"No man cometh unto the Father, but by Me."
John 14:6
When praying, we request an audience with God, thus we have to follow what our prophets and biblical leaders have done when we are in the presence of the most high.
When invited by a dignitary, we prepare ourselves and "spick and span" our attire for the occasion. We even prepare what to say and we do mind our language so as not to give an improper tone or voice. When in presence of a dignitary, we try to dress up properly, stand at attention or sit and listen. The same honor is also given to a judge in the court- we are silent and all other things that is outside of the courthouse does not exist. The same scenario are also practiced in important office meeting where are announcement or a petition will be heard and adjudicated by a very important person.
We need not attempt to compare or contrast such an occasion with that of appearing before the most high God in private audience. If the one is wonderful, the other is a thousand times more so. There can in reality be no comparison, only contrast; for God is beyond compare.
In prayer, we enter the presence of God, the audience chamber of the Most High. Not, as on earth, are we ushered into an outer reception room with hundreds of others, but into the throne room itself, the inmost sanctuary of God, for a private audience with the ruler of the universe. It is doubtful that even the greatest of the saints fully appreciate the honor thus bestowed. Moreover, this honor is granted the lowliest of men! Wonder upon wonders!
In private prayer, as in public worship, we often engage in communion with God as a matter of duty or custom and repeat certain phrases without thought as to their meaning. It is a pious practice learned from others or remembered from childhood. We cling to it as something we "ought" to do. We feel that if our prayers seem to do little good, at least they do no harm.
Such is a far cry from what God intends prayer to be. Prayer is not a common occasion for which no preparation is needed. It is an audience with God.
God's Plan for Man
We need to understand more about prayer than we do. Why does God want us to pray? He knows what we need, so why does He simply give us what we ought to have? What are the conditions upon which rests the answer? What may we expect from prayer?
In God's universal plan, men were intended to occupy a high position as co-workers with Him. To prepare them for this work they were to be subjected to certain tests to ascertain if they were worthy of their future high calling; if they stood these tests they were eventually to take their place as members of the household of God.
Such a plan involved a period of instruction and training that would demonstrate their capacity for learning the necessary lessons. During this time they would have the opportunity of deciding whether or not the life promised them by God as a reward for their work was worth the discipline necessary to meet the standard God has set for inclusion in His family. At any time they would be at liberty to terminate the agreement; and should they once more change their minds and wish to return to their allegiance to God, He would give them the opportunity until they at last had irrevocably settled the question for or against God. If their decision was against life, they would eventually return to the earth whence they came. If they chose life and passed successfully their period of instruction and the final examination, they would be invested with life everlasting and be officially installed as the sons of God.
In the beginning, there was open communication between man and his Maker. God was one with man, and the record states that He walked in the garden in the cool of the day. Prayer, such as we now know it, was unknown. Man did not fall to the ground when he talked with God. They communed one with the other as friends do and as Moses did later. "... the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend..." (Exodus 33:11) There was perfect fellowship, as between father and son, God talked with man, and man talked with God. After sin came in, this close fellowship ceased. Says God, "... but your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear." (Isaiah 59:2)
While sin made a separation between man and God, and no direct communication was possible, man was not entirely shut off from God. A way of approach was opened through Christ, and in His name, man could reach the ear of God. Jesus Christ declared, "... no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me."( John 14:6). "... whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in My name, He may give it you." (John 15:16). According to this, the way to the Father, and the only way, is through the Son. Through Him, we may come, and whatever we ask in His name, we shall receive. This is the "new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, His flesh." (Hebrews 10:20).
This new way was first prefigured by the sacrifices to God in Old Testament times. These sacrifices were ordained to help man keep in mind that he was a sinner and as such deserved death, but that a way had been found by which he might come back to God and find access through the death of the sacrifice. Thus, we find that Cain and Abel brought their sacrifices to God, "in process of time." Genesis 4:3,4. In thus bringing a lamb from his flock, the sinner acknowledged his guilt and admitted that he was worthy of death. As he slew the animal, he demonstrated that he understood that the wages of sin is death and that he was not worthy of life. The sacrifice also showed his belief that God accepted a substitute in his stead, and that the lamb died that he might live. Thus, the sacrifice signified two things:
man's acknowledgement of the justice of God in requiring punishment, and
a demonstration of the mercy of God in providing and accepting a substitute to die in the sinner's place.
On the sinner's part, it was an act of faith for him to accept the provision and follow precisely the rules for the offering of the sacrifice.
The First Recorded Offering
In the first sacrificial scene mentioned in the Bible (Genesis 4:3-15),. "By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous" (Hebrews 11:4) "Unto Cain and to his offering He [God] had not respect..."(Genesis 4:5). The difference between the offerings of Abel and Cain lay in the nature of their sacrifices. "...Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord;" Abel likewise brought an offering of the fruit of the ground; but in addition "he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof." Verses 3,4. In bringing a lamb from his flock, Abel confessed that he had sinned and was worthy of death. He brought the lamb as a sin offering and asked God to forgive him and accept the lamb in his stead. Thus, he showed his faith in the true Lamb of God. The Bible declares that "the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering: but unto Cain and to his offering He had not respect." Verses 4,5.
