Open Minded or Spiritual Harlot?

Interesting question isn't it?  There are a lot of Christians who think it is a good thing to be "open minded" and to pick and choose from other religions and astrologers and things like that.

I wonder what God thinks of that?

Hosea 4:12(NKJV)

    My people ask counsel from their wooden idols,     And their staff informs them.     For the spirit of harlotry has caused them to stray,     And they have played the harlot against their God.

Hmm.

Goals without action are just wishes according to Paul. I happen to agree with him on this.

I found this today.  I think it really speaks to the part of human nature that causes many to fail.  That cause is lack of action.

2 Corinthians 8:10-11(NKJV)

And in this I give advice: It is to your advantage not only to be doing what you began and were desiring to do a year ago; 

but now you also must complete the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to desire it, so there also may be a completion out of what you have. 

In other words goals without action are simply wishes.

Scripture tells us that God will give us visions and dreams of the plans He has for us.  Many people experience this and get all excited.  They tell you how committed they are.  I think that is what the Scripture above means with this phrase: "there was a readiness to desire it".

So how come so many people never achieve those dreams?  I believe what the Scripture above is describing is lack of follow through.  "You must also complete the doing of it".  And what is the biggest indicator of lack of follow through? 

Lack of action!  There is an old saying that has a lot of truth in it.  "What you do speaks so loudly that I can't hear what you say".  Lack of action on goals practically screams "lack of follow through".

I think one of the reasons that this caught my eye is that it is particularly relevant in my life today.   As we go through a change of season and embark on new adventures I find that action is the key to determining on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis whether we have advanced towards our goals or not.  That is why I set concrete action goals for each day and week.

Do you want to succeed in life?  Grab a Bible and read it.  All you need to know about how to succeed is in there.  All you have to do is read it……AND TAKE ACTION!   :)

It's OK to not do everything you are told?

There are some pastors and some churches out there who take the view that if you don't follow all of your pastors orders you are guilty of not submitting to authority.  I happen to disagree with that view. 

I think pastors are a good source for guidance but if I have a pastor telling me to do one thing and the Holy Spirit telling me to do something else, who do you think I am going to listen to?  I'm going to listen to the Holy Spirit every single time! 

Do I have a Scriptural basis to back up my belief?  Well as a matter of fact!  :)

I found this recently.

1 Corinthians 16:12(NKJV)

Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brethren, but he was quite unwilling to come at this time; however, he will come when he has a convenient time.

Here we have Paul "strongly urging" Apollos to do something according to Paul's schedule.  Now when your mother "strongly urged" you to do something, wasn't that a polite way of saying she ordered you to do it? 

But what did Apollos do?  He refused to do it Paul's way and stuck to his own schedule.  And did Paul get mad?  Not at all.  He allowed Apollos the freedom to follow his own plans.  Now this part is conjecture but I would think that at least part of the reason for that was that Paul was confident that Apollos was being guided by the Holy Spirit.  Paul didn't feel the need to micromanage and override the Holy Spirit. 

Some pastors today might want to consider that approach.  :)

Another example that we are not all equal in Christ in my opinion.

I have pointed out before that some people are under the misconception that we are all equally valued under Christ.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  We are all saved under Christ but Scripture is very clear that our rewards in Heaven (which I believe indicate our value to God) will be based on the amount of service that we provide to God. 

I had not noticed this Scripture before.  It raises an interesting point, if you accept Paul's teaching anyway.  Paul is talking about our gifts and how we use those gifts.  Paul very clearly says that God values one gift over another and Paul explains why that is.  Take a look.

1 Corinthians 14:1-5(NKJV)

Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 

For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. 

But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 

He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 

I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.

Isn't that interesting?  Think about that.  God gives us our gifts.  So if some gifts are valued higher than others isn't God automatically giving some a head start?  Maybe, maybe not. 

