Monday, September 26, 2011

Temporary vs. Eternal

I was listening to the story of Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31) the poor man who died and went to Heaven, while the rich man went to hell.  (The rich man did not go to hell because he was rich, but because while living, he rejected Christ’s offer of salvation. When he died, it was too late.)  One pastor has said this story is true and not a parable because names are used, whereas in contrast, if Jesus says “a certain man” or such, then that is a parable.  Anyway, the point I want to make is that no matter how bad I (we) feel on a particular day, it is rare that it is "only dogs to lick one's sores" bad.  He only had the dogs to lick his sores and the visual I get helps me to know-- THAT is bad off! There are times when we suffer, but we must remind ourselves that Lazarus eventually received an eternal reward that more than made up for his situation on earth.  Final thought: My pastor (Danny – Calvary Chapel / St. Pete) is fond of saying: “We are not humans having a spiritual experience but spiritual beings having a human experience.” Our spiritual experience in the presence of God will last forever! Amen!

Monday, September 12, 2011

To have & to hold, from this day forward....

Short bit of marital advice:  I pray that I’ve impressed upon my daughters (and other single women desiring to marry) about the importance of marrying someone who is on the same *page* they are on (Spiritually), who believes as they do (Doctrinally), and who has the same goals as they do (Practically) – *NOT JUST* someone who likes the same things they like (doesn’t go deep enough to ensure success) or does things the same way they do (one or the other person might be in need of improvement).  Take it from someone who has been married for a decade.  10 years is not very long in comparison to some of my still happily married family members and friends, but it’s long enough to say something. My marriage is not perfect and I am willing to speak out of its imperfection and pray for God to continue to cover both of our shortcomings with His grace.  Finally, I’m not a marriage expert; however I do have an insightful spiritual gift with a reason for having it.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

It's not You...It's me...

Dr. Stanley gave a very enlightening message that says: We are responsible for a slow down in our blessings.  We are not waiting for God, He is waiting for us.  God cannot go against His laws (reaping & sowing).  That is really thought-provoking and should be remembered the next time I try to complain...

I recently shared with someone very close to me that when I became saved, I didn't fully grasp that I *belonged to* Christ, not only in the way that He takes care of me but in a way that means I am owned by Him.  Paul (Romans 1:1) said upfront that he was a bondservant.  My pastor explained that a bondservant is a servant who has met his obligations to his master, but out of love and devotion, has his ear pierced with an awl and vows to stay with his master.  It's the perfect picture of the best relationship to have with the Lord.

Dr. Stanley further said: We must give complete control to God. He will not fight us for it.  The good that God has in store for us doesn't always mean "easy", but will be a challenge.  This is how he grows us up in life.  That being said, you would think that I would be the grownest, most mature believer there is,,,but no,,,I have stubborn ways.  Lastly, Dr. Stanley shares: our circumstances might be painful and/or difficult, but they WILL drive us to Him.  That same day, Dr. Michael Yuseff said: God commands us to stop drinking milk and grow up!

Well Yes Sir!