FAITH AND FAITHFULNESS

 

Corinthians 4:2 Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.

While both are required there is a difference between faith and faithfulness.

As I have observed there are Christians who are believers and yet are not faithful to the trust given unto them.

We as lights on a hill are seen as examples of what Christ has done and preached. The image we project is what Christ is judged by in the world. I cannot challenge the salvation of one who says they have believed unto salvation yet they do discredit to the cause of Christ and the harm is done to unbelievers.

2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

A pretty good question to ask ourselves is; “How serious do I take this warning”? I say warning because it tells us of the inevitable outcome of the life we live.

Romans 8:5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.

Minds set on what the flesh desires; “Their whole mental and moral activity is set upon nothing else but the gratification of these cravings of sense”. (Ellicott)

Galatians 5:19-20  Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions,…(and are not subject to the demands of God)…to name a few.

The mind set on the Spirit is life and peace; “The mind occupied with the things that emanate from the indwelling Holy Spirit”.

Perhaps, maybe, could it be that too many Christians are fifty-fifty on these issues and still have a way to go in correcting their lifestyle for this is what people see. Trying to hide our short comings can only partially hide our failures for sooner or later “stuff comes out”.

The scriptures admonish us to pray for one another’s shortcomings and along with that correct each other using the Bible as our guide while taking heed unto ourselves.

What does the image of Christ look like to the world that I am projecting? Is it faith only or does my faithfulness to his words come shining through.

Faith will get you into the Kingdom, but faithfulness makes you profitable.

 

 

SCAMP-E-NESS

 

Putting young scamps together is a recipe for trouble. It comes with a guarantee for they always do what scamps will do.  

I think the definition;  “A mischievous rascal,  perhaps roguish person, especially a playful, impish youngster,” sums it up pretty well.  Having earned my Scamp badge at a young age I felt it was my duty to practice scamp-e-ness.  

Something that came to mind was an event that occurred at the age of nine. We boys spent a lot of time at a vacant lot and one day someone had moved a cabin cruiser onto the lot. It was in very bad shape, I know that because we inspected it. It was leaning over on it's side somewhat and not really supported. We claimed it as ours to use and it became our hangout.  

Then one day we discovered a drunk sitting near the boat and he was repeatedly mumbling what we finally figured out was "trying to go to sleep and trying to stay awake" over and over. It was obvious that we were duty bound to have some fun with him.  

Being near a fire station a siren went off and we told the drunk the police was going to arrest him and he should get in the boat and hide. After helping him get in the boat he laid down in the bottom.

 

For some reason this didn't satisfy our scamp-e-ness and since there was a hose and faucet near by we proceeded to fill the boat with water. As it began to fill we shouted that the boat was sinking, the drunk struggled to leave the sinking craft and about that time we decided it was time to leave.

It was our daily fare to try to find some devilment to get in to and most of the time we were successful.

 

As I got older this foolishness began to ebb but when I got saved part of my deliverance was this driving force of scamp-e-ness left me along with many other things which I won't mention.

The power of GOD unto salvation has the most amazing changing power.

When I was full of it, I considered myself to be righteous because I never deliberately tried to harm anyone (outside of a few scuffles). But then I found that all my righteousness was as filthy rags before GOD.  I still stand in awe at the change that occurs when a person is truly born anew.

The one thing that concerns me is that I may not be experiencing everything God did for me. That I might be, in some way falling short of the glory of God.

If anyone knew GOD it was Paul the Apostle and he said; Philippians 3:12 Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect: but I press on, if so be that I may lay hold on that for which also I was laid hold on by Christ Jesus.

 

Philippians 3:9-10 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of mine own, even that which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith: that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed unto his death.

This old hymn Higher Ground says it so well - -  

I’m pressing on the upward way, New heights I’m gaining every day;

Still praying as I’m onward bound, “Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.” .

Refrain:

Lord, lift me up and let me stand, By faith, on Heaven’s tableland,

A higher plane than I have found; Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

 

My heart has no desire to stay,

 

Where doubts arise and fears dismay;

Though some may dwell where those abound,

My prayer, my aim, is higher ground.

I want to live above the world,

Though Satan’s darts at me are hurled;

For faith has caught the joyful sound,

The song of saints on higher ground.

I want to scale the utmost height

 And catch a gleam of glory bright;

But still I’ll pray till heav’n I’ve found,

“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2emsPPCH4c

This post is shared at:“Tell Me a True Story.”

