Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Scared New World or Jesus
Back in the mid 2oth century a book named "Brave New World" by author Aldous Huxley became one of the standard bearers of a new generation in the West.
It basically talked of world in the 21st century where society had embraced a very different new set of mores and ideals. This resulted in sexual promiscuity and a lessening of the value of the individual human and family. It was a world submerged and moulded by unfamiliar (at that time) values. It was regarded as one of the most important literary works of the 20th Century in many circles.
Sad to say, though, it seems we are now living in 2012 in a Brave New World of post Christian values. It seems that the western world has by and large rejected and disowned its awesome Judeo/Christian heritage that shaped the increase of England, Europe and in more recent times the United States.
The nations that have a Judeo/Christian heritage have a wonderful history of world leadership in the development of medicine, hospitals, schools and education. (Inventions too)
It is no accident either that these same cultures and nations have been exceedingly blessed and prospered in tangible ways such as economic prosperity and living standards. The statistics of increase and wealth and well being are stunning to read about when it comes to western nations in recent centuries.
For example, I read in a book penned by one of the worlds current leading authors, that the USA in the 1950s had 80% of the worlds electrical goods, controlled almost 70% of the worlds production, produced close to half the worlds electricity and way over half of the worlds oil and steel.
America at that time had only around 5% of the world population yet had more wealth than the other 95%. During this time, America was also very strong in Christian faith, by and large. (Judeo belief was also well represented)
Back in the 1800s a foreign sociologist visiting America was thought to have written this well known quote concerning America. Whoever wrote this, it is an interesting assessment.
"In the end, the state of the Union comes down to the character of the people. I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbors and her ample rivers, and it was not there. In the fertile fields and boundless prairies, and it was not there. In her rich mines and her vast world commerce, and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits, aflame with righteousness, did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because she is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great."
Note: It is interesting to see that China is now about 10% Christian, many link her recent Christian revival amongst business people and workers to her current econonomic rise out of the oppressive poverty of last century etc. (Of course China has in earlier history always had a great work and study ethic for thousands of years)
In todays world, adherence to a particular faith, is often seen as a social evil. Instead we are all urged to embrace interfaithism and believe all religious teaching from all cultures. Of course, we should all respect,love and forgive each other , regardless of our religious or spiritual beliefs. This does not mean though that we should disown our faith and beliefs in favour of a blend of all other beliefs so we might have unity based on absolute compromise of religion and invent our own brand of interfaith unity.
I have noticed in recent decades that people in western cultures are increasingly celebrating the religions of other nations and cultures and denying the validity and even villifying their own heritages. ( this is perticularly true of those with a Christian heritage)
The Message of Jesus and His Death on the Cross is unpopular and even offensive to many today, but the reality is that it is still the only guaranteed Way to have all ones sins forgiven and have a genuine assurance of a home in an Eternal Heaven.
As an old Gospel singer from the late 60s sang
"Why dont you look into Jesus--He is the Answer!"
John 15
JB phillips version--Words of Jesus
I am the vine itself, you are the branches. It is the man who shares my life and whose life I share who proves fruitful. For the plain fact is that apart from me you can do nothing at all. The man who does not share my life is like a branch that is broken off and withers away. He becomes just like the dry sticks that men pick up and use for the firewood. But if you live your life in me, and my words live in your hearts, you can ask for whatever you like and it will come true for you. This is how my Father will be glorified—in your becoming fruitful and being my disciples.
9-15 “I have loved you just as the Father has loved me. You must go on living in my love. If you keep my commandments you will live in my love just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and live in his love. I have told you this so that you can share my joy, and that your happiness may be complete. This is my commandment: that you love each other as I have loved you. There is no greater love than this—that a man should lay down his life for his friends.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Jesus Our Ultimate Defence Attorney/He paid our Fee
He's there from now to eternity to save everyone who comes to God through him, always on the job to speak up for them.
It is awesome to know that God has provided the Ultimate Covenant relationship for us to enjoy with Him. Most native tribes have blood covenants (or blood brotherhood). There is something about blood that seals a relationship in the ultimate bond of integrity and trust.
Most of us have heard the old expression "Blood is thicker than water" This meant to signify that familial ties are much stronger than non familial friendships. We all love our good friends and at times we even like and enjoy our friends more than our blood relatives. But when "push comes to shove", as it were, our blood ties with our close family relatives will supercede even our best friendships and social relatives. This is true even if a family member is not even enjoyable to associate with. The recognition of shared blood and genealogy trumps other factors like shared interests and sense of humour.
This is why we feel we need to be there for our families even when we are irritated by them at times. This is what the saying "blood is thicker than water" means. Ancient tribes have cut the blood covenant with each other for thousands of years. A tribe that is strong econonomically may cut a covenant with one that is strong in military matters. This way they share each others strengths and cover one anothers weaknesses. This means they may make an incision on their arms and mingle each others blood to display blood ties and cohesion in the face of a mutual enemy or problem.
God Himself is the originator of the Blood Covenant in the human family. Marriage is the Ultimate Blood Covenant in earthly relationships. In this case the shedding and mingling of blood etc takes place in the awesome bonding of spiritual, mental, emotional and sexual intercourse. The breaking of the female hymen on the wedding night was the evidence of the Blood Covenant between man and wife on the marriage bed sheet. In ancient Israeli culture (and many others) this was a time of great joy and celebration when the family and wedding guests saw the evidence of the covenant on the sheet that was shown to the crowd outside the bridal chamber.