Now how does the system work?  I will be the first to admit that much of this is conjecture on my part but this is what I think.  I first believe that God is a just God.  Therefore I think that the fact that one person is given a gift that is valued higher than another gift means very little.  I happen to think that the biggest determining factor is where our heart is and what we do with the talents we are given. 

I think the Parable of the Talents illustrates this perfectly.  

Matthew 25:24-30(NKJV)

“Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 

And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’

“But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. 

So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. 

So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.

‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. 

And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

I think what this is saying is that those who don't use their gifts will lose them.  God takes it personally when we waste the gifts He gave us. 

I think the part about "he who has, more will be given" simply means that those who use their initial talents will be given greater talents as they earn them.  While those who refuse to use their talents will lose the talents they were given. 

I have seen it in my own life.  As I have answered God's call and used my talents in one area I have seen God give me talents in new areas.  Talents that I never knew I had.  And as I used those new talents I was blessed with even more.  Pretty cool!

Would you like to experience that as well?  It starts with accepting Jesus.  Have you done that yet?  Just ask Jesus to come in to your life and lead you.  Have a conversation with Jesus.  "Dear Jesus…."

 

Once again that whole balance thing!!!

I've mentioned before that I believe the Bible is a book of balance.  You have to take it in its entirety.  Here is a great example.

Ecclesiastes 7:9(NKJV)

    Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry,     For anger rests in the bosom of fools.

Now is this verse condemning ever getting angry or is it just a caution to be slow to anger?  How do we tell.  I would suggest that we look to the rest of Scripture. 

Take note of what I have highlighted in yellow above.

Exodus 4:14(NKJV)

So the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses, and He said: “Is not Aaron the Levite your brother? I know that he can speak well. And look, he is also coming out to meet you. When he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. 

1 Kings 11:9(NKJV)

So the Lord became angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned from the Lord God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice, 

Hmm, did Solomon, the author of Ecclesiastes just call God a fool?  Solomon said that anger rests in the bosom of fools.  I have supplied two Scriptures (and there are many more) that tell of God's anger.  Do you think that is what Solomon meant?

This is where the whole balance thing comes in.  Here is my interpretation of it.  I don't believe the Bible tells us to never be angry.  In fact Ecclesiastes actually says there is a time for anger which makes Solomon's verse above that much more weird because if Solomon said there is a time for anger then why would he then say anger rests in the "bosom of fools"?

I believe the Bible is simply warning us to be slow to anger.  Don't take offense at every little thing.  Be ready to let things slide.  Be forgiving.  But there is a point where enough is enough.  There is a point where righteous anger is justified. 

How do we determine that point?  Through the study of God's word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  I believe that the more effort we put in to drawing closer to God the easier it is to determine these things.

So start your journey today.  Get in to God's Word on a daily basis.  Now life will occasionally get in the way.  Don't beat yourself up over that.  God knows your heart.  As long as you are sincere in your desire to draw closer to God you aren't going to be punished for missing a day or anything like that.

Please join me in seeking God and I hope you enjoy the journey!

Laughter and a smile should lead to hope…and hope does not disappoint!

Every hear that laughter is the best medicine?  I think there is a lot of truth to that…within context. 

For example if I get shot I think I would rather have them stop the bleeding and remove the bullet…not stand around laughing….but you get my point.  :)

I thought maybe we could change it to laughter is the best medicine for the Spirit but then I thought of something else that is even more important and it is something I have been pondering lately.  Take a look at these two Scriptures and I will pick it up on the other side. 

Proverbs 15:13(NKJV)

    A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance,      But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

Proverbs 17:22(NKJV)

    A merry heart does good, like medicine,      But a broken spirit dries the bones.

First the merry heart part.  If you want to see physical proof of this it is easy.  For those of you who work out, when you catch yourself maybe getting a bit tired put a big, genuine smile on your face.  You will feel your body change state (Tony Robbins concept) and you will feel a charge of energy.  A changing of the spirit if you will.  It works for me every time.

