My Response Regarding the Bible and Homosexuality

This is my response to a friend's request that those who believe God is against gay marriage and believe that it should be illegal would share their thoughts regarding Mark Sandlin's article

CLOBBERING "BIBLICAL" GAY BASHING  

My friend added "I don't understand why being a man or woman of faith means you should oppose anyone getting married if it is not harmful to another human. Please explain. This is a very informative article."

My immediate response is this- did you read the entire article and look up, in your bible, all scriptures that were referenced? Or did you simple read through the information quickly, and believe every word and thought given by the author? If you only did the latter, is that what you will also do with my response: simply read through it, trusting my understanding and interpretations to be truth? Or will you read my response, already being set in your own opinion, and then seek the internet or other articles to find anything that will counter argue what I share?

Do you really want to hear my interpretation regarding the scriptures and homosexual behavior? Are you really open to seeing what I believe to be true or do you simply want to argue and throw beliefs and possibly even verses back and forth? I am not a lover of confrontation, and I have no desire to debate with someone simply for the sake of debate. I AM a lover of Jesus, of His Word, and of the truth however, which is why I have spent most of this beautiful day reading through this article and digging into the scriptures.

I also want to say that if you don't believe that Jesus is Lord and that the scriptures are His Words, and are infallible, then don't bother reading on, since every opinion I possess is drawn from scripture as the only truth.

Sandlin begins his article accusing "we Christians…[of]…misinterpreting the Bible then running amuck in the world because of it." This is a typical tactic of the enemy. (And yes, when I say enemy I mean Satan- the devil.) Immediately Sandlin gets his readers doubting the way Christians interpret scripture (which is ironic considering his use of we infers he is a Christian himself). He uses this 'doubt tactic' throughout the majority of the article; instilling just a hint of suspicion in the reader, then inserting his own thoughts and interpretations. Just as Satan did to Adam and Eve, from the beginning, and continues to do today: did God really say you shall not eat of every tree of the garden? Are you sure that's what He meant? Maybe He actually meant something else… what does the word 'eat' actually mean anyway? Do scholars agree on the meaning? What does the Hebrew REALLY say, Eve? Oh, God said you would DIE? You won't really die. That's not really what God meant, Eve! (Gen 3:1-5) (Yes, this is where you go look up the scriptures yourself and test me!!!) Moving on…

The Bible As A Sex Manual

Sandlin states 'So, as others have pointed out before, we use the Bible as if it is a sex manual, telling us what is and isn't acceptable in the eyes of the Lord your God' Actually, yes, we use the bible as a sex manual, a marriage manual, a how to raise your children manual, a forgiveness manual, etc...; we use the bible as a 'how the heck do I live this life Your way' manual! It contains all of life's Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. Yes! It's a sex manual! I won't even address what Sandlin says a wife should be according to scriptures because this is not the issue at hand. Homosexuality is the issue. 

I'm going to inject some side notes here. Why? Well, because I just can't help myself.  Just because 'men of God' had concubines or several wives does not indicate that God endorsed or approved of it. In fact, concerning Kings (which Solomon was), God said they shall not multiply wives for themselves (Deut 17:17). But when Solomon took seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines, his heart turned away from the Lord (1Kings 11:3). Yes, God blessed Solomon abundantly. This does not mean that God condoned his many wives and concubines. God also blesses those who have been divorced. However, giving guidelines and rules regarding divorce (or slavery for that matter) does not mean that God condones, or approves of it (Matt 19:7-9). (Remember, when I insert scripture reference, that means you need to go read it yourself.) God blesses sinners. He does not bless their sins.

The Clobber Verses

Sandlin says the following three verses have nothing to do with the question of homosexuality: Gen 2:21-25, Deut 23:17, and Jude 6-7. But what do you say? Go read them and decide for yourself.

