Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Please pray
There is a fire in Molt Montana and my cousins farm is right in the line of the fire. They could lose everything including livestock and home.
This is also the family Ranch and has a rich family history so much will be lost.
Thanks.
iggy
Update: I want to thank everyone that is praying. I had received a frantic call from my cousins wife that the fire was very close to the farm house. She was in a panic. It seems that the fire was close but not as close as she thought. My cousin was at the farm taking care of his grandchildren and grand niece all very little babies. He decided to leave the area as the smoke was too bad. I have not heard anything since as they seem to not be at the farm and reception for cell phone in that area is very touch and go. The winds are a huge problem here as anywhere else so there may be still an issue.
Again thanks for your prayers I will give updates as I hear anything.
This is also the family Ranch and has a rich family history so much will be lost.
Thanks.
iggy
Update: I want to thank everyone that is praying. I had received a frantic call from my cousins wife that the fire was very close to the farm house. She was in a panic. It seems that the fire was close but not as close as she thought. My cousin was at the farm taking care of his grandchildren and grand niece all very little babies. He decided to leave the area as the smoke was too bad. I have not heard anything since as they seem to not be at the farm and reception for cell phone in that area is very touch and go. The winds are a huge problem here as anywhere else so there may be still an issue.
Again thanks for your prayers I will give updates as I hear anything.
Update 2: The fire was contained and it is raining a bit. The fire stopped outside of Park City I have a relative that has been developing some housing and the fire stopped one mile from there. It also burned around one of my cousins buildings and missed the house and structures completely. Strangely it burned up to another relatives fence line and stopped.
Again, thanks for all the prayers!
Blessings,
iggy
Friday, April 25, 2008
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Just to be super clear ... YES! I believe in life after death!
Just to be super clear ... YES! I believe in life after death!
I have not read the book "Everything Must Change", so I will not be so foolish as some to comment on a book I have nto read. Yet I have read many of Brian’s other books and listen to hours of lectures and on and on. Much I hear critics say about Brian I have not seen or heard from him. Recently a friend pointed to an article that was a bit disturbing as it was hard to understand what Brian was stating.
The first link was one I was glad to read as it seemed to clear up some things people have said against Brian. I think that most the critics of McLaren do not understand that other views and interpretations are out there about books like The Revelation. It seems that if one cannot grasp that even some interpretations that are considered the “most biblical” (as well as some doctrines” are relatively new in their development and often are based on summations of creeds and commentaries as well as traditions passed on by men. (Not to be confused with the traditions and teachings passed on by the Apostles.)
I do not recommend blindly trusting or believing anyone. Personally there are some political views I may differ from Brian and even some theological views. I hold that though the Revelation is apocalyptical it is also prophetic as it states it is.(“Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy,” Rev 1:3) I also read it as it states, “v19. "Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later.” I see that though as some see all has already happened, one thing remains, the Return of Jesus as the book states He will. (I do not see the day of Pentecost as the return of Jesus as it is evident in scripture that even after that day the Apostles looked forward to a literal day of Jesus’ return). I see that as in the OT at times there is a “Near/Far” theme. The example is that of the young girl (virgin) who is prophesied to give birth Isaiah (7:14) which is fulfilled in (2 Kings 16:9.) (I will not indulge in the “virgin” debate that claims that Matt was wrong and misused this “prophecy” I simply see that Matthew knew as most do, that a young girl most likely is a virgin…)
Being that Isaiah 7:14 is fulfilled, yet seems to still give more of a promise to be fully fulfilled later I see that this near far theme is carried out through out the bible. Though I see that almost every thing was fulfilled as Jesus stated it would be in that “generation” by 70AD, (Matthew 24:34) definitely gives a problem to those who only hold to the “future” view of Revelation as it then would make Jesus a liar!
Again, use wisdom and trust in the leading of the Holy Spirit. I found more just reading Revelation that lead me out of the “rapture” view. The deeper I looked at the scriptures that supposedly taught this view the less I saw it. (Though if pressed to have to believe the Rapture, I would be mid trib).
