James 1:27 NIV
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
James 1:26-27 MSG
Anyone who sets himself up as "religious" by talking a good game is self-deceived. This kind of religion is hot air and only hot air. Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world.
James 1:27 AMP
External religious worship [religion as it is expressed in outward acts] that is pure and unblemished in the sight of God the Father is this: to visit and help and care for the orphans and widows in their affliction and need, and to keep oneself unspotted and uncontaminated from the world.
It seems simple, help the "homeless and loveless in their plight" and don't be sucked into what the world thinks is important. Helping others, needs no further explaination. Not being of this world while we live in this world is a lot harder to understand. Should we completely deny ourselves and our familes and give most of what we have to others? Should we give only what we have as extra to others? Should we give out of love what we feel is appropriate?
2 Cor 8:13-15 NIV
"Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality, as it is written: “The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.”
So, it is somewhare in between, we should help others from our abundance and if the time ever comes we should need help we will be helped by others. Along with this I have the inner feeling that we should live frugal lives (not of this world but in this world). This means living below our means so that we have the resouces to help those less fortunate then we are. Most of us live in neighborhoods where our neighbor are not "homeless and loveless in their plight". We may have to look elsewhere to find those who disperately need help, it may be in other neighborhoods, it may be in other cities, it may be in other states, it may be in other countries.
I have read and prayed enough, it is now time to show my faith through actual actions.
James 2:14-26 NIV
Faith and Deeds
What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend. You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone. In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
I will pray to Jesus to give me the strength to do what is right through actions and to have the courage to ignore what others may think. To be in this world and not of this world - Amen!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Grace and Generosity
I just read "Don't Waste Your Life" by John Piper, it was a good book it had a lot of good ideas and points. The one point that keeps coming back to my thoughts are how the author suggested that we should be like Jesus and give grace (forgiveness) and be generous.
After thinking about this I agree that this is something that Jesus stated very clearly in his teachings. He stated that we should not forgive seven times but seventy seven times. In other words there should not be a limit to our ability to forgive someone that repents of their sins.
Luke 17:3-4 So watch yourselves. “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”
Matthew 6:14-15 "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."
The other half of this is to be generous
Proverbs 11:25 "A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed."
Proverbs 22:9 "The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor."
Luke 11:41 "But now as for what is inside you—be generous to the poor, and everything will be clean for you."
I know I used some old testament, but Jesus has been around since before time began.
So, it seems to me that being generous and giving forgiveness as often as possible is staying within Jesus's teaching about the two greatest commandments.
Mark 12:29-30 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
Because we all would like to be forgiven and we all appreciate the blessings we are given by the generousity of others. If God can be so generous with us and give us some many blessings, it seems like a simple thing to forgive others and to be generous.
I will pray for a heart that is forgiving and generous.
After thinking about this I agree that this is something that Jesus stated very clearly in his teachings. He stated that we should not forgive seven times but seventy seven times. In other words there should not be a limit to our ability to forgive someone that repents of their sins.
Luke 17:3-4 So watch yourselves. “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”
Matthew 6:14-15 "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."
The other half of this is to be generous
Proverbs 11:25 "A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed."
Proverbs 22:9 "The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor."
Luke 11:41 "But now as for what is inside you—be generous to the poor, and everything will be clean for you."
I know I used some old testament, but Jesus has been around since before time began.
So, it seems to me that being generous and giving forgiveness as often as possible is staying within Jesus's teaching about the two greatest commandments.
Mark 12:29-30 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
Because we all would like to be forgiven and we all appreciate the blessings we are given by the generousity of others. If God can be so generous with us and give us some many blessings, it seems like a simple thing to forgive others and to be generous.
I will pray for a heart that is forgiving and generous.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Listening to God - The Holy Spirit
I'm ashamed to admit it but I pray that God would lead me and show me how He wants me to live. Then when He tries to direct my life and tell me something to do I ignore it and or reason it away. What I'm talking about is how you get a gut feeling and or a thought to do something and instead of doing it you ignore that thought or inner voice or find a reason that you can't do it.
One example is when you may see a homeless person and you get the feeling to help that person but before you do you reason that they must want to be homeless in America because in America everyone can get help. Or that they probably are drug addicts and or drunks and only want to get their next fix.
