www.youtube.com
A new painting by controversial artist Jon McNaughton depicting the Obamanation of Barack
Obama. http://www.mcnaughtonart.com
Something to THINK ABOUT for sure
8/29/12
8/28/12
Choices
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As I was sitting here. I got to thinking, as I do so much of the time after sessions of prayer and time in the Word of God.
This time I got to thinking about choices.
The different choices we make in our life. More pointedly, why we make the choices we make. As well as what motivates us to make those choices.
As human beings we like to take credit when we make good choices. It's the natural thing to do.
On the flip side we like to dispel responsibility for the not so good choices we make. (at the very least we make excuses as to why we did what we did, trying to lesson the chastening of God) Also the natural thing to do. As if the God of the universe doesn't already know what is in our hearts.
However, as I stated a few times it is only natural for us as human beings to act this way.
i.e.
1) To take credit for the good choices we make and all of the good things that may come from the good choices we make.
2) To dispel responsibility for making bad choices that detrimentally affect people's lives that have been touched by the choices that was make.
Be this as it may, I would like to put this aside for just a moment. I will come back to it.
I would like to ask the reader a question.
"Why do you make your choices?"
This is not a trick question and I would love some real answers. However it may take some real thinking first.
"What motivates you to make your choices in life?"
Again, I know why I choose to make my decisions.
Now I do.
I know what motivates me.
I haven't always.
"What is the one thing that you look for when needing to know for sure before you make a huge life choice?
A confirmation.
What is that confirmation for you?
I have to say again, I have not always been at this place in my life. I have only recently arrived. Through much tribulation. Many trials. Many valleys and treks up the mountainous terrain with only the small still voice of Holy Spirit to guide me. Not so much as a loved one any where around to catch me if I were to fall.
I have learned to hold on tightly to the Living Word of God.
I have also learned that those that go before us in life have much wisdom to share and that even one word or sentence they breath may be sent from Holy Spirit. That we should never discard the words of the brethren.
Example:
I have many, many nuggets of truth tucked away in my heart. Words that have shaped the way I live and love. Following are just three that shape my every day living.
1) My former father in law (who I actually never met. He went home to be with the Lord before I was able to meet him.) Through his son, shared this truth with me. I live my life by it. Every decision I make I think about this word of wisdom.
I would call this nugget of wisdom, my confirmation.
"What ever you need. Pray. If you do not have peace. Keep praying. Do not do anything until you have the peace of God."
2) This nugget comes from my mother, "Count your blessings. Not your worries. Share all you have. You always have enough to share. It all belongs to God anyway."
3) This nugget is from a very dear friend and mentor of mine, Anne Taylor, "Remember the Shepherd does not drive His sheep. He gently guides His sheep along still waters. It is the butcher (satan) that drives the sheep to slaughter."
These three sayings have guided me the most in my life. They have stuck out above all of the others.
The first speaks to me about the peace of God being a measuring stick. This is actually scriptural.
The second one speaks to me about provision. Even in the the leanest of times. Also scriptural.
The third one reminds me about the character of the Shepherd (Jesus) so I don't let myself get caught up in stuff. Even church stuff. Leaving myself exhausted and with no time or strength to spend at the feet of Jesus.
So all that being said I am sure you are wondering how I am gonna connect it to my blog topic "choices", right?
Well, I have lived just shy of 51 years on this planet. I have made a lot of choices. Some good, some not so good and some really bad ones. I have, many times, looked back on my life and the decisions I have made. Each time I come away with a different set of "feelings".
This time is no different in that I have come away with new feelings, however I have also gained new insight on the matter!
Thus the questions to you!
You see, what I have discovered is that, all my life I have been making decisions based on something or someone else.
A very good portion of my bad decisions were made out of fear.
I have never publicly admitted to this. However it is true. Fear was my biggest enemy.
I was afraid of not having friends when I was a child - so I did things I shouldn't have.
I was afraid he wouldn't forgive me so I never told him the truth.
I was afraid of loosing my kids forever so I believed he told me the truth. I lost my children.
I was afraid to tell anyone the truth about my new situation at home. It ended up making things worse.
