Why is it so hard?

Hey,

I've been away for a while, life intervening and all that. I'm back because I feel pressed to write about how I'm feeling. Right now I'm finding it so hard. If I'm honest I feel like my relationship is hanging on by a thread. I haven't read my Bible in ages. I haven't done anything.

So what have I been doing??!!

You know, it's so much easier to stick to a path when you isolate yourself from other people and from life going on around you and I've been doing so much less of that. And so I've been caught up in a gust of fun which has just totally caught me off balance.

Imagine going on a diet and then treating yourself to a slice of chocolate cake that you'd almost forgotten the taste of, and before you know it you've pretty much eaten the whole thing.

Imagine getting on a raft and enjoying the ocean around you, then dozing off to sleep and waking up to find out you've drifted far far away.

It's like that.

The cares of this world. I've been enjoying myself, I will admit it, I've had more fun that I've had in a long time. But I've also lost my balance and lost my focus. And it's really hard getting myself motivated to even pick up the compass that's gonna lead me back home.

I wonder, is this how Hansel and Gretel would have felt faced with a big gingerbread house versus a trail of regular old bread crumbs. One sweeter to the lips, the other the bread of life itself.

Oh God help me please! You said to be sober and vigilant and I have been neither! And now I am in perpetual haze. All the things I thought I wanted are seemingly close to my fingertips, but to reach them it seems I would have to let go of your hand, and I don't want to do that.

To live with the possibility of nothing, to live a life of sacrifice oh Lord is what you require, and I want to pay the price. I want to pay the price but I don't know if I have enough in me.

Please help me dear Lord, I know the time draws near. Like Daddy said, it's not long now. It's not long, so please dear Lord help me to hold on, help me to hold on with a firmer, surer grip. Help me to re-find my focus. Help me oh Lord becasue I cannt help myself, and if I don't say another word please accept this as my prayer.

I don't know what else to do

A Woman's Place

Hi peeps! Yes I'm bizaaaaaccckk! Hope you've all been well and keeping the faith.

Right. I'm writing today because last night I went to watch a screening of Diary of a Tired Black Man with some friends (wave :-)) last night, and while the documentary itself was interesting , but for me the discussions a bunch of us had before and after the screening were most poignant.

The director of the movie was there with his wife, and they were talking about how they endeavour to manage their home and life according to Biblical principals, eg. the man being the head of the house as Christ is the head of the church. Now, this is something I agree with, particularly as I recognise that marriage is/should be a reflection of the relationship that Christ has with the Church (the worldwide body of believers) as his bride. Which means that men should seek to treat their wives and families with the same respect and lovingkindness that Christ lavishes on us. It's not a relationship of domination but cooperation, trust and mutual respect.

So in the discussion it came up how society and indeed the structure of families and communities have changed drastically since the 1950s, undeniably aided by popular value systems such as feminism and the media. Women and men have bought into it because it appeals to our selfish nature, our egos and greed.

While women have been told they are equal to men and that society has been holding out on them, some men welcome aspects of feminism because they want women to share the burden of work too in order to fund their own aspirational lifestyles of the rich and famous. Other men support the independent woman movement just because they have a hard time accepting a woman spending money they earned (selfish maybe? hmmmmmm). Others genuinely believe we are equal and as such should be able the same rights if we want to.

Now, does this remind anyone of the first whisper of temptation? (God doesnt want you to fulfill your potential and be as good as Him, He's holding out on you, do this and you too can be like Him!) And what happened? Adam and Eve believed the lie and were deceived. They tried to encroach on the natural order of things and what happened? Disorder for generations to come!

Isn't this what has happened to the family, to male-female roles and relationships? Hasn't this snowball picked up pace and now crushing communities and societies with ever increasing force and pace?

Oh the wonder of God's truth! He set everything up from the beginning as it should be, because believe it or not, being God, He knows best.

