (I think that quite often our sin may not actually be intentional, or we just have not evaluated whether our actions or thoughts are sinful.)
The only perfect human was Jesus himself, and even He kept fellowship with others so that He might teach them, and so that all might learn from one another and keep each other accountable to the Word of God and to His instruction as Christ followers. Jesus also stated that the church would be the rock upon which His foundation would be laid.
By "church" He meant a body of believers that were in fellowship with one another on a regular and consistent basis. Whether that means going to an organized church every Sunday, or having a bible study in your home regularly, I don't know if it matters. What does matter is that you have fellowship.
In fact, I think it's possible to have virtual fellowships, if they are consistent, and the people in fellowship with one another can truly be in fellowship with one another. I also feel it's necessary that there is some educated knowledge of scripture, with attendees all having various levels of spiritual maturity, but with at least one person that is able to teach the others (because they have studied the word extensively and have tested their interpretations of it.)
Even Jesus went to synagogue regularly. "When Jesus came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures. Luke 4:16 (NLT) If Jesus, the Son of God, and Savior of all, went to church regularly, who are we to dissuade anyone??? I for one wouldn't want to take the chance that I might be discouraging someone from seeking the Lord.
If you read 1 Corinthians 12:12-25 You will find that Paul shows us here that we all need one another, because we are each a part of the whole "body of Christ." And goes on to say that "This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. All of you together are Christ's body, and each of you is a part of it..." 1 Cor 12:25-27 (NLT)
For those that say that the church today is not what Jesus intended, I say this: Many churches and congregations have stumbled in their efforts to spread the Good News, and some have had leaders that stumbled. But who are we to judge? Do we not have logs in our own eye? I do not think that we can lump all churches into this group.
There are churches available that teach the Word of God, as it is written; and that strive to be truly godly in their leadership, and encourage their members to do the same. The only thing that is accomplished by discouraging church attendance, is that unbelievers usually stay unbelievers, and sinners die without ever knowing the saving grace of God.
So again I say: Do I think that church attendance is the only way to be in fellowship with other believers? No, I don't. However, I do think you must be in fellowship, in some manner. Do I think that every believer needs another to help hold them accountable? Most assuredly yes. To believe otherwise, is to listen to the deceiver, just as Eve did in the Garden, when she was told that by eating the fruit of knowledge, she would be as God. You cannot be sinless, it is not possible. You can try, and you can come close, perhaps, but all of us are sinners and have fallen short of the glory of God. Even after accepting Christ as our savior. Let go of pride in self, and reach out in love to others that may need your "body part."
Love and Blessings in His Holy Name.
Monday, June 11, 2007
AM I QUIET? By Marilyn Ehle
"I have stilled and quieted my soul..." (Psalm 131:2).
Whether it be the insistent cry of the corporate ladder, the more vocal cry of small children, or the never-ending cry of our loneliness, cacophony surrounds us. However, even the most "type A" personally eventually discovers that the soul, that deep place within, longs - indeed requires - stillness.
I am amazed that the writer of Psalm 131 does not ask for a seminar, retreat or religious "professional" to teach him how to be quiet. He simply says, "I have stilled and quieted my soul..." Did he hide in a cave in the midst of actual battle for moments of spiritual re - arming? Perhaps it was during the daily schedule of unrelenting decision-making as king that he escaped into a quiet side room of the palace?
In our modern world with its press of sound via television, radio, iPods, internet and cell phones, it becomes imperative for the Christian to learn how to "still and quiet" the soul. But this is not a habit that comes naturally; we are attuned to the clock and calendar, somehow wanting instant quietness without effort. Anyone who has suffered through learning to play a musical instrument knows the tendency to skip over those daily and often frustrating practice sessions. In similar fashion, any spiritual practice must also be actually practiced.
The psalmist says that the result of a stilled and quieted soul is the attitude of a small child who leans close to his mother, fully confident in her love, care and protection. There is ultimate and sure blessing ahead for the one who is learning to be still and quieted.
~Lord, I am impatient for so many things. I want results without effort, without practice. Not only does my head know that I need quiet, but the core of my being longs for it. Please help me understand and practice the disciplines that will lead to a stilled soul.
