Which Doctrine Do You Choose? (Do you even have to choose?)

For sake of time, I will not include the verses in their entirety, but I give references so that you can study on your own. And trust me, this is a good practice to get in to. When someone shares their thoughts on the Word of God, you should always verify.

John 17:21 - Our division over doctrines does NOT communicate Jesus correctly. Romans 12:5 – We who are many are supposed to be ONE.

Who is inspiring this post? Two men and their followers.

 

Jacobus Arminius (from late 1500s) and his opponent John Calvin (from early 1500s).

 

Keyword: OPPONENT. Surely Arminius found holes in Calvin’s doctrine and there came his response with a differing doctrine 50 years later. However, let’s point out this was over 500 years ago…and they were about 1470 years after Christ.

 

Ready for my hypothesis?

Both Calvin and Arminius lead people astray.

Let me explain. Hear me out. I may surprise you.

Is this a plan? Perhaps a strategy from our greatest enemy to divide the body of Christ. Create so much division that we are handicapped to reach the world in full capacity.

 

In my eyes, all we do is turn off unbelievers/unsaved with our ‘irreconcilable differences’ over our favorite 'flowers'. Are you a TULIP or a DAISY? Me, I'm a wildflower!!!

 

These old doctrines from C & A have dug deep roots to divide the body of Christ (which is to be ONE).

 

What is an offensive strategy in war? DIVIDE & CONQUER. And unfortunately, so many have fallen for this. Just think of the last time you were having a great conversation with a fellow ‘Christian’ and then the topic of doctrine came up and they said they were Calvinist…what happen to that conversation if you are not a “Calvinist”? It was over and your attitude changed, you became on guard with whatever else came out of their mouth right? Does that even sound Christ-like? No, it doesn’t.

 

 

But why does it happen? It’s NOT biblical…The division comes from our spirit not bearing witness with that doctrine. Divisive, disagreeable doctrines are not of God.

What does the Bible warn us about doctrines of man?

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.  Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of Him who is the head, that is, Christ. From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Ephesians 4:14-16

 

But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness,your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:3

I live by what it says in the Word of God. Refer to Ephesians 4:4-6. Read about ‘ONENESS’. Choosing a man’s doctrine to follow is so unbiblical.  Identifying yourself with a ‘man’s interpretation’ is unbiblical. Read & dwell on 1 Corinthians 3:4-5. It’s right there. “MERE MEN”.

In my eyes, it’s completely unbiblical to even label yourself as anything else than a follower of Christ, a disciple of Christ, and even a Christian. Yet people love labels. So then I offer an alternative: Biblican.

I cannot grasp onto either ‘Calvinist’ or ‘Arminian’ doctrines…it’s so unbiblical to do either by what I gather from the verses I’ve sited.  So then, when people corner me on choosing a Biblical stance, I tell them that “I’m Biblican”…and since it’s a new term, my own, they will ask me, “So then what do you believe?” My response: “Whatever the Bible states. Period.”

 How do people miss what Christ says in Revelations 22:18-19?

I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.

YIKES!!!! See, its right there in the Word? Follow what the spirit of God speaks to you! He will speak clearly the truth, and you will hear Him IF you lay down all your presumptions and all doctrines of man that you have come in agreement with.

Do you recall how the people were addressed in their following after Moses BEFORE Christ?

See Acts 15:1-11.

We don’t’ need to add our interpretation or Calvin’s to our views. It’s bias.

 

 

See the divisiveness? How is this 'the Lord'?

 

It's limited, remember. This disagreement is unnecessary and overcomplicates living sold out to Christ.

 

With all this said, I encourage us all to stop wasting our time and energy debating scripture and just start living out the unadulterated Word of God.

 

·        Let’s get back to the simple and pure devotion to Christ – 2 Corinthians 11:3.

·        Let your life show John 14:6.

·        Let’s live John 15.

·        Let’s Matthew 6:33.
 

By all doing all this, we will find God’s will for us personally!

Side note/Personal Opinion:

I feel that there are holes in each doctrinal prescription. One may have more than the other, some may be smaller or bigger…but still there are holes in each.

Question: Would you rather have a boat with 1 hole or 5 holes in it?

Answer: Neither, right? You will sink in either one.

I cannot accept either doctrinal belief as sufficient or 100% scriptural, so then I don’t choose a side. I ask you to seek the scriptures and see what the Lord reveals to you. Don’t just pick one since it seems to be the thing to do. And by the way, Jesus doesn't say you have to?

DISCLAIMER: I am non-denominational, and I am non-doctrinal. I just want to be biblical. I just want Jesus & His Word. (Psalm 119 & John 1:1-5).

So you call yourself a Believer, huh?

Do you want to bear the name “Believer”?
Then – START BELIEVING Friend.

Check out Hebrews 11:6 in your Bible. Here are the main points it makes:

1.    Without faith it is impossible to please Him (God).
2.    Those who come (go) to God must believe He is (God).
3.    We also must believe He is a rewarder of those who SEEK Him.

