God heals, Jesus heals. He healed MIRACULOUSLY, instantaneously.
Nowadays, we say God will heal, go through endless surgery and treatments, get healed, and then give God the Glory. But, seriously. Who is not saying in the back of their mind, "yes, God heals, but it's a good thing they got all that medical attention and stuff, because God uses that to heal..." and yes, yes He does.
But you show me God or Christ healing in the Bible where doctor's methods were involved. The closest thing to "doctor methods" were rubbing spit and dirt on eyes, and didn't somebody go wash in a pool first?
How much are we limiting our faith with this dilemma? We are so scared of death and so hesitant to believe when life is at stake- we can put things in God's hands yet still in the hands of doctors...
Even as I write that, I know I'm bonkers for it. I can write it, type it out, you catch my drift and all, but whoa.
If they told me my child had cancer or something- would I not be all over the doctors? My faith is just as limited in that realm.
But I still write this.
God HEALS, and when He heals, it ain't no small thing. He didn't heal hang nails and paper cuts. He put an ear back on the side of a dude's face, all well and good. He healed a woman who had been bleeding for YEARS!
I realize that having Jesus right there would definitely help with the whole faith issue. But are we not equipped? If we are the Body of Christ, then why can't we? His hands reached out and healed. Is it not logical that OURS can do the same?!? (and by logical, you know I mean spiritually logical).
What a wonder modern medicine is. Truly. And how expensive and profitable, too. But, to the detriment of our God? At least God in our eyes? A modern tragedy of faith and existence. What are we to do?
Step off a cliff? Speak clearly Lord, and leave no room for doubt.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
The Godfather USA
The Godfather USA
An interesting article, believe what you will, though the ring of truth is almost too deafening.
An interesting article, believe what you will, though the ring of truth is almost too deafening.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Do Part Deux
It's not only Christians that think of themselves in regard to 'don'ts'- but the non-believers as well. You know, that big list of don'ts we Christians carry around that keep us from having fun? The non-believer is all over that.
And the reason for that is because we Christians are all over that. Don't lie. Don't judge. Don't take the Lord's name in vain.
As I said in the previous post- that is the stuff Jesus died for. It is impossible to think that we would ever succeed in conquering the 'don'ts'- yet we pay so much attention to the 'don'ts' like we think we can overcome them. We can't. Jesus did. By the power of the Spirit we avoid them most of the time.
However, I believe if we focus on what we are told to DO, we would have much greater success avoiding the stuff we are NOT supposed to do. What is that old saying? Idle hands are the devil's playground or something?
Now, I realize this whole thing is more for like, "mature" Christians. People who are pretty adept at already avoiding the naughty- yet slip ups still happen. (Duh, that is why Christ is required.) If you feel you're in that category- you're an adult who pretty much avoids drunkeness, drugs, infidelity, lying, stealing, cheating, and all those other 613 weird laws (see, you need Jesus.) maybe you are ready to focus on DOing. Loving. Putting some works in along with your faith...
Get equipped. Know your Spiritual gift. Know how to listen to God, and hear Him vs. your own brain. Then you can start the Do.
And the reason for that is because we Christians are all over that. Don't lie. Don't judge. Don't take the Lord's name in vain.
As I said in the previous post- that is the stuff Jesus died for. It is impossible to think that we would ever succeed in conquering the 'don'ts'- yet we pay so much attention to the 'don'ts' like we think we can overcome them. We can't. Jesus did. By the power of the Spirit we avoid them most of the time.
However, I believe if we focus on what we are told to DO, we would have much greater success avoiding the stuff we are NOT supposed to do. What is that old saying? Idle hands are the devil's playground or something?
Now, I realize this whole thing is more for like, "mature" Christians. People who are pretty adept at already avoiding the naughty- yet slip ups still happen. (Duh, that is why Christ is required.) If you feel you're in that category- you're an adult who pretty much avoids drunkeness, drugs, infidelity, lying, stealing, cheating, and all those other 613 weird laws (see, you need Jesus.) maybe you are ready to focus on DOing. Loving. Putting some works in along with your faith...
Get equipped. Know your Spiritual gift. Know how to listen to God, and hear Him vs. your own brain. Then you can start the Do.
Monday, April 12, 2010
To think on later...
Many Christians think of themselves in terms of what they DON'T do: Don't drink, don't party, don't do drugs, cheat on spouse, steal, cuss, lie...etc.
It is interesting to me that the two commandments that Jesus says are most important (Love the Lord w/ all heart, soul, mind, strength/love neighbor as self) and the "new" command (Love each other)- are in regard to what we DO.
