A CHALLENGING QUESTION: "HOW DO YOU EXPLAIN THAT GOD IS NOT RELIGION?"

"How do you explain that God is not religion?"... this question was posted as the status of a very close friend relating to a personal battle she has been experiencing with someone close to herself, but I'm sure it is one we have been asked or may be asked, in the future. If the entire Christian realm gave an answer, there would be as many varied answers and opinions, as to the number asked. From the viewpoint of scripture, religion or "being religious" is being ceremonious (observing customs/formality) in one's observance of worship; observing rituals, traditions, rules, and ceremonies that have been passed down; it is being pious (expressing reverence/devotion for a god or gods; an earnest wish/desire to fulfill religious obligations). Obligations - now, isn't that an interesting word to be included here? An obligation is an act of binding or restricting oneself by a social, legal, or moral tie/requirement such as by duty, contract, or promise to follow and/or avoid a particular course of action. In law, an obligation is a legal enforceable agreement to perform a specific act or duty - usually a written contract that has been drawn up which may or will contain a penalty (punishment/imprisonment), if broken. In light of those definitions, does religion or being religious sound appealing? Did I hear a definite "NO"? Yet, how many are "caught up" , bound to, and restricted in and to a life or lifetime of religious practices, traditions, and rules that have been made by and/or given to mankind? To our "human" way of thinking, we say, it is easier to have rules, guidelines, and traditions that are already established, so we can just adapt to and abide by them, but is this the way our lives are to be lived? In some aspects, there are rules and guidelines set up for our benefit and protection; however, I don't think these apply to our belief in or beliefs about GOD.

Here is a portion of my response to my friend's post: "Religion is man's ideas, rituals, and traditions that have been passed down through the centuries... a way that mankind tries to appease (calm, soothe, & satisfy) himself with a little god (idol) thrown in. It is words, works, acts, action, and duty that tires one to no end, yet those who only participate in "religion" are so far from knowing and believing in the ONE TRUE GOD and they do not even think or feel they measure up to the one or ones they have created in their own thoughts and minds. Religion, definitely, offers a "head knowledge" of and about GOD, then it allows mankind to draw his own conclusions, as to what - not whom - he wants to worship. As another posted, GOD "is a relationship" - this is so true - one even closer and more intimate than the husband/wife relationship because when the HOLY SPIRIT comes into our heart/life, at salvation, HE is NEVER apart from us again... we asked HIM to come in, to indwell us, and we welcomed HIM in, as our eternal guest... HE even gave us this promise "I WILL NEVER LEAVE THEE, NOR FORSAKE THEE." (Hebrews 13: 5d) Religion has too many expectations and mankind will NEVER meet up to them. There is so much done or to be done in the name of religion - both, good and bad because religion is an act of doing and is performance-based, but when will or how does one know when "enough" good has been done, shown, or performed to appease the god of religion?" 

However, THE HOLY GOD of the universe desires to, can, and will fill "ALL" the cracks/crevices of every aspect of our thoughts and life. HIS offering has been given, in the PERSON of JESUS CHRIST, and that offering was and continues to be enough for the whole world... it is NOT religion, but transformation... transformed from the inside - as pictured in the life of a worm that has lived its life wallowing in the muck and mire of the world, but is changed into a beautiful butterfly, after it's struggle and life of darkness in its chrysalis. No one knows how to describe what takes place inside the chrysalis during this time, but if disturbed, it is the assured death of/for the creature inside. This is true of GOD'S transformation process in mankind; however, mankind is already "dead in trespasses and sins; ..." walking "according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air (the devil), the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation (way/manner of life) in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh, and of the mind;and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others." (Ephesians 2: 1b-3), but GOD wants to disturb and to intervene in the transforming in darkness - "the devil's realm" - and bring ALL mankind "... out of darkness into his marvellous light:" (1 Peter 2: 9e) through the glorious gospel (good news) of HIS SON - HIS death, burial, and resurrection. We can read about the events of JESUS' life in the books of the Bible, known as the four gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John - and each gives us a view of JESUS' life from a different perspective. 

