In popular media and culture, dating is represented as a game that starts in the teenage years and continues throughout your unmarried (and sometimes even married) life. The world makes it seem that if you are not dating, then there is something wrong with you.
In essence, revolving door dating is practicing for divorce.
Think about it. You begin building one relationship until it looses its luster, then there's a breakup and a jump right into another relationship.
The question is, are you dating in order to get to know someone better and give into their life, or are you dating because of how it makes you feel?
Some folks like the thrill of getting to know someone new and getting to talk endlessly about themselves to someone else. They bounce from relationship to relationship leaving a piece of themselves behind each time.
All too often people enter into relationships because of something they need from another person.
Seek first the Kingdom of God. Build your relationship with God before anything else.
Entering into a relationship based on need is a recipe for disaster.
If one or both are taking from the relationship, they are working to tear it down.
A relationship can only work if both participants are giving into the relationship.
Of course, if all you have to give is yourself, you will eventually give yourself out...
Turn to God as the supplier of your needs. God gives us more than we need and fills our cup to overflowing. Out of the overflow, we give to others.
When both folks are giving into the relationship, then it builds the relationship.
Before you enter into a relationship and marriage, be sure the other person understands this concept.
Once in a covenant relationship, then it is very difficult if both participants are not giving into it. It will take a lot of prayer, perseverance and counseling to keep going.
Note: The above is targeted primarily for those who are not married. Married folk can see this article: Love is a Choice
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Loving Yourself
One of the dogmas of psychology is to "love yourself first", that before you can take care of others you must first take care of yourself. That we need lots of personal time and should take ourselves shopping and make sure we take time to do things for ourself.
I have even read where some say that Jesus even promoted the concept that the "love of self" should be the basis for loving others.
This is something that sounds good and sells well. It is a way that seems "right" and tickles our ears because it is something we want to hear. It is something that gives us permission to treat ourselves. Besides, how can we take care of others if we don't take care of ourself first.
Interestingly enough, I can find this nowhere in the bible.
Matter of fact, if I leave behind all of the pop psychology and pop christianity and just look to God's Word, I find just the opposite.
In fact, we are to deny ourselves. I find that we are to seek first God's kingdom. The first commandment is to love God with all our heart and strength. Second is to love others.
What we need is to focus first on God and executing the responsibilities of a good steward of what God has given to us, and then we can trust that God will take care of our needs.
The most important thing is to know that God loves us, and that He fills us with His love to overflowing. That He gives us more than we need, and out of the excess we in turn bless others.
When we get "exhausted", it is not because we haven't allocated enough "personal time", it is because we have not been looking to God to fill us to overflowing with life and life more abundantly. It is because we have been walking in the flesh, trying to do things in our own strength. It is because we have not been walking in the spirit and depending on God's strength. It is because we have pursued happiness in the accumulation of things instead of seeking the Joy of the Lord that is to be our strength.
When we get all wrapped up in ourselves, we make for a pretty small package.
I have even read where some say that Jesus even promoted the concept that the "love of self" should be the basis for loving others.
This is something that sounds good and sells well. It is a way that seems "right" and tickles our ears because it is something we want to hear. It is something that gives us permission to treat ourselves. Besides, how can we take care of others if we don't take care of ourself first.
Interestingly enough, I can find this nowhere in the bible.
Matter of fact, if I leave behind all of the pop psychology and pop christianity and just look to God's Word, I find just the opposite.
In fact, we are to deny ourselves. I find that we are to seek first God's kingdom. The first commandment is to love God with all our heart and strength. Second is to love others.
What we need is to focus first on God and executing the responsibilities of a good steward of what God has given to us, and then we can trust that God will take care of our needs.
The most important thing is to know that God loves us, and that He fills us with His love to overflowing. That He gives us more than we need, and out of the excess we in turn bless others.
When we get "exhausted", it is not because we haven't allocated enough "personal time", it is because we have not been looking to God to fill us to overflowing with life and life more abundantly. It is because we have been walking in the flesh, trying to do things in our own strength. It is because we have not been walking in the spirit and depending on God's strength. It is because we have pursued happiness in the accumulation of things instead of seeking the Joy of the Lord that is to be our strength.
When we get all wrapped up in ourselves, we make for a pretty small package.
Monday, January 29, 2007
New Revealations
A question came up concerning "if the gifts of the Holy Spirit (including prophecy) were still available, then why shouldn't we seek out 'new' revelations about and from God?"
This has often been used as an argument by those who want to say that healing and the gifts of the Holy Spirit are all passed away and not available to the church today. They say that once the Bible was completed, then we didn't need gifts like prophecy, etc.
The thing is, it says nowhere in the Bible anything about the gifts stopping or any criteria for them being superseded any time before Jesus returns.
However, it does say in Revelation something about the completeness of scripture:
Rev 22:18-19 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
This makes the Bible the basis for testing all doctrine. We should carefully examine all of our doctrines, traditions, beliefs, and interpretations to make sure they square with the full counsel of God's Word.
