I hope everyone drives safe tonight, its one of those crazy nights. I know we are in a winter storm watch right now.
Anyone making a resolution? I'm not, I cant stand those things. I never really did a great job at keeping them either though. Maybe this is another way that Christ teaches us perseverance. Well, Happy New Year!
There are many interesting things about ladybugs, maybe thats why my mother loves them so much. Personally, I have never really been that intrigued by them, they don't really DO anything. Today, I started a blog for my mom, and so I deemed it necessary to write an article about it.
If you can catch a ladybug, or if they land on you, its said to give a person luck. In Sweden, if a ladybug lands on you, it is lore that you will get married. Many stories are about the number of spots on a ladybug, for the number of children you will have, for a good harvest or poor one.
I like to think that its because my mother loves to garden. Ladybugs eat the pests that destroy crops, this probably plays into the good harvest myths.
Amazing how one of God's creatures, so small and insignificant as they seem, can be such a blessing on the farmer or gardener. Their lives a sign of luck and fortune, because of how they enrich the lives by the work they were created to do. Many will overlook a ladybug, and never know the significance it brought, but on the day that ladybug is gone, we will know how rich it made our lives.
As the ladybug gets older in her life, the spots start to fade from her back. Likewise, my mothers spots are starting to fade. She has fought her battle with cancer long and hard, over a decade, and she continues to fight. Surgery is no longer and option, and time is getting short, yet still she shines on our lives, enriching our harvest. With over 5,000 different kinds of ladybugs, 400 types living in North America, theres only one that has touched my life in a way I will never forget.
Five Little Ladybugs
Five little ladybugs climbing up a door,
One flew away and then there were four.
One flew away and then there were three.
Three little ladybugs landed on a shoe,
One flew away and then there were two.
Two little ladybugs looking for some fun,
One flew away and then there was one.
She flew away and then there were none.
I cant help but think about how people take care of their parents, when they get older. Have you ever thought about what you will do about your parents when they reach a point when they can no longer take care of themselves?
I have thought about this a few times, and my wife and I have also discussed it. Last week at work though, I heard a woman talk about her daughter. The mother (who I work with) was told by her daughter that when she gets older, she will be put in a home. Another woman in the room said that that was better than what her kids said they were going to do with her.
While right now that could be a joke and maybe humorous, it makes me wonder what they will think when they near that age. The more I have been thinking about this, the more I feel it is our responsibility to take care of our parents when they get older.
My wife mentioned that this might not be possible for some kids to do, financially speaking. While that may be true, how many parents got pregnant without expecting it? The parents still raised the child, in some cases I should say. Is it our responsibility to take care of them? Is that part of respecting them? Is respecting them part of respecting their wishes?
I never really hear about how great a nursing home is, I hear about how bad they are, and about how some are good in comparison to the bad ones, but never really how there is a 5-star nursing home. Maybe they should start a rating system on nursing homes, or maybe the kids should just buck up and take in their parents.
At minimum, having a elderly person in your home, with no income, would be some kind of a tax break. It is your parent also, and they raised you for a certain number of years.
What does the Bible say about caring for our elderly family members?
1 Timothy 5: 3-4 & 8 "Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. ... If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever."
Many of my readers have asked me why I believe that someone can lose their salvation. (by many, I mean a couple, which is many for this blog) I intend to explain why I believe that you, and I, can lose our salvation.
First and foremost, it is important to understand a couple of things, so you can better know where I am coming from. For a few years of my life, I attended a Baptist school, who taught Once Saved Always saved. The idea that someone can lose their salvation is something that I learned, when I understood how we receive salvation, and through studying the scriptures.
Losing your salvation is not something everyone agree with, and so I write this not to try and convince you (but if I do in the process, all is well), it is to answer readers questions, and to bring to light some thoughts some of you may never have thought of.
First and foremost, I believe I have lost my salvation previously. In fact, I lead a close friend of mine to salvation prior to losing it. I later had an encounter with demons that forced me to recognize I was no longer saved. (I have no doubt in my mind I was saved, and I have no doubt that when those demons attacked, I was not saved.)
If you turn in your Bibles to Romans 11, you will find Paul talking to the Gentiles about their salvation. (verse 11-24) Herein he says "Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off. And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again."
This clearly explains that salvation is by belief. (this is also reinforced by the thief on the cross next to Christ) Belief can be defined as a mental act, condition or habit of placing trust or confidence in someone (Christ).
I also believe in free will. That is to say that God allows us to make our own decisions, including a decision to not believe. If a "saved" person decides no longer to believe, God will grant their choice. Why would He hold them captive? It is not a matter of if we can "undo" the blood of Christ, but if God would deny the request.