In their simplest form, sacrifices were embodied prayers. It was at the altar that men met God, and here He accepted or rejected their prayers as they were symbolized by the offerings brought. Each offering had in itself the elements of prayer: confession of sin symbolized by the sacrifice; acceptance of the sinner's prayer and repentance; and man's faith in both God's justice and His mercy. Sacrifices accepted meant sins forgiven. In each case where a sacrifice was brought and accepted, the record says, "It shall be forgiven him." Leviticus 4:26,31,35; 5:10,13, 16, 18.
The offering of the sacrifices brought vividly to mind the seriousness of sin and the great cost of transgression; and the slaying of the victim by the sinner was intended to bring him to the decision, "Go, and sin no more." If this was the result of the offering, the aim of the sacrifice and the sacrificial system had been accomplished.
The True Meaning of Sacrifice
To the informed Israelite it must early have become clear that the sacrifice of an animal could not take away sin, but that it was only an object lesson to make more vivid to the mind that sin meant death, and that what counted was the sinner's attitude of repentance and confession. David understood this clearly when he said, "I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me." "Thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: Thou delightest not in burnt offering." (Psalm 51:3,16). He then states God's real desire: "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise."(Psalms 51:17). "The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit." (Psalm 34:18). To this the prophets agreed. See Micah 6:6-8; Isaiah 1:10-20; Jeremiah 6:20; 7:21-23; Amos 5:21-24.
When Israel came to regard sacrifices in themselves as efficacious and forget that what God demanded was a humble and contrite heart, God abolished the sacrifices as. He still retained, however, the vital elements - prayer, a humbling of the heart before God, a broken spirit, a contrite heart, and an intense desire to go and sin no more.
In the Old Testament times, it appears that prayer was more natural and unaffected than now. Men of old talked with God, and He answered them directly. Their prayers took the form of a conversion rather than of a formal petition. The prophets particularly appear to have been on speaking terms with God, generally getting their orders in dreams and visions, but also at times by word of mouth. While in some respects we may know more about religion than did the men of old, they knew far more about how to approach God. It is high time that we come back to communion with God and learn to "practice His presence."
"The Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend." (Exodus 33:11). From one such interview with God, Moses came down from the mount and was not aware that "the skin of his face shone" (Exodus 34:29) while he talked with God. This reflection of the glory of God was so strong that Aaron and the people "were afraid to come nigh him." Verse 30. Therefore, Moses "put a veil on his face But when Moses went in before the Lord to speak with Him, he took the veil off, until he came out. And he came out, and spake unto the children of Israel that which he was commanded. And the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses' face shone: and Moses put the veil upon his face again, until he went in to speak with Him." Verses 33-35.
That God spoke with Moses face to face became so well known that even the Egyptians heard of it. Said Moses, "They have heard that Thou Lord art among this people, that Thou Lord art seen face to face, and that Thy cloud standeth over them, and that Thou goest before them, by daytime in a pillar of cloud, and in a pillar of fire by night." (Numbers 14:14). It would be well if God's people at this time would come so close to God that men and nations would hear of it. The work would then be finished speedily.
Minggu, 11 Juni 2017
Minggu, 04 Juni 2017
All About Tithing (Tax) and Whether Tithing Is Required From Born Again Sons and Daughters of God
Had a request yesterday (today as I write is the 26th January 2011) from a dear reader who wanted clarification on Tithing and whether or not it is binding on Born of God (Born Again) believers who live under Grace. The answer to this is a plain and emphatic NO!!
However, before I expound upon the wrongs of regulated tithing under the New Covenant we need to understand tithing in relation to taxation.
Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall is reported to have said: "The power to tax is the power to destroy", but Winston Shrout, an expert in commercial processes and remedies put this more succinctly when he said: "The power to tax the principal is the power to destroy." This means, that in the Old Covenant days of Ancient Israel at the time of the Judges when the Levites (the Priesthood) (they had no king in Israel at this time) collected the tithe from the people of Israel they only ever required a tithe (a tenth) on the increase of the people's abundance. This can best be described by this example:
A farmer or husband-man has 100 head of cattle and during the season the cows produce 50 calves so the farmer has made an increase of 50 head of cattle. This would mean a tithe of 5 head of cattle being a tenth of the increase of the fifty calves would be due. Notice, though, how his original 100 head of cattle, The Principal, are not tithed upon or not taxed, they remain untouched. Can you see the equity and justice within this system?
Now if we take our modern world with regard to taxation, which is just the tithe by another name, and if we are employed in a job, are our wages an increase in our wealth and/or an increase in our abundance? In other words, should we be paying tax or a tithe on our wages? Not sure? Let's put it another way. What did you get your wages for? Sitting at home whilst watching TV, playing computer games or cards? If you had been, your 'wages' would then have been an increase and a tithe or tax due. Now, if you were paid your wages for a week's work or labour, then this was an exchange, a payment for your hire, not an increase. You laboured for a week and in exchange for that effort you were paid. This, by Biblical Godly standards, is not an increase at all and had you lived at the time of the Judges in Ancient Israel you would not have been tithed or taxed on your wages. Am I therefore saying that income tax is unlawful and extortion? Yes, without a shadow of doubt. Only corporate profits should be taxed where an increase can be shown to have taken place. Taxation on private income is a tax or tithe on The Principal and can only result in one thing - the destruction of The Principal, and who is The Principal, you are? Are you being taxed on your private income? If you can answer yes to this then you are being financially oppressed and destroyed.
