I have often thought that, "why am I the only one with this problem". I was talking with a friend one time that was trying with God's help to fight her way back from drug addiction. She said to me "I don't understand why I am the only one in my family with this problem." As we talked further I realized that we are all addicts of one kind or another. Let me name a few that might irritate you. For example; obsessive cleaner, over eater, gym rat, reading novels, TV, the secular news, work, facebook, etc. Anything that comes between your Lord, family and respondsibilities could be concidered an addiction. I explained to her that each one of us has an addiction or you might call it your Achilles heel. The sin that you struggle with, perhaps, gossip or gossip disguised as a prayer request, pride in the fact that you have never... are just two that we see in the church. You see God says sin is sin. The consequences are different but Christ would have needed to die for our sin even if it was just one little white lie.
Romans 3:23 says, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."(NIV) God never says only sins of alcoholism, smoking, adultery, murder and stealing need to be washed by the cleansing blood of the Lamb. No, God says they all do. In fact, because of sin entering the world through Adam and Eve, technically we don't even need to sin to need a Savior. We just need to be born of 2 humans. Romans 5:12 says, "Therefore, just as through one man sin entered then world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned."(NIV)
Sin spread like floodwater seeping into every crevice washing filth over every area of the human heart. Sin like flood waters leaves a residue that stains, rots, and ruins if left too long. Jesus' shed blood is like the cleansing soapy water that cleans a home after a flood. I looked at several web sites for flood cleaning (because thankfully I have never dealt with this) and the general consensus is that it is a several step process that takes a long time. But there is a distinct difference; with a flood you have to throw out the ruined items and the muck before you can rinse with soapy water. However Christ says to "Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest" Matthew 11:28. (NKJV) He is beckoning those who are still trying to carry their own sin burden.
You see that is the stark difference. We don't have to throw out the junk first. We don't have to go to church x amount of times. We don't have to clean up for Christ. We just have to come with all our flood ravaged hearts and He will wash them with His shed blood. DO NOT MISTAKE me because this is now when Christ starts throwing junk out of our lives, not a justification for future sin. He says "Kim, I don't think you need this bad language, do you?" James 1:26 - "If anyone among you thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless."(NKJV)
The Holy Spirit comes in and starts tossing stuff and scrubbing corners. This is a life long challenge because each of us has a weakness, a box of ruined stuff, per say, that we keep bringing back in the house and saying, "Are you sure this is ruined, are you sure I can't keep this? It gives me comfort when I am sad, lonely, scared, mad and on and on. But then the Holy Spirit says, "No, you don't need that because I am your comfort in time of need."
Let the Holy Spirit be your strength to overcome and throw out that box of sin. Perhaps this would be a good time to write down your addiction or sin you are struggling with at this time and put it in the trash and watch the trash truck take it away. Sometimes visual actions help our simple human minds. God wants to be our peace, comfort, and joy. He is unchanging, from the beginning of time all He wants is to fellowship with His creation.
Malachi 3:6 "For I am the Lord, I do not change; therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob." (NKJV)
Lamentations 3: 21 -24 "This I recall to my mind; therefore have I hope. It is of Jehovah's loving kindness that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness. Jehovah is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him." (ASV)
If you question the mercy and love of God go back and look at what He did for the Israelites over and over again.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Praise Your King
Have you ever thought of writing your own Psalm? I did a long time ago; in fact it was an assignment for school. It doesn't have to rhyme but it does have to be heart felt. When you read the writings from David and the other Psalms writers you feel their emotion. Whether it be joy or sadness, fear or courage etc.
I know I have have said in the past not to be led by our emotions. This is still true, however we are to allow ourselves to display emotion. Remember Genesis 1:26a says "And God said, 'Let us make man in our image, after our likeness...' ."
This includes our emotions. We are just not to let them drive us. Example "Oh, I woke up happy so it will be a good day" or "Oh, I woke up sad so it will be a bad day." Everyday is a good day because God made if not because of the circumstances that surround the day. Psalm 118:24 "This is the day which Jehovah hath made; We will rejoice and be glad in it." I know it is hard to be thankful of praise God when we are comforter. You can also write a psalm that cries out for healing, protection or peace. Psalm 23 is an example of this.
Psalm 23
1."Jehovah is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside still waters.
3. He restoreth my soul: He guideth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4. Yea, thou I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.
5. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou hast anointed my head with oil; My cup runneth over.
6. Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life; And I shall dwell in the house of Jehovah for ever." (ASV)
I have used the phrase many time, "God is good all the time." This is easy to say when everyone around you is healthy, your kids are obeying, you have enough money to pay the bills, and your friends all think you are the best thing since sliced bread. But it gets infinitely harder when your marriage is struggling, your kids are making horrible decisions, you have a medical emergency that you can't pay for and your spouse or you just lost a job. So now what!? Are you still able to day God is good all the time? I hope so. Look at it like powering through the last few repetitions at the gym or finishing the last 2 miles of your marathon. Even if it is through gritted teeth you growl out. "GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!!" Say it out loud so Satan can hear you and you claim victory right here, right now. DO NOT allow him to defeat you. By the way this doesn't mean smiling like an idiot pretending nothing is wrong.
