Psalm 103:10
10he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.
David recounted God's love. One thing is for sure, if God were to truly pay us for our sins when committed, there would be no one left in this world. All of us would be dead. The wages of sin is death. Death is the true payment for sin. So we have all been spared. That's love. If we had been punished for every single sin our punishments would be unending. The Lord has such a forgiving heart that all we have to do is call on Him and He hears our cries. Yes, much like a natural parent hears the cries of their child and runs to their aid, so does our God. He loves us just that much. He loves us so much that He sacrificed for us. When you truly love someone, you're willing to give your all. God loves us so much that He gave up His only son, Jesus. To give up a life, in exchange for the multitudes so you and I would not die of our sins as long as we believe and confess with our heart that Jesus is the son of God is beyond comprehension. God's love is magnificent because He gives so much of Him to each and everyone of us as if we were the only one in a room. He shows us each day how much He loves us. There really is no one greater.
P.S. Check out my girl Stubbs on the Leap of Faith Network at www.live365.com or www.leapoffaithshow.com. Also check out my man V of the Artist to Artist Show on www.Qliveone.com Saturdays at 8am CT/9am ET.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Unmarked Graves
Luke 11:44
44"Woe to you, because you are like unmarked graves, which men walk over without knowing.
In Jewish tradition, one was not to touch anything that was considered unclean because it would automatically leave the one who touched it ceremonially unclean. Examples are dead bodies, women on their menstrual cycle, those with leprosy, etc. Anyone considered ceremonially unclean was not allowed to take part in the Sabbath and had to be separated. This information can also be found in the book of Leviticus in the Old Testament. Jesus' reference to graves was because for one, a grave was considered unclean because it housed a dead body. Per the NIV Study Bible, the Jews whitewashed their tombs so no one would accidentally touch them. So why would Jesus refer to someone as an unmarked grave? The Pharisees, though they were considered the leading Jewish teachers, unfortunately led many astray from God's true teaching. So the Pharisees were like graves because their ideals were not about teaching God's ways but about being in the limelight and seeking all the attention. Their way of operation led to spiritual death. Anyone following them was unfortunately being made unclean, spiritually blind and dead, without knowledge of it.
The cost of the misinterpretation of the word of God and religious leaders who are not truly operating in the will of God certainly brings about their own spiritual deadness but also leading others in the same direction. Jesus said we would know them by their fruit. The apostle John said we are to test the spirits to see whether they are from God in 1John. When you get that stirring in your spirit that something is not right, you must pray and ask the Lord to reveal to you the true nature of what was said. Even if it does seem right, ask the Lord anyway. The Holy Spirit will discern it for you. Read the Holy Bible for yourself. All scripture is God-breathed, therefore the Holy Spirit is within it and gives revelation. There are many Pharisee-types walking around. Do not give way to your spiritual death walking amongst unmarked graves.
44"Woe to you, because you are like unmarked graves, which men walk over without knowing.
In Jewish tradition, one was not to touch anything that was considered unclean because it would automatically leave the one who touched it ceremonially unclean. Examples are dead bodies, women on their menstrual cycle, those with leprosy, etc. Anyone considered ceremonially unclean was not allowed to take part in the Sabbath and had to be separated. This information can also be found in the book of Leviticus in the Old Testament. Jesus' reference to graves was because for one, a grave was considered unclean because it housed a dead body. Per the NIV Study Bible, the Jews whitewashed their tombs so no one would accidentally touch them. So why would Jesus refer to someone as an unmarked grave? The Pharisees, though they were considered the leading Jewish teachers, unfortunately led many astray from God's true teaching. So the Pharisees were like graves because their ideals were not about teaching God's ways but about being in the limelight and seeking all the attention. Their way of operation led to spiritual death. Anyone following them was unfortunately being made unclean, spiritually blind and dead, without knowledge of it.
