Blogonicles
♥ - From a Journeying Soul to yours - ♥
-
God will never disappoint us. If deep in our hearts we suspect that God does not love us and cannot manage our affairs as well as we can, we certainly will not submit to His discipline. To the unbeliever the fact of suffering only convinces him that God is not to be trusted, does not love us. To the believer, the opposite is true.― Elisabeth Elliot, Discipline: The Glad Surrender
-
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
-
So Disclaimer: I’m a christian, a true believer/follower/servant of Christ.
It’s cute in a cheeky kinda way and I wish it were that simple, but I don’t really agree with this statement (see pic above), or the implication that if God was in fact ‘allowed in public schools’ a crime like this would never happen. That’s just not true. ‘Allowed’ in public schools, does not mean allowed in the hearts of every person here on earth. Evil would continue to exist & will continue to exist until.
I know when tragedy occurs, many persons wrestle with the ‘Why God?’ questions. Some even bring into question the existence of God, or use tragedy as a why to support the idea that there is no God. The reality is that while all of us would love for God to swoop in and save the day any time we feel it necessary for Him to do so, it’s just not going to happen on the grand scale that we’d hope or in the way that we’d hope. I know that’s how we’d love for God to function.. to be like our favorite superhero and come in and save the day in the areas where we THINK we need to be saved (…and to leave us alone in the area’s we THINK we’ve got covered). But that is not God’s primary objective.
Think for a minute : He has a bigger plan set in motion from LONG ago which is what the entire Bible is about - the redemption of man through Jesus Christ. This is the foundation of Christianity - That Christ would live & die, so that when we are judged for these very sins, we wouldn’t all be consumed.
‘For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.’ - John 3:16-17‘But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.’ - Romans 5:8Any any open-minded reader of the Bible wouldn’t be selective in how they read. Why didn’t Jesus give in to the devil when he was taken into the wilderness to be tested for 40 days & 40 nights? (Matthew 4). I mean, He was afterall the Son of God. He could’ve displayed His glory right then and when the devil said “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” or “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down” (off the highest point of the temple) for it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands..”. He could have, but He didn’t.
Or what about Jesus dying on the Cross? Why didn’t the Son of Man shame everyone who said He should be crucified, right then and there and proudly display His splendor (like some of us probably would have)? It HAS to be because He thinks differently than we do, that He knew something we didn’t, that He had a greater plan in mind. So it is folly to question the power of God now, when He doesn’t act as we think He should. Christ came because without Him, we’d have all perished. THAT’S the LOVE of GOD. The earth was already created when He came… We were sinful when He came… We sinned against Him from the very beginning.. He came & endured such agony & shame, so that WE, His Children could access redemption, otherwise we would simply live, die & perish. He endured it too! Til’ death! If that isn’t the Love of God, I don’t know what is. Well, I do know that it isn’t to save us from every hurt and pain here on earth because He knows that it is only for a moment & won’t last very long.
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. - 2 Corinthians 4:16-18For the joy set before Him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. - Hebrews 12:2-3‘For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ - Romans 6:23“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” - Matthew 25:46Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. - John 3:18
What Am I Saying?
I’m saying as human beings, we understandably often focus on the life we live here on earth(and for various reasons, e.g. an atheist won’t think of the after-life, because he doesn’t believe in it); and what we refer to as the ‘quality of life’. However as Christians, we happen to ‘set our minds on things above, not on earthly things’ (Colossians 3:2) because we believe that there is more to life than this life, because God says there is more. Throughout scripture, God implores ALL of us to embrace Him & to live Godly lives here on earth and to live in such a way that we will share in the Kingdom of God. Obviously, every man is appointed once to die and the length of life varies for each man, but God isn’t fazed by the death of our human bodies. His primary concern is the salvation of our souls, because it is our soul that is eternal. WE unfortunately get so caught up with life and death that we forget about TRUE life and death. ‘The thief (devil) comes to kill, steal and destroy, but I (Jesus) come that they might have life and have it more abundantly’. God is saying that the earth and all within will fade away, but do not fear death of the body, fear death of the soul.
“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” - Matthew 10:28“But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.” - Luke 12:5“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” - Matthew 6:19-21For those of you quick to question God or use tragedy as a defense against God, consider all that I’ve said. God is the God of all comfort in a world that is and will be rife with pain and suffering. He said as much in His word. Jesus himself had to endure it. But He isn’t only a God of comfort, He is the Saviour of the world who has already strategized; already done the work on the Cross and has gone to prepare a place for us. He will come again, and receive us unto myself; that where He is, there we may be also.
All isn’t lost for the one who believes. We may not be saved from murder or disease or natural disaster, but “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” - Romans 10:13.
