False Cosmic Battle

I have been meditating on this idea the last few days. We have this concept of God and Satan that is not too different in some manner as the Jehovah's Witnesses. Specifically that God and Satan are like brothers, now we don't believe this... or do we? When I listen to some Christians talk about demonic warfare and their theology I get an impression that they think there is this cosmic battle between good and evil, light and dark, God and Satan. But I just don't see it, I mean yes there is spiritual warfare that we must do and yes satan is our adversary, accuser, and enemy, but it's not like the angels and demons are placing bets on the universes most intense "death match". I think we have lost a perspective that we are the head and not the tail, victors and Hyper Conquerers and its like some of us are unsure who to bet on? or who is going to win? oh sure I know cerebrally you would say no way of course i know we have the victory in Christ! So how come some of us are still flippin' on the tv late at night hopin' to see some inappropriate material, or stuck on gossiping or hearing it, or falling into the trap of offense, or on and on. Is it because on some level we let a familiar voice creep into our soul? the voice that speaks the same thing it did to Eve? "Did God indeed say?" are we to the point of surety in our faith that we can speak with boldness and conviction as the apostle Paul would say "This is a faithful saying..." He had a thorn and asked for a removal and got a grace to continue on. ( I realize at this point my thought pattern isn't entirely cohesive but try and follow my unbeaten path). I am recently more and more challenged myself to as Paul says "examine myself Daily, to see if I am in the faith" I am tired of the compromising and tired of saying "I am tired of the compromising" I believe in the risen literal Son of God and as such have been given the power and authority of heaven at my disposal and here I just sat and probably wasted 3-4 hours this week watching tv shows that only add to emotionalism in my life. The bible IS irrefutably the only inspired word of God and as such should be meticulously studied and thereby obeyed and when we fail in our task of as Paul says in Galatians "IF you walk in the Spirit you will Not fulfill the lust of the flesh" we should all the more boldly come. Come to His presence, His Counsel, His Strength and His Unconditional Love and Forgiveness that we might through that encounter gain the desired deliverance and victory that we initially set out to attain. Bottom line the devil is a liar and the father of it, Jesus is the name above all names and He-Jesus, gave us the right to be Sons of God so that by virtue of our relationship with Him the devil no longer has any legal right to accuse distort or provoke our lives as long as we abide in Him and even though we stray He made a way to be continually reconciled back into the Father's Love.

Naturally Supernatural- Walking in the SPirit

This again is something close to my heart just living my life for Christ keeping an inclined ear to what He wants to do and is doing. Rather than telling God my plans and hoping He agrees enough to throw a "blessing" my way, I should be concerned with disciplining myself to hear God's voice and being a sheep, which is remarkably easier.

Today as i was "deep" in prayer something just came out of my mouth that was like " Lord just teach me to live and walk in the Spirit". Gal. tells us that if we walk in the spirit we will Not fulfill the lust of the flesh. its kind of like a duh statement but it really hit me today. So the cry of my spirit is to walk in the spirit, to be baptized again and again in the spirit, and to live abide in the spirit, so that like Jesus i will not be tricked, swindled, confused, given to fits of rage, envy, strife, dischord and the like but filled without measure with all of the power and resource of Heaven! someone say amen :)

Far and few between

I know that this may be a hard pill to swallow because I am aware of a strong fan club out there :) but my wife and I are going to be moving soon and will not have internet at home so blogs will not be a regular occurence but please keep checking back as you never know when God might use this to encourage you.

Any other takers?

Surely there must be more questions than these that you all have? BTW, check out http://www.reverendfun.com it has some pretty funny stuff.

Marriage and Sex

I ravish His heart, a couple things 1. simply put first lets define marriage: the act of 2 people covenanting together in the bonds of Holy Matrimony witnessed by someone right? Right. so Eve was joined to Adam in the presence of God so there was both an official pronunciation of the marriage and a covenant (which is always ratified through blood, hence the consummation of the marriage) So God both witnessed and officiated this marriage and "that which God has joined let no man separate". 2nd in a slightly longer allegorical answer is that God often uses a physical or natural description to refer to the spiritual realm for example, Is 14 talks about the King of Babylon who was a real person and it is about him, it is just also a direct reference to lucifer becoming satan. with this in mind we see there is the tabernacle the temple of God, there were three places outer courts, inner courts/ holy place, and the Most Holy place or the Holy of Holies. So it is with us we have a body, that possess a soul that has a spirit each 3 being progressively more intimate than the first, same with our relationships outer courts equal those we see and kind of know at school or work- associates, then there are the inner courts- family, good friends, and then there is the holy of holies the inmost parts shared only between a husband and his wife. also everytime one fornicates (all the kissing and touching stuff before marriage that is not the act of penetration) or engages in premarital sex they effectively bind themselves to that person without the marriage ceremony or commitment, this is why some psychologists say things like you give apart of yourself to someone you are or have had sex with, because you literally have you bonded your spirit with the others. I hope this is helpful.

