Tag: christianity

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What Is Ugly?

garden pavilion forested landscape Jules by The Metropolitan Museum of Art is licensed under CC-CC0 1.0

“God don’t like ugly!”, can be heard in our neighborhoods across America. The question is what does it mean to you and me? If God don’t like it, we ought not like it.

“and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any blemish, but holy and blameless.” Ephesians 5:27 NIV

“Christ’s love makes the church whole. His words evoke her is dazzling white silk. radiant with holiness.” Ephesians 5:27 MSG

The above scripture puts beauty into proper perspective. God has a very definite eye for beauty. Those who dare enter in a relationship with such a purveyor of beauty ought be clear on beauties definition. Beauty in contrast to the ugly expressed in our colloquial phrase mentioned above seems to be an expression of holiness. Since God by nature is holy and can not be anything but holy; beauty is also an characteristic of God himself. The Church and everything in creation receives it’s beauty from the creator and God himself. The church however, is distinctly beautiful because of what God pronounces over her. God has cleaned her and set the church apart from the rest of creation for himself.

The church has to play a major role in Jesus return. The confession and testimony of the church is where the beautification began. The culmination is Jesus return for his church. It will make the glory or beauty of this relationship evident to all people. The revelation of Jesus will also expose the ugliness of unbelief and blasphemy.

God really does not like ugly. The ugliness we see in people today is only the tip of a large iceberg of the ungodly forces at work today. No matter how powerful and supernatural the evil is in the world today; it is no match to King Jesus. It is true God don’t like ugly, but he is patiently gather a church out of every culture, tribe and language. Those who observe the church and never believe on Jesus will find themselves among those who will be without God eternally. God don’t like ugly, but he surely loves ugly people like you and me. All the ugly need for beautification is to believe on Jesus and be saved. Please don’t get caught in the hype of our times. It will leave you ugly and without hope. Trust Jesus and believe. His beauty and what you long to see.

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes to take the free gift of the water of life. Revelation 22:17 NIV

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Watch Your Mouth

Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come. Luke 17:1 NIV

Jesus masterfully taught the disciples how to navigate church life. He taught them to be servers to the weak and poor. Children are the best example of how good shepherds ought regard the church folk. The contrast to worldly leadership is very stark. However, it is not because Jesus is some touchy feely impotent philosopher. No. Jesus is sure to avenge and rightly judge anyone who mishandles or speaks ill of His Church.

People malign the church because of church hurt and church inadequacies. However, we (the church), ought not let the flippant mouth of the world go without a warning. I confess I have stood by and listened to people say like Mahatma Ghandi’s quote, “I like your Christ , I do not like your Christians.” I can relate to this perspective but I must defer to what Jesus desires. Jesus calls us to be merciful and gracious to His church. He claims all His children no matter how much they may stray. Talking about church ought be reverently brought to Jesus. He is intimately involved with the church. The weakness and dysfunction can be addressed and even discussed, but none believers are not welcomed to malign the King’s subjects. God is not playing when he says he will repay all who attack the church verbally or physically. He is true to His word He will repay for every offense of those who are unrepented. “They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living and they heap abuse on you. But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 1 Peter 4:4-5 NIV

Many people have claimed they are not a part of the church because they are not willing to subject themselves to the flawed leadership and congregations. This is a flawed perspective because the sheep are not the Shepherd. The sheep know and believe their very life is in the Good Shepherds hands. The Good Shepherd is more than capable of dealing with those who pose threats and traps for His sheep. You who are not part of His flock watch how you treat His sheep because He is watching. “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” 1 Peter 4:18

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On Edge?

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“….Do not be afraid I am the First and the Last.” Revelation 1:17b NIV

…”In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33b NIV

The world seems to be pressing toward a disastrous end. I was reminded of Jesus’ comforting words as I contemplated the reelection of Donald Trump to the presidency of the United States of America for a second time. Friend, if you voted for him, you stay at ease. I am not going to throw any stones in your direction. This is an observation of the world Jesus is referring to in the preceding verse, the contrast between Kingdom of God and the United States. The politics and actions of the past few months have made it abundantly clear; the sins of our nation are compounding and the church is caught up in the midst.

Sin is not just an action it is also the motive and origin of a thing. The righteous acts are not only contrary to the sin of the world but also originate from a totally different place. We leave God out and then make judgements and act out based on someone or something that is opposed to God and His Kingdom, knowingly or in ignorance. We SIN! The world has many diverse ways in which to leave God out. America has always displayed an inclination to be religious and yet sin in religious garb.

