Have you ever filled out a job application and had to list references? Did you have to identify their relationship to you as well? How about the paperwork you fill out at the doctor’s office or hospital? You are asked to list numerous ailments/conditions that family members have and then you are asked to identify their relationship to you.
Have you ever had someone preach a message and heard them refer to your personal ‘relationship’ with God? How about when you were born again? Did you hear how you need to confess your sins, repent, ask Jesus to forgive you, and then you can have a personal relationship with God?
There are subtle differences between the words relationship and fellowship. I believe that most people say relationship but mean fellowship when speaking about the Christian walk. At the risk of seeming petty, I’d like to draw attention to these two words for a fresh look at them.
The American Heritage Dictionary defines relationship as:
1. The condition or fact of being related; connection or association.
2. Connection by blood or marriage; kinship.
3. A particular type of connection existing between people related to or having dealings with each other: has a close relationship with his siblings.
4. A romantic or sexual involvement
The Random House Unabridged Dictionary defines it in similar fashion and adds synonyms to it.
re‧la‧tion‧ship /– noun
1. a connection, association, or involvement.
2. connection between persons by blood or marriage.
3. an emotional or other connection between people: the relationship between teachers and students.
4. a sexual involvement; affair.
—Synonyms 1. dependence, alliance, kinship. 2. affinity, consanguinity. Relationship, kinship refer to connection with others by blood or by marriage. Relationship can be applied to connection either by birth or by marriage: relationship to a ruling family. Kinship generally denotes common descent and implies a more intimate connection than relationship: the ties and obligations of kinship.
(Notice how kinship intensifies the meaning of relationship. Kinship includes relationship, but is more intimate than relationship.)
The American Heritage Dictionary defines fellowship as follows:
n.
1.
a. The condition of sharing similar interests, ideals, or experiences, as by reason of profession, religion, or nationality.
b. The companionship of individuals in a congenial atmosphere and on equal terms.
2. A close association of friends or equals sharing similar interests.
3. Friendship; comradeship.
4.
a. The financial grant made to a fellow in a college or university.
b. The status of having been awarded such a grant.
c. A foundation established for the awarding of such a grant.
Random House Dictionary defines fellowship as:
–noun
1. the condition or relation of being a fellow: the fellowship of humankind.
2. friendly relationship; companionship: the fellowship of father and son.
3. community of interest, feeling, etc.
4. communion, as between members of the same church.
5. friendliness.
6. an association of persons having similar tastes, interests, etc.
7. a company, guild, or corporation.
8. Education.
a. the body of fellows in a college or university.
b. the position or emoluments of a fellow of a college or university, or the sum of money he or she receives.
c. a foundation for the maintenance of a fellow in a college or university.
–verb (used with object)
to admit to fellowship, esp. religious fellowship.
–verb (used without object)
to join in fellowship, esp. religious fellowship.
—Synonyms 2. comradeship, camaraderie, friendship, society, intimacy.
While the two words sound the same and are defined similarly, one is more intimate and more specific.
How do we make our connection to God using the word ‘relationship’? Let me give you an example of ‘relationship’ evangelism.
Acknowledge your sin, repent of it, ask God to forgive you, and you will have a personal relationship with Him.
On the surface, this seems wonderful. But is it really the connection that God wants with his children?
From the moment that God created man and placed him in the garden, man has had a ‘personal relationship’ with God. It is one of Creator and created. Whether you have believed on Him as your Lord and Savior or not, you have a personal relationship with God. He is the Creator and we are His creation. THAT is the relationship and it is quite personal.
But to have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ makes that relationship become more intimate as kinship. Scripture declares that when we are born again we become children of God; kinship. When we are born again, God becomes our Father; kinship. (Remember that kinship is a more ‘intimate’ relationship.)
But with regard to our faith life, do we want to stop there or is there more?
While I believe that kinship is incredibly important and a huge blessing ~ I believe there is much more. I believe, while God wants all of mankind to become His children, what God wants is fellowship with His children.
Unfortunately, in our American society, there are numerous examples of ‘kinship’ that does not include fellowship. There are many children who have kinship but no fellowship with one (or both) parents. These are people who have sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents (all kinship) but no fellowship. They are related by blood (or marriage) and yet they never see each other, never spend any time together, and do not know each other. They have a relationship of kinship but no fellowship. I think that this is unfortunate – both of the natural family as well as the spiritual family – as I see many examples of this in the church family also.
But I don’t believe this is what our Father God wants… I think we need to press a bit further toward His heart. That means we may have to get out of our ‘comfort zone’ but we’ll find ourselves in a more intimate place with our Lord.
Intimacy requires trust. There is no way around that. You cannot have intimacy without trust. You must trust the person to whom you are being intimate with and you must also be trustworthy. This is also a challenge for many because of influences from society and personal experience. You must search the Word of God to find His heart toward you and let that build your trust and your faith. He is gentle and loving and patient… all very important ‘trust-building’ characteristics.