Another simple example is when you get the feeling to call someone that you haven't spoken too in some time, but we shake that off as weird and go about or daily business. Then we you do take the time to call that person it usually points out why God wanted you to call. It may have been that person was thinking about you or some other reason. This isn't coincidence, this is the Holy Spirit directing us and we should follow.
You drive by or don't call that person and then when the Holy Spirit convicts you, you learn to ignore your feelings of regret. As you do this more and more you become hardened to God's word. You create a barrier between you and God's voice so that you can't hear Him anymore.
In the old testament in the Bible it speaks of the Hebrews as being a stiff neck group, stubborn, and unwilling to listen. I believe that is many of us, I know it is me in the way I let my daily thoughts and worries block out God's direction for my life.
God wants in on every aspect of our life from the simplest action to the grandest dream we may have. He loves every part of us and wants only the best for us even if we don't understand the final destination.
I pray that I will have the courage and faith to listen to God and immediately move in the direction he wants me to take. I also will pray that through this practice of listening that I will live a life being lead by God.
One example is when you may see a homeless person and you get the feeling to help that person but before you do you reason that they must want to be homeless in America because in America everyone can get help. Or that they probably are drug addicts and or drunks and only want to get their next fix.
Another simple example is when you get the feeling to call someone that you haven't spoken too in some time, but we shake that off as weird and go about or daily business. Then we you do take the time to call that person it usually points out why God wanted you to call. It may have been that person was thinking about you or some other reason. This isn't coincidence, this is the Holy Spirit directing us and we should follow.
You drive by or don't call that person and then when the Holy Spirit convicts you, you learn to ignore your feelings of regret. As you do this more and more you become hardened to God's word. You create a barrier between you and God's voice so that you can't hear Him anymore.
In the old testament in the Bible it speaks of the Hebrews as being a stiff neck group, stubborn, and unwilling to listen. I believe that is many of us, I know it is me in the way I let my daily thoughts and worries block out God's direction for my life.
God wants in on every aspect of our life from the simplest action to the grandest dream we may have. He loves every part of us and wants only the best for us even if we don't understand the final destination.
I pray that I will have the courage and faith to listen to God and immediately move in the direction he wants me to take. I also will pray that through this practice of listening that I will live a life being lead by God.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Judging Others
Lately I have been very critical of others. I have said somethings that were critical and in my heart I have been quietly judging others. How their actions or words were a big mistake and how they should be punished and pay for their words or actions.
The Holy Spirit has been condemning me for these words that I spoke and the thoughts that I have had and has caused me to think about what I have said and held in my heart. So, after some contemplation, I know in my heart (Holy Spirit) I'm not suppose to be critical of others and judge them. It doesn't mean I have to agree with what they have done and or allow evil to flourish., but I have to follow Luke 6:37 (NIV):
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."
So, if I believe the word of God and I most certainly do than I must follow the word of God and not Judge others.
I also believe we all reap what we sow -
Galatians 6:7 (NIV): "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows."
and we have to pay for our actions. So, the actions of others will be handled by God and what they receive in their life.
So, I will pray for strength from our Lord Jesus Christ so that I do not judge others so that I will not be judged.
The Holy Spirit has been condemning me for these words that I spoke and the thoughts that I have had and has caused me to think about what I have said and held in my heart. So, after some contemplation, I know in my heart (Holy Spirit) I'm not suppose to be critical of others and judge them. It doesn't mean I have to agree with what they have done and or allow evil to flourish., but I have to follow Luke 6:37 (NIV):
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."
So, if I believe the word of God and I most certainly do than I must follow the word of God and not Judge others.
I also believe we all reap what we sow -
Galatians 6:7 (NIV): "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows."
and we have to pay for our actions. So, the actions of others will be handled by God and what they receive in their life.
So, I will pray for strength from our Lord Jesus Christ so that I do not judge others so that I will not be judged.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Native American Wisdom
When I was in the other world with the Old Man,
I saw all the people who have died.
But they were not sad....
It was a pleasant land, level without
rocks or mountains, green all the time, and rich
with an abundance of game and fish.
Everyone was forever young.
After showing me all of heaven, God told me to
go back to earth and tell his people you must be
good and love one another, have no quarreling,
and live in peace....
Wovoka, Paiute
(His vision of the Ghost Dance revival, 1889)
I saw all the people who have died.
But they were not sad....
It was a pleasant land, level without
rocks or mountains, green all the time, and rich
with an abundance of game and fish.
Everyone was forever young.
