Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Walking by the Spirit
I may have posted on this before, but I would like to do it again.
I mentioned to Jamie when I was with her and Ryan, that it's quite ironic when the teachers of the law accuse us grace guys as being the licentious ones. They insist that we are empowering people to sin by giving them a license. But the reality is that the Scripture speaks of the power of sin being the law (1 Corinthians 15:56). So is the law bad? No. It's indwelling sin that is the problem. Take a gander at Romans chapter 7 for further clarification on the subject.
So while they (those who insist we live by the law) think that we (those who insist we live by the Spirit) are the licentious ones, they are the ones empowering sin in their own lives, and in the lives of others, to whom they put in bondage to the written code, not understanding that circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit. In this New Covenant in Jesus' death on the cross, His burial and His resurrection, the law is written on our hearts, not tablets of stone (2nd Corinthians 3:3). This is by the Spirit whom God gave to us freely when we believed His message of grace through the risen Christ.
Am I speaking evil of the law of God? Of course not! I am simply saying the law of God, rather than being on the outside of us, written on tablets of stone is now written, by the Holy Spirit, on our very hearts. So now obedience no longer comes from an outward obedience, but it springs forth from within - from the heart. And that is exactly why that accusing us 'grace guys' of teaching licentiousness is ridiculous. How can I, who has the law of God written on my very heart, live in sin? I am a slave to righteousness, being made alive from the dead.
"Neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God." (Galatians 6:15-16)
I mentioned to Jamie when I was with her and Ryan, that it's quite ironic when the teachers of the law accuse us grace guys as being the licentious ones. They insist that we are empowering people to sin by giving them a license. But the reality is that the Scripture speaks of the power of sin being the law (1 Corinthians 15:56). So is the law bad? No. It's indwelling sin that is the problem. Take a gander at Romans chapter 7 for further clarification on the subject.
So while they (those who insist we live by the law) think that we (those who insist we live by the Spirit) are the licentious ones, they are the ones empowering sin in their own lives, and in the lives of others, to whom they put in bondage to the written code, not understanding that circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit. In this New Covenant in Jesus' death on the cross, His burial and His resurrection, the law is written on our hearts, not tablets of stone (2nd Corinthians 3:3). This is by the Spirit whom God gave to us freely when we believed His message of grace through the risen Christ.
Am I speaking evil of the law of God? Of course not! I am simply saying the law of God, rather than being on the outside of us, written on tablets of stone is now written, by the Holy Spirit, on our very hearts. So now obedience no longer comes from an outward obedience, but it springs forth from within - from the heart. And that is exactly why that accusing us 'grace guys' of teaching licentiousness is ridiculous. How can I, who has the law of God written on my very heart, live in sin? I am a slave to righteousness, being made alive from the dead.
"Neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God." (Galatians 6:15-16)
I Hate Prosperity Teachings
A very straight forward title. I'm just being honest.
I sold out and bought more French vanilla coffee-mate. I get tired of being super strict about being careful what I eat. I will still try to eat healthy, natural stuff; not necessarily organic, but good enough. I figure this body isn't my eternal body anyway, so why worry so much? That's one thing I don't understand about the health/wealth/prosperity teachers. It really doesn't interest me to be honest and Joseph Prince can irritate me when he talks about those things. It gives the Gospel of grace a bad name if you ask me. It's such a shame, because he has received great revelations of Jesus, but hinders himself by buying into the prosperity nonsense. I don't want to speak against Joseph, but I will speak against the prosperity teaching. It's just a waste of time because our true citizenship is in heaven with our Lord Jesus.
Anyway, as I was saying, the health/wealth/prosperity stuff doesn't interest me simply because this body of mine isn't eternal. I am called to look for a, "New heavens and new earth in which righteousness dwells. " Again, I'm not saying it's bad to have good health and to be wise about what you put in your body and how you treat it, but let's get over worrying so much about this age and look forward to the one that is coming.
I sold out and bought more French vanilla coffee-mate. I get tired of being super strict about being careful what I eat. I will still try to eat healthy, natural stuff; not necessarily organic, but good enough. I figure this body isn't my eternal body anyway, so why worry so much? That's one thing I don't understand about the health/wealth/prosperity teachers. It really doesn't interest me to be honest and Joseph Prince can irritate me when he talks about those things. It gives the Gospel of grace a bad name if you ask me. It's such a shame, because he has received great revelations of Jesus, but hinders himself by buying into the prosperity nonsense. I don't want to speak against Joseph, but I will speak against the prosperity teaching. It's just a waste of time because our true citizenship is in heaven with our Lord Jesus.