Of course in our modern dating culture the shedding of the blood is rarely seen on a wedding night as most people lose their virginity (male or female) long before the wedding night. Nevertheless, even without the attending physical evidence a true marriage celebrated before God is still seen in Gods eyes as a Blood Covenant that binds a man and woman in fidelity and self sacrificing love until death.
Now we come to the Spiritual side of Covenant between God and man. Under the old testament there was the Abrahamic covenant (male circumcision was the token of the covenant) There is much to say on this subject, but we will save it for another article. This was a blood covenant that gave man at that time access to God like never before. I will now move on to the New Covenant or New Testament, this is the ultimate covenant and can never be changed or improved on. In this Covenant God Himself becomes a Man and allows His own being to be mutilated beyond description as a self sacrifice for all of mankinds sin so that we can have the Ultimate relationship with God forever.
This involved the Precious Blood of Christ to be shed to inaugaurate the Everlasting Covenant. This means we gave our sin to Him on the Cross and He gave His Righteousness to us based not on what we did, but on what He did. This is why its His Righteousness! Its not our good works but His Finished Work forever, that seals our covenant and guarantees Heaven for all who have Faith in Jesus and His work on the Cross (The Cross involved His Death, Burial, Resurrection and Ascension.)
The Mediator’s Death Necessary
Hebrews 9:16 For where there is a testament, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. 17 For a testament is in force after men are dead, since it has no power at all while the testator lives. 18 Therefore not even the first covenant was dedicated without blood.
Hebrews9:12 Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. 14 how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 15 And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant.
Hebrews 7:22 The Message version
God gave his word; he won't take it back: "You're the permanent priest." This makes Jesus the guarantee of a far better way between us and God—one that really works! A new covenant. 23-25Earlier there were a lot of priests, for they died and had to be replaced. But Jesus' priesthood is permanent. He's there from now to eternity to save everyone who comes to God through him, always on the job to speak up for them. 26-28So now we have a high priest who perfectly fits our needs: completely holy, uncompromised by sin, with authority extending as high as God's presence in heaven itself.
Unlike the other high priests, he doesn't have to offer sacrifices for his own sins every day before he can get around to us and our sins. He's done it, once and for all: offered up himself as the sacrifice.
It is awesome to know that God has provided the Ultimate Covenant relationship for us to enjoy with Him. Most native tribes have blood covenants (or blood brotherhood). There is something about blood that seals a relationship in the ultimate bond of integrity and trust.
Most of us have heard the old expression "Blood is thicker than water" This meant to signify that familial ties are much stronger than non familial friendships. We all love our good friends and at times we even like and enjoy our friends more than our blood relatives. But when "push comes to shove", as it were, our blood ties with our close family relatives will supercede even our best friendships and social relatives. This is true even if a family member is not even enjoyable to associate with. The recognition of shared blood and genealogy trumps other factors like shared interests and sense of humour.
This is why we feel we need to be there for our families even when we are irritated by them at times. This is what the saying "blood is thicker than water" means. Ancient tribes have cut the blood covenant with each other for thousands of years. A tribe that is strong econonomically may cut a covenant with one that is strong in military matters. This way they share each others strengths and cover one anothers weaknesses. This means they may make an incision on their arms and mingle each others blood to display blood ties and cohesion in the face of a mutual enemy or problem.
God Himself is the originator of the Blood Covenant in the human family. Marriage is the Ultimate Blood Covenant in earthly relationships. In this case the shedding and mingling of blood etc takes place in the awesome bonding of spiritual, mental, emotional and sexual intercourse. The breaking of the female hymen on the wedding night was the evidence of the Blood Covenant between man and wife on the marriage bed sheet. In ancient Israeli culture (and many others) this was a time of great joy and celebration when the family and wedding guests saw the evidence of the covenant on the sheet that was shown to the crowd outside the bridal chamber.
Of course in our modern dating culture the shedding of the blood is rarely seen on a wedding night as most people lose their virginity (male or female) long before the wedding night. Nevertheless, even without the attending physical evidence a true marriage celebrated before God is still seen in Gods eyes as a Blood Covenant that binds a man and woman in fidelity and self sacrificing love until death.
Now we come to the Spiritual side of Covenant between God and man. Under the old testament there was the Abrahamic covenant (male circumcision was the token of the covenant) There is much to say on this subject, but we will save it for another article. This was a blood covenant that gave man at that time access to God like never before. I will now move on to the New Covenant or New Testament, this is the ultimate covenant and can never be changed or improved on. In this Covenant God Himself becomes a Man and allows His own being to be mutilated beyond description as a self sacrifice for all of mankinds sin so that we can have the Ultimate relationship with God forever.
This involved the Precious Blood of Christ to be shed to inaugaurate the Everlasting Covenant. This means we gave our sin to Him on the Cross and He gave His Righteousness to us based not on what we did, but on what He did. This is why its His Righteousness! Its not our good works but His Finished Work forever, that seals our covenant and guarantees Heaven for all who have Faith in Jesus and His work on the Cross (The Cross involved His Death, Burial, Resurrection and Ascension.)
The Mediator’s Death Necessary
Hebrews 9:16 For where there is a testament, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. 17 For a testament is in force after men are dead, since it has no power at all while the testator lives. 18 Therefore not even the first covenant was dedicated without blood.
Hebrews9:12 Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. 14 how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 15 And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant.