Gen 2:21-25- This reference in Genesis is the first mention of marriage- 'A man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife and the two shall become one flesh.' Yes, like it or not, these verses tell of the first marriage. When questioned about divorce, Jesus quoted this verse along with Gen 1:27, and Gen 5:2. "Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning made them 'male and female.' And said, 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'?" Remember, the issue here is homosexuality and marriage. In the beginning God made clear what a marriage was, and Jesus later reaffirms marriage- between a male and a female. This has nothing to do with homosexuality but everything to do with how God and Jesus define marriage. I know of no verses in scripture where God blesses or even acknowledges a homosexual relationship. Ignore it if you like, and you are ignoring the Words of God.

Deut 23:17- This verse seems to simply forbid harlots and perverted/sodomites in the temple. It forbids temple prostitution of either sex.  

Jude 6-7- Now this one opens up a whole can of worms that I dare not go down. Double dog dare me? Ok. Let's start in Gen 6:4, which talks of giants and of the 'sons of God' going into the daughters of men and having children with them. Children that became mighty men-men of renown-giants! Sons of God? We find them again in Job 1:6, and 2:1. The sons of God and Satan present themselves before the Lord. These sons of God appear to be angels- more specifically fallen angels or demons in Gen 6:4. 2Peter 2:4 assures us that angels can and have sinned and Jude 5-6 references these angels- angels who did not keep their proper domain but left their own abode. Angels having sex with women and creating giant offspring? Farfetched and completely bizarre? Absolutely. But not any more farfetched than Mary conceiving Jesus by the Holy Spirit and giving birth as a virgin- and I believe in this virgin birth with every part of my being! Are angels sleeping with women and producing giants, or whatever it was they produced, any more bizarre? I think not.   Verse 6 of Jude goes on to say that Sodom and Gomorrah "in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire." It's clearly regarding sexual sin and it's clearly punishable by 'eternal fire.' You go read Jude and decipher your own conclusion.

Genesis 19:1-11

Before you read Sandlin's opinion, or mine, go read these eleven verses.

Now, what do you conclude after reading this passage? Was the issue an issue of 'hospitality' as Sandlin fails to persuade? No. Looking back at my previous paragraph in which Jude 5-6 refers to angels and those of Sodom and Gomorrah having 'given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh' answers the question. Yes, Lot was protecting the visitors from the men of Sodom who wanted to 'know them carnally' (vs5). He begged these men 'Please, my brethren, do not do so wickedly!' (vs7).

Sandlin also states that 'Sodom is referenced multiple times in the bible as an example of great sinning. And what might that sin be?' he asks. He attempts to answer his own question with other scriptures (Isa 1:10-17, Ez 16:48-49, Zeph 2:8-11). However, two of the three scriptures reference Sodom as an example of what the destruction will be like, not what the sin was that led to destruction. Sodom is being used as a warning of coming destruction. The exception here are the verses in Ezekiel which speak of Jerusalem committing adultery against the Lord by worshipping other gods. The Lord says their sins were more abominable than Sodom's. God takes idol worship very seriously. However, this does not lessen the sin of Sodom. I am a sinner whether I commit a 'small' sin (as if there were such a thing) or a 'large' sin (is there  any other?).

Leviticus 18:22 & 20:13

Do you just love how Sandlin does you such a big favor by reading the Levitical Law for you? What a nice guy he is- telling exactly what it says so you don't have to think for yourself. As a self thinker- as I desperately hope you are- I went through Leviticus 18 on my own. Nope, I didn't use Sandlin's ideas, and I didn't search the web for what this chapter says or means; I simply read it. And you know what? It wasn't all that bad. In fact, it had some pretty important information in there! Wow, what a surprise, the Bible actually has important information! (Sandlin, your sarcasm and haughty attitude are having its effect. Ugh.)  Anyway, if you happen to get brave and open the chapter up for yourself you will find laws pertaining to sexual immorality: You shall not-

- approach anyone who is near of kin to you, to uncover his nakedness (v6)

- uncover the nakedness of your father or the nakedness of your mother (v7)

- uncover the nakedness of your father's wife (v8)

- uncover the nakedness of your sister (v9)

- uncover the nakedness of your grandchildren (v10)

- uncover the nakedness of your step/half sister (v11)

- uncover the nakedness of your aunt or uncle (v12-14)

- uncover the nakedness of your daughter-in-law (v15)

- uncover the nakedness of your sister-in-law (c16)

- uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter and her grandchild (v17)

- uncover the nakedness of a woman's sister as a rival (v18)

- uncover the nakedness of a woman while she in menstruating (v19)

- lie carnally with your neighbor's wife (v20)

- burn any of your descendants through the fire of Molech (v21)

- lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination (v22)

- mate with any animal to defile yourself with it. It is perversion (v23)

So I pose this questions- which of these 'You shall not's' do you disagree with exactly? I'll let you ponder the list for a while. I won't say anymore about it.