History records the life of JESUS CHRIST - that HE was a person who lived, yet many draw the line there - they do NOT want to believe anything more about this JESUS. Many religions teach HE was a good man, a teacher, or a prophet - yet, their belief cannot nor will ever go any farther, without fearing consequences from their peers or fellow followers. They cannot believe that a HIGHER BEING/POWER is true to HIS WORD when HE said HE "... so loved the world (mankind) that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him (HIS SON - JESUS) should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3: 16) Mankind views this "belief" as being too simple... there just has to be something - some work, act, deed, ritual, or tradition - added.  Salvation - the saving of one's soul - is a gift extended and/or given to "whosoever", by trusting the ONE who offers it. What did the gift of salvation cost... who paid for it and how was it paid? GOD'S cost was the life of HIS SON by the cruelest death known to mankind - crucifixion. JESUS was betrayed by one of his close followers, arrested, stood trial, was beaten, crowned with thorns, spat upon, nailed to a wooden cross, suspended between earth and heaven to be displayed for the "known" world to see and HE died; however, all of this happened because "GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD..." (emphasis mine). The things JESUS endured and HIS death, for mankind, was fulfilling and did fulfill GOD'S ultimate plan... HE did it well and with all finality, yet we can continue to read on... JESUS was buried - HIS tomb sealed/secured with a large stone and guarded!!! The devil and the entire "religious" world was glad that this JESUS was gone. However, after three days, Mary Magdalene and some other women came to the tomb, bringing "sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him."; they spoke "among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?" (Mark 16:1-3), but when they got to there "..., behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. ... And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead;"... (read Matthew 28:2-7b) The declaration "go quickly, and tell..." was and continues to be the true Christian believer's part in sharing the gospel of Christ to lost and dying mankind. JESUS saith, "I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen... " (Revelation 1:18)

Religion creates fear and worry within mankind that something terrible will happen to him if he does not - dot every "i" or cross every "t" correctly, bow down enough or toward a specific location, read the Bible satisfactorily, go to church every time the door is opened, pray a specific number of times or in certain positions... the list goes on and on according to mankind's teachings and standards. Each individual can and would probably add his own unique fear(s) relating to his belief system, yet does he actually have a stable foundation upon which his belief(s) is or are founded? Is there any religion that is 100% truth and/or valid? My personal conclusion would be there is none; however, "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14: 6) HE is the only PERSON with the authority to make a statement such as that, so our belief must be placed in the PERSON of CHRIST... the only sure foundation to build a personal relationship upon. This motto has been emphasized many times, relating to the previous verse of scripture... "without the way, there is no going; without the truth, there is no knowing, and without life, there is no living"; therefore, we form an opinion that life is the physical, mental, and spiritual experience of one's existence.

Mankind, in all actuality, creates his own religion, even though he may try to closely follow a pattern already set forth by an organized group or sect; however, he may deviate according to what he gives allegiance to or how he worships. Many of the well-known religious groups, sects, and cults have distinguishing guidelines, books, symbols, attire, and practices which makes them easily identified, yet there are others that are very subtle and deceptive... thus, at the roots, of religion, is none other than the devil, himself - shooting forth and producing branches of deceptive values, practices, and beliefs through the teachings of their so-called "holy men, women, and/or (non)spiritual leaders". In religion, man will be reverenced, self will be edified, and good deeds will be glorified... so, where is GOD'S place? It is very sad to think that HE is left on the outside - to only observe the ways that man tries to make "himself" known or spiritual in/to the world around him. In judgment, how will they answer a question, if asked by GOD ... "what did you believe about my SON?" Scripture shows us a picture in Matthew 7:20-23, " Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven: but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." It will be openly declared just how false and fake mankind's belief system really was. The phrases, "I NEVER KNEW YOU: DEPART FROM ME,..." (emphasis mine) will be a very devastating and eye-opening announcement; however, man's doom will have already been set by his own doing.

At the beginning the question was asked, "how do you explain that GOD is not religion?" This posting and explanation has been, primarily, my own thoughts - except for the usage of GOD'S WORD, which I consider to be infallible and the complete TRUTH - ; therefore, I can and will say it is my view and a portion of how I would answer the question asked. My concluding thoughts will be given to saying... this IS a very personal, heart-searching question which should be addressed to everyone. It is one to be pondered (to weigh in the mind with thoroughness and care) and answered on this side of eternity. DO YOU KNOW AND SERVE GOD OR RELIGION?????

IS THIS THE GENERATION THAT WILL SEEK THE LORD?