I was afraid to speak up when I could. Now they are gone forever.
These are only a few of the decisions I made in a life time of decisions.
It has taken me 51 years, 36 walking with the Lord. To get to a point that I realize God has given me a FREE WILL to make decisions for myself, and God will judge me according to all I have done.
I know why I make my choices.
I have to say again, I have not always been at this place in my life. I have only recently arrived. Through much tribulation. Many trials. Many valleys and treks up the mountainous terrain with only the small still voice of Holy Spirit to guide me. Not so much as a loved one any where around to catch me if I were to fall.
I have learned to hold on tightly to the Living Word of God.
I have also learned that those that go before us in life have much wisdom to share and that even one word or sentence they breath may be sent from Holy Spirit. That we should never discard the words of the brethren.
Example:
I have many, many nuggets of truth tucked away in my heart. Words that have shaped the way I live and love. Following are just three that shape my every day living.
1) My former father in law (who I actually never met. He went home to be with the Lord before I was able to meet him.) Through his son, shared this truth with me. I live my life by it. Every decision I make I think about this word of wisdom.
I would call this nugget of wisdom, my confirmation.
"What ever you need. Pray. If you do not have peace. Keep praying. Do not do anything until you have the peace of God."
2) This nugget comes from my mother, "Count your blessings. Not your worries. Share all you have. You always have enough to share. It all belongs to God anyway."
3) This nugget is from a very dear friend and mentor of mine, Anne Taylor, "Remember the Shepherd does not drive His sheep. He gently guides His sheep along still waters. It is the butcher (satan) that drives the sheep to slaughter."
These three sayings have guided me the most in my life. They have stuck out above all of the others.
The first speaks to me about the peace of God being a measuring stick. This is actually scriptural.
The second one speaks to me about provision. Even in the the leanest of times. Also scriptural.
The third one reminds me about the character of the Shepherd (Jesus) so I don't let myself get caught up in stuff. Even church stuff. Leaving myself exhausted and with no time or strength to spend at the feet of Jesus.
So all that being said I am sure you are wondering how I am gonna connect it to my blog topic "choices", right?
Well, I have lived just shy of 51 years on this planet. I have made a lot of choices. Some good, some not so good and some really bad ones. I have, many times, looked back on my life and the decisions I have made. Each time I come away with a different set of "feelings".
This time is no different in that I have come away with new feelings, however I have also gained new insight on the matter!
Thus the questions to you!
You see, what I have discovered is that, all my life I have been making decisions based on something or someone else.
A very good portion of my bad decisions were made out of fear.
I have never publicly admitted to this. However it is true. Fear was my biggest enemy.
I was afraid of not having friends when I was a child - so I did things I shouldn't have.
I was afraid he wouldn't forgive me so I never told him the truth.
I was afraid of loosing my kids forever so I believed he told me the truth. I lost my children.
I was afraid to tell anyone the truth about my new situation at home. It ended up making things worse.
I was afraid to speak up when I could. Now they are gone forever.
These are only a few of the decisions I made in a life time of decisions.
It has taken me 51 years, 36 walking with the Lord. To get to a point that I realize God has given me a FREE WILL to make decisions for myself, and God will judge me according to all I have done.
I know why I make my choices.
Because I am able to.
I know what motivates me in my decision making.
I know what motivates me in my decision making.
God's Heart.
I know what that one thing is that I look for when needing to know for sure before I make a huge life choice. I know what that confirmation is for me. The peace of God that passes all understanding and guards our heart and mind.
So - what about YOU?
"Why do you make your choices?"
"What motivates you to make you choices in life?"
"What is the one thing that you look for when needing to know for sure before you make a huge life choice?
I know what that one thing is that I look for when needing to know for sure before I make a huge life choice. I know what that confirmation is for me. The peace of God that passes all understanding and guards our heart and mind.
So - what about YOU?
"Why do you make your choices?"
"What motivates you to make you choices in life?"
"What is the one thing that you look for when needing to know for sure before you make a huge life choice?
What is that confirmation for you?