And I'm not going spend a lot of time on the issue of eating shellfish. In Acts 10:9-33 God makes unclean foods clean and tells Peter "What God has cleansed you must not call common." Col 2:16 encourages us not to let anyone judge us in food, drink, festivals, new moons, or sabbaths. The issue brought up by Sandlin regarding shellfish and pork have nothing to do with our focus here, which is homosexuality.

Romans 1:26-28

This is where we find the author instilling doubt and then laying the burden of proof on the reader to disprove his opinion. Good one, Sandlin. Way to work that deception. You are almost as good as the father of lies himself (Jn 8:44). Sandlin declares that these verses are 'not about homosexual people having consenting homosexual relationships.' They're not? Does the passage say they're not? 'one of the most prevalent forms of same-sex sex in the Greco-Roman world was male prostitution which frequently involved boys.' Okay, so…? Regardless, do these verses say that? No, they don't. Therefore, the burden of proof lies back on you Mr. Sandlin. Prove from the scriptures that this passage refers to 'a condemnation of pederasty and prostitution.' What do I read them to say? That these things are vile; that women were doing with women that which is against nature, and men were leaving the natural use of a woman, burning in lust for other men and committing what is shameful. You can include 'male prostitution which frequently involved boys' in this passage if you insist, but cannot limit it to that alone simply because these scriptures don't say it. Paul says nothing here regarding consenting homosexual relationships or prostitution. He doesn't even hint at it. The only hint I hear is that of Sandlin. How about you?

Now his issue with the word 'natural.'

'The analysis that I find the most convincing concerns itself with the word “natural.” It is the word that has led many to speak of LGBTQ behavior as “unnatural” acts even though they occur throughout nature (in one study they were found in more than fifteen-hundred species).' According to this logic, because a behavior is found in more than fifteen-hundred species, it must be 'natural.' Ok, how about we use the same logic regarding babies and cleft palates. In the US, 1 in 700 babies are born with cleft palates. If approximately 4 million babies are born each year, this would mean that almost six-thousand babies are born in the US with cleft palates. (Um, gently correct me if my math is off, please. I'm no mathematician.) So, following Sandlin's line of reasoning, cleft palates MUST be 'natural.' Ask anyone about a cleft palate and I doubt their definition would be 'natural' but more on the lines of having a deformation, which is why most cleft palates are medically corrected.  

Going on about this word, he indicates that 'As it turns out, the word is actually not “natural.” It doesn't mean “natural” or “nature” so much as it means “produced by nature."' Here he seems to be implying that Paul is talking about that which is 'produced by nature.' 'That is to say, Paul is concerned with how God created something or someone to be. He is concerned with people going against their nature or in the words of Lady GaGa herself, if they are “born that way” he's concerned with them behaving as if they were not.' If you are a reader of the scriptures, then this should be drawing some serious red flags. Paul concerned that the church of Rome were not behaving according to their nature? This sounds contrary to the letters I read from Paul. In fact, Paul says TO THE SAME GROUP OF PEOPLE IN THE SAME LETTER that they are to fight against their very nature. He shares his own conflict in this area stating "For what am I doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate that I do" and he goes on to say "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" (Rom 7:15,18).  Psalm 51:5 says we were sinful at birth. Paul of all people knew the nature of sin in every human being, specifically that of sexual immorality when he addressed the Corinthians:"Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? (1Cor 6:18-19). Nowhere in Paul's letters or the Bible itself do we find a warning not to go against our nature. Rather, we are instructed to do just the opposite- to fight against that nature because the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him (1Cor 2:14).

