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Apology
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Jul 11, 2011 7:31 pm
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Now, there are many here at BC who have falsely accused me of being J. Since he is off, and I am on, and surely I have been reported for being him and I am still here, then don't you think it's time you did the right thing and apologized to me?
I would apologize if I had done such a thing. That being, wrongly accused someone. The Word of God talks about false accusers.
Exodus 20:16 You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
Psalm 35 Yea, they opened their mouth wide against me, and said, Aha, aha, our eye hath seen it.
22This thou hast seen, O LORD: keep not silence: O Lord, be not far from me.
23Stir up thyself, and awake to my judgment, even unto my cause, my God and my Lord.
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Lord of Glory
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Jul 7, 2011 5:02 pm
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I just couldn't carry all that stuff. As I walked with a heavy yoke and daily felt the weight of confusion and wounds piercing me...
He Called Me Forth! He lifted my head!
Jesus!
That was many years ago, and I know he wrote my name in the Lamb's Book of Life. I am alive in HIM!
Dancing. Singing. Clapping. Praising. 
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Walking Through the War Ravaged Village
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Jul 7, 2011 4:54 pm
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The ravages were and are all around. Within the past two weeks I saw the fallen, and they wildly were staggering about in search of whatever spoils there may be.
A bright and frolicing frenzy of wild eyed stupor that was matched by the music and heavy drum of doom.
Where is this village, you may ask?
All around. It is the world and all its fascination by wealth, pleasure, drunkeness, debachery, and vice. It is as a top spinning with no end, no way to control the shame it pukes out.
Of course, I have seen this for many years, but even recently, more so, Father is allowing me to see that the fruit of the tree of unholiness is overripe.
A parade happened to be going on in the past month and I was surprised to see it was a pro-same gender marriage parade.
I ducked out into a dept. store but not before I saw some bizarre things. Apparently, the more bizarre the better. I do not want to describe some of the things I have seen. Some have been committed here at B.C.
What can be said, and what can be done about this war ravaged village? Plenty!
"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
Matthew 6:19-21, KJV
"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world."
1 John 2:15-16, KJV
"If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?"
Proverbs 24:12, KJV
"For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works."
Matthew 16:27, KJV
". . . I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works."
Revelation 2:23b, KJV
"And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works."
Revelation 20:12-13, KJV
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Surface Forgiveness
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Jul 6, 2011 3:56 pm
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Often times when people become angry, they give their perfunctory
little prayer and say "I forgive" and then bury it. However, it should be noted that sometimes the anger and all that goes with it is still alive. Probably shouldn't bury that thing alive.
What happens then is lots of extra baggage, and as a traveler, I know that everything more than carry on costs!  Okay, I'm making funny but this really is serious.
I have known many people who carry buried wounds around for many many years. They themselves do not even know why they are so fitted with shackles when they should be free!
Take it to Jesus. He will show you, if you ask. He will lead you to the freedom that is yours in Christ.
WWJD?
I know. He will take your hand, walk you through and never leave your side. Praise Be!
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Why Obedience is better than sacrifice.
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Jul 6, 2011 12:34 pm
1483 Views
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And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. 1 Sam. 15 verse 22
I was inspired today to do a post on this topic and knew I probably had many hours of research ahead, but lo and behold, found an article worthy of cut and paste. Yes, I know, I can see the lips curl in sneer. Yet, I often enjoy and am edifyed by other's writings. I would like to begin by the definition of sacrifice.
sac·ri·fice (skr-fs)
n.
a. The act of offering something to a deity in propitiation or homage, especially the ritual slaughter of an animal or a person.
b. A victim offered in this way.
a. Forfeiture of something highly valued for the sake of one considered to have a greater value or claim.
b. Something so forfeited.
a. Relinquishment of something at less than its presumed value.
b. Something so relinquished.
c. A loss so sustained.
To begin this teaching, I borrowed a passage from I Samuel directed at King Saul. Saul had been anointed king over Israel per their request to be "like all the nations" (I Sam 8:5, 20). Israel's rejection of the Lord as their King set them up for future hardships. Saul showed signs along the way that he had some problems with obedience. Despite Saul's character flaws, it appears that the Lord was still willing to work with him and gave him some specific instructions (I Sam 15:3) regarding the Amalekites. Saul partially obeyed the Lord, but decided he would pick and choose which commands were important to obey and which ones he felt he could disregard. The verse above shows Samuel's response to Saul's disobedience. And those same words echo throughout thousands of years, and speak to us today. Truly, to obey is better than sacrifice!