Responses

In reference to "Life as we see it's" question regarding "Did Jesus actually feel pain when the nails went into his hands?" the Biblical support is numerous however a simple way to prove this is: John 1:1-14 these scriptures clearly show us that though Jesus being of the same substance and nature of God transformed himself into an earthen fleshly vessel. ah but then you might say "every matter should be established by 2 or more witnesses", ok... we could also look at the prophetic Psalm 88 versus' 4 and 15. and Hebrews 4:15 I hope these sufficiently answer your question :)
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Godslovechangedeverything asked "how does a man *practically* love his wife the way Jesus loved the church? " This is easy and difficult, easy because it is clearly and specifically mentioned in 1 Cor 13., but we also see 1 cor 7:13 and more in Eph 5:23;33 if you want more paractical than these I would say 1st as a man make sure you know your role 2nd Love your wife like 1 cor 13 and think about her everyday during your day 3rd listen to your wife she is a fountain of wisdom that springs forth inventive ideas, knowledge, and encouragements more precious than fine gold. and last but definitely not least Die to your flesh.
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Jen asked "He descended into hell and on the 3rd day He rose again. Is that at all Biblical? Yes Where does that idea come from, the descending into hell? Eph 4:9-10 mainly, but the idea of "the Pit" or "SHeol" etc. is all over the old and new testament. But i think if you start with this scripture you will be on a good start. oh and Eph 6:12, then read Col 2:15 and that should be it.
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Thank you all for your questions keep them coming this is fun.

Back on track

You know it's interesting how many times this happens to me (and i'm sure the rest of you in the real world) getting lost in the wilderness, confused by the "pressed but not crushed, persecuted not abandoned, struck down but not destroyed" routine that Satan does with me. Am i so easily thwarted off of the vision and purposes God has placed in me?

I think so, but I believe not

You see I originally started this blog for one simple goal. To brain dump the specific musings, rantings, and meditations of my reading, studying, and experience of the Bible to encourage and edify those who might read it. As of late it seems I have left that goal and so I have a plan, an idea.

I want to be challenged and helpful at the same time. What I propose is...

Send in your bible/theological questions
This way I can be sure to not only challenge myself and cause myself to stay on task, but also to encourage more readers to participate. Of Course any answer i give is not simply the bottom line, so if you would be unsatisfied (or just have a check in your spirit) feel free to challenge my answers :)

Happy Postings...

the Road From Damascus

I will be developing this thought more as I go, but just after I got saved I received a word from a good and trusted friend that I would be like Paul on the road to Damascus. Recently in my life i have had the opportunity to share my testimony with several clients that I work with and find myself unintentionally comparing myself to Paul realizing that there are some definite similarities.

Each year for the last couple years (probably before i just wasn't paying attention) God has given me a theme for that year, this year is from Act 14:22

confirming the souls of the disciples, calling on them to continue in the faith and that through much tribulation we must enter into the kingdom of God.

Now i don't really pray and ask god, o Lord please send trial my way, but i have just learned to be at rest during the trial. If i am to have faith, that is the hope of the unseen, i must endure through that which is presently in front of me that i might gain which is unattainable except through faith by His grace, even victory over the power of the enemy.

be encouraged, He is able

A Bike Ride

Yesterday my wife and I took Bella for a little walk to look at a house for rent within our little subdivision. Bianca asked Bella if she wanted to ride her bike. I was a bit surprised since she usually can't even make it go forward (though in her defense its uphill in a grassy area in the backyard).

Truly it is probably only a quarter mile or half mile to where we were going, but it took about 20-30 minutes to get there. I have been feeling generally impatient with Bella lately anyway so this wasn't helping. As she "rode" her bike she just wouldn't pay attention to what she was doing and ended up in the middle of the road, fortunately it's not real busy but we kept telling her get to the shoulder/side. She would for like a few seconds and then sure enough veer into the middle again.