I see that we have a continuation of now until the New Creation comes. This earth and heaven are of the fallen creation. I do not subscribe to the “burn it all” idea, though I see that there will be a major meltdown to come… I see that as a purification of sin. The way I explain it is that God is not destroying this creation in the sense of annihilation as some teach. I see that as I will die and be raised again at the resurrection of the dead I will then be clothed in the imperishable and clothed in immortality. I will still be me. Likewise I see that this creation will rise as such and also be restored but even better… or as Jesus stated, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10) I see that the Life is in the Son and in that we will rise to New Life in the New Creation as New created beings. The New Heavens and New Earth will be this one but in a much greater Glory. This is not denying that God will do some major things in the end of days rather it is fully acknowledging that there may be some terrible days ahead as God brings the two sided sword of justice. One side to set things right the other to punish those who have done wrong.
We must trust God first and foremost. Especially in that He knows His Word better than anyone. He promises to direct our path which to me means that as we read, there may be paths in the scripture we will never understand. It may be that we are not ready. Believe that God will teach you what He wants you to know. Often I have found God has different priorities than I do in what I think needs to be fixed in me. One point was that I was frustrated with a bad habit of swearing. I could control it most the time, yet I was shocked at times of what would flow out of my mouth! I would further feel condemned by it as I would read that fresh and salt water cannot flow from the same well… Yet, God dealt with me over my angry spirit. In that I found more control as he released me from the things that I would be angry about. (Rather God gave me tools to release anger before it worked its way in me too deeply).
Trust in Gods priorities.
Be blessed,
iggy
I have not read the book "Everything Must Change", so I will not be so foolish as some to comment on a book I have nto read. Yet I have read many of Brian’s other books and listen to hours of lectures and on and on. Much I hear critics say about Brian I have not seen or heard from him. Recently a friend pointed to an article that was a bit disturbing as it was hard to understand what Brian was stating.
The first link was one I was glad to read as it seemed to clear up some things people have said against Brian. I think that most the critics of McLaren do not understand that other views and interpretations are out there about books like The Revelation. It seems that if one cannot grasp that even some interpretations that are considered the “most biblical” (as well as some doctrines” are relatively new in their development and often are based on summations of creeds and commentaries as well as traditions passed on by men. (Not to be confused with the traditions and teachings passed on by the Apostles.)
I do not recommend blindly trusting or believing anyone. Personally there are some political views I may differ from Brian and even some theological views. I hold that though the Revelation is apocalyptical it is also prophetic as it states it is.(“Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy,” Rev 1:3) I also read it as it states, “v19. "Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later.” I see that though as some see all has already happened, one thing remains, the Return of Jesus as the book states He will. (I do not see the day of Pentecost as the return of Jesus as it is evident in scripture that even after that day the Apostles looked forward to a literal day of Jesus’ return). I see that as in the OT at times there is a “Near/Far” theme. The example is that of the young girl (virgin) who is prophesied to give birth Isaiah (7:14) which is fulfilled in (2 Kings 16:9.) (I will not indulge in the “virgin” debate that claims that Matt was wrong and misused this “prophecy” I simply see that Matthew knew as most do, that a young girl most likely is a virgin…)
Being that Isaiah 7:14 is fulfilled, yet seems to still give more of a promise to be fully fulfilled later I see that this near far theme is carried out through out the bible. Though I see that almost every thing was fulfilled as Jesus stated it would be in that “generation” by 70AD, (Matthew 24:34) definitely gives a problem to those who only hold to the “future” view of Revelation as it then would make Jesus a liar!
Again, use wisdom and trust in the leading of the Holy Spirit. I found more just reading Revelation that lead me out of the “rapture” view. The deeper I looked at the scriptures that supposedly taught this view the less I saw it. (Though if pressed to have to believe the Rapture, I would be mid trib).
