Options

Posted on January 9, 2016 by awrkhakhaya16

What are the options for a man who has failed by all worldly perspective. A man who has no material wealth, bad familial relations, a tenuous marriage, no lasting career, no children, no home and many talents leading to no resounding victories. What is the natural, linear destination of this traveled path? Is giving up, the normal and logical expectation? Is feeling poorly, residing in darkness and despair, for this man, simply understood. Shall this man entertain, accept and resolve to satan’s whispers that he is inadequate and thus never accomplish anything for God, being unworthy, cursed or simply forgotten? Of course, that is only logical conclusion. By all accounts and perspectives this man is and always will be a failure, incapable of succeeding, unpopular, unhappy, unworthy or love, respect and emotional investment.

That evaluation lacks the one component to which miracles must always be embraced. This man is saved by Grace, filled with Holy Spirit of God, capable of all things through Christ. Not of his own strength, talent, wealth or intellect, but as a conduit for God’s authority, power and purpose. That man is perfectly positioned such that any victory, any achievement, any marketable increase may only be attributed to his relationship with God, giving all the glory to the one whom always deserves our praise. Yes, the world measures this man as loss, but not so in God’s economy. For those who wait upon the Lord shall have their strength renewed and no one knows their capacity for performance when directed, encouraged, supplied and protected by the Hand of Almighty God. Knowing and overcoming this illusion is essential to Christian growth. Each of us may be labeled failure, or unimportant, disabled or ineffective by all the logical gradients of this world, yet in truth be an overwhelming success in the eyes of God.

How then may the enemy find success in the heart and mind of a man or woman who knows the world’s measures are themselves inadequate at determining a person’s worth? All the efforts and powers, principalities and wiles of demons may have negligible effect when slung against a man who knows his place before God. Rendered impotent the enemy will be left to attack surrounding members of this person’s family bringing in to paramount importance the need for edification of every Christian’s family through prayer, encouragement and consistent immersion in God’s Word. How then may a Godly man fail, certainly not by poverty, lack of charm or land holdings? The only failure for a Christian man is to forget to whom He belongs, blinded to his Father’s universal wealth, choosing to ignore a duty meant to offer the gift of salvation to a world, without which it would be utterly and eternally lost.

Do not listen to the condemning voices of them who are bound for the lake of fire. Know that even at our weakest, lowest, desperate and impoverished moment we still belong to God. Remember that often at that very point is when God chooses to evoke miracles, with our backs against the ocean our toes overhanging the precipitous drop our enemies aligned against our battlements. How might despair have any affect against such as this? Know your infinite and lasting worth to God, remaining safe and secure within the caress of His omnipotent love. He looks upon each of us and sees the Lord Jesus Christ. There is nothing that may even scratch the surface of our resolve when we remain armoured by the character of Christ. My failures are good teachers, sanctifying me to His Good Will, but beyond that realized wisdom they hold no reflection upon my value as a man. Silence world, for in your fear you pronounce unimportant those favored by God. I pity your misunderstanding, pray for a cure of your blindness, encourage your humble willingness to put aside self and receive Christ. Forgive them Father for they know not what they do.

In the Great and Mighty Name of Jesus Christ the King.

We are all cautioned by Jesus to be ready. Are you, my friend?

http://www.wnd.com/2016/01/are-we-ready-for-jesus/#ooid=BwNzIwMDE6A2K6z70QEkAviMWQLdwZfL

Simple

Posted on January 8, 2016 by awrkhakhaya16

If my wife cheated on me she couldn’t take it back, nor fix it, nor avoid it or repair without my forgiveness and willingness to reconcile. Do you concede that point? Regardless of her reasons for doing so, mistake, realistic cause, drunkenness, stupidity, deception or evil intent, once the act was committed it cannot be undone. It may be forgiven but the impact of the act will be felt throughout our lives.

Adam was the first man, made from dirt, filled with God’s own breath, from whom all mankind looked for their foundation, origin and bloodline. Therefore, since Adam’s relationship was entirely unique and his position direct before God, once he had committed the sin which God forbade the action of the original sin could not be undone. There are no do overs with regard to sin, it only takes one to earn the its consequence, death. My inability to grasp this idea of finality within justice will never free me from the act or its requisite consequence. It is the same with simply choosing to ignore God’s existence, expecting that my sitting upon the fence or disbelieving in His existence will somehow free me of the unavoidable consequence of my own sin.