Frustrated as I was, I was also proud of her. Listening to Bianca say "you're doin' a great job honey, keep at it" was humbling moment for me. I thought to myself, what if God were as impatient with me as I am with Bella- I'd be in heaven right now... I have been thinking a lot lately about mercy and patience (and GOd is giving lots of oppurtunities to get it right). Giving people room to make mistakes and instead of beating them down for it, using it as a springboard for encouragement and growth...

Thank you Lord for Your mercy and long suffering in my life.

Clarify climbing the mountain

Bianca earlier today brought it to my attention that i am not the best communicator when i write things but here goes in response to my last post we were NOT "kicked out" or anything crazy like that, Marta(Bianca's Mom) has been spectacular its just some things fell through and now the "plan" has changed we are all still doing well and expect to have a place to live in the next week as we are already dilligent in finding a home

Climbing the mountain

I am typing this off the cuff so it may be a little rough on the edges, but this morning we were just informed that we have a month to move SOMEWHERE/??? we do not know where to go how to go or even who to go to? but we must move nonetheless. if you who read this could please pray for this we would greatly appreciate it.

Glory to Glory and Faith to Faith we climb up the mountain until we have our next "mountain top experience" so we can go back down into the valley, well at least His rod and staff comfort us and goodness and mercy follow us, and a banquet in the presence of our enemies and a hedge about us, phew! its a good thing we know the Lord of All when we climb the mountain of life...

Worthy or Unworthy?

This is my daughter Bella. Of course. We recently went to Bath&Body Works with my parents and Bella picked up this adorable little ducky. She asked for the ducky to which I replied, Sorry sweetie we don't have money for this right now. she responded with You have to go to work and make the money so we can give it to the lady and we will buy the ducky? and i said yes honey thats right.

She has no real concept of money, but she knew she was valuable to me and worthy enough to approach me and ask for what she wanted.

I was remembering a conversation I had with a young woman several years ago. I had just become a Christian maybe 5-6 months and was working at a large chiropractic firm doing mall screenings (health screenings). This woman came into my booth and sat down filled out our questionnaire and under occupation proudly displayed exotic dancer. I asked this young woman if she had thought this through. She hastily replied yes. I went on to enlighten her about the weight her occupation would carry on her resume. She mentioned to me she was going to go to law school and was saving for that occasion. I asked her what she would put down on her resume for the last 5-7 years that she had been a "dancer". She said she never thought about it. We then got discussing about God. She related she did not feel worthy to approach God or receive anything from Him. I told her I could settle it for her- "You are not worthy." I said emphatically. We are truly all sinners but because God's grace, mercy, justice, and love for us, He sent Jesus by whom we can have access to the Father.

I hear people say things like, 'No don't look at me I'm just a worm, it's all Jesus' 'I don't want to boast in myself it is Jesus' Now i suppose these statements are not entirely wrong but it procreates a defeatist mentality. We are no mere worm, we are the chosen elect sons of the Most High whom by His will and desire Fashioned us in His image and likeness that we also ought to bare His strength, wisdom, glory, love, truth, honor, mercy, generosity and He leads us in a triumphant march!

Thoughts...?

A Vacation day with the Poms

Photobucket Album

Blah

My wife says " you haven't blogged in a while" so here ya go :)

More to come as later we will go to the beach with my parents today :) will have pics

Check ya later

Salvation- Thoughts on the Whole Truth

So I go an opportunity to minister to a client today. She has 3 children 2 girls and 1 boy all BLIND. really one has nothing to do with the other though :) anyway in talking to her about various aspects of her life and struggles she was facing concerning her daughters I related a simple illustration about salvation.

In the US I have noticed a lot of what we preach tends to be like " Please please get saved, Jesus will fulfill your every need He's great" and so some are "coaxed" into an emotional decision to "accept christ".

She was interested so i continued...

Then 3-9 months down the road when trial and storm hit they say "where's Jesus to make my life all better" and Jesus says i didn't promise to make life all better but that I would never leave you. so that person gets discouraged, embittered, convicted, depressed, and eventually leaves the church that "no one obviously cares about me".

An alternative approach:
Take the ticket at the top of the page, we loose, forget, decline to use the word Redeem. Redeem defined is 1 a : to buy back : REPURCHASE b : to get or win back
2 : to free from what distresses or harms: as a : to free from captivity by payment of ransom b : to extricate from or help to overcome something detrimental c : to release from blame or debt : CLEAR d : to free from the consequences of sin.

in order to redeem something someone must pay the cost or penalty in order to take possession
There is a penalty or cost for Sin= God's Wrath and Judgement but Jesus paid the penalty for us by being perfect and not only dying but raising from the grave. So He gave up His life to gain a life with us His creation. Now when you "accept" the free gift available to you you are redeemed from the penalty of Sin. this means you now belong to Jesus because He redeemed you. You are not your own and you can not live your life how you want...