One conclusion: FAITH SEEKS GOD. Note, this is an on-going action, not a past-tense, single occurrence.

Thought: If you are NOT seeking God, yet call yourself a ‘believer’, I fear you do not have the faith that pleases God.

Note: This is not a ‘works’ message. This is a ‘you will know them by their fruit’ perspective. Do you call yourself a football star, but not play football? Do you call yourself a millionaire, but do not have a million bucks in the bank? So then, can you call yourself a believer, if you are NOT believing?

Question: How often do we forfeit God’s plans because of our lack of believing Him, His Word?

 
Hey Believer, the Word says:
-        He will never leave you or forsake you. Do you believe that?
-        There is now NO condemnation for those in Christ. Do you believe that?
-        With God, ALL things are possible. Do you believe that?
-        Apart from Jesus, you can do nothing. Do you believe that?

So then believer, why is your life not reflecting your belief?

Daily we are faced with decisions and opportunities that challenge our beliefs. How are you doing with those tests and challenges?

Is your life marked by distrust, disbelief, and despair? We’ve got to recognize when it is headed that way and dive into the Scriptures that are relevant to what we are enduring. We’ve got to inspire ourselves and ignite that faith to believe with the Word of God. We’ve got to pursue Jesus, be with God, be with Jesus to make things possible and resurrect our hope and the faith that pleases God.

We have to have a devotional life.

We have to set time aside (daily) to pour our hearts out to God. We’ve got to make time to be raw and real with God and leave ourselves available to Him to minister to us, our hearts, and move in our lives. We've got to spend time with the Lord to make it through the demands of life, here in this world, with this deteriorating society and culture. We've got to be with God, in Christ, filled with the Spirit.

Before we can be a disciple (a student/learner of Jesus' and God's Word), we have to be a "Believer".
  

This week, find 2-3 verses (or more) that you will make your life verses that you will choose to believe no matter what the circumstances say! And decide this day, are you truly a ‘Believer’ of the Most High God, Jesus Christ?

WHY do you want more God????

Wrote this one line in my prayer journal today:

"Lord, you are so good...thank you for showing up...."

(Referring to our table leader meeting last night.)

 

 

And then I wrote the following down:

 

"God will show up in the way we allow Him to."

 

 

For those who expect little from God, they will get little.

For those who expect greatness from God, they will get abundance.

 

And I am never talking about money when I mention 'abundance'...I am so over that message.

 

Personally, I want an abundance of:

COMPASSION                     

PATIENCE

GENTLENESS

SELF-CONTROL

FAITHFULNESS

PEACE

JOY

and the greatest of all: LOVE

 

 

I also want an abundance of:

WISDOM & KNOWLEDGE

ADMINISTRATIVE ABILITY

FAITH & HEALING HANDS

WORKING OF MIRACLES

 

We get these from pursuing God for who HE is as a disciple, not seeking His hand as a consumer.

 

Ask God for the spiritual things to develop within you, and then you will begin experiencing His presence in your life, His spirit moving in your days, and His love pouring out of your heart!



Forgiveness is what the Lord requires of us. PERIOD.

Forgiveness….what is it good for?

·        Christ said to forgive, always forgive…70 times 7. (Matthew 18:22 NASB)

·        In the Lord’s prayer, it reads: Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. (Matthew 6:12 NLT)

·        And it is God’s forgiveness, His sacrifice on the cross for our sins that gives us eternal life with the Lord. (Refer to Ephesians 1:7 NASB)

 

So then, I ask again: FORGIVENESS….what is it good for?

All too often, and in this world, we hear about bitter stories of unforgiveness, followed by judgment. What door does this mindset open up into one’s life? If you are unable to forgive anyone, you remain bitter, and we know that bitterness does not respect boundaries.

 

Bitterness will cross over into other relationships. And why shouldn’t it? If you can’t forgive this one person over here for something they did, then you are capable of not forgiving the next person who offends or hurts you, right? This starts a lifestyle of bitterness and resentment.

When have you met a happy, joyful, kind bitter person? Hmmmmm. Unforgiveness and bitterness sits in opposition of the fruits of the spirits. Refresh your memory in Galatians 5:22-23.

I see how unforgiveness is a greater sin. It opens the door to many others. Consider the judgment that sprouts out of a soil fertilized by it. Think about it. The people you don’t forgive you end up judging them, their life, their family, their spending, their kids, their work ethic, their looks…everything. And like bitterness, judgment will cross over into other relationships. 

 

Bitterness and judgment are relational cancers!

The heart of man can be wicked. Resentment is usually marked by anger and easily turns into hate. What does Jesus equivocate hate with? Turn to Matthew 5:21-26, read it and you will see. 

I know, the truth confronts and convicts. But the truth is what sets you free. Do you want to be set free from resentment, bitterness, and unforgiveness?

Those you need to forgive today probably started with those you didn’t forgive as a child, teen, and young adult. List out all those starting from childhood that you need to forgive. And find a way to forgive them today.