Saul had been given specific instructions to utterly destroy the Amalekites (men, women, infants, animals, etc.). The Amalekites were noted for their cruelty, and this direction from the Lord was in response to their cruelty towards Israel. Saul comes to the people of Amalek and begins to smite them. But he decides that perhaps it would be wise to spare a few things; like King Agag, the best of the sheep, the oxen, and "all that was good" (I Sam 15:9). Everything that was "vile and refuse" they utterly destroyed. When Samuel comes to Saul, Saul greets him by saying "I have performed the commandment of the Lord". I'm not sure if he really believed that, or if it was simply a way of justifying his actions. I find that the longer we disobey, the more we are willing to justify our disobedience. In the New Testament, we are warned that we can sear our "conscience with a hot iron" (I Tim 4:2) or become "past feeling" (literally numb!) to the effects of sin (Eph 4:19). The writer of Hebrews warns us against becoming "hardened by the deceitfulness of sin" (Heb 3:13). Samuel is not fooled by Saul's statement of piety and basically says (and I'm very loosely paraphrasing here) "if you have obeyed the Lord, why do I hear all of these sheep and oxen?".
It is at this point that we might expect that Saul would come clean about his disobedience and motives for not fully carrying out the command(s) of the Lord. Instead he defers and says "the people" spared the best of the sheep and oxen so that they could sacrifice unto the Lord. Samuel sees right through this and accuses Saul of "flying upon the spoil". Again, one might think that Saul would confess that he has been caught red-handed. But instead he says "Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the Lord....". Samuel then proceeds to tell him that obedience is better than sacrifice!
We look at Saul's story and shake our heads in amazement that he could be so blessed by God and have such a callous disregard for the commandments of the Lord. But we must take heed just as Paul warned the Corinthians that we might not fall after that same example!
Sacrifice is a noble thing. As a matter of fact, Jesus Christ is our ultimate example of what it means to sacrifice. He is the perfect sacrifice, as the writer of Hebrews describes. In John's Gospel, Jesus Christ tells us that laying down one's life for another is the ultimate expression of love (John 15:13). Many people in scripture are noted for their acts of sacrifice for the cause of Christ and the Kingdom of God. Today's teaching is not a critcism of sacrificial acts of giving, worship, and love. But it is a caution, that sacrifice is not a substitute for obedience. When Jesus began his ministry and started to explain the nature of the Kingdom of God, he warned that there must be a righteousness that exceeds that of the Pharisees (Matthew 5:20). Christ's ethical teachings contained in the Sermon on the Mount are probing and challenging. One of the reasons this is so, is because Christ deals not only with the outward expressions of obedience, but the inner workings and motivations of the heart.
While we're on the subject of the Pharisees, let's observe a few things about them. They were skilled craftsmen in the art of outward piety. Their forms of worship were well observed (their manner of praying, giving, and fasting are particularly mentioned). They did all of these things and yet their hearts were clearly not in step with the type of obedience that the Lord required. Again, this is not a treatise against sacrifice. Jesus gave us an example of this when talking about their manner of giving/tithing:
Matt 23:23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. (KJV)
Jesus didn't say "stop what you're doing", but rather that they should have observed all of God's commands, and not simply those that suited them. Unfortunately, many unbelievers view us as modern-day Pharisees. Certainly not all of their criticisms are warranted, and we understand that one cannot understand or even see the Kingdom of God unless they are born-again (John 3:3). But many of us are perpetuating the "hypocrite" charge that is so often leveled against us. The word hypocrite literally means "an actor under an assumed character". This is exactly what we are, when we make the decision that sacrifice can replace simple obedience. And so many of us have soothed (or perhaps seared) our consciences by believing that our sacrifice will be enough to please God. Countless individuals fill churches, sit on pews, sing in choirs, teach Sunday school, place offerings in the plates each week- but have hearts far away from God.
Mark 7:6 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. (KJV)
Jesus mentions Isaiah the prophet, and I think that would be a good place for us to look now. Isaiah chapter 58 is a vivid example of what happens when we choose sacrifice over obedience. First, let's look at the frustration of the people of Israel. Now whether or not we would readily admit it, we might read these words and identify with them more than closely than we think. Let's look at their story:
Isa 58:2 Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God. 3 Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours. (KJV)
On the surface, they seem like good church people don't they? They have daily devotions, delight to know more about God, kept ordinances, and enjoyed approaching the presence of God (we could probably insert "liked going to church" there), and they fasted. But they sensed something dynamic was missing in their relationship with God. Why were they fasting with no results? Why did it seem as if all their sacrifice was being ignored? God goes on to explain to them in vivid detail that they were missing some of the weightier matters of the law, just like the Pharisees. I won't post the whole chapter (I encourage you to read it on your own), but we find out that they needed to also be burden-relievers, they needed to reach out to their loved ones and their neighbors. They needed to take care of the poor, and be physically and emotionally available to those in their lives. Now if that doesn't challenge us, I don't know what will! The Lord then goes on to say that if they (and we) do those things, they will experience the provision and blessings of God. But it requires total obedience, not merely a sacrifice that ignores weightier matters of the Kingdom.