*I said I would get back to the fact that it is only natural for us to take credit for the good decisions we make and try to dispel responsibility for the not so good choices we make.
Human nature is inherently evil - as we can read n the book of Romans.
*I said I would get back to the fact that it is only natural for us to take credit for the good decisions we make and try to dispel responsibility for the not so good choices we make.
Human nature is inherently evil - as we can read n the book of Romans.
However,there is hope! As Paul discloses as well in the letter to the Romans! With the help of Holy Spirit and the Amazing Grace of God all things are possible!
As along as we are are willing to be obedient
Oh how glorious and rich is the Love of God towards us!!
If I had ONE piece of advice - ONE word of wisdom
If there was ONE thing I could share that I had learned through all my decision fiascos
It would be - with out a doubt
Never - ever - do anything - without the
Perfect Peace of God
If you have Doubt - Don't Do It
It would be - with out a doubt
Never - ever - do anything - without the
Perfect Peace of God
If you have Doubt - Don't Do It
8/25/12
If anybody hates women......
(An article from the Cumberland News)August 24, 2012
If anybody hates women, it’s not the Republicans
How do Republicans reproduce? Considering they hate women and women hate them. Osmosis, I guess. Just who hates women?
Who hates Sarah Palin, Condoleezza Rice, Kristi Noem, Michelle Bachmann, Jan Brewer, Susana Martinez, Mary Falin, Nicki Haley? The last four are Republican governors.
Who hates these women? They all get negative media coverage or none at all. Just like Ann Romney.
Three of the major networks, ABC, CBS, and NBC, will not broadcast Ann Romney’s address to the Republican National Convention Monday night, The New York Times reports.
Why? Why ruin the narrative that Republicans hate women. Teresa Heinz-Kerry was worshiped by the media. She is worth an estimated $1 billion, 4 1/2 Times as much Mitt Romney!
Her money is in a plethora of tax-wise trusts! But no problem. Teresa was just great! She was covered like make-up. There was no concern with her massive wealth.
Let me make this clear: She is not Mother Theresa of Calcutta, who lived in poverty. No, this was Teresa Heinz Kerry, wife of Democrat presidential candidate.
Heinz has employees in 200 countries. More employees outside the United States than in this country. How is that for outsourcing!
John Kerry was never vilified for his immense wealth, including the ownership of an entire island, estimated at $35 million.
Instead of covering Ann Romney, the networks will all be showing crime dramas. CBS will run “Hawaii Five-O,” ABC “Castle,” and NBC “Grimm.” The networks have informed the Romney campaign they will broadcast just an hour of convention coverage on the final three nights.
Ann Romney is a heroic figure, a mother of five children, who has candidly spoken about her battle with multiple sclerosis and surviving breast cancer, and a miscarriage.
Why don’t we want to hear from Ann Romney? What may she wish to plant in the garden of the Oval Office.
Has the media told you about how the Republican Party and Republican women were the primary force behind the women’s suffrage movement and the passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Have they told you about the National Federation of Republican Women, founded in 1938, a national grassroots political organization with thousands of active members in local clubs across the nation and in several U.S. territories, making it one of the largest and most influential women’s political organizations in the country.
They are all active intelligent women who care about our children and grandchildren.
Jane Webster
Cumberland
Who hates Sarah Palin, Condoleezza Rice, Kristi Noem, Michelle Bachmann, Jan Brewer, Susana Martinez, Mary Falin, Nicki Haley? The last four are Republican governors.
Who hates these women? They all get negative media coverage or none at all. Just like Ann Romney.
Three of the major networks, ABC, CBS, and NBC, will not broadcast Ann Romney’s address to the Republican National Convention Monday night, The New York Times reports.
Why? Why ruin the narrative that Republicans hate women. Teresa Heinz-Kerry was worshiped by the media. She is worth an estimated $1 billion, 4 1/2 Times as much Mitt Romney!
Her money is in a plethora of tax-wise trusts! But no problem. Teresa was just great! She was covered like make-up. There was no concern with her massive wealth.
Let me make this clear: She is not Mother Theresa of Calcutta, who lived in poverty. No, this was Teresa Heinz Kerry, wife of Democrat presidential candidate.