"The Holy Spirit came at Pentecost... He came in mighty fullness then. His witness, through believers, won the lost and multitudes were born again. The early Christians scattered o'er the world... they preached the gospel fearlessly. Though some were martyred and to lions hurled, they marched along in victory. Come Holy Spirit... dark is the hour. We need Your filling, Your love, and Your mighty power. Move, now, among us... stir us, we pray. Come, Holy Spirit... Revive the church, today.  Then in an age when darkness gripped the earth... the just shall live by faith was learned. The Holy Spirit gave the church new birth, as reformation fires burned. In later years, the great revivals came... when men would seek the LORD and pray. Oh, once again, we need that holy flame... to meet the challenge of today. Come, Holy Spirit... dark is the hour. We need Your filling, Your love, and Your mighty power. Move, now, among us... stir us, we pray. Come, Holy Spirit... Revive the church, today." These words, penned by John W Peterson, are very powerful and needful for this period in time... they can be and, probably, should be used, as a prayer for this generation.

For the past few months, I have felt that GOD has been and is preparing my heart and the hearts of many of HIS people with a deep stirring and yearning for a greater moving of HIMSELF in and among us - personally and collectively. Our hearts have been challenged to PRAY... pray more, pray often, pray specific, pray in faith, and to pray - believing that GOD can and will answer because we know that HE is the promise keeping GOD, who never lies... we have HIS WORD, written to/for us and passed down to every generation, as our surety. In our thoughts, we all may say... I hear this all the time or have heard it all my life, if this is TRUE/TRUTH, why are there not more "miracles" happening, today, and/or more souls being saved? Have we accepted the challenge and made prayer our lifeline to GOD? An acrostic for PRAY = Praying Requires A Yearning... do we have a yearning in our heart and soul for GOD to do "great and mighty things" that we have never seen or experienced?

In an earlier post, I shared this quote, "A prayer, without a promise, has no foundation." When concentrating upon our needs and desires before we come to GOD, in prayer, do we think about a scripture verse or passage of scripture that we may have read, heard taught/preached, or memorized that may speak to our hearts concerning those needs and desires, at the time, and can we find GOD'S promise there? How many of our prayers are or have been prayed in unbelief? We pray, for sure, but do we expect to receive an answer? Are our prayers sincere or half-hearted? 1 John 5:10 b, states, "... he that believeth not GOD hath made him a liar;" are we accusing GOD of lying? Oh, that we would realize the seriousness of totally believing, relying upon, and trusting GOD in every situation and/or circumstance. GOD deserves our respect and complete trust that HE can and will do what HE says. The Word of GOD is and always will be, as current as tomorrow's newspaper and it is for this present time and future generations, as much as it was for those past.

In praying, when we acknowledge our sin, we come to a place of being open and honest before/with GOD, with ourselves, and others; however, our sin is against GOD and HIM, alone... but HE is waiting for us to come before HIM, acknowledge our sin, and ask HIM for forgiveness and cleansing. We must pray... search me, show me, forgive me, and cleanse me of any and all things displeasing to YOU, and those things that would hinder my life from being useful or usable. The WORD tells us in 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." We are responsible for our sin - to confess and forsake it... HE is responsible for forgiving and cleansing us. As believers, we can be confident that GOD hears us and will hearken (listen intently, give attention to, & heed) unto our prayers. This manner of praying will draw our hearts and souls to seek a more intimate relationship with GOD and an intimate relationship will cause us to desire to please our beloved ONE, rather than ourselves or others.

A few days ago, my prayer verses were Psalm 24:3-6, "Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the GOD of his salvation. This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah." These are some powerful verses... sobering and soul-searching. The questions asked caused me to ask myself a few, also. How is my heart before the HOLY GOD? Am I at a place to receive "the blessing from the LORD" and what, exactly, is this blessing? It must be something specific, but what does GOD want to give me... to give us? However, the underlined portion caused me to ask, "Is this generation the one that will truly seek the LORD or what would it take for this to be true?" My heart yearns to see and experience a true moving of the HOLY SPIRIT - in my life, in my family, in our community, and in our churches. We have heard and read about the "revivals" of yesteryear... they are past - just a moment and memory in history... good, yes, but gone. Those who experienced/witnessed those moves of GOD tell about it, write about it, but did the experience wane from their thoughts and lives? If so, what caused its gradual decrease? Did man step in and rob GOD of HIS glory? Did he add his programs and agenda to what GOD was doing? Duncan Campbell, a preacher who was well-known during the, 1949-1952, revival on the Isle of Lewis, stated that..."We must leave the work to GOD. May we remove our programs and allow GOD'S presence to be welcomed." (Emphasis mine.) Do we invite/welcome GOD'S presence in our lives and church services? HE IS ALWAYS NEAR, BUT DO WE WANT HIM TO BE INVOLVED IN THE FULLNESS OF HIS POWER AND GLORY???