The one thing however that I think is more important to the spirit than laughter is hope!

What brings this to mind is that we are going through a change of seasons in our lives and I was puzzling the other day about why I feel so calm about the whole thing.  (And once again just to make sure all understand I am sharing this not to show how great I am but to show what great things God can do in our lives if we will only let Him!)

The first part of that answer is that I have Jesus to lead me so I have the "peace that surpasses all understanding".  And then to go along with all of that I have hope, and I think that is the key difference between me and someone in the same situation who has a negative outlook on things. 

Now why do I have hope?  Because I believe God always keeps His promises.  Plain and simple.  Here is one of my favorite foundational verses and you have all see it before.

Romans 5:1-5(NKJV)

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 

through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 

and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 

Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Hope does not disappoint!!!!!

Now let me tie this all together.  The part I have highlighted in yellow is one of the most concise success formulas that I know of.  But pay attention to the first requirement because I believe it  is the foundation that the rest of the formula is built on. 
 

We are told to "glory in our tribulations".  What might that look like?  Maybe smiling and laughing in the face of adversity?  Hmm???

Different Gifts-But Do They Ever Change?

I love this passage about us all having different gifts.  I would like to go in a slightly different direction here however. 

The question I have is this.  Are our gifts the same throughout our life and ministry?

1 Corinthians 12:4-11(NKJV)

There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 

There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 

And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 

for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 

to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 

to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 

But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

I haven't found anywhere in Scripture that addresses this yet but here is my view based on what I have seen in my own life. 

I believe that some of our gifts change over time.  Not all but some.  I think it is based on our life's experiences.  We may go through something in life that all of a sudden gives us understanding or empathy that we didn't have before.  That understanding or empathy can lead us to discover new gifts.  Does that make sense?

Now to argue the other side it is possible that you always had that gift, you just hadn't recognized it yet.  Sort of a which came first, the chicken or the egg scenario. 

Hmm, something to ponder!

I've always had trouble with this…planning that is.

This has always been tough for me. 

2 Corinthians 1:17-18(NKJV)

Therefore, when I was planning this, did I do it lightly? Or the things I plan, do I plan according to the flesh, that with me there should be Yes, Yes, and No, No? 

But as God is faithful, our word to you was not Yes and No. 

I know that there are plenty of Scripture that tells us to plan.  And to write our plans down.  But there are also Scriptures telling us to let God direct our lives and to guard against trying to take over God's role in our lives by depending on ourselves more than God.

I have always resisted writing long term goals for that reason.

As a I change seasons in life I am going to make a conscious effort to change my thinking and thus my behavior on this issue.

I am going to adapt the way I use my daily task list to my long term planning and goals.  Here is what I mean by that. 

I usually make a list of tasks that need to be accomplished each morning.  Then I operate off of that list for the day.  I find that having a written list makes me way more productive.  But many times as I work my way down that list God steps in and redirects my efforts as He sees fit.  I am totally OK with that and in fact I expect it. 

Well why can't I adapt that to my longer term goals.  Instead of viewing that as me trying to take over for God here is how I am going to view it and what I am going to do.

The new way I am going to view it is that I need to write down my long term goals with God's counsel.  Scripture tells us that God wants to give us the desires of our heart so it is OK to want things and to have goals.  So with that view I am not taking over for God.  I am planning for the desires of my heart but making it clear to God in my prayer time that I only want these things as long as He is in agreement.

Now I start working the plan just like I do on my daily task lists.  I will be much more productive on a long term basis and yet I will always be sensitive to God saying "hey dude, hang a left.  You need to go do this.".  When God steps in it will be my intention to always yield to His direction.  Make sense?

I'll let you know how it works!

Here is an interesting theological question!

I'm not sure what to think of this but it raises an interesting question, for me at least.

Now before I present the question let me make sure and acknowledge that God is God and has the right to do whatever He wants.  No problem there.  It's just that what I see here seems to violate some of the characters of God.