Right, let's get back to the subject at hand and the 'churches' that request or even demand a tithe. Look, folks, there are a thousand and one 'churches' out there that will have you on their money grabbing tread mills and quicker than a heart beat, if you let them, so be on your guard. If you are already unfortunate enough to be a member of such a 'church' then challenge the minister or pastor to repent immediately and if they won't hear or listen to you then get away from them as fast as you can and kick off the dust from beneath your shoes as you skedaddle down the road like the Road Runner (I used to enjoy that cartoon) and don't look back. Always remember, regulated tithing is blasphemous Old Covenant law keeping or Judaism at its worst, and that's it. That's all there is to it, nothing else, and this is all you need to know.
In complete contrast to this Yashua Messiah stated quite plainly that The Father loves a cheerful giver and this is the heart of the matter:
2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (KJV) Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
"Every man according as he purposeth in his HEART." Purposeth here meaning "to choose for oneself." Look, dear people, this is a heart thing and/or a free will choice thing, not a law thing. Giving should be voluntary i.e. something we want to do, willingly, not something we have to do or are put under pressure to do, and so it is with all things appertaining to willingly following Yashua Messiah under His Glorious Grace, and never let anyone tell you otherwise. The Commandments or The Law were nailed to the cross.
Again, The Father loves a cheerful giver and this works both ways, 'cos if it happens that you are not glad about giving or not feeling cheerful, at any particular time, then it's best that you do not give, and this is OK, for The Father is not going to strike you dead on the spot for having an off day or three. You must wait until you are in a better frame of mind or until your heart is in it and you are sure you want to give and not grudgingly, as Paul states, and that in a nut shell is all you need to know about giving or tithing, if you still want to call it that - I would rather not.
Now before I finish this article we must look at the most famous giver of all time i.e. The Widow with her mites in the Temple and we all know the moving story don't we? If not, then here it is:
Luke 20:46-47 (KJV) Beware of the scribes, (Cain's lawyers and attorneys) which desire to walk in long robes (black robes - Cain's cardinals, bishops, vicars and priests), and love greetings in the markets (back slapping corrupt politicians and banksters), and the highest seats in the (Westminster and the House of Lords) synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts; (The Guildhall in The City of London) 47 Which devour widows' houses, (through Admiralty de-facto civil courts, through unlawful usury - money at interest, inflation and taxation) and for a shew make long prayers (the outward display of the self-righteousness of above mentioned criminals - pirates): the same shall receive greater damnation. (All brackets mine)
Luke 21:1-4 (KJV) And he looked up, and saw the rich men (oligarchal global corporate barons) casting their gifts into the treasury. 2 And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. 3 And he said, Of a Truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: 4 For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had. (In the Kingdom the first shall be last, and the last shall be first) (All brackets mine.)
OK, the main thing to understand here is this, and I am not saying it to diminish what the poor lady gave, but we have to understand that she didn't give ALL that she had, but she did give ALL of what little abundance she had, so we need to get this Truth into the picture here and firmly in our minds or otherwise we're forever fuelling the self-flagellators and the "Poverty is a Christian Virtue" brigades. This means, in other words, that she wasn't going to starve that day, or go without the basic necessities of life. Never-the-less what she did give was still far greater than all the self-important puffed up wealthy so and so's present who no doubt had acquired all their gains by thieving it off the less fortunate - people like the poor widow.
However, the main issue here is still the same and it's the issue of choosing willingly and cheerfully to give and that's exactly what the widow did. No one forced her to give her two mites; she gave them voluntarily and willingly. How do we know that? easy, because Yashua Messiah would have known her thoughts. Had she been doing it just to obey The Law he would have ignored her as being no different to the wealthy ones there, for that's what they were doing i.e. Tithing according to The Law and thereby showing off how righteous they thought they were. Remind you of anyone do they?
However, before I expound upon the wrongs of regulated tithing under the New Covenant we need to understand tithing in relation to taxation.
Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall is reported to have said: "The power to tax is the power to destroy", but Winston Shrout, an expert in commercial processes and remedies put this more succinctly when he said: "The power to tax the principal is the power to destroy." This means, that in the Old Covenant days of Ancient Israel at the time of the Judges when the Levites (the Priesthood) (they had no king in Israel at this time) collected the tithe from the people of Israel they only ever required a tithe (a tenth) on the increase of the people's abundance. This can best be described by this example:
A farmer or husband-man has 100 head of cattle and during the season the cows produce 50 calves so the farmer has made an increase of 50 head of cattle. This would mean a tithe of 5 head of cattle being a tenth of the increase of the fifty calves would be due. Notice, though, how his original 100 head of cattle, The Principal, are not tithed upon or not taxed, they remain untouched. Can you see the equity and justice within this system?
Now if we take our modern world with regard to taxation, which is just the tithe by another name, and if we are employed in a job, are our wages an increase in our wealth and/or an increase in our abundance? In other words, should we be paying tax or a tithe on our wages? Not sure? Let's put it another way. What did you get your wages for? Sitting at home whilst watching TV, playing computer games or cards? If you had been, your 'wages' would then have been an increase and a tithe or tax due. Now, if you were paid your wages for a week's work or labour, then this was an exchange, a payment for your hire, not an increase. You laboured for a week and in exchange for that effort you were paid. This, by Biblical Godly standards, is not an increase at all and had you lived at the time of the Judges in Ancient Israel you would not have been tithed or taxed on your wages. Am I therefore saying that income tax is unlawful and extortion? Yes, without a shadow of doubt. Only corporate profits should be taxed where an increase can be shown to have taken place. Taxation on private income is a tax or tithe on The Principal and can only result in one thing - the destruction of The Principal, and who is The Principal, you are? Are you being taxed on your private income? If you can answer yes to this then you are being financially oppressed and destroyed.
