25 October 2011

daily prayer

      Good morning! How are we faithing? I saw some statements that made me pause and think. I see actions all around that bring up relevance to those statements and how we believers can and do ostracize people and reflect self righteousness rather than Jesus. This is very dangerous. What is dangerous you ask? "I am good because I know these truths and in fact, I am better than he or she because they do not." What a self indulgent load of manure. I know alot of things about my job but that doesn't make me better or smarter than anyone else. I may be proficient at my work but better than someone else because of it? Wake up.  Examples, if pornography activists are lobbying congress, I can lobby in opposition. If gay and lesbians are marching for rights, I have the right to march against. If immigrants rights are being protested, I have the right to protest in opposition. If abortion rights groups are protesting for, I have a right to protest against. If the Tea party is marching on the capitol, I have the right to march with or opposing. What I do not have the right to do is point fingers at the individual and condemn them. I do not have the right to personally attack someone for their beliefs. It is my responsibility to present what the Word says and what principles are taught in the Word in a dignified loving manner. The view of "Christians" is so messed up because of course the media, but also because we do not present our biblical views in a biblical manner. Jesus did not jump all over a sinner personally but showed compassion and the error of their ways. He still loved the sinner but hated the sin. What do you think will be gained by pointing a finger and condemning an individual for a sin when we are seen sinning also? Jesus spoke of what is sin. God sent the ten commandments. The Word explains what is right and what is wrong. We must present ourselves as a sacrifice for our savior with love and compassion to the lost. Jesus will deal with the sin in other's lives. We do have laws on the books and in a civil society it is important to have laws or we would degrade into a place where it would not be safe to even live but it is time we pause and look in the mirror to remember where and who we are and where we came from and with that in mind, present Jesus to the lost. We've said it before, people who don't know Jesus cannot be expected to act like him so why would a believer step in someone with judgemental rhetoric? Love the person, hate the sin and when the time is right, show what the Word says about the sin. Think about this today.



2 Corinthians 3:5-6

Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter, but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
NAS

1 Peter 4:14-19
If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. By no means let any of you suffer as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but in that name let him glorify God. For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner? Therefore, let those also who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.
NAS



Matthew 28:19-20
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. "
NAS

Remember Judy...remember Marie Collins...remember Joe L...
 
Heavenly Father,
  Thank you for saving a wretch like me. Help those who are searching for you. Open their eyes to your love and grace. Lord, grant me wisdom and compassion for all your creation. Help me be a righteous ambassador to the lost. Help me speak of your love for them and not have any fear. Help me remember I am no better than anybody. Help me seek you in all we do. Protect the innocent, heal those mentioned and those who are seeking your touch, in Jesus name, amen

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