To understand this concept of unavoidable judgment, it is imperative that I understand at least the idea of God’s Holiness. God cannot lie, cannot simply pardon sin or look the other way, because this would be entirely contrary to His Nature and His Word. Therefore God, intimately knowing us, prepared a method by which we may be forgiven and cleansed of this stain of sin, indelibly inked upon each of our souls. That is the extent of His love for mankind for it required His divine intervention in life as His human form, Jesus Christ. That is also His hatred of sin, such that when judgment comes down, not only will believers be eternally pardoned but sinners and sin itself will be eternally condemned and removed from His presence eternally. He cannot overlook the act, He is willing to forgive, but just as with the issue of my wife’s infidelity it is up to Him to decide the parameters for that forgiveness or reconciliation. What He requires is repentance, belief and reliance upon the sacrifice Jesus Christ made upon the Cross of Calvary as adequate, final and substitutionary payment for my sin. I am sorry for my adultery against God, but now I must ask His forgiveness, cleansing and reconciliation so that our relationship might be healed, renewed and continued. I sinned, He told me how to fix it and I chose to act in reliance upon that offer of forgiveness and reconciliation, simple.

Father, forgive us for attempting to avoid, obfuscate or complicate this easily understood Truth. I hate my own sin, but I cannot fix it. My desire to absolve myself of its stain and the subsequent price of my sin are irrelevant, just are those other things over which I have no control. I want to be back in Your Good Grace. I want a living relationship with You Lord. Therefore, I admit, ask forgiveness for and turn away from my sin, knowing that until I do so my sin prohibits that living and loving relationship we both desire. Thank You for knowing me well enough to provide a way by which I might be cleansed, renewed and reconciled to You for all eternity. Lord, help me, now that I have received this gift to tell everyone I meet about this tremendous opportunity for action. May my Family all come to this simple and essential choice so that we might walk with You throughout this life and the next. Praise You for Your Awesomeness. In Jesus’ Holy Name.

Plausible

Posted on January 7, 2016 by awrkhakhaya16

What is so difficult to believe? Do I have to connect in my imagination, my mind’s eye, within data points, the myriad of stepping stones leading to a logical, inescapable conclusion? Does this in fact diminish belief at all, removing the content or quality of faith by presenting an unanimous argument, for which none may cogently disagree? Must we become bereft of decision making, having imposed belief handed down for all to accept involuntarily? Shall my thoughts be solely determined by a tyrant king or am I so precious to my Creator that He allows me to come to my own conclusions, and in so doing feel empowered in my faith?

Shall I simply bow down to the big lie strategy, embraced by hitler’s propagandists, just because the mantra has been repeated loud enough, long enough that it takes on what is perceived as inevitable truth? Have I become so saturated by false argument that I have forgotten to question the seemingly obvious conclusion I have been told must be true? What sort of life is this? It is the false ideology being pushed upon our youth by those we have allowed control and ownership of our authorities, our leaders and our educators. We have effectively left the devil at the helm hoping he will do anything but divide and conquer. What else should we expect? Aloof is a strategy that guarantees eventual failure through capitulation.

God offers Grace, accepted or declined by free will choice, breeding self-acceptance, commitment and agreement in Truth. Certainly historic men and women have effectively attempted to hijack this perfect relationship and superimpose their own constructs leading to greater human enslavement. Look now at some faith being spread by men intent on conquest. This is not the will of any God that I might follow in good conscience. This is deception perpetrated by the clever hearts of evil people, usurping direction given by a Holy and Righteous God to achieve the ego maniacal goals of would be emperors and czars. Stirring up the desperation of miserable people, promising escape from a reality they find too hard to tolerate. Channeling their anger, much as did hitler and turning them loose on their true enemy, those who follow Almighty God. For they cannot hope to defeat the Creator and in this accepted impotence they are left with the only alternative to slaughter the innocent, laughing at God’s tears for those martyred. Men cannot force their way into Heaven no matter their effort, strategy, cleverness or disregard for Holiness. Actions always have consequence and in this case though judgment has been delayed that does not invalidate its eventual righteous, perfect and just dispensation.