Right, let's get back to the subject at hand and the 'churches' that request or even demand a tithe. Look, folks, there are a thousand and one 'churches' out there that will have you on their money grabbing tread mills and quicker than a heart beat, if you let them, so be on your guard. If you are already unfortunate enough to be a member of such a 'church' then challenge the minister or pastor to repent immediately and if they won't hear or listen to you then get away from them as fast as you can and kick off the dust from beneath your shoes as you skedaddle down the road like the Road Runner (I used to enjoy that cartoon) and don't look back. Always remember, regulated tithing is blasphemous Old Covenant law keeping or Judaism at its worst, and that's it. That's all there is to it, nothing else, and this is all you need to know.
In complete contrast to this Yashua Messiah stated quite plainly that The Father loves a cheerful giver and this is the heart of the matter:
2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (KJV) Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
"Every man according as he purposeth in his HEART." Purposeth here meaning "to choose for oneself." Look, dear people, this is a heart thing and/or a free will choice thing, not a law thing. Giving should be voluntary i.e. something we want to do, willingly, not something we have to do or are put under pressure to do, and so it is with all things appertaining to willingly following Yashua Messiah under His Glorious Grace, and never let anyone tell you otherwise. The Commandments or The Law were nailed to the cross.
Again, The Father loves a cheerful giver and this works both ways, 'cos if it happens that you are not glad about giving or not feeling cheerful, at any particular time, then it's best that you do not give, and this is OK, for The Father is not going to strike you dead on the spot for having an off day or three. You must wait until you are in a better frame of mind or until your heart is in it and you are sure you want to give and not grudgingly, as Paul states, and that in a nut shell is all you need to know about giving or tithing, if you still want to call it that - I would rather not.
Now before I finish this article we must look at the most famous giver of all time i.e. The Widow with her mites in the Temple and we all know the moving story don't we? If not, then here it is:
Luke 20:46-47 (KJV) Beware of the scribes, (Cain's lawyers and attorneys) which desire to walk in long robes (black robes - Cain's cardinals, bishops, vicars and priests), and love greetings in the markets (back slapping corrupt politicians and banksters), and the highest seats in the (Westminster and the House of Lords) synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts; (The Guildhall in The City of London) 47 Which devour widows' houses, (through Admiralty de-facto civil courts, through unlawful usury - money at interest, inflation and taxation) and for a shew make long prayers (the outward display of the self-righteousness of above mentioned criminals - pirates): the same shall receive greater damnation. (All brackets mine)
Luke 21:1-4 (KJV) And he looked up, and saw the rich men (oligarchal global corporate barons) casting their gifts into the treasury. 2 And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. 3 And he said, Of a Truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: 4 For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had. (In the Kingdom the first shall be last, and the last shall be first) (All brackets mine.)
OK, the main thing to understand here is this, and I am not saying it to diminish what the poor lady gave, but we have to understand that she didn't give ALL that she had, but she did give ALL of what little abundance she had, so we need to get this Truth into the picture here and firmly in our minds or otherwise we're forever fuelling the self-flagellators and the "Poverty is a Christian Virtue" brigades. This means, in other words, that she wasn't going to starve that day, or go without the basic necessities of life. Never-the-less what she did give was still far greater than all the self-important puffed up wealthy so and so's present who no doubt had acquired all their gains by thieving it off the less fortunate - people like the poor widow.
However, the main issue here is still the same and it's the issue of choosing willingly and cheerfully to give and that's exactly what the widow did. No one forced her to give her two mites; she gave them voluntarily and willingly. How do we know that? easy, because Yashua Messiah would have known her thoughts. Had she been doing it just to obey The Law he would have ignored her as being no different to the wealthy ones there, for that's what they were doing i.e. Tithing according to The Law and thereby showing off how righteous they thought they were. Remind you of anyone do they?
Minggu, 28 Mei 2017
Here is How to Pull Your Ex Back Stunningly Fast! This is the Answer to All Your Prayers
You feel like a loser because you have lost the love of your life. You know you can never put things straight again. You know that it was your fault, though not entirely maybe. The beautiful feeling of being loved by someone is lost. You are aching to get it back but you know you know it is only a dream. Your dream can turn into reality if you follow these simple rules.
Stay Away For a While
You may be feeling like meeting your ex or calling them up and giving all sorts of explanations to convince them that you never had the intention to hurt them. This will actually irritate your ex because right now they just want to be away from you and let the anger or hurt settle. So you should rather give them the space and time to cool down, and only then approach them with caution.
Don't Defend Yourself
Once you get the chance to meet them or talk to them, don't try to defend your words or actions which they find irritating or hurtful. Apologize for your mistakes and tell them you will try not to repeat them. Also, don't try to argue with them about their faults or criticize them for their mistakes. Let the past take a backseat if you want a happy future.
Stand Up For Your Ex
Assure them of your unconditional support as a friend. They should be able to reach you with any problem. Help them to the best of your ability and let them feel guilty for dumping you.