Hebrews 7:22 The Message version
God gave his word; he won't take it back: "You're the permanent priest." This makes Jesus the guarantee of a far better way between us and God—one that really works! A new covenant. 23-25Earlier there were a lot of priests, for they died and had to be replaced. But Jesus' priesthood is permanent. He's there from now to eternity to save everyone who comes to God through him, always on the job to speak up for them. 26-28So now we have a high priest who perfectly fits our needs: completely holy, uncompromised by sin, with authority extending as high as God's presence in heaven itself.
Unlike the other high priests, he doesn't have to offer sacrifices for his own sins every day before he can get around to us and our sins. He's done it, once and for all: offered up himself as the sacrifice.
Monday, April 23, 2012
the Ultimate Fix
We live in a notoriously "buzz" oriented culture, vast numbers of the populous are desperately searching for a "fix". In drug circles, a fix is often associated with narcotic drug usage.
It denotes the sense of relief and short lived well being that a drug user has when the drug delivers him from the gnawing pain and emptiness of heavy drug withdrawals. Of course this is just a fleeting fix of the problem, as it were.
Sadly, with addiction,the cure is the disease. With every extra "fix" that is received, there is an equal and opposite compounding and escalation of the disease or problem. This creates a vicious cycle which necessitates an even increased dosage of the substance to "fix". This tyrannous addictive cycle keeps ramping up and becoming something like an all consuming conflagration that overtakes all of the dependents waking hours.
Of course, this cycle is not limited to drug or alcohol addiction but a very similar cycle of destructive desire and appeasement is all too familiar also in the realms of pornography, gambling, promiscuity. Even food addiction is a life threatening problem today. It is common today to see TV shows showing the plight of 300 kilo (600 lb) victims of food induced obesity that has absolutely decimated a victims life.
Some even weigh almost half a ton and are bed ridden and unable to stand and need a staff of handlers to even function. One man had to have the wall of his house removed in order to be taken to hospital, he could not be taken through doorways he was so huge. Cranes were deployed to lift him.
This is all due to a firestorm of addiction in a persons life. It all comes from seeking a "fix" or relief from life's stresses and problems.
Even good legitimate gifts from God like, food, sex, sports, or even work can be deadly when linked to serious addictive tendencies.
The Bible describes the principle of addiction as the "Law of Sin and Death". It also uses the term "sowing to the flesh". The Biblical term "carnal minded" is also used. All of these terms describe the problem of unrestrained attempts to satisfy the heart cry of the human spirit with carnal, fleshly unspiritual things or experiences.
Romans 8:2
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death
Romans 8:6
For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Galatians 6:8
For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.
All of the above verses speak of the miraculous antidote to addictive tendencies that God has graciously prescribed for all who ask for His help to solve impossible problems in every area of life. The Bible term "sin" is an old archery term meaning "to miss the mark". If we are honest ,we can all relate to "missing the mark" in our actions, thoughts or attitudes.
Usually when the word "sin" is used it often evokes a negative religious understanding in many people minds. This is not what Jesus or God intended. Rather it is an understanding of our own imperfection and tendency towards negative and even dangerous habitual cycles that become big problems if the right solution is not found.
When the Bible speaks of all having sinned, it is not intended to condemn or denigrate but that rather we be honest with ourselves and admit our dilemna, whether it be internal or external in expression. God alone has the ultimate free and true solution to mans common problem.
Jesus promises freedom,Love,Joy and Peace to all who come to Him in honest recognition of their situation. He is the true answer. Yes medical science, therapies and all the other wonderful sciences have their place in expediting the healing process. But even when medicine and science fails, there is One Greater than all who asks us to believe and receive His Divine healing, Forgiveness and recreation.
Matthew 11:28
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
2 Corinthians 5:21
For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
John 7:38
He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.
All of the above verses also speak of the tangible release from fear and addiction that Jesus provides to all who come to Him with a humble desire to be renewed and set free.
Godspeed to all! Never give up hope, God loves even the worst sinners.(mark missers) They often become his best instruments to touch the world with Jesus Love.
.
It denotes the sense of relief and short lived well being that a drug user has when the drug delivers him from the gnawing pain and emptiness of heavy drug withdrawals. Of course this is just a fleeting fix of the problem, as it were.
Sadly, with addiction,the cure is the disease. With every extra "fix" that is received, there is an equal and opposite compounding and escalation of the disease or problem. This creates a vicious cycle which necessitates an even increased dosage of the substance to "fix". This tyrannous addictive cycle keeps ramping up and becoming something like an all consuming conflagration that overtakes all of the dependents waking hours.
Of course, this cycle is not limited to drug or alcohol addiction but a very similar cycle of destructive desire and appeasement is all too familiar also in the realms of pornography, gambling, promiscuity. Even food addiction is a life threatening problem today. It is common today to see TV shows showing the plight of 300 kilo (600 lb) victims of food induced obesity that has absolutely decimated a victims life.
Some even weigh almost half a ton and are bed ridden and unable to stand and need a staff of handlers to even function. One man had to have the wall of his house removed in order to be taken to hospital, he could not be taken through doorways he was so huge. Cranes were deployed to lift him.
This is all due to a firestorm of addiction in a persons life. It all comes from seeking a "fix" or relief from life's stresses and problems.
Even good legitimate gifts from God like, food, sex, sports, or even work can be deadly when linked to serious addictive tendencies.
The Bible describes the principle of addiction as the "Law of Sin and Death". It also uses the term "sowing to the flesh". The Biblical term "carnal minded" is also used. All of these terms describe the problem of unrestrained attempts to satisfy the heart cry of the human spirit with carnal, fleshly unspiritual things or experiences.