Joshua 1:9 says "Have not I commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (KJV)
Remember defeating Satan won't take away the trial but it will give you "a peace that passes all understanding" Philippians 4:7a.
Now go write your own psalm. If you would like to post it here on my blog feel free. I would love to read it. It doesn't have to be super long and remember when the psalmist wrote he didn't write in numbered verses, they were more like poems. Go for it praise your King!!
I praise you O God,
for you have filled my days with beauty.
You show me Your mercy by not consuming me
even though I sin against you.
You love me with a love that even I,
a mother cannot fathom.
You have blessed me in so many ways.
Thank you for my family,
for the protection you grant,
and the healing you give.
I praise you, O God,
not because of the stuff I have,
But because You, O Lord;
Yahweh, are the only One True God.
You alone are worthy of any praise
that comes from my mouth.
HALLELUJAH! HALLELUJAH!
You are King of this universe,
King of this world and
King of my heart!
Amen
I know I have have said in the past not to be led by our emotions. This is still true, however we are to allow ourselves to display emotion. Remember Genesis 1:26a says "And God said, 'Let us make man in our image, after our likeness...' ."
This includes our emotions. We are just not to let them drive us. Example "Oh, I woke up happy so it will be a good day" or "Oh, I woke up sad so it will be a bad day." Everyday is a good day because God made if not because of the circumstances that surround the day. Psalm 118:24 "This is the day which Jehovah hath made; We will rejoice and be glad in it." I know it is hard to be thankful of praise God when we are comforter. You can also write a psalm that cries out for healing, protection or peace. Psalm 23 is an example of this.
Psalm 23
1."Jehovah is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside still waters.
3. He restoreth my soul: He guideth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4. Yea, thou I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.
5. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou hast anointed my head with oil; My cup runneth over.
6. Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life; And I shall dwell in the house of Jehovah for ever." (ASV)
I have used the phrase many time, "God is good all the time." This is easy to say when everyone around you is healthy, your kids are obeying, you have enough money to pay the bills, and your friends all think you are the best thing since sliced bread. But it gets infinitely harder when your marriage is struggling, your kids are making horrible decisions, you have a medical emergency that you can't pay for and your spouse or you just lost a job. So now what!? Are you still able to day God is good all the time? I hope so. Look at it like powering through the last few repetitions at the gym or finishing the last 2 miles of your marathon. Even if it is through gritted teeth you growl out. "GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!!" Say it out loud so Satan can hear you and you claim victory right here, right now. DO NOT allow him to defeat you. By the way this doesn't mean smiling like an idiot pretending nothing is wrong.
Joshua 1:9 says "Have not I commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (KJV)
Remember defeating Satan won't take away the trial but it will give you "a peace that passes all understanding" Philippians 4:7a.
Now go write your own psalm. If you would like to post it here on my blog feel free. I would love to read it. It doesn't have to be super long and remember when the psalmist wrote he didn't write in numbered verses, they were more like poems. Go for it praise your King!!
I praise you O God,
for you have filled my days with beauty.
You show me Your mercy by not consuming me
even though I sin against you.
You love me with a love that even I,
a mother cannot fathom.
You have blessed me in so many ways.
Thank you for my family,
for the protection you grant,
and the healing you give.
I praise you, O God,
not because of the stuff I have,
But because You, O Lord;
Yahweh, are the only One True God.
You alone are worthy of any praise
that comes from my mouth.
HALLELUJAH! HALLELUJAH!
You are King of this universe,
King of this world and
King of my heart!
Amen
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Three things that bind us to failure!
1. guilt - Ps 103:9-14
There are 2 definitions of guilt: 1- the fact of having committed a specific or implied offense or crime & 2- a feeling of having done something wrong or failed in an obligation.
We sometimes get immense pleasure in guilt; it's called the poor mes. However, let's talk about confessed, forgiven sin. Ps 103:9-14 is a great passage telling us to stop wallowing in the past; forgiven sin and move on. In vs 12 the psalmist tells us that God removes our sin as far as the east is from the west. Dr. McGee says this is important because God doesn't say north from south. If you go North eventually you will go South whereas if you go east you will never go west and visa versa. So why would we ever want to dwell on our past sin? God doesn't! Satan knows the best way to keep us from living spiritually effective is Guilt! Beth Moore in her Patriarch study says this "God never has an ugly thought toward us". So we to need to remember to forget our past sin.
2. Fear - 2 Timothy 1:7 - the fear God is referring to here is not a healthy reverent fear; it is the Greek word which could be translated as timidity whic denotes cowardness. A shameful fear caused by a weak, selfish character. The verse gives a positive attribute that comes from God a spirit of power, love & sound mind. As believers we are filled with the Holy Spirit & He gives us this spitirual resource for every trial & threat. This also talks of a sound mind which refers, as per Dr. McGee, to discipline. God doesn't want us to live a life of defeat; one that is driven by emotion, which is an unhealthy fear is just that, an emotion. Conquering fear is not to get rid of fear but to know that fear will not stop me from achieving any goals. This can be a fear of failure or success. If I don't do then I can't fail or if I don't do then I won't succeed which could but me in the spot light.