We, all, have probably seen the picture of JESUS standing outside a door knocking... looking more closely, you will notice there is no latch/knob on the outside, so the opening of that door must be from the inside... it represents HIM knocking at our heart desiring to be asked and/or welcomed inside. This illustration can be for, both, the sinner and the saint... to the sinner for salvation and the saint for service, fellowship, and building an intimate relationship with HIM, but HE leaves the choice, of opening the door, to us. It's very sad, to say, but some will never open the door and others may open it for salvation; however, will never know or experience an intimate relationship with GOD. We are, actually, guilty of using GOD - just when we need HIM or when we want HIM to give us something and/or do something to benefit us... we are such a selfish generation. Oh, how this must grieve HIM!

WE ARE A GENERATION, DESPERATELY, NEEDING TO CRY OUT TO GOD TO HEAR OUR PRAYERS, TO FORGIVE OUR SIN, AND TO HEAL OUR LAND... but we must realize that HE will never intrude, so we have to take the initiative... do we want HIM to "come down", to work in and among us, to make a difference in our lives/churches or are we going to remain self-satisfied and complacent? When will we grow tired of being stirred with no change(s) - in our lives, in our churches or in our society? When will the "true Christians" acknowledge that we serve the GOD, who desires to walk with and among us to show us HE is capable of so much more than is accredited to HIM and when will allow HIM to be GOD - for WHO HE IS?

"Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. And I will be found of you, saith the Lord:..." Jeremiah 29:12-14 a. When will we claim these promises? Our generation needs GOD, but most importantly, we need to seek HIM to see and experience what HE can and desires to do in/for us, in this generation.

 "Oh, Heavenly Father... thank YOU, because YOU said that YOU would hearken unto my prayer. This is YOUR promise... my part is to seek and search for YOU, wholeheartedly. I know that YOU aren't lost, but I want to find YOU in the way YOU have written of here... YOU are enough and will continue to be sufficient for and in me... yet, YOU desire to meet with me and show me YOUR power and glory. YOU are the foundation upon which I am firmly and eternally established. With my physical eyes, I cannot and do not see YOU, only the evidence of where YOU'VE been, of what YOU'VE done, and continue to do, but I ask YOU to please, open my "spiritual" eyes to know/have the wisdom and discernment needed for this journey. My heart's cry is for YOU to "rend the heavens, that thou wouldest come down," ... do YOUR work in my heart, in my home, in our church, and in our land. Show us YOUR power and glory. Hover over us and come near... let us experience the great and mighty works YOU promised to those who would call unto YOU. Please let there be a few brothers and sisters in CHRIST, who have the same desire, as myself ... and that we would pray, in confidence and complete trust, until YOU show up and show off, in YOUR MAJESTY. Father, before YOU, I am anxious and restless; nonetheless, waiting on YOU. PLEASE LET THIS BE THE GENERATION THAT WILL SEEK THE LORD... TO YOUR HONOR AND GLORY FOREVER... IN JESUS' PRECIOUS NAME, I PRAY... AMEN."

BITTERNESS OF SOUL AND BROKENNESS

Have you ever wondered why our lives and churches have become so content and complacent? Being content and complacent... oh, it's very sad that we do not desire anymore than what we have or are experiencing and we are satisfied with things as they are without considering or desiring change. We are self-satisfied and unconcerned about souls dying without knowing the LORD. Yes, change is an unknown and it's unfamiliar, but it can and should break us out of our "traditional" mold. Our following or holding on to old traditions have a great, yet negative impact upon our present and future "walk with the LORD" and service to HIM. Traditions may keep us in motion, but we get nowhere... going in a never-ending circle.

