November 2014

Better late than not at all, eh?

Little behind the curve this month...drum roll please, introducing November's reading schedule:

Paying Prostitutes

I've done it, you've done it, anyone whose watched TV or movies has done it.

Say what?

I'd never have thought it, but this comment by William Holden sparked the idea:

"I'm a whore, all actors are whores. We sell our bodies to the highest bidder."

Then there was a clip for some new movie and one of the actors made a similar comment about they don't really get to pick and choose what movies they want. They have to take whatever is offered.

I used to tell my sons, watching people 'act' like they have a life, while we have no life watching them.

It's escapism at its best. I'd seen some 'series' and wanted to watch the rest of it, so signed up for Netflix. Then my neck issues put me out of commission, easy way to sit still while on ice and be 'entertained'.

My major problem, well, it's a soft slippery slope, a little hanky panky, no big deal. People who are 'acting married' but aren't, kissing or displaying 'marital affection'.

Then, well, a little vulgar humor or bad language isn't so bad, is it?

Is it?

According to the Word:

Rom 12:1  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 

Rom 12:2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 

How can I be conformed to the Word of God if I'm watching trash?  Men, women and children 'prostituting' themselves for 'love' or 'adoration' or money.  Not to mention the actual violations which take place against those who want to be actors or actresses (actor/actress - hypocrite - From G5271; an actor under an assumed character (stage player), that is, (figuratively) a dissembler (“hypocrite”)).

AND

Php_4:8  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

I have to be honest, I've been wasting HIS time.  His talents given to me.  Because truly, if we're honest with ourselves there isn't much to 'watch' out there that fits the criteria.

So here's where I am now, deleted the Netflix account.

Mat 5:29  And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. 

Mat 5:30  And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

One last thought as we seek to please Him with what we read (yeah that counts too), watch and listen to...if Christ Jesus were sitting beside you, would you read, watch or listen?

Where is our heart for Him?  For being washed in the Word?  Have we left our first love?  Have we become lukewarm?  Do we really walk, talk or act any different from the world?

God help us, cleanse us, wash us fresh, stir up Your love and desire within us to be true lights reflecting Your glory.  Let us not set our eyes or minds or ears on things which have no eternal value.  Help us Lord NOT to waste YOUR time.  Help us to redeem what time You have given us.

Foundation

I'm reading in 1 Corinthians - specifically about Jesus being the foundation (singular).

1Co 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.



1Co 3:12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;



1Co 3:13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.



1Co 3:14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.



1Co 3:15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.



1Co 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

1Co 3:17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

So beloved saints, what are we laying or building upon the foundation of Christ? WHEN it is tested by fire, His holy fire, what will our works (not to secure or maintain salvation) show?

Salvation is by grace ALONE: Eph_2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Reflections on Revelation

Completed the Book of Revelation - John's vision of the New Jerusalem, specifically the gates and foundations.

GATES:
Rev 21:12  And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:

FOUNDATIONS:
Rev 21:14  And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. 

Rev 21:19  And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; 

Rev 21:20  The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.

At first I thought it was foundation (singular), but rereading showed plural.  Wondering if this is a stacked foundation or each section has a foundation?

Pondering upon how there must be a foundation before there can be a gate.  One has to have a gate for entrance; however the significance for me is in what must come first, the foundation.  Which in this case would be the apostles.  But the twelve tribes were before the apostles.

Salvation is of the Jews - the apostles foundation (Jesus first obviously), but the twelve tribes had the law, the gates, entering into His salvation.

Interesting...oh dear saints do we look forward to our home going?  When we will no longer see through a glass darkly?

When we will see the glorious Lamb, slain from the foundation of the world?

See the beauty of His heavenly Jerusalem - Shalom, the place of peace?

Family-olatry

The quest began while looking for information on a conference with Mt. Zion Church, and while browsing through their on-line sermons came across this one:

The Insidious Danger of Family-olatry, the pastor, Jeff Pollard has been doing a series on idolatry.

This one caught my attention because I've used the phrase 'family-olatry' but hadn't see or heard anyone else use it.  Or if I did, it didn't 'hit' me.

He references the passage where Jesus asks who are my mother and my brothers?

Mat 12:46  While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him.

Mat 12:47  Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee.

Mat 12:48  But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?

Mat 12:49  And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!

Mat 12:50  For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

He brings up several points which made me squirm - how much do I value the family of God?

So, curiosity stirred, is anyone else concerned about the elevation of physical family above spiritual family?

While not extensive, there are a few articles out there which question how the church has come to raise the family above the church.

This one Idolizing Family raises some interesting thoughts.  China, who persecutes Christians, wants to use Focus on the Family materials?

"Proper intimacy with God is the sole avenue to sound human relationships." 

From this article Personal/Family Relationships as Idols.

I picked a few nuggets from this article, The Idolatry of Family:

"Parents who seek the approval of their children more than the approval of the Lord, so they fail to “bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”"

I wonder, was I diligent while bringing up my children?

"God has designed the universe such that everything works better (including family relationships) when His glory is our singular priority."

This article When Focus on the Family Becomes Idolatry, has some good points, I'm still pondering upon the assertion made which alleges Sarah's death may have been because of Issac's intended 'death'.

So...who or where is our focus?  Are we completely sold out to the Lord?  Are we in anyway elevating human relationships above the Lord?  How much do we really value the family of God?  Do we really see them as more significant that physical family?  Are we living lives reminiscent of how the disciples lived?

Remember?

While reading through John:

Joh_2:17 And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up. 

Joh_2:22 When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said. 

Joh_12:16 These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him.

How oft I 'forget' to remember the things of the Lord, to bring His words to my mind, circumstances and words.