Fellowship, at its best, is each knowing the ‘heart’ of the other. To fellowship with the Father is to know His heart and He knows yours. To be able to fellowship with Him, you must be in His Word – for it is there He is revealed to you. To fellowship with Him you not only need to know Him but be known by Him. That means talking with Him, spending time with Him, including Him in all areas of your life.
This is a very worthy goal… fellowship with the Father.
CLICK HERE if you want a list of all the scripture verses that have "fellowship" in them...
Monday, April 28, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
Show your faith by your works... love your neighbor!
We are commanded to love God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind and to love our neighbor as ourselves.
In this, God is telling us to love Him and demonstrate our love for Him by loving our neighbor.
So who is our neighbor? Jesus answered this same question with a parable.
30 Then Jesus answered and said: "A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. 34 So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, 'Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.' 36 So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?" 37 And he said, "He who showed mercy on him." Then Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise." Luke 10:30-37 NKJV*
v. 30 Notice that Jesus doesn’t identify the man who “went down from Jerusalem”. We don’t know if this man was a Jew or Gentile. Even though Jesus didn’t specifically mention the ethnicity of this man, we assume he is a Jew. The robbers/thieves didn’t necessarily pay attention to his nationality or race or religion. Whatever distinguishing characteristics we would use today are missing in Jesus’ parable. They (the robbers) simply saw an opportunity and seized upon it to do the work of their “father”.
v. 31 A certain priest – this would be a man that knows the word of God. He knows that God has expectations of him to reach out to others. But he passes by the injured person and leaves him for dead.
v. 32 A Levite – this is a man that not only knows the word of God, but ministers to God Himself. He is supposed to be very close to God because of his calling. Yet he passes by the injured man and leaves him for dead.
v. 33 A Samaritan – this is a man who is considered despised by the Jews. Very often there was open hostility and hatred between Samaritans and Jews. Samaritans were people of Samaria and were thought of by the Jews as a mongrel race and of a polluted religion. Jesus ministered to and taught the Samaritans. The woman at the well was a Samaritan and she spoke about Jacob being their father in John 4:12 which says to me that they are children of Israel/Jacob. They were a people that believed the God of Israel. The Samaritan saw the injured person and saw him as a person in need, not as a “certain” type of man – he had compassion on him.
v. 34 The Samaritan went to him, cleansed his wounds, bound them up, put him on his own animal, and brought him to an inn where he cared for him.
v. 35 The next day, when he had to continue on his journey, he made provision for the man to be cared for by the innkeeper, paid in advance for whatever costs would be incurred and went his way – promising to return and repay, if necessary, any costs that accumulated beyond what he pre-paid. The Samaritan saw an opportunity and seized upon it to do the work of his “father”. He demonstrates his love for his God by demonstrating love for his fellow man.
This Samaritan didn't perform surgery. It didn't take special skill to do what he did. He didn't need years of schooling or training. He, as well as the priest and the Levite, were without excuse. Each man in this parable was expected to reach out to this injured person - this person in need.
This proves that none of us have an excuse for not "doing" in the kingdom of God. All He requires is a willing and obedient heart; a heart that beats for Him.
What is interesting in this parable is that, if we assume that the injured man was a Jew, it was his own "brothers" that came across him. Two of those brothers passed him by. It is likely that these were brothers that he either received teaching from or worshipped with every Sabbath. The one that didn't pass him by was the least likely person to have stopped - even though he was a "brother" too.
Jesus said in John 13:34-35*, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Jesus was speaking to His disciples – not the general population. He was speaking to those who number themselves with him. He was speaking to those who name the name of Jesus. He was speaking to us.
His message here is that we are to love our brethren. As He has loved us, we are to love one another. By this outward act, the unbeliever will know that we are His disciples – when we demonstrate that love that He has given us, toward our brethren. When the general population – the unbelievers, the backslidden, the lost – when they see our love for each other, it will draw them to the one Who has placed that love within us.
Notice that He said it was a commandment? Just as the Samaritan was obeying God’s command to love God and to love his neighbor as himself, we are to be obedient to Jesus’ command to love one another – as well as obey the command to love God and our neighbor.
Who is our neighbor? Are you being obedient? Is there any area that you need to change? Are you loving God by loving His people? Are you serving God by serving His people? There are many areas that you could serve God in. Ask God, ask your pastor, ask your choir director or Sunday School teacher or other leader in your church… you can be obedient and serve in some area, in some capacity, regardless of your age, or your education, or your abilities ~ or your perceived lack of these attributes. Can you pick up a mop and broom? Can you vacuum? Can you wash dishes? Can you supervise children? Can you help out with supervising the children? Can you teach a Sunday School class? Can you play an instrument? Can you tell others of the love of the Lord? Can you pick someone up for service? These are just a few of the ways you can be like the Samaritan and serve God by serving His people – love God by loving His people.