Romans 8:2
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death
Romans 8:6
For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Galatians 6:8
For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.
All of the above verses speak of the miraculous antidote to addictive tendencies that God has graciously prescribed for all who ask for His help to solve impossible problems in every area of life. The Bible term "sin" is an old archery term meaning "to miss the mark". If we are honest ,we can all relate to "missing the mark" in our actions, thoughts or attitudes.
Usually when the word "sin" is used it often evokes a negative religious understanding in many people minds. This is not what Jesus or God intended. Rather it is an understanding of our own imperfection and tendency towards negative and even dangerous habitual cycles that become big problems if the right solution is not found.
When the Bible speaks of all having sinned, it is not intended to condemn or denigrate but that rather we be honest with ourselves and admit our dilemna, whether it be internal or external in expression. God alone has the ultimate free and true solution to mans common problem.
Jesus promises freedom,Love,Joy and Peace to all who come to Him in honest recognition of their situation. He is the true answer. Yes medical science, therapies and all the other wonderful sciences have their place in expediting the healing process. But even when medicine and science fails, there is One Greater than all who asks us to believe and receive His Divine healing, Forgiveness and recreation.
Matthew 11:28
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
2 Corinthians 5:21
For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
John 7:38
He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.
All of the above verses also speak of the tangible release from fear and addiction that Jesus provides to all who come to Him with a humble desire to be renewed and set free.
Godspeed to all! Never give up hope, God loves even the worst sinners.(mark missers) They often become his best instruments to touch the world with Jesus Love.
.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Living in the Secret Place.
In the 1980s, I read a book by a Swiss Theologian/Psychiatrist entitled "Looking for a Place". The whole thrust and theme of this book was the revelation that people of all tribes, tongues and kindreds are continually searching for a place of rest, fulfillment, significance, achievement and peace. In other words, people long for a dwelling place they can call home.
Of course this search runs much deeper than just a physical address or geographical location, though this is part of the equation. Many people are continually doing a "Geographical" to coin a term. This is a hope that in a new job, home, state, or country they will find the elusive "place" of destiny , love and significance.
It is described well by the saying "The grass is greener on the other side".
One commentator remarked that " The grass may or may not be greener, but one thing is certain, you will still have to mow it when you get there."
How true this is, we are often deluded into chasing pipe dreams or pots of gold at the end of the rainbow. Often, when we arrive at the imagined location of our, new place, we realize our perceptions are more often a disappointing mirage.
In the Bible-- Abraham, the old Jewish Patriarch and Father of Faith went out looking for " A City whose builder and maker is God". Of course in this case he was not deluded or on a wild goose chase, he was genuinely called by God to leave his home country and find the promised land.
Today people still want to find the "Promised Land" where God Himself is manifested to bless, lead and guide. The only problem is it can not be received on a natural,sensory level. We may be able to settle in a lovely area with good friends and neighbors and have the support of loving family
members but this, while important and wonderful, can never meet the deepest heartcry and yearning of the human spirit.
The Bible teaches that we are created by God and for God. People and things are not enough, we need to dwell in the "Secret Place" of Gods Presence.
Th old Hymn "Great is Thy Faithfulness" has a verse that describes it well.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
The book I read called "Looking for a Place" came to the conclusion that man will never find a perfect location here on earth, there will always be a sense of lack and longing here. Its only when we actually arrive in Heaven will we perfectly find what the human heart craves. This is true in the ultimate sense-- but God has made great provision while we live in this world. The Good News is that, we can enter into the very Throne of God by prayer and faith. We can experience the Eternal Blessings of Heaven even in this world of sadness and pain. We can have His Peace in the cruelest of lifes storms.
2 Corinthians16-18 (Message version)
So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever.
Of course this search runs much deeper than just a physical address or geographical location, though this is part of the equation. Many people are continually doing a "Geographical" to coin a term. This is a hope that in a new job, home, state, or country they will find the elusive "place" of destiny , love and significance.
It is described well by the saying "The grass is greener on the other side".
One commentator remarked that " The grass may or may not be greener, but one thing is certain, you will still have to mow it when you get there."
How true this is, we are often deluded into chasing pipe dreams or pots of gold at the end of the rainbow. Often, when we arrive at the imagined location of our, new place, we realize our perceptions are more often a disappointing mirage.
In the Bible-- Abraham, the old Jewish Patriarch and Father of Faith went out looking for " A City whose builder and maker is God". Of course in this case he was not deluded or on a wild goose chase, he was genuinely called by God to leave his home country and find the promised land.
Today people still want to find the "Promised Land" where God Himself is manifested to bless, lead and guide. The only problem is it can not be received on a natural,sensory level. We may be able to settle in a lovely area with good friends and neighbors and have the support of loving family
members but this, while important and wonderful, can never meet the deepest heartcry and yearning of the human spirit.
The Bible teaches that we are created by God and for God. People and things are not enough, we need to dwell in the "Secret Place" of Gods Presence.
Th old Hymn "Great is Thy Faithfulness" has a verse that describes it well.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
The book I read called "Looking for a Place" came to the conclusion that man will never find a perfect location here on earth, there will always be a sense of lack and longing here. Its only when we actually arrive in Heaven will we perfectly find what the human heart craves. This is true in the ultimate sense-- but God has made great provision while we live in this world. The Good News is that, we can enter into the very Throne of God by prayer and faith. We can experience the Eternal Blessings of Heaven even in this world of sadness and pain. We can have His Peace in the cruelest of lifes storms.