My thoughts go to the words of the chorus of a familiar, yet forgotten song, "Souls are crying, men are dying... won't you lead them to the cross? Go and find them, help to win them... win the lost at any cost. Go out and win, rescue from sin... day's almost done, low sinks the sun. Souls are crying, men are dying... win the lost at any cost." These words issue a personal challenge to every believer. Do we hear their cries... are we listening? Do we realize the darkness of the hour on GOD'S time clock? How do we become so unconcerned about the soul's eternal destiny? I ask myself, "am I concerned or have I become complacent?" In all honestly, many times I have allowed the "normal busy-ness" of every day life to have its effects upon my view of those laden with sin and who are on the broad road to a GOD-less hell... and have allowed my mind to be deterred from its main purpose.

While on this exciting journey with GOD, I have been blessed beyond measure. I can document and have documented answered prayer... GOD is so good!!! A few weeks ago, my prayer verse for the day was taken from 1 Samuel 1:10, When Hannah prayed for a child, the WORD said, "... and she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore." Hannah had become dissatisfied with how her life was... she wanted a child and specifically, a man child. She did not want to be barren or the brunt of another's mockery; therefore, she cried out to the ONE who promises that HE "... shall give thee the desires of thine heart." (Psalm 37: 4) When she went before the LORD, she was very heavy-hearted, discontent, and in mourning... her very soul groaned before the LORD and her heart's cry was beyond words, only her lips moved. Have we ever gotten to this place? Hannah's praying drew the attention of the priest, Eli, but more important it got GOD'S attention. Eli, the priest, thought she was drunken, but GOD knew she was desperate in her desire and petition. Her cry was from the depths of her soul. She was no longer thinking selfishly of her request for a child, but she vowed that if GOD answered, she would give the child back to HIM for HIS use. I'm sure this was a difficult decision for her, as a mother, but GOD knew she was serious... she would be grateful and make the most of the time GOD would give her with the child. After her son was born she named him Samuel, whose name meant "asked of the LORD". Are there things that we are asking of GOD? How serious are we? GOD knows our heart. Do we desire the birth of "spiritual" children enough to be "in bitterness of soul"... to weep for those who need salvation?  Are there times when we become so burdened, in prayer, that the groanings of our spirit is all that can be heard?

For this generation to be touched by GOD, we are going to have to experience "bitterness of soul" and a spirit of brokenness. The words to the song, "The Spirit of Brokenness" by Rodney Griffin of Greater Vision has been upon my heart for a quite a while, so I'd like to share the lyrics: "I remember the night, so long ago, the first time I called on YOUR name. Empty and broken, ashamed of my sin, I asked if this sinner YOU'D save? But the cares of life have darkened the light and I feel like I'm drifting away, so break me, mold me, cleanse me, then hold me... I want to be near YOU, today. LORD, give me the spirit of brokenness, like YOU gave when I first called YOUR name, and replace my pride with humility... LORD, a broken, willing vessel I'll be. I never set out to drift into sin... my intentions are never to stray, but my flesh is weak and I'm so prone to fall... like a child, I go my own way. Then I hear YOUR cry from deep down inside, saying, "Go back to Calv'ry again... there you'll see MY flesh opened and MY Spirit broken, then surely, your drifting will end. LORD, give me the spirit of brokenness, like YOU gave when I first called YOUR name, and replace my pride with humility... LORD, a broken willing vessel I'll be." GOD help us to be broken because of our sin that we might be more concerned about the lost condition of others.

"Oh, GOD, our HEAVENLY FATHER, help us to reach out to and win lost souls for YOUR honor and glory. Give us compassion... let us make a difference. Let us run to the aid of the lost, as if we are pulling them from a burning building. Souls are falling... falling... they're on a downward spiral toward a CHRIST-LESS eternity. Help us get a grasp upon their need and upon their souls, for YOUR sake."

A NEW JOURNEY - PRAYER AND JOURNALING

Over the past few months, I have heard many very good messages on prayer and have been encouraged to "do it" more. Through the years, I know that I have given up on praying for people or certain requests right before GOD answers. I've knocked upon the door of heaven, then ran to hide... like a childish game. This past week has been the beginning of a special journey that I am taking with GOD and pray it continues until my death. This journey has been encouraged and experienced by many others before me... I desire to see what GOD can/will do in, with, and through me to HIS glory.

