- May 26, 2016
Life with Jesus is not always the rosy life we are sometimes told about when we find Him. Most churches present what I call a Santa Christ ie Come to Jesus and your life will be great OR wonderful......and a few months into the Christian life
- after the Love, Joy and Peace you experience when you first know Him - you do
not find what they told you to expect is so.
That is because they failed to be true to Jesus' Words. He does "call us out of darkness (this world) into His Light".........."we are new creations (in Him through new birth) old things are passed away, all things have become new"
(spiritually).
Then for most of us, there are circumstances to work out, like when newly weds go into a house after the honeymoon: a garden needs renovating, the rooms need new furniture and furnishings (this is your life and surroundings you have invited Jesus into) He wants to do this work with you, to make your life more comfortable than it was before you found Him (often). He is willing but it requires our participation.
He has provided Keys in His Word to help us work at this. He has not left us without guidance. Jesus did say "I came that you may have life abundantly (a fuller life)" It is important that you realize He promises us a good life.......however, He does not say it will be an easy life. We are in this world and not of it anymore (we are His)
but we still live in it.
The lordship of Christ is something that is left out of the message of Salvation these days - they present to you a Social Gospel, everything to please your ears - but Jesus never offered that and neither did His followers. They knew better and it can be a sure way to disillusion. Many have left Him bewildered - so many things do not make sense if you have been presented with that. Here's why:
Jesus Call is "Follow Me" and we have started out on a journey with a Lord and Savior who wants to teach us how to walk in this life, how to handle situations, how to fashion our life into a better one (that is not instant but rewarding) . Most of all He calls us into "fellowship with Him". Like a marriage, He wants to relate closely with you. And like a marriage, it is a commitment for the times that are good and those that are not. He wants to make our spirit strong in the circumstances of life as well as changing them.
This is where pieces are left out with Social Gospel. It can be disheartening for many and lead to disillusionment. Many actually leave Jesus because things are not like they were rashly promised - so confusing.
Many stay with Jesus and contend with things in life, not knowing we can have the victory over them. Jesus did promise that. Jesus said "he/she who follows Me shall not walk in darkness but in the Light" however many of us don't know how to actually follow Him and are given a 'church model' for that by pastors but Jesus invites us to something much more intimate.
There are also challenges, and this is where He wants to give personal guidance and training, rather than go to the pastor (counseling and alter calls repeatedly) saying "can you help me?"
For a time, that may have a place when we are young in The Lord and finding our way. Teens and 20's especially, need a little support sometimes. When we've found our way, He expects us to grow up (spiritually) and this is where many persist with "the pastor, the pastor" or spit the dummy.
But every parent likes their children to grow......to teach them things and venture with them.
And so it is with JESUS. It can be interesting but we need to get our feet WET.
This article is not meant to cover everything but those things that are needful for new Christians and all of us in this day we are living in. In the 70's Jesus promised me some Good things and He also said "It would not be an easy way. Know this, that I have told you beforehand". I think that Jesus has told us all these things in scripture......hey?
We don't need a Santa Christ - we do need to walk close to the Real Jesus.
HE LOVES YOU
He said "I have not said that you would have peace in the world but that IN ME you will find Peace".......that's His Presence......spend time with Him and let Him nourish your spirit. "In His Presence there IS fullness of JOY!"
What Is a Christian Life About, When Things don't Make Sense
- May 2, 2016
This post is important for all of us to read because most of us have some area of health to address and so many are seeking for healing. Some Christians need healing for the same thing again months later and there are reasons for that.
In the last 2 years, The Lord spoke to me concerning a family member who really trusts Him with everything she does. She was lifting heavy things often when working in the garden, cheating on meals and sleep and responding to comments with replies like "The Lord is Good" much as to say "I'm alright, He over-rides all that". Three times, He distinctly showed me something (months apart) that she was actually abusing Natural Laws He has made with Spiritual Laws. Both should be respected.
He was our Creator before He was our Savior. If you need healing, you may need to consider these things carefully. If you are approaching daily life similar to my family member - maybe you are not looking after your meals, nutrition or sleep......... maybe you are inflicting on yourself a stressful lifestyle, making your daily life more stressful than it would be, whatever, you need to sit down and take inventory?