2 Corinthians16-18 (Message version)
So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
There is only One Hiding Place.
Today people try to hide from lifes storms in many and varied ways.
Some of the more obvious places include, drug and alcohol abuse, promiscuous sexual addictions, gaming, gambling and pornography lusts.
It is easy to understand why many folks turn to these powerful experiences, the short lived "high" of these various pursuits does give a temporary sense of relief from lifes problems and sufferings.
The big problem though is that when the "high' is over, there is the corresponding let down or crash. During this crash phase of any addictive cycle people can become suicidally depressed about their lives and their futures. On the other hand, during the mountaintop or "rush" phase of the experience, many people suffer from delusions of grandeur. They have the sense of being "bulletproof idols" and believe they can easily achieve the fulfillment of delusional dreams or goals that have been unrealistically set.
Of course this only causes the crash phase to be even worse and even more disillusioning the next time around. In the cold light of reality the dream evaporates and with it the euphoria of grandiose delusions.
There are many other so called "Hiding Places" besides the more decadent variety that we have just mentioned.
Today there is a proliferation of extreme risk taking athletes, who get the ultimate adrenaline rush from life threatening exploits, in fields of sport and outdoor activities.
One branch that comes to mind are the "Wingsuit Basejumpers" who outrageously risk life and limb and even live homeless vagabond lifestyles, eating junk and discarded food in order to have finances sufficient to mount expeditions to exotic clifftop locations where they don their wingsuits and parachutes. Then they jump into the unknown, missing rocky outcrops at speeds of up to 150MPH, by inches, in order to briefly explode with adrenaline for the buzz.
One group of these amazing people were interviewed by a TV crew, there were 5 of them. One man had a photo of the group from a few years earlier, in this shot their were 10 basejumpers. One of them explained that the other 5 had died in basejump crashes since the last photo.
One girl had survived hitting the ground at 100kmh and her body from the hips down was shattered to pieces. It took a lot of metal fixation work/physical therapy and 5 years before she could walk properly but she said it was all worth the thrill and would gladly do it all again for the experience.
On a more subtle level we all succumb to turning to experiences, sports, work or other exploits to distract us from the turmoil or weariness of our daily lives. Of course, there is nothing wrong with enjoying what life has to offer in a balanced and temperate way. In fact the Bible says that "God has given us all things to richly enjoy" (1 Tim 6:17)
One man said, "God likes us having money, things, and experiences as long as all these things dont have us" Think about that statement!
In the final analysis, the only true "Hiding Place" that really produces peace and rest in the long term is the "Secret Place of the Most High God".
Another term the Scripture uses is "Under the Shelter of His Wings". Also, "In the Shadow of the Almighty" One old Hymn says " Rock of Ages , Cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee"
These are all phrases to describe the place of unspeakable Peace, Love, Joy, Kindness, Light and Strength that is available to those who yield their lives to Jesus Christ. These develop a relationship with Him that allows them to cling to, cleave to and rely upon Him for their Spiritual sustenance and inspiration.
Jesus is the Bread of Life and Living Water, He feeds and and satisfies us us in the innermost recesses of our whole being. He will bring the Ultimate and Eternal Fulfillment thats makes an Eternal Hiding Place for us to dwell in, secure from all that is not Love.
As one songwriter in the 60s sang "Why dont you look into Jesus, He is the the answer"
Jesus Prays (In John 17)
20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message,
21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—
23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
24 “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world
Some of the more obvious places include, drug and alcohol abuse, promiscuous sexual addictions, gaming, gambling and pornography lusts.
It is easy to understand why many folks turn to these powerful experiences, the short lived "high" of these various pursuits does give a temporary sense of relief from lifes problems and sufferings.
The big problem though is that when the "high' is over, there is the corresponding let down or crash. During this crash phase of any addictive cycle people can become suicidally depressed about their lives and their futures. On the other hand, during the mountaintop or "rush" phase of the experience, many people suffer from delusions of grandeur. They have the sense of being "bulletproof idols" and believe they can easily achieve the fulfillment of delusional dreams or goals that have been unrealistically set.
Of course this only causes the crash phase to be even worse and even more disillusioning the next time around. In the cold light of reality the dream evaporates and with it the euphoria of grandiose delusions.
There are many other so called "Hiding Places" besides the more decadent variety that we have just mentioned.
Today there is a proliferation of extreme risk taking athletes, who get the ultimate adrenaline rush from life threatening exploits, in fields of sport and outdoor activities.
One branch that comes to mind are the "Wingsuit Basejumpers" who outrageously risk life and limb and even live homeless vagabond lifestyles, eating junk and discarded food in order to have finances sufficient to mount expeditions to exotic clifftop locations where they don their wingsuits and parachutes. Then they jump into the unknown, missing rocky outcrops at speeds of up to 150MPH, by inches, in order to briefly explode with adrenaline for the buzz.
One group of these amazing people were interviewed by a TV crew, there were 5 of them. One man had a photo of the group from a few years earlier, in this shot their were 10 basejumpers. One of them explained that the other 5 had died in basejump crashes since the last photo.
One girl had survived hitting the ground at 100kmh and her body from the hips down was shattered to pieces. It took a lot of metal fixation work/physical therapy and 5 years before she could walk properly but she said it was all worth the thrill and would gladly do it all again for the experience.