Sandlin (not surprisingly) tells us not to judge others. Let's look at the issue of judging

Sandlin writes, 'Immediately following verse 28, Paul provides an extensive list of sins. It is so extensive that we all fall into at least one of the categories. “Therefore you have no excuse, whoever you are, when you judge others; for in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, are doing the very same things."' There you have it. The truth according to Sandlin: since we're all sinners, sinning day after day, no one can judge anyone else. This is the furthest thing from the truth. WHAT DO THE SCRITURES SAY ABOUT JUDGING OTHERS????? 

Let's start with Sandlin's quoted verse in Romans chapter two. Notice verse 3 says  "And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, AND DOING THE SAME, that you will escape the judgment of God?" What does that mean? If you habitually yell at your kids, you better not be judging others who yell at their kids. If you constantly get road rage and cut people off in traffic, don't judge others who do the same. Stuck in the sin of homosexuality or sexual immorality? Don't judge others stuck in that sin also. Jesus said in Matt 7:1-2 to "Judge not lest you be judged. For with what judgement you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you." Again, what does Jesus mean? However you judge another, you will be judged also. Period.

Let's take a long look at 1 Corinthians chapter 5. Paul (gotta love Paul) declares that he is actually hearing of sexual immorality among them- a man with his father's wife! Yes, God takes all sexual immorality seriously and acknowledges it as sin. He goes on to say that he (Paul) has already judged him who has done this deed and tells that body of believers to "deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus." Why such harsh action? So that the man in sin may repent and be reconciled to God because a little leaven (sin) leavens the whole lump (the church). Gal 6:1 says that if a brother is overtaken in a sin to restore him, and 1Cor 2:15 says that those who are spiritual judges/examines all things. Finally, Paul rebukes the Christians of Corinth for taking each other to court rather than judging the matters themselves. He reminds them that someday they will judge the world and even angels, how much more things that pertain to this life? (1Cor 6:1-6). Who are we commanded NOT to judge? Unbelievers. Those who do not call themselves Christians, God will judge them (1Cor 5:13).

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 & 1 Timothy 1:9-10

Examining Greek words, Sandlin has forced me to reference my Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (which, by the way, Wikipedia says is the most widely used concordance for the King James Bible. Impressive reference, I know). Gotta say, I love my concordance. He addresses the word arsenokoites. You can find a link to this word here which will tell you what this word means in the original Greek: "One who lies with a male as with a female, sodomite, homosexual; abuser of (one's) self with mankind, defile (one's) self with mankind." Male prostitute? I don't see that as part of the definition. Customer of a male prostitute? Boy molester? Using sexual manipulation to acquire money? No, no, and no. This is not 'clearly only a word referring to men.' Referring to men, yes, but not just any man, a man practicing homosexual behaviors. Not practicing homosexual behaviors by molesting a boy and abusing/defiling that boy, but rather abusing/defiling one's self with another. 'What most biblical Greek scholars can agree on is that it is not meant to be a blanket statement about a male-male sex act.' Really? And which scholars are those? Because when I read these passages, I am unable to conclude anything than that which they clearly state- "Don't be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, not homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God" (Rom 6:9-10). Regarding the meaning of the Greek word malakos, please follow this link. "Soft" is one of the many definitions you will find. 

In conclusion I will address my friend's original statement: "I don't understand why being a man or woman of faith means you should oppose anyone getting married if it is not harmful to another human. Please explain."