The Holy Spirit is here to lead us into all truth. However, God does not contradict Himself. The Holy Spirit will not give someone a revelation, prophecy, or instruction that goes counter to scripture or preaches "another gospel".
The manifestations and gifts of the Holy Spirit have not faded away or stopped with the death of the last Apostle. They are still available to all who take God at His Word and believe.
Prophecy is basically just a message from God. The role of prophecy today is not to reveal "new truths". But prophecy can help us to see things in God's Word that we might have missed or misunderstood before. We just must be sure to study and show ourselves approved before accepting any "new" doctrines.
Sola scriptura ("by Scripture alone") is the assertion that the Bible as God's written word is self-authenticating, clear (perspicuous) to the rational reader, its own interpreter ("Scripture interprets Scripture"), and sufficient of itself to be the only source of Christian doctrine.
Scripture has one interpretation, but can have many applications.
This has often been used as an argument by those who want to say that healing and the gifts of the Holy Spirit are all passed away and not available to the church today. They say that once the Bible was completed, then we didn't need gifts like prophecy, etc.
The thing is, it says nowhere in the Bible anything about the gifts stopping or any criteria for them being superseded any time before Jesus returns.
However, it does say in Revelation something about the completeness of scripture:
Rev 22:18-19 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
This makes the Bible the basis for testing all doctrine. We should carefully examine all of our doctrines, traditions, beliefs, and interpretations to make sure they square with the full counsel of God's Word.
The Holy Spirit is here to lead us into all truth. However, God does not contradict Himself. The Holy Spirit will not give someone a revelation, prophecy, or instruction that goes counter to scripture or preaches "another gospel".
The manifestations and gifts of the Holy Spirit have not faded away or stopped with the death of the last Apostle. They are still available to all who take God at His Word and believe.
Prophecy is basically just a message from God. The role of prophecy today is not to reveal "new truths". But prophecy can help us to see things in God's Word that we might have missed or misunderstood before. We just must be sure to study and show ourselves approved before accepting any "new" doctrines.
Sola scriptura ("by Scripture alone") is the assertion that the Bible as God's written word is self-authenticating, clear (perspicuous) to the rational reader, its own interpreter ("Scripture interprets Scripture"), and sufficient of itself to be the only source of Christian doctrine.
Scripture has one interpretation, but can have many applications.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Reminders
Psalm 101:3a: "I will place no wicked thing before mine eyes."
Job 31:1: I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?"
I Thessalonians 5:21,22: "Test all things. Hold fast what is good. Abstain from all forms of evil."
I Peter 5:8,9: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."
Hebrews 12:14: "Pursue holiness without which no man shall see the Lord."
Job 31:1: I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?"
I Thessalonians 5:21,22: "Test all things. Hold fast what is good. Abstain from all forms of evil."
I Peter 5:8,9: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."
Hebrews 12:14: "Pursue holiness without which no man shall see the Lord."
Monday, January 08, 2007
Blessed to be a Blessing
This nation has been blessed in order that it may be a blessing.
We have have been blessed with such freedom and the ability to participate in our government. In reviewing the history of societies, nations, kingdoms, and empires, this form of government is extremely rare -- and the instances where it has existed in the past, it was relatively short lived.
Even most so-called democracies in today's world are really more socialistic than democratic.
We have have been blessed with such freedom and the ability to participate in our government. In reviewing the history of societies, nations, kingdoms, and empires, this form of government is extremely rare -- and the instances where it has existed in the past, it was relatively short lived.
Even most so-called democracies in today's world are really more socialistic than democratic.
On Christian Political Involvement
There has been a lot of buzz lately about whether or not Christians are too involved in politics -- and even whether or not Christians should be involved in politics at all.
A rather convenient coincidence that it became a widespread discussion during the year leading up to the 2006 mid-term elections. Looking back, it is apparent that a coordinated campaign was launched with the goal to disenfranchise the Christian conservative vote in order to win more liberal seats in congress.
The response is that Christians are no where near involved enough in the legislative process of this country.
The balance to that is, for all the time we spend on political involvement, we should have already spent more than double that building up our faith, sharing the Gospel, and demonstrating love for one another.
I'm not talking about legislating morality or creating laws to force everyone to believe the same as we do. Many activities we should be involved include:
1) Ensure that our freedoms are not eroded away
2) Hold government and criminals accountable for behavior
3) Debate of moral issues to raise awareness
4) Defend those abused by power
The real purpose of our engagement with society is to wake people up to their sin by being salt and light, and then sharing the gospel of Jesus with them.
A rather convenient coincidence that it became a widespread discussion during the year leading up to the 2006 mid-term elections. Looking back, it is apparent that a coordinated campaign was launched with the goal to disenfranchise the Christian conservative vote in order to win more liberal seats in congress.
The response is that Christians are no where near involved enough in the legislative process of this country.