A list of "don'ts" is old news- The 613 or so commandments in the law, they were pretty much about don'ts, save the ones I mentioned and maybe a few others, like, do wear tassels and junk. But DON'T cut the hair on the sides of your face. And DON'T eat pigs. Lotsa Don'ts.
But Jesus started something new. It's almost like He's saying, you've gotten the DON'Ts. You should know better by now that it's impossible, and you've gotta count on me to be your redemption. Period.
Now, what is important is the DO. DO DO DO DO DO DO. What are we supposed to be DOING?
Today's Christian congregations focus way to much on the DON'Ts, and we think it's enough. Christianity is defined way to much by the DON'Ts, and it is giving the wrong impression. Been there, done that. If you are a Christian, you should KNOW the DON'Ts, and you should grow and learn to trust in the Spirit enough that you've got that part down. And, I'm not saying we'll be perfect...obviously there will be slip-ups. Big and small. However, my point is this: It's time for the American church to be a DOING church. DOING the work our Lord has prepared for us in advance, DOING the Will of our Lord as we are seriously supposed to be doing. And I say serious because it's eternally serious. "Not all who say to me, Lord! Lord! will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but ONLY THOSE WHO DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO THE WILL OF MY FATHER IN HEAVEN. DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.
Time to DO, folks. Time to DO.
It is interesting to me that the two commandments that Jesus says are most important (Love the Lord w/ all heart, soul, mind, strength/love neighbor as self) and the "new" command (Love each other)- are in regard to what we DO.
A list of "don'ts" is old news- The 613 or so commandments in the law, they were pretty much about don'ts, save the ones I mentioned and maybe a few others, like, do wear tassels and junk. But DON'T cut the hair on the sides of your face. And DON'T eat pigs. Lotsa Don'ts.
But Jesus started something new. It's almost like He's saying, you've gotten the DON'Ts. You should know better by now that it's impossible, and you've gotta count on me to be your redemption. Period.
Now, what is important is the DO. DO DO DO DO DO DO. What are we supposed to be DOING?
Today's Christian congregations focus way to much on the DON'Ts, and we think it's enough. Christianity is defined way to much by the DON'Ts, and it is giving the wrong impression. Been there, done that. If you are a Christian, you should KNOW the DON'Ts, and you should grow and learn to trust in the Spirit enough that you've got that part down. And, I'm not saying we'll be perfect...obviously there will be slip-ups. Big and small. However, my point is this: It's time for the American church to be a DOING church. DOING the work our Lord has prepared for us in advance, DOING the Will of our Lord as we are seriously supposed to be doing. And I say serious because it's eternally serious. "Not all who say to me, Lord! Lord! will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but ONLY THOSE WHO DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO THE WILL OF MY FATHER IN HEAVEN. DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.
Time to DO, folks. Time to DO.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Reflecting on Easter...
So, yesterday's Easter was fantastic. I felt like I was really enveloped in the joy of the day- the fact that my Lord is NOT dead, but risen, alive, and kickin'. The idea of that, being once dead but now alive, is so bizarre, you have to force yourself to believe it. You have to concentrate. You have to let yourself be sucked into it.
I think, for the first time, I did that. I was truly celebrating it, singing with my guts. It was pretty cool. Very cool. Super cool.
More than anything, yesterday makes me want to do more about 'this'. 'This' being my life lived for God. I know there is more for me to do, I know He has intended more for me and my life- however small and insignificant I may see it to be, He has work for me to do, that my whole life must be centered upon, and I want to do that, be that. More, more, more.
One of my greatest, um, thought activities centers around 'me as mommy'. I don't know if God has put this within me, but I get very, um, weird about being a mother, giving birth, all that jazz. I know that the Lord is responsible for every child I conceived and will conceive. I want to let that all up to Him- but nowadays, that's considered irresponsible, unreasonable, or even crazy. But why? Why do people think mother-of-19 Michelle Duggar is horrible? She has put her trust fully in the Lord, completely, down to the smallest detail, and to the largest- the fact that she will let HIM decide how many children she will have!
Um, isn't that how it is supposed to be? That we trust the Lord with all our heart, and lean NOT on our OWN understanding? Our own understanding being something along the lines of 2 kids is enough? Or once you have a boy and girl, you're good?
I just don't know. Well, I do, but I am influenced by this world, I admit. I want 5, 6, 7 children. I realize that my c-section situation will probably limit my chances of having a big ol' quiverful, but, should I not trust God and just keep going til the doctors remove my uterus because it's kaput? (you can only cut it open and sew it shut so many times, 6 is the most I've heard from my doctor's previous patients.)