Heinz has employees in 200 countries. More employees outside the United States than in this country. How is that for outsourcing!
John Kerry was never vilified for his immense wealth, including the ownership of an entire island, estimated at $35 million.
Instead of covering Ann Romney, the networks will all be showing crime dramas. CBS will run “Hawaii Five-O,” ABC “Castle,” and NBC “Grimm.” The networks have informed the Romney campaign they will broadcast just an hour of convention coverage on the final three nights.
Ann Romney is a heroic figure, a mother of five children, who has candidly spoken about her battle with multiple sclerosis and surviving breast cancer, and a miscarriage.
Why don’t we want to hear from Ann Romney? What may she wish to plant in the garden of the Oval Office.
Has the media told you about how the Republican Party and Republican women were the primary force behind the women’s suffrage movement and the passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Have they told you about the National Federation of Republican Women, founded in 1938, a national grassroots political organization with thousands of active members in local clubs across the nation and in several U.S. territories, making it one of the largest and most influential women’s political organizations in the country.
They are all active intelligent women who care about our children and grandchildren.
Jane Webster
Cumberland
8/24/12
ONE - WAY
There is but ONE way to BE prosperous.
One way to GET prosperous.
One way to live in and stay prosperous.
There is but ONE way to obtain blessing from God.
One way to keep the blessing in our life.
It is NOT by asking FOR IT.
It is not by us sacrificing anything in our life for it.
(Thinking that we may get God's attention by doing so)
There is, simply put, nothing we can do to obtain (true) prosperity (from God)
There is nothing we can do, to nudge the Lord God of the universe to bless us
Nothing -
BEYOND
Seeking HIM
Seeking His beautiful face
Seeking His kingdom
Seeking His kingdom in our heart as well as all around us here on earth!
Seeking God
In every aspect of our lives - personally and professionally
Also
Desiring HIM
Desiring Him above all else
Desiring to know Him
Desiring to understand Him
Desiring to be like Him
Desiring to live IN His righteousness
Through this an IN this God's blessings will pour out upon our lives.
Through this our lives will be prosperous.
For what Father - what Husband - Bride Groom
Would not want to meet the need of - even much more so - bless over and above the need
What Father - what Husband - Bride Groom
would not bless and prosper He whom he loves so very much?
***
When we focus on HIM
***
So my encouragement today to all of us in the Body of Christ is to
NOT focus on getting" prosperous" or "receiving" blessings from the Lover of our soul.
But rather, let us all focus on "giving" to our Lord and "blessing" our Lord.
With the simplest act of Thanksgiving and most touching gift (to the Lord) of
WoRsHiP
to our Heavenly Father!
Anything else is simply and sadly cheating God and ourselves of exactly what we desire most in life.
I have posted a song below. Those of you older folks (like me lol) May remember it. It's an oldie but goodie. The lyrics is what I am going for.
..." seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. " Matthew 6:33
Treasures in Heaven
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy,[c] your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are unhealthy,[d] your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
Do Not Worry
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life[e]?
28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
8/22/12
When is it MY Turn?
It’s hard sometimes to understand, God’s great, all knowing and mighty hand.
We see our world in limited view, knowing our need; at least we think we do.
We do our best to live obediently, without complaint, expediently.
Not comparing ourselves to one another, not being jealous of sister or brother.
Somehow, some way, hard as we try, we just can’t help but wonder why;
God seems to have overlooked our need, and still has neglected to water our seed.
As hard as it is to understand, God’s great, all knowing and mighty hand.
Let us remember his motive is pure love, he looks over us all, from his throne above.
His vision encompasses our entire life, from beginning to end, every joy; every strife.
He knows the plans he has for us, they are good not evil, in this we must trust.
Knowing down deep within our hearts, through all the tears and false starts;
God’s Word is ever and always true; HE will always see his promises through.
If we fully delight ourselves in Him, not just in part, he will give us the desires of our heart.
Written by: Amy Colleen All rights reserved
I know some times it can be hard to wait on God.