The balance to that is, for all the time we spend on political involvement, we should have already spent more than double that building up our faith, sharing the Gospel, and demonstrating love for one another.
I'm not talking about legislating morality or creating laws to force everyone to believe the same as we do. Many activities we should be involved include:
1) Ensure that our freedoms are not eroded away
2) Hold government and criminals accountable for behavior
3) Debate of moral issues to raise awareness
4) Defend those abused by power
The real purpose of our engagement with society is to wake people up to their sin by being salt and light, and then sharing the gospel of Jesus with them.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
When You Believe Nothing, You Will Believe Anything
Folks often seem to go to one extreme or another.
On the one hand there are those who can get so stuck on one idea that they won't consider or permit any thoughts, arguments, or evidence to the contrary. They automatically dismiss anything that might smack of opposition and hastily label it "rubbish", "stupid", or "academic".
On the other hand, there are folks so open minded that their brains have fallen out. They are gullible enough to follow anyone and believe anything without questioning.
Too often people "hole up" with a pet belief that caters to their agenda -- then they sit back and call everyone else either "closed-minded" because they won't consider the pet belief; or, they will label others as "gullible" for not rejecting some idea that does not support the pet belief.
There are those who believe Christianity is about checking your brain at the door and living by "blind faith". That Christians will ignore the "reality" that the world's biased version of "science" presents.
Even within the religious community there are those that think the things of God are unknowable and we should never question. Teaching people not to think or ask questions just sets them up for falling into a cult.
To the contrary, Jesus assures us that we should ask, seek, and knock and expect an answer...
Luk 11:9 And I say to you, Ask and it shall be given you. Seek and you shall find. Knock and it shall be opened to you.
James goes on to assure us that God wants us to have wisdom...
Jam 1:5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and with no reproach, and it shall be given to him.
Jesus reaffirms the commandment says that we should include our mind in our worship of Him...
Mar 12:30 and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength." This is the first commandment.
Our goal should not be to live in one extreme or another. We should be 1) willing to critically examine evidence and follow where it leads; and, 2) seek until we find the answer that convinces us completely.
There are answers to our questions, and these answers are knowable. The secret is not to stop just when we feel "comfortable" with the answer. We should be sure of the answer regardless of how we feel about it, or how it might go contrary to our pet doctrines, beliefs, and vain philosophies of men.
Col 2:6-8 Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him, and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. Beware lest anyone rob you through philosophy and vain deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the elements of the world, and not according to Christ.
We are admonished to be firmly established in faith. To have a rooted, well grounded foundation to build upon. That way
The world's definition of faith is believing something without (or even spite of) evidence -- which is actually just wishful thinking or mental assent. So it is understandable that folks who have this definition in mind think that the Christian faith is just "blind" belief that flies in the face of reason.
Actually, the term "blind faith" is an oxymoron. The Bible definition of faith has at its core the concept that faith is the result of "knowing" something is true. That faith is based on and according to laws, precepts, and promises that existed before, and will exist long after our current physical existence. According to the Bible, there is nothing "blind" about faith. Conversely the Bible teaches that faith comes only after our eyes are opened.
Rom 10:17 Then faith is of hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.
Ours is NOT a "blind faith". It is not just blindly accepting some traditions or what some clever personality pandering for money has said.
It is based on something confirm-able, repeatable, and has withstood the test of time. It is based on hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.
Build a good foundation from God's Word to stand on, for if you stand for nothing, you'll fall for anything.
On the one hand there are those who can get so stuck on one idea that they won't consider or permit any thoughts, arguments, or evidence to the contrary. They automatically dismiss anything that might smack of opposition and hastily label it "rubbish", "stupid", or "academic".
On the other hand, there are folks so open minded that their brains have fallen out. They are gullible enough to follow anyone and believe anything without questioning.
Too often people "hole up" with a pet belief that caters to their agenda -- then they sit back and call everyone else either "closed-minded" because they won't consider the pet belief; or, they will label others as "gullible" for not rejecting some idea that does not support the pet belief.
There are those who believe Christianity is about checking your brain at the door and living by "blind faith". That Christians will ignore the "reality" that the world's biased version of "science" presents.
Even within the religious community there are those that think the things of God are unknowable and we should never question. Teaching people not to think or ask questions just sets them up for falling into a cult.
To the contrary, Jesus assures us that we should ask, seek, and knock and expect an answer...
Luk 11:9 And I say to you, Ask and it shall be given you. Seek and you shall find. Knock and it shall be opened to you.
James goes on to assure us that God wants us to have wisdom...
Jam 1:5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and with no reproach, and it shall be given to him.
Jesus reaffirms the commandment says that we should include our mind in our worship of Him...
Mar 12:30 and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength." This is the first commandment.
Our goal should not be to live in one extreme or another. We should be 1) willing to critically examine evidence and follow where it leads; and, 2) seek until we find the answer that convinces us completely.