My reasoning is simple. God is God and we are not. He is Righteous, Perfect, Holy, All Knowing, All Understanding, and His ways are not our ways. This God has set guidelines for us to live by and implemented consequences for not living by them. The consequence of sin- any sin- is death and eternal separation from Him. I do not wish this on anyone; neither on homosexuals, drunkards, murderers, thieves, my friends, my family, my children, or my grandchildren to come. When the ways of man move toward corruption and against the ways of God, ALL SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES. All of Egypt suffered because of Pharaoh's hard heart and sin of unbelief. All of Israel suffered because of a King's failure to seek God before going into battle. All of our nation will suffer as we willingly allow corruption and blatant sin to become a part of our society. Homosexual marriage will, without a doubt, be harmful to others. This is why men and women of faith are taking a stand on the issue. Homosexuals need only go to the Lord in repentance and turn from their sin. Jesus will forgive them just as He forgave the adulteress woman saying, "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more" (Jn 8:11). Christ did not come to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved (Jn 3:17). However, He didn't come to bring peace either, but a sword- to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law, and a man's enemies will be those of his own household (Matt 10:34-39). This sword is demonstrated with the issue of homosexuality. Families and friends are against one another. We are a fool to think any sort of division is not of God. He divides. But, He does all out of Love because He desires that none should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Pt 3:9). And this is my desire as well. I desire a Godly country for my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. I pray that even just one person would read this, be convicted of sin, and turn in repentance to God, receiving eternal life with Him.

Follow by liking my Facebook page. 

Pitchfork Party

Been thinking lately on eternity. What is this life compared to eternity and why do I focus so heavily on what is perishing rather than what will never end; foreverness?  Eternal things are incomprehensible to me. A God who always was, is, and always will be- who can fathom that? How can anything or anyone not have a beginning? And how is it possible that we will someday find ourselves in a ceaseless life of blessedness or a tormented life of endless suffering- this does not compute in my small, feeble, limited mind.

Last Sunday my pastor said something that made me stop and question my own idea of an everlasting future. I’ve had small reality checks in the past regarding my destiny in Heaven, however I’ve never really thought much on what lies ahead for those who have resisted their Lord; for those whose works will not permit them entrance into heaven; for those whose sins have not been paid for by the bloodshed of the Savior; for those faced with an eternity of suffering and sorrow. Who chooses to think on that?! Not me.

Who wants to sit around envisioning Satan fearlessly demanding obedience from our loved ones, pitchfork in hand, horns protruding from blood red skin? What kind of person meditates on such devastating thoughts? I can tell you I avoid this reality at all cost. And the truth is- it’s one of the greatest deceptions we have fallen for! This image of Satan and Hell- It’s not reality at all; it’s a lie.

As my pastor challenged my thoughts on those who will suffer in hell, I began considering a few scriptures I was familiar with:

·  Hell was prepared FOR Satan and his fallen angels (NOT BY THEM)- Matthew 25:41

·  The devil will be cast into the lake of fire and tormented day and night forever and ever (HE WILL NOT DO THE TORMENTING; HE WILL BE TORMENTED)- Revelation 20:10

·  Those who follow after the beast will also be tormented  forever and ever with no rest day or night (NO PARTIES GOING ON THERE)- Revelation 14:9-11

I recall years ago a person I care for mocking me and my beliefs and proudly proclaiming that he would one day be “Satan’s right hand man.” I was deeply saddened yet furious that he would even joke about such a thing. Eternity without forgiveness of our sins and separated from Christ is no laughing matter! You know what else?! There’s not gonna be any pitchfork parties! Satan is the ruler of this world (John 12:31), the god of this age (2 Cor 4:4), and the prince of the air (Eph 2:2), but he is NOT and NEVER WILL BE the pitchforked dictator of Hell that he has deceived us into believing. Satan will suffer, his time tempting and torturing us on this earth is short, and he and the fallen angels know this all too well (Matt 8:29). All that reject the grace and love of Christ will regret it. Partying it up in an eternal place of blissful sin and selfishness in hell sounds far more appealing than sitting on clouds playing harps for hundreds of thousands of years in Heaven. Truth is, that’s not truth.

And once again I find myself at the place of questioning why the truth of Hell, the truth of eternity, the truth of our eternal existence after this life doesn’t compel me to share Christ’s love with ALL. This life is but a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. You Only Live Once. True, and how you live now decides where you spend eternity. Eternal torment and sorrow, or eternal peace and perfection. You decide, but when you make that decision, base it on truth and not mystical deceptions.

Like my Facebook page for regular updates.