What are you waiting for?
*All Scriptures taken from The Holy Bible, New King James Version Copyright 1979, 1980, 1982 Thomas Nelson, Inc.
In this, God is telling us to love Him and demonstrate our love for Him by loving our neighbor.
So who is our neighbor? Jesus answered this same question with a parable.
30 Then Jesus answered and said: "A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. 34 So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, 'Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.' 36 So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?" 37 And he said, "He who showed mercy on him." Then Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise." Luke 10:30-37 NKJV*
v. 30 Notice that Jesus doesn’t identify the man who “went down from Jerusalem”. We don’t know if this man was a Jew or Gentile. Even though Jesus didn’t specifically mention the ethnicity of this man, we assume he is a Jew. The robbers/thieves didn’t necessarily pay attention to his nationality or race or religion. Whatever distinguishing characteristics we would use today are missing in Jesus’ parable. They (the robbers) simply saw an opportunity and seized upon it to do the work of their “father”.
v. 31 A certain priest – this would be a man that knows the word of God. He knows that God has expectations of him to reach out to others. But he passes by the injured person and leaves him for dead.
v. 32 A Levite – this is a man that not only knows the word of God, but ministers to God Himself. He is supposed to be very close to God because of his calling. Yet he passes by the injured man and leaves him for dead.
v. 33 A Samaritan – this is a man who is considered despised by the Jews. Very often there was open hostility and hatred between Samaritans and Jews. Samaritans were people of Samaria and were thought of by the Jews as a mongrel race and of a polluted religion. Jesus ministered to and taught the Samaritans. The woman at the well was a Samaritan and she spoke about Jacob being their father in John 4:12 which says to me that they are children of Israel/Jacob. They were a people that believed the God of Israel. The Samaritan saw the injured person and saw him as a person in need, not as a “certain” type of man – he had compassion on him.
v. 34 The Samaritan went to him, cleansed his wounds, bound them up, put him on his own animal, and brought him to an inn where he cared for him.
v. 35 The next day, when he had to continue on his journey, he made provision for the man to be cared for by the innkeeper, paid in advance for whatever costs would be incurred and went his way – promising to return and repay, if necessary, any costs that accumulated beyond what he pre-paid. The Samaritan saw an opportunity and seized upon it to do the work of his “father”. He demonstrates his love for his God by demonstrating love for his fellow man.
This Samaritan didn't perform surgery. It didn't take special skill to do what he did. He didn't need years of schooling or training. He, as well as the priest and the Levite, were without excuse. Each man in this parable was expected to reach out to this injured person - this person in need.
This proves that none of us have an excuse for not "doing" in the kingdom of God. All He requires is a willing and obedient heart; a heart that beats for Him.
What is interesting in this parable is that, if we assume that the injured man was a Jew, it was his own "brothers" that came across him. Two of those brothers passed him by. It is likely that these were brothers that he either received teaching from or worshipped with every Sabbath. The one that didn't pass him by was the least likely person to have stopped - even though he was a "brother" too.
Jesus said in John 13:34-35*, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Jesus was speaking to His disciples – not the general population. He was speaking to those who number themselves with him. He was speaking to those who name the name of Jesus. He was speaking to us.
His message here is that we are to love our brethren. As He has loved us, we are to love one another. By this outward act, the unbeliever will know that we are His disciples – when we demonstrate that love that He has given us, toward our brethren. When the general population – the unbelievers, the backslidden, the lost – when they see our love for each other, it will draw them to the one Who has placed that love within us.
Notice that He said it was a commandment? Just as the Samaritan was obeying God’s command to love God and to love his neighbor as himself, we are to be obedient to Jesus’ command to love one another – as well as obey the command to love God and our neighbor.
Who is our neighbor? Are you being obedient? Is there any area that you need to change? Are you loving God by loving His people? Are you serving God by serving His people? There are many areas that you could serve God in. Ask God, ask your pastor, ask your choir director or Sunday School teacher or other leader in your church… you can be obedient and serve in some area, in some capacity, regardless of your age, or your education, or your abilities ~ or your perceived lack of these attributes. Can you pick up a mop and broom? Can you vacuum? Can you wash dishes? Can you supervise children? Can you help out with supervising the children? Can you teach a Sunday School class? Can you play an instrument? Can you tell others of the love of the Lord? Can you pick someone up for service? These are just a few of the ways you can be like the Samaritan and serve God by serving His people – love God by loving His people.
What are you waiting for?
*All Scriptures taken from The Holy Bible, New King James Version Copyright 1979, 1980, 1982 Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
How about babies, children, those of diminished capacity... are they 'heavenbound'?