Ps. 27:1-3 speaks for itself.
3. Unwillingness to Sacrifice - Gal. 2:20 We live in a country of instant gratification. We want what we want without slot of sacrifice. I believe this is the third thing that holds us back. You've heard that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again & expecting a different result. Well this is an unwillingness to sacrifice. We want to be able to eat the same way but still loose weight. Let me in on a little secret if you are still eating the same as you were but haven't lost any weight in the last 3 weeks, you are taking in too many and/or the wrong kind of calories and not doing enough excercise.
You need to change something. If your children would continue to walk into the door hitting it every time and you ask them what they are doing and they said I was sure that our door had an automatic sensor that would open it just like at the grocery store. You would assume your child had lost his marbles! But that is exactly what we do with food. It's ok I'll just have a bite or two of that cake, I don't eat it everyday but yet we "treat" ourselves all the time. We keep looking for the quick & easy fix. Well, let's look at Esther. Here is a women who sacrificed her own chance at a normal happy marriage; to marry a king that had just banished his first queen because she stood up to him. This doesn't seem like the ideal situation. Chapter 4 is her chance, Mordicia comes to her to tell her to go to the king and petition for her people's lives, knowing how the king tended to be. Esther 4:13-14 - We need to be responsible, God is not going to produce a miracle over night where your metabolism changes so you can eat the way you want and loose weight. If you want to be an effective believer you need to understand that sacrifice is involved. I don't like the phrase "God helps those who help themselves" however we can't sit back and expect Him to spoon feed us miracles. I don't know why God gave you a weight challenge but I do know that when we let fear, guilt, and an unwillingness to sacrifice block our path to success then we take ourselves out of the running to be blessed by a God that loves us and wants to see us succeed spiritually and be an effective witness. I will finish with this thought from Beth Moore's Esther study, "God's Will will get done with or without me! But I will not be blessed if I am not doing God's Will!"
There are 2 definitions of guilt: 1- the fact of having committed a specific or implied offense or crime & 2- a feeling of having done something wrong or failed in an obligation.
We sometimes get immense pleasure in guilt; it's called the poor mes. However, let's talk about confessed, forgiven sin. Ps 103:9-14 is a great passage telling us to stop wallowing in the past; forgiven sin and move on. In vs 12 the psalmist tells us that God removes our sin as far as the east is from the west. Dr. McGee says this is important because God doesn't say north from south. If you go North eventually you will go South whereas if you go east you will never go west and visa versa. So why would we ever want to dwell on our past sin? God doesn't! Satan knows the best way to keep us from living spiritually effective is Guilt! Beth Moore in her Patriarch study says this "God never has an ugly thought toward us". So we to need to remember to forget our past sin.
2. Fear - 2 Timothy 1:7 - the fear God is referring to here is not a healthy reverent fear; it is the Greek word which could be translated as timidity whic denotes cowardness. A shameful fear caused by a weak, selfish character. The verse gives a positive attribute that comes from God a spirit of power, love & sound mind. As believers we are filled with the Holy Spirit & He gives us this spitirual resource for every trial & threat. This also talks of a sound mind which refers, as per Dr. McGee, to discipline. God doesn't want us to live a life of defeat; one that is driven by emotion, which is an unhealthy fear is just that, an emotion. Conquering fear is not to get rid of fear but to know that fear will not stop me from achieving any goals. This can be a fear of failure or success. If I don't do then I can't fail or if I don't do then I won't succeed which could but me in the spot light.
Ps. 27:1-3 speaks for itself.
3. Unwillingness to Sacrifice - Gal. 2:20 We live in a country of instant gratification. We want what we want without slot of sacrifice. I believe this is the third thing that holds us back. You've heard that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again & expecting a different result. Well this is an unwillingness to sacrifice. We want to be able to eat the same way but still loose weight. Let me in on a little secret if you are still eating the same as you were but haven't lost any weight in the last 3 weeks, you are taking in too many and/or the wrong kind of calories and not doing enough excercise.
You need to change something. If your children would continue to walk into the door hitting it every time and you ask them what they are doing and they said I was sure that our door had an automatic sensor that would open it just like at the grocery store. You would assume your child had lost his marbles! But that is exactly what we do with food. It's ok I'll just have a bite or two of that cake, I don't eat it everyday but yet we "treat" ourselves all the time. We keep looking for the quick & easy fix. Well, let's look at Esther. Here is a women who sacrificed her own chance at a normal happy marriage; to marry a king that had just banished his first queen because she stood up to him. This doesn't seem like the ideal situation. Chapter 4 is her chance, Mordicia comes to her to tell her to go to the king and petition for her people's lives, knowing how the king tended to be. Esther 4:13-14 - We need to be responsible, God is not going to produce a miracle over night where your metabolism changes so you can eat the way you want and loose weight. If you want to be an effective believer you need to understand that sacrifice is involved. I don't like the phrase "God helps those who help themselves" however we can't sit back and expect Him to spoon feed us miracles. I don't know why God gave you a weight challenge but I do know that when we let fear, guilt, and an unwillingness to sacrifice block our path to success then we take ourselves out of the running to be blessed by a God that loves us and wants to see us succeed spiritually and be an effective witness. I will finish with this thought from Beth Moore's Esther study, "God's Will will get done with or without me! But I will not be blessed if I am not doing God's Will!"