#ThinkEternity #BeHeavenMinded
N.B. In no way am I seeking to diminish the real pain and anguish persons suffer from day-to-day, for the numerous reasons that exist. Nor am I saying that God doesn’t care about our the hurt and pain we feel, for He absolutely does. I’m saying that His caring doesn’t mean it won’t exist. I’m saying that God is Good even when people aren’t. I’m saying that better will come and those who believe can cling to that & put their hope in God.
-
(Excerpt) Waver: ‘to sway to and fro’; to flicker or quiver; become unsteady’ Greek Word for ‘waver’: diakrino, ‘to hesitate, doubt or stagger’ The Expository Dictionary of Bible Words comments, “Rather than the quiet confidence that rests completely in God’s Word and thus responds with an obedience capable of giving focus and direction to life, diakrino suggests defective faith, a faith that believes and yet cannot bring itself to trust”. Doesn’t that just sum up our faith most of the time? Sure, we believe in God. But a ‘defective faith’ won’t allow us to completely trust Him. Most of the time, the problem isn’t that we don’t believe God can provide for us. Our problem comes in believing He WILL provide for US… ie for me. I know that God can do many and everything He wills for me; and it will be good. But do I truly believe that He will? The subject of wavering faith is brought up several other times in the New Testament, including the Book of James: “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways” (James 1: 6-8). Our doubting, wavering faith will keep us from receiving what we ask from the Lord! The term diakrino is found again in Mark’s gospel: “For assuredly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them” (Mark 11: 23-24). Now that’s healthy faith! Does having faith guarantee a positive outcome? No. Hebrews 11:13 says, “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, were assured of them and embraced them…”. Later we read in verses thirty-five through thirty-seven: “Others were tortured…had trials of mockings and scourgings, chains and imprisonment, they were stoned, sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword…”. The positive outcome is not guaranteed, but faith will make the journey more fulfilling. God wants our [unwavering] faith! It is pleasing to Him.
-
The blessings here promised are not for all believers, but for those who live in close fellowship with God. Every child of God looks towards the inner sanctuary and the mercy seat, yet all do not dwell in the most holy place; they run to it at times, and enjoy occasional approaches, but they do not habitually reside in the mysterious presence. Those who through rich grace obtain unusual and continuous communion with God, so as to abide in Christ and Christ in them, become possessors of rare and special benefits, which are missed by those who follow afar off, and grieve the Holy Spirit of God. Into the secret place those only come who know the love of God in Christ Jesus, and those only dwell there to whom to live is Christ. To them the veil is rent, the mercy seat is revealed, the covering cherubs are manifest, and the awful glory of the Most High is apparent.Charles Spurgeon
-
Edited by Rev. Donovan Cole
The following is at : http://www.aidsfreeworld.org/Our-Issues/Homophobia/Q-and-A-AIDS-Free-Worlds-Challenge-of-Jamaica-Anti-Gay-Law.aspx
On the web page AIDS-Free World posts Questions and Answers (Q&A) about its reasons and strategies for seeking to remove the ’buggery’ law in Jamaica.
The Q&A is introduced thus :
AIDS-Free World has filed a legal petition at the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights arguing that by criminalizing homosexuality under its constitution, Jamaica is in violation of international human rights law.
item 9 states :
9. Why isn¹t AIDS-Free World challenging this Jamaican law in Jamaican courts?
The Jamaican constitution has a relatively unusual clause in it called the ‘savings law clause,’ which protects Jamaica’s anti-sodomy law from being contested in Jamaican courts. When the new Jamaican Charter of Rights and Fundamental Freedoms was passed in April 2011, it contained a provision stating that any pre-existing laws relating to sexual offenses (such as the anti-sodomy law), pornography, or abortion were ‘saved’ from constitutional review. This legal protection immunizes the anti-sodomy law from challenge in Jamaican courts, and made it impossible for AIDS-Free World to assist Jamaican lawyers to bring a case in Jamaica. Consequently, our only recourse for challenging the law was to go to the IACHR.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
NB : Any change in the anti-sodomy law removes the law from its present immunity as changing the law makes it new legislation. It is therefore no longer ’saved’ and becomes subject to review in the context of ‘being justified in a free and democratic society’ whatever that means.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
23. What, then, is the purpose of the IACHR petition, if it doesn’t result in a legally binding decision against the government of Jamaica?