Take Help from Friends
If you have mutual friends, tell all of them how badly you want your ex back and how much you still love them. Let them know you have changed the way your ex wants you to. Your friends will definitely do their bit to try and get the two of you back together.
Stay Away For a While
You may be feeling like meeting your ex or calling them up and giving all sorts of explanations to convince them that you never had the intention to hurt them. This will actually irritate your ex because right now they just want to be away from you and let the anger or hurt settle. So you should rather give them the space and time to cool down, and only then approach them with caution.
Don't Defend Yourself
Once you get the chance to meet them or talk to them, don't try to defend your words or actions which they find irritating or hurtful. Apologize for your mistakes and tell them you will try not to repeat them. Also, don't try to argue with them about their faults or criticize them for their mistakes. Let the past take a backseat if you want a happy future.
Stand Up For Your Ex
Assure them of your unconditional support as a friend. They should be able to reach you with any problem. Help them to the best of your ability and let them feel guilty for dumping you.
Take Help from Friends
If you have mutual friends, tell all of them how badly you want your ex back and how much you still love them. Let them know you have changed the way your ex wants you to. Your friends will definitely do their bit to try and get the two of you back together.
Senin, 22 Mei 2017
Arlans Grocery Ad & Catalog
No matter whether it is meat, home goods, vegetables or fruits, the Arlans Weekly Ad ensures that all grocery needs are addressed. They contain fresh goods in their catalogue and have particular weekend provides at the same time. Details about all of them in a web based portal whilst producing a list might help shoppers in planning for their weeklong meals inside of a stipulated budget. They are really also in a position to recognize new grocery products at inexpensive rates.
Apart from your weekly Ad, you will find numerous coupons which could be perused by arlans patrons. As soon as a shopper visits the market in his or her vicinity, the options readily available there will support in their endeavor they usually may also get information about the opposite rewards and reductions staying supplied. The latest Arlans Coupons continues to be described as one from the most attractive kinds by consumers. People can understand about particular person merchandise types plus the provides therein so as to produce grocery searching helpful.
Apart from your weekly Ad, you will find numerous coupons which could be perused by arlans patrons. As soon as a shopper visits the market in his or her vicinity, the options readily available there will support in their endeavor they usually may also get information about the opposite rewards and reductions staying supplied. The latest Arlans Coupons continues to be described as one from the most attractive kinds by consumers. People can understand about particular person merchandise types plus the provides therein so as to produce grocery searching helpful.
Minggu, 21 Mei 2017
What Makes a Man, What Is Being a Man All About? Considering Marriage, Family, and Other Aspects
A Man Of God Gives Definition To Manhood
Hey America:
What makes a man? What is being a man all about? When God created the sexes did He not have a set of attributes in mind for both sexes? All items created by man have their own designed purpose. How much more do we who are God's ultimate creation? In writing this, I do not mean to in any way indicate that I have arrived at the full stature of manhood, for I do not perceive myself that way. In fact, I believe only one man completely filled that bill. His name is Jesus. However, that does not mean that I do not press toward fulfillment of this virtuous calling.
A true man loves those who are his, especially a wife with the children she may bring forth to him. He desires to see them happy, secure, healthy, and provided for. He desires that they will fulfill their respective callings before Yahweh and be delivered safe and full into the heavenly kingdom. He does his best to protect them from dangers, giving his life if need be. He guides and rules over his home even as Christ does the Church. He does not let them wander without direction. He himself has direction because a true man is plugged into the Chief Director. He rules his household with patience, and gentleness, but unbending in basic principles. He honors a wife as a queen. He gives himself to serve her need, she gives herself to serve his purpose. They are partners, companions, friends. There is no competition for the throne in the house because in the manner that Christ rules the Church and values each member of the Church, so he rules and values his wife: she is an extreme earthly delight, and the word of God dwells in her also. A true man is satisfied within his marriage vow, he recognizes the marriage vow as a parallel to the covenant of Christ to the Believer, and the Believer to Christ. This man, this man of wisdom and the fear of God does not consider a wife as his equal, but rather considers her life of greater value then his own. For it is this very reason that empowers him to so completely in love to prefer her needs over his own. However, this godly man would never consider surrendering his headship to her, or to her children, for he realizes that in respect to headship the woman is not his equal, nor can ever be. For the woman was created by Yahweh to be in submission to the man, (what is called eldership rule) and in particular terms the wife is to be in submission to the will and purpose of her husband. He realizes that under Christ he as a husband is to be to his wife: a savior, a protector, a nurturer, a friend, a partner, a leader, a teacher, one who washes her with God's word, a visionary, a lover: but he is never to be a follower of his wife. For as Christ leads the Church this man realizes he is to lead his wife and family. For any life pattern different than the pattern Christ set in His example of how He treats a Believer is an abomination to the truth.
He is honored by his children because he is truthful, gentle, predictable, and fun loving. But he will spank their backsides if they don't obey, for he realizes that discipline administered in their youth is far better than rearing a hellion, or a fool. His word is his bond, and he would sooner suffer hurt than bend the truth. He bends his knees before God alone. He is a free thinker not subjecting himself to every wind of popular teaching that may come along. He loves the truth of God and finds his life's bearings in the company of godly men, and by prayerful study and obedience to the Holy Scriptures, for he understands the Scriptures to be a written revelation of the mind and heart of the Almighty God. He is willing to suffer for the truth sake. In fact, he realizes that love's strength, whether to God, or to man, stands in sacrifice. He hates the way of liars, hypocrites, and the effeminate who try to feminize manhood and white wash the truth. In his strength he is not macho and over-bearing. He allows others, especially his household, to be who they are, to blossom as flowers in the garden of life, but he will do a little pruning as necessary.