 

Forgiveness, following the example of Christ, will truly open the door to the power of the Spirit, that which you have been seeking for so long.

 Who do you need to forgive today?

Keeping it real cultivates the GOOD SOIL

I truly am so ecstatic that someone, whom is in the top 5 dearest people to me, has come to know the Lord in such a mighty way this year.

Looking back over the last 11 years of my own salvation, this is a person who saw me BC - Before Christ. She knew who I was before I ever knew the Lord...the good, the bad, the really bad, and the worst!

She saw me when I first got saved and how I tried to plug into church, but would also plug back into the clubs on Saturday nights.

She watched me go back and forth between church and drinking to finally remaining sober, and then on staff at a church.

She graciously received my boundless evangelistic attempts to get all I knew saved.

She saw me go from on staff at a megachurch to on the sofa nursing my son, and seen me at my worst post-salvation. Sleep deprived, post-partum, and unchurched for a season.

She heard me complain about nearly everything at one time or another along the way.

She saw my efforts to go back to when I was at my best.

She was informed when I felt like I was getting back on track.

She was one of the first who heard me poor out my dreams for the Lord and what I was going to do with my Bible college education.

And now it's her turn.

This morning I was really thanking God so much for her salvation. It's been better news than hearing of someone giving birth, getting married, it's one of the greatest things I have experienced.

To know that someone I love so intensely and dearly is on their own adventure to discover and experience how Jesus loves her so intensely and dearly - it's absolutely amazing!

I was in Luke 8 this morning reading about the seed and soils. I felt like the Lord showed me that because I have been so open and honest with her about my life, my relationship with Jesus, and sincere with my love for her no matter what, her heart is even greater than the 'good soil'.

Imagine a compost pile being nurtured for 10 years, always receiving rich nutrients, all the leaf debris, and fruit peels...turned over and over more, for many years....then imagine with it wet and rich, and just a few seeds being dropped in it.

That's what happened to her heart for this last 10 years of her being a spectator of my life pursuing the Lord. I never held back about my zeal for Jesus. I never held back my failures in life.

This is relational evangelism at its best. Being real about it all, never being ashamed, never diluting it, never keeping it mild or worrying about 'offending' someone. But speaking the truth in love, with passsion, concern, and zeal.

This person who is sooooo dear to me has hit the ground running in her own salvation, and now the good times, good conversations, and good relationship with her is going to get even better. For now, she is also my sister in the Lord. The best above all!

Can we truly figure out who is saved? What does fruit look like?

A song from the Hillsong Church's worship team was on my heart today following my devotional time.

"The whole earth is full of His glory...
The whole earth is full of His glory...
You reign victorious over all..."

Just a couple lines of it there, I can't sing, which is why you will not see a video of my BedHead Devotionals featuring me trying to capture this moment. ;) ha, ha!

A couple things were so deeply confirmed today in my quiet time today. As I sat in awe of how years ago I wrote 2 words in my old Bible ( that I used from 2003-2005) that were on my heart today. AMAZING STUFF FOLKS!

See, I've claimed that I would be in ministry again for the last 5 years. I've claimed that I was made for ministry. There is nothing else that I want to pour my time and energy into except seeing people come into a full revelation of Jesus Christ, God - their Creator!

Believers and unbelievers. Yes...I have a hunch that many people who are saved, have the 'fire insurance', but have yet to experience the full revelation of Jesus Christ as Lord, Savior, Messiah.

Heck, I still have some revelation to be received, so I imagine many others do too.

I think of people who have confessed with their mouth and heart that Jesus is Lord, yet still sink in the bondages of sin. Addictions, sexual immorality, greed, lust, lying, dishonesty...the list goes on and on of the sins that people STAY entangled in.

It is true, "You will know them by their fruit"...but can I have you consider the 'sanctification process'? The Word says to 'work out your own salvation with fear and trembling'...there's a working out that has to be done...a process.

See when I first got saved...I was living a rated-R life of promiscuity...I was an undercover homewrecker. I partied on the weekends: drinking and drugs. I cussed like a sailor, I lied, manipulated, and was so vain and conceited. I was horrible. I was. That's the truth.

- That's who I was B.C. - 

BEFORE CHRIST!

Now, as I look back over my life, I see that I did not do a 180 with my external behaviors immediately, although my internal, heart's desires did. My heart longed for Jesus to heal me of my addictions, for him to give me self-control with my body, and to purify my mouth and motives.

I share the story of my sanctification process along these lines..."When I first got saved, I don't think that my potty mouth and the way I dressed was as much as a priority as my adultress affairs. I was jeopardizing marriages and families. God is all about protecting family and marriages. So guess what? Married men were 100% off limits, a.s.a.p.

Next thing to go was the dangerous hardcore drugs of cocaine and ecstasy. Those stopped immediately, those were potentially more fatal than the other things that I was doing. Next was the drinking...because that too was dangerous as I was horrible to drink and drive...(I know, is your mouth dropped? I warned you I was bad...). The next thing to change was my cussing...

I remember hearing the verse: How can blessings and cursings come from the same mouth?...I was like 'ouch!'