Although an IACHR decision against the government of Jamaica will not be binding, it will be very embarrassing for the country internationally and, if ignored, will have immediate negative implications for Jamaica’s reputation. This is an especially serious issue for the country because Jamaica relies on international goodwill for tourism, its main foreign exchange earner. If the Jamaican government ignores the IACHR decision, it is possible for the OAS General Assembly (which is the main legislative body for that regional body, the Organization of American States) to consider whether countries in the region want to take action and sanction Jamaica. Jamaica is a highly indebted developing nation and the government depends heavily on donor funds to supplement the national budget. Sanctions would make it very challenging for the government to meet its obligations. In an earlier case before the IACHR against Jamaica, the IACHR decided that the government of Jamaica should pay compensation to victims of illegal killings by police, and Jamaica paid. The fact that the Jamaican government abided by the decision of the IACHR before suggests that it will do so again.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Jodi Jacobson cites the legal team taking the petition to the IAHCR at : http://www.rhrealitycheck.org/article/2011/10/26/first-ever-legal-challenge-to-jamaica%E2%80%99s-anti-gay-lawsFirst-Ever Legal Challenge to Jamaica’s Anti-Gay Laws
by Jodi Jacobson <http://www.rhrealitycheck.org/user/jodi-jacobson> , Editor-in-Chief, RH Reality Check
October 26, 2011
‘Mr. Tomlinson is joined in representing the petitioners by Lord Anthony Gifford, noted counsel on a similar and successful case before the European Court of Human Rights, and a formidable legal team assembled by AIDS-Free World Legal Director Betsy Apple that includes pro bono attorneys from the US firm Thompson Hine and the Law Center at Nova Southeastern University’.Who is representing your interests before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IAHCR)?
_______________________________
Also see article recent article:‘The Gay Agenda And Rights Of Christians’ by Esther Tyson -
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20120205/cleisure/cleisure4.html
-
From 2:58 - 4:32
“And then…. Maybe the thing I’m most concerned about… Is this arrogance… Look, In Isaiah 55 (v. 8-9), God says ‘Your thoughts are not like my thoughts; and your ways are not as My ways’. He goes ‘As high as the heavens, are above the earth’, that’s how much higher my ways are, than your ways.. and that’s how much higher my thoughts are, than your thoughts’.
So when we begin an argument with,
‘Well, I wouldn’t believe in a God who would…’.. Who would what? .. Do something that you wouldn’t do? Or think in a way that’s different from the way you think? Do you ever even consider the possibility that maybe the creator’s sense of justice, is more developed than yours. And that His love and His mercy are Perfect.. and that you could be the one who is flawed?See, when we make statements like,
‘..Well God wouldn’t do this would He?’Do you understand that at that moment, you’re actually putting God’s actions in submission to your reasoning..”And it continues. Listen on.
He is All-Seeing. All-Knowing. Sovereign. He is GOD.
-
Heaven or Hell: Are You In Danger?
‘Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: NO man cometh unto the Father, but by me’ - John 14:6
‘Salvation is found in NO ONE ELSE, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved’ - Acts 4:12
-
(My Cover) Adele - ‘Someone Like You’
<strumming/plucking skills on la guitare! :D …Rife wid mistakes but yuh dun kno!>
-
I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever (Psalm 86:12).
-
So this passage, from this version was read in church today, & it blew me away (again). So great is the measure of God’s Love for us..for me..for you! ‘Don’t you think He’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do His best for you?’ Such a timely reminder, so I thought I’d share.
*cues soft music*
“If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers-most of which are never even seen-don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.
Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.”
#Selah #NotWorried #SteepingLifeInGod
Matthew 6: 30-34 (The Message)
-
‘But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul’ - Deuteronomy 4:29 :: @ Eternity Church
-
- RESCUE those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. (Proverbs 24:11)
‘While I’ve always believed in hell with my mind, I tried not to let the doctrine penetrate my heart. I reached a point where I could no longer do this. I could no longer acknowledge hell with my lips, while preventing my heart from feeling its weight’ - Francis Chan
I have to say, I am guilty of this.. *Have Mercy on me Oh Lord*
- We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal THROUGH us. (2 Corinthians 5:20)
There are many more lives I could have an eternal impact on by praying & fasting more on their behalf.. Family & Friends for Starters!; By living a life poured out to Him.. which absolutely involves living a life that’s poured out for others.. a heart burdened for the souls of others — As Jesus exemplified; By being Salt, & Light.. And yet… I allow my old self to get in the way.
*Have Mercy on me Oh Lord*
- I am SENDING YOU (me) TO THEM to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me. (Acts 26:17-18)
May my heart be set on loving God fully, on bringing honour & glory to Him, on setting self aside & focusing on the completing, perfecting work that the Holy Spirit is willing and more than able to do.
- You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses … to the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:8)
- Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. (Matthew 28:19-20)
And finally:
- Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:13)
[Can you believe the ‘such a great cloud of witnesses’ part JUST dawned on me? o_O]
All this Jesus did for me.. So that my own soul wouldnt be damned to a Christlike/Godless eternity, and He expects the same from me. So I again, aim to consider Him who endured the kind of opposition, pain & strife I will never have to endure, to run with perseverance.. to walk blamelessly, and to live a life with His potential disciplines (whom He LOVES world without end) in mind..
This Is My Prayer: That I’d walk the path (with beautiful feet - Roms 10:15), & Run the race ( to win the prize - 1 Cor 9:24). Not only with my good or my salvation in mind, but to also bring Glory to God, by being the witness He has called me to be.