Anyway, as I was saying, the health/wealth/prosperity stuff doesn't interest me simply because this body of mine isn't eternal. I am called to look for a, "New heavens and new earth in which righteousness dwells. " Again, I'm not saying it's bad to have good health and to be wise about what you put in your body and how you treat it, but let's get over worrying so much about this age and look forward to the one that is coming.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Hangin' Out With Arjay Dubya
Woo!
It was so good to be with Ryan, Jamie and their two kids. I'm very timmid and I don't show a lot of emotion, but it's there. I can't wait to see them again in March for the conference in Atlanta! Yay!
It snowed while I was there, which is a rarity for us ol' country folks down here. It was great...But I prefer to step back and admire the scenery rather than play in it.
But I am amazed at how loving, generous and kind Ryan and Jamie are every time I am with them. I'm not saying that for the sake of being nice either. I can probably be a hassle because it isn't my nature to make myself at home in someone's home, so I tend to wait for people to hand me food. I just feel akward opening someone else's refridgerator and things like that. I'm a little uptight, but they always make my stay very comfortable and relaxed. Ryan is always so generous as to pay for all my food and drink.
I don't realize how much I love them and miss them until they're pulling out of the drive way, waving goodbye. It's then that my eyes well up with tears and I realize what a wonderful family in Christ that I have.
The most fun I had though was playing a game called catch phrase with Ryan, Jamie, their two children and Jamie's sister, Terri. We played for a few hours and it was absolutely hilarious!
The ride home was great since Terri rode along with us. We all discussed God's grace, life, and other things. It was great and made the trip seem a lot shorter. You would have to see Terri to believe her. She is wonderful!!
It was a great time just to relax and be loved on by brothers and sisters in Christ.
I miss you all and can't wait to see you again in March. Thank you, Ryan and Jamie, for everything.
It was so good to be with Ryan, Jamie and their two kids. I'm very timmid and I don't show a lot of emotion, but it's there. I can't wait to see them again in March for the conference in Atlanta! Yay!
It snowed while I was there, which is a rarity for us ol' country folks down here. It was great...But I prefer to step back and admire the scenery rather than play in it.
But I am amazed at how loving, generous and kind Ryan and Jamie are every time I am with them. I'm not saying that for the sake of being nice either. I can probably be a hassle because it isn't my nature to make myself at home in someone's home, so I tend to wait for people to hand me food. I just feel akward opening someone else's refridgerator and things like that. I'm a little uptight, but they always make my stay very comfortable and relaxed. Ryan is always so generous as to pay for all my food and drink.
I don't realize how much I love them and miss them until they're pulling out of the drive way, waving goodbye. It's then that my eyes well up with tears and I realize what a wonderful family in Christ that I have.
The most fun I had though was playing a game called catch phrase with Ryan, Jamie, their two children and Jamie's sister, Terri. We played for a few hours and it was absolutely hilarious!
The ride home was great since Terri rode along with us. We all discussed God's grace, life, and other things. It was great and made the trip seem a lot shorter. You would have to see Terri to believe her. She is wonderful!!
It was a great time just to relax and be loved on by brothers and sisters in Christ.
I miss you all and can't wait to see you again in March. Thank you, Ryan and Jamie, for everything.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
If Indeed...
"And we are His (Jesus') house if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope." (Hebrews 3:6) Who is our hope? The Lord Jesus Christ! His finished work on the Cross!!!!
It's amazing what a defiled conscience can keep hidden from you in the wonderful Scriptures God has given us for our encouragement. How wonderful is He!?
I used to read this verse somehow "If indeed I continue faithful in my work for Jesus"...NO!!! It's if indeed you continue in faith in Jesus' work for YOU! This is a salvation that is by faith from first to last. Not faith and then no faith. You must continue in your confidence in the finished work of Jesus Christ!!!! Otherwise you believed in vain.
So brothers and sisters, let's run the race of faith! Keep your eyes on the finished work, firm to the end! He who promised is faithful. He will save you when He returns! He promised! Isn't it funny we make all these promises to God, when it's only by HIS promise that we are saved.
Believe it and rejoice!!!
It's amazing what a defiled conscience can keep hidden from you in the wonderful Scriptures God has given us for our encouragement. How wonderful is He!?
I used to read this verse somehow "If indeed I continue faithful in my work for Jesus"...NO!!! It's if indeed you continue in faith in Jesus' work for YOU! This is a salvation that is by faith from first to last. Not faith and then no faith. You must continue in your confidence in the finished work of Jesus Christ!!!! Otherwise you believed in vain.