There are answers to our questions, and these answers are knowable. The secret is not to stop just when we feel "comfortable" with the answer. We should be sure of the answer regardless of how we feel about it, or how it might go contrary to our pet doctrines, beliefs, and vain philosophies of men.
Col 2:6-8 Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him, and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. Beware lest anyone rob you through philosophy and vain deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the elements of the world, and not according to Christ.
We are admonished to be firmly established in faith. To have a rooted, well grounded foundation to build upon. That way
The world's definition of faith is believing something without (or even spite of) evidence -- which is actually just wishful thinking or mental assent. So it is understandable that folks who have this definition in mind think that the Christian faith is just "blind" belief that flies in the face of reason.
Actually, the term "blind faith" is an oxymoron. The Bible definition of faith has at its core the concept that faith is the result of "knowing" something is true. That faith is based on and according to laws, precepts, and promises that existed before, and will exist long after our current physical existence. According to the Bible, there is nothing "blind" about faith. Conversely the Bible teaches that faith comes only after our eyes are opened.
Rom 10:17 Then faith is of hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.
Ours is NOT a "blind faith". It is not just blindly accepting some traditions or what some clever personality pandering for money has said.
It is based on something confirm-able, repeatable, and has withstood the test of time. It is based on hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.
Build a good foundation from God's Word to stand on, for if you stand for nothing, you'll fall for anything.
Friday, December 08, 2006
Steps to Financial Freedom
Step 1: Build up $1000 in savings for emergency (something that threatens life, limb, or ability to work)
Step 2: Increase your net worth
a. Do not do anything that increases your debt. No loans, credit cards, etc...
b. Sell off or donate things you don't need
c. Exchange high payment items for lower payment items
d. Choose free or low cost activities instead of high price excursions
e. Do it yourself instead of hiring contractors
f. Do crafts for gifts instead of high price presents that end up in the trash, storage, or garage sale for 10cents. It'll mean more anyway.
g. Look for ways to cut expenses and save money. Get rid of leeches. Do you really need 500 cable channels? Getting rid of extra gadgets will also lower utility bills.
Step 3: Pay your food and utility bills; then, minimums on each debt bill, and anything left over send to pay extra on the lowest debt first.
Step 4: Once the lowest debt is payed off, then add what you were paying to pay off the next lowest. Repeat 3 & 4 until all debt is paid off. This gets results fast, and snowballs quickly.
Step 5: If you're not already, work up to giving at least 10% of what you make (before taxes) to God. Put the next 10% into savings and investments. Give to God first, and 'pay yourself' next.
Step 6: Pay bills, then put anything else toward building a secure, non-volatile but accessible nest egg of enough money to meet your living expenses for at least 3-6 months.
Step 7: You're there! You have security and no debt. Now you can breath easier, formulate a new budget and set immediate (within this year), near term (within 5 years), and long term (college, retirement, etc) goals.
a. Continue giving at least the first 10% to God.
b. Budget around 45% into savings and investments (at least 10% to long term savings and the rest for immediate and near-term goals -- buying a house, saving for college, vacations, car, etc).
c. You can now use the remainder for living expenses and anything left over is short term goals, gift giving, activities, and "mad-money".
Implement some self discipline:
1. If you can't buy it with cash, you don't need it. If there is something you want, it is far more satisfying to set goals and save up for it.
2. There is no 'good' debt, and you don't need a credit rating if you have the cash to pay for it.
3. A house is not an investment, it is a home. Don't commit to more house than you need. If you feel you 'have' to carry a debt, your mortgage should be the only one and you should work to pay it off early. Do not get a second mortgage or equity loan, and do not refinance.
4. Do not loan money to friends or family. If you can't afford to give it to them to keep, then don't.
Step 2: Increase your net worth
a. Do not do anything that increases your debt. No loans, credit cards, etc...
b. Sell off or donate things you don't need
c. Exchange high payment items for lower payment items
d. Choose free or low cost activities instead of high price excursions
e. Do it yourself instead of hiring contractors
f. Do crafts for gifts instead of high price presents that end up in the trash, storage, or garage sale for 10cents. It'll mean more anyway.
g. Look for ways to cut expenses and save money. Get rid of leeches. Do you really need 500 cable channels? Getting rid of extra gadgets will also lower utility bills.
Step 3: Pay your food and utility bills; then, minimums on each debt bill, and anything left over send to pay extra on the lowest debt first.
Step 4: Once the lowest debt is payed off, then add what you were paying to pay off the next lowest. Repeat 3 & 4 until all debt is paid off. This gets results fast, and snowballs quickly.
Step 5: If you're not already, work up to giving at least 10% of what you make (before taxes) to God. Put the next 10% into savings and investments. Give to God first, and 'pay yourself' next.
Step 6: Pay bills, then put anything else toward building a secure, non-volatile but accessible nest egg of enough money to meet your living expenses for at least 3-6 months.