To ...."be still and know that he is God"....
I am going through this myself right now.
I have learned and am learning even still that it is
divine obedience that produces God's hand of blessing in my life
and
it is absolute faith that produces divine obedience
and
it is only death to myself and life in Christ that produces the absolute faith
necessary to fuel my obedience.
"that faith" - being -"The faith of the Son of God"
Even Jesus, who gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20
" I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ live in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."
So I continue on each day through this journey. Thanking God for the sacrifice He made for me and also live my life through HIS faith when I have none.
I love you Lord!
Thank you for believing in me!
8/19/12
Look up -Look up
Oh my precious - precious one
I am here why won't you see?
I feel each and every tear that falls upon your cheek
Like a knife in my heart piercing me.
Look up - look up
Please look up so you will see
It is I, the lover of your soul
the one chasing after thee
I have paid a great ransom
I have given my life
So you would be delivered
from all death and all strife
Come - come away with me
Oh you who loves me passionately
Let me wipe away your tears
so you will know
You are not alone
Oh my precious one
I feel your every joy
Every pain - every thing you feel
Come away - come away
Oh precious one of mine
Look up - look up
I love you
8/15/12
Well - okay - rest now
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Okay, so I did it. I finally did it.Of course I feel like I have a huge sword stabbing me in my chest. Yep. Take a look at the sword to the right and THAT is what I have stabbing my in my chest right now. OUCH!
Sounds great huh?
Uh-m no! Thank you!
I was kinda hoping that feeling would have left me when I finished writing the letter. But it's still here. Ugh.
You know something?
It has been an amazing week!
No - Really - it has! I really dislike focusing on this pain I am feeling. In my heart - in my chest. It just seems to be so over powering at this moment. I so need to find my way - my way back to Him.
My way back to peace.
Oh how I wish I hadn't even left. I hadn't left, that place of rest, in Him.
I didn't want to - I truly did not - I simply had no choice.
I had to sit down and write this letter.
It HAD to be done. I actually thought about not writing it.
You know? Just forgetting about it, letting the whole issue slide back to the deep dark recesses of my mind?
That corner WAY back there?
You know the one I am talking about right?
Yeah-----well-------found out I don't have that dark corner anymore. hahah
I suppose that is a good thing J.
However - right about now I am thinking I would like a corner I could shovel some unwanted stuffs into from time to time!
That's where hiding in the
Shadow of his wings
Comes in so very nicely.
"He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." Psalm 91:4
I love the Lord and am so thankful He is here with me now.
I am so thankful for His unconditional love - for His Grace.
I am so thankful that He will never leave me or forsake me.
♥
So thankful I can run to Him an hide in the shadow of His wings!
I'm coming Lord!
Back to you and to that incredible peace!
♥
8/14/12
It's true, you know
I Live a Life of Miracles
So….Life totally did not turn out like I thought it would.
Ooooookay or like I had hoped it would.
Or…..yeah even like I realized it probably was going to.
Yep that’s right.
It just didn’t turn out that way at all.
Life is a miracle for me. No matter how I look at it. It’s a miracle.
Sure there have been bad times. But there have been allot of good times as well.
The bad times, are they entirely my fault; altogether my mess ups?
Well…..I have tried to make excuses for all the mess ups… but basically I just messed up; and if I make excuses for all the mess ups then I feel as though I have to make excuses for all the clean ups too.
I don’t want to make an excuse for the clean ups….. those are my miracles!
You know, now that I think about it, the way my life is actually turning out - may not be exactly how I thought it would be….but....it is.....actually allot closer to what I had always dreamed it could be.
:)
:)
It seems to me that the closer I get to Holy Spirit, Himself, and ….the more I seek the Lord, Holy Spirit's face…..and the more I die to myself….the further I get from understanding life (as I was taught to grow and understand it by all my life’s teachers here on earth) and the closer I get to embracing life and the understanding of it the way Holy Spirit reveals its meaning to me.
Everything I have held dear for so many years is now becoming a different point of interest and priority in my life.
To truly die to yourself…..to abandon all for the sake of the cross…..pleasing God – not man.