On a more subtle level we all succumb to turning to experiences, sports, work or other exploits to distract us from the turmoil or weariness of our daily lives. Of course, there is nothing wrong with enjoying what life has to offer in a balanced and temperate way. In fact the Bible says that "God has given us all things to richly enjoy" (1 Tim 6:17)
One man said, "God likes us having money, things, and experiences as long as all these things dont have us" Think about that statement!
In the final analysis, the only true "Hiding Place" that really produces peace and rest in the long term is the "Secret Place of the Most High God".
Another term the Scripture uses is "Under the Shelter of His Wings". Also, "In the Shadow of the Almighty" One old Hymn says " Rock of Ages , Cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee"
These are all phrases to describe the place of unspeakable Peace, Love, Joy, Kindness, Light and Strength that is available to those who yield their lives to Jesus Christ. These develop a relationship with Him that allows them to cling to, cleave to and rely upon Him for their Spiritual sustenance and inspiration.
Jesus is the Bread of Life and Living Water, He feeds and and satisfies us us in the innermost recesses of our whole being. He will bring the Ultimate and Eternal Fulfillment thats makes an Eternal Hiding Place for us to dwell in, secure from all that is not Love.
As one songwriter in the 60s sang "Why dont you look into Jesus, He is the the answer"
Jesus Prays (In John 17)
20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message,
21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—
23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
24 “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world
Monday, November 7, 2011
No satisfaction in sensuality
The Rolling Stones once sang, " I cant get no satisfaction" This is a condition discovered by all those who seek to satiate the carnal nature of man with endless and relentless sensual experiences.
Jesus once said. "I am the Bread of Life, if you eat this bread you will never hunger again, I am the Living Water, drink of Me and you shall never thirst again" (paraphrase)
Some turn to hard drugs and alcohol, others to promiscuity, some to gambling but they soon discover it is a bottomless pit of gnawing cravings that cannot be satisfied by natural, sensual pleasures.
Jesus Christ offered an answer to the sad truth of "No Satisfaction". Jesus came as the Supreme Being of the Universe and he was also born of Mary as a human being. This meant He was all Man and all God.
He has the Power to fill the heart of man with Satisfaction, Peace, Joy beyond our comprehension.
Jesus Christ when He is yielded to will break the most powerful chains of addiction, depression, lust and even that modern condition of boredom.
A great Christian named Arthur Blessitt once said, "There is more Joy in serving Jesus for 5 minutes than all the carnal pleasures of a lifetime". I agree, that is an extravagant claim, but I have discovered its absolutely true, I once saturated myself in sensual pleasures in the 1970s, but it left me emptier than ever. I thought that Christianity would be the most boring experience in the world but it turned out to be the most exciting, joyful and motivating thing ever.
Jesus IS the Ultimate Incentive for being alive.
Find out for yourself---Paul
Jesus once said. "I am the Bread of Life, if you eat this bread you will never hunger again, I am the Living Water, drink of Me and you shall never thirst again" (paraphrase)
Some turn to hard drugs and alcohol, others to promiscuity, some to gambling but they soon discover it is a bottomless pit of gnawing cravings that cannot be satisfied by natural, sensual pleasures.
Jesus Christ offered an answer to the sad truth of "No Satisfaction". Jesus came as the Supreme Being of the Universe and he was also born of Mary as a human being. This meant He was all Man and all God.
He has the Power to fill the heart of man with Satisfaction, Peace, Joy beyond our comprehension.
Jesus Christ when He is yielded to will break the most powerful chains of addiction, depression, lust and even that modern condition of boredom.
A great Christian named Arthur Blessitt once said, "There is more Joy in serving Jesus for 5 minutes than all the carnal pleasures of a lifetime". I agree, that is an extravagant claim, but I have discovered its absolutely true, I once saturated myself in sensual pleasures in the 1970s, but it left me emptier than ever. I thought that Christianity would be the most boring experience in the world but it turned out to be the most exciting, joyful and motivating thing ever.
Jesus IS the Ultimate Incentive for being alive.
Find out for yourself---Paul
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Today it all begins anew
Welcome to the first day of the rest of your life. Today is a New day where Gods mercies are always available to whoever wants them.
Lamentations 3: 19-27
It's a Good Thing to Hope for Help from God
19-21I'll never forget the trouble, the utter lostness,
the taste of ashes, the poison I've swallowed.
I remember it all—oh, how well I remember—
the feeling of hitting the bottom.
But there's one other thing I remember,
and remembering, I keep a grip on hope:
22-24God's loyal love couldn't have run out,
his merciful love couldn't have dried up.
They're created new every morning.
How great your faithfulness!
I'm sticking with God (I say it over and over).
He's all I've got left.
25-27God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits,
to the woman who diligently seeks.
As a Christian believer, I totally accept that God is a totally good God and the devil is an absolutely bad devil.
One of the bad dudes favorite ploys, is to tell us that we are too far gone, that God couldnt forgive us, maybe he can forgive Bill or Jane down the street but you, your a special case that cant be helped. He will put a thought in our minds, that goes something like this.
"My case is so contorted, convoluted and complex that even God couldnt understand or help me. I am a cosmic write off", we even imagine God sweeping us into His "TOO HARD BASKET" if we listen to this lie too long.
These kind of thoughts are absolute lies that have been the downfall of many wonderful men and womens lives. The Good News is that we can be forgiven of any sins, even the biggest and nastiest ones, if we come to the Lord in sincere contrition and repentance. (the only sin that is a problem to God, is unbelief, this is because faith and belief are a prerequisite to forgiveness).