Whether it be the insistent cry of the corporate ladder, the more vocal cry of small children, or the never-ending cry of our loneliness, cacophony surrounds us. However, even the most "type A" personally eventually discovers that the soul, that deep place within, longs - indeed requires - stillness.
I am amazed that the writer of Psalm 131 does not ask for a seminar, retreat or religious "professional" to teach him how to be quiet. He simply says, "I have stilled and quieted my soul..." Did he hide in a cave in the midst of actual battle for moments of spiritual re - arming? Perhaps it was during the daily schedule of unrelenting decision-making as king that he escaped into a quiet side room of the palace?
In our modern world with its press of sound via television, radio, iPods, internet and cell phones, it becomes imperative for the Christian to learn how to "still and quiet" the soul. But this is not a habit that comes naturally; we are attuned to the clock and calendar, somehow wanting instant quietness without effort. Anyone who has suffered through learning to play a musical instrument knows the tendency to skip over those daily and often frustrating practice sessions. In similar fashion, any spiritual practice must also be actually practiced.
The psalmist says that the result of a stilled and quieted soul is the attitude of a small child who leans close to his mother, fully confident in her love, care and protection. There is ultimate and sure blessing ahead for the one who is learning to be still and quieted.
~Lord, I am impatient for so many things. I want results without effort, without practice. Not only does my head know that I need quiet, but the core of my being longs for it. Please help me understand and practice the disciplines that will lead to a stilled soul.
Love God with all your weakness by Jon Walker
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind ….'” (Luke 10:27 NIV)
No doubt it sounds strange, but in order to love God with all your strength, you have to admit that you are weak and that your strength is limited.
By doing this, you acknowledge God as the true source of your strength, and that in your weakness, he is strong. You become strong as you become totally dependent upon him, allowing his strength to work through you.
As you allow God to show his strength, you will find yourself doing things you never thought possible. God promises you can do all things through the Father as he gives you his strength (Phil. 4:13). You’ll take steps of faith you never thought possible, and you’ll love others in a way you never imagined as God supplies you with supernatural strength and energy.
God is strong and he wants you strong. He will change you in places where you cannot change yourself, and he will transform the broken places of your life in order to use them for his own glory.
God doesn’t ask you to take steps of faith alone; he is with you in every step, filling you with a grace-charged strength. God only asks you to take one step of faith at a time.
So what?
· Tell God you need his strength – and really mean it this time. Ha! When you try to love and serve others with just your own strength, you’ll inevitably fail. After all, there are a lot of frustrating, unlovable people out there. (Just ask some of my friends!) And that’s OK because God wants you to fail in your own strength so you’ll start to rely upon his strength.
· You can’t love God wholeheartedly – Jesus knows you won’t be able to love God with your whole heart until you become dependent upon his strength to do so. You simply can’t do it through your own energy or strength, but Jesus also knows you’ll come to realize this yourself the more you attempt to love God – and others – on your own. At that point, you’re faced with a very clear but difficult choice: Keep on keeping on in your own strength, wondering why this abundant life thing doesn’t work, or take the “Nestea plunge” into the deep end of dependence on God’s strength.
· One step of faith at a time – Relying on God’s strength doesn’t mean he will require you to take giant leaps of faith. He’s taking you on a lifelong journey, and my experience is that God only asks for one step at a time. The so-called “leaps of faith” you see some people take actually are the culmination of a lot of little steps of faith that you may not be aware of. The first step is to ask God to be your strength as you take your first steps of faith. Willingness to rely on him is a step of faith.
No doubt it sounds strange, but in order to love God with all your strength, you have to admit that you are weak and that your strength is limited.
By doing this, you acknowledge God as the true source of your strength, and that in your weakness, he is strong. You become strong as you become totally dependent upon him, allowing his strength to work through you.
As you allow God to show his strength, you will find yourself doing things you never thought possible. God promises you can do all things through the Father as he gives you his strength (Phil. 4:13). You’ll take steps of faith you never thought possible, and you’ll love others in a way you never imagined as God supplies you with supernatural strength and energy.