Can I do it?
WILL I do it?
Where has life taken me this far?
Where will life take me from here?
I do not know.
I do not know the answer to that.
I DO KNOW that where ever life’s journey takes me
I do not know the answer to that.
I DO KNOW that where ever life’s journey takes me
Yeshua HaMashiach is by my side
Holy Spirit is here with me.
and
Holy Spirit is here with me.
and
I live a life of Miracles.
8/12/12
Is Jesus A False Prophet?
Though I myself did not write this blog post - it is taken from This blog post is taken from First Fruits of Zion
A publication I subscribe to and study on a regular basis. I felt it was WELL worth re-osting!
Is Jesus A False Prophet?
Deuteronomy 13. A prophet is a spokesperson for God. Prophets are often asked to verify their authenticity with a particular sign or wonder. Deuteronomy 13 warns us that even if the would-be prophet's sign or wonder does succeed and his prediction does come to pass, he might still be a false prophet. Signs and wonders are not the final proof. If the prophet attempts to dissuade you "from the way in which the LORD your God commanded you to walk," (13:5) you are to disregard him as a false prophet. The way in which God commanded us to walk is the Torah and its commandments. Deuteronomy warns us that we must not listen to such a prophet, even if his ministry comes with amazing signs and wonders. Instead, we are to "follow the LORD...keep His commandments, listen to His voice..." (13:4)
If the would-be prophet counsels us to break any of the commandments, he must be deemed a false prophet. For example, an alleged prophet who declared that God had sanctioned an adulterous relationship can be immediately identified as a false prophet because He has contradicted Torah. God cannot contradict Himself.
Moses says that a false prophet might be allowed to perform signs and wonders in order to test Israel's fidelity to Torah. The Master warns us that "false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders." (Matthew 24:24)
Sadly, the traditional understanding and presentation of the Christian Jesus is that he was a prophet (and more than a prophet), attested by signs and wonders, but that he also cancelled the Torah. Such a person fits Deuteronomy 13's description of a false prophet perfectly. According to Deuteronomy, conversion to faith in such a person would be a violation of God's own commandments. Thus Judaism rightly rejects him. Yet the real Yeshua of the Gospels is not such. He is a prophet (and more than a prophet) attested to by signs and miracles, who called Israel to submit their lives to the highest standards of Torah.
This explains why His opponents among the Judean leadership labored so hard to find some way of demonstrating that He was a breaker of Torah. If they could prove that He was teaching against Torah, they could invalidate His claims. They were unable to do so. Nevertheless, we have consistently presented Him as a prophet teaching against the Torah. We need to rethink this. A Messiah that breaks Torah and teaches others to do so is no Messiah at all.
Something to think about for sure!
If the would-be prophet counsels us to break any of the commandments, he must be deemed a false prophet. For example, an alleged prophet who declared that God had sanctioned an adulterous relationship can be immediately identified as a false prophet because He has contradicted Torah. God cannot contradict Himself.
Moses says that a false prophet might be allowed to perform signs and wonders in order to test Israel's fidelity to Torah. The Master warns us that "false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders." (Matthew 24:24)
Sadly, the traditional understanding and presentation of the Christian Jesus is that he was a prophet (and more than a prophet), attested by signs and wonders, but that he also cancelled the Torah. Such a person fits Deuteronomy 13's description of a false prophet perfectly. According to Deuteronomy, conversion to faith in such a person would be a violation of God's own commandments. Thus Judaism rightly rejects him. Yet the real Yeshua of the Gospels is not such. He is a prophet (and more than a prophet) attested to by signs and miracles, who called Israel to submit their lives to the highest standards of Torah.
This explains why His opponents among the Judean leadership labored so hard to find some way of demonstrating that He was a breaker of Torah. If they could prove that He was teaching against Torah, they could invalidate His claims. They were unable to do so. Nevertheless, we have consistently presented Him as a prophet teaching against the Torah. We need to rethink this. A Messiah that breaks Torah and teaches others to do so is no Messiah at all.
Something to think about for sure!