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Excuses, Excuses!!
I want to say that you will get the most out of this if you read through the book of Amos. It is 9 short chapters. You will understand more that way.
We sit here in our plush homes in Johnson County whining because we can't help but give into the temptations that surround us, when there are people starving to death everyday. I want to take a look at a warning that was given by Amos. He was a minor prophet that lived in Tekoa and was sent by God to Israel during the time between when Jeroboam II and the death of Uzziah. Amos 1:1 says specifically 2 years before the earthquake. Tekoa was a small village southeast of Bethlehem in Judah. Remember this is when the country is split. Amos was a Shepherd; the lowest of the low coming to speak to the rich and famous. It would be like one of the Hispanic transient workers going to those in our government and warning them.
Amos starts out with a warning to Israel's neighbors about the coming Assyrian government. Then he moves to Israel. Amos reminds them that these are God's words not his. In Chap. 3 he is telling them that without immediate change on their part God's judgement will fall on them. Chap. 4 explains that their worship was false and not genuine. They were going through the motions of the Mosaic Law however they were worshipping idols as well. God is a jealous God and expects from His children complete respect. It also is telling them that their wealth will not save them. As He did to Egypt He sent plagues and drought and such. They still didn't seek God. In Chap. 5 we see God pleading for them to return to Him, that even with the Assyrian government breathing down on them it is not too late. This shows God's great love for His children. By verse 21 He is telling them that their worship means nothing because they are just going through the motions. When you go to church God is the only one who can truly see your heart. What would He say about your worship is it genuine or are you going through the motions? Chap. 6 shows us how the wealthy were eating and living it up and not giving a second thought to what God through Amos was saying. We can sit back and say how could they be so blind but we do the same thing. "I don't know why....." Maybe it is because God is trying to tell you something but instead you just make excuses. Chap. 7 gives a vision of what is to come. All the awful thing that will happen since Israel refuses to turn from evil. Chap. 8 speaks of mourning and 9 has 2 parts the 2nd is a restoration of Israel; a promise of God's blessing that was given to Abraham and his descendants. We buzzed through that to get here to this promise. This is the time when Jesus will return as King no longer will Israel have to fight to protect her borders. God will forgive, come, rule and reign. Please read Amos 9:11-15
You may say; so what does that have to do with anything we have been talking about. This is what I will say to you: God does 3 things over and over in scripture. He promises a blessing for obedience; He gives a warning for disobedience and then He acts. We tend to have the same sin issues over and over just like the Israelites. Rarely; in fact I'm not sure I have ever heard any one say; "You know a funny thing happened yesterday I was envious of my neighbor's new car and I've never been envious before. God knows our hearts and our struggles. My challenges this week are no different than the ones I had last week. What God is asking of us is to be repentant and striving to live better daily. I do better about keeping my mouth in check when I am praying daily and in His Word daily seeking Him. I do better because I am surrendering to Him and allowing the Holy Spirit to work through me. IT IS NOTHING I DO ON MY OWN! He has promised that one day he will return, that we will get a new body; a perfect one. We will rule, reign, and praise Him forever. This life is fleeting and we need to work at serving Him daily.
You need to ask yourself; "Am I like Israel? Acting like a spoiled rich kid that thinks that everything should be handed to me on a silver platter? Well, I didn't eat... I should be rewarded with weight loss because I deserve it. After all its not my fault that I could only workout one day this week. I had to run kids around I should get some down time of my own to read a book or watch my favorite TV show (I do DVR it so I am not wasting time watching commercials). Its not my fault it was Father's Day and we needed to celebrate that with my husband's favorite meal or by going out to eat at a restaurant that didn't have healthy choices, after all he got to pick. We need to stop acting like spoiled rich kids. There was a song long time ago called Excuses, excuses.
REMEMBER: The difference between living a life of excellence and living a life of mediocrity is 1-2 hours of laziness.
We sit here in our plush homes in Johnson County whining because we can't help but give into the temptations that surround us, when there are people starving to death everyday. I want to take a look at a warning that was given by Amos. He was a minor prophet that lived in Tekoa and was sent by God to Israel during the time between when Jeroboam II and the death of Uzziah. Amos 1:1 says specifically 2 years before the earthquake. Tekoa was a small village southeast of Bethlehem in Judah. Remember this is when the country is split. Amos was a Shepherd; the lowest of the low coming to speak to the rich and famous. It would be like one of the Hispanic transient workers going to those in our government and warning them.