 

 

MY SUGAR DADDY

 

 

As a boy since there was no TV and I went to the movies a lot.  Sometimes there would be an older man with a younger woman hanging on to him.  She would be dressed in furs and jewels and she called him her “Sugar daddy.”

 

All she had to do was ask and she would receive. There could be a circumstance where she might go to far and her conduct wouldn't be kosher and the request would be denied, but for the most part she would prevail.

 

Her standing with Sugar Daddy gave her certain rights and the promises he made was her guarantee she could ask and receive.  

 

All was required of her was to provide certain services and believe ole sugar would give it up and she would get it.

 

Today there are many websites that advertise for both men and women to sign up to meet sugar daddies or sugar mommies for the same type of relationship as in the pictures I saw as a boy.  

 

These websites are little more than pimping services where the participants prostitute themselves because of greed.

 

Some preaching and teaching I have heard leads me to believe that we are getting close to thinking that GOD is our Sugar Daddy.

 

The approach used, is to build a case against GOD whereby HE must fulfill our request or violate HIS written word.  It is as if the way to get GOD to service their greed is build a case against HIM where HE must obey their slightest whim.  They play the old ask and I must receive or else game.

 

People who prostitute themselves to lust and greed readily latch on to this kind of thinking for it gives them (in their mind) a power and control over GOD.  No matter how proficient they have become in framing their message it reeks with an inordinate desire to acquire or possess more than one needs or deserves, especially with respect to material wealth.

 

The same scriptures that was designed to cause Christians be in awe of our creator can be twisted to bring us to the point of thinking like Satan did when he decided to ascend and become the highest and rule over GOD.

 

The Miranda rights state something to the effect anything you say can be used against you and this is the tactic utilized when GOD’S word is used to try to force HIM to answer their requests. Trying to brainwash your mind with scripture can convince your mind of what it wants to believe, but true faith is not of the mind but of the spirit.  

 

Only one who has experienced the difference can understand this.  This convoluted form of teaching goes over the line and doesn’t allow GOD to be GOD but demotes HIM to become “OUR SUGAR DADDY!”   

This post is shared at “Tell Me a True Story.”

DIED FROM THE LACK OF LOVE

 

Unwanted - Not Loved

 

I don't know why I wasn't loved.

I don't think I was a bad person.

I would give anything to know why...

My mother couldn't love me

Perhaps I was an inconvenience

Or demanded too much of her

My father said; get rid if "It," the "It" was me

My life was too short, only three months I was doing fine

But one day someone hurt me, a moment later I was gone

I tried to cry out but my voice couldn't be heard

All I really know is, I died from the lack of love

I wasn't loved from the time I was conceived nor while I lived

And not even a decent funeral when I lost my life

All that remains of me is a bad memory, an "It" that wasn't loved

 

Now there is no picture of me to be hung on the wall

It was as if I never existed at all

  

This post is shared at “Tell Me a True Story.”

 

A HARD DAYS DAY a true story

 

This is a true story and is entered at  “Tell Me a True Story.”

 

If you can picture a family that they themselves wouldn't call poor (they had some pride) but the word "poorly" might fit the bill.

Then you would be envisioning the folks I am mentioning; five girls in the mix, three in their teens, and two under ten. These girls were far out in the country with no money except what very little they could talk their father out of and he didn't have much to start with.  

I suppose if they had been more industrious they could have come up with a way of making some money like sewing quilts or raising chickens to sell eggs but they didn't.

About the only instance they could earn any money was when cotton picking time came. This was something anyone could do even little kids like me who was around five years old.

As it always happens when it is time to pick cotton it is also the hottest time of the year, and if the humidity gets up very high it is almost like trying to breathe water.

You show up a little after daylight, and get your sack that you are going to drag throughout the day. It will get heavier and heavier until it gets full enough to weigh. You didn't want to turn in a half sack due to the extra time it takes for the weighing and book keeping.

So the drudgery went on, picking for a penny a pound. Since the ground was poor and didn't produce a good crop - - the picking was that much harder to get your hundred pounds you hoped for.

Soon the sun begins to bear down and the dust and sweat gets into every crevice where your clothing touched the skin and the chafing causes the skin to be irritated producing pain. The only hope for relief is when the skin numbs out to where the pain is tolerable.

It is a long way by foot to the river and after a hard days work you settle for just washing up with a wash rag.

After some food, what is on your mind is the next days work and another dollar you will have to spend for dresses and shoes.

In society, there is a line drawn where the women above that line wore things like slips and underwear but our cotton pickers lived below that line and didn't often have money for those luxuries.