8/6/12
I Am Weak
Song by: Craig Aven
Well today started off pretty much as I expected it to. No really big deal.
I was glad I made it through yesterday.
Although deep down inside I could feel the tug. I could feel the tinge. A sharp pain.
I just got up outta bed and ignored it.
I headed straight for the coffee pot. Grabbed a cup o' joe and my Bible and took a seat in my prayer chair.
I gave my full attention to the Lord and said my good mornings to Him.
Read some scripture and then - just sat there.
Yep.
I couldn't get away from the
"Deep down inside tug I felt. Or the tinge or the the sharp pain that I was feeling."
Hard as I tried I couldn't focus on anything else - and - I didn't want to focus on that
- and -
I didn't want to try and figure out what was causing it
because to be perfectly honest
deep down I knew what was causing it and I didn't want to go there!
So instead I picked up my laptop and signed onto facebook.
Yeah, real spiritual I know. None the less, this is what I did and well the Lord used it.
First I was met with an acceleration of the
deep down inside tug I felt, and the tinge and the the sharp pain that I was feeling.
Actually, to be honest the acceleration was really more of a
Deep anguish and sever sharp pain in my chest.
Still - I just sat in my prayer chair.
I started to scroll through my facebook home page and came across a friends post.
He posted one of his songs [I AM WEAK -CRAIG AVEN] along with a blog post he had written.
This changed everything for me -at least for today.
It made me realize a few things.
For starters - (this is something I have "known" for awhile but have had the hardest time living)
I don't have to be strong all the time.
I always tell everyone else that, when they come to me for encouragement, but for some reason I have the hardest time knowing that for my own life in the Lord.
Secondly - Given the season we are living in and
the importance of sharing the love of God through the saving Grace of Jesus.
It is okay to be transparent.
In fact in many cases it is necessary to showcase the Grace of God in our lives.
As it is a life of Victories we Live - as opposed to battles. Its all in how you look at it.
My story
Is one that began before the creation of the universe. For I was knit together in my mothers womb. I was fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God.
I was born into a sinful world. As sin came into this world through my fore father and mother. Yet I was given the gift of free will and the opportunity to use it. Chosen by God. Given the opportunity to follow Him. To believe on/in His Son and all that He had done for me and the sin of this world . I did believe and receive Him into my life. I followed after Him.
Save by Grace through faith. A gift of love from God himself. This was nothing I (or anyone) could have ever done for myself. It was done this way so we could never boast about it or in any any way take credit for it.
I will forever be eternally thankful that the Lord chose me to follow after Him
and eternally happy I said "yes" and chose the right decision in following after Him.
That was 36 years ago.
It has not been an easy road.
Full of ups an downs. If I were to be perfectly honest and transparent here
(as I am trying to be)
I would have to say there have been quite a few more "downs" than ups.
The good part of that last sentence is that I don't recall all of those downs anymore.
There are still some that linger in the dark recesses of my heart and mind. That is only natural.
(key word *natural)
We are but only human. This is natural for us to do. That is why God placed such an emphasis in the Bible - in so many different places about "forgetting the past" -"letting go"
"moving forward with what He has for us" - "forgiveness"
"walking by faith not by sight" = "being a people that live and walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh"
Still
We are what we are - human -which is why the ultimate gift of God is so beautiful.
His Son.
Grace
Apart from Grace (Jesus)
We cannot accomplish a single thing to please our Heavenly Father. It is not possible.
Personally, I learned this lesson a very long time ago.
I am currently living through one of the most intense spiritual battles I have ever had to face in my life.
I know I am safe.
I know I am favored of God - I have His love.
I have not only His promises written down (the Holy Scripture/the Bible) to be able to read when ever I wish. To lighten my path. To bring wisdom and healing and comfort. I also have His personal promises which He has spoken to me.
Still - I find there are times when I can not contain the sorrow that fills my soul.
It is so great.
Not knowing "why" it is mine even to bear. I don't know which is worse.
The "not knowing" or the actual "reason for the pain".
It is all just so painful. What I am going through right now in life.
I do know
Not knowing "why" it is mine even to bear. I don't know which is worse.