Take a look and then I'll explain what I am talking about.

Deuteronomy 2:30-37(NKJV)

“But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass through, for the Lord your God hardened his spirit and made his heart obstinate, that He might deliver him into your hand, as it is this day.

“And the Lord said to me, ‘See, I have begun to give Sihon and his land over to you. Begin to possess it, that you may inherit his land.’ 

Then Sihon and all his people came out against us to fight at Jahaz. 

And the Lord our God delivered him over to us; so we defeated him, his sons, and all his people. 

We took all his cities at that time, and we utterly destroyed the men, women, and little ones of every city; we left none remaining. 

We took only the livestock as plunder for ourselves, with the spoil of the cities which we took. 

From Aroer, which is on the bank of the River Arnon, and from the city that is in the ravine, as far as Gilead, there was not one city too strong for us; the Lord our God delivered all to us. 

Only you did not go near the land of the people of Ammon—anywhere along the River Jabbok, or to the cities of the mountains, or wherever the Lord our God had forbidden us.

Here is how I interpret what I have highlighted.  God forced or compelled this man's heart to harden so that God would have an excuse to turn the man's kingdom over to God's chosen people.  How is that just? 

If the guy had hardened his heart on his own I would have no problem with it, but God forced him to do it.  It's almost as if God caused this guy to sin and then punished Him for it.  If you are compelled to sin, is it really a sin? 

Interesting question in my book.

Another confirmation from the Old Testament

You know my theory of the study of Scripture.  God and Jesus always agree so look for confirmation of a principal in both the Old and the New Testament.

I found one today.  We know that in the NT we are told that when we accept Christ we become new, reborn as it were.  Well check this out!

1 Samuel 10:6-7(NKJV)

Then the Spirit of the Lord will come upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man. 

And let it be, when these signs come to you, that you do as the occasion demands; for God is with you. 

Pretty cool!

LOL, I'm sorry but this made me chuckle!

When I read this it made me chuckle.

1 Corinthians 14:9(NKJV)

So likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air. 

The reason it made me chuckle is that it is said by Paul.  Paul is known for some really long and confusing run on sentences.  They are anything but easy to understand.  The verses below are an example.  :)

1 Corinthians 15:1-2(NKJV)

Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, 

by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.

I wonder if this was the Holy Spirit?

And once again this is why I so love the study of Scripture!!!!

In the New Testament we are introduced to the Holy Spirit.  But I have wondered where was the Holy Spirit before this?  The great thing about studying Scripture lead by the Holy Spirit is that I knew some day the question would be answered.  I think today was that day!  :)

Numbers 11:16-20(NKJV)

So the Lord said to Moses: “Gather to Me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people and officers over them; bring them to the tabernacle of meeting, that they may stand there with you. 

Then I will come down and talk with you there. I will take of the Spirit that is upon you and will put the same upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, that you may not bear it yourself alone. 

Then you shall say to the people, ‘Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow, and you shall eat meat; for you have wept in the hearing of the Lord, saying, “Who will give us meat to eat? For it was well with us in Egypt.” Therefore the Lord will give you meat, and you shall eat. 

You shall eat, not one day, nor two days, nor five days, nor ten days, nor twenty days, 

but for a whole month, until it comes out of your nostrils and becomes loathsome to you, because you have despised the Lord who is among you, and have wept before Him, saying, “Why did we ever come up out of Egypt?”’”

(LOL, not sure why I copied all of that!)

Numbers 11:29-30(NKJV)

Then Moses said to him, “Are you zealous for my sake? Oh, that all the Lord’S people were prophets and that the Lord would put His Spirit upon them!” 

And Moses returned to the camp, he and the elders of Israel.

Throughout Numbers there are numerous references to 'the Spirit" and 'His Spirit".  Seems to me that could be the Holy Spirit. 