Amos starts out with a warning to Israel's neighbors about the coming Assyrian government. Then he moves to Israel. Amos reminds them that these are God's words not his. In Chap. 3 he is telling them that without immediate change on their part God's judgement will fall on them. Chap. 4 explains that their worship was false and not genuine. They were going through the motions of the Mosaic Law however they were worshipping idols as well. God is a jealous God and expects from His children complete respect. It also is telling them that their wealth will not save them. As He did to Egypt He sent plagues and drought and such. They still didn't seek God. In Chap. 5 we see God pleading for them to return to Him, that even with the Assyrian government breathing down on them it is not too late. This shows God's great love for His children. By verse 21 He is telling them that their worship means nothing because they are just going through the motions. When you go to church God is the only one who can truly see your heart. What would He say about your worship is it genuine or are you going through the motions? Chap. 6 shows us how the wealthy were eating and living it up and not giving a second thought to what God through Amos was saying. We can sit back and say how could they be so blind but we do the same thing. "I don't know why....." Maybe it is because God is trying to tell you something but instead you just make excuses. Chap. 7 gives a vision of what is to come. All the awful thing that will happen since Israel refuses to turn from evil. Chap. 8 speaks of mourning and 9 has 2 parts the 2nd is a restoration of Israel; a promise of God's blessing that was given to Abraham and his descendants. We buzzed through that to get here to this promise. This is the time when Jesus will return as King no longer will Israel have to fight to protect her borders. God will forgive, come, rule and reign. Please read Amos 9:11-15
You may say; so what does that have to do with anything we have been talking about. This is what I will say to you: God does 3 things over and over in scripture. He promises a blessing for obedience; He gives a warning for disobedience and then He acts. We tend to have the same sin issues over and over just like the Israelites. Rarely; in fact I'm not sure I have ever heard any one say; "You know a funny thing happened yesterday I was envious of my neighbor's new car and I've never been envious before. God knows our hearts and our struggles. My challenges this week are no different than the ones I had last week. What God is asking of us is to be repentant and striving to live better daily. I do better about keeping my mouth in check when I am praying daily and in His Word daily seeking Him. I do better because I am surrendering to Him and allowing the Holy Spirit to work through me. IT IS NOTHING I DO ON MY OWN! He has promised that one day he will return, that we will get a new body; a perfect one. We will rule, reign, and praise Him forever. This life is fleeting and we need to work at serving Him daily.
You need to ask yourself; "Am I like Israel? Acting like a spoiled rich kid that thinks that everything should be handed to me on a silver platter? Well, I didn't eat... I should be rewarded with weight loss because I deserve it. After all its not my fault that I could only workout one day this week. I had to run kids around I should get some down time of my own to read a book or watch my favorite TV show (I do DVR it so I am not wasting time watching commercials). Its not my fault it was Father's Day and we needed to celebrate that with my husband's favorite meal or by going out to eat at a restaurant that didn't have healthy choices, after all he got to pick. We need to stop acting like spoiled rich kids. There was a song long time ago called Excuses, excuses.
REMEMBER: The difference between living a life of excellence and living a life of mediocrity is 1-2 hours of laziness.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Food Pornography
At the height of my Coke-a-cola addiction I would find myself at Sonic between 2pm-4pm because I could get a large coke for 92 cents; (yes I do know the exact amount for the Sonic closest to my house.) I didn't usually get a Route 44 coke because that would be very indulgent. I hope the sarcasm is not lost on those reading this. I sometimes would stop almost without realizing it; I would crave it so much. One could say I lusted after it. Do you have a food or drink that you lust after? That if it is in your reach, as the Lays commercial used to say "you can't stop at one"? Well this is sin plain and simple.
Have you ever gotten mad because your husband looked too long at a woman that you would say was prettier and skinnier than you? What would happen if you husband would get mad at you for doing the same thing but with a food that you both know you should not eat.
DO NOT misunderstand me! I know the consequences are much more severe for a man who follows through with sexual lusts, but there are consequences to following our food lusts that do affect our marriages. I know our bodies change as we get older, but we are called to take care of our earthly bodies.
Proverbs 11:6 says "The righteousness of the upright will deliver them, but the unfaithful will be caught be their lust." The NKJV uses the word naughtiness for lust. Their is always consequences for sin. We can run or hind from it. So lets look at the word lust. It has 5 noun meaning and 2 verb meanings according to dictionary.com.
"1. intense sexual desire or appetite
2. uncontrolled or illicit sexual desire or appetite; lecherousness
3. a passionate or overmastering desire or craving (usually followed by for); a lust for power
4. ardent enthusiasm; zest; relish: an enviable lust for life
5. obsolete a.) pleasure or delight b.) desire; inclination; wish
6. to have intense sexual desire
7. to have a yearning or desire; have a strong or excessive craving (often followed by for or after)."
So "to lust" is not always bad or sexual. We are going to concentrate on definitions 3 and 1.
I believe God is calling us out on this. Let's go to I Thess. 4:3-6 "For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified."
We are told to not live as unbelievers, giving ourselves over to sexual immorality. Most of us would say "Well, that isn't hard. I don't even feel pretty, or sexy enough to have sex with my own husband, let alone some other man." If we look at it this way. We too many times in our marriages thrive in the chase and when that is over we get lazy and stop trying to look great for our husbands. We then wonder why their eyes wonder. If you can't stand in front of the mirror in a pretty pair of panties and bra and say "I'm sexy" then get to where you can. Go back and read Song of Solomon. God gives a beautiful account of love within the bounds of marriage. I want you to understand that I am not saying that if your husband cheats it is your fault because we are all in charge of our own decisions.