Seth says we are done at 4. I have made it clear it is up to him to take care of that, because I don't want to do any "controling" in that area of my life. God controls that- and He is spectacular control, ask Sarah, Rebekah, Hannah, Elizabeth, Anna the prophet, and any other woman in the Bible who had trouble conceiving, or didn't at all.
My children are like arrows in the hand of a mighty warrior, and oh how blessed we are to have 3, and to be blessed with more? Yes, please, Lord. More and more and more! Whether by my body or by adoption, we will have a house full of children! (And right about now, having the children doesn't seem to be an issue, it's the house to fill at the moment!!) But think about that, even. What sort of insane person would get pregnant just as they are moving their family of 4 into their inlaws?!? A blessed person, that's who!! To have all that crap going on, selling our house at a huge loss, being packed into a much smaller space with active boys, Seth losing a job and finding another at 1/2 the salary...what nutball gets pregnant? I'll tell ya who- somebody who trusts the Lord, who will not say, "no thank you" to the blessing of a child!! As many as you want me to have, Lord!!!
I think, for the first time, I did that. I was truly celebrating it, singing with my guts. It was pretty cool. Very cool. Super cool.
More than anything, yesterday makes me want to do more about 'this'. 'This' being my life lived for God. I know there is more for me to do, I know He has intended more for me and my life- however small and insignificant I may see it to be, He has work for me to do, that my whole life must be centered upon, and I want to do that, be that. More, more, more.
One of my greatest, um, thought activities centers around 'me as mommy'. I don't know if God has put this within me, but I get very, um, weird about being a mother, giving birth, all that jazz. I know that the Lord is responsible for every child I conceived and will conceive. I want to let that all up to Him- but nowadays, that's considered irresponsible, unreasonable, or even crazy. But why? Why do people think mother-of-19 Michelle Duggar is horrible? She has put her trust fully in the Lord, completely, down to the smallest detail, and to the largest- the fact that she will let HIM decide how many children she will have!
Um, isn't that how it is supposed to be? That we trust the Lord with all our heart, and lean NOT on our OWN understanding? Our own understanding being something along the lines of 2 kids is enough? Or once you have a boy and girl, you're good?
I just don't know. Well, I do, but I am influenced by this world, I admit. I want 5, 6, 7 children. I realize that my c-section situation will probably limit my chances of having a big ol' quiverful, but, should I not trust God and just keep going til the doctors remove my uterus because it's kaput? (you can only cut it open and sew it shut so many times, 6 is the most I've heard from my doctor's previous patients.)
Seth says we are done at 4. I have made it clear it is up to him to take care of that, because I don't want to do any "controling" in that area of my life. God controls that- and He is spectacular control, ask Sarah, Rebekah, Hannah, Elizabeth, Anna the prophet, and any other woman in the Bible who had trouble conceiving, or didn't at all.
My children are like arrows in the hand of a mighty warrior, and oh how blessed we are to have 3, and to be blessed with more? Yes, please, Lord. More and more and more! Whether by my body or by adoption, we will have a house full of children! (And right about now, having the children doesn't seem to be an issue, it's the house to fill at the moment!!) But think about that, even. What sort of insane person would get pregnant just as they are moving their family of 4 into their inlaws?!? A blessed person, that's who!! To have all that crap going on, selling our house at a huge loss, being packed into a much smaller space with active boys, Seth losing a job and finding another at 1/2 the salary...what nutball gets pregnant? I'll tell ya who- somebody who trusts the Lord, who will not say, "no thank you" to the blessing of a child!! As many as you want me to have, Lord!!!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Romans 4 - Passage Lookup - The Message - BibleGateway.com
Romans 4 - Passage Lookup - The Message - BibleGateway.com: "We call Abraham 'father' not because he got God's attention by living like a saint, but because God made something out of Abraham when he was a nobody. Isn't that what we've always read in Scripture, God saying to Abraham, 'I set you up as father of many peoples'? Abraham was first named 'father' and then became a father because he dared to trust God to do what only God could do: raise the dead to life, with a word make something out of nothing. When everything was hopeless, Abraham believed anyway, deciding to live not on the basis of what he saw he couldn't do but on what God said he would do. And so he was made father of a multitude of peoples. God himself said to him, 'You're going to have a big family, Abraham!'
19-25Abraham didn't focus on his own impotence and say, 'It's hopeless. This hundred-year-old body could never father a child.' Nor did he survey Sarah's decades of infertility and give up. He didn't tiptoe around God's promise asking cautiously skeptical questions. He plunged into the promise and came up strong, ready for God, sure that God would make good on what he had said. That's why it is said, 'Abraham was declared fit before God by trusting God to set him right.' But it's not just Abraham; it's also us! The same thing gets said about us when we embrace and believe the One who brought Jesus to life when the conditions were equally hopeless. The sacrificed Jesus made us fit for God, set us right with God."