Remember, when I learned of Jesus' love and forgivenness...I needed soooooooooooo much of just that, so I loved Him so much! (Those who are forgiven much love much, right? It's a also a verse in the  Bible).

So my passion for the party, rated-R life was turned into passion for Christ....but I had some addictions and habits that had to become sanctified...purified. It did not happen overnight...at all.

Had someone looked at my outside appearance 3-6 mos...even 1 year after being saved, many of the self-righteous would've doubted my salvation because at that time I was not 'bearing fruit'....yet. I was in the pruning process.

You got to cut the dead stuff off so that new life can grow. I am grateful that within 2 1/2 years of my salvation, I was completely alcohol, drug, and sex free. In fact, I called off an engagement because my fiance did not 'keep it pure'...that's how intense my sanctification process was.

 

I got strong enough, by the power of the Holy Spirit to

let go of all the things that were

in opposition of what the Word of God taught.

Now...here's the thing...to me, that was too long...but some people take even longer. My gut feeling is that we will take as long as we allow ourselves. It's a matter of 'our will' lining up with the will of God.

 

The speed of the sanctification process is

 proportionate to the measure of our

submission to the Holy Spirit.

For me, my addiction to marijuana was the last addiction to go...it seemed like it took forever for me to make the last time...the last time. I can't tell you how many times I said..."THIS IS THE LAST TIME!" I got so fed up with myself saying that...I was sick of failing.

I decided one day, the guilt and shame from giving in again and again over pronouncing 'the last time' was so burdening that the highs were no longer fun. They were laden with shame and guilt!

And then, I got so sick of myself feeling dirty and sinful after spending the night with my fiance...the prayers of repentance following my stay made me nauseous.

I had the strong conviction in my heart that I was

WILLFULLY sinning and I had to stop.

I took the verse about 'if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off'. My relationship with this guy was causing me to sin...so I did just that....I cut it off. Gave him back his ring and basically said, "I want to live sold-out to Jesus and have a pure life...so since you don't want that, I can't be with you".

I can't tell you how liberating that was. I was finally free of all the sins that were thorns in my flesh, the ones that had my body in bondage.

However, I hadn't arrived yet. And I still haven't. I am still being sanctified. I still have to put my vanity, judgementalness, pride, intelligence, opinions, and thoughts on the altar. But I am still being sanctified....the PROCESS is not yet complete.

For me, I believe my willingness to give up what God has told me to is what has sped up the process. 

Since the day I was saved...I've poured the Word in me nearly daily. I've had an on-going prayer life. I've had amazing answers to prayers for others to build my faith for God to do great things in me and for me. I've had revelations and studied the Word and know that I know that Jesus is who He says He is....ALL THE TIME!

I had the faith for the deliverance of drug addictions and sexual sin. Perhaps, the people lacking 'fruit' really have little fruit growing, hidden under the bondages that they are so entangled with. Perhaps, they have little faith for the deliverance.

Are there people who are saved, yet they lack faith in the power of the Holy Spirit? Are there too many people observing their lives and claiming 'lack of God' that they buy into it? Are there not enough believers reaching out and loving on them long enough to see a change? Is the change taking place so slowly that the 'righteous' miss it and discredit their salvation?

I don't the answers to these. Only ONE knows who is and is not truly saved.

My goal is to 'be ready and prepared' for His return whenever it is...I don't know if it's today or 10 years, or 100 years from now. I just know that I want to see everyone I know experience the love of Christ....so I just show up in the mornings, asking God to equip me to love the unloveable, forgive the unforgiveable, and be a witness of His grace unto the world!

My prayer is that each of you would come into a full revelation of who Jesus Christ really is, the true power of the Holy Spirit, and the deep love of the Father! The Trinity....three in one. It's mind-boggling...I know. I just believe it because it's what the Word shows me...and by my faith I've been healed! Hallelujah!

You say you 'believe' in God, but do you...really?

Do you ever feel God’s heart? The tumults within your soul that burdens you to the point of tears. Intercession flows out as a result of connecting with the broken heart of God.

So many around us are stumbling over our judgmental attitudes, materialism, greed, vanity, lack of integrity, and so on. Many times, we look no different from the ‘world’.

We are called to be different than the world, to be a city set on a hill. Our words are to be life-giving and bring freedom to the hearers.

We need more discipline in our lives. Our society is going down in history books as a lazy, materialistic generation. How can this be when we have the Bible as a compass on which direction to live?

We have to read it and live by it. Period. We have to do what Jesus is calling us to do. Despite what we want and would like to do, we need to do what we should do. And the Bible contains the instructions.

We have to become students of the Word. We have to read it and put it into action. This is the roadmap to the center of God’s will for our life. How can we say we believe in ‘God’ when we don’t spend time with Him?

May you take the time to spend with Him. May you take the time to study the Word on what God calls you to be and do. May you come into a full revelation of the purpose for your life. It’s more exciting than anything this world can offer…and what you do for God will remain forever, it will remain when all other things are singed in the fire.