Can I succeed if God does not Will that success? Conversely, may I fail if God commands and supports my achievement? See, these are simple concepts, understood by any child, having accepted their need and constraint by parental authority. When we turn away from this truth we must then as Romans 1 indicates, be turned over to our own decadence. And every one of us understands the implications of self-constructed reality. We have all seen people who must maintain informational control on everyone within their sphere of consciousness, attempting to protect the house of cards they’ve constructed. No child must be allowed to speak of the emperor’s nakedness or the mirrors are shattered leaving the construct swiftly imploding. This alternative explanation for the origin of man shall not succeed for it is an invention of man. This mankind long drive for one emperor to control the movements, wealth, thoughts and doctrine for all men shall never succeed for there has always only ever been one True King. Man shall never solve man’s problems because man created all of them. Only success in line with God’s Will for mankind is perpetually achievable. Think on it, though men have convinced themselves they could conquer the world, has anyone ever done so? They all died at some point following or during their attempt leaving chaos and destruction in their wake. Some men may turn to powers and principalities of the air seeking to release themselves from the reality of God seeking a fulfillment of their own making, but even satan who supports them has never succeeded in preventing, avoiding, delaying or operating outside of God’s Will for humanity. Their is no success in a world that violates the construct of its Creator.

Must I reduce my capacity to understand to a point where even the ample evidence of God is inconceivable? No, that reduction is only temporary resolution. For I may have a veil lowered, eclipsing my vision, but at some point reality always finds its way back into my sight. That reality is the death that all men must face, it is the great equalizer bringing us back into line with consciousness. All men seek to live forever, some by their own will and others by God. It just seems plausible to me that God made us so He is the only one capable of providing the avenue by which we achieve the in-achievable. It is simple logic to me that it is easier to put aside my rebellion and work with a God who loves me then to ignore, compete or fight against the authority of His inevitable and unavoidable Will. That is why this generation will only be given the sign that was given to Jonah. What was that sign, that if God has a purpose for your life, you can run, you can hide or you can become frustrated over what cannot or should not be avoided, but God will bring you to the very same place doing the very same thing He had commanded you do in the first place. Even satan will be brought to that point of kneeling and confessing that Jesus Christ is Lord. Some do it now some later, but all will face the same inevitable and plausible Truth of God.

Renewed

Posted on January 7, 2016 by awrkhakhaya16

How wonderful a thing to watch spring come to a frozen wasteland. Smells, so fragrant washing away decay, suffering, palsy and putrefaction. Sun seeping layer by layer toward the heart, promising, prompting, probing for life. Moments captured for memory as sentience returns, each blade of the glade remembering its vitality, stretching forth. Inspired by hope of something that had been forgotten in long vapid sleep. Movement, then limbering, then joy leading to abundance. Hearts set aflame by expanding dawn. What a wonder to watch a thing filled with life. What a wonderful thing to see God’s face.

What is cleansing but a second chance at life? Cleaned of the existing filth, death or dying, renewed then glued to God’s Spirit for eternity. Knowing life all over again but with a different set of senses, keener, sharper, capable of wisdom, where before I just existed, now I truly live. And intimately understanding my connection, my place, my name and purpose. Better yet watching those around me grasping hope, joy, abundance and faith. Watching the Spirit of everlasting life take hold of their passion, aligning them with God’s intention. What a beautiful thing to see something born again through Christ. Knowing that this joy, this moment, basking in my fellow’s salvation is a gift of God itself, a gift given for my own edification. Connected, cleansed, ready and enhanced a different man faces my finite future with eyes seeing beyond my own end.

Of all the gifts I have been given, perhaps the greatest beyond my own salvation is the joy that comes seeing others sealed by the Holy Spirit of God for eternity. It is a thing unlike any other, the hope of spring in the midst of darkest winter. I am so grateful Lord to be awoken each time, to learn, to remember, to see something beyond myself. Thank you Lord God in Jesus’ Holy Name.

Response to order

Posted on January 6, 2016 by awrkhakhaya16

Is it loving to concern myself with my needs, never taking time to call, contact or visit my Christian Brothers and Sisters to intercede in prayer, bare burdens or encourage them in their walk with Jesus? Is it loving to remain inside the comfortable walls of my church never taking the time to ascertain the status of widows, orphans, elderly, sick and disenfranchised within the one mile radius of our church? Is it loving to concern myself with dress-code enforcement within my church when I know that this practice will potentially keep the poor, homeless and struggling from feeling comfortable worshiping by my side? Whom am I feeding? To whom am I offering assistance? With whom am I praying for God’s intervention? Does the public consider me a nuisance or do they even know that I exist?