So brothers and sisters, let's run the race of faith! Keep your eyes on the finished work, firm to the end! He who promised is faithful. He will save you when He returns! He promised! Isn't it funny we make all these promises to God, when it's only by HIS promise that we are saved.
Believe it and rejoice!!!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Matthew West - More
While driving the Wayne's house tonight to watch the Panthers game, this song came on the radio. One of the few contemporary songs I enjoy.
Friday, January 9, 2009
The Furious Longing of God by Brennan Manning
Here is a new book coming out by Brennan, supposedly due this March.
The Mind of Christ
It's so irritating to lose my ear plugs! Stupid things. I forget what pants I was wearing the last time I was using them.
I have to use ear plugs when using our vacuum because it sounds sort of like Apollo 13 taking flight when you switch the power on. And I have sensitive ears from blaring music into my ears with mp3 players over the past few years, so I can't vacuum without them. Darn it to pieces.
So...I have put in applications at Best Buy and Books-a-Million. Hoping to hear back from them soon as they both had openings. I'm trusting that God is gonna take care of me getting hired and all that. I'm very nervous about being hired though, especially working with a cash register. I have all these fears of not being able to offer help, screwing up, etc, etc. I've never had a job before and it's going to be really stressful when I first start. I'm scared I won't be able to count money back to people quickly and smoothly enough and stuff like that. I sound like a valley girl.
But one thing that has been concerning me is the desire to have the mind of Christ. The attitude of a servant and to be humble and submissive, doing all things without complaining. Sometimes I simply lack holy desires all together. Some days I have no feelings or desires to love, and the only feelings I can sense are those that want to look out for myself, and please only myself. Whether in the flesh or in the Spirit, I don't want to be too critical, always wondering if what I am doing is coming from my own self effort or the Spirit. Deep (WAY deep) inside this body of death are the desires to be like my Jesus and to behave sensibly and mature in this world, making the best use of the time. It's so frustrating because I slip into that mindset for a while and then lose it. I don't want to be personally offended when people look down on me or mistreat me. I am a son of the Most High! I have a wonderful, eternal inheritance! I don't need others to like me and I don't need earthly wealth! I have everything in Christ! I'm not saying it's wrong to have others approve of me or to have earthly wealth, but I want my heart set on the Kingdom.
I have to use ear plugs when using our vacuum because it sounds sort of like Apollo 13 taking flight when you switch the power on. And I have sensitive ears from blaring music into my ears with mp3 players over the past few years, so I can't vacuum without them. Darn it to pieces.
So...I have put in applications at Best Buy and Books-a-Million. Hoping to hear back from them soon as they both had openings. I'm trusting that God is gonna take care of me getting hired and all that. I'm very nervous about being hired though, especially working with a cash register. I have all these fears of not being able to offer help, screwing up, etc, etc. I've never had a job before and it's going to be really stressful when I first start. I'm scared I won't be able to count money back to people quickly and smoothly enough and stuff like that. I sound like a valley girl.
But one thing that has been concerning me is the desire to have the mind of Christ. The attitude of a servant and to be humble and submissive, doing all things without complaining. Sometimes I simply lack holy desires all together. Some days I have no feelings or desires to love, and the only feelings I can sense are those that want to look out for myself, and please only myself. Whether in the flesh or in the Spirit, I don't want to be too critical, always wondering if what I am doing is coming from my own self effort or the Spirit. Deep (WAY deep) inside this body of death are the desires to be like my Jesus and to behave sensibly and mature in this world, making the best use of the time. It's so frustrating because I slip into that mindset for a while and then lose it. I don't want to be personally offended when people look down on me or mistreat me. I am a son of the Most High! I have a wonderful, eternal inheritance! I don't need others to like me and I don't need earthly wealth! I have everything in Christ! I'm not saying it's wrong to have others approve of me or to have earthly wealth, but I want my heart set on the Kingdom.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Flyleaf - All Around Me
I have taken a liking to Flyleaf lately. I guess I still have a love for the harder stuff, but the lyrics are my favorite part. Makes me think of how I felt when the excitement and rush of hungering and seeking for God first came to me. I had indeed tasted and seen that the Lord is good. And after the first taste, I was hooked. Which is why I don't like to call it "dedication". It's an infatuation! I'm not dedicated to the love of my life, I am enthralled and in love! Furthermore, He is the Faithful One! I'm just a recipient of His faithfulness!
I had better stop before I post a written blog and not just a video!
Friday, January 2, 2009
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