The day before Thanksgiving November 2006 our daughter gave birth to our 6th grandchild - her fourth son. He died 45 minutes after he was born. There was no 'reason' for this tragedy - no answers have been forthcoming as to why this happened. She and her husband are believers. They didn't do anything 'wrong' that anyone can think of.
I say all that to share with you the attack that comes on you when you experience 'things' that cause you to take a deeper look at your faith and why you believe what you do and how to reconcile it all with the reality of the actual experience/circumstance you are facing.
The Christians that tried to offer words of comfort said things like "He's in a better place now." "God needed another angel in heaven." "He's in heaven with Jesus waiting for you." All of the people who offered these words are Christians. None of them realize the questions that resulted from these comments.
We believe that one must make a profession of faith to heavenbound. With that said, the question came up as to how a baby (or someone of diminished capacity) would 'make heaven' if they didn't make a profession of faith. When the questions were verbalized we received all sorts of answers - none of which could be solidly backed up with scripture to our satisfaction - they always produced either another question or a conflict with a previously held belief (or understanding) of the Word.
It boils down to a couple of things. First, do you believe that people are born spiritually dead and remain so until they make a profession of faith? Or, do you believe that we are not born spiritually dead but somewhere along the way we die spiritually and remain in that condition until we make that profession of faith and are born again? At least, for us, this was the starting point, and where the rubber met the road for the desperate need to be able to back up our faith with the Word of God or it was all in vain.
If you are born spiritually dead, then anyone who dies without making a profession of faith goes to hell. Period. End of story. No exceptions for any reason because God is not a respector of persons.
If you are not born spiritually dead, then at what point does one die spiritually in order to need to be born again?
For me, personally, I believe that we are not born spiritually dead. I believe that our spirit is alive to God from the moment of conception. (That includes every single conception - diminished capacity or not.)
So, the next question is - when does one die spiritually?
Well, there were many people who offered the 'age of accountability' theory. However, they couldn't give any scripture to back it up. All they could offer is that they couldn't believe God would allow a child or someone unable to confess Christ (diminished capacity, infant, etc.) to go to hell. They gave the example of David and Bathsheba's son who died after he was born and how David said he would go to his son but his son wouldn't be able to come to him. However, that didn't satisfy the questions.
Then I was reading, unintentionally, Genesis. I noted that Adam and Eve were alive spiritually to God. Adam was told that they could eat the fruit of any tree of the garden except from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. He was told that the day they eat of it they will surely die. (Since they didn't die physically, one assumes He was saying spiritually. A study for a different day...)
As you know the story goes... then Eve was tempted and deceived and she ate from that tree and gave to her husband who was with her and he did eat also.
What happened at this point is they 'sinned' against God's commandment and died spiritually when they ate from that tree. Until that moment, they only knew GOOD. Once they sinned/disobeyed God, they then knew EVIL. Now they have the KNOWLEDGE of good and evil. And because of that, the sin has passed from Adam through each generation since.
This is where, I believe, the 'age of accountability' comes in. This is why I believe that babies, children, and those of diminished capacity go to heaven. They would never come to that KNOWLEDGE of good and evil. I also believe that each person comes to that place at different times. (That there is no set 'age'... it is just as individual as being born again is.) I believe, because of the example of Adam and Eve, that we all come to a point where we have the 'knowledge of good and evil' and it is at that point that we are now accountable to God to receive the salvation He has provided for us through His Son Jesus Christ or to reject it all. Up until then, however, I believe we are all heavenbound.
I'm hoping that I'm communicating 'the why's and how's of my faith' with regard to justification for babies, children, and people of diminished capacity. I'm not always able to put into words in a way others can understand so I apologize, in advance, if I'm simply blithering and not making much sense.
I do take comfort also in the words of Jesus as He said, "Let it be to you according to your faith." In or out of context, I afford myself the room to believe - according to my faith - that it is so that I don't afford myself the temptation to think wrongly of my Lord. Does that make sense? Its not as if I just flippantly decided that 'this is how it is' without having sought out counsel through His Word, prayer, and godly people... so if I'm wrong I'm wrong!
It would seem that tragedy brings with it so many questions that may take a lifetime to find the answer to... or that we never find the answers to! But it is a life of faith that we live... and we walk by faith, not by sight.
I say all that to share with you the attack that comes on you when you experience 'things' that cause you to take a deeper look at your faith and why you believe what you do and how to reconcile it all with the reality of the actual experience/circumstance you are facing.
The Christians that tried to offer words of comfort said things like "He's in a better place now." "God needed another angel in heaven." "He's in heaven with Jesus waiting for you." All of the people who offered these words are Christians. None of them realize the questions that resulted from these comments.