Hosea 6:6 For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. (KJV)
This verse in Hosea is repeated in the Gospels (Matt 9:13, Matt 12 ). The recurring theme of the New Testament is that love is a fulfilling of the law. Love for God, and love for fellow man is the overarching message of the scriptures. The mission of Jesus as revealed by Luke is to "seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10). If we are believers who value sacrifice over obedience, we will never truly help to fulfill the Great Commission. We can comfort ourselves by giving money to missions, but that does not relieve us of our duty to pray for missions and missionaries. We can invite our friends to church, but that does not relieve us of our duty to love them and allow them to see Christ in us each and every day. We can attend church services every time the door is open, but that does not mean we have permission to ignore the Kingdom of God in the marketplace and in our homes. One of the most terrifying pictures in the bible is recorded in Matthew chapter 7. Here is an eternal example of what happens to those who value sacrifice without obedience.
Matt 7:21-Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (KJV)
I'm not trying to scare you today, but if you can read this passage without holy reverence, you may need to spiritually examine yourself. These people depicted here are clearly people of sacrifice. They are involved in Kingdom work (prophecy, demon expulsion, "wonderful works") in Jesus' name. They clearly call Jesus "Lord". But they have obviously been duped into believing that they can practice iniquity (the word literally means "lawlessness") and their sacrifice will somehow balance the scales of judgment. Jesus says that only those who do the will of the Father will enter the kingdom of Heaven.
Finally, we will look at David's prayer of repentance found in Psalm 51. Most theologians believe that this Psalm records David's prayer of repentance after his sin with Bathsheba. I am glad that this is recorded in the canon of scripture. There are times when we fail God, just like David did. David's remorse resonates with each one of us who has ever sinned against God and violated His holy commands. His petitions to God are extremely touching and transparent. He pleads with God to cleanse him, purge him from iniquity, and wash him from his sins. He asks for the joy of God's salvation to be restored unto him and for the presence of God and the Holy Spirit not to be removed. He then acknowledges something that we've been looking at today:
Ps 51:16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. (KJV)
David realized that a burnt offering or a sacrifice wasn't going to solve his problem. His problem was a heart problem. It would only be remedied by a brokenness, confession to God, and a willingness to fully obey the commands of the Lord. Maybe this message today has brought you to a place of conviction. Perhaps the Holy Spirit is ministering to you even now- bringing you to a place of remorse over your own sin(s). While the bible rejects the notion of sacrifice without an obedient heart, it also promises that God won't reject or despise those who are truly broken over their sin. If that is you today, you can stand upon this promise found in I John.
I Jn 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.(KJV)
Found from TruthAblaze
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I'll Fly Away
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Jul 5, 2011 4:49 pm
1423 Views
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I'll Fly Away
Some glad morning when this life is o'er,
I'll fly away.
To a home on God's celestial shore,
I'll fly away.
I'll fly away, O Glory, I'll fly away.
When I die, Hallelujah, bye and bye,
I'll fly away.
When the shadows of this life have flown,
I'll fly away.
Like a bird thrown, driven by the storm,
I'll fly away.
I'll fly away, O Glory, I'll fly away.
When I die, Hallelujah, bye and bye,
I'll fly away.
Just a few more weary days and then,
I'll fly away.
To a land where joy shall never end,
I'll fly away.
I'll fly away, O Glory,
I'll fly away.
When I die, Hallelujah, bye and bye,
I'll fly away.
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Just tweeked by blog settings.
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Jul 4, 2011 11:43 am
1468 Views
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I just tweeked my blog settings and I don't know how long it will take for the changes to be approved. However, I did say yes, to allow people to agree or disagree with me.
I marvel when people disagree with the posted Word of God. However, I have come to realize as the truth has been revealed during this season, that narrow is the way, is much narrower than I had previously thought. The wide path, the path of least resistance, is the road most follow.
I am grateful the Lord has healed me from much. I am safe and I'm interested if someone disagrees with me. Not easily offended. I can sit in my corner of the sandbox and make lovely little things while the others sling at me. I am safe. Those who come into my realm are the ones My Father has allowed access. I am interested in others and how they came to the point where they are.
I actually am safe and and blessed wherever I go and whatever I do.
Deuteronomy 28
King James Version
1And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: 2And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.
3Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field.
4Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep.
5Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store.
6Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out.
Praising Him! Chyahlooth. My strength.
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Coming In Power!
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Jul 3, 2011 9:47 pm
1433 Views
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The Lord of Glory!
Psalm 65:4 Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.
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I Am Back!
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Jul 3, 2011 6:25 pm
1459 Views
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You may fight men and think you have great victory, I see you
celebrate and sing. I arrived home today from out of the country and see what is happening here. Such shenanigans! I just nod and say, The battle belongs to the Lord!
In heavenly armour we'll enter the land
The battle belongs to the Lord
No weapon that's fashioned against us shall stand
The battle belongs to the Lord
We sing glory and honor
Power and strength to the Lord
(repeat)
The power of darkness comes in like a flood
The battle belongs to the Lord
He's raised up a standard, the power of His blood
The battle belongs to the Lord
When your enemy presses in hard do not fear
The battle belongs to the Lord
Take courage my friend, your redemption is near
The battle belongs to the Lord
Words and music by Jamie Owens-Collins
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To link to this blog (HeIsRisenRejoice) use [blog HeIsRisenRejoice] in your messages.
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