We are allowed the option to reject the Holy Spirit, which is the only unpardonable sin (Matthew 12 and Mark 3). Why would God give us this option and then revoke it later? He wouldn't.
Lastly I ask, why is it that God only will allow us to be tempted, to that which we can handle? What would happen if we were tempted beyond our capabilities? Would we not fall into a life of sin? Would we not lose our salvation? God does not wish Hell on anyone, and so He calls us all. Those of us who answer God's call must live accordingly or else become lukewarm (Rev. 3:16). God will not allow us to be tempted beyond our abilities (1 Corinthians 10:13), lest we fall.
For these reasons I say that we can lose our salvation, by our actions, and by our choice. God will judge every mans heart, and He alone knows who will, and will not be saved.
This is a from a morning/evening devotional I read on occasion. Its by Charles Spurgeon, and this one is truly amazing. If iron sharpens iron, Spurseon's sword was still red hot when he wrote this devotional.
"
“Rend your heart, and not your garments.” - Joel 2:13
GARMENT-RENDING and other outward signs of religious emotion, are easily manifested and are frequently hypocritical; but to feel true repentance is far more difficult, and consequently far less common. Men will attend to the most multiplied and minute ceremonial regulations-for such things are pleasing to the flesh-but true religion is too humbling, too heart-searching, too thorough for the tastes of the carnal men; they prefer something more ostentatious, flimsy, and worldly. Outward observances are temporarily comfortable; eye and ear are pleased; self-conceit is fed, and self-righteousness is puffed up: but they are ultimately delusive, for in the article of death, and at the day of judgment, the soul needs something more substantial than ceremonies and rituals to lean upon. Apart from vital godliness all religion is utterly vain; offered without a sincere heart, every form of worship is a solemn sham and an impudent mockery of the majesty of heaven.
HEART-RENDING is divinely wrought and solemnly felt. It is a secret grief which is personally experienced, not in mere form, but as a deep, soul-moving work of the Holy Spirit upon the inmost heart of each believer. It is not a matter to be merely talked of and believed in, but keenly and sensitively felt in every living child of the living God. It is powerfully humiliating, and completely sin-purging; but then it is sweetly preparative for those gracious consolations which proud unhumbled spirits are unable to receive; and it is distinctly discriminating, for it belongs to the elect of God, and to them alone.
The text commands us to rend our hearts, but they are naturally hard as marble: how, then, can this be done? We must take them to Calvary: a dying Saviour’s voice rent the rocks once, and it is as powerful now. O blessed Spirit, let us hear the death-cries of Jesus, and our hearts shall be rent even as men rend their vestures in the day of lamentation."
For the last few years, I have been moving away from the traditional Christmas in America. I grow tired of the Santa Clause, Elves, the "Happy Holidays". The biggest thing I grow tired of are the expensive wish lists and the pressure from companies and advertising.
I have started to add different things to my wish list. This year I started adding things like, "A day at the firing range" or "watch our dogs for a weekend" type of stuff. Things that dont require money, but time.
A few of you know that my mother is not in good health. This has played a role in my decision to buy less and spend more time with family, however when I look at the reason for Christmas, buying presents for people doesn't seem to fit in.
My beliefs in Christmas are leading me to think that all this buying and spending is irrelevant. Why do we need to buy presents for people? Wouldn't it be a better witness to people if we didnt buy presents for ourselves, but gave of our time (and maybe money) to charitable causes?
I do not think that I will teach my kids about the Hallmark Santa. I think I would rather teach them about where the myth came from, and the reasons why St. Nicholas gave to children. Christmas is a celebration because our Lord and Savior was born of a virgin. He came to live a life no one else could. A life of sacrifice, humility, and example. I cant help but think what He did on His birthday, those thirty some years of His life.
Would Christ have bought presents for all of His family and friends? Would He go to parties? I know this probably sounds like I am standing on a soapbox, however sometimes a good smack upside the head is what we need. This Christmas, instead of asking for new toys for yourself, why not ask for an occasion to share an experience with someone you love. Why not share the love of Christ with the homeless, hungry or bedridden?
I am suggesting that we stop buying presents for Christmas, and use the money toward getting yourself out of debt, giving to charities or saving for a vacation. Use Christmas to spend time with family, and celebrate Christ's birth. Then on your families birthdays, celebrate theirs.
Christmas is not about spending and buying, its about giving, and instead of giving from a pocketbook, try giving from the heart.
Have you ever used, or heard someone use the phrase "All things in moderation"?
Usually its used to approve of some action or actions that you are affiliated with or partake in. I know its a pretty simple message, and while it may seem small and insignificant, I think theres more to it. (of course!)