After showing me all of heaven, God told me to
go back to earth and tell his people you must be
good and love one another, have no quarreling,
and live in peace....
Wovoka, Paiute
(His vision of the Ghost Dance revival, 1889)
Sunday, April 3, 2011
In this way of life!
Matthew 28:18-20 (The Message)
Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: "God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age."
He doesn't say give 10% tithe to the church!
He doesn't say meet every Sunday to sing and pray together!
He says to go and Baptise people and train them in the way of life, what is this way of life?
This seems to be the question that is constantly coming to me as I live my life - WHAT IS THIS WAY OF LIFE!
Is it the American Dream? This is the stress, this is the hard way through life.
I believe it is something more and I also belive it is easier than we all try to make it.
Jesus said: - "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:30 (NIV)
His yoke is easy not hard - His way is easy not hard, His burden is light not heavy.
I will pray that I have the courage and strength to find and live the life that Jesus wants for me and wants for everyone.
Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: "God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age."
- Train them in "this way of life"
- Baptism
- "instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you"
He doesn't say give 10% tithe to the church!
He doesn't say meet every Sunday to sing and pray together!
He says to go and Baptise people and train them in the way of life, what is this way of life?
This seems to be the question that is constantly coming to me as I live my life - WHAT IS THIS WAY OF LIFE!
Is it the American Dream? This is the stress, this is the hard way through life.
I believe it is something more and I also belive it is easier than we all try to make it.
Jesus said: - "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:30 (NIV)
His yoke is easy not hard - His way is easy not hard, His burden is light not heavy.
I will pray that I have the courage and strength to find and live the life that Jesus wants for me and wants for everyone.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
How to Live!
Micah 6:8 Message
"But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do,
what God is looking for in men and women.
It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor,
be compassionate and loyal in your love,
And don't take yourself too seriously -
take God seriously.
Seems pretty easy, so, why do we get so much religion and not just the simple facts of what God wants.
"But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do,
what God is looking for in men and women.
It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor,
be compassionate and loyal in your love,
And don't take yourself too seriously -
take God seriously.
Seems pretty easy, so, why do we get so much religion and not just the simple facts of what God wants.
Monday, February 7, 2011
What we do for the Lest we do for Jesus!
I believe in religion, especially today, we get caught up in the very fine points of what the Bible tells us. We analyze every verse and try to see what the deeper meaning of the words are telling us. But, we overlook what Jesus was really telling us in his words.
Everyone should pay attention to the RED words, but it seems we just skim over what Jesus actually said. He said the following when it comes to how we should live: (I will paraphrase)
Feed the hungry, help the homeless, help a prison ministry, help the needy, help the broken, etc. But, this is what the Apolostles did once Jesus was cruciifed, they sold everything and lived in common and helped the widows and the orphans.
I have never heard a church say that were given 60% of everything we take in to help the above causes. They usually give 10% of what they take in for these items and the rest for salaries and builidng cost. They always ask for the tithes and above the tithes for the new pet project like:
I do believe that spreading the gospel is extremely important, but I just feel that sometimes we need our actions (doing the things above) to spread the gospel and not just our preaching to do what is right.
I'm just as hypocritical as anyone and have been ignoring what Jesus so clearly tells us as important. I will pray for direction and the strength to take action on what I need to do to live, really live a life that matters to Jesus!
Everyone should pay attention to the RED words, but it seems we just skim over what Jesus actually said. He said the following when it comes to how we should live: (I will paraphrase)
- Love God
- Love Jesus
- Love your neighbor
- Feed the Hungry
- Give clothes to those in need
- Look after the sick
- Invite a Stranger in - be hospitable
- Visit those in prison - help them
- Tithe
- Spread the Gospel
- How we should get along with each other
- How we should break bad habits
- How we need to read the Bible
- How we need a one time donation for a pet project
Feed the hungry, help the homeless, help a prison ministry, help the needy, help the broken, etc. But, this is what the Apolostles did once Jesus was cruciifed, they sold everything and lived in common and helped the widows and the orphans.
I have never heard a church say that were given 60% of everything we take in to help the above causes. They usually give 10% of what they take in for these items and the rest for salaries and builidng cost. They always ask for the tithes and above the tithes for the new pet project like:
- Parking lot
- High Def Camera
- More space
- Better furniture
- Kids area
- etc.
I do believe that spreading the gospel is extremely important, but I just feel that sometimes we need our actions (doing the things above) to spread the gospel and not just our preaching to do what is right.