I see that we have a continuation of now until the New Creation comes. This earth and heaven are of the fallen creation. I do not subscribe to the “burn it all” idea, though I see that there will be a major meltdown to come… I see that as a purification of sin. The way I explain it is that God is not destroying this creation in the sense of annihilation as some teach. I see that as I will die and be raised again at the resurrection of the dead I will then be clothed in the imperishable and clothed in immortality. I will still be me. Likewise I see that this creation will rise as such and also be restored but even better… or as Jesus stated, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10) I see that the Life is in the Son and in that we will rise to New Life in the New Creation as New created beings. The New Heavens and New Earth will be this one but in a much greater Glory. This is not denying that God will do some major things in the end of days rather it is fully acknowledging that there may be some terrible days ahead as God brings the two sided sword of justice. One side to set things right the other to punish those who have done wrong.
We must trust God first and foremost. Especially in that He knows His Word better than anyone. He promises to direct our path which to me means that as we read, there may be paths in the scripture we will never understand. It may be that we are not ready. Believe that God will teach you what He wants you to know. Often I have found God has different priorities than I do in what I think needs to be fixed in me. One point was that I was frustrated with a bad habit of swearing. I could control it most the time, yet I was shocked at times of what would flow out of my mouth! I would further feel condemned by it as I would read that fresh and salt water cannot flow from the same well… Yet, God dealt with me over my angry spirit. In that I found more control as he released me from the things that I would be angry about. (Rather God gave me tools to release anger before it worked its way in me too deeply).
Trust in Gods priorities.
Be blessed,
iggy
Monday, April 21, 2008
Scot McKnight gets asked this a lot!
Scot McKnight gets asked this a lot... here.
How do you handle critics in general, let alone ones of a very aggressive nature?
Personally I have found humor to help greatly. Praying for them is also highly suggested. Mostly realizing they are just as screwed up as you are helps... (By that I mean I am!) = )
Mostly do not let their bitterness and anger infect you.
Oh, and for those who are critical of contextualization of the gospel in our culture I had this quote for you... LOL!
“Culture is only true when implicitly critical, and the mind which forgets this revenges itself in the critics it breeds. Criticism is an indispensable element of culture.” Theodor W. Adorno
(German philosopher, 1903-1969)
Here are a couple of posts I did on the topic of handling criticism.
What I learned from my critics (Sort of a bitter one)
Some Advise for Handling Critics and False Accusers (A much better way to go!) = )
Be blessed,
iggy
“Culture is only true when implicitly critical, and the mind which forgets this revenges itself in the critics it breeds. Criticism is an indispensable element of culture.” Theodor W. Adorno
(German philosopher, 1903-1969)
Here are a couple of posts I did on the topic of handling criticism.
What I learned from my critics (Sort of a bitter one)
Some Advise for Handling Critics and False Accusers (A much better way to go!) = )
Be blessed,
iggy
MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST: April 21, 2008
I was taken a bit by today's devotions. I undertook this year to go through MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST though it has not been as "enlightening" as I had hoped. Maybe it is that I am not putting into it as much as I could or that I am not ready for it or maybe have passed it by (I say that with much humor!) Yet, as in the past I do not get too much out of daily devotions.
Saying that though today I read and was fascinated by it as I stated as it spoke to my heart. I hope it blesses you today as it blessed me.
NOW DON'T HURT THE LORD!
Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not
known Me, Philip?
John 14:9
Our Lord must be repeatedly astounded at us - astounded at how un-simple we are. It is opinions of our own which make us stupid, when we are simple we are never stupid, we discern all the time.
Philip expected the revelation of a tremendous mystery, but not in the One Whom he knew. The mystery of God is not in what is going to be, it is now; we look for it presently, in some cataclysmic event.
We have no reluctance in obeying Jesus, but it is probable that we are hurting Him by the questions we ask. "Lord, show us the Father."
His answer comes straight back - "There He is, always here or nowhere." We look for God to manifest Himself to His children: God only manifests Himself in His children. Other people see the manifestation, the child of God does not. We want to be conscious of God; we cannot be conscious of our consciousness and remain sane. If we are asking God to give us experiences, or if conscious experience is in the road, we hurt the Lord. The very questions we ask hurt Jesus because they are not the questions of a child.