Step 7: You're there! You have security and no debt. Now you can breath easier, formulate a new budget and set immediate (within this year), near term (within 5 years), and long term (college, retirement, etc) goals.
a. Continue giving at least the first 10% to God.
b. Budget around 45% into savings and investments (at least 10% to long term savings and the rest for immediate and near-term goals -- buying a house, saving for college, vacations, car, etc).
c. You can now use the remainder for living expenses and anything left over is short term goals, gift giving, activities, and "mad-money".
Implement some self discipline:
1. If you can't buy it with cash, you don't need it. If there is something you want, it is far more satisfying to set goals and save up for it.
2. There is no 'good' debt, and you don't need a credit rating if you have the cash to pay for it.
3. A house is not an investment, it is a home. Don't commit to more house than you need. If you feel you 'have' to carry a debt, your mortgage should be the only one and you should work to pay it off early. Do not get a second mortgage or equity loan, and do not refinance.
4. Do not loan money to friends or family. If you can't afford to give it to them to keep, then don't.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Balance
There is a widespread belief that 'balance' means mixing a little bad in with the good. There are religions, philosophies, and even doctrines taught in some Christian circles that teach everything good is balanced by something evil. Light is balanced by dark, yin-yang, and so forth.
According to the Bible, God created everything, and everything He created was Good. Evil was introduced later through the rebellion of satan and man. Evil is not an agent of balance, but a disease, a blemish, an abberation, an agent of rebellion.
God intended that Love provide the balance and bridge between His goodness and our badness.
According to the Bible, God created everything, and everything He created was Good. Evil was introduced later through the rebellion of satan and man. Evil is not an agent of balance, but a disease, a blemish, an abberation, an agent of rebellion.
God intended that Love provide the balance and bridge between His goodness and our badness.
Monday, December 04, 2006
Situational ethics
Situational ethics is just a way of saying you base your decisions only on a quick survey of the environment and jumping with whatever seems popular at the time. Either that, or the typical knee-jerk firefighting that all too often characterizes the contemporary manager.
Instead, one should make the best decision they can at the time based on ALL information available at the time. "All information available" includes not only the current state of the environment, but the experience and expertise of everyone involved as well as the moral and ethical codes that keep it all in proper perspective.
Moral and ethical codes are the tried and true values that have withstood the test of time.
Integrity should be used the filter the noise generated in an ever changing environment and allow focus on the really critical points that should drive a decision.
Instead, one should make the best decision they can at the time based on ALL information available at the time. "All information available" includes not only the current state of the environment, but the experience and expertise of everyone involved as well as the moral and ethical codes that keep it all in proper perspective.
Moral and ethical codes are the tried and true values that have withstood the test of time.
Integrity should be used the filter the noise generated in an ever changing environment and allow focus on the really critical points that should drive a decision.
Forgiveness
Forgiveness is NOT about avoiding "punishment".
Forgiveness is all about rebuilding relationship.
When I break God's law, I can seek His forgiveness and with Him, the eternal slate is wiped clean because of Jesus. It is Jesus who bore God's wrath and took my punishment for me, and God has promised to remember my sins no more.
But, all too often, this can lead us to think forgiveness should wipe away ALL consequences as well. We then make the mistake of believing that God is punishing us for our sins, when we are merely reaping the fruit we have sown.
There is always damage from transgression. If I do something to violate another person's trust, I can repent and seek forgiveness.
Forgiveness is the first step in rebuilding the relationship with that person, but it will take time to regain trust and see full restoration.
In addition to trust, I will still have to face all the temporal consequences of my actions.
If I have broken man's law, then I will still have to face man's judgment system.
If I have abused and not taken care of my body, then I will have to deal with the possibility of disease and/or disability.
If I have sinned against another person, then I may never regain the same level of relationship I had.
If my sin has caused death, then I, and others, will have to deal with the loss.
Follow up from Getting What You Deserve
Forgiveness is all about rebuilding relationship.
When I break God's law, I can seek His forgiveness and with Him, the eternal slate is wiped clean because of Jesus. It is Jesus who bore God's wrath and took my punishment for me, and God has promised to remember my sins no more.
But, all too often, this can lead us to think forgiveness should wipe away ALL consequences as well. We then make the mistake of believing that God is punishing us for our sins, when we are merely reaping the fruit we have sown.
There is always damage from transgression. If I do something to violate another person's trust, I can repent and seek forgiveness.
Forgiveness is the first step in rebuilding the relationship with that person, but it will take time to regain trust and see full restoration.
In addition to trust, I will still have to face all the temporal consequences of my actions.
If I have broken man's law, then I will still have to face man's judgment system.
If I have abused and not taken care of my body, then I will have to deal with the possibility of disease and/or disability.
If I have sinned against another person, then I may never regain the same level of relationship I had.
If my sin has caused death, then I, and others, will have to deal with the loss.
Follow up from Getting What You Deserve
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Getting What You Deserve?
Recently I ran across a conversation concerning judges taking pity on sex offenders and acting with leniency in sentencing. The question was asked "Is he [the sex offender] any less deserving of prayer and forgiveness than any of us?"