Lets talk about the other definition of lust. The one that is more applicable.
James 1:14 says "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed." The ESV uses the word lured. Dr McGee states it so sell when he explains that no one else is to blame. We give in to sin because we are not perfect, however that which tempts us may be different for each one of us. It is within our DNA; our back round or our personal choices past or present. This Greek word lured or lust is a fishing or hunting term which means to draw out with bait. Satan knows how to bait each one of us.
Do not let you weakness be your defeat, but instead defeat you weakness and conquer sin.
In conclusion, lets not be like the Israelites who continually ignored God. Ps 81:12 says "So I gave them over to their own stubborn heart, to walk in their own counsels."
We need to stop giving in to sin and walk boldly to the throne of grace and kneel and worship the King.
Go and read Psalm 15 and substitute "Do I" for "who may". Can you do that and know that is truly what is in your heart.
Have you ever gotten mad because your husband looked too long at a woman that you would say was prettier and skinnier than you? What would happen if you husband would get mad at you for doing the same thing but with a food that you both know you should not eat.
DO NOT misunderstand me! I know the consequences are much more severe for a man who follows through with sexual lusts, but there are consequences to following our food lusts that do affect our marriages. I know our bodies change as we get older, but we are called to take care of our earthly bodies.
Proverbs 11:6 says "The righteousness of the upright will deliver them, but the unfaithful will be caught be their lust." The NKJV uses the word naughtiness for lust. Their is always consequences for sin. We can run or hind from it. So lets look at the word lust. It has 5 noun meaning and 2 verb meanings according to dictionary.com.
"1. intense sexual desire or appetite
2. uncontrolled or illicit sexual desire or appetite; lecherousness
3. a passionate or overmastering desire or craving (usually followed by for); a lust for power
4. ardent enthusiasm; zest; relish: an enviable lust for life
5. obsolete a.) pleasure or delight b.) desire; inclination; wish
6. to have intense sexual desire
7. to have a yearning or desire; have a strong or excessive craving (often followed by for or after)."
So "to lust" is not always bad or sexual. We are going to concentrate on definitions 3 and 1.
I believe God is calling us out on this. Let's go to I Thess. 4:3-6 "For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified."
We are told to not live as unbelievers, giving ourselves over to sexual immorality. Most of us would say "Well, that isn't hard. I don't even feel pretty, or sexy enough to have sex with my own husband, let alone some other man." If we look at it this way. We too many times in our marriages thrive in the chase and when that is over we get lazy and stop trying to look great for our husbands. We then wonder why their eyes wonder. If you can't stand in front of the mirror in a pretty pair of panties and bra and say "I'm sexy" then get to where you can. Go back and read Song of Solomon. God gives a beautiful account of love within the bounds of marriage. I want you to understand that I am not saying that if your husband cheats it is your fault because we are all in charge of our own decisions.
Lets talk about the other definition of lust. The one that is more applicable.
James 1:14 says "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed." The ESV uses the word lured. Dr McGee states it so sell when he explains that no one else is to blame. We give in to sin because we are not perfect, however that which tempts us may be different for each one of us. It is within our DNA; our back round or our personal choices past or present. This Greek word lured or lust is a fishing or hunting term which means to draw out with bait. Satan knows how to bait each one of us.
Do not let you weakness be your defeat, but instead defeat you weakness and conquer sin.
In conclusion, lets not be like the Israelites who continually ignored God. Ps 81:12 says "So I gave them over to their own stubborn heart, to walk in their own counsels."
We need to stop giving in to sin and walk boldly to the throne of grace and kneel and worship the King.
Go and read Psalm 15 and substitute "Do I" for "who may". Can you do that and know that is truly what is in your heart.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Building and Maintaining the Temple
Exodus 25: 1-9 "Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 'Speak to the children of Israel, that they bring Me an offering. From everyone who gives it willingly with his heart you shall take My offering. And this is the offering which you shall take from them: gold, silver, and bronze; blue, purple, and scarlet thread, fine linen, and goats' hair; ram skins dyed red, badger skins, and acacia wood; oil for the light, and spices for the anointing oil and for the sweet incense; onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod and in the breastplate. And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them. According to all that I show you, that is, the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furnishings, just so you shall make it."
Pastor Chuck Swindoll was preaching on this passage this morning (the day I wrote this) as I was coming to work. He was talking about how we are to be willing givers. We are to tithe but to do it willingly. As I thought about this passage my mind went a different direction. How does this apply to my battle with weight and does it relate to I Corinthians 6: 19-20 which states "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefor glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's."
I want to be careful not to read into scripture but I do think this can apply. So here is how.
As believers we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, as Paul tells us in I Corinthians each one of our bodies are a temple because of this indwelling. This is a fundamental belief that if you don't grasp then the rest of what I am about to say means nothing.
First we are told to give willingly. I think that without too much stretch we can say we are to willingly care for this personal temple that God now indwells. We have talked about the ineffectiveness of believers who can't control there eating habits in past studies well without a willing heart not eating certain foods become a chore and it is not a pleasing offering to our Savior.