Ok, so, you can't copy and paste stuff from Biblegateway anymore, and you have to do it this way. Thus, the entire part of the passage I want was "too big" or something, so I had to cut it down to this. Anyway, not important.
I am very interested in what I have bolded and italicized up there. It speaks very much to FCC. Everybody knows we've got some issues- financial, mixed in with some spiritual. We are in this spiritual leap forward, I believe. What a place to be in when we are financially freaked out.
Jesus has promised to be with us each step of the way. In Jeremiah 29:11, that verse that I keep on the tip of my tongue, God promised the Israelites: "I KNOW the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you, and NOT to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." We hear that, we see it in writing, and we hold it in our heads. But what should we do?
What did Abraham do? He trusted, and he MOVED. Don't get me wrong, it is right to think about our finances and see what we can do to alleviate that issue. However, we cannot stand around this place, stunned. We can't focus on something that God has said HE has control of. The work the Lord has planned for us in advance, it doesn't get put on hold simply because we are having financial issues. We must go on.
So, we need to all make a choice- a crazy choice for some of you, because concentrating on finances when they are in trouble seems like the logical, smart thing to do. But we can't tiptoe around God and what He is doing with us. We can't say, "Hold up, God, let's get this straightened out before we go on to the next thing..." We must go about our business of blessing, and trust God that He will provide what we need. FCC is a strong church- not because our building is pretty and taken care of well. That is a product of our strength. We are strong because the Lord has made us strong, we, the people of this church. Our spirits reach out for God, and His hand is upon us. The more we seek Him, trust Him, and obey what we believe He is asking us to do- we will see Him take care of these struggles. In His way. In His time.
How is your faith? Are you ready to do as God is asking us, and trust that He will provide for us in the way we need Him to? If you believe that- if you dare to trust in our Lord- plunge into His promise! Let us go out and bless! Let us trust that God will put things right- in His way. In His time.
19-25Abraham didn't focus on his own impotence and say, 'It's hopeless. This hundred-year-old body could never father a child.' Nor did he survey Sarah's decades of infertility and give up. He didn't tiptoe around God's promise asking cautiously skeptical questions. He plunged into the promise and came up strong, ready for God, sure that God would make good on what he had said. That's why it is said, 'Abraham was declared fit before God by trusting God to set him right.' But it's not just Abraham; it's also us! The same thing gets said about us when we embrace and believe the One who brought Jesus to life when the conditions were equally hopeless. The sacrificed Jesus made us fit for God, set us right with God."
Ok, so, you can't copy and paste stuff from Biblegateway anymore, and you have to do it this way. Thus, the entire part of the passage I want was "too big" or something, so I had to cut it down to this. Anyway, not important.
I am very interested in what I have bolded and italicized up there. It speaks very much to FCC. Everybody knows we've got some issues- financial, mixed in with some spiritual. We are in this spiritual leap forward, I believe. What a place to be in when we are financially freaked out.
Jesus has promised to be with us each step of the way. In Jeremiah 29:11, that verse that I keep on the tip of my tongue, God promised the Israelites: "I KNOW the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you, and NOT to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." We hear that, we see it in writing, and we hold it in our heads. But what should we do?
What did Abraham do? He trusted, and he MOVED. Don't get me wrong, it is right to think about our finances and see what we can do to alleviate that issue. However, we cannot stand around this place, stunned. We can't focus on something that God has said HE has control of. The work the Lord has planned for us in advance, it doesn't get put on hold simply because we are having financial issues. We must go on.
So, we need to all make a choice- a crazy choice for some of you, because concentrating on finances when they are in trouble seems like the logical, smart thing to do. But we can't tiptoe around God and what He is doing with us. We can't say, "Hold up, God, let's get this straightened out before we go on to the next thing..." We must go about our business of blessing, and trust God that He will provide what we need. FCC is a strong church- not because our building is pretty and taken care of well. That is a product of our strength. We are strong because the Lord has made us strong, we, the people of this church. Our spirits reach out for God, and His hand is upon us. The more we seek Him, trust Him, and obey what we believe He is asking us to do- we will see Him take care of these struggles. In His way. In His time.
How is your faith? Are you ready to do as God is asking us, and trust that He will provide for us in the way we need Him to? If you believe that- if you dare to trust in our Lord- plunge into His promise! Let us go out and bless! Let us trust that God will put things right- in His way. In His time.
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