The cost of the misinterpretation of the word of God and religious leaders who are not truly operating in the will of God certainly brings about their own spiritual deadness but also leading others in the same direction. Jesus said we would know them by their fruit. The apostle John said we are to test the spirits to see whether they are from God in 1John. When you get that stirring in your spirit that something is not right, you must pray and ask the Lord to reveal to you the true nature of what was said. Even if it does seem right, ask the Lord anyway. The Holy Spirit will discern it for you. Read the Holy Bible for yourself. All scripture is God-breathed, therefore the Holy Spirit is within it and gives revelation. There are many Pharisee-types walking around. Do not give way to your spiritual death walking amongst unmarked graves.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Toxic
Proverbs 12:26
26A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
It's important to pick your inner circle wisely. As a matter of fact, it's best for God to show you who your inner circle should be. The wrong person can mean havoc for you. How so? Most underestimate the influence their friends have over them. If your friend is one who does not seek God's council and operate with the sense God gave them would you still seek their council? Many do and wonder why they are off track. One who does not seek Godly council is subject to define their council based on the human system (the world's regular method or order). Remember that God's method is the opposite of the human system. So one you associate and seek advice from who does not walk in the Lord is likely to give advice that will lead you further away from God's purpose. Some don't intentionally do this. Others, who really aren't your friends, will do it. How do you know? It's the same as anything else Jesus described. You will know them by their fruit. God can change your inner circle. He can remove those people who have bad intentions and replace them with those who want nothing but the best GOD has for you. Look at your friends. Do they somehow reflect the direction God wants you to go in? If they don't, ask God what the purpose is and is it just for a reason or season. If God didn't intend for them to be there He'll remove them. True friendships should not be toxic to your spiritual and physical health.
26A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
It's important to pick your inner circle wisely. As a matter of fact, it's best for God to show you who your inner circle should be. The wrong person can mean havoc for you. How so? Most underestimate the influence their friends have over them. If your friend is one who does not seek God's council and operate with the sense God gave them would you still seek their council? Many do and wonder why they are off track. One who does not seek Godly council is subject to define their council based on the human system (the world's regular method or order). Remember that God's method is the opposite of the human system. So one you associate and seek advice from who does not walk in the Lord is likely to give advice that will lead you further away from God's purpose. Some don't intentionally do this. Others, who really aren't your friends, will do it. How do you know? It's the same as anything else Jesus described. You will know them by their fruit. God can change your inner circle. He can remove those people who have bad intentions and replace them with those who want nothing but the best GOD has for you. Look at your friends. Do they somehow reflect the direction God wants you to go in? If they don't, ask God what the purpose is and is it just for a reason or season. If God didn't intend for them to be there He'll remove them. True friendships should not be toxic to your spiritual and physical health.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Which System Do You Choose?
John 15:19
19If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.
Jesus gave candid facts to the disciples about them no longer being of the world. He was unwilling to sugar coat the situation. "Of the world" refers to the human system as noted in the NIV Bible. The human system does the "what it feels, how it feels, when it feels" often without consideration of consequences. That is the world that Jesus said would oppose the disciples. The disciples bear witness to the true light which is Jesus Christ. Many hated Jesus (and still do) because He did not go along with the 'status quo' or what was considered normal to the Pharisees. As the disciples were His followers they too could expect the same treatment. We are no different from the disciples in that if we are truly willing to walk as Jesus calls us to, we then are in opposition to the human system. God's purpose works opposite in that it's not about the "what you feel, how you feel and when you feel" mindset. It's that we die to our own agendas and learn to accept God's agenda in our life even when we don't understand it. We let our TRUST in Him be our guide and operate in God's system (the minority) rather than the human system (the majority based on numbers). So what is a system? According to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary a system is defined as a regular method or order. As followers of Christ we do not operate according to the world's method but we operate in accordance to God's method. God's method cannot be comprehended and has a different set of results that actually leads to life. The human system usually leads to spiritual and even physical death when you take the human system. Are you seen as crazy for not thinking like everyone else? In this life, you will either conform to the world or stand out in it as the Lord deems. Jesus stands out too and that's why He's hated. Which system do you choose?
19If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.