The second thing we can take from this is that God then spent 6 chapters explaining a detailed plan on how to build the temple. This tells me that I too need a detailed plan. This plan includes foods, both meal planning and snack planning. It includes a plan for water consumption and finally it includes an exercise plan for strength training and cardio.
I know that as Ecclesiastes says in 3:2a that this is "a time to be born and a time to die", however, I also know that when I sin there is consequences for that sin. The last thing I want is for my consequence for poor living is to be taken from this earthly world before my perfect time because anything less than perfect timing would not glorify God.
So here is the 4 step application:
1. Set a workout goal. For example, I will walk briskly for 30 minutes 4 days a week.
2. Meal and snack plan for the week.
3. Know the amount of water you need to drink daily (half your body weight in ounces of water) and then break that down into drinkable amounts threw out the day.
4. Start a food, drink and exercise log.
Pastor Chuck Swindoll was preaching on this passage this morning (the day I wrote this) as I was coming to work. He was talking about how we are to be willing givers. We are to tithe but to do it willingly. As I thought about this passage my mind went a different direction. How does this apply to my battle with weight and does it relate to I Corinthians 6: 19-20 which states "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefor glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's."
I want to be careful not to read into scripture but I do think this can apply. So here is how.
As believers we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, as Paul tells us in I Corinthians each one of our bodies are a temple because of this indwelling. This is a fundamental belief that if you don't grasp then the rest of what I am about to say means nothing.
First we are told to give willingly. I think that without too much stretch we can say we are to willingly care for this personal temple that God now indwells. We have talked about the ineffectiveness of believers who can't control there eating habits in past studies well without a willing heart not eating certain foods become a chore and it is not a pleasing offering to our Savior.
The second thing we can take from this is that God then spent 6 chapters explaining a detailed plan on how to build the temple. This tells me that I too need a detailed plan. This plan includes foods, both meal planning and snack planning. It includes a plan for water consumption and finally it includes an exercise plan for strength training and cardio.
I know that as Ecclesiastes says in 3:2a that this is "a time to be born and a time to die", however, I also know that when I sin there is consequences for that sin. The last thing I want is for my consequence for poor living is to be taken from this earthly world before my perfect time because anything less than perfect timing would not glorify God.
So here is the 4 step application:
1. Set a workout goal. For example, I will walk briskly for 30 minutes 4 days a week.
2. Meal and snack plan for the week.
3. Know the amount of water you need to drink daily (half your body weight in ounces of water) and then break that down into drinkable amounts threw out the day.
4. Start a food, drink and exercise log.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Water - Essential for Life
When I was nursing my first child she was what many would call a lazy sucker, because she was my first child I didn't realize what was happening. I did realize that if I drank a lot of water every 4 hours I had enough milk to feed her. Since then my body craves water and is very sensitive to dehydration. I say this to show that water is essential to how our bodies work and we need to been so in tune with it that we can tell when we are out of balance.
Our bodies are 70% water. As per The Water Cure website muscles are 75%, blood 82%, lungs 90%, brain 76%, and bones are 25% water. (Dr F. Batmanghelidj)
Another great resource, www.mercola.com, this is a very simple break down of how water is used in the human body:
- essential for digestion, nutrient absorption and elimination
- aids circulation
- helps control body temperature
- lubricates and cushions joints
- keeps skin healthy
- helps remove toxins from the body.
Symptoms of mild dehydration are: fatigue, dry skin, headaches, and constipation.
Symptoms of severe dehydration are: can effect blood pressure, circulation, digestion and kidney function.
In her book Joyce Meyer tells us that in an average day Americans drink more than 400 calories a day; this can add 40 pounds per year. My point is that getting our "water" in sugary (artificial or real) drinks like juice, sweet tea, and soda does NOT count! She also reminds us that sometimes when we think we are hungry we are actually thirsty. So no wonder Jesus speaks of Himself as living water. Just as water is essential for physical functions; Jesus Christ is essential for spiritual function.
John 4:1-26
Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John 2(although Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples), 3he left Judea and departed again for Galilee. 4And he had to pass through Samaria. 5So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6Jacob’s well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour.
7A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give me a drink." 8(For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.) 9The Samaritan woman said to him, "How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?" ( For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) 10Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water." 11The woman said to him, "Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock." 13Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14
16Jesus said to her,"Go, call your husband, and come here." 17The woman answered him, "I have no husband." Jesus said to her, "You are right in saying, 'I have no husband'; 18 "Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. 22 "I who speak to you am he." There are several important points we need to see in these scriptures:
1) (vs.4) John most likely is saying that Jesus had a definite plan that was God-given. He was to have a conversation with this particular Samaritan woman who was shameful even with in the Samaritan community.
2) (vs.7) Jesus broke protocol - not only did he speak to a woman but to a Samaritan woman. This woman would be the equivalent of a mouthy, trashy woman today who was rude and dirty in look and spirit.
3) (vs.15) Jesus pricks her spiritual thirst but she doesn't quite get it at first. She just sees a possible way to avoid drawing water everyday.