 

What God does lasts forever,

so let Him use you to change the destiny of this generation.

Introducing BedHead Devotionals

So a couple of months ago, I started capturing my excitement after my morning devotionals on video (on an iPad). It was super easy to upload onto Facebook and I thought, why not?

Most of my friends on FB know I am wild about Jesus, crazy in love with the Lord. I figured those who know me would love 'em because they are real. The way I talk, the topic, and my excitement is what would be experienced by a friend if they had come over that morning for coffee. This is me.

I am excited about the Lord and luckily, I've learned to get a hold of God and hear His voice. (Thank you Pastor Ron Vietti for teaching me that ability.)

I hope to share with you 'the how-to' by being transparent about some prayers and the words I get from God during my personal devo time in the (very) early A.M.

Now, they are called BedHead Devotionals because...well....I have a fresh, out of bed look going on. I have my bedhead from last night's sleep, and typically my pajamas on.

I decided to do them like this because #1: it really, really keeps me humble. And #2, if I spent time getting myself ready by playing beauty parlor to do the video...it wouldn't have the same excitement, zeal, and passion...and then, it would become more rehearsed....and not raw like I wanted it. Rumor has it that I motivate people, so I want the raw, unrehearsed excitement available to motivate my viewers.

Plus, I just want it to be me. Just as my husband hears it. I'm big on being genuine and real...so this is about as genuine and real as I can be for ya!

So I hope you subscribe on YouTube to watch my channel: BedHead Devotionals....
If that's your thing.

My goal is to serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement to those who are walking with the Lord, seeking His will for their lives.

Enjoy!

All things done in darkness...

All things done in darkness will come to light.
Why do we kid ourselves?

We say "We're fine" and "I'm alright",
But honestly sin has us enslaved.

In your moment of temptation,
Do you reach out?

Do you avoid self-condemnation,
Call out to God, just shout?

See, in that moment,
We want to give in,

That's when we need God most,
To avoid that sin!

That sin that entagles you,
Do you know what it is?

The one that fights for your life,
To rob your passion for Him?

It's a lie, "NO ONE WILL KNOW",
That's what the devil whispers in your ear.

But it's a fact that will later show,
After your sin, you're gripped with shame and fear.

Reach out for help to stop the sin,
Someone is available to pray you through.

It's not God's will that you give in,
But to be set free so let them help you.

We're not to live seperate from God and His peace,
But in deep relationship, hearing His voice.

Be transparent, honest and walk in integrity,
Everyday we have the challenge to make the right choice.

It's been said, and it's truth,
"All things done in darkness will come to light."

So go to the altar, please repent,
And decide this day that you will live right!

July 15, 2012 - by Jennifer Morin

The Thorn in My Flesh

I am nobody really. That's how I see it. My life B.C. is nothing to proud of.

Shameful outside of Christ really.

I am who I am today because of the work of God in my life. His healing, transforming, and help. It's only Him that I can boast in - nothing of my own works. I have only got to do what I've done for Him because of His personal involvement in my heart and mind.

As I read in my devo today, there was a verse in 2 Corinthians 12 that took me to Paul's story of the thorn in his flesh. I chuckled because just yesterday, I shared w/ my mom just what my thorn is.

See, I have a thorn in my flesh that can so easily take over my thoughts and actions. It really could jeopardize the comfort of my life, IF I were to allow myself to follow those thoughts and desires.

I know what it is. God knows what it is. And it is the #1 reason why I stay so close to God. I always know that I'm not spending enough time with the Lord when this temptatious thought pattern wants to weasel it's way into my mind and heart.

My remedy: praying hard for God to remove the desires/thoughts.

And then committing to being proactive by staying close to God.

This is why I am always encouraging people to talk to God regularly and be honest and transparent with Him.

I know He can hear our thoughts, but our outward prayer really helps us hear our own need for Him.

So today, what is the thorn in your flesh that is weakening you? God is there to listen to you and help strengthen you.

He will show you relationships, habits, places that cause you to stumble. He will give you self-control as you spend time with Him. It's up to you to show up to pray/talk to Him, read your Bible, and then follow His leading.

You really can do all things through Christ Jesus - Philippians 4:13

SO GO FOR IT!

I warned them: "Don't get me preachin'....."

I really have come a long way than where I was when I first got saved. I'm still on fire - just not burnin' up everyone around me....intentionally. ;)

However...I think my favorite thing about the reading the Bible is sharing what it ACTUALLY says. I love the rebuttal: 'Well, that's your opinion'. Really, it's not. I don't have an opinion anymore. I only believe and repeat what the Word of God says.

The interesting quandry they find themselves in is that when they disagree with me (even 'believers'/religious people) they are really disagreeing w/ God. What's great is that I don't have to take their words personal. They aren't offending me at all because my source of belief is the Word of God - The Holy Bible. So see, they're disagreeing w/ HIM.

