I’m really thankful for God’s forgiveness. I know! I know! You have probably heard it a hundred times! People always stand up during praise time in church and thank God for forgiveness. Do we really sit and think of how GREAT it really is, that HE forgives? What if He didn’t? What if He was like humans? What if He was not perfect? What if we had to prove our love to Him?
Forgiving is hard business! None of this Christ following stuff is easy though, Jesus tells us in His word about it. It’s hard to live right, most of all it’s hard to stay right with God, when we are surrounded by so much ungodliness. It’s hard to truly stand up for Christ, when being made fun of. It’s hard, but worth it.
I treat Christ like crap each and every day. No! No! God, I would rather watch tv. No! No! I would rather do mindless things on the computer. I can’t right now God, I just have way to many OTHER things to do. Other things that do not matter.
It’s crazy how Jesus was thinking of me on that cross, but I can only think of myself. I can only think of MY small problems, things that do NOT even matter. We do NOT matter, not a thing is about us. It’s about Christ and what we can do in HIS name. Only in Him can I show love, only in Him can I truly forgive. Only in HIM can I do ALL things! =)
God is not concerned about facebook, myspace, or twitter. He doesn’t fret over who left you a mean comment. He doesn’t care who made you mad, sad, or caused you to have ill feelings. He IS concerned of what WE are doing in HIS name. Are we going throughout the nations and preaching the word of Christ? Are we doing what He’s told us to do? Our problems are small compared to all the lost souls out there. People are dying and going to Hell, and I’m more concerned about at tv show, or what I’m going to eat for supper.
I watch a show called 18 kids and counting. They are a family of 18(one more on the way) and they are a family souled out to Christ. They don’t even have a tv, cable, or directv. Most people would think they are crazy, I think they are smart.
Could you imagine how life would be? Without internet & tv? I honestly sit and tell myself, I could not do without. Isn’t that crazy? I will say all day long, I’m willing to do whatever for Christ. Yes, I’m willing to die in His name even. How can I mean that, when I could not even give up something as SIMPLE as tv and internet?
He thought enough of me to die for me. I think enough of Him, that I put Him last on the list each day. Do you? Do you do it also? If so, what are we going to do about it? If we say He means more than anything in this world, let’s show Him.
I typed this up really fast from the “Crazy Love” book. So, there might be a few typos. =)
1. Attend church fairly regularly. It is what is expected of them, what they believe “good Christians” do, so they go. Isaiah 29:13
2. Give money to charity and to the church….. as long as it doesn’t impinge on their standard of living. If they have a little extra and it is easy and safe to give, they do so. After all, God loves a cheerful giver, right? 1 Chronicles 21:24, Luke 21:1-4
3. Tend to choose what is popular over what is right when they are in conflict. They desire to fit in both at church and outside of church; they care more about what others think of their actions(like church attendance and giving) than what God thinks of their hearts and lives. Luke 6:26, Rev. 3:1, Matt. 23:5-7
4. Don’t really want to be saved from their sin; they want only to be saved from the penalty of their sin. They don’t genuinely hate sin and aren’t truly sorry for it; they’re merely sorry because God is going to punish them. Lukewarm people don’t really believe that this new life Jesus offers is better than the old sinful one. John 10:10, Rom. 6:1-2
5. Are moved by stories about people who do radical things for Christ, yet they do not act. They assume such action is for “extreme” Christians, not average ones. Lukewarm people call “radical” what Jesus expected of all His followers. James 1:22, James 4:17, Matt 21:28-31
6. Rarely share their faith with their neighbors, coworkers, or friends. They do not want to be rejected, nor do they want to make people uncomfortable by talking about private issue’s like religion. Matt. 10:32-33
7. Gauge their morality or “goodness” by comparing themselves to the secular world. They feel satisfied that while they aren’t as hard-core for Jesus as so-and-so, they are nowhere as horrible as the guy down the street. Luke 18:11-12
8. Say they love Jesus, and he is, indeed, a part of their lives. But only a part. They give Him a section of their time, their money, and their thoughts, but He isn’t allowed to control their lives. Luke 9:57-62
9. Love God, but they do not love Him with all their heart, soul, and strength. They would be quick to assure you that they try to love God that much, but that sort of total devotion isn’t really possible for the average person; it’s only for pastors and missionaries and radicals. Matt 22:37-38
10. Love others but do not seek to love others as much as they love themselves. Their love of others is typically focused on those who love them in return, like family, friends, and other people they know and connect with. There is little love left over for those who cannot love them back, much less for those who intentionally sight them, whose kids are better athletes than theirs, or with whom conversations are awkward or uncomfortable. Their love is highly conditional and very selective, and generally comes with strings attached. Matt. 5:43-47, Luke 14:12-14