What have we become through our slow degradation of the intended structure as the Bride of Christ? What should be free from evaluation, questioning or conversation of revision? Doesn’t humility require that nothing within our scope remain inviolate? Are we ready to repent and turn away from our sins of omission or simply those of commission? What is the price of religion or faith that includes no action? Is it not dead as Jesus’ Brother James preached? And if it is dead, why do we live within an empty shell beyond resuscitation? Remember that James also said that if a man knows what is right to do and does not do that then he is committing sin? Shall we collectively repent as the Bride, for we are all, all Christians guilty, falling short, in need of forgiveness and repair?

Whom do you know that you could help today, if you just for five minutes considered Christ’s call upon “your” life? How many orphans suffer from our ignorance, never knowing the love that they have been denied by circumstance? Do you even know how many orphans there are in your state? What if the thousands of churches decided to symbolically or realistically adopt one of those children? I bet that there are thousands of churches in your state and many less thousands of orphaned children. We could obediently and effectively end the existence of parentless children. What am I and my Church family willing to do for Christ? Certainly suffering, sacrifice and volunteerism should be at least a little bit uncomfortable, for that is the nature of self-sacrifice. Isn’t that the bar against which we are expected measure?

If we do not break the cycle of our own disobedience as the bond servants of Christ, how then may we ever honestly and logically entertain the transformation of the lost? If you aren’t convicted by this conversation then you are either perfect or you have quenched/ignored the voice of God’s Holy Spirit. Or worse yet you were never sealed by the earnest of salvation for eternity. No Holy Spirit, No Eternity. No evidence of salvation, fruit of the Spirit, should sound out an alert in each of our lives, causing upset, concern and action. If you do not feel compelled to spread the Word of the Gospel, then something is missing and that something ought to sponsor a quest for answers, driving each of us to our knees. If we are not ready to repent as a Church Body then we were never a body to begin with for each of us is essential to God. What part of the body, what part of humanity, what single person did you pass bye today, relegating your duty to God toward harvest by not stopping and planting a seed, watering a seed, weeding growth or fertilizing it for Christ? I am willing to bet if you ignored one then you have been and will continue to ignore others.

Who am I you ask to question us? I don’t know maybe I am a son of God, prompted by His Holy Spirit residing in my heart. What credentials may I present? I present to you the fruits of His Holy Spirit having first called myself to repentance for my disregard of God’s direction. I too fall short every single day, but using my guilt to ignore this message, you do so at the peril of not only yourself but all that frequent your church body. Do we want God’s favor in this Nation, This UNITED STATES? Then that favor must first begin in the fervent prayers of those who believe in God’s favor. That favor may only begin following God’s direction and humbling ourselves, turning away from our own sins and falling to our knees, together, crying out to God so that He may hear our voices in Heaven and once again shine His Holy Face upon this once obedient nation. If not me then whom? If not us then why are we meeting together, calling ourselves by His Name and worshiping in the first place?

Obey God, enjoy what He gives us and leave the outcomes to Him for His Good Glory, because He has already overcome this world. His Will Be Done. You are the vessel of that Will, how will it be done without your participation in your own purpose? Obedience is truth, obedience is demonstrable faith, obedience is love for God. Do you love Him enough to do today just a little bit of what He is asking? I love You Lord. May I be obedient to Your perfect purpose for my life. In Jesus’ Name.

Whom Do You Serve?

Posted on January 4, 2016 by awrkhakhaya16

What would God have me say, especially when I don’t have the skill with words to convey anything Divine? When I embrace this thinking is typically when He reminds me that it has nothing to do with my capabilities, talents, worthiness or eloquence. He came to Earth in a manger to demonstrate the unimportance of the container. It is His Character that defines the message, the inadequacy of the messenger has little impact. It is about being a vessel for His Holy Spirit. He has thoroughly demonstrated that He may use, unbelieving Kings, like Cyrus, or even an gentile prophet as Baalam. God threatens to even use rocks and inanimate objects to deliver His message if His ambassadors will not. Considering those facts, He certainly can use a man who believes, loves, surrenders and serves His Good Will. I don’t know what He is saying to you while I am speaking, I only know that if you listen you will hear whatever He wishes to tell you.