Deserving? We ALL *deserve* to be cast into hell. We need to be grateful for God's mercy in not getting what we deserve because of God's grace in Christ.
Justice: getting the punishment you deserve
Mercy: not getting the punishment you deserve
Grace: being given blessings that you do not deserve
Offenders do not *deserve* pity, love, forgiveness. We do not love others because they are deserving of it or have a "right" to it. We choose to love because we are loved by God even when we were unlovable. Out of the abundance of God's love poured out on us, we turn and love others.
When/If the offender repents and receives God's mercy and grace, then the ETERNAL consequences of his actions are forgiven.
As individuals, we are to love everyone, even the worst of offenders. You can love a person, and at the same time, hate their sinful behavior. Part of love is to hold others accountable for their behavior (Prov 13:24).
True, it is in the best interest of the family and victims to forgive and move on -- keeping in mind that forgiveness does not mean immediate restoration of position and trust, and does not mean that the offender escapes accountability for his behavior. As individuals, we are to forgive after the same manner that we are forgiven.
Governments, however, are bestowed with a different set of responsibilities.
Law was instituted because of the hardness of people's hearts. Mercy bestowed on a loving person is appreciated and promotes better behavior. Pity bestowed on a cold-hearted person is interpreted by that person as a reward for their behavior, and promotes more of whatever behavior is rewarded.
Governments and judges are charged with the responsibility to hold offenders accountable for the temporal consequences of their behavior. When they fail to do this, it comes across to society as permissiveness, advocating, and promotion of that behavior.
What this judge is saying is that it is OK, excusable, and justifiable to molest a child.
Instead of pitying the offender, what about the victims?
When is it OK for someone to act out their own selfish desires on an innocent child? What about the children whose lives have been ripped apart at the seams? Seems to me if anyone was to deserve pity, it would be the victim.
Deserving? We ALL *deserve* to be cast into hell. We need to be grateful for God's mercy in not getting what we deserve because of God's grace in Christ.
Justice: getting the punishment you deserve
Mercy: not getting the punishment you deserve
Grace: being given blessings that you do not deserve
Offenders do not *deserve* pity, love, forgiveness. We do not love others because they are deserving of it or have a "right" to it. We choose to love because we are loved by God even when we were unlovable. Out of the abundance of God's love poured out on us, we turn and love others.
When/If the offender repents and receives God's mercy and grace, then the ETERNAL consequences of his actions are forgiven.
As individuals, we are to love everyone, even the worst of offenders. You can love a person, and at the same time, hate their sinful behavior. Part of love is to hold others accountable for their behavior (Prov 13:24).
True, it is in the best interest of the family and victims to forgive and move on -- keeping in mind that forgiveness does not mean immediate restoration of position and trust, and does not mean that the offender escapes accountability for his behavior. As individuals, we are to forgive after the same manner that we are forgiven.
Governments, however, are bestowed with a different set of responsibilities.
Law was instituted because of the hardness of people's hearts. Mercy bestowed on a loving person is appreciated and promotes better behavior. Pity bestowed on a cold-hearted person is interpreted by that person as a reward for their behavior, and promotes more of whatever behavior is rewarded.
Governments and judges are charged with the responsibility to hold offenders accountable for the temporal consequences of their behavior. When they fail to do this, it comes across to society as permissiveness, advocating, and promotion of that behavior.
What this judge is saying is that it is OK, excusable, and justifiable to molest a child.
Instead of pitying the offender, what about the victims?
When is it OK for someone to act out their own selfish desires on an innocent child? What about the children whose lives have been ripped apart at the seams? Seems to me if anyone was to deserve pity, it would be the victim.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
notes on homeschooling
- time with kids
- time as kids
- learn skills from a variety of ages instead of from a gang of 60 children of the same age
- learn to communication with people of different ages and backgrounds
- development of relationships is more important than accumulation of information or wealth (can't take wealth with you, but relationships you build can literally last for eternity)
- closer, stronger family
- development of traditions
- exposure in a controlled environment to inoculate against destructive thinking
- Biblical world view
- love of learning
- learn to reason and think critically
- desire to learn
- learn how to form own opinion
- create ability/desire to research for oneself
- keep challenged
- spend extra time on difficult areas
- content and quality control
- learn "why" of history, instead of focus on who, where, when
- more options, variety, broad spectrum
- one on one
- individualized instruction
- time as kids
- learn skills from a variety of ages instead of from a gang of 60 children of the same age
- learn to communication with people of different ages and backgrounds
- development of relationships is more important than accumulation of information or wealth (can't take wealth with you, but relationships you build can literally last for eternity)
- closer, stronger family
- development of traditions
- exposure in a controlled environment to inoculate against destructive thinking
- Biblical world view
- love of learning
- learn to reason and think critically
- desire to learn
- learn how to form own opinion
- create ability/desire to research for oneself
- keep challenged
- spend extra time on difficult areas
- content and quality control
- learn "why" of history, instead of focus on who, where, when
- more options, variety, broad spectrum
- one on one
- individualized instruction
Saturday, November 18, 2006
soapbox
The purpose of this blog is to sound off on:
1. Opinion
2. Personal experiences and feelings
3. Thoughts and ideas that are not fully developed
I try to only post things on the 'bibleguy' blog if I have a clear biblical support. The 'soapbox' is more for things that I may not have worked out completely yet. Additionally, posts here may tend to be a little less sensitive at times :)
Your input is welcome to help me stay on the straight and narrow.