We believe that one must make a profession of faith to heavenbound. With that said, the question came up as to how a baby (or someone of diminished capacity) would 'make heaven' if they didn't make a profession of faith. When the questions were verbalized we received all sorts of answers - none of which could be solidly backed up with scripture to our satisfaction - they always produced either another question or a conflict with a previously held belief (or understanding) of the Word.
It boils down to a couple of things. First, do you believe that people are born spiritually dead and remain so until they make a profession of faith? Or, do you believe that we are not born spiritually dead but somewhere along the way we die spiritually and remain in that condition until we make that profession of faith and are born again? At least, for us, this was the starting point, and where the rubber met the road for the desperate need to be able to back up our faith with the Word of God or it was all in vain.
If you are born spiritually dead, then anyone who dies without making a profession of faith goes to hell. Period. End of story. No exceptions for any reason because God is not a respector of persons.
If you are not born spiritually dead, then at what point does one die spiritually in order to need to be born again?
For me, personally, I believe that we are not born spiritually dead. I believe that our spirit is alive to God from the moment of conception. (That includes every single conception - diminished capacity or not.)
So, the next question is - when does one die spiritually?
Well, there were many people who offered the 'age of accountability' theory. However, they couldn't give any scripture to back it up. All they could offer is that they couldn't believe God would allow a child or someone unable to confess Christ (diminished capacity, infant, etc.) to go to hell. They gave the example of David and Bathsheba's son who died after he was born and how David said he would go to his son but his son wouldn't be able to come to him. However, that didn't satisfy the questions.
Then I was reading, unintentionally, Genesis. I noted that Adam and Eve were alive spiritually to God. Adam was told that they could eat the fruit of any tree of the garden except from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. He was told that the day they eat of it they will surely die. (Since they didn't die physically, one assumes He was saying spiritually. A study for a different day...)
As you know the story goes... then Eve was tempted and deceived and she ate from that tree and gave to her husband who was with her and he did eat also.
What happened at this point is they 'sinned' against God's commandment and died spiritually when they ate from that tree. Until that moment, they only knew GOOD. Once they sinned/disobeyed God, they then knew EVIL. Now they have the KNOWLEDGE of good and evil. And because of that, the sin has passed from Adam through each generation since.
This is where, I believe, the 'age of accountability' comes in. This is why I believe that babies, children, and those of diminished capacity go to heaven. They would never come to that KNOWLEDGE of good and evil. I also believe that each person comes to that place at different times. (That there is no set 'age'... it is just as individual as being born again is.) I believe, because of the example of Adam and Eve, that we all come to a point where we have the 'knowledge of good and evil' and it is at that point that we are now accountable to God to receive the salvation He has provided for us through His Son Jesus Christ or to reject it all. Up until then, however, I believe we are all heavenbound.
I'm hoping that I'm communicating 'the why's and how's of my faith' with regard to justification for babies, children, and people of diminished capacity. I'm not always able to put into words in a way others can understand so I apologize, in advance, if I'm simply blithering and not making much sense.
I do take comfort also in the words of Jesus as He said, "Let it be to you according to your faith." In or out of context, I afford myself the room to believe - according to my faith - that it is so that I don't afford myself the temptation to think wrongly of my Lord. Does that make sense? Its not as if I just flippantly decided that 'this is how it is' without having sought out counsel through His Word, prayer, and godly people... so if I'm wrong I'm wrong!
It would seem that tragedy brings with it so many questions that may take a lifetime to find the answer to... or that we never find the answers to! But it is a life of faith that we live... and we walk by faith, not by sight.
God is not counting your sin against you!
34Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. 35But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. Acts 10:34-35
16For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” Rom. 1:16-17
21But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, 26to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Romans 3:21-26
1What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh? 2For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” 4Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt.
5But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, 6just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works:
7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven,
And whose sins are covered;
8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sin.”
9Does this blessedness then come upon the circumcised only, or upon the uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness. 10How then was it accounted? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised. 11And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while still uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they are uncircumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also, 12and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham had while still uncircumcised.
13For the promise that he would be the heir of the world was not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. 14For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise made of no effect, 15because the law brings about wrath; for where there is no law there is no transgression.
16Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all 17(as it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations”) in the presence of Him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; 18who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” 19And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. 20He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, 21and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. 22And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.”
23Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him, 24but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, 25who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification. Romans 4:1-25
15But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. 16And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification. 17For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.)
18Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. 19For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.
20Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, 21so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Rom. 5:15-21
14For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace. Romans 6:14
4For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. Romans 10:4
8But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): 9that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” 12For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:8-13
17for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17
9For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory. 2 Corinthians 3:9
21For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21
5Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?—6just as Abraham “believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” 7Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. 8And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, “In you all the nations shall be blessed.” 9So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham. Galatians 3:5-9
9And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, 10that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, 11being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11
11But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 12Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 1 Tim. 6:11-12
1Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, 2to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. 3For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. 4But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:1-7
To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: 2 Peter 1:1b
28And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. 29If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him.