Do you know your God? For what we know and believe translates in to actions. Solomon, whose name translates into peace, a man who was blessed with building the first Temple, knew God intimately yet disobeyed God’s warnings. How is that possible? A man so richly blessed to whom God appeared, how could someone in direct possession of the proof that all men crave fail to heed God’s direction? Yet in Solomon’s disobedience we find the gold of God’s message to mankind, obey God and enjoy what He gives you. Or the equally weighty concept that wisdom begins at the point where we fear Almighty God. For Solomon knew God and yet He still fell. What does that portend for any Christian, especially them who have not taken time to get to know the Father? How can we hope to overcome where such great champions, who have known God directly, backslid to a distance far from His presence?

That is why it is so important for us to know whom we serve. Not just talk about God, as some foreign concept or the basis of our Grandfather’s faith, but through intimate understanding, based upon a close pursuance of relationship with God. The world will always call believers away from service, obedience and a walk of Grace. The siren’s of satan whisper incessantly, haunting, luring, tempting believers away from God’s intended path for saints. Diligence, vigilance, trustworthiness and dependence upon God are the believer’s greatest friends. Remaining in the Word of God that sets the enemy to flight is our only protection from the incessant pull of trivial lust. Believing that there is nothing in life more frightening than is an eternal, omniscient, omnipotent and jealous God. That is the moment at the outset of our understanding and path to wisdom. For if nothing in this world may hold dominion over our minds, fears, drives and ambitions but the Will of Almighty God, then we will always keep perspective. We must crave, hunger for and eagerly pursue a relationship through a sanctifying walk in the Holy Spirit, redeemed and reacquainted to the Father by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

How do you know if you are doing anything to please God if you don’t know who God is or what He wants from each of us? How will you dampen or silence the incessant temptings, condemnation and discouragements of the enemy if you do not know how Jesus defeated our worldly foe? How will you give up the outcomes to God, living by His power, authority and intentions for this life if you do not recognize the direction and guidance of His voice within your heart and mind? What is success in this life? I challenge all of us to investigate and firmly establish this understanding within each of our hearts. My job is to plant the seeds of God’s Word, tell people of the cleansing Blood of Jesus Christ and Walk daily with the Holy Spirit as my teacher, guide and comforter, indwelling me for His Good Purposes. The outcomes are not my responsibility. I have a relationship with the Father, loving Him with all my heart, mind, soul and strength as He commanded. I know Him and He me. That is my greatest treasure, knowing whom I serve. In Jesus’ Name.

Given to pray

Posted on January 1, 2016 by awrkhakhaya16

This day will be here for a short time, never coming again, its value expended as night turns to tomorrow. You are on my heart, this day, this twenty-four hours beginning a new year. Since, it is so valuable, this moment in time, let me utilize its entire potential impact in the lives of those for which I feel warmth or burden. What then should I say to God, knowing fully that my words are always insufficient, my petition to God so important?

These are the groanings of my heart. Give them strength, dear, precious Lord. Strength beyond reason, beyond reserve, beyond attribution to personal effect, wealth, health or power. Let their tears of joy or sorrow be shared with You in honest appeal for transformation. May we know, each of us, the authentic deployment of our purpose, no longer guessing but fully and certainly committing to the Divine Intentions of God. Let them see fear as an indicator of contention, a radar return, showing that their next attempt is valid, important and worthy of their courage. Give them guidance by Love, for Love, through Love, empowered by Love to do things that require Your intervention, authority, strength, provision and courage in completion. Arouse their Agape Passions to do those things that have been grown within their spirit, planted by the seed of Your Holy Word, watered by the Everlasting Waters of sacrifice and salvation, nurtured by Your Glorious Provision and Hope.

What comes is certainly going to be difficult, displeasing and in many respects frightening, as are all those moments when we meet the Truth of God’s unfolding plan for humanity. I pray that You Fear the Lord our God more than anything else in this universal struggle, responding to that fear with reverence, allegiance, obedience and prayer. I pray that you Love Him more than this life, so that you may rise to each challenge beyond your own understanding. Father, write Your Holy and indisputable Word upon each of our hearts, such that we dream in tandem with Your Truth. For as a man dreams, so does he walk. I pray health become wealth, a wealth utilized in its fullness to further the Will of God. Give them diminishing doubt and increasing faith, improving their anchored footing to the Rock of Ages, our salvation and place in this masterpiece. Grant them peace when there is no reason for such calm, hope where there remains no evidence for optimism and take from them the burdens that resist their flight.