If you say that you have a debt of half a million you cant pay and I put a million in your account, now you are in a great position to pay your debt. On the other hand, if you say to yourself, that guy is a liar, he didnt really give me a million, its just a scam, I also think the bank statement is wrong, so I will not write a check to pay my debt.
You would now be in a situation that causes the money in your account to be useless, as you are refusing to believe that you have the ability to send a check to the debtor.
Many people like to think also that God can only forgive baby sins, or little stuff. The reality is that Jesus defeated death, hell and the grave when he died and rose again. The Bible teaches that the Blood of Christ remits all of sins guilty stains when it is applied to the human condition in faith and trust.
Isaiah 1:18
New Living Translation (NLT)
18 “Come now, let’s settle this,”
says the Lord.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
I will make them as white as snow.
Though they are red like crimson,
I will make them as white as wool.
We must all remember that Jesus is the Friend of Sinners, not just the mate or buddy of saints. Jesus got into all kinds of hot water with the "pious in their own eyes" pharisees. (Jesus loves all men and women regardless of what they do or have done) The Pharisees reasoned that if He was the Messiah he wouldnt associate with dirtbags like the prostitutes and riff raff he loved to be with. When a known "woman of the night" wept tears on and kissed Jesus feet and wiped them with her hair the pharisees were disgusted, they thought he must be some kind of pervert to allow her to do such a thing. They didnt realize that her true love for Jesus was very pure and passionate in acts of worship to honour Him..
Its good to remember that the pharisaical attitude is in every world religion and sadly also in Christian circles. Jesus was tougher on the pharisees than any other kind of sinner. Its good also to remember that Jesus was a Jew and so were all the early disciples, so the twisted teaching that says Christians hate the jews, is pure trash. (sadly many churchy types in history have been antisemitic but this is totally AntiChrist in behaviour)
If Jesus hated the jews then that means he hated Himself, the Apostles and the whole church at Jerusalem who were believing jews. Yes there was a small group of legalistic jews who were opposed to Him but these were just a handful compared to the multitudes that followed Him. Many dont realize that up until the time of the mention of Cornelius in the Book of Acts, the entire Body of Christ was comprised of Jewish Messianic believers in Jesus or in Hebrew Yeshua. Peter was shocked that God was calling non jews as believers and God had to give Peter a vision from Heaven to convince him that gentiles could be included in the Church.
Jesus was only tough on the jews who had the pharasaical spirit. (He still hates the pharisaical spirit in whatever religion it rears its head)
In fact, Jesus said His top priority in His ministry was the house of Israel. Without the Jews we wouldnt even have a Bible or Christianity. Jesus loves them equally along with all people including Arabic people but in an extra way also because they make up His natural earthly family and heritage. God still has special prophetic promises for Israel that are being fulfilled today.
Some modern Christians and Jews think Jesus is a blonde haired blue eyed christian and they are shocked to hear that He is a Jew (derived from the word Judea or Judah) and has an amazing Heritage and Culture of Judaism He still celebrates and honours. Jesus Biblical Hebrew title is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. The Ultimate King and Potentate of Israel, the worlds nations and also the whole Universe.
One old Jesus Revolution Rock singer sang:-
" If there is life on other planets, then He has been there once already and has died to save their souls"
That may sound trite to some but there is a lot of accuracy in it I think.
LUKE 7:36-47 (Message)
36-39One of the Pharisees asked him over for a meal. He went to the Pharisee's house and sat down at the dinner table. Just then a woman of the village, the town harlot, having learned that Jesus was a guest in the home of the Pharisee, came with a bottle of very expensive perfume and stood at his feet, weeping, raining tears on his feet. Letting down her hair, she dried his feet, kissed them, and anointed them with the perfume. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man was the prophet I thought he was, he would have known what kind of woman this is who is falling all over him."
40Jesus said to him, "Simon, I have something to tell you."
"Oh? Tell me."
41-42"Two men were in debt to a banker. One owed five hundred silver pieces, the other fifty. Neither of them could pay up, and so the banker canceled both debts. Which of the two would be more grateful?"
43-47Simon answered, "I suppose the one who was forgiven the most."
"That's right," said Jesus. Then turning to the woman, but speaking to Simon, he said, "Do you see this woman? I came to your home; you provided no water for my feet, but she rained tears on my feet and dried them with her hair. You gave me no greeting, but from the time I arrived she hasn't quit kissing my feet. You provided nothing for freshening up, but she has soothed my feet with perfume. Impressive, isn't it? She was forgiven many, many sins, and so she is very, very grateful. If the forgiveness is minimal, the gratitude is minimal."
ACCEPT AND REJOICE IN YOUR FORGIVENESS, THE BILL HAS BEEN PAID--THE ONLY THING LEFT TO DO IS BELIEVE IT AND RECEIVE IT.
Lamentations 3: 19-27
It's a Good Thing to Hope for Help from God
19-21I'll never forget the trouble, the utter lostness,
the taste of ashes, the poison I've swallowed.
I remember it all—oh, how well I remember—
the feeling of hitting the bottom.
But there's one other thing I remember,
and remembering, I keep a grip on hope:
22-24God's loyal love couldn't have run out,
his merciful love couldn't have dried up.
They're created new every morning.
How great your faithfulness!
I'm sticking with God (I say it over and over).
He's all I've got left.
25-27God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits,
to the woman who diligently seeks.
As a Christian believer, I totally accept that God is a totally good God and the devil is an absolutely bad devil.