What is sad is that so many claim to be believers...but have no idea what the Bible even says about a variety of things that affect their walks/salvation. I could spout out some topics that would make anyone squirm...but it's not my place to judge - it's God... and that's why He sent Jesus Christ. And that's why He gave us the Word...to see what He says!


Now, while I'm not yet equipped to give the "theological" break down...but in a nutshell:
"...if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; ¹⁰ for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation." - Romans 10:9,10

You can't do anything else but believe & confess. Works is not the saving factor. Our outward action will change because the Word says you will know them by their fruit. But is the work of the Holy Spirit working through us. We can't boast in what He does. We can only be grateful & thankful...and show up the next day for Him to use us and love others through us.

The sad thing is that so many don't go directly to the Word to get fed. They depend on the guy on Sundays to give it to them...and while there are wonderful Bible-teaching, truth-sharing, Jesus-loving, humble churches out there...there are those who have mixed in so much personal opinion that people are judging others based on the judgment from the pulpit. These will never last.

The truth is what sets people free...and the truth is what feeds people...anything less than this is unnecessary & ineffective.

----These thoughts were inspired thru some conversations I had tonight at a birthday get together. And I promise, I forewarned others (who brought up this topic) - Don't get me preachin'! Needless to say, I got to preachin'...and I preached to the Lord on the way home, I was preachin' while I brushed my teeth...and so here I am unloading on you. But isn't it the truth?

Now, for the record, I am not perfect, but I am a lover of the Lord Jesus Christ & study the Word. It is so wonderful to know what that Book says. It is the truth - it says so! :)

You read things in it like: 'God does not change His mind'...and so I don't serve a wishy-washy, indecisive God.  What it really is...people missing God & not being be humble enough to say so. Personally, I don't think that God expects me to hear Him 100% of the time on 100% of everything. I wish that I could. Man, I'd be set wouldn't I? But I miss Him too...and if you ever have (once, twice, over and over) - it's okay. People don't expect you to be God. Take that pressure off yourself. You can miss Him...just chalk it up and start from where you are & go for it again.

You read things like 'Don't look at a woman with lust'...but many believing Christian men do. Heck, many believing Christian women are looking at men w/ lust. We just got to recognize it in time before we let that thought life carry us away into adultress relationships...and we do that by going straight to the ONE who can help you, Jesus Christ. The true Mediator who put His life on the line for you personally! He can help you in every temptation and through the Holy Spirit, give you the strength to press on through the temptation. He really can!

I know that Jesus is my Lord and Savior, my sins are paid in full, however to hear Him clearly and be led by the Spirit....I have to walk by the Spirit & not by my flesh. I'm really not making this stuff up on my own...it's what the Book says.

All this to say - "if you see me somewhere and you don't want to hear the 'truth'...please don't begin the conversation". The only thing you will get out of me is what I've read in the Bible...and for me, that is the ultimate authority. The beauty of it is that it takes so much pressure off me...I don't have to have all the answers...but I know the One who does!

Got inspired tonight & thought I'd share! God bless & have a great Sunday!

10 Years Ago Today....My day of salvation!

TODAY IS OCTOBER 14, 2011 - It is a significant day for me!

Today marks an anniversary for me. Ten years ago today, I gave my life to Lord at a Billy Graham crusade.

And it has been the most amazing 10 years of my life.

Just the other day, I noted on a friend's FB page that my wedding day was the 2nd most amazing day of my life...my first son's birth was the 3rd, and my second son's birth was the 4th.

The #1 day of my life was the day I heard of the love of Jesus & His offer of free salvation to me.

October 14, 2001 was a Sunday. I was a realtor at the time. And on that Sunday, I had an open house from 1-4 p.m. I remember it was a huge, gorgeous, custom-built home on Jill Jean Ave. off Norris. Gorgeous neighborhood of custom built homes. There was no reason why this home shouldn't have sold that day, except for the fact that I had to leave Bakersfield at 4:30 p.m. to make it to Fresno for the Billy Graham Crusade event start at 7 p.m...And I had a divine appt. w/ God. I took my friend/hairdresser Rachel w/ me. (BTW - she has witnessed numerous things in my spiritual walk, it's as tho' she is my ordained witness to God's hand in my life).

Now while I 'raised my hand in a church service' numerous times the summer proceeding this road trip, nothing really happened. My hand-raising was more agreement that my life needed to change...but I still lacked knowledge of who Christ was & the importance of His death on the cross, the power of His resurrection, and the role of the Holy Spirit in my life. That summer, my hand-raising was more out of emotion, and not necessarily an understanding of salvation and Jesus Christ. I understand why change never took place until this night w/ Billy Graham.

That night at the BG event, Billy spoke of the love of Christ. I mean the deep love and acceptance Christ has for us. Now, if you knew anything about me from childhood & up....that was what I always longed & yearned for: unconditional love & acceptance.

Then Mr. Graham went on to explain what sin in my life was doing. And boy, at this time of my life from 2000-2001 - boy, did I have sin....multiple ones. The summer of 2001, wow, I think I tipped the scale w/ all my partying and 'relationships'. I was in need of a Savior for sure!