The religion of America today has taken on an grumbling vitriol of mega proportions. The speck in our neighbors eye moves Americans to pronounce our religion is greater and more righteous than our neighbors. Sure there are believers with contrite hearts who allow God enough room to be their judge and savior, but the noisy world of the religious have drown out their voices. The world and the devil have always opposed God, but God is able to not only deal with them, but He has already defeated them and their tactics. The decay of America and it’s society is not the story of Christianity. The victory of Jesus is never going to be interrupted or delayed based on America or any countries sins or back slidden people.

Jesus walked on earth in humble circumstances many years ago. Out of those humble circumstances came the best preaching and demonstration of Godly behavior the world has ever know. America, you are not the worlds example of the Christian life. Jesus is and forever will be the Author and Finisher of our faith( Heb.12:2) KJV.

I made the title of this blog, On Edge?, because if we answer that question without acknowledging the truth of Jesus’ Lordship, we are in danger of missing God. Friend, repent with me so we might see the Kingdom of God.

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Adversity and Encouragement

Two great students Adversity and Encouragement went to the University. Encouragement and Adversity were brothers and left home for the same university. All throughout their childhood the two seem to be exact opposites but they shared in family life with ease and fit right in at home in their mother’s house. Adversity athletic and loud would take on all and every challenge with a power and methodical domination. Encouragement made friends and often would be seen befriending those who encountered Adversity on the playing field. They would be seen rooming together and eating together. Adversity would often disrupt the people who would be with them during meal and in the late evening right before they would go to bed. Their peers often wondered how could these opposites be at ease with each other.

The day came for graduation. Encouragement was atop his class academically arrayed in his graduation attire in his cool demeanor. The whole class was surprised to see Adversity right beside him with just as academic accomplishment coming in second only to his brother. No one had ever met their mother but everyone in attendance had received and invitation by way of an official edict read aloud. “Please accept this invitation to celebrate this ceremony. I am the proud mother of Encouragement and Adversity. Please join us on Righteous road at the intersection of Justice Avenue. Those of you who find me I will hand out Life!” Wisdom was the mother of Encouragement and Adversity. She had taught her sons how to use her (wisdom) to help those who found themselves desiring wisdom.

“I am Lady Wisdom and I live next to sanity; Knowledge and Discretion live just down the street. The Fear-of-God means hating evil, whose ways I hate with a passion- pride and arrogance and crooked talk. good counsel and common sense are my characteristics: I am both insight and the Virtue to live it out. With my help leaders rule, and lawmakers legislate fairly; With my help governors govern, along with all in legitimate authority. I love those who love me; those who look for me find me. Wealth and Glory accompany me- also substantial Honor and a Good Name. My benefits are worth more than a big salary; the returns on me exceed any imaginable bonus. You can find me on Righteous Road- that’s where I walk- at the intersection of Justice Avenue, Handing out life to those who love me, filling their arms with life-armloads of life! Proverbs 9:12-21 MSG

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Off The Walls

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He said to me, “Son of man, now dig into the wall and saw a doorway there. Ezekiel 8:8

“Am I only a God nearby”, declares the Lord, “and not a God far away? Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?” declares the Lord. Jeremiah 23:23-24

I will Strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds. Revelation 2:23

Yes walls separate and divide, but they are no match to God’s omnipresence. People have been building since the beginning. Much of human glory is seen in architecture. The powerful and privileged have mastered walls and fortifications. The walls of any civilization show what they value. I have the privilege of visiting some upper class gated communities. The scale and beauty of these communities are impressive. However, the stories of people living in such luxury and simultaneously living in a depressed and cornered, precaution us from becoming jealous or envious. Further examination might reveal flaws that remain hidden from the common folk.

Humans have made walls in all shapes and sizes. The walls are effective in keeping other people from invading or occupying. People also build mental walls with the same results of an physical wall. I confess have climbed many physical walls as a youth. Of course they built the walls I scaled to keep people out but I didn’t get the message and went on over. My presumptions as a youth graduated into my adulthood as I attempted to scale the mental walls. This is foolishness of childhood carrying over into my adult thinking. Faith in God ought translate into actions that demonstrate faith, but scaling the mental walls of people is not an act of faith. God challenged me with the above verses. I can trust him with getting me over the walls I need to get over. Perhaps you have been trying to figure out what mental walls you ought scale. My suggestion is ask God to guide you. He is more than able to scale and see through any walls people put up. The problems arise when we presume. People won’t let us in because a many reasons but the walls don’t obstruct God from viewing and even destroying walls. God asked me could I trust Him with the walls. Of course, I can trust God. He showed my actions didn’t line up with my faith. I often scaled walls without a thought of God leading.