If we are expecting The Lord to compensate for our lack of wisdom in these areas,
He will not do it. He will not support us in neglecting principles in His Word or misappropriating them. My family member got ill with a few complications. Two of my friends have experienced things as well.
If we are violating the natural laws (created by God) that our bodies are governed by - showing disrespect to His creation (we are) He may well let us learn the hard way. Most of us have to learn how to treat our body better in some way, be it diet, sleep, exercise, hours we're keeping, stressful lifestyle, overwork......... that pretty much includes all of us, would'nt you agree?
Well, following a wake-up call I had recently, The Lord is speaking to me and
saying "this is not just you, this is many of My children and I want you to tell them". So we want to take this call seriously. If we don't, we could find ourselves resisting Him. I am presently building up my health.
"His Mercy endures forever".......that is a spiritural principle and sometimes it applies physically too - that's the Grace of God. Also "it is God's Kindness that
leads us to repentance" and sometimes that kindness is disciplinary. It says in Psalms that "we are fearfully and wonderfully made". Sometimes the Grace of God will keep us well - despite our neglect - for a time but our bodies by nature are not so merciful.
If we abuse Natural Laws long enough - with or without Spiritual Principles - we should not be surprised if He lets our bodies teach us. It's a bit like the scripture that speaks about "The Lord not judging us but His Word will".
Some of you have had pretty close calls over the last year or so, in the area of health issues. Sometimes, He has placed on my heart to give spiritual and practical advice - at such times or before events and this has not been heeded. As a friend with a spiritual and natural calling, I've had to stand by with the frustration and disappointment of that.
However, I am not exempt. Through taking care of others with my websites and research, The Lord has been the one with disappointment and frustration with me as I have been neglecting adequate nutrition - cheating on meals often and inadequate sleep. Eventually, this took a toll on my (usually strong) immune system due to compromised sleeping hours and compromised nutrition.
I want to ask you something - a Holy Spirit question "what are you compromising.....and....what are you getting away with?" Maybe you are not getting away with it? And you know, this grieves The Lord, it really does! Because He said to me regarding this "He does not like to see children of the world being smarter than His children" referring to those who are health conscious - some of them advocates, because their ventures into Natural Health and even disciplines have paid off.
Yes my friends, they are experiencing good health while many of His children are sick, weak and even depressed because of lack of knowledge many times and lack of interest with some who hear about these things.
"Why do you call me Lord, Lord and do not the things that I tell you to do?"
Sometimes He shows you the way through someone or something and you fail to recognize His voice in it. Maybe through that person's testimony or appeal but because you want the easy way out (healing, answered payer) you tell yourself "that's not for me" and dismiss it.
He would say to you "My children can always come to Me"......and......"Healing is the children's bread" but just like the scripture says "He gives His Holy Spirit to those who obey" it is the same thing with Healing. In other words, if we are living in neglect - especially with resistance - it is not right to expect Him to heal us and then wonder why He does not, thinking to ourselves "but He promised". He is saying "of-course healing is right for you (as a child of God) but not always appropriate" (don't ask Him if your actions are not appropriate).
Our Savior and Creator provides both Spiritual and Natural healing - would you be prepared to let Him make that choice for you?
In recent years, He has been into Health and Lifestyle with many, resulting in stronger individuals - more resilient spiritually because they are healthier and happier. Is that what you are saying no to - when you don't want the practical way? Maybe? You will be very smart if you see this and do something about it.
At the same time, you find the transforming power of natural health, don't make 'a god' of it but by all means, you don't want to stay ignorant!
"If anyone lacks wisdom, let him/her ask and it will be given you". Maybe you did'nt ask for wisdom, you were after something else but you have been counseled with wisdom here. I wish you well with what you do with it.
You can find my websites in natural health
by clicking the following links:
Natural and Spiritual Aspects of Health, Do You Want to be Well?