Its like we are too afraid to step on someones toes, or we dont want to give it up ourselves. Cut and dry. I dont think Christ would have walked up to Mary Magdalen and told her "everything in moderation Mary..." Or the tax collectors "its okay to skim a little off the top, just not too much."
When we look at our lives, we must honestly recognize that while somethings are alright in moderation, exceeding it can become sinful, and damage our lives and witness. Other things are just plain wrong, and we should recognize those areas also.
Artem Basyrov's (a Russian opposition activist) detention is the latest in a series of incidents suggesting a punitive Soviet-era practice is being revived under president Vladimir Putin. He was planning a demonstration against Russia's parliamentary elections, which were held on December 2.
His case is the latest example of journalists or opposition activists being involuntarily committed to psychiatric hospitals in Russia.
During the Soviet era, dissidents were frequently committed for protesting against Soviet policies.
Last week, Reporters Without Borders said Andrei Novikov, a reporter for a news service connected with Chechen separatist government, was released after nine months in a psychiatric hospital.
Earlier this year Larisa Arap, an Other Russia activist and journalist, spent six weeks in a psychiatric clinic.
Supporters said this was punishment for her critical reporting. The Global Initiative on Psychiatry, a Dutch watchdog, says psychiatry continues to be used for punitive, political purposes in Russia.
Romans 9:21 "Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?"
This is not to say that God is making some for heaven and making some for hell, this is saying that some people will be noble, and others will be common folk.
Now this is interesting because first Paul is talking about before time, which is in reference to we the people as clay. IE before we are formed. Next he talks about people as a vessel, IE after we are born into life. Vessels of wrath (9:22), or the fallen and sinful creatures, not by God's accord, but by the devils, and our own. (remember, We serve a God of Love, as well as Wrath, for He hates sin)
Then comes Vessels of Mercy (9:23), those that are filled with God's mercy. Mercy implies that these vessels were formerly vessels of wrath, until accepting the Son, who shows mercy. Those vessels then receive God's grace, and salvation.
In the end of Chapter 9, Paul talks about how the gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it by faith; while the Jews pursued righteousness through law, did not achieve it. For the Jews stumbled over the rock and stone.
So why would God place a stumbling stone? The path is not an easy one, and not everyone will choose it because it is a tough choice. This explains why we are told to fight the good fight, and to Persevere.
Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose"
This verse was recently directed at me to attempt to prove predestination. I would like to clarify this point, as I do not believe it to say such things.
When I first looked this verse up in my Bible (NIV Student Bible) there was one of those informational blurbs that sticks out in bold to help the reader better understand what it is your reading. This blurb just so happened to point to verse 8:28.
"Only Good Things?" - "This famous verse is often misquoted or stretched to mean more than it says. It should be read along with the next two paragraphs. ..." The next two paragraphs go on to talk about how Christians will also encounter troubles in life, and that God uses those troubles for the bettering of the person.
This note helps me understand that it is common for people to misunderstand, all people.
"we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him" Paul is talking to the Christians in Rome. Rome, the center for everything in that time, also the locating of the catacombs and brutal slaying to Christians. Paul is telling those Christians that even the tough times in life, God can makes something good out of it.
"who have been called according to his purpose" God calls each and everyone on the earth, but not everyone accepts that call. Again, this is Paul specifying that this applies to those who have answered Gods call of salvation.
At this point, I would like to pick up the conversation of Predestination, where this verse is used. I do not believe in predestination, however I do believe that God knows all things, and CAN control all things. (Pharaoh's hardened heart is a perfect example) God gave us free will, to which He will only interfere when it impacts His divine plan.
That being said, I look at God's all knowing, divine plan like a road map of sorts. God knows every path of our lives. He knows whats behind every door. Does this mean He knows who is going to heaven and who goes to hell? Yes, but that is not to say HE made the choice for you.
Man was made out of God's image, so it could be said that Man will reflect God's actions (falling very short of course). However, if a man is going to build a boat, he will sit and think of how to build a boat. He will devise a plan, create a list, and have a goal. Likewise, God has a plan, list and goal, to which He will achieve.
God allows us to choose our answer in every decision, it does not matter what we choose, because God knows what lies behind each choice. He has the map with all roads and would be roads.
How is this different from Predestination? The belief of predestination is that God elected who goes to heaven, and who goes to hell. While God may know who goes to heaven or hell, He did not elect that choice. Romans 14:12 "So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God."
Mark 3:28-29 "I tell you the truth, all the sins and blasphemies of men will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin." This is to be interpreted that the only sin you cannot be forgiven of, is that of never accepting the Holy Spirit. (also in Matthew 12:31-32 (which could also be used for loss of salvation, but I digress))
In the end, God knows all things, and He knows who will choose to accept salvation permanently, and who will not, but He will not make the choice for you.