One of the bad dudes favorite ploys, is to tell us that we are too far gone, that God couldnt forgive us, maybe he can forgive Bill or Jane down the street but you, your a special case that cant be helped. He will put a thought in our minds, that goes something like this.
"My case is so contorted, convoluted and complex that even God couldnt understand or help me. I am a cosmic write off", we even imagine God sweeping us into His "TOO HARD BASKET" if we listen to this lie too long.
These kind of thoughts are absolute lies that have been the downfall of many wonderful men and womens lives. The Good News is that we can be forgiven of any sins, even the biggest and nastiest ones, if we come to the Lord in sincere contrition and repentance. (the only sin that is a problem to God, is unbelief, this is because faith and belief are a prerequisite to forgiveness).
If you say that you have a debt of half a million you cant pay and I put a million in your account, now you are in a great position to pay your debt. On the other hand, if you say to yourself, that guy is a liar, he didnt really give me a million, its just a scam, I also think the bank statement is wrong, so I will not write a check to pay my debt.
You would now be in a situation that causes the money in your account to be useless, as you are refusing to believe that you have the ability to send a check to the debtor.
Many people like to think also that God can only forgive baby sins, or little stuff. The reality is that Jesus defeated death, hell and the grave when he died and rose again. The Bible teaches that the Blood of Christ remits all of sins guilty stains when it is applied to the human condition in faith and trust.
Isaiah 1:18
New Living Translation (NLT)
18 “Come now, let’s settle this,”
says the Lord.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
I will make them as white as snow.
Though they are red like crimson,
I will make them as white as wool.
We must all remember that Jesus is the Friend of Sinners, not just the mate or buddy of saints. Jesus got into all kinds of hot water with the "pious in their own eyes" pharisees. (Jesus loves all men and women regardless of what they do or have done) The Pharisees reasoned that if He was the Messiah he wouldnt associate with dirtbags like the prostitutes and riff raff he loved to be with. When a known "woman of the night" wept tears on and kissed Jesus feet and wiped them with her hair the pharisees were disgusted, they thought he must be some kind of pervert to allow her to do such a thing. They didnt realize that her true love for Jesus was very pure and passionate in acts of worship to honour Him..
Its good to remember that the pharisaical attitude is in every world religion and sadly also in Christian circles. Jesus was tougher on the pharisees than any other kind of sinner. Its good also to remember that Jesus was a Jew and so were all the early disciples, so the twisted teaching that says Christians hate the jews, is pure trash. (sadly many churchy types in history have been antisemitic but this is totally AntiChrist in behaviour)
If Jesus hated the jews then that means he hated Himself, the Apostles and the whole church at Jerusalem who were believing jews. Yes there was a small group of legalistic jews who were opposed to Him but these were just a handful compared to the multitudes that followed Him. Many dont realize that up until the time of the mention of Cornelius in the Book of Acts, the entire Body of Christ was comprised of Jewish Messianic believers in Jesus or in Hebrew Yeshua. Peter was shocked that God was calling non jews as believers and God had to give Peter a vision from Heaven to convince him that gentiles could be included in the Church.
Jesus was only tough on the jews who had the pharasaical spirit. (He still hates the pharisaical spirit in whatever religion it rears its head)
In fact, Jesus said His top priority in His ministry was the house of Israel. Without the Jews we wouldnt even have a Bible or Christianity. Jesus loves them equally along with all people including Arabic people but in an extra way also because they make up His natural earthly family and heritage. God still has special prophetic promises for Israel that are being fulfilled today.
Some modern Christians and Jews think Jesus is a blonde haired blue eyed christian and they are shocked to hear that He is a Jew (derived from the word Judea or Judah) and has an amazing Heritage and Culture of Judaism He still celebrates and honours. Jesus Biblical Hebrew title is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. The Ultimate King and Potentate of Israel, the worlds nations and also the whole Universe.
One old Jesus Revolution Rock singer sang:-
" If there is life on other planets, then He has been there once already and has died to save their souls"
That may sound trite to some but there is a lot of accuracy in it I think.
LUKE 7:36-47 (Message)
36-39One of the Pharisees asked him over for a meal. He went to the Pharisee's house and sat down at the dinner table. Just then a woman of the village, the town harlot, having learned that Jesus was a guest in the home of the Pharisee, came with a bottle of very expensive perfume and stood at his feet, weeping, raining tears on his feet. Letting down her hair, she dried his feet, kissed them, and anointed them with the perfume. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man was the prophet I thought he was, he would have known what kind of woman this is who is falling all over him."
40Jesus said to him, "Simon, I have something to tell you."
"Oh? Tell me."
41-42"Two men were in debt to a banker. One owed five hundred silver pieces, the other fifty. Neither of them could pay up, and so the banker canceled both debts. Which of the two would be more grateful?"
43-47Simon answered, "I suppose the one who was forgiven the most."
"That's right," said Jesus. Then turning to the woman, but speaking to Simon, he said, "Do you see this woman? I came to your home; you provided no water for my feet, but she rained tears on my feet and dried them with her hair. You gave me no greeting, but from the time I arrived she hasn't quit kissing my feet. You provided nothing for freshening up, but she has soothed my feet with perfume. Impressive, isn't it? She was forgiven many, many sins, and so she is very, very grateful. If the forgiveness is minimal, the gratitude is minimal."
ACCEPT AND REJOICE IN YOUR FORGIVENESS, THE BILL HAS BEEN PAID--THE ONLY THING LEFT TO DO IS BELIEVE IT AND RECEIVE IT.
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