Just thoughts...random at that.

As a Side Note : 0

We are so cute :)
Well many of you may know bianca and i celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary! we discussed some goals and dreams at the beach, we saw a movie (at the movie theater !!) and we went to a large seafood buffet (which was not so great but not awful :)

It was nice just to be with bianca and for a limited time just be married, not worried about bills or bella or the stuff of "life".

Many of you who read this have had a strong impact on us and helped us get to this point. you know who you are and thank you.

Naturally Supernatural

Recently (the last few months) God has placed several things on my heart, one being the topic of evangelism. How do we do it? We are going to a Vineyard church now which is been of course an adjustment. I have not yet read the book, Naturally Supernatural, but just the title explains what God has been doing in me.

You see, or rather what I don't see is the bible recording many miraculous events in church/temple. What I do see is the majority of the miraculous outside. These miracles were not done on command as some demanded of Jesus hence the response "Only a perverse generation seeks a sign" but out of His ordinary life. Walking a long and BAM someone He meets is blind or another who is a demoniac.

I guess what I am trying to say is that the more we just commune with God, and learn to discipline our flesh, we won't have to pray for an hour before we go out witnessing to get "into His presence" we will simply abide in HIM so that when we come across those He wants to reach we will simply listen with ears to hear and respond accordingly, that is according to His will.

To those of you who read this and think ... God... use ME??!! well.. yeah. God wants to use you, certainly He is smart and powerful enough to figure out how to, so the only other variable in the equation is WILL YOU YIELD??

We all mentally, egotistically, socially, spiritually etc would say we want to be used of God, we would probably all agree we believe He can use us, so do we really believe it?
sometimes we can have a mental comprehension without a piercing of our spirit, without a revealed word in due season, because anyone in psychology or ministry :) will tell you, " you will act upon that which you believe". Having already laid down the previous statements now we visit James who says "show me your works that I might know you have faith" faith without works is dead.

If we really believe what we say and have convinced ourselves we believe then we will take action according to our faith.

Blessings friends

Remebering the Rest

I have been thinking a lot about this. Pastor has been prophesied over that this 2007 is the seventh year of the church and it would be restful and "break". I have been claiming it for my life as well. Something hit me though. Entering into His rest is not necessarily doing nothing, but rather being in a state that the Holy Spirit is always enduing with power, GOd is always imparting strength for our weakness. I believe that until learn total abandonment and surrender and be "weak" for GOd we can not see His strength, and when we embrace His strength we can relax because it is not US doing anything it is HIM, therefore this is rest. It speaks in I Cor. about carrying about the Death of Christ in our bodies that we may also display His power. This is the context of the earthen vessels in II Cor. Is. 66:2-3 talks about how to get GOd's attention, a broken and contrite spirit, so that the Potter can take the broken pieces of clay, melt them down and reform them into something that could only be made by the Master.

So let us contend with all we are against lethargy and laziness- that is the Spirit of SLumber- and work dilligently 6 days :) and the 7th rest in God's presence and power.

The Mountain top experiences are to prepare and equip us to go back down and through the valley, thereby Faith to Faith, GLory to Glory.

just thoughts...

Updated pics of the Poms in South Carolina

Photobucket Album

Untitled Song

The Following is a lyrical poem thing I felt inspired to write well unfortunately not selling many people to see a timeshare presentation. No copyrights so feel free to use any portion, all I ask is that when it becomes the next hit like "Shout to the Lord" you send me a copy :) I hope that it inspires you and reminds you of the powerful redemptive Blood of Jesus that removes us from the "Works System".

Untitled???

Though we’re born in iniquity

And our soul be bent

You shed Your Blood so freely

That we could repent

We’ve been stained with sin

A scarlet bond was made

But He was pierced and bruised and striped

To break us of our chains

Have you any sick?

Have you any poor?

Have you any hungry?

We have His Name and more

We call fire from Heaven

He’s the Bread of Life- the unleavened

O Lover of our Soul

It’s only You we want to know

Exchanged from darkness to light

Scarlet garments to robes of white

He paid the greatest price

To be with us for life

No more debts to pay…

Not to me

Not to them

Not to You

Because I am Redeemed X4