1. Opinion
2. Personal experiences and feelings
3. Thoughts and ideas that are not fully developed
I try to only post things on the 'bibleguy' blog if I have a clear biblical support. The 'soapbox' is more for things that I may not have worked out completely yet. Additionally, posts here may tend to be a little less sensitive at times :)
Your input is welcome to help me stay on the straight and narrow.
Friday, November 10, 2006
Knowlege Puffeth Up
...Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. 1 Cor 8:1-2 (NKJV)
Gnosticism, mysticism, magick, etc all always have the "promise" of greater power always over the horizon, in the next level of hidden knowlege.
Reminds me of the sign I saw in a restaurant "Free fish tomorrow..." When you come back the next day, the sign still says "Free fish tomorrow..."
In all these "isms", the initiate is always working to get to the next "level" in order to obtain the coveted "hidden knowlege".
Once they "level-up", then they find only that the power they wanted is only available at the next level. In the process, what they do get is an ego boost -- they take pride in thier accomplishment at getting to a higher level than someone else. They get a feeling of superiority from having access to privledged knowledge. Even if, in the end, the "knowledge" proves to be basically a worthless waste of time.
It's all smoke and mirrors. Satan, the father of lies, has no real power of his own. He can only offer facimiles of God's power. At best, he can pull off a few parlor tricks to use as carrots to string along the gullible. But his promises are all empty and without any real substance.
God is the true source of power and wisdom. If we have any question, God says to ask Him, and He will give us the truth and true wisdom.
If any of you need wisdom, you should ask God, and it will be given to you. God is generous and won't correct you for asking. James 1:5 (CEV)
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Itching Ears
A wise man is hungry for truth, while the mocker feeds on trash.
Proverbs 15:14 (Living Bible)
It never fails to puzzle me about how people who never spend time reading the Bible and have little (if any) knowledge about -- these same people are so quick to read, study, and talk about all these "lost" books that keep popping up. They won't spend a minute to read a chapter out of the Bible, but they will flock to read "the gospel of" Thomas, Judas, Mary, and any other extra-biblical twaddle they can get their hands on.
Gnosticism isn't anything new. It's roots date back to the book of acts when the Greeks were being introduced to the Gospel. The apostle John dedicated most of his writing to countering the mixing of Greek philosophy with Christianity.
The gnostic writings were written some 300 years after the time of Jesus and, unlike the Gospels, these books were not written by anyone with firsthand knowledge of Jesus. Ever since, they have cropped up from time to time. For a short time they become popular, sell a bunch of books, magazines and videos and then (because it is false and empty) it falls into obscurity again to wait for the next generation of gullible people.
In their wake, they plant seeds of doubt and unbelief in the hearts of those who are unestablished in God's Word and further harden the hearts of those who are looking for any excuse not to believe.
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
2 Timothy 4:3-4 (KJV)
Proverbs 15:14 (Living Bible)
It never fails to puzzle me about how people who never spend time reading the Bible and have little (if any) knowledge about -- these same people are so quick to read, study, and talk about all these "lost" books that keep popping up. They won't spend a minute to read a chapter out of the Bible, but they will flock to read "the gospel of" Thomas, Judas, Mary, and any other extra-biblical twaddle they can get their hands on.
Gnosticism isn't anything new. It's roots date back to the book of acts when the Greeks were being introduced to the Gospel. The apostle John dedicated most of his writing to countering the mixing of Greek philosophy with Christianity.
The gnostic writings were written some 300 years after the time of Jesus and, unlike the Gospels, these books were not written by anyone with firsthand knowledge of Jesus. Ever since, they have cropped up from time to time. For a short time they become popular, sell a bunch of books, magazines and videos and then (because it is false and empty) it falls into obscurity again to wait for the next generation of gullible people.
In their wake, they plant seeds of doubt and unbelief in the hearts of those who are unestablished in God's Word and further harden the hearts of those who are looking for any excuse not to believe.
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
2 Timothy 4:3-4 (KJV)
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Situational ethics
Situational ethics is just a way of saying you base your decisions only on a quick survey of the environment and jumping with whatever seems popular at the time. Either that, or the typical knee-jerk firefighting that all too often characterizes the postmodern manager.
Instead, one should make the best decision they can at the time based on ALL information available at the time. "All information available" includes not only the current state of the environment, but the experience and expertise of everyone involved as well as the moral and ethical codes that keep it all in proper perspective.