That night, he didn't just ask us to raise our hands, he said come down to the football field (as we were in Fresno State's football stadium). And I told my friend, "I gotta go down there"!

Raised my hands -
Finally fully surrendered
to the LORD!

Once I got down to the football field (from all the way at the top of the seats in the stadium), I raised my hands high during the prayer, and this time - I meant it. I fully understood what the sin in my life was doing, I fully understood what Jesus Christ did on the cross, I fully understood that if I wanted to go to heaven, I needed Jesus...and I fully understood that the Holy Spirit would change me from the inside out. I was finally at the place of understanding & was fully embracing all that God was, is, and would do in me.

That was the best night of my life. However, while I meant every word I said, I did not go from party animal to angel overnight. Overtime, however, all the things I thought were fun (like drugs & alcohol) lost their appeal (the power of conviction)...and I began my walk with the Lord. Despite drinking on the weekends, I still made it to church (yes, w/a hangover sometimes). But as I told one of my friends, "If I stop going to church....then I'll never stop drinking". (And I'm not talking one drink on a Friday night...I mean, drinking from 8 p.m. - 3 a.m. on Friday & Saturdays...and 2+ on the weeknights).

I did not 'get right & then start going to church'. I realized that the information at church would help me pursue God with greater ambition. I continued to learn about the Bible. And of course, I showed up in time to worship the Lord and sing to Him. I was so zealous to extend my worship and love to Jesus. All that He forgave me for, all that He was doing in my life, and all that He would continue to do....it all deserved my praise and worship. He is amazing!

I quickly learned at church to walk with God included: a prayer life, time in the Word, church attendance, serving others w/ the love of God, and depending on HIM daily.

Although, I am still no where near perfect...I am so grateful that looking back over the last 10 years, I stayed on the path set before me. I have not, for one season, gone back to the 'old life'. I did everything I could to get out of the club scene (in fact, relocated out of Bakersfield for a season).

Now, I stay in the Word, I stay accountable to my God-loving friends, and stay in a place of thanking and worshipping Christ for the life He saved me from.

To read my testimony that was published in a Billy Graham Decision magazine, click here:
http://www.billygraham.org/articlepage.asp?articleid=440

I am celebrating my 10 years with Lord today.

I'm in awe of where He brought me from...

and now where He is taking me!

Have a fantastic Friday!

10 Years Ago, today - My Day of Salvation

TODAY IS OCTOBER 14, 2011 - It is a significant day for me!

Today marks an anniversary for me. Ten years ago today, I gave my life to Lord at a Billy Graham crusade.

And it has been the most amazing 10 years of my life.

Just the other day, I noted on a friend's FB page that my wedding day was the 2nd most amazing day of my life...my first son's birth was the 3rd, and my second son's birth was the 4th.

The #1 day of my life was the day I heard of the love of Jesus & His offer of free salvation to me.

October 14, 2001 was a Sunday. I was a realtor at the time. And on that Sunday, I had an open house from 1-4 p.m. I remember it was a huge, gorgeous, custom-built home on Jill Jean Ave. off Norris. Gorgeous neighborhood of custom built homes. There was no reason why this home shouldn't have sold that day, except for the fact that I had to leave Bakersfield at 4:30 p.m. to make it to Fresno for the Billy Graham Crusade event start at 7 p.m...And I had a divine appt. w/ God. I took my friend/hairdresser Rachel w/ me. (BTW - she has witnessed numerous things in my spiritual walk, it's as tho' she is my ordained witness to God's hand in my life).

Now while I 'raised my hand in a church service' numerous times the summer proceeding this road trip, nothing really happened. My hand-raising was more agreement that my life needed to change...but I still lacked knowledge of who Christ was & the importance of His death on the cross, the power of His resurrection, and the role of the Holy Spirit in my life.  That summer, my hand-raising was more out of emotion, and not necessarily an understanding of salvation and Jesus Christ. I understand why change never took place until this night w/ Billy Graham.

That night at the BG event, Billy spoke of the love of Christ. I mean the deep love and acceptance Christ has for us. Now, if you knew anything about me from childhood & up....that was what I always longed & yearned for: unconditional love & acceptance.

Then Mr. Graham went on to explain what sin in my life was doing. And boy, at this time of my life from 2000-2001 - boy, did I have sin....multiple ones. The summer of 2001, wow, I think I tipped the scale w/ all my partying and 'relationships'. I was in need of a Savior for sure!

That night, he didn't just ask us to raise our hands, he said come down to the football field (as we were in Fresno State's football stadium). And I told my friend, "I gotta go down there"!

Raised my hands -
Finally fully surrendered
to the LORD!

Once I got down to the football field (from all the way at the top of the seats in the stadium), I raised my hands high during the prayer, and this time - I meant it. I fully understood what the sin in my life was doing, I fully understood what Jesus Christ did on the cross, I fully understood that if I wanted to go to heaven, I needed Jesus...and I fully understood that the Holy Spirit would change me from the inside out. I was finally at the place of understanding & was fully embracing all that God was, is, and would do in me.