In Sunday's sermon, Dr R G Smith, challenged our church to have a prayer journal... I have always had a prayer list containing many requests that have been written down and other requests that have been kept within my heart, but not a day by day journaling. This has been and is an eye-opening experience... I've learned just how little I really know about prayer and praying. The quote was given... "Prayer, without a promise, has no real/sure foundation." I was challenged to review the scriptures on prayer, look for the promise, and claim the promise for myself. In my past praying, I had included praying scripture back to GOD, but I'm learning to do this in a very different way... I realized I had been arrogant in how I had used it.

As a mom, I was thinking about where to begin and my mind was drawn to Matthew chapter 7, but not in the order the scriptures were written down. I went to verse 13 first... "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?" I thought of the pleasure and joy that it gives me to "give " to my children and others especially when it is something they have asked for... I would move heaven and earth to grant those requests, yet I am limited, but GOD is not limited nor can/should HE be. The phrase, "... how much more shall your (PERSONAL) Father which is in heaven (HIS POSITION) give good things things to them that ask him?" (HIS PROMISE). Promises, usually, yield a result and we can be assured that GOD'S promises are always going to be kept.  My part is to "...ask him". HE is always available, approachable, and awaiting my petitions. As a child, I know I bickered with my siblings when we wanted something or to go somewhere with a conversation like-- "you, ask him/them... No, you, ask him/them" referring to my parents. Would it make any difference who did the asking? We ALL belonged to the family and there were no favorites... this is, also, true with GOD. I went to verses 7 & 8, looking at the three "action verbs" and their results--"ask=receiving, seek=finding, and knock=a door is opened/barrier is removed." When these words are written down in acrostic form they form the word "A-S-K, again." Do I think this is a coincidence? No, it assures me that GOD is never bothered nor gets tired of hearing me ask for things. I can be very graphic and specific to HIM.

The following comment was given by my pastor, Bro Bobby Thomas, at Wednesday night's service--"There is nothing within my own power, in my pocket/purse, or in my pantry to meet my need, but GOD has plenty." HIS storehouse can never be emptied. I, ONLY, NEED TO DEPEND UPON GOD... I do not need to share my requests and needs with anyone else. HE IS THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN MEET THEM ANYWAY. I am truly desiring that prayer becomes the greatest and most beneficial exercise, in and to my life. May GOD be glorified!!! GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!

Getting All You Want From Your Christian Life

By David Stephens (reposted from Belief Changers)

"Some Christian teaching you run into asks a lot from your performance. If you do a certain number of things, follow a certain list of spiritual requirements, you’ll receive blessings and stave off curses. These things are good; those are bad; do the good and avoid the bad. But that’s just the tree of the knowledge of good and evil talking. From this tree hangs all the fruit that feeds the source that desires to control your life through sin. The residue of a life controlled by something other than God—in other words, your flesh—cares not if it eats from the good side of this tree or the evil. Eating from the evil side leads a person into unrighteous sin, while eating from the good side leads to self-righteous sin. But neither ends up in Christ’s righteousness.

The deeds of the flesh are evident. They are plainly recognizable. The deeds manifest as sin in your life. So to remove the sin, you must deal with the source—the flesh. Fortunately, as a Christian, the flesh no longer has sovereign power over your life. You have living inside of you a life that has dealt the death blow to the flesh. You no longer have to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil to stay alive. You have the power within to choose otherwise. Interestingly enough, everything you want in life—love, joy, peace, patience, etc.—comes not by your act, but rather Christ acting through you. Whereas the flesh responds in a deed—an action—the Spirit bears fruit. The flesh requires you to “do,” but the Spirit simply asks that you respond.

Fruit is nothing more than the life flowing from the vine into the branch, manifesting itself in a way for others to enjoy the sweetness. The fruit of the spirit growing in your life simply proves the connection you have with Christ. But it’s the connection, and not the fruit, that is most important to you. The fruit in your life is for others to enjoy, but it’s maintaining the connection with Christ that ultimately brings personal fulfillment. Fruit is born in a season, but the connection between the branch and the vine—Christ and you—has no season.

The sins of unrighteousness and self-righteousness trace their origin back to the flesh. Spiritual fruit, however, traces back to Christ. Right now, in this moment, you can choose your source. Will you eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and feed the flesh, or will it be the tree of life—Christ—who takes away the sin of the world? All that you could ever want, He wants to give. Choose Christ and never stop eating."