4) (vs.16) She didn't see her need until Christ pointed it out. (How often do we need to let God show us our imperfections and our need for Him.)
5) (vs.19-21) When her sin was pointed out she tried to divert attention by explaining where her forefathers worshipped. (Boy, does that sound familiar. "But God I do go to church to but I didn't do...") Sin is sin and it is shameful for me when God points is out even when I'm the only one who knows.
6) (vs.23) This verse refers to the fact that Jesus knew soon he would die and be resurrected and no longer would it be necessary to sacrifice in the temple because the spirit of God would live in the lives of those who believe. We are told we can worship anywhere as long as it is "in spirit and in truth".
7) (vs.25&26) She states that she is looking for the Messiah and stepping out of the norm Jesus tells her that He is the Messiah. With the Jewish leaders, He often side-stepped this answer. By using the phrase "I AM", He is telling her He is Yahweh the God of the Old Testament.
So lets apply this:
- We need to seek God to fill our spiritual thirst.
- We need God to take a magnifying glass to the dark recesses of our hearts.
- We need to water those around us spiritually. I sponge can only take in so much liquid before it needs to be squeezed to release the liquid to sop up more.
- We need to challenge the unbelieving around us that what if the Bible is true, what if the worldly things they are craving is not the real thing they are craving. (Like when we think we are hungry instead we are thirsty.)
- Physically we need to drink more water, filtered or spring is best. A good rule of thumb is to take your body weight and divide it in half and that number is the amount of ounces you need to drink daily. For example, if you weight 140 divide it by 2 = 70. So 70 oz. a day is what you need to drink. You shouldn't drink this all at the same time. Space it out throughout the day.
Make the change today.
Our bodies are 70% water. As per The Water Cure website muscles are 75%, blood 82%, lungs 90%, brain 76%, and bones are 25% water. (Dr F. Batmanghelidj)
Another great resource, www.mercola.com, this is a very simple break down of how water is used in the human body:
- essential for digestion, nutrient absorption and elimination
- aids circulation
- helps control body temperature
- lubricates and cushions joints
- keeps skin healthy
- helps remove toxins from the body.
Symptoms of mild dehydration are: fatigue, dry skin, headaches, and constipation.
Symptoms of severe dehydration are: can effect blood pressure, circulation, digestion and kidney function.
In her book Joyce Meyer tells us that in an average day Americans drink more than 400 calories a day; this can add 40 pounds per year. My point is that getting our "water" in sugary (artificial or real) drinks like juice, sweet tea, and soda does NOT count! She also reminds us that sometimes when we think we are hungry we are actually thirsty. So no wonder Jesus speaks of Himself as living water. Just as water is essential for physical functions; Jesus Christ is essential for spiritual function.
John 4:1-26
Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John 2(although Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples), 3he left Judea and departed again for Galilee. 4And he had to pass through Samaria. 5So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6Jacob’s well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour.
7A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her,
16Jesus said to her,
1) (vs.4) John most likely is saying that Jesus had a definite plan that was God-given. He was to have a conversation with this particular Samaritan woman who was shameful even with in the Samaritan community.
2) (vs.7) Jesus broke protocol - not only did he speak to a woman but to a Samaritan woman. This woman would be the equivalent of a mouthy, trashy woman today who was rude and dirty in look and spirit.
3) (vs.15) Jesus pricks her spiritual thirst but she doesn't quite get it at first. She just sees a possible way to avoid drawing water everyday.
4) (vs.16) She didn't see her need until Christ pointed it out. (How often do we need to let God show us our imperfections and our need for Him.)
5) (vs.19-21) When her sin was pointed out she tried to divert attention by explaining where her forefathers worshipped. (Boy, does that sound familiar. "But God I do go to church to but I didn't do...") Sin is sin and it is shameful for me when God points is out even when I'm the only one who knows.
6) (vs.23) This verse refers to the fact that Jesus knew soon he would die and be resurrected and no longer would it be necessary to sacrifice in the temple because the spirit of God would live in the lives of those who believe. We are told we can worship anywhere as long as it is "in spirit and in truth".
7) (vs.25&26) She states that she is looking for the Messiah and stepping out of the norm Jesus tells her that He is the Messiah. With the Jewish leaders, He often side-stepped this answer. By using the phrase "I AM", He is telling her He is Yahweh the God of the Old Testament.
So lets apply this:
- We need to seek God to fill our spiritual thirst.
- We need God to take a magnifying glass to the dark recesses of our hearts.
- We need to water those around us spiritually. I sponge can only take in so much liquid before it needs to be squeezed to release the liquid to sop up more.
- We need to challenge the unbelieving around us that what if the Bible is true, what if the worldly things they are craving is not the real thing they are craving. (Like when we think we are hungry instead we are thirsty.)
- Physically we need to drink more water, filtered or spring is best. A good rule of thumb is to take your body weight and divide it in half and that number is the amount of ounces you need to drink daily. For example, if you weight 140 divide it by 2 = 70. So 70 oz. a day is what you need to drink. You shouldn't drink this all at the same time. Space it out throughout the day.
Make the change today.
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