I also find it interesting that in the first passage it appears that "the Spirit" was reserved for just a few people.  And then in the second passage Moses wishes that all the Lord's people could have the Sprit.  Was that a prophesy of the Holy Spirit being introduced in the New Testament?

And the best part of all of this is that starting in the New Testament each and every person can have the Holy Spirit and you don't even need anyone's permission to get it.  It is totally in your control.

All you have to do is ask Jesus to come in to your life and lead you.  When you do that you get the Holy Spirit to guide you.  Have you done that yet?  Why not do it right now?

Just have a conversation with Jesus.  "Dear Jesus…."

"…but the greatest of these is love." Is it?

I'm afraid I would have to disagree. 

1 Corinthians 13:13(NKJV)

And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

I think the greatest would have to be faith.  Here is why.  Without faith there is no salvation.  Scripture is very clear on this.  We have to have faith and believe that Jesus is the Son of God.  He was crucified and raised from the dead.  He ascended into Heaven and now sits at the right hand of God. 

You can have all the love in the world but if you don't have the faith to believe the claims of Jesus then you will not be saved.

Now don't get me wrong, I think love is very important.  I just don't think it is the most important. 

God is….true

There seem to be two themes to this one. 

The first theme is that God is the only "real" God.  (Highlighted in yellow)

The second is that God never lies, He is true.  (Highlighted in green) 

2 Samuel 7:28-29(NKJV)

“And now, O Lord GOD, You are God, and Your words are true, and You have promised this goodness to Your servant. 

Now therefore, let it please You to bless the house of Your servant, that it may continue before You forever; for You, O Lord GOD, have spoken it, and with Your blessing let the house of Your servant be blessed forever.”

2 Chronicles 15:3(NKJV)

For a long time Israel has been without the true God, without a teaching priest, and without law; 

Nehemiah 9:13(NKJV)

    “You came down also on Mount Sinai,      And spoke with them from heaven,     And gave them just ordinances and true laws,     Good statutes and commandments.

(Not sure which color to use on this one.  I would lean towards yellow because I see "true laws" as being similar to "true God")

Jeremiah 10:10(NKJV)

    But the Lord is the true God;     He is the living God and the everlasting King.     At His wrath the earth will tremble,      And the nations will not be able to endure His indignation.

Luke 16:11(NKJV)

Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? 

John 4:23(NKJV)

But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 

John 17:3(NKJV)

And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. 

1 Thessalonians 1:9(NKJV)

For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 

1 John 5:20(NKJV)

And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.

Revelation 22:6(NKJV)

Then he said to me, “These words are faithful and true.” And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place.

So how do either of these themes help us?

I would say that the yellow verses can all give us confidence that we worship the one true God and that no we don't all worship the same god as many others would claim. 

The green verses would be good verses to memorize to build our confidence that God always fulfills His promises!

"judge for yourselves what I say"

I'm sure glad I noticed this verse.  This is an invitation from Paul.  As you know I have some issues with Paul.  I used to feel bad about that but now that I see this invitation from Paul I will take him up on it and no longer be bothered by it.

1 Corinthians 10:14-15(NKJV)

Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. 

I speak as to wise men; judge for yourselves what I say. 

Discernment is what I believe Paul is talking about here.  We are to take what he says and compare it to Scripture to see if the two line up.  As Paul puts it we are to "judge" his words. 

But what about "thou shall not judge"?  I can hear some of you now.  As I have said in the past we have to take the Bible in its entirety.  To borrow from Ecclesiastes, there is a time to judge and a time not to judge.

So how do we discern?  My suggestion is that we get in God's Word as often as possible so that His Word is fresh on our hearts.  Then the second part is to let the Holy Spirit guide you.

How do we get the Holy Spirit?  That is easy.  Just invite Jesus in to your life to lead you.  Once you accept the leadership of Jesus you get the Holy Spirit as a bonus to guide you.

Just have a conversation with Jesus.  Invite Him to lead you.  "Dear Jesus…."