Maybe you see the walls people have built and like me want to help destroy the walls so they can live their best life. The walls are an opportunity to pray in faith and be led by the Spirit of God. Let’s keep praying and remaining watchful. God will lead us to glorify Him and help others. Be patient because God may take His time and also get you prepared as well as the person of the wall. P.U.S.H Pray Until Something Happens. Amen.

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Our Open Book

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“And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened.” Revelation 20:12 NIV.

The Spirit of God can take us high in heaven and low into the pit. Friends and love ones can you sense the immediate invasion of eternity at the door? The eternal nature of God creates an uneasy feeling, if we think in the natural mind. Anxious thoughts are often heightened based on real or imagined timeline. The infinite God mercifully graces us with time so our minds can better access our desires and priorities. However, our mortality and the coming judgement circle all of our timeline thinking right back to the eternal One. Unbelievers discard the warnings of judgement and this is correct from their point of view because lies never make sense in light of eternity. Truth is eternal. God is so truthful that He is TRUTH. The clock is ticking forward to something BIG. Do you sense it? The bible tells of the coming judgement and how the thoughts and intensions of all hearts and minds with be laid bare for all to see. Revelation 20.

Wherever you are, consider the number of non fiction literature in the world, the algorithms and news articles and social media post about authentic people and life situations. We can learn quit a bit about someone without meeting them in person. Many people will follow and be influenced by strangers. God however is not bound by time space or matter and is the author of all life and is interested in us. He is meticulously keeping a books on all. Revelation 20:12

Wonder what’s in your book? The detail of God’s investigations into our lives is on a level in which the greatest sleuths could never approach. He knows details to the most infinite level, like the number of hairs on your head. Luke 12:7. He knows your thoughts as well. Luke 2:35 I met a person who was privy to what I was doing in a room by myself and he seemed to revel my secret being known, creepy. Thankfully, he is not my judge. God, however, is privy and is our judge. The judgement to come is why many of us become religious. The judgement I sensed from my creepy friend motivated me. I was less impressed with my friends clairvoyance once I got to know him. Does knowing God motivate us to believe and obey Him? Did you meet God and never take time to know your judge? I have appeared before judges in court rooms and never had the privilege to meeting them before I came to court. I would have liked to know them prior to my court date. Imagine my confidence on the stand. Misplaced confidence could be devastating while on trial. Thankfully, I have had judgements that disappointed but didn’t destroy me. Will God disappoint or destroy?

God is merciful and gracious. Jesus came to earth and died and rose from the dead and ascended to Heaven with all power in His hands. He invited us to be part of the family by believing in and following Jesus. Thankfully, God saved me from the wrath of His judgment once I believed. God however is not satisfied with us having a get out of jail free card. He wants our story to be that of joy. The joy of God is found in trusting and obeying. Believer you ought look forward to the judgement because you got to know the Judge and He will fulfill all of His promises. The judgement to come will reveal the conditional promises kept by His children, namely living out your faith in Jesus. However, our gracious God is not a push over. He will not give out rewards if we did not carry out our part in faith. Salvation to all who believe but if your faith does not carry you to service and action it is a very minimal faith and will grant us a minimal reward. We all fall short in many areas and yet we all can participate in the Kingdom of God by putting our faith in action. If we do not live out our faith daily that is wasted time.

I woke in bed and envisioned being before God. The throne was so large surrounded by gray clouds. God was sitting on the throne with a book in hand and I couldn’t see the cover but He was looking intently into the book. He turned a page and then turned another page one after the other. His intense gave fixated on the pages and I was able to see the pages and they were blank. Immediately, I knew the book was the book about my life. The empty pages he was scouring over were the many days I lived without putting Him first. Each page was turned with the same expectant squint. I did not see pages filled with words. I had received acknowledgement for those pages, but I only saw Heaven staring into my blank pages. Like a jilted lover God read my blank pages.

I choose you God forgive me and cleans me.

Friends God is looking for us to choose Him.

He chooses you!