"Let not your heart be troubled" - then am I hurting Jesus by allowing my heart to be troubled? If I believe the character of Jesus, am I living up to my belief? Am I allowing anything to perturb my heart, any morbid questions to come in? I have to get to the implicit relationship that takes everything as it comes from Him. God never guides presently, but always now. Realize that the Lord is here now, and the emancipation is immediate.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Guess the quote...
"The Bible is not only man’s word, but God’s also; not merely a record of revelation, but a written revelation in its own right, God’s own witness to Himself in the form of human witness to Him. Accordingly, the authority of the Scriptures rests, not simply on their worth as an historical source, a testament of religion, and a means of uplift, real though this is, but primarily and essentially on the fact that they come to us from the mouth of God. Therefore the real task for reason in this connection is not to try to censure and correct the Scriptures, but rather, with God’s help, to try to understand and apply them, so that God may effectively censure and correct us."So who stated this? Guess first then go here to see if you are right...
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Modern church news, from an old church perspective
UPDATE: As I stated when I posted this, Jim does things like re-route people he does not like... Well with unfailing predictability, Jim Bublitz showed his true nature by redirecting links to him back here which just proved my point... but what's new! Thanks Jim! LOL! Oh btw if you are so inclined to go to Oldtruth.com... use the "snap shot" link. If Jim bans or re-routes that he will loose anyone that uses "snap-shot". ; ) just like he has just banned anyone who uses my ISP in Montana, Wyoming and North Dakota...
Modern church news, from an old church perspective is a title of a certain blog that claims not only to be holding the the "truth" but to also have high integrity... yet if you know that blog you will agree somehow it seems to all fit that blog really good!
(I can't wait to see where he sends you! LOL!)
I saw this picture and just went down memory lane as I thought about how "certain" all the ODM's are.
iggy
Remember to also keep praying for the fire victims.
UPDATE:
"Another blogger notified me of your mention of my SeekerSensitive.com site today, and I must say - I agree with you on the false advertising appearance that you pointed out, as it relates to posting links on pro-seeker listings.
I was given the website domain that you mentioned, by a previous owner who apparently set up whatever it is that you saw. If I find my site falsely listed under wrong directory categories in the future I will pursue having the link delisted."
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Please pray for the fire victims here in Billings
Last Sunday 25 people become homeless and lost everything due to a fire at an apartment here in Billings. One person died. This is tragic enough yet there is even greater sadness...
In an attempt to help and show support a local motel with a water slide opened its pool to the families so that their children could have some fun. One of the children drowned to death last night.
Please pray for these families, especially the one's that lost their loved ones.
If you want to help please contact the Red Cross here is Billings.
iggy
In an attempt to help and show support a local motel with a water slide opened its pool to the families so that their children could have some fun. One of the children drowned to death last night.
Please pray for these families, especially the one's that lost their loved ones.
If you want to help please contact the Red Cross here is Billings.
iggy
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
'God Himself Could Not Sink This Ship' and other stuff
It was April 15th 1912...
"Titanic was built with a double bottom but not a double hull. It had watertight bulkheads, but they didn't all go all the way to the top of the hull. These omissions doomed the ship after a 200-foot gash was torn in its starboard side below the waterline by a spur projecting from the iceberg. Or perhaps, new research suggests, the gash was not that big, but substandard rivets caused the Titanic's hull plates to buckle."
Lifeboat Theology vs. Ark Theology (Part 3 of 5 by Rich Nathan)
"D.L. Moody, the great 19th-century evangelist, described his calling and said that he essentially understood the world as being like an ocean liner that hit an iceberg. God had said to him, "Moody, it is your job to pull as many drowning people out of the water into lifeboats as you can."
Happy April 15th!