Itching Ears of the American

Nearly a month ago, my husband and I took some time to watch the ABC News Iowa Republican Debate anchored by correspondents Diane Sawyer and George Stephanopoulos. Watching was hardly my decision, but my husband’s. Given the choice, I would have turned to HGTV or The Food Network. However, I surprisingly found myself growing interested in this question and answer process. Difficult and controversial issues were raised and I anticipated each candidate’s response.

What disappointed me most was that I realized, yet again, my inability to decipher true meaning behind countless words of grandeur. Had I been given the challenge to cast my vote for the next President of the United States upon viewing this debate, I would have failed miserably. Why? Simply because almost every candidate presented themselves to be a wonderful choice! Each made valid points. Each came across as having genuine concern for the welfare and wellbeing of our country and our people.

Truth is, I prefer not to bother myself with politics. Most issues I simply don’t understand. I know I could, and maybe should, invest my time in researching all the hot topics and backgrounds of each candidate, but I choose not to. These divisive subjects are just plain confusing and I feel inadequate when it comes to all things political. So I choose to let my husband, pastor, and other leaders I trust make those decisions for me. Sad, I know.

What’s even worse is that most Americans do this very thing when it comes to religion and the truth of the scriptures. Many of us feel overwhelmed with doctrine and incapable of deciphering truth, so we let someone else do it for us. We find churches and pastors teaching prosperity and the good life with smooth words and flattering speech, deceiving the hearts of the simple (Rom 16:18). We really don’t want to hear all the negativity that comes with judgment, right and wrong, and an eternity in hell. We desire simply to attend church, knowing we should, and we want to leave church feeling like a good person, worthy of approval from an all loving, all accepting god. And many will follow their destructive ways... by covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words (2 Pt 2:2,3).

While allowing others to decide our country’s future is irresponsible and terribly risky, allowing others to decide our eternal future is downright dangerous. And not just dangerous, eternally dangerous! Each candidate knows exactly what the American people want to hear, laboring tirelessly to tickle our ears and win the next vote. Likewise, countless churches and pastors are operating the same way, teaching faithfully and precisely only that which will fill their buildings and their pockets rather than fill your spirit with truth and the Kingdom of God with saints.

Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. -2 Timothy 4:2-4

Yes, knowing the truth of God’s Word takes effort, and yes, sometimes it seems overwhelmingly difficult, if not impossible. However, we MUST be in the Word and in prayer. We MUST guard our hearts against deception. If you find it difficult to read, study, or understand His Word, pray, pray, and pray some more. Ask God to open your eyes before you read, as you read, and after you read. Satan is capable of stealing God’s Word right out of your heart and mind (Matt 13:19), but God desires for you to read and understand. However, we cannot understand without the help of God through the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 2:10-16).

If you missed the ABC News Iowa Republican Debate and are interested, you can get caught up here, since I really can’t tell you anything that was said L.

Like my Facebook page for regular updates.

Rejection and Healing Grace

Rejected. Disqualified. Undesirable. Unwanted. Lacking. Disappointing. Not good enough. Why, oh why am I here again? And so soon! Why do I continue to find my identity in things and other people? Why do I persist in setting myself up for failure and disappointment? My expectations are all wrong. I hate that I am dealing with this issue again. I am frustrated in myself for allowing it. Yet, here I am.

Truth is, I know God loves me unconditionally, and I think I know wholeheartedly that He has my best interest in mind. He’s not the one I doubt. It’s those around me that I struggle with. When others disappoint me, or when I feel like I have failed them, I KNOW without a doubt that I can rely on my trustworthy God. When I disappoint myself because I fail to meet my own expectations, He remains the same no matter my circumstances. This is what I will take comfort in, the sole thing that will keep me moving, keep me writing, and keep me grounded. I must keep my eyes on Him.

Once again I am soothed and reassured by the only One who really understands me. He reminds me that not only was He rejected, despised, misunderstood, and unwanted, but that He sufficiently fulfills all my needs and understands these struggles in my life because He encountered them Himself. Yet, He was without sin and blameless while I am sinful and full of blame. Even so, even as He sees my heart and my failures, He covers me with His unfailing love, compassion, kindness, and care.  And this is where I will sit. This is what I will let devour me. I will wait here in this place until His perfect love consumes the rejection that eats me up. I will be still and allow His healing power to incinerate those desires and feelings in me that are not of Him. I am reminded of those words to the song and I cry out “empty me Lord, and fill me with You!”