1 John 2:28-29
7Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. 1 John 3:7
Let faith in Christ Jesus be birthed in your heart and confess that faith with your mouth and be born again into His family! Allow your ‘relationship’ with God to change from one of Him as your Creator and you as His created to Him as your Father and you as His child! Begin to ‘fellowship’ with Him through His Word and through prayer. It is as simple as that! Read His Word, the Holy Bible, and believe with all your heart what you read in it, go to a church that preaches and teaches His Word and live out what you learn. Share your faith in Christ with others so that they may know Him too!
All Scriptures taken from The Holy Bible, New King James Version Copyright 1979, 1980, 1982 Thomas Nelson, Inc.
16For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” Rom. 1:16-17
21But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, 26to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Romans 3:21-26
1What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh? 2For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” 4Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt.
5But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, 6just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works:
7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven,
And whose sins are covered;
8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sin.”
9Does this blessedness then come upon the circumcised only, or upon the uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness. 10How then was it accounted? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised. 11And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while still uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they are uncircumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also, 12and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham had while still uncircumcised.
13For the promise that he would be the heir of the world was not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. 14For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise made of no effect, 15because the law brings about wrath; for where there is no law there is no transgression.
16Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all 17(as it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations”) in the presence of Him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; 18who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” 19And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. 20He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, 21and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. 22And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.”
23Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him, 24but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, 25who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification. Romans 4:1-25
15But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. 16And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification. 17For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.)
18Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. 19For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.
20Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, 21so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Rom. 5:15-21
14For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace. Romans 6:14
4For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. Romans 10:4
8But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): 9that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” 12For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:8-13
17for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17
9For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory. 2 Corinthians 3:9
21For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21
5Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?—6just as Abraham “believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” 7Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. 8And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, “In you all the nations shall be blessed.” 9So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham. Galatians 3:5-9
9And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, 10that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, 11being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11
11But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 12Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 1 Tim. 6:11-12
1Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, 2to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. 3For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. 4But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:1-7
To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: 2 Peter 1:1b
28And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. 29If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him.
1 John 2:28-29
7Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. 1 John 3:7
Let faith in Christ Jesus be birthed in your heart and confess that faith with your mouth and be born again into His family! Allow your ‘relationship’ with God to change from one of Him as your Creator and you as His created to Him as your Father and you as His child! Begin to ‘fellowship’ with Him through His Word and through prayer. It is as simple as that! Read His Word, the Holy Bible, and believe with all your heart what you read in it, go to a church that preaches and teaches His Word and live out what you learn. Share your faith in Christ with others so that they may know Him too!
All Scriptures taken from The Holy Bible, New King James Version Copyright 1979, 1980, 1982 Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
The Healing Power of Touch
I wanted to share a thought about the power of 'touch' in our lives... [at the risk striking doctrinal chords]. While there are various ways that 'touch' can reach into our lives, I'm referring here to physical touch.
Somehow, some way, I managed to get a 'hitch' in my step today. There are lengthy explanations as to the source of said 'hitch' of which I will mercifully spare you. (Suffice it to say that it is primarily self-inflicted ~ which means its totally within my 'power' to prevent this in the future so please pray for strengthened self-control for me.)
I had rearranged my schedule today so that I could take my oldest grandson and his cousin on a field trip. When I arrived at their house and got out of my vehicle, I found that 'hitch' in my step and it hurt with each step I took. I was determined to not let this stop me... it might slow me down but it isn't going to stop me - 'they' are counting on me! The kids were looking forward to this (so was I) and Momma/Auntie couldn't stand in for me since I was her stand in for the event! I sat down for a bit and hoped that it would just resolve itself while the kids ate their lunch before we headed out.
We went on our field trip - which was a blessing in itself - and the kids are back in their prescribed locations but this hip thing is not getting better... in fact, it seems to be getting worse.
My daughter is a licensed PTA (Pretty Terrific Angel! Well, while she is that, it really means physical therapy assistant). She insisted that I come back over to her house and she would see if she could offer some relief as well as her patient and gentle (repeated) admonishings to prevent this from happening (yet) again. [Keep in mind that she has four children of her own and is babysitting her niece and nephew as well - so she already has her hands full before I get there!]
This blessing from God had her massage table all set up, the heating pad heated up, her homemade natural products prepared and ready when I got there! (The children were ready to help her make Nana's hurt go away too!) She patiently educated me on how the muscles and their related counterparts all work and how they are connected all while she is positioning me and applying her skill and her homemade natural herbal preparations and oils. What it seems that most people (warning... here is where the doctrinal 'rub' might come in...) don't understand is, what she spent so much time this afternoon doing is "anointing with oil and laying on of hands." She anointed the area that needed "healing" and laid her hands on it and in a relatively short time, I was feeling better! I was walking better and the pain was leaving!