Moral and ethical codes are the tried and true values that have withstood the test of time.
Integrity should be used the filter the noise generated in an ever changing environment and allow focus on the really critical points that should drive a decision.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
On "Looking Within"
I've heard a lot of talk from the chat shows, magazines, and self-help gurus about how we are supposed to "look within ourselves" for answers to all of life's problems.
It sounds really nice, and because we want to believe such a thing a true, it is easy to accept such a statement without thinking on it too much.
However, next time you hear of or consider such a philosophy, check it against the Word of God:
"O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps" (Jeremiah 10:23).
According to the Bible, we are incapable of directing our own steps. The Bible admonishes us that:
"There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." (Prov 14:12, Prov 16:25)
Since we cannot lead ourselves, we follow after whatever has the greatest influence over us.
The only real choice we have is to chose what influences us -- we are able to choose what we are most exposed to.
Whatever we choose to spend the most time doing, watching, listening to, and thinking about will have sway over our hearts.
As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he. Prov 23:7
Stay aware of what you are spending time on. Is it something that builds up the spirit or builds up the flesh.
What is the biggest influence in your life? Is it God's Word or the world?
The world is blinded and does not have the answer:
Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him (John 14:17)
If our primary influence is the world, then we are under satan's influence:
In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. (2 Corinthians 4:4)
Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. (John 8:44)
God has given us the capability to choose, the alternative to choose, and the strength to choose. Paul explains in Romans the two natures:
Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.
You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.
Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation—but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. (Romans 8:5-15)
The truth is not found by looking within ourselves or looking to the world.
The truth is in continually and repeatedly feeding ourselves on God's Word. The more Word we have in our hearts, the more our minds will be set on what the Spirit desires. This makes us more sensitive to being led by His Spirit. Then we are His children in Christ and He is our Father.
Monday, July 10, 2006
When you fast
Probably the biggest key to remember is that fasting should not be a religious practice to try and convince God to do something.
Fasting does not change God, it changes you.
Hunger is probably the strongest urge of the flesh. When we fast, we are telling the flesh that we choose to follow the spirit and not the flesh.
What fasting does is help you discipline and get the flesh out of the way. Once the flesh is out of the way you are more sensitive to the Spirit and hearing from God. The flesh is the source of a lot of doubt and unbelief, so your prayers can be mixed with unhindered faith when your flesh is under subjection.
I don't know how many times I've been busy at work and gone all day without breakfast and lunch without feeling or realizing it. However, the moment I decide to fast, immediately the flesh starts pinging and wanting immediate attention and gratification (hunger pangs, headaches, wooziness -- and it's only been 5 mins!)
In the broadest sense, you could probably consider a fast anytime you are denying the flesh one of its appetites. Strictest sense would be no food or water. Best to start small and work up over time, maturity, and leading of the Holy Spirit. Keep in mind, you are out to discipline the flesh, not kill your body.
Jesus said that when we fast, we should go about normally with our daily business as if we are not fasting. It's not anyone's business to know. If they ask, don't have to be spooky about it, just say you have other plans for lunch.
Use any hunger pangs as reminders to pray or ponder a scripture verse. Every time the flesh rises up, remind it that you don't live by bread alone, but by the Word of God and that your meat is to do the will of the Father.
Fasting does not change God, it changes you.
Hunger is probably the strongest urge of the flesh. When we fast, we are telling the flesh that we choose to follow the spirit and not the flesh.
What fasting does is help you discipline and get the flesh out of the way. Once the flesh is out of the way you are more sensitive to the Spirit and hearing from God. The flesh is the source of a lot of doubt and unbelief, so your prayers can be mixed with unhindered faith when your flesh is under subjection.
I don't know how many times I've been busy at work and gone all day without breakfast and lunch without feeling or realizing it. However, the moment I decide to fast, immediately the flesh starts pinging and wanting immediate attention and gratification (hunger pangs, headaches, wooziness -- and it's only been 5 mins!)
In the broadest sense, you could probably consider a fast anytime you are denying the flesh one of its appetites. Strictest sense would be no food or water. Best to start small and work up over time, maturity, and leading of the Holy Spirit. Keep in mind, you are out to discipline the flesh, not kill your body.
Jesus said that when we fast, we should go about normally with our daily business as if we are not fasting. It's not anyone's business to know. If they ask, don't have to be spooky about it, just say you have other plans for lunch.
Use any hunger pangs as reminders to pray or ponder a scripture verse. Every time the flesh rises up, remind it that you don't live by bread alone, but by the Word of God and that your meat is to do the will of the Father.
Saturday, June 10, 2006
The Way
There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.
Proverbs 14:12 and 16:25
All a man's ways seem right to him [a man], but the LORD weighs the heart.
Proverbs 21:2
I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws.
Psalm 119:30
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting
Psalm 139:23-24
Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?" Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
John 14:5-6
Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby. For narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it.
Matthew 7:13-14
Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.
Revelation 22:14
Subscribe to:
Posts
(
Atom
)