You may not be aware of the fact that as I write, I pray that my words might comfort and encourage you. I pray that my words would be His words and He would speak into your situation and bring healing. What you also may not know is that He does that very thing with me. Just in this short amount of time I have spent here, talking with Him and sharing with you, a measure of grace is being poured out upon me and I am being restored. And I am thankful. I am thankful that He speaks to me, chastens me, gives me words to share, allows me to share with you, and restores and encourages me the whole time. I am unworthy, yes, but He is in the habit of using such as me. And I am humbled.

If you are burdened today, please allow yourself to be filled with the only One who truly fills. Be filled with Jesus and His unconditional, perfect love today.

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with

our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are,

yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the

throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy

and find grace to help in time of need.

-Hebrews 4:15-16 (NKJV)

It is Written

This morning I read about the temptation of Jesus in Matthew chapter 4. The preceding chapter tells us that Jesus was baptized by a reluctant (who wouldn’t be) John the Baptist. As soon as Jesus came out of the water, the Spirit of God descended upon Him like a dove, and an audible voice spoke from heaven proclaiming “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matt 3:13-17). What a glorious moment this must have been! I am constantly seeking to envision these events as exactly that, actual events; to see them as more than a simple ‘story’ from a book, but rather real life occurrences with real living people. When it comes to the life of Jesus however, it is the most daunting task because, well, He was and is not only Man but God. It doesn’t really get any more complicated than that. So, I am left struggling to relate to the life of this God-Man.

However, as I read this morning, I’m able to see some of my own circumstances and difficulties. It seems that immediately following this wondrous event, “Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil” (Matt 4:1). What a way to ruin a perfectly wonderful day! Looking back on my own baptism years ago, I recall it being so foundational for me; knowing nothing of the scriptures, only that I desperately needed Christ, I came out of that water a changed child of God. There was no dove or audible voice from heaven, but the Spirit of God was active in my life, and has been ever since. I wish I could say I have walked in obedience to Him from that moment on, but no, I still am and always will be a work in progress. And His incessant message to me: YOU ARE MY BELOVED.

It wasn’t until I read this passage again this morning that I realized these are the exact words the Father said regarding His Son, “This is My beloved Son.” 

Oh how often I need this reminder! Remind me again, Lord, remind me again! I can’t help but pay special attention to the fact that Satan tried desperately to make Jesus doubt who He was “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” And again “If you are the Son of God, throw Yourself down” (Matt 4:3,6). Now, I’m in no way implying Jesus ever doubted his identity as the Son of God, but there is no question Satan tried desperately to tempt Him into doing so. Likewise I have no doubt he tempts me in the same way and truth be told, he is quite successful at times.

How do I defeat my enemy in this battle? How do I proclaim victory from doubt? Exactly how Jesus did: with the Word of God. There it is again, the Word of God. Are you growing weary yet? Have I frustrated you into deleting my web address so you never have to endure this again? God is urgently trying to speak to one of us, and I presume it must be YOU! (Just kidding! Please know I never share something He is not actively striving to teach me. I suspect I gain substantially more from my ramblings than you do!) Jesus combated Satan’s lies with scripture “It is written” “It is written” “It is written” (Matt 4:4,7,10). Do you know what is written? When Satan says you are not God’s, can you swing that sword, confidently proclaiming “Away with you, Satan! It is written that I have been redeemed! It is written that I have been called by name! It is written that I am a child of God!” (Isa 43:1)? Lord, I pray You would grant us strength to live according to the example of Jesus Christ.  Amen.

 

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we

are, yet without sin.