The sad thing is that in some communities it would appear that many women don't have the luxury of being women and have forgotten what it means, while some men don't actually know how to be men.

We have generations of men raised in single-parented households who become accustomed to seeing women as providers, and then we wonder why the men just don't seem able to make even basic steps towards becoming providers. These same men go on to reproduce and are notably absent or poor providers for their own offspring, who then go on to be raised by patriarchal mothers.

So what's the solution? It's interesting that the death of the modern family is being lamented from all corners, yet few acknowledge that the way home is a return to the Biblical order of male-female relationships. However there is growing recognition that feminism may have hatched a monster:

How's the fruit taste, Eve?

It's hard for our egos to accept that the flattery that makes us feel so good might not be true. I'm not saying married women and mothers should not be recognised for their contributions to the economy and political life. But you know what? What's good for one person is not necessarily good for the well-being of all. Actually my friend Paul said it better - "All things are lawful unto me, but not all things are expedient." (1 Corinthians 6:12)

For the model to work, we need to see men earning the trust of women and stepping up to the plate, willingly prepared to take on the role of provider, giving women room to express their femininity as God intended, in a role that both are happy with, whether that role be in the workplace, community or in the home.

Scripture wars and Bible battles............

Hi guys, I've been gone a while, I'm sorry, will update you soon. But lets just say I've been having some interesting times. I've been reading and learning some interesting things, and having some interesting conversations.

Ironically, some information in a book I was attempting to get through last week on the Purpose Driven paradigm has just an hour ago shone a light on an issue I've been discussing with someone early today. Suddenly I think I understand what may be informing their thinking.

When scripture is pointed out to you clear as day and you fail to see what is written there, could it be because something else that you have been reading, or have been told, and that you have accepted for truth has already informed your idea of the truth?

Could it be that in trying to see, you have picked up and put on tinted glasses, and now fail to see true hues because you have been made colour blind?

Could it be the case?

Could it?

I know I'm probably sounding cryptic to some, but I will have to come back and explain all in a later post. Just mad busy at the moment!

For those who have the time and the inclination, check out the free book to your right called "In The Name of Purpose". Its long but nothing worthwhile is ever easy (and that goes for men and women too) ---------------------------------------------------->

For those who have less time, I invite you to examine and comment upon these statements attributed to Rick Warren:

“Every time you pass a test, God notices and makes plans to reward you in eternity.”

Rick Warren, Purpose Driven Life, page 44

"I've always said that the greatest thing you can do with your life is to tell people about Jesus and invite them to come to know him. I was wrong. There is one thing you can do greater than sharing Jesus Christ with somebody: It is to help start a church, because a church will outlast you and everyone else."

Rick Warren, February 15 2007

"One day you will stand before God, and he will do an audit of your life, a final exam, before you enter eternity. The Bible says, “Remember, each of us will stand personally before the judgment seat of God…. Yes, each of us will have to give a personal account to God.” Fortunately, God wants us to pass this test, so he has given us the questions in advance. From the Bible we can surmise that God will ask us two crucial questions: First, “What did you do with my Son, Jesus Christ?” God won’t ask about your religious background or doctrinal views. The only thing that will matter is, did you accept what Jesus did for you and did you learn to love and trust him? … Second, “What did you do with what I gave you?” What did you do with your life —all the gifts, talents, opportunities, energy, relationships, and resources God gave you? …Preparing you for these two questions is the goal of this book. The first question will determine where you spend eternity. The second question will determine what you do in eternity. By the end of this book you will be ready to answer both questions."

Rick Warren, Purpose Driven Life, page 34

Words from the brothers

Desperately seeking..........truth

For all the sons of Levi...... (Exodus 32 verse 26)

Just an article from an interesting site called Into Truth.

http://www.intotruth.org/ms/ms194d.html

TWO DIFFICULT PROBLEMS

There are two areas in which discerning Christians are being tested right now, and judging by the letters I receive, these two areas are causing almost as many problems as the deception itself.