- Apr 25, 2016
The Lord is your Strength and Fortress. Even if our enemy is referred to as the Prince of the Power of the Air and his cohorts magnify themselves against us with pride and deception – saying “what can your God do now?” He will humble them and bring all their works to nothing. Yes He will shame them and dash their prefabricated works to pieces. As you trust in Him steadfastly, your Faith shall remain intact, unshaken. You will look with satisfaction on your enemies seeing His promise of recompense come true for you.
Yes, when you remain focused on your God, your Rock, He becomes your Salvation in any situation and your Vindication comes forth as the Mid-day Sun, because you trust in Him. Therefore I say to my soul, I will Triumph over my foes and Rejoice in You – Yes Freedom shall Prevail for me and I will see my Victories. That’s why it is written, that He is present in any situation to help, He is my joyful expectation and my soul trusts in Him. So wait for Him in quietness and confidence – this is my strength, my hope, my trust at all times.
Our enemies have not changed their tactics since Old Testament times. They still work with distraction or distress to take your eyes off God – you are so busy or disturbed. In fact, we become so preoccupied with our activities or “our problems” that we lose sight of our mission in God – influencing others with Life-style Evangelism (living a victorious life in Christ) and caring for those around us, that we fail to be effective in our witness (making a difference in their lives because they are drawn to Him through us).
First thing I must tell you is, things we experience are not our problems (when we belong to Him) they are His to work out. Don’t own them – that is to really take them on board, when we take ownership of them, so to speak. IE “oh my indigestion” or “my asthma”……….”no-one knows the trouble I’ve seen”……….“my problem is so Big”………”they have not had a life like mine”……….”no-one cares about my problem” etc Those things really set you up for defeat – our enemies can play on us by magnifying them.
When we become distressed or obsessed with a situation or problems it turns into a story, you know? And then we tend to lose interest in others around us. Of-course, that is the whole point of the exercise, as far as our enemies are concerned. Ever been so concerned about your story that you have little or no time for someone else’s?
Mind you, there can be someone’s story in your family or among your friends that can take a lot of energy (mental or emotional real-estate). This can be draining you physically and/or spiritually.
Sometimes this can go on for months or years with a particular person – often due to poor choices you have little say in or persuasion. Often we can see someone’s situation clearer than our own but our perception or advice is not welcome and we see them go through it for months or even years.
That has to affect us somehow if we don’t know how to separate ourselves.
That is a more subtle way of occupying our “Spiritual Space” that is meant for God and others.
And enjoying the Abundant Life Jesus came to give us (living life fully). So there are 3 Ways our enemies can keep us out of the “Great Commission” that is to keep us distracted with things that appeal to us (one after the other)…….to bring upsetting circumstances our way……or to weigh us down with someone elses…….so we have little peace or interest to seek The Lord……or care and motivation for others. I mean to say, one of these 3 things just takes so much of our time, hey?
Looking back over some years has brought these observations to me.
We are told in His Word to be Vigilant and Alert, concerning the works of the enemy,
are we not? And half the time – apart from the obvious – most Christians do not know what they’re looking for!
I have brought the less obvious purpose and tactics of the enemy’s co-workers to your attention, so you can seek God and know what to watch for, so you can live a life in the Presence and Purpose of God our Lord and Savior!
It is important with all this, to keep the emphasis right there – on God our Lord and Savior.
He does’nt want you to be enemy minded and focused but God minded and focused.
The essential thing here is to “know your enemy AND your God even better” that’s the BALANCE!
“The beginning of wisdom is, Get wisdom; and with all your getting get understanding” (Prov 4:7).
Yes, that is the counsel of The Lord to us. We are told to “be wiser than serpents” that is to be wiser than our enemies and the things of the world. This includes the News program you watch every night – you would do far better to be soaking yourself in the Good News. That is strengthening your faith in His Word rather than breaking it down with the devil’s news – those things are guaranteed to weaken or compromise your FAITH IN GOD. Truly, why don’t you serve the news program and soapys notice and invest that time in God?
THEN SEE HOW YOUR PRAYERS START TO BE ANSWERED. THE VERY LEAST YOU WILL HAVE IS STRENGTH AND PEACE FROM YOUR SEEKING.
Do not underestimate the value and impact an inspired WebCard can bring someone.
This is one example
The Hidden Agenda of Our Enemy, What to Do About It.