Jesus gave candid facts to the disciples about them no longer being of the world. He was unwilling to sugar coat the situation. "Of the world" refers to the human system as noted in the NIV Bible. The human system does the "what it feels, how it feels, when it feels" often without consideration of consequences. That is the world that Jesus said would oppose the disciples. The disciples bear witness to the true light which is Jesus Christ. Many hated Jesus (and still do) because He did not go along with the 'status quo' or what was considered normal to the Pharisees. As the disciples were His followers they too could expect the same treatment. We are no different from the disciples in that if we are truly willing to walk as Jesus calls us to, we then are in opposition to the human system. God's purpose works opposite in that it's not about the "what you feel, how you feel and when you feel" mindset. It's that we die to our own agendas and learn to accept God's agenda in our life even when we don't understand it. We let our TRUST in Him be our guide and operate in God's system (the minority) rather than the human system (the majority based on numbers). So what is a system? According to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary a system is defined as a regular method or order. As followers of Christ we do not operate according to the world's method but we operate in accordance to God's method. God's method cannot be comprehended and has a different set of results that actually leads to life. The human system usually leads to spiritual and even physical death when you take the human system. Are you seen as crazy for not thinking like everyone else? In this life, you will either conform to the world or stand out in it as the Lord deems. Jesus stands out too and that's why He's hated. Which system do you choose?
Monday, March 19, 2012
Afflicted
Psalm 119:67
67Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word.
Psalm 119 is the longest psalm in the book of Psalms. The priest who wrote the psalm spoke not only about the word of God but about the error of his own ways. The priest was willing to admit that he had not always been on the right path. In order for him to get on the right path the Lord had to afflict him and teach him the error of his ways before he was willing to obey God's word. It's no different from any of us. None of us have always been sanctified and holy. Before any of us were willing to obey God's word, we all had gone astray. Some are still there but not willing to admit it. How many times have you gone astray? How many times will you continue to go astray? What has the Lord afflicted you with to teach you? Have you understood the lesson? Are you still in your affliction? How long do you need to be there before you know that where you are headed is the wrong direction? Are you willing to obey His word now? Or do you need to be afflicted some more?
67Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word.
Psalm 119 is the longest psalm in the book of Psalms. The priest who wrote the psalm spoke not only about the word of God but about the error of his own ways. The priest was willing to admit that he had not always been on the right path. In order for him to get on the right path the Lord had to afflict him and teach him the error of his ways before he was willing to obey God's word. It's no different from any of us. None of us have always been sanctified and holy. Before any of us were willing to obey God's word, we all had gone astray. Some are still there but not willing to admit it. How many times have you gone astray? How many times will you continue to go astray? What has the Lord afflicted you with to teach you? Have you understood the lesson? Are you still in your affliction? How long do you need to be there before you know that where you are headed is the wrong direction? Are you willing to obey His word now? Or do you need to be afflicted some more?
Friday, March 16, 2012
You Don't Want That
1Samuel 8:19-20
19But the people refused to listen to Samuel. "No!" they said. "We want a king over us. 20Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles."
The prophet Samuel attempted to tell the people of Israel they were asking for something they really didn't want. They thought they wanted it but when Samuel told them what they were in for all the people of Israel were concerned with was "being like all the other nations." Sometimes being like all the others gets you into trouble. The people of Israel were not satisfied with the idea of the Lord being their guide. They refused to understand they were special. The Lord wasn't leading the other nations. He was leading Israel...His people. But they rejected God. And for it they paid. The people confirmed Saul as king to fight their battles. Yes, he fought their battles. Saul disobeyed the Lord more than once regarding going to battle. But when the Lord told him on one particular battle against the Amalekites not to allow the men to take any plunder and to spare no one, he didn't listen. The Amalekites were very detestable to God as they had once attempted to destroy Israel as they left Egypt. Anything of theirs that was obtained was tainted. And the idea of King Saul's men using anything from the Amalekites to be offered up to the Lord was unthinkable. Saul didn't obey. He refused to obey the Lord's instructions and so not only pronounced judgement over himself but also on Israel. It was his actions that led to continued hatred that would one day nearly destroy the Jews had it not been for the Lord placing Hadassah into position as Queen Esther. She risked her life to save them because an Amalekite named Haman who was a descendant of the king that Saul defeated, sought to erase them based on this historic battle. And her exposing Haman's plot led to the festival of Purim which the Jews celebrated last week.
Why is this important? One action leads to another. It took hundreds of years for Saul's actions to come full circle. After his entire family had been demolished, the people of Israel still had to pay for their choice. Asking for something that God doesn't really want for you is a sure way to pay a hefty price that you didn't bargain for. When the Lord says, "you don't want that", there is always a reason. Not listening can have consequences that span for years, hundreds in the case of the Israelites. The good news, in between all of this God had appointed David as King who was a man after His own heart. Yes in the middle of your mess, God can still bless you, but the price for the choice will be paid at some point. The question is when will it happen and who else will reap the consequences with you?