The "not knowing" or the actual "reason for the pain".
It is all just so painful. What I am going through right now in life.
I do know
I am not meant to contain it, the pain- hold in all inside.
I know this much.
Still I try so hard each day to do just that.
I don't know why. I guess, if I were to be perfectly honest. I would have to say -
I am somewhat afraid if I were to release the pain - if I were to let go and allow myself to feel the pain.
I might just perish
Worse yet
The pain I am feeling - (and I realize this may sound really backwards ) -in some strange twisted way the pain is all I have left right now to tangibly hold onto - it is all that is left of the relationship that is actually the source that the pain is stemming from.
Horrible as it is - is all I have left
Honestly
I am afraid to let go.
I deep down inside know I need to let go.
Still I try so hard each day to do just that.
I don't know why. I guess, if I were to be perfectly honest. I would have to say -
I am somewhat afraid if I were to release the pain - if I were to let go and allow myself to feel the pain.
I might just perish
Worse yet
The pain I am feeling - (and I realize this may sound really backwards ) -in some strange twisted way the pain is all I have left right now to tangibly hold onto - it is all that is left of the relationship that is actually the source that the pain is stemming from.
Horrible as it is - is all I have left
Honestly
I am afraid to let go.
I deep down inside know I need to let go.
This - this - is MY struggle - THIS is MY SIN.
My weakness.
As soon as I read my brother's blog this morning - his song began to play - and I began to weep.
I cried and cried and cried and cried and cried and cried.
I am crying now.
My son, my oldest son got married yesterday.
I should be happy for him and her right?
I am. Well part of me. The other part of me is still so hurt and trying to comprehend how it is I wasn't apart of this glorious day.
You see I haven't met my sons beautiful bride yet. Tho I have been praying for her ever since my son has been a small boy. You see I pray for each of my children every day of their lives. In the morning and night and sometimes several times during the day as well. I also prayed for their spouses to be, from the times they were wee little children until they get married, up until they and then pray for (of course) my children and their families.
And now - I find myself in a place unfamiliar to me.
I don't believe I know anyone or have I even met anyone - that has experience this kind of situation personally.
My adult children, who I believed knew the Lord, have for reasons I know not, up and disowned and legally. Going so far as to legally file for adoption by their step-mother - Not even notifying me in person or over the phone. They will not even answer to me (via phone or even email) and, (this is the most disturbing part) they have done this in the name of God.
I am left completely perplexed.
Believe me I have spent far too many hours trying to figure out why - how - what - where - to no avail.
Only to end up in this same place My prayer chair.
Staring aimlessly out the window feeling that all too familiar tug, tinge and sharp pain.
Wondering
How am I going to stay strong enough to make it through yet another day in this life of mine?
Then I came across Craig's blog and song.
It isn't going to fix everything. I know that. But it did open a a nice size hole in this damn of mine.
I needed to cry. The Lord has been telling me that for a while now. I have not been wanting to share any of my story either. Mixed reasons. Some of them are valid I am sure. Others not so much.
I don't think any of my sons read this blog, nor do their family members. I was concerned they might be offended by my posting transparently.
However, My feelings are so strong and this situation is absolutely true.
I have done nothing but love my children since the day the day they were in my belly.
I can not even begin to imagine what would cause them, as children of the living God and disciples of Jesus a minister of reconciliation and Grace (who we are called to be like) what would cause them to disown me.
I love my children with all my heart. Everyone of them.
♥&♥.... ♥&♥....♥&♥....♥....♥
I AmWeak
But you are strong - Lord
Help me carry on to live to the fullest the life YOU choose for me to live in you - through you
To will and act and do according to your good pleasure !
Forgive me Lord for wallowing in self pity
Help me to walk with you where ever you lead me
To will and act and do according to your good pleasure !
I AmWeak
But you are strong - Lord
Help me carry on to live to the fullest the life YOU choose for me to live in you - through you
I give to you all you have given to me
I give to you - all of my family
Take from me all I give to you
Let it be a fragrant offering
I am weak Lord - Help me learn to be weaker still
so your perfect strength can see me through
I need you.
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