Father, remove me as the reason for contention in and among the brethren. Let me create, nurture and preach harmony, consistency and total reliance on Your Will. Let them know how much I love them as reflection of the Love You first gave me. Take away the weight of this world, its cares, worries, sorrows and finite failure. Give them eternal hearts, bound for everlasting and the requisite intention to change all things here. Most of all answer their calls Lord, walk with them in such a way that they are certain of Your Holy Presence. Let them show devotion and love to a world that is as undeserving as I have been. Give us the courage to stand proclaiming Your Name, with rejoicing at the hour of our greatest trial. Make us Your own, removing any veils, deception or vacillation. Let us be what we were truly meant to be. In Your name I pray to God the Father, thank you Lord Jesus for saving me long enough to make my prayers heard in Your ears this day.

Active vs Passive

Posted on December 31, 2015 by awrkhakhaya16

Study to show yourself approved. Present your bodies a living sacrifice. Walk in the Spirit. Put on the whole armour of God. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit. Hear the word of the Lord. Praise the Lord, all nations! I must ask the Lord for forgiveness for those who do not know what they are doing. I must not judge or personally interpret the motivations of a man’s heart, for I am incapable of truly knowing anyone’s heart. Besides some things are God’s prerogative. However, I will make a simple observation. Christianity is entirely an active faith and where we see inaction, lethargy, complacency and passivity, we are certain that the Holy Spirit is not in position of priority.

The Bible calls us to action, certainly there are times when we are told to wait upon the Lord, but that is to develop patience, dependence and a faith walked out by His Will, so that His plan guides our actions, not so we can feel comfortable remaining sedentary. We are not a people who were ever meant to stand still, congregate without purpose or become members of an organization then bask in the benefits. We are workers for the harvest, and work is an active pursuit.

We were designed to leave the 99 and go search for the one. That does not mean we spend our time as the Jehovah’s Witness or Mormon’s or any other socially inspired organization, combing the neighborhoods for new recruits. It is not about my, your or anybody’s church as a functional organization, business or effective membership structure, it is about going to all corners of the Earth, spreading the Good News of Christ, planting seeds that He might germinate, grow, feed, water and harvest.

We have a problem, Houston. If the church owns millions of dollars of hard assets and does no local mission work, revivals, soup kitchen work, homeless support, hospital/elderly visitation, remains ignorant of widows, orphans or the poor and takes no active participation against social travesties, then we have become a passive facsimile of what Christ intended. Membership is not Biblical, keeping track of my tithe is not Biblical, staying within the church and never venturing out to find the lost, for the purpose of spreading the Good News of Christ is not Biblical.

Why then have we fallen pray to the predictable script of two songs, several announcements, praise, prayer and 30 minutes of professional pastory on an elevated dais, then one more song, maybe an altar call and dismissal to brief fellowship and socialization? And this is a nation wide, denomination wide, possibly global phenomena. Why are all the churches following the same agenda, format and schedule? Granted, when I say all there are always those who remain outside the mold. Not wishing to have an Elijah type rebuke by the Lord where He tells me that even this day there are many who never bowed to Baal, I must concede the generalizations.

My dilemma remains. I have the choice between three options, remain silent and suck it up, walk away from the church who is caught up in worldly structure and pursuits or speak out, taking the likely chance that I will be disliked, ostracized, persecuted or ignored. I do not want to call pastors, elders and deacons out, but isn’t that we are called to do? Wake up folks, if I am wrong I will gladly apologize and seek silence, but what if I am right? How have we been caught up in this sham, having been deceived into abdicating our Ambassadorial authority?

We have quenched the Holy Spirit to a point that we no longer recognize His power, authority and voice in the Church. People are truly astounded when they see His Power, to the point that they do not know what to do, run away or toward His presence. Where is the healing, where are the massive conversions of conviction, where are the revivals, where are the hearts turning back to the Lord in droves, answering the Spirit’s Call?