I recently heard someone remarking on a passage from Isaiah stating God forgets our sin.  To forget implies frailty, and there is NO frailty with God!

I didn't catch the reference they gave, but believe it may have been thus:

Isa 43:25  I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.

Not remember does not equal forgetting.  Not remembering involves a deliberate decision on the person choosing NOT to remember.  This is called forgiveness.

Someone says or does something which hurts or offends you.  If you don't address the issue there is a risk of resentment and bitterness.

The other option is to address the issue - one may have a 'clean' house on the outside, but the cupboards and closets are 'stuffed' with hidden/unresolved issues.

Similar to sweeping dirt under a rug, it's not 'visible' but after a while the 'hidden' issues build up and one begins to trip over the rug.

Just ignoring issues doesn't resolve them.  How about 'just letting it go'?  Does that work?  Well so and so said or did this, I'll just let it go.  What if the behavior continues?  What if so and so doesn't realize the words and/or actions are hurtful/harmful?

Do you 'graciously' just distance yourself or limit your exposure to avoid the hurt?

I was exhorted by this chart on forgiveness:

You can visit the site directly HERE.

So what are we choosing to remember?  The Words of God?  His grace?  His sacrifice?  The Lord's suffering on our behalf? Or past wrongs and hurts?

When we sin against God (and that is the first step when we sin against another), we go to Him.  He lets us know when we are in the wrong, have sinned, fallen short.  He doesn't ignore us, or sweep the issues under a spiritual rug.

1Jn_2:1  My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 

Is there someone in your life which you need to resolve issues, or having attempted to resolve set healthy boundaries?

Love desires the good of another, which sometimes involves speaking hard things.  It's not fun or enjoyable to be confronted or corrected, nor is it pleasurable to administer; however, if we are to love one another as Christ commands:

1Pe_3:8  Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: 

Eph_4:2  With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 

Heb_10:24  And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 

We must, when necessary, lovingly confront, exhort, encourage.

2Ti_4:2  Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

So beloved of the Lord, is there any 'house' cleaning needed?

October 2014 - Take II

Perhaps no one caught the error, or caught the error but assumed someone else said something, or no one is actually reading/following this template.  :-)

Whatever the case, I made a mistake when calculating the chapters, I 'picked' the number of non-Sunday days (27) and used that for the number of chapters in John.

Here's the reformatted table:

May we all be diligent students of His word.

Starving

I hadn't realized how 'malnourished' I'd become until a baby was placed in my arms at church.

A fellow saint graced me with holding her new born babe, and as I cuddled him in my arms it hit me.  I hardly touch or get touched.  I'm touched deprived.

Could that be true?  Could people actually 'starve' from lack of affection?

I remember my mom had an article cut-out from the newspaper posted to our fridge, about how many hugs people need each day.

"4 hugs a day for survival, 8 for maintenance, and 12 for growth." 

~ Virginia Satir

The irony of being 'touch deprived' when it rates 0 on my 'love language barometer'.

As I've prayed, mulled over and studied this deficiency I've had to ask myself, how am I helping others to not be touch deprived?  The untouchables.

You know, those old wrinkly people, the divorced people, the handicapped, those deemed below or outside the norm.

Oh wait, there's 3 fingers pointing back at me.  The problems been identified, how do I bring about some solution.  A solution which providentially could benefit not only me, but others as well.

As one website listed:

Hugging helps the immune system, cures depression, reduces stress and induces sleep. It's invigorating, rejuvenating and has no unpleasant side effects. It is all natural, organic, naturally sweet, no pesticides, no preservatives, no artificial ingredients and 100 percent wholesome. There are no batteries to wear out, no periodic check-ups, low energy consumption, high energy yield, inflation proof, nonfattening, no monthly payments, theft-proof, nontaxable, nonpolluting and, of course, fully returnable. Hugging is practically perfect, with the only exception that it can't recreate the wheel.

The benefits (in-depth description listed on the website referenced above):

1. STIMULATES OXYTOCIN

2. CULTIVATES PATIENCE

3. PREVENTS DISEASE

4. STIMULATES THYMUS GLAND

5. COMMUNICATION WITHOUT SAYING A WORD

6. SELF-ESTEEM

7. STIMULATES DOPAMINE

8. STIMULATES SERATONIN

9. PARASYMPATHETIC BALANCE

We've all seen or heard stories of the crusty old person who is such a crank, no one wants to be around them...then a child whose not intimidated by their gruff (is that a shield they are using to protect themselves from hurt?), treats them with love and affection and they soften.

Do you know any one who is or might be touch deprived and in need of a hug (or two, or three...), pat on the back?

Mat 8:3  And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

Mar 1:41  And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.
You weren't supposed to touch lepers (untouchables).  Yet Jesus did.

There are 9 verses which mention Jesus and touch:

Mat 17:7  And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid.

The disciples fearful and afraid.  Touch alleviating fear.

Mat 20:34  So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.

Blind beggers...the outcasts of society.

Mar 5:27  When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.

Mar 5:30  And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?

Luk 8:45  And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?

Luk 8:45  And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?

Woman with an issue of blood, her only hope - 18 years of touch deprivation.

Luk 22:51  And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.

How healing touch can be, even when delivered from such 'cracked' vessels such as ourselves.

For more information on hugs and/or touch deprivation here are a few more articles:

10 Reasons Why We Need At Least 8 Hugs a Day

From the Mercola Site: How Hugging Makes You Healtier

7 Reasons Why We Should Be Giving More Hugs

The Benefits of Hugging

Are You Touch Deprived?

Need For Touch

What Lack of Affection Can Do to You

Measure of  a Mother's Love: How Early Neglect Derails Child Development