11. Will serve God and others, but there are limits to how far they will go or how much time, money, and energy they are willing to give. Luke 18:21-25
12. Think about life on earth much more often than eternity in heaven. Daily life is mostly focused on today’s to-do list, this week’s schedule, and next month’s vacation. Rarely, if ever, do they intently consider the life to come. Regarding this, C.S Lewis writes, “If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this.” Phil. 3:18-20, Col. 3:2
13. Are thankful for their luxuries and comforts, and rarely consider trying to give as much as possible to the poor. They are quick to point out, “Jesus never said money is the root of all evil, only that he love of money is.” Untold numbers of lukewarm people feel “called” to minister to the rich; very few feel “called” to minister to the poor. Matt. 25:34, 40, Isa. 58:6-7
14. Do whatever is necessary to keep themselves from feeling too guilty. They want to do the bare minimum, to be “good enough” without it requiring too much of them. 1 Chronicles 29:14, Matt. 13:44-46
15. Are continually concerned with playing it safe; they are slaved to the god of control. This focus on safe living keeps them from sacrificing and risking for God. 1 Tim. 6:17-18, Matt 10:28
16. Feel secure because they attend church, made a profession of faith at age 12, were baptized, come from a Christian family, vote republication, or live in America. Just as the prophets in the Old Testament warned Israel that they were not safe just because they lived in the land of Israel, so we are not safe just because we wear the label Christian or because some people persist in calling us a “Christian nation”. Matt. 7:21, Amos 6:1
17. Do not live by faith: their lives are structured so they never have to. They don’t have to trust God if something unexpected happens – they have their savings account. They don’t need God to help them — they have their retirement plan in place. They don’t genuinely seek out what life God would have them—they have life figured and mapped out. They don’t depend on God on a daily basis – their refrigerators are full and, for the most part, they are in good health. The truth is, their lives wouldn’t look much different if they suddenly stopped believing in God. Luke 12:16-21, Hebrews 11
18. Probably drink and swear less than average, but besides that, they really aren’t very different from your typical unbeliever. They equate their partially sanitized lives with holiness, but they couldn’t be more wrong. Matt. 23:25-28
Please,
I need to live.
Don’t you know there’s so much I could give.
Please,
I need to love.
Mistakes are always planned up above.
Please,
don’t let me down.
Hear my cry.
Bless the chance to feel,
to know that love is real.
Please,
A chance to smile.
Can’t you hear the laughter of the child.
Please,
A chance to grow.
Hold me oh so tight, don’t let me go!
To have and to hold.
Or death, that is so cold.
It’s you that must decide,
if my life will be denied.
Please,
my life is real.
My life could be the touch,
to help you heal.
Please,
I want to care!
Give me a chance and I’ll be there!
A child can be so much.
Gentle, loving touch.
We may never know,
if you never love me so!
Mommy don’t be crying,
it’s not hurting anymore.
I know the choice you must have made.
All of that is over now,
but your pain remains.
Lots of things will never be the same.
I know you must have counted,
when my birthday would have been.
I know night you even hear me,
crying out a name.
I know you would do it different,
if it was all to do again.
Mommy I’m beautiful,
the angels here are too.
You must know that I forgive you.
Mommy, Jesus told me,
that He loves like I do.
Jesus wants to meet you.
Mommy, Jesus told me,
that He loves you like I do.
Some day me and Jesus want to meet you.
I think this song speaks for itself. Abortion is murder, please give the child a chance to live!
Be patient and trust the LORD. Don’t let it bother you when all goes well for those who do sinful things. Don’t be angry or furious. Anger can lead to sin.
-Psalm 37:7-8
I get angry some times at the “cool Christians” who live for the world. I am not perfect by any means. I am tempted just like any other human on the face of this earth. Some times I give in, some times I am strong in the Lord.
It seems the world is full of lukewarm Christians, God hates lukewarm Christians. I can sit here and name names of people, but the first would have to be myself. We can point fingers all day long, but we have to look at ourselves first and foremost. Are we lukewarm? Are we doing all we can do for God? Are we reading His word daily? Not just the daily verse you get in an email, but actually opening His word and getting into a chapter? Are we praying like we should? Do we pray with the TV on, or do we turn it off and give God our undivided attention? Before we question others, we need to question ourselves.
We need to stay humble and know we have something in common with them, SIN! So, instead of condemning, we need to be there for them. We need to have a conversation with them, start up a relationship. We need to build each other up and let God do His work. Let’s not get angry, let’s show love.
But since you are lukewarm and neither cold nor hot, I will spit you out of my mouth.