He concerns himself with the affairs of his community and his nation, to establish and maintain justice, wisdom, equity, purity, proper judgment, and godly vision; in short, he works to assure godly living in his generation, to bring forth Christ's kingdom. This true man, is a godly man who hates the way of the liberal man. Just as the liberal man (who is a loser) hates the way of the godly man. Their ways are at enmity, the one with the other. For the liberal man thinks after the fashion of this present world, according to the principles of the Prince of Darkness. He thinks according to the mode of arrogance and rebellion, according to the lust of his flesh and his eyes. He is a man pleaser, a self pleaser, instead of a God pleaser. It is this type of man who would support the murder of the unborn, socialism, feminism, humanism, materialism, atheism, situational ethics, and all other godless philosophies. The way of the ungodly man shall surely be held in judgment, and he shall experience very great destruction, even eternal damnation if he does not submit himself to the Lord's Christ. Lastly, let me say that the godly man knows that he shall one day answer to God his creator for what he did in this life, so he humbly cries out, "Dear God, help me!" For the way of the righteous, that true man, his way grows brighter and brighter, as does the earth at the rising of the sun, until he receives a welcome from the Almighty and His Christ into an eternal habitation prepared for all who love light.
Hey America:
What makes a man? What is being a man all about? When God created the sexes did He not have a set of attributes in mind for both sexes? All items created by man have their own designed purpose. How much more do we who are God's ultimate creation? In writing this, I do not mean to in any way indicate that I have arrived at the full stature of manhood, for I do not perceive myself that way. In fact, I believe only one man completely filled that bill. His name is Jesus. However, that does not mean that I do not press toward fulfillment of this virtuous calling.
A true man loves those who are his, especially a wife with the children she may bring forth to him. He desires to see them happy, secure, healthy, and provided for. He desires that they will fulfill their respective callings before Yahweh and be delivered safe and full into the heavenly kingdom. He does his best to protect them from dangers, giving his life if need be. He guides and rules over his home even as Christ does the Church. He does not let them wander without direction. He himself has direction because a true man is plugged into the Chief Director. He rules his household with patience, and gentleness, but unbending in basic principles. He honors a wife as a queen. He gives himself to serve her need, she gives herself to serve his purpose. They are partners, companions, friends. There is no competition for the throne in the house because in the manner that Christ rules the Church and values each member of the Church, so he rules and values his wife: she is an extreme earthly delight, and the word of God dwells in her also. A true man is satisfied within his marriage vow, he recognizes the marriage vow as a parallel to the covenant of Christ to the Believer, and the Believer to Christ. This man, this man of wisdom and the fear of God does not consider a wife as his equal, but rather considers her life of greater value then his own. For it is this very reason that empowers him to so completely in love to prefer her needs over his own. However, this godly man would never consider surrendering his headship to her, or to her children, for he realizes that in respect to headship the woman is not his equal, nor can ever be. For the woman was created by Yahweh to be in submission to the man, (what is called eldership rule) and in particular terms the wife is to be in submission to the will and purpose of her husband. He realizes that under Christ he as a husband is to be to his wife: a savior, a protector, a nurturer, a friend, a partner, a leader, a teacher, one who washes her with God's word, a visionary, a lover: but he is never to be a follower of his wife. For as Christ leads the Church this man realizes he is to lead his wife and family. For any life pattern different than the pattern Christ set in His example of how He treats a Believer is an abomination to the truth.
He is honored by his children because he is truthful, gentle, predictable, and fun loving. But he will spank their backsides if they don't obey, for he realizes that discipline administered in their youth is far better than rearing a hellion, or a fool. His word is his bond, and he would sooner suffer hurt than bend the truth. He bends his knees before God alone. He is a free thinker not subjecting himself to every wind of popular teaching that may come along. He loves the truth of God and finds his life's bearings in the company of godly men, and by prayerful study and obedience to the Holy Scriptures, for he understands the Scriptures to be a written revelation of the mind and heart of the Almighty God. He is willing to suffer for the truth sake. In fact, he realizes that love's strength, whether to God, or to man, stands in sacrifice. He hates the way of liars, hypocrites, and the effeminate who try to feminize manhood and white wash the truth. In his strength he is not macho and over-bearing. He allows others, especially his household, to be who they are, to blossom as flowers in the garden of life, but he will do a little pruning as necessary.
He concerns himself with the affairs of his community and his nation, to establish and maintain justice, wisdom, equity, purity, proper judgment, and godly vision; in short, he works to assure godly living in his generation, to bring forth Christ's kingdom. This true man, is a godly man who hates the way of the liberal man. Just as the liberal man (who is a loser) hates the way of the godly man. Their ways are at enmity, the one with the other. For the liberal man thinks after the fashion of this present world, according to the principles of the Prince of Darkness. He thinks according to the mode of arrogance and rebellion, according to the lust of his flesh and his eyes. He is a man pleaser, a self pleaser, instead of a God pleaser. It is this type of man who would support the murder of the unborn, socialism, feminism, humanism, materialism, atheism, situational ethics, and all other godless philosophies. The way of the ungodly man shall surely be held in judgment, and he shall experience very great destruction, even eternal damnation if he does not submit himself to the Lord's Christ. Lastly, let me say that the godly man knows that he shall one day answer to God his creator for what he did in this life, so he humbly cries out, "Dear God, help me!" For the way of the righteous, that true man, his way grows brighter and brighter, as does the earth at the rising of the sun, until he receives a welcome from the Almighty and His Christ into an eternal habitation prepared for all who love light.