That was the best night of my life. However, while I meant every word I said, I did not go from party animal to angel overnight. Overtime, however, all the things I thought were fun (like drugs & alcohol) lost their appeal (the power of conviction)...and I began my walk with the Lord. Despite drinking on the weekends, I still made it to church (yes, w/a hangover sometimes). But as I told one of my friends, "If I stop going to church....then I'll never stop drinking". (And I'm not talking one drink on a Friday night...I mean, drinking from 8 p.m. - 3 a.m. on Friday & Saturdays...and 2+ on the weeknights).

I did not 'get right & then start going to church'. I realized that the information at church would help me pursue God with greater ambition. I continued to learn about the Bible. And of course, I showed up in time to worship the Lord and sing to Him. I was so zealous to extend my worship and love to Jesus. All that He forgave me for, all that He was doing in my life, and all that He would continue to do....it all deserved my praise and worship. He is amazing!

I quickly learned at church to walk with God included: a prayer life, time in the Word, church attendance, serving others w/ the love of God, and depending on HIM daily.

Although, I am still no where near perfect...I am so grateful that looking back over the last 10 years, I stayed on the path set before me. I have not, for one season, gone back to the 'old life'. I did everything I could to get out of the club scene (in fact, relocated out of Bakersfield for a season).

Now, I stay in the Word, I stay accountable to my God-loving friends, and stay in a place of thanking and worshipping Christ for the life He saved me from.

To read my testimony that was published in a Billy Graham Decision magazine, click here:
http://www.billygraham.org/articlepage.asp?articleid=440

I am celebrating my 10 years with Lord today.

I'm in awe of where He brought me from...

and now where He is taking me!

Have a fantastic Friday!

The Power of Transparency

I am always saying, "There is power in transparency". When we just confess the junk we give into, whether it's food, alcohol, overspending, or whatever the bad habit is....we are freed up. We acknowledge that some things need to change. When we share those things, we let someone in to help us, pray for us, and hold us accountable. Transparency, it's a powerful thing.

And today at church was an amazing example of that. The pastor had a few people share on suffering. People who were willing to throw their hands up and surrender to the Lord and let Him help them.

The first suffering that was discussed was the 'suffering in relationships'. He had a married couple talk about how they were on the brink of divorce (a couple of times), but as they sought counsel and drew closer to God, their marriage began the process of restoration. One family continues to ask for prayer over custody battles and the suffering that follows divorce into a newer marriage. They all continued to seek God over it, peace has followed.

After these folks shared their stories of relationships suffering, the pastor asked for people to stand if they had their own broken relationships. Then he asked others around them to pray for them. Tears were streaming down faces...hugs been given out as people were transparent to say, 'I need help', 'I need God to intervene'....

The second topic was the 'suffering in circumstances'.  You ever hear those stories of Job? Real life stories of a Job tragedy? A man stood up and shared how his first wife came to him and said "You're a great husband & I love you...but I just can't stay married to you..." He was abandoned by her. After a few years (of healing) a second wife comes into his life...the same year he was married, his mother and brother die...then a few years later, his wife died from a battle with cancer. Tragedy...But now with his current wife, he has renewed hope and joy because he remained in the Lord. And his step-daughter is grateful that he is in her life to show her the godly example of what a man can be.

His words were: "There is pain and tears. But the thing is: God loves you. And in those darkest moments, He has his hand extended to you, telling you He is there for you...It hurts right now, there are scars, but His grace will see you through."

The final story of suffering was a family who lost everything. The financial devestation story. But the wife, with tears rolling down her cheeks said she would go through it again because her husband (who she had been praying for 20 years) came to the Lord and is now taking the role of a spiritual leader.

All stories were stories that can make people throw in the towel! But these families & people are having victory over their sufferings because they have remained in the Lord. They continued to serve Him, praise Him, and love Him despite their trials.

We went on to pray for others going through circumstancial trials, those needing endurance.

And then the pastor asked people to get gutsy. He asked anyone who did not have Jesus as their Lord & Savior to stand and ask Him to be Lord of their life.

---------------------------------------------------------

As you're reading this, if you feel your heart racing...tears rolling down your own cheeks because you are enduring suffering, I want you to know that you don't have to go through this alone. You don't have to feel powerless over the circumstances. Right now, at your computer, your desk, your ipad....just throw your hands up where you are - Ask God to save you. Save you from your life, your decisions, your struggles, mistakes, and trials. Ask Jesus to be your Savior today...ask Him to be center of your life. Tell Him you will pursue Him, and ask Him for the strength to do so. He loves you and will help you. He is there with His hand out to you...waiting for you to reach out to Him.

Just do it now...and the death you feel on the inside will disappear and become a calm sense of security...life and peace. You don't want to go another day without it.....give Him a chance today to change your circumstances...your life! Let Him in to take over & surrender to His love....there's nothing better than what Jesus has to give you through His grace, mercy and forgiveness. He's just waiting for you to let Him in to love you...