I'm just as hypocritical as anyone and have been ignoring what Jesus so clearly tells us as important. I will pray for direction and the strength to take action on what I need to do to live, really live a life that matters to Jesus!
Matthew 25:34-46 NIV
Matthew 25:34-46 NIV
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’
44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’
46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’
44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’
46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
Sunday, February 6, 2011
"I am the way and the truth and the life."
John 14:6 NIV "I am the way and the truth and the life."
I have always been intrigued by this passage of scripture. The words seem easy, but what do they really mean?
Way, Truth, Life
The way:
Jesus is telling us the way to the Father and he is the way. He is telling us that if we love him and follow his commands then we will be with him and with the Father one day. He is the path to Heaven!
The truth:
Jesus spoke the truth, God's truth. He tells us parables to try and teach us what Heaven is like and how we should pray and live. Like in John 1:14, "The word became flesh". God's word was in Jesus and he spoke those words to us.
The life:
Jesus shows us the way, he does this by the way he lived his life. We can use his example of his life to try and emulate how we are suppose to live.
Why does this seem so simple, yet it becomes so hard to do. I will pray for the strength to do what is right in life - to love and to live.
I have always been intrigued by this passage of scripture. The words seem easy, but what do they really mean?
Way, Truth, Life
The way:
Jesus is telling us the way to the Father and he is the way. He is telling us that if we love him and follow his commands then we will be with him and with the Father one day. He is the path to Heaven!
The truth:
Jesus spoke the truth, God's truth. He tells us parables to try and teach us what Heaven is like and how we should pray and live. Like in John 1:14, "The word became flesh". God's word was in Jesus and he spoke those words to us.
The life:
Jesus shows us the way, he does this by the way he lived his life. We can use his example of his life to try and emulate how we are suppose to live.
Why does this seem so simple, yet it becomes so hard to do. I will pray for the strength to do what is right in life - to love and to live.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
It's who you are and the way you live that count before God.
John 4:21-24 Message
21-23"Believe me, woman, the time is coming when you Samaritans will worship the Father neither here at this mountain nor there in Jerusalem. You worship guessing in the dark; we Jews worship in the clear light of day. God's way of salvation is made available through the Jews. But the time is coming—it has, in fact, come—when what you're called will not matter and where you go to worship will not matter.
23-24"It's who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That's the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration."
This passage is awesome, we just need to be ourselves and live a good life before God. Why is it that we always seem to care more about religion than what truly matters and that is our relationship with Jesus Christ.
21-23"Believe me, woman, the time is coming when you Samaritans will worship the Father neither here at this mountain nor there in Jerusalem. You worship guessing in the dark; we Jews worship in the clear light of day. God's way of salvation is made available through the Jews. But the time is coming—it has, in fact, come—when what you're called will not matter and where you go to worship will not matter.
23-24"It's who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That's the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration."
This passage is awesome, we just need to be ourselves and live a good life before God. Why is it that we always seem to care more about religion than what truly matters and that is our relationship with Jesus Christ.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Holidays and Family
During the holiday season it is always a time to visit family and friends. This can be both joyous and stressful depending on how the time with your family goes. I have become alot more relaxed over the years with my family. I now enjoy this time and feel blessed to be able to see my loved ones. Ive always loved my family but due to the pains of growing up and the resentment and anger I held inside, it would always make this time strenuous at best.
I have learned to forgive everyone, or at least I'm still trying. Forgiving others has been enlightening and has in a way removed some of the burden from my shoulders. Its like removing an unseen weight and being able to be relaxed and comfortable with those around me.
I have done many things that were selfish and mean to the ones who love me the most and for that I'm truly sorry. All I can do now is forgive others for their shortcomings and hopefully, they will forgive me for my mistakes.
I pray that I never forget the gift that family is and that I always give time to see them when the chance is presented. Life is short and we never know how many days we have on this planet.
I have learned to forgive everyone, or at least I'm still trying. Forgiving others has been enlightening and has in a way removed some of the burden from my shoulders. Its like removing an unseen weight and being able to be relaxed and comfortable with those around me.
I have done many things that were selfish and mean to the ones who love me the most and for that I'm truly sorry. All I can do now is forgive others for their shortcomings and hopefully, they will forgive me for my mistakes.
I pray that I never forget the gift that family is and that I always give time to see them when the chance is presented. Life is short and we never know how many days we have on this planet.
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