-Revelation 3:16
We are only accountable for our own sins. We can’t look God in the face and say… Well, I would have turned away, but Joe was doing it…. so I figured if he’s doing it and seemed strong in you still, I can do it too..
It does not work that way. We need to worry about our own relationship with God, and not others. None is better than the other, we all slip up. Let’s have a loving heart, like Jesus has. Let’s talk with them and be there, pray for them. How can we say we are any better, if we have an uncaring spirit?
Hatred stirs up trouble; love overlooks the wrongs that others do.
- Proverbs 10:12
Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching. When I was a boy in my father’s house, still tender, and an only child of my mother, he taught me and said, “Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will live. Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor.” Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.
Proverbs 4:1-13
I was reading Proverbs 4 earlier, and the whole chapter stuck out. If we pay attention to God, we gain understanding. In God we gain true wisdom, and we should not forsake it. “Though it cost all you have, get understanding”.
When we receive instruction from God, we need to pay attention. We need to guard it well and not take it for granted. God instructs me every day, tells me where to go. It’s up to me if I listen or not. Some times I have a hard head and ignore His instruction, that is when my life takes a turn for the worse.
Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way. For they cannot sleep till they do evil; they are robbed of slumber till they make someone fall. They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence. The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble. My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man’s whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.
Proverbs 4:14-27
If we gain understanding from God, we will want to stay away from evil things. We should avoid it with all that is in us. We’re suppose to keep corrupt talk from our lips. How is the world going to believe what we have to say, if we act just like them? If we blend in, what good is that going to do? God wants us to stick out, stick out for Jesus! Show the world that us Christians have something different going on. It’s a witness in itself, just live for Christ and other things will fall into place. If you smell like the world and look like the world, you are the world.
We should keep God first and guard our heart. Beg God to make us firm in Him, a good servant. Make him be the ONLY thing that matters! Some times we forget just how important God is. How important it is to have Him in our lives, and how thankful we should be that He even loves us!
I love this verse “Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil”. The only way this can happen, is to be strong in Christ. To read His word every day, pray. Go to church, be around other Christians, fellowship.
God is good and let’s not forget it. When He instructs us, listen. Let Him guide you and show you the way. His time and understanding is not of our own. We don’t understand His understanding, because we are so imperfect.
Hold me, Lord.
Protect me, with Your hand.
I’m lost in this pain,
but I don’t want to complain.
I know that I am not perfect.
I try my best to serve You.
Lord, I’m really hurting right now.
Please hold me!
I don’t want to let go.
This sin is holding me back.
This pain I’ve held inside for so long.
It’s growing in me every day.
Lord, I know I can’t do this.
But I know You can!
These thoughts, invade me.
They pull me every way.
My mind can’t rest,
my heart is a mess.
Lord, please help me!
Hold me, Lord.
Cover me with Your love.
Shed Your grace, on me.
This is a new song I wrote a few moments ago. I’m a pretty transparent person, so I’m going to explain the song.
I have problems with being attracted to other men. Why? Um, SIN! It’s that spirit in me that will latch on to anything, doesn’t matter who it is. And I have problems with a certain person, but I know it’s not the actual person, it’s just that sin in me. I know it’s not something I can get rid of on my own, God has to do it. My problem is, I LOVE to hold on to those feelings. MYSELF loves to play around with thoughts of “what if” and “maybes”. Satan takes my mind and plays around with it, and I let him.
Recent events made me learn that just a thought can turn into something else. Before you know it, one little thought can turn into almost making it happen. When you let satan in, you become a different person. You do things you never thought you would do, you say things you NEVER thought you would say.
Through all that has happened in the past, light shines through the darkness. God has made me a stronger person through it all. He gives me the strength to tell that sin NO, even though I want to rest on a certain thought.
Here recently, I have been doing great! Of course, SATAN has to step in these past few days and ruin it. I just keep on telling him NO, I can’t even give in to a thought just a little bit. It will ruin me and I will start to decay. Even though he tells me, just one thought will not hurt, that one thought WILL! Your sins will find you out!
Some think I’m weird for being so transparent, but I don’t care. I believe I have to be, because I know other people go through this as well. I believe it’s a way of helping others, through sharing. Maybe someone is going through this very same thing right now, and is reading this. Knowing that I am going through this, might make them feel better. Might make them feel like they are not alone. It might even lead to a conversation, a chance to witness. =)
Here are some scriptures I’m memorizing. I have memorized 14-18 so far. =)
We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.
So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!
So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin. - Romans 7:14-25
Life house church, with the help of Rock Creek Baptist church & Shiloh Baptist Church, cleaned up College Hill today! We talked to different people, and saw many smiles on peoples face! Everyone was happy to see us cleaning up the community! We picked up trash for Jesus! =)
This is everyone who helped pick up trash! GO GOD!