Dear Internal Revenue Service:
Enclosed you will find my 2007 tax return showing that I owe
$3,407.00 in taxes. Please note the attached article from the USA Today
newspaper; dated 12 November, wherein you will see the Pentagon (Department of Defense) is paying $171.50 per hammer and NASA has paid $600.00 per toilet seat. I am enclosing four (4) toilet seats (valued @ $2,400) and six (6) hammers valued @ $1,029), which I secured at Home Depot, bringing my total remittance to $3,429.00. Please apply the overpayment of $22.00 to the "Presidential Election Fund," as noted on my return. You can do this inexpensively by sending them one (1) 1.5" Phillips Head screw (see aforementioned article from USA Today newspaper detailing how H.U.D. pays $22.00 each for 1.5" Phillips Head Screws). One screw is enclosed for your convenience.
It has been a pleasure to pay my tax bill this year, and I look forward
to paying it again next year.
Sincerely,
A. Satisfied Taxpayer
Enclosed you will find my 2007 tax return showing that I owe
$3,407.00 in taxes. Please note the attached article from the USA Today
newspaper; dated 12 November, wherein you will see the Pentagon (Department of Defense) is paying $171.50 per hammer and NASA has paid $600.00 per toilet seat. I am enclosing four (4) toilet seats (valued @ $2,400) and six (6) hammers valued @ $1,029), which I secured at Home Depot, bringing my total remittance to $3,429.00. Please apply the overpayment of $22.00 to the "Presidential Election Fund," as noted on my return. You can do this inexpensively by sending them one (1) 1.5" Phillips Head screw (see aforementioned article from USA Today newspaper detailing how H.U.D. pays $22.00 each for 1.5" Phillips Head Screws). One screw is enclosed for your convenience.
It has been a pleasure to pay my tax bill this year, and I look forward
to paying it again next year.
Sincerely,
A. Satisfied Taxpayer
Monday, April 14, 2008
The mystic ladder of Divine love, according to Saint Bernard and Saint Thomas Step six
The mystic ladder of Divine love, according to Saint Bernard and Saint Thomas Step six
ON the sixth step the soul runs swiftly to God and touches Him again and again; and it runs without fainting by reason of its hope. For here the love that has made it strong makes it to fly swiftly. Of this step the prophet Isaias speaks thus: ’ The saints that hope in God shall renew their strength; they shall take wings as the eagle; they shall fly and shall not faint,’Isaias xl, 31.
as they did at the fifth step. To this step likewise alludes that verse of the Psalm: ’ As the hart desires the waters, my soul desires Thee, O God.’Psalm xli, 2 [A.V., xlii, 1].
as they did at the fifth step. To this step likewise alludes that verse of the Psalm: ’ As the hart desires the waters, my soul desires Thee, O God.’Psalm xli, 2 [A.V., xlii, 1].
For the hart, in its thirst, runs to the waters with great swiftness. The cause of this swiftness in love which the soul has on this step is that its charity is greatly enlarged within it, since the soul is here almost wholly purified, as is said likewise in the Psalm, namely: Sine iniquitate cucurri.Psalm lviii, 5 [A.V., lix, 4].
And in another Psalm: ‘I ran the way of Thy commandments when Thou didst enlarge my heart’;Psalm cxviii, 32 [A.V., cxix, 32].
and thus from this sixth step the soul at once mounts to the seventh, which is that which follows.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Walking through Romans: pt 14 Romans 13
Walking through Romans: pt 14 Romans 13
Romans 13
Romans 13
1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
8Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. 9The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet,"[a] and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself."[b] 10Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
11And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.[c]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As I looked over this chapter I it is hard to think I could ever do any better job than Paul did himself. I almost just posted this chapter without any thoughts added. Yet, as I thought more I realized that in the past I did not understand or follow this at all. Submission to authority is not optional. God ordains it and it is. Many skirt around this with rationalizations like “If the governing body is unjust and ungodly we do not need follow them.” In some sense that is justified as we have cases in scripture like Daniel who did not compromise who he was. Now I hope you caught that last bit as it is of most importance. God’s ordained authority should not change who we are in Christ. It should not compromise who we are even when it goes against God. Yet, mostly we are to live in peace and under the obedient submission to the laws of the land and governors. We in the USA seem to miss that most people do not share our ideals or even understandings of freedom and choice and many other things we just take for granted. In Jesus day there was abortion, but it was often against children who were already born… in fact Herod murdered all the males under two years old at at whim to get the rumored new born King of the Jews.