These two problems are REJECTION by friends, family and other Christians; and EXPULSION from local churches - that is, people being forced to leave, or feeling they have to leave, their church.

But these things should not come as a surprise. The Bible clearly warns that we will be rejected, or even betrayed, by all those who do not stand with us in the strict truth of God’s Word. All who follow the Lord Jesus will be persecuted, just as He was - Jesus said that all nations would HATE us, and that family splits and antagonism of all kinds was to be expected if we decide to follow Him to the end.

But we are human - and rejection hurts. We also feel puzzled that others can’t understand our position. There is a veil of blindness descending over the eyes of those who reject the truth. They not only fail to see what we are saying, but accuse us unjustly of all kinds of things. What should be our reaction?

Look at Jesus. He was spurned by all, even his closest friends, and it was one of his close band of followers who betrayed Him to His death. Yet, He was full of compassion for others, and forgiveness towards his enemies.

Only forgiveness heals the wounds of rejection. Bearing a grudge, getting revenge, sulking, or brooding will only drive the dart of the enemy deeper into our souls, where it will cause untold damage. The only way to deal with feelings of rejection is to take them to the Lord in prayer, tell Him our grief, ask for healing, and freely forgive those who hurt us. Furthermore, we have to understand that following Jesus has its price. We have to make up our minds that we will endure persecution as Jesus did, without losing our love for others, or falling into depression or anger.

There is always the temptation to feel a sense of guilt when other Christians accuse us. Maybe that is healthy, because we do need to check out every criticism to see if it is actually correct. But beware of accepting a false burden of guilt placed on you by those who are trying to avoid conviction of their sin by making YOU the scapegoat. If you have spoken up for the Lord, and for scriptural truth; if you have stood out against error, then if you are criticised, accept it bravely and refuse to feel guilty. You have done nothing wrong!

HAVE YOU LEFT YOUR CHURCH?

Secondly, leaving church causes all sorts of problems for people, especially when there is no alternative fellowship to go to. But the fact is, more and more of us are going to be driven out of churches, or else leave of our own accord because we are unwilling to compromise with error.

But leaving behind the building and the elders you are familiar with does NOT mean you are “leaving the Church”. The “church” is not the building, the denomination or the leadership, but the believers who individually gather together for fellowship. When that fellowship degenerates into something that actually contravenes scripture, it has ceased to be “church”.

Every born-again Christian has been incorporated into the worldwide Body of Christ. That Body is really “the Church” - a group of people who love the Lord and follow Him. Your allegiance is first and foremost to the Lord Jesus Christ, and only secondarily to those set over you in the Body. But many who call themselves shepherds are wolves who love to dominate the flock - they use pressures of guilt and fear to force others to submit to their domination. They tell you not to leave their church, but only because they do not want to lose your slavish obedience to their rule!

You are just as much part of the Body of Christ when you do not regularly attend a local fellowship, as when you do. Indeed, you may actually find yourself closer to God and closer to other local Christians as a result of “leaving Church” because your personal prayerlife improves and you are forced to fellowship more openly with like-minded believers.

If the “church” you left has been preaching errors, and refuses to accept correction, then to stay there will expose you to harm. But scripture commands us to withdraw from those who are openly in error. Also, sitting in a pew or chair for an hour or two on a Sunday morning does not qualify you for more “brownie points” than those who study the Bible and worship just with their families or a few friends. In fact, the quality of fellowship improves ten-fold when the Holy Spirit is in charge, and is being allowed to teach and mould His people once more. (It would be impossible to justify from scripture MOST of the arrangements and practices of established churches, anyway - that may come as a shock to some, but I challenge you to check out the scriptures for yourself!)