People have been forced into membership groups where those who are on the list get the services, honor, respect and care while those who aren’t remain outsiders, typically, eventually and invariably leaving the church body. Membership segregates, presenting barriers to entry that decrease Church efficacy with the surrounding public. People are told that Christianity is inclusive, but what they see is no different then worldly club structure. Certainly, behavior may be a bit better, less slander, cursing, back-biting and wickedness but the worldly structure is consistent with those organizations we see in work, home or play. People are looking for something different.

The Church does not belong to bank or does it? The Church does not belong to its largest contributors or does it? The Holy Spirit indwells every believer, or does it? We are all equal members of the Body of Christ. All Christians are saints, princes/princesses and priests. There is no ruling class as in Catholicism for this is the practice of the professional clergy vs the laity that Christ “hated” in Revelation.

I want to serve Christ in a Church body where we are all preachers, teachers, prophets, healers, administrators and servants of each other for Christ. Certainly God accounts for the oxen eating from the harvest but we have taken that and superimposed over top the worldly structure of a top down leadership that Christ never intended. I cannot afford good clothing, so I must sit in a place where I am seldom noticed for my poverty. I am often filthy for having worked or been in the field spreading love and the Good News to the lost and the lame. My family, my brothers and my sisters are caught up in drugs, alcohol and sinly pursuits. Must I fain that this is not the truth, choosing to keep these realities to myself in hopes of being acceptable to a group of elders that never really loved me in the first place? All I wish to do is love people, all people including the lost as Christ told me to do. I wish to spread the gift of Grace I was first given, when He found me and set me free from sin and death. I should be refreshed when coming into the Church body not thrown into greater anxiety caused by an attempt to measure up to rules, membership and monetary regulations I have no hope of meeting.

Please forgive me for working out my salvation with fear and trembling. Please forgive me for presenting my frustration in a way that may elevate your anxiety. Please forgive me for saying things that make you feel uncomfortable, unless and I pray this is the case that these words are those placed upon my heart by the Holy Spirit of God. I must speak out. I feel compelled to tell this truth, ask these questions, convict even myself regarding my ridiculous action. I will therefore accept the repercussions of my choice in speaking out. Lord I pray that I have done Your Work this day and brought people closer to the knowledge of the Truth. Please forgive me if I have offended You or pushed anyone further away from that moment of acceptance and salvation. In Your precious name I pray to the Father, Lord Jesus Christ the King.

Not my own

Posted on December 30, 2015 by awrkhakhaya16

What ties you to this life, is it a dream, a family or marking time? Are you spiritually centered, connected to the universe, convinced that all things are one and one all things? Does it all seem foolish, these child-like characters trying so hard to impress a God you’ve never seen? Can you save them, staunch their wounds, find them food and shelter long enough to stem the tide of guilt or shame? Or do the lights feed your cravings? Seeing me, about me, regarding me with whom else but me. What do you truly feel about the unborn, slain before their time? I know you feel that there is more than justified reason and choice, but what do you truly think when you think upon a disallowed child? Is there some universal accounting in this force you seek or is there no destiny, no price, no victory?

Is it important for each of us to determine a personal definition of evil and good? Or are we free of these things, simply applying the principals associated with being in Rome, doing what a Roman does? Is life and character transmutable, malleable, ductile, as clay in the hands of a wanton child, proclaiming innocent perspective and selfish understanding? I cannot hear your heart over the overwhelming echo of my own shouted, no and mine. Why do we get up each day facing the wind, standing with courage if there is nothing worthy of the fight? Certainly there must be something for which you would struggle? Life cannot simply be about your four walls, good tires and the umbrella moments. The question is not so much for what you would die, but for what you live? And if I live for something then have I an established position, role, character, upon which I mount my defense or assault? If life is about standing for something then why would I ever achieve anything substantive by expending all my efforts so that I may spend the maximum available time upon my keester?

Yes, this life is about the struggle, yes, it is about the fight. The problem is that each of us gets to determine the nature and the purpose of our battles. Why a problem, because given the self defining aspects of this purpose driven struggle, then what happens when we cannot even agree on what is worthy of the fight? If you are fighting for more relaxation and I am fighting to free children from poverty or bondage, we ourselves are going to be in a conflict over time, treasure and resources. That is the danger of the original sin, for we determine the definition of what is good and evil, we become our own gods. No longer are we perfectly aligned with the Creator’s design and purpose, but now we choose our own calling, fighting for what we deem worthy of our expended days. You see if enough people decide, collectively, in agreement that what God says is evil is now proclaimed good, we are then forced into defiance of God by cooperating with the majority. And equally we are subjected to being named with evil by those who want to redefine, ignore or mock God’s intention.