I am not saying that we need lie down and allow unjust men to rule, yet we also must realize what we do will gain ramifications. I we live at peace and know that God is a God of order and governments are given for that purpose and in fact the taxes we pay help protect us, we need be thankful to God for protecting us in this fashion. Yet we must understand to go against those in power and to purposely break law as to steal from our neighbors, we will reap the punishment we out to. For justice goes two ways.
Debt is another area that is great in our nation. I heard one person proclaim that if we all just never paid back our credit card debts all will be on a level economic field. The issue though is of fraud. If we choose not to pay back those we owe we are committing fraud against them as we promised in good faith to pay our debts. Now, as one that has had much financial issues myself I am not condemning anyone for mistakes. Yet, we need to learn from mistakes and choose not to commit them again. We need to strive to not owe anyone anything but the debt of Love we owe God. As Paul states, “love is the fulfillment of the law.” In that we fulfill the Law by loving others. In loving others we show our own gratitude for our forgiveness and in this worship God as we Love others as we have been loved.
All this is because the time of the Lord is at hand. We need live accordingly and not speak of our faith then for all outward appearances look and live like we have not changed. I am not stating some sort of Puritan lifestyle, but that we strive to find God’s best for us and not live as those still caught in the bondage of sin live. We no longer need to seek sex in place of love for we now know love. We no longer need to drink our problems away as we have One that is on our side and will work all things out for our good and His glory. The Christian life is not about stopping “sinning” but it is not about satisfying our sinful desires. It is to live in a way that glorifies God as He lives in us.
For more on the topic of the Higher Law of Love
As I looked over this chapter I it is hard to think I could ever do any better job than Paul did himself. I almost just posted this chapter without any thoughts added. Yet, as I thought more I realized that in the past I did not understand or follow this at all. Submission to authority is not optional. God ordains it and it is. Many skirt around this with rationalizations like “If the governing body is unjust and ungodly we do not need follow them.” In some sense that is justified as we have cases in scripture like Daniel who did not compromise who he was. Now I hope you caught that last bit as it is of most importance. God’s ordained authority should not change who we are in Christ. It should not compromise who we are even when it goes against God. Yet, mostly we are to live in peace and under the obedient submission to the laws of the land and governors. We in the USA seem to miss that most people do not share our ideals or even understandings of freedom and choice and many other things we just take for granted. In Jesus day there was abortion, but it was often against children who were already born… in fact Herod murdered all the males under two years old at at whim to get the rumored new born King of the Jews.
I am not saying that we need lie down and allow unjust men to rule, yet we also must realize what we do will gain ramifications. I we live at peace and know that God is a God of order and governments are given for that purpose and in fact the taxes we pay help protect us, we need be thankful to God for protecting us in this fashion. Yet we must understand to go against those in power and to purposely break law as to steal from our neighbors, we will reap the punishment we out to. For justice goes two ways.
Debt is another area that is great in our nation. I heard one person proclaim that if we all just never paid back our credit card debts all will be on a level economic field. The issue though is of fraud. If we choose not to pay back those we owe we are committing fraud against them as we promised in good faith to pay our debts. Now, as one that has had much financial issues myself I am not condemning anyone for mistakes. Yet, we need to learn from mistakes and choose not to commit them again. We need to strive to not owe anyone anything but the debt of Love we owe God. As Paul states, “love is the fulfillment of the law.” In that we fulfill the Law by loving others. In loving others we show our own gratitude for our forgiveness and in this worship God as we Love others as we have been loved.