The uplifting thing about this problem area is that God seems to be behind it! By calling His remnant people out of false church systems He is forcing them to get to grips with the plain meaning of scripture. People are rediscovering simple worship, homely, close-knit, loving groups that really care for each other, real Bible study that allows everyone to participate, and all the other long-lost (but scriptural) parts of “church” life. God is challenging us all to re-examine our concept of what “church” really is. Did he ever really approve of denominations, church buildings, priestcraft, robes, rites and rituals?

This is a big subject, but I hope these few words will have opened your eyes to a new way of thinking about this difficult area.

Apostles and disciples - is/was there a difference?

Hmmmmm.......I'll be back?

Jesus, spit and the blind men

Thinking about Todd Bentley made me think about something.....I think Todd's ministry is false, as is the spirit behind it in the form of the angel (demon/false spirit) Emma, which leads him to operate under the power of demons and to visit violence upin people who are seeking (in the wrong place) "deliverance", "healing", or a "closer walk" or experience with "God".

I know this to be true.

But then I also thought, his behaviour is bad, but what - how could I explain why Jesus used spit to heal the eyes of a blind man? Something that i would find offensive if someone wanted to rub spit in my eyes for whatever reason. Ok, I know the men were blind and probably didn't mind as it would be worth it to get your sight back and be able to see, but I honestly didn't understand why.

But even so, I know that Jesus is holy and that there must have been a good reason.

Anyway, Google man.......Google is your friend! I did a quick search and this came up:

DISCLAIMER: I'm not saying this is the actually explanation as I will have to check and find out for myself. Just because Google is your friend doesn't mean it always tells the truth. But I found this interesting. If it turns out to be tosh I apologise in advance and will try to remedy it by putting up a correct explanation where I can. But best believe I ain't no false prophet tryna lead you astray so dont stone me yet. Ya heard? Aight........

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~lakolberg/transcripts/C101B.html

HC: The question sometimes is raised about this matter of the two miracles of Jesus that are recorded for us in the Bible, where Christ spit on the eyes of the blind man in Mark 8 before He healed him, or He spit on the ground and made mud or clay of the spittle, and anointed the eyes of the blind man in John 9. Now why did God do this? Why did Christ do this? I'd like to speak on this before we take our next call.

We know, first of all, that nothing that Jesus did or that is recorded for us in the Bible is there accidentally, nor was it done coincidentally or incidentally. Everything has a very distinct purpose. Now Christ obviously could have healed these blind men by simply saying the word. He didn't have to go through all of this strategy of spitting, and so on. He didn't have to do that. It is there, however, to teach us something.

Now secondly, we know that Christ was constantly teaching with parables. Every action has to be examined to see if there is a deeper spiritual meaning. A parable, in the easiest way of speaking about it, is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. Well, these miracles were true historical events. But they are written to give us a spiritual insight. Now we know that the purpose of Christ's teaching was always to give us insights into the nature of salvation. And therefore we sense that the fact that He spit on the eyes of the blind man has something to do with teaching us about what our salvation is all about.

Now when we go to the Old Testament, we find at least two accounts of the meaning of spitting in somebody's face, and it's really quite bad. It's really quite shocking, in a way. In Deuteronomy 25 we have the account of a widow whose husband has died. And in accordance with the law God had laid down, if a husband died without bearing any children, then if that husband had a brother who was unmarried, he was to marry the widow, in order to provide children to perpetuate the name of his brother. And if the brother would not do this, then he was under the curse of God. We see this very vividly back in Genesis. There was a man by the name of Onan, who was supposed to go in to his brother's wife and bear seed for his brother, and he refused to do it. And so God killed him right on the spot. God killed him to show that he was under the curse of God.

Here in Deuteronomy 25, to show this curse, the Bible says this in verse 8: "If the brother [who is supposed to marry the widow on behalf of his brother, to provide seed] refuses to take her, then his brother's wife shall go up to him, in the presence of the elders, and pull his sandal off his feet and spit in his face. And she shall answer and say, So shall it be done to the man who does not build up his brother's house." Now this spitting in the face here is to indicate that he was under the curse of God, because he was rebellious against God, in that he would not go in to his brother's widow to provide seed.