Thank God for people who take the time to learn the wonders of the human body and who make the time to reach out and help someone in need. Thank God for children who not only honor their parents, but love them in spite of their shortcomings... (you know, like Christ loves us)! And praise the Lord for the gift of healing through the power of physical touch!
Whether it's as extensive as my daughter's ministry to me today or as simple as giving someone a hug or even just touching someone on the shoulder... I encourage you to reach out to someone each day with the love of Christ through the healing power of touch!
Somehow, some way, I managed to get a 'hitch' in my step today. There are lengthy explanations as to the source of said 'hitch' of which I will mercifully spare you. (Suffice it to say that it is primarily self-inflicted ~ which means its totally within my 'power' to prevent this in the future so please pray for strengthened self-control for me.)
I had rearranged my schedule today so that I could take my oldest grandson and his cousin on a field trip. When I arrived at their house and got out of my vehicle, I found that 'hitch' in my step and it hurt with each step I took. I was determined to not let this stop me... it might slow me down but it isn't going to stop me - 'they' are counting on me! The kids were looking forward to this (so was I) and Momma/Auntie couldn't stand in for me since I was her stand in for the event! I sat down for a bit and hoped that it would just resolve itself while the kids ate their lunch before we headed out.
We went on our field trip - which was a blessing in itself - and the kids are back in their prescribed locations but this hip thing is not getting better... in fact, it seems to be getting worse.
My daughter is a licensed PTA (Pretty Terrific Angel! Well, while she is that, it really means physical therapy assistant). She insisted that I come back over to her house and she would see if she could offer some relief as well as her patient and gentle (repeated) admonishings to prevent this from happening (yet) again. [Keep in mind that she has four children of her own and is babysitting her niece and nephew as well - so she already has her hands full before I get there!]
This blessing from God had her massage table all set up, the heating pad heated up, her homemade natural products prepared and ready when I got there! (The children were ready to help her make Nana's hurt go away too!) She patiently educated me on how the muscles and their related counterparts all work and how they are connected all while she is positioning me and applying her skill and her homemade natural herbal preparations and oils. What it seems that most people (warning... here is where the doctrinal 'rub' might come in...) don't understand is, what she spent so much time this afternoon doing is "anointing with oil and laying on of hands." She anointed the area that needed "healing" and laid her hands on it and in a relatively short time, I was feeling better! I was walking better and the pain was leaving!
Thank God for people who take the time to learn the wonders of the human body and who make the time to reach out and help someone in need. Thank God for children who not only honor their parents, but love them in spite of their shortcomings... (you know, like Christ loves us)! And praise the Lord for the gift of healing through the power of physical touch!
Whether it's as extensive as my daughter's ministry to me today or as simple as giving someone a hug or even just touching someone on the shoulder... I encourage you to reach out to someone each day with the love of Christ through the healing power of touch!
What are you thinking?
I've had so many things running through my head lately... most of them of the "grumbling & complaining" kind of blithering. (So many, actually, that I'm having trouble sorting them out!) And as I try to sort them out, my attitude continues to slide down the slippery slope of Satan.
This morning I'm reminded of the book we are studying on Monday nights - The Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer. In it Joyce directs us to think about what we're thinking about; to take an 'inventory' of our thoughts, so to speak. Oftentimes my attitude is on the downward turn because of the thoughts I'm thinking... and allowing myself to think on!
Yes, I said, "allowing myself." That may be a confrontational phrase... especially if you don't realize that you choose what you think on and allow to remain in their head. I remember the first time I was 'confronted' with this concept. I was not only offended that I being held accountable for something that "I can't help" but I felt further victimized by the one the Lord sent to speak these very words of freedom to me! (I tend to have a 'victim mentality' when I get on my 'pity-pot' and one feeds off the other and so goes the cycle of the downward spiral.)
Yes, I said, "freedom." I believe that our thoughts have the ability to hold us captive or propel us onward. One thing is for certain... scripture says that WE are each responsible for what we think about (also referred to as 'meditate on'). Second Corinthians 10:5 makes it quite clear, in my opinion, that we (the one doing the thinking) are responsible to take captive every thought to the obedience of Christ. As we take every thought captive, I understand from that verse that we are responsible to cast down certain thoughts. Philippians 4:8 also speaks of our responsibility regarding what we think/meditate on... the things suggested in that verse are good and encouraging. So basically, 2 Corinthians tells us what NOT to think on and Philippians tells us what TO think on. (And yes, I probably am over-simplifying it...)
There is so much more to this topic... of which I won't go into now. Sometime take a few moments and do a search in scripture of the word "thoughts"... our God has some interesting things to say about the subject!