P.S. Check out my man V of the Artist to Artist Show on www.Qliveone.com Saturday at 8am CT/9am ET!
19But the people refused to listen to Samuel. "No!" they said. "We want a king over us. 20Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles."
The prophet Samuel attempted to tell the people of Israel they were asking for something they really didn't want. They thought they wanted it but when Samuel told them what they were in for all the people of Israel were concerned with was "being like all the other nations." Sometimes being like all the others gets you into trouble. The people of Israel were not satisfied with the idea of the Lord being their guide. They refused to understand they were special. The Lord wasn't leading the other nations. He was leading Israel...His people. But they rejected God. And for it they paid. The people confirmed Saul as king to fight their battles. Yes, he fought their battles. Saul disobeyed the Lord more than once regarding going to battle. But when the Lord told him on one particular battle against the Amalekites not to allow the men to take any plunder and to spare no one, he didn't listen. The Amalekites were very detestable to God as they had once attempted to destroy Israel as they left Egypt. Anything of theirs that was obtained was tainted. And the idea of King Saul's men using anything from the Amalekites to be offered up to the Lord was unthinkable. Saul didn't obey. He refused to obey the Lord's instructions and so not only pronounced judgement over himself but also on Israel. It was his actions that led to continued hatred that would one day nearly destroy the Jews had it not been for the Lord placing Hadassah into position as Queen Esther. She risked her life to save them because an Amalekite named Haman who was a descendant of the king that Saul defeated, sought to erase them based on this historic battle. And her exposing Haman's plot led to the festival of Purim which the Jews celebrated last week.
Why is this important? One action leads to another. It took hundreds of years for Saul's actions to come full circle. After his entire family had been demolished, the people of Israel still had to pay for their choice. Asking for something that God doesn't really want for you is a sure way to pay a hefty price that you didn't bargain for. When the Lord says, "you don't want that", there is always a reason. Not listening can have consequences that span for years, hundreds in the case of the Israelites. The good news, in between all of this God had appointed David as King who was a man after His own heart. Yes in the middle of your mess, God can still bless you, but the price for the choice will be paid at some point. The question is when will it happen and who else will reap the consequences with you?
P.S. Check out my man V of the Artist to Artist Show on www.Qliveone.com Saturday at 8am CT/9am ET!
Thursday, March 15, 2012
He Sees You
Hebrews 4:13
13Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him whom we must give account.
Have you ever done something that you thought was in secret? Guess what? God knows. Have you ever had a thought you didn't want anyone to know about? Guess what? God knows. Have you ever wondered if anyone knows what you do and don't do after Sunday Service? Guess what? God knows. God is privy to everything we think, say and do. Nothing done in secret is really a secret. Just because the Lord doesn't expose one at that moment doesn't mean He doesn't know. The Lord can use anything at anytime to expose. The final judgement doesn't have to arrive in order for exposure to take place. God can use the Holy Spirit to come upon a person and expose an action or thought. God can also use a situation to uncover whatever He desires the light to be shed upon. Whether good or bad, all thoughts, words and deeds are done in the presence of God. The next time you think, say or do something, just know that though you can't see God, He sees you.
P.S. Thank you to the Church Beat Radio family for your support!!! Check out Church Beat Radio at www.churchbeatradio.com!
13Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him whom we must give account.
Have you ever done something that you thought was in secret? Guess what? God knows. Have you ever had a thought you didn't want anyone to know about? Guess what? God knows. Have you ever wondered if anyone knows what you do and don't do after Sunday Service? Guess what? God knows. God is privy to everything we think, say and do. Nothing done in secret is really a secret. Just because the Lord doesn't expose one at that moment doesn't mean He doesn't know. The Lord can use anything at anytime to expose. The final judgement doesn't have to arrive in order for exposure to take place. God can use the Holy Spirit to come upon a person and expose an action or thought. God can also use a situation to uncover whatever He desires the light to be shed upon. Whether good or bad, all thoughts, words and deeds are done in the presence of God. The next time you think, say or do something, just know that though you can't see God, He sees you.
P.S. Thank you to the Church Beat Radio family for your support!!! Check out Church Beat Radio at www.churchbeatradio.com!
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