Minggu, 14 Mei 2017
What Adventure Holidays Are All About: A Bumpy Passage Through India
'It will be an adventure!' Said Krishna, my guide, nodding and smiling assuringly.
I wasn't so sure. I looked ahead at the battered old bus, spruced up to the nines in every colour under the hot Rajasthan sun, and bellowing out thick black fumes in an alarming fashion. Then glanced back at Krishna, my guide somewhat shiftily. 'Are you sure?', I asked nervously, trying to ignore the blaring Bollywood music, whilst staring agog at what seemed like dozens of local families piled in, laden with wares, children and the odd hen for good measure. And not another tourist in sight! Krishna followed my gaze and grinned appreciatively - 'Yes, this is what India holidays are about!'
What 'India holidays' were 'all about', I wasn't sure. High-speed death traps? Broken bones? The grave necessity of buying premium insurance? I was nervous to say the least.
I had arrived in India for a friend's wedding and decided to leave the teeming streets of Old Delhi for a retreat in the remote Indian Himalaya to the high reaches of Leh, capital of Ladakh. I imagined beautiful, remote mountain scenery, age-old monasteries and the romantic idea of getting away from it all. I did not imagine a 15 hour train ride and two day bus journey through some seriously high terrain in a moving cheese grater. More fool me.
A little advice: If you have a bigger budget than mine (and much more sense), I would forget the long and arduous overland journey and hop on the short flight from Delhi to Leh. But at the sound of Krishna's encouragement, the promise of adventure and the embarrassment of turning back, I swallowed my nerves and hopped aboard.
And here's the thing, it was one of the best decisions of all my travels. Yes, we climbed at a painfully slow pace, lurched our way over potholed dirt tracks and broke down on more than the one occasion. But I also saw us progress into the bare rocky wilderness, pass tiny villages where the pace of life lay unchanged for hundreds of years and grow accustomed to a different world. With each bumpy lurch through the mountain, I realised it had been absolutely worth it.
And at the end of the road was Ladakh. I stepped out into the thin air high on this high plateau in the Himalaya to gaping blue skies, the sound of Tibetan chimes and chanting and the sight of prayer flags fluttering in the distance. I grinned as someone pushed a hot plate of steaming momos - delicious Tibetan dumplings - towards me and thought of my old friend Krishna.
I wasn't so sure. I looked ahead at the battered old bus, spruced up to the nines in every colour under the hot Rajasthan sun, and bellowing out thick black fumes in an alarming fashion. Then glanced back at Krishna, my guide somewhat shiftily. 'Are you sure?', I asked nervously, trying to ignore the blaring Bollywood music, whilst staring agog at what seemed like dozens of local families piled in, laden with wares, children and the odd hen for good measure. And not another tourist in sight! Krishna followed my gaze and grinned appreciatively - 'Yes, this is what India holidays are about!'
What 'India holidays' were 'all about', I wasn't sure. High-speed death traps? Broken bones? The grave necessity of buying premium insurance? I was nervous to say the least.
I had arrived in India for a friend's wedding and decided to leave the teeming streets of Old Delhi for a retreat in the remote Indian Himalaya to the high reaches of Leh, capital of Ladakh. I imagined beautiful, remote mountain scenery, age-old monasteries and the romantic idea of getting away from it all. I did not imagine a 15 hour train ride and two day bus journey through some seriously high terrain in a moving cheese grater. More fool me.
A little advice: If you have a bigger budget than mine (and much more sense), I would forget the long and arduous overland journey and hop on the short flight from Delhi to Leh. But at the sound of Krishna's encouragement, the promise of adventure and the embarrassment of turning back, I swallowed my nerves and hopped aboard.
And here's the thing, it was one of the best decisions of all my travels. Yes, we climbed at a painfully slow pace, lurched our way over potholed dirt tracks and broke down on more than the one occasion. But I also saw us progress into the bare rocky wilderness, pass tiny villages where the pace of life lay unchanged for hundreds of years and grow accustomed to a different world. With each bumpy lurch through the mountain, I realised it had been absolutely worth it.
And at the end of the road was Ladakh. I stepped out into the thin air high on this high plateau in the Himalaya to gaping blue skies, the sound of Tibetan chimes and chanting and the sight of prayer flags fluttering in the distance. I grinned as someone pushed a hot plate of steaming momos - delicious Tibetan dumplings - towards me and thought of my old friend Krishna.
Minggu, 07 Mei 2017
This Dynamic Leader Knew All About the Subtlety of Sin and the Psychological Dangers of Deception
This leader is always pleading for maturity and integrity and serving responsibly and each of these characteristics is so needed in today society and environment.
He is pleading with us all. No matter how far you have come, live up to what you have received from, and be open to receive whatever He has for you.
Having been reading and studying carefully and prayerfully this outstanding letter to the Philippians these are some of my discoveries and finding and conclusions. Do take time and make time to read it through.