All this is because the time of the Lord is at hand. We need live accordingly and not speak of our faith then for all outward appearances look and live like we have not changed. I am not stating some sort of Puritan lifestyle, but that we strive to find God’s best for us and not live as those still caught in the bondage of sin live. We no longer need to seek sex in place of love for we now know love. We no longer need to drink our problems away as we have One that is on our side and will work all things out for our good and His glory. The Christian life is not about stopping “sinning” but it is not about satisfying our sinful desires. It is to live in a way that glorifies God as He lives in us.
For more on the topic of the Higher Law of Love
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Great Quotes: Spurgeon
Like the fascination which attracts the gnat to the candle, though it burns its wings, men by nature fly to the law for salvation, and cannot be kept from seeking life by it. The law can do nothing else but reveal sin and pronounce condemnation upon the sinner, and yet we cannot get men away from it, even though we show them how sweetly Jesus stands between them and it.
~ Charles Spurgeon, Christ’s Glorious Achievements
HT: RI
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Emails from TES
TES is my lovely and wonderful life... and she cracks me up at times.
Here is an email she sent out today... (FYI my given name is Carlos)
Today I said crap and Fischer was repeating it over and over. Carlos had to have a little sit down with him.
TES
I guess it could be worse...
(warning the other form of "donkey" is used in this clip so don't tell me how offended you are because you were warned!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EgTjAbzU1c
Here is an email she sent out today... (FYI my given name is Carlos)
Today I said crap and Fischer was repeating it over and over. Carlos had to have a little sit down with him.
TES
I guess it could be worse...
(warning the other form of "donkey" is used in this clip so don't tell me how offended you are because you were warned!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EgTjAbzU1c
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Monday, April 07, 2008
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Todd Friel: Is He For Real?
Now, it is long, but the highlights are...
1. Did he read the book... does not sound like it at all!
2. Tells us piety is wrong, then tells us that the problem is the "hypocrites" in the church.
3. Does not grasp that we are in the world and not of it...
4. Agrees then builds about 20 different straw men to make it wrong...
5. States over and over "WE need to change the people" ummm God changes people! ARRRRGH!
When he states two types of Christians... your type and our type don't miss the irony in all that as Todd's picture comes up... and then he begings to promote exactly what he is speaking against! LOL!
It goes on.. He talks of being anti "hypocrites" then states "WE" must change people and does not even care to see the others perspective. IF HE ACTUALLY READ THE BOOK he would have noticed the message is not changed... believe me I have read the book.
I see he is misdiagnosing the problem and then ignoring any solution except his OWN WAY... and that is that instead of trusting the Holy Spirit to change people... "WE" must change them.
Good grief... once again I understand why I do not listen to these guys. There is so much doublespeak and misinformation and... well intellectual dishonesty...
Well I did laugh a bit... And Todd, get out of that bubble. Denny's is not all there is in culture.
Oh contrast Todd's rant with this video...
or this one...
Blessed?
iggy
Thursday, April 03, 2008
A Great Way of Reading Your Bible...
I want someone to tell me how this is wrong to do...
- READ: Read deeply - read fully - let your imagination wrap around the words. read for insight and discovery. pay attention to what grabs you.
- THINK: Seriously - give it time to soak into your head… meditate on what you’ve read. think through it. let your mind consider the ins and outs of the passage. again, pay attention to what sticks out to you.
- PRAY: talk to God about what He’s saying to you through this reading. tell Him what grabbed your attention. ask Him how you should apply it to your life.
- LIVE: don’t just be a hearer, be a DOER. apply the truths and revelations of the passage to your life.
Now go here and find out if you still think it is a good thing... as many people seem to be critiquing this method as evil and bad... yet I bet that they also practice this without realizing it!
be blessed,
iggy
Click here or more info on this method
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Spiritual side of discernment
I personally do not know who Patrick Ersig is, yet I will say that this post at Sermonindex.net is spot on. My prayer is and has always been for those who claim to be "discerning" yet seem more intent on judging and condemning that they learn true discernment.
Please read it prayerfully and as the author desires.
Be blessed,
iggy
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