God works in mysterious ways. Let me explain how God has JUST worked in such a way for me.
Background info:
Tuesday nights our small group meets, Young Married Couples. There are about 4-5 sets of married couples. At the end we have our prayer requests and prayer time. At this time one of the guys mentioned that He was spending a lot of time at work. Recently, he was also given a PDA and phone for work. (you know what that means) Anyway, He asked for prayer to help him come home and spend time with his wife and new born.
Tonight:
I started to write a blog post about "good Deeds & Bad Deeds". It sounded like a good idea, however after writing it, it started getting worse and worse. I reached a point when I was thinking about stopping and finding a new topic, however I persevered and kept writing. As I neared the end, I started talking about the need for growth groups and accountability partners. This reminded me of my friend and that I should call him to make sure he wasnt at work.
I could tell he was not, by the way he answered the phone. We joked for a bit, and then I told him that if he was at work I was going to throw on a pink dress and go pick him up from work. He laughed and said he like the orange one better, to which I replied "I bet it doesn't matter what color it is, it would still raise a lot of questions at work when I show up asking for you". We laughed, and that was the end of the conversation.
Mysterious way how God lead me to think I should write this would-be crappy post, when all He really wanted was for me to check on a friend.
And in the meantime, you didnt have to read a crappy post, but rather a humorous, yet slightly strange story! (I hope it was humorous)
Moral of the story, dont just think about calling a friend, do it. Just don't show up at their work in a dress (if your a man).
Lately I have become irritated with christians. I have noticed that we have a way of bending things to fit for us.
When I was younger, I had a run in with the Devil and some demons. I remember breaking and throwing out all of my secular discs and tapes. I cleaned house like there was no tomorrow. I recognized that every immoral item I owned, was a potential gateway for the the devil.
After many a meetings with my pastor over this situation, he told me, "The devil will attack you again, seven fold. It wont be the same kind of attack as this one, it will be different." We went on to suggest that I study the Word of God so that I was prepared, or at least as prepared as possible.
Time went on and I attempted to study and learn, but like most of us, I grew weary and "slowed my roll". It was at this time that the Devil made his move, and I didn't see it coming. He crept in slowly, to which I paid no attention. Before I knew it, I was in a similar situation as before, and like before, was able to justify it.
I say this because we as "christians" have done the same. We justify many things in our lifes because they are normal in society. Many immoral actions have become socially accepted, and we are at fault. Christians used to create and uphold a moral standard, we are now the hypocrites that suggest such things. The label "christian" (and I purposely do not capitalize it because, in my opinion, it doesn't hold the same value it once had) has become a name that has been dragged through the mud. Its been beat up and misused, and I for one, no longer wish to associate myself with such a name.
True believer, or Christ's Follower sounds more like how I want to live my life. It sounds more fitting than the old misused name christian. As for now, I will not call myself a Christian, until I feel a change in heart.
Often I read people talking about how our God is the God of love, which is true. God loves us very much, Gods love is shown to us in many ways, but the most profound way, is by sending His son, Jesus Christ to die for us.
There is another important message here, and its not that we are sinners. Its because we also worship a God of wrath. Thats the reason that Christ had to come to earth in the first place. God is pure and without sin, and sin inst in heaven.
So while God loves us, He hates our sin, and THAT is why Christ was sent to earth. The God of wrath loves His creation so much that He sacrificed a part of Himself to be with us. That sacrifice wouldn't have been needed if God didn't mind sin, He wouldn't have had to die for us if He was okay with sin, or if He didn't mind it in heaven. God hates sin, and throughout the Bible we read of His wrath on sinful people and countries.
It is because of God's wrath, that He shows love. We are not used to a love like God's, we cannot fully comprehend it. Ephesians 3:19 tells us that we can "know this love that surpasses knowledge", meaning we can have it, but we wont be able to understand it.
The Kremlin's party, United Russia, won a landslide victory in the Dec. 2 parliamentary elections. President Vladimir Putin now enjoys an enhanced constitutional (two-thirds) majority in the State Duma. As a result, he has a free hand to explore the options of remaining in power when his term as president expires next year.
United Russia will receive up to 315 of the 450 seats in the Duma.
When a reporter asked Mr. Romney a pointed question about what he would say as a management consultant if one enterprise "spent about $7 million and one spent about $300,000 and they got the exact same results in market share." He was alluding to the approximate amounts Mr. Romney and Mr. Huckabee have spent respectively in the state so far.
Mr. Romney bristled and said: "Sorry, I don't have particular comment on that."
The rest of the story here.