So that being understood, worldly determined purpose is unveiled, reduced to its common factors; God said one thing and if we say another. We are then self-defined as anti-God. And if we do not believe in God’s offer of salvation through Christ then we are subsequently, anti-Christ. You see, I would love to define the world in my own image, making my own rules so that I am free of obligation, accountability and fault, for that is the nature of my selfish internal man. However, I also do not want the responsibilities of being God, preferring to let Him define His universe and simply complying with the rules He’s proclaimed. It is not easy, and it immediately puts me at odds with those who have redefined good and evil according to their own perspective. I do not wish to be at odds with man, but I much less wish to be at odds with God. So again I am left with a choice, for after all that is what this life has always been about, a choice. I choose God and hope that you do as well, but I understand that He loves you enough to let you choose otherwise.

You see I did not define my own purpose in this life, it was given me by a Holy God. There are requirements of a man who serves God those being that I want to listen and obey God’s intention for my life, out of reverence, compliance and to achieve maximum fulfillment. I must then also accept that I will not be able to please many who have chosen some other ambition, drive or god. I pray to encourage you to do good today, but as you may define good in a different manner than does God. I must then hope that you obey God and do good today for the purpose of His good Will. The Bible says that there is a way that seems right to a man but its steps lead directly to Hades. Won’t you at least seek God’s definition first before embarking on a path leading to such a horrible, permanent place? I pray that your eyes are opened to the absolute, immutable Truth of God and I hope that I have planted the seed of your inquiry. Praise God in Jesus’ name.

What’s under the basket?

Posted on December 27, 2015 by awrkhakhaya16

What is that thing, that gift you are afraid to show the world, but when alone brings you closer to God? Are you a closet painter, dancer, designer or writer? Do you have the unique talent of quieting stormy arguments or healing broken hearts? Are you the one who ends up feeding everyone when they are too tired to care, bringing them back to themselves? Are you an amazing orator, story teller or crooner? What thing or things do you have that would amaze the world if they knew? I am not talking about secrets or evil thoughts, even though there will be some who have forsaken the light, using their talent for wickedness. I am talking about the things, righteous and pure that give hope, healing, patience, peace or insight. Who did God make you to be that you aren’t showing the world?

I like to sing, write, hug, listen, dream, design and bandage the wounds of those who will trust me to give them comfort. I may be good at worldly tasks, like business, bills or building, but these gifts were meant for God’s Good Purpose. When properly applied, even when shy or uncomfortable, the Lord allows me to make a real difference in the lives of those around me. Isn’t that purpose? Isn’t that happiness? Isn’t that wealth? Certainly there are times when I daydream I were in position of authority, but that passes as I listen to the dreams of a child. For I am in authority, the authority of King Jesus, to proclaim the light to a world captured by darkness. Where are your greatest successes? Are they on a wall in an “I love me” room so that you might be reminded of your feats? Or are they the peaceful minds, hearts and prayers of those who remember the love you gave them when they could not even for a moment imagine themselves worth loving?

What then have you been withholding from this desperate world? That talent that would inspire or catch to fire the kindling of spiritual fuel in the lives of those who remain dormant, misdirected or deluded? Can you show them Christ without showing them the Spiritual Gifts He has given you? You are the miracle they were meant to behold, the transformed mind they so desperately desire. Will you keep your light under the basket of shame, disbelief or self-service or will you come into view, chancing all for the opportunity to lead someone to salvation? Give me your gifts and I will show you discipleship. They cannot help but be moved when they see and are amazed at what God has done within you, through you, beyond you. Step into the spotlight for that moment, the moment it takes for people to see briefly the Light of Christ. We are princes and priests, representing a Holy and Mighty God, whispering of coming Glory. Will you show them your resemblance to the King of Everything? Dance for us, let us see God, please, I pray show me His Light.

Father I thank you for this week and the sights I have seen and the people with whom I am amazed. They were truly your greatest gift to me, with them I will never meet despair. For in their eyes, tears, song and care I see You clearer each and every day. Praise Your Holy Name, Jesus I love You.