-Hebrews 4:15

 

Voice Of Truth - Casting Crowns- YouTube

Images courtesy of: http://wallpaper4god.com/en/background_jesus-baptism-2/, http://wordincarnate.wordpress.com/2011/01/06/the-appearing-of-our-blessed-hope/, http://taitegallery.net/2011/03/if-parody.html, http://greg-hansen.com/albums/armorofgod.html, http://www.kineticfaith.com/blog/?tag=temptation

The Truth, and Nothing but the Truth

I’ve heard it said that a bank teller, handling money day in and day out, when given a phony bill, recognizes the counterfeit instantly. Whether or not the teller is schooled in the variations between the real and the fake will make no difference. The secret to instant recognition is in the fact that they are continually handling true authentic money, and as soon as a counterfeit slides through their fingers, they immediately identify it as nothing more than a copy of the real thing. They know without a doubt, although it starkly resembles money, it is in fact completely worthless.  

My sister, employed for Columbia Sportswear as an Apparel Quality Specialist, travels abroad for work several times a year. Recently I sent her on a mission to purchase some ‘Seven’ jeans for me since they are substantially less expensive oversees than they are here. She hadn’t previously researched this brand of jean and had no idea that a counterfeit would state ‘Aemove’ or ‘Day’ rather than ‘Remove’ and ‘Dry’ on the tag. She wasn’t aware of the fact that the real jean has a large tag sown between two smaller tags, unlike the fake.* Because she is a specialist in her work, and knows the ins and outs of materials better than most, she was able to instantly recognize the ‘Seven’ jeans I desperately coveted for about $30 were nothing more than fakes. I was greatly disappointed, but also thankful to keep my $30.

You know, years ago, I formed in my own mind the need to gain all the knowledge I could regarding the Jehovah’s Witness religion in order to ‘save’ them all from Hell’s fire. So, I began researching a great deal, reading the writings of Walter Martin (who I greatly admire and respect for his gift in understanding innumerable religions) and studying the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ own literature. What I learned:

IF YOU DIG IN THE TRASH, YOU WILL GET DIRTY. That merits repeating- IF YOU DIG IN THE TRASH, YOU WILL GET DIRTY. Ok, that’s not all I learned, but it is definitely a lesson I walked away with. I also discovered what a complicated cult this is, with incredibly devoted followers. Their doctrine is of Satan, and he tried desperately to deceive me into believing it- almost successfully!

Praise God for His truth and the power of prayer. You see, because I had handled the word of God, because I knew the truth in scripture, I was able to determine the authentic, genuine, REAL gospel from the phony counterfeit of Jehovah’s Witnesses. And yes, there are imitation gospels out there.

But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.

-Galatians 1:8-9

Not only are there fake gospels, but a fake Jesus and a fake spirit!

For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted- you may well put up with it!

2 Corinthians 11:4

So, what’s my point? I’ve said it in past posts and I’m saying it again- READ THE BIBLE! The only way for us to be safe and secure from the deceptions of false doctrine is to know the truth of God’s Word. If we are in His Word daily, hiding it in our heart, letting it form and shape us, we will not have to study the multiple false gospels that are not only in this world, but also in our churches, to identify them as phony. Just as bank tellers instantly recognize fraud and my sister safely discerns authentic material, we, as followers of Christ and His Word, must be able to distinguish a counterfeit Christ, gospel, or spirit upon first touch. READ THE WORD OF GOD and don’t allow yourself to be ripped off. Your soul is far more valuable than my $30.

Study to shew theyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

-2 Timothy 2:15

To learn more about the state of the “American Church” and its leaders, click here. To hear a recent teaching by my pastor regarding this topic in Nehemiah chapter 13 click here.

*http://www.freewebs.com/davidcraige/fakesevenjeans.htm
Images Courtesy of:  http://www.karaoui.com/money-money-money/, http://blog.enovatechina.com/seven-for-all-mankind-successful-china-brand-buzz-101/, http://www.betterworldbooks.com/the-kingdom-of-the-cults-id-0764227440.aspx, http://youoffendmeyouoffendmyfamily.com/i-fell-face-first-into-my-trash-can/trash-can-full-of-trash/, http://www.internetmonk.com/archive/im-book-review-counterfeit-gospels, http://prushton.wordpress.com/2011/02/16/course-preview-counterfeit-gods/