**I thought this was too good not to archive and share !!! Hope everyone enjoys this post.**

CHANGE or TRANSFORMATION

Can we change? To transform means to change, to become different or alter (make different). We alter or have a garment altered, but is it not the same garment still? The garment can be turned inside out and the evidence of the change may or may not be seen. Yet, its transformation may be so complete that it has become another garment, entirely. The transformation is more active, as is the righteousness of God. At salvation, He took off our rags of sin and put His garment of righteousness upon us. Is this garment visible to mankind? The physical garment can be put on and taken off at will, but God's righteousness is a permanent garment that engulfs us so tighly that it squeezes our "self" life out of us and nothing remains, but the life of Christ. Its force cannot be felt, but its impact reflects Christ to those around us.

In Romans 12:2 a & b “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind,…” We are given specific instructions to not be like, resemble, identify with, or have the similar behavior of “this world”. Salvation was a free gift given to us, so we must make a choice to “present” ourselves back to God and allow Him to do His work in us. The “renewing” of our mind is our beginning point to strengthen us, as Christians. We become aware of the difference Christ has made within us and we desire to become new in our actions, attitudes, and behavior; however, many times this leads to external performance because we want those around us to “see” we are Christians. We may adopt and adapt to many legalistic practices and get caught up in “doing” instead of “being or becoming like Christ.” We are different from the world, yes, but it is not because of any effort on our part. Dr Wagner gave a theological pattern of “the already-not yet” principle, as our example… “we are (presently) already seated with Christ, in heaven, but we have not yet become all God wants us to be, in reality.”

Let’s think about the life of a silkworm and a caterpillar. These creatures grew and performed, as was expected of their nature. They wiggled, squiggled, and buried themselves in the dirt. Yet, a time came when they began climbing higher, on their own. They chose a twig or leaf, upon which to attach themselves. The silkworm spins its cocoon and the caterpillar encloses itself in its chrysalis. They were bound, entrapped, and in total darkness by their own doing, but their genetics would not allow this to continue very long. The transforming process is unseen to the eyes of the beholder, but when they emerge from the cocoon and chrysalis the transformation is very evident… nothing of the old creature resembles the new creature. They have wings that move, as if in praise to the Creator. They fly, soar, and experience new heights… no longer bound, trapped, or in darkness. Their true beauty is very evident to all. We can reflect upon the "past tense" verbs used in the paragraph and the incidences of limitation, but once the "transformation" took place... "they had become what they were intended to be" when they were created. They did not struggle or fight against the process, but yielded to their destiny.

This is how a Christian should be… not allowing the external/ “outside” circumstances to rule and reign in our lives, but embrace the internal work of the Holy Spirit … allow God to “work out” the new life within us.

CHRISTIAN... PRESS ON!!!

Paul writes in Philippians 3:13c-14,"... forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Paul, literally, turned his back on his past life to actively "press toward the mark". The "mark" was unknown territory, yet he pursued and desired to attain the "prize"... the award/reward offered in this life, but will be given in a public presentation at the Judgment Seat of Christ. His purpose, cause, reason, or motive was to reach an intended goal to bring honor and glory to the Lord Jesus Christ.

As Christians, we often allow our past lives to hinder our Christian walk and service for Christ... this is a great tool of the devil to discourage and defeat us, as believers. Discouragement causes us to lose our confidence in Christ and what He wants to do in, with, and through us... it causes our enthusiasm in our Christian service to dwindle, thus leading to a casualty or near casualty in life's battle. Our past is time gone by that cannot or never will be recaptured... no changes can be made in it... it is recorded, as/in history, whether good or bad.

We are instructed by the Apostle Peter in 1 Peter 5:7-8, "Casting (throw) all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary (enemy or rival) the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour (consume with intense hunger):" Our care can be viewed as garbage... we bag the garbage and throw it away... it's out of sight; therefore, out of mind. We do not continually rummage through it, as though some prized possession is hidden there, neither should we allow it to stay around too long because it becomes stinky - it breeds worms, flies, bacteria, and can cause diseases... it becomes a cesspool of corruption. This should give us a vivid picture of how our dwelling on our past hinders our present/future Christian life and growth. It should open our "spiritual" eyes to how the devil wants to deceive and hinder us in our Christian walk. We must take assurance from what the Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." This is a very definite and present fact of the Christ-life, so Christian... WE MUST PRESS ON!!!