On this particular day it was as described as above and one of the girls doubled with pain. This excruciating pain was centered down on the right side and nothing would help ease it. It was several miles to the hospital and walking was out of the question.

There were one or two cars in the local area that ran part of the time and after three hours they were able to get some transportation. The ride itself was almost too much to bear for the dirt roads were filled with potholes and when ran over it would send a shot of pain throughout the whole body.

An hour later the search for a doctor began for he wasn't in his office and another hour was lost while the pain continued.  When the doctor examined the girl it was get her to the hospital now, both he and she raced to the operating room and he cut the burst appendix out. Though it was touch and go she recovered with a nasty scar as a reminder of the misfortunate happening.

What does a poor country farm family do when you have an unexpected bill for an operation and doctor bill presented to you?

You sell one of your milk cows and it will take a year to recover from this, but it is something you are forced to do because you pay your bills and you just do it.

As you think about the why of this situation and conclude "It was just a hard day’s day."

 

This is a true story about my Aunt Minnie Hazel and is shared at

Tell me a True Story:  http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/ 

 

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU TRY TO BAPTIZE

Jesus was our Example

 

Baptizing someone by some standards is a rite whereby the one baptized is cleansed, made fit and becomes a part of a Christian group.

Baptism identifies one with Christ as sanctified and holy. Being buried with Him in baptism associates a believer with Christ.  It is a testimony to the world.
 

As a further extension of this rite there have been rituals of blessing animals, fishing fleets and in some cases, houses which in my view may be pushing the envelope too far.
 

In any case it is an act where something or somebody is considered to be consecrated to GOD for service.  There has been an attempt to associate a myriad of things with the Christian faith and be made part of it. Things that they wish to fall under the Christian umbrella they “Baptize” them in Jesus name in an attempt to give them some spiritual credence.
 

Some of the lesser items are $25.00 “Jesus Saves” tee shirts and $5.00 “Virgin Mary and baby Jesus decals.” 
 

 

Or perhaps you need a pair of shoelaces imprinted with the slogans "Jesus makes me happy" or "Jesus loves you." Bumpers stickers are great especially when you cut somebody off in traffic and your bumper sticker says “Christians aren’t perfect only forgiven,” that will win many to Christ.
 

One of the more blatant attempts is to try to baptize Greed and call it GOD’S prosperity and at the same time the extollers of this heresy are being enriched by preaching their message, one by the way Paul never discovered even though they quote him often.
 

The attempt to baptize slave music (?) and use it to extol the virtues of Christ is another example of disrespect in worship. It is a “Look at me performance” in disguise as lifting up Jesus.

This blurring of crossing the line allows everything but the vilest of conduct and is accepted by sustainable groups of confessing Christians.
 

How about baptizing lust and calling it love? No matter how you try to Christianize it - - lust just isn’t love. It may work wonders in the bedroom but won’t sustain a marriage during the difficult times of stress. Desire for ones mate is a must for a happy marriage, and is a long term proposition, for it isn’t only for sexual intimacy and home cooked meals.  

So what is your preference; how about some Rose of Sharon postcards or a 1Timothy 4:12 tote bag, and don’t forget the “Seek his will” mouse pad.
 

"Your word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against You" (Psalm 119:11). "Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, and so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths" (Proverbs 3:3-6).
 

I must confess you will find some plaques on my walls with verses on them but if I didn’t have them in my heart they would only be an irritant not a blessing.
 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ii8SNOisvUM

This post is shared at “Tell Me a True Story.”

 

 

BETTER FELT THAN TELT

Like a Dove

When I was first received Jesus and was "saved" and began to attend church - - I heard those words often when someone was trying to explain what it was like to be baptized with the Holy Spirit.

 

It's Better Felt than Telt !!

While there are an abundance of scriptures that describe the event in those who received the Holy Spirit in like manner but for some it was far simpler to express it that way.

In addition to Salvation, there is another experience that we can partake of and that is well described by the song “Sweet, Sweet Spirit.”

When the saints of God gather in the name of Jesus and worship God in the Spirit there is a sweetness that can be experienced.

This sweetness gives renewed life to those who are down trodden and new hope to all in that presence.

There is no greater experience after salvation than to enjoy the sweet fellowship of God with the Holy Spirit in worship.

It is up to us to find that place where we oft-times sense and enjoy the sweetness of the Holy Spirit.  

There’s Honey in the Rock for You !

Have you tasted that the Lord is gracious?

Do you walk in the way that's new?

Have you drank from the living fountain?

There is honey in the Rock for you

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CM7Iym4u9QY