Now in Numbers 12 we have a similar account, showing that to spit in one's face is to indicate that they were under the curse of God. We have the account there of Miriam, a sister of Moses, who had rebelled against Moses. And so Miriam became leprous, as white as snow. Now to become leprous also indicated that a person was under the curse of God. A leper had to remain outside the camp, and he was to say, "Unclean, unclean, unclean." Leprosy in the Bible is a figure of sin. Well, Miriam became leprous. And then Moses cried to the Lord, "Heal her. O God, I beseech Thee," in verse 13. And then verse 14 of Numbers 12 records that the Lord said to Moses, "If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be shamed seven days? Let her be shut up outside the camp seven days. And after that she may be brought in again." In other words, God is equating leprosy with having someone spit in your face. In other words, both are indicators. Both are literal things, of course. But they are figures of being under the curse of God.

Well, what does this have to do then with these miracles? Here's a blind man, he's physically blind. Why would Christ spit in his face? Well, you see, the miracle that Christ did in a physical way was a figure of a great spiritual truth. The blind man, who was blind physically, is a picture of figure of an unsaved man, who is blind spiritually. And when Christ spit on the ground and made mud out of the spittle and put it on his eyes (or in the case of the man from Bethsaida in Mark 8, where Christ spit in his eyes directly), this indicates that this blind man, who was blind spiritually, is under the curse of God. He is like a leper. He is to be . . . he is unclean. He cannot come into the body of Christ. He is a sinner.

So you have the physical situation. You have the physically blind man, whose eyes have been spit upon. You have the spiritual meaning of this. It is a figure of a person who is blind in his sins, he's spiritually blind. He is under the curse of God. He cannot come into the camp of the believers. He is an abomination to God. This idea is strengthened in Mark 8, where it's talking about this blind man there in verse 22: "They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought to Him a blind man and begged Him to touch him. And He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village. And when He had spit on his eyes, He laid His hands on him," and so on. And then the healing came. He led him out of the village. That figure also points to the fact that he is unclean. He is led outside of the camp of the believers, if you will. He can't come into the body of Christ because he is cursed by his sin. The spitting is emphasizing that before we are saved we are cursed by sin.

Now notice what happens in John 9, after He had anointed the man's eyes with the clay. He said to him, "Go, wash in the Pool of Siloam, which means scent. So he went and washed and came back seeing." Now here stands the sinner. He is spiritually blind. He is under the curse of God. He's like a leper. He's like someone who has been spit upon in the face. He is an abomination. And now God comes with a command: "Go, if you will, and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved; you will be cleansed of your sin."

God gives us the command to be obedient to Him, just as He gave the command to this blind man to go wash in the pool of Siloam. In Acts 2:38 Peter, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, is discussing salvation. And he says, "Repent and be baptized in the Name of Christ for the remission of your sins." The word baptism means to wash or be purified. What Peter was saying was, "Repent and be washed in the Name (that is, on the authority) of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins." And we are washed of our sins when we come to the Lord Jesus Christ and place our trust in Him. He cleanses us from all sins.

And so when we are obedient to the command, no matter how a great a sinner we might be, no matter how much we might be under the curse of sin, when we are obedient to the command to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, then we will have our spiritually blind eyes opened, just as surely as this blind man, who obeyed God in John 9. He went and washed, and he came back seeing.

So you see, when Christ spit on the eyes of these blind men, He did not do this accidentally. He did it in order to teach us that we who are spiritually blind are under the curse of God. We are an abomination to God. We are dead in our sins. But it is these kinds of people that Christ came to seek and to save. He came for sinners. Isn't that wonderful? No matter how great your sins might be, no matter how deeply you have rebelled against God, your salvation can be just as certain and sure as anyone else's. What a wonderful Savior we have!