I think I'll think on His goodness, grace, and mercy today! How about you?
WHATEVER... :-)
Philippians 4:8
This morning I'm reminded of the book we are studying on Monday nights - The Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer. In it Joyce directs us to think about what we're thinking about; to take an 'inventory' of our thoughts, so to speak. Oftentimes my attitude is on the downward turn because of the thoughts I'm thinking... and allowing myself to think on!
Yes, I said, "allowing myself." That may be a confrontational phrase... especially if you don't realize that you choose what you think on and allow to remain in their head. I remember the first time I was 'confronted' with this concept. I was not only offended that I being held accountable for something that "I can't help" but I felt further victimized by the one the Lord sent to speak these very words of freedom to me! (I tend to have a 'victim mentality' when I get on my 'pity-pot' and one feeds off the other and so goes the cycle of the downward spiral.)
Yes, I said, "freedom." I believe that our thoughts have the ability to hold us captive or propel us onward. One thing is for certain... scripture says that WE are each responsible for what we think about (also referred to as 'meditate on'). Second Corinthians 10:5 makes it quite clear, in my opinion, that we (the one doing the thinking) are responsible to take captive every thought to the obedience of Christ. As we take every thought captive, I understand from that verse that we are responsible to cast down certain thoughts. Philippians 4:8 also speaks of our responsibility regarding what we think/meditate on... the things suggested in that verse are good and encouraging. So basically, 2 Corinthians tells us what NOT to think on and Philippians tells us what TO think on. (And yes, I probably am over-simplifying it...)
There is so much more to this topic... of which I won't go into now. Sometime take a few moments and do a search in scripture of the word "thoughts"... our God has some interesting things to say about the subject!
I think I'll think on His goodness, grace, and mercy today! How about you?
WHATEVER... :-)
Philippians 4:8
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Definitions and goals
Ok, I thought I'd define my blog title a bit... mostly to keep me 'in line' when I post!
Blessings ~ I hope these are things that have either blessed me or I'm hoping will be a blessing to others.
Blunderings ~ I intend these to be things that I've blundered on in hopes that we all (myself included) will remember that we are frail humanity and haven't "arrived" yet and we can all stumble and even completely lose our way and mess up and yet, we can move on past each 'blunder' and glean what we can from it. I'm sure I will be including the blunders of others as well... not to mock or deride (at least that's my prayer) but for the purpose of keeping 'pride' at bay and staying tender, merciful, and gracious toward others.
Blitherings ~ I ask, in advance, for your patience and grace with these. I expect there will be many as I have 'issues' with a lot of things and/or I'm trying to "work out" various things... from personal growth issues to scripture topics to societal ills... this list could be endless. My hope is to get them out where I can 'see' them... and work through them to some sort of conclusion - if only within myself. I have a hard time believing that I'm the 'only one who feels this way' about certain topics, scripture verses, etc. and I'm quite certain there are others who have asked for, and received wisdom in these areas. Please feel free to offer said wisdom when you feel led to!
So please agree, in faith, with me for grace and growth ~ in Jesus' name!
Blessings ~ I hope these are things that have either blessed me or I'm hoping will be a blessing to others.
Blunderings ~ I intend these to be things that I've blundered on in hopes that we all (myself included) will remember that we are frail humanity and haven't "arrived" yet and we can all stumble and even completely lose our way and mess up and yet, we can move on past each 'blunder' and glean what we can from it. I'm sure I will be including the blunders of others as well... not to mock or deride (at least that's my prayer) but for the purpose of keeping 'pride' at bay and staying tender, merciful, and gracious toward others.
Blitherings ~ I ask, in advance, for your patience and grace with these. I expect there will be many as I have 'issues' with a lot of things and/or I'm trying to "work out" various things... from personal growth issues to scripture topics to societal ills... this list could be endless. My hope is to get them out where I can 'see' them... and work through them to some sort of conclusion - if only within myself. I have a hard time believing that I'm the 'only one who feels this way' about certain topics, scripture verses, etc. and I'm quite certain there are others who have asked for, and received wisdom in these areas. Please feel free to offer said wisdom when you feel led to!
So please agree, in faith, with me for grace and growth ~ in Jesus' name!
BB's blog beginnings...
Blessings to you!
In the 'cyberworld' I'm known as beenblessed - BB for short. This is my first attempt at blogging so please bear with me! I'm sure it will be more blundering and blithering than blessing but hopefully I will become better at it and the blessings will overtake the blithering - in Jesus' name!
In the 'cyberworld' I'm known as beenblessed - BB for short. This is my first attempt at blogging so please bear with me! I'm sure it will be more blundering and blithering than blessing but hopefully I will become better at it and the blessings will overtake the blithering - in Jesus' name!
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