In Chapter 3 and at verse 17, Paul says a very courageous thing, but that was his nature in Christ. I have given you an example. I have presented before you a pattern for living. How many would be wiling to say that type of thing.
Other brothers are following that pattern.
We give the pattern and ask those around us to follow that. These are indeed brave bold courageous words, but that is what is involved in dynamic leadership.
And then he speaks about what was breaking his heart, and causing him to weep.
That was his nature too in Christ! Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.
They are denying the reason or reasons for why Jesus died on the cross.
They are denying the need to be washed in the blood of Christ and to be forgiven and to walk in the light, and today people even deny the necessity of being 'born again'.
They are not against Jesus. Jesus feeds and heals and comforts and gives light. Very few people are against Jesus, but the Cross! Ah, that is different.
Paul identifies their destiny and destruction, and Paul then identifies their god which is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame!
Their way of life has become a way of death. It will kill them.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ and the power of Jesus Christ should produce life and regeneration, and not degeneration and destruction!
Bodily appetites came before spiritual desires. It is what comes first that we worship. Gluttony is a real sin. The body is a good servant but a bad master.
Which is in control? Their mind was on earthly things.
It is possible for those in Christ to get locked into this planet, and to the fridge or the cupboard, or to the house or the car.
We need to remember that all these are going to pass away. They are temporal and temporary.
Their end is destruction and they glory in their sin.
Paul links all of this to the cross of Christ.
When we take our eyes off the cross of Christ all kinds of values and standards and priorities are turned upside down. This leader knew all about the psychology of sin too. He was aware of all the subtle dangers.
Our citizenship is in heaven. Paul is saying something very meaningful here.
They were also Roman citizens. Their name was registered with Rome, but because you belong to Jesus Christ, your name is also registered in heaven.
Roman colonies always wanted and liked when the Emperor visited them.
From around 48 B.C. the Roman emperor was called "the saviour of mankind".
People hailed Caesar, and they welcomed him. Compare it to what our society will do if there is a Royal Visit in the United Kingdom.
We eagerly await our Saviour to visit us, and just in case there is any doubt as to whom Paul is meaning, he names Him and that name is the Lord Jesus Christ.
Sandy Shaw
Sandy Shaw is Pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship, Chaplain at Inverness Prison, and Nairn Academy, and serves on The Children's Panel in Scotland, and has travelled extensively over these past years teaching, speaking, in America, Canada, South Africa, Australia, making 12 visits to Israel conducting Tours and Pilgrimages, and most recently in Uganda and Kenya, ministering at Pastors and Leaders Seminars, in the poor areas surrounding Kampala, Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu
He is pleading with us all. No matter how far you have come, live up to what you have received from, and be open to receive whatever He has for you.
Having been reading and studying carefully and prayerfully this outstanding letter to the Philippians these are some of my discoveries and finding and conclusions. Do take time and make time to read it through.
In Chapter 3 and at verse 17, Paul says a very courageous thing, but that was his nature in Christ. I have given you an example. I have presented before you a pattern for living. How many would be wiling to say that type of thing.
Other brothers are following that pattern.
We give the pattern and ask those around us to follow that. These are indeed brave bold courageous words, but that is what is involved in dynamic leadership.
And then he speaks about what was breaking his heart, and causing him to weep.
That was his nature too in Christ! Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.
They are denying the reason or reasons for why Jesus died on the cross.
They are denying the need to be washed in the blood of Christ and to be forgiven and to walk in the light, and today people even deny the necessity of being 'born again'.
They are not against Jesus. Jesus feeds and heals and comforts and gives light. Very few people are against Jesus, but the Cross! Ah, that is different.
Paul identifies their destiny and destruction, and Paul then identifies their god which is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame!
Their way of life has become a way of death. It will kill them.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ and the power of Jesus Christ should produce life and regeneration, and not degeneration and destruction!
Bodily appetites came before spiritual desires. It is what comes first that we worship. Gluttony is a real sin. The body is a good servant but a bad master.
Which is in control? Their mind was on earthly things.
It is possible for those in Christ to get locked into this planet, and to the fridge or the cupboard, or to the house or the car.
We need to remember that all these are going to pass away. They are temporal and temporary.
Their end is destruction and they glory in their sin.
Paul links all of this to the cross of Christ.
When we take our eyes off the cross of Christ all kinds of values and standards and priorities are turned upside down. This leader knew all about the psychology of sin too. He was aware of all the subtle dangers.
Our citizenship is in heaven. Paul is saying something very meaningful here.
They were also Roman citizens. Their name was registered with Rome, but because you belong to Jesus Christ, your name is also registered in heaven.
Roman colonies always wanted and liked when the Emperor visited them.
From around 48 B.C. the Roman emperor was called "the saviour of mankind".
People hailed Caesar, and they welcomed him. Compare it to what our society will do if there is a Royal Visit in the United Kingdom.
We eagerly await our Saviour to visit us, and just in case there is any doubt as to whom Paul is meaning, he names Him and that name is the Lord Jesus Christ.
Sandy Shaw
Sandy Shaw is Pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship, Chaplain at Inverness Prison, and Nairn Academy, and serves on The Children's Panel in Scotland, and has travelled extensively over these past years teaching, speaking, in America, Canada, South Africa, Australia, making 12 visits to Israel conducting Tours and Pilgrimages, and most recently in Uganda and Kenya, ministering at Pastors and Leaders Seminars, in the poor areas surrounding Kampala, Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu
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