God is strong and he wants you strong. He will change you in places where you cannot change yourself, and he will transform the broken places of your life in order to use them for his own glory.
God doesn’t ask you to take steps of faith alone; he is with you in every step, filling you with a grace-charged strength. God only asks you to take one step of faith at a time.
So what?
· Tell God you need his strength – and really mean it this time. Ha! When you try to love and serve others with just your own strength, you’ll inevitably fail. After all, there are a lot of frustrating, unlovable people out there. (Just ask some of my friends!) And that’s OK because God wants you to fail in your own strength so you’ll start to rely upon his strength.
· You can’t love God wholeheartedly – Jesus knows you won’t be able to love God with your whole heart until you become dependent upon his strength to do so. You simply can’t do it through your own energy or strength, but Jesus also knows you’ll come to realize this yourself the more you attempt to love God – and others – on your own. At that point, you’re faced with a very clear but difficult choice: Keep on keeping on in your own strength, wondering why this abundant life thing doesn’t work, or take the “Nestea plunge” into the deep end of dependence on God’s strength.
· One step of faith at a time – Relying on God’s strength doesn’t mean he will require you to take giant leaps of faith. He’s taking you on a lifelong journey, and my experience is that God only asks for one step at a time. The so-called “leaps of faith” you see some people take actually are the culmination of a lot of little steps of faith that you may not be aware of. The first step is to ask God to be your strength as you take your first steps of faith. Willingness to rely on him is a step of faith.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Rivers And Reservoirs (2) by Bob Gass
Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a [memorial offering] before God.
Acts 10:4 NIV
The things you do for others don't go unnoticed. God is keeping track of every single one. He "doesn't miss anything. He knows perfectly well… the love you've shown Him… by helping" (Hebrews 6:10 TM). God heard the kind words you spoke to that person who was hurting. He saw your sacrificial giving when you could least afford it. By doing what you did you paved the way for God to help you. He's storing it all up so that in your time of need you'll have a rich account to draw on.
The Bible speaks about a Roman soldier named Cornelius, a "good man… always helping people in need" (Acts 10:2 TM). And what happened to Cornelius? His family became the first Gentile household to hear and receive the Gospel. What a payoff! Why did God pick Cornelius? Because of his generous spirit, "An angel… came to him and said… 'Your… gifts… have come up as a [memorial offering] before God'" (Acts 10:4 NAS).
And, a lady was praying about starting a pet grooming business but couldn't afford to advertise. So she went to her local animal shelter and volunteered to groom the pets in order to help increase their chances for adoption. Interestingly, the harder she worked the more her own business grew by word of mouth. Finally she ended up with more clients than she could handle!
Does that mean if you don't help others God won't help you? No, thankfully His love is unconditional. But a missed opportunity to give is a missed opportunity to receive, because when you are generous with others God promises to be generous with you.
Acts 10:4 NIV
The things you do for others don't go unnoticed. God is keeping track of every single one. He "doesn't miss anything. He knows perfectly well… the love you've shown Him… by helping" (Hebrews 6:10 TM). God heard the kind words you spoke to that person who was hurting. He saw your sacrificial giving when you could least afford it. By doing what you did you paved the way for God to help you. He's storing it all up so that in your time of need you'll have a rich account to draw on.
The Bible speaks about a Roman soldier named Cornelius, a "good man… always helping people in need" (Acts 10:2 TM). And what happened to Cornelius? His family became the first Gentile household to hear and receive the Gospel. What a payoff! Why did God pick Cornelius? Because of his generous spirit, "An angel… came to him and said… 'Your… gifts… have come up as a [memorial offering] before God'" (Acts 10:4 NAS).
And, a lady was praying about starting a pet grooming business but couldn't afford to advertise. So she went to her local animal shelter and volunteered to groom the pets in order to help increase their chances for adoption. Interestingly, the harder she worked the more her own business grew by word of mouth. Finally she ended up with more clients than she could handle!
Does that mean if you don't help others God won't help you? No, thankfully His love is unconditional. But a missed opportunity to give is a missed opportunity to receive, because when you are generous with others God promises to be generous with you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
