Our True Identity

The Christian’s Identity In Christ

John 1:12, 13   I am a child of God, born of God.

*I am God’s Beloved Daughter

John 15:15   I am Christ’s friend

*He loves me and wants the Best for me

John 17:23   I am loved.   

*God actually really Loves me unconditionally!

Romans 8:1, 2   I am free forever from condemnation.  

*He doesn’t hold my past mistakes against me!

Romans 8:15   I am adopted into God’s family.

*He CHOSE me to be His daughter!

Romans 8:37  I am more than a conqueror through Him.

*I can overcome all my problems with His help.

1 Cor. 1:2 I am sanctified.

*I am pure and holy in God’s eyes.

1 Cor. 3:16 I am God’s temple; God’s Spirit lives in me.  

*He is Always with me!

2 Cor. 5:17 I am a new creation in Christ  

*I don’t have to be the same person as I was in the past.

Ephesians 1:4 I am one chosen in Christ to be holy and blameless   

*I am not blamed for my mistakes.

Ephesians 2:10 I am God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works                *God created me as a Special person, who is loved and who has a purpose in life

Colossians 1:14 I am one redeemed and forgiven of all my sins  

*All my sins are Gone, washed away.

Colossians 2:10 I am one who is complete in Christ  

*Jesus is all I need, He will supply all my needs.

1 Cor. 15:57 I am victorious in Christ  

*Jesus will help me get over all the hard stuff!!

Pain and forgiveness

quotes from "Soaring Above The Flames (The Flame Series Book 1)" by Ann Ansah-Grant 

"Those who do not have faith blame God or doubt his existence in times of suffering. Those who have faith cling to the Lord even tighter, knowing He is already in the future removing the barriers, clearing a path towards a greater purpose for their pain.”"

"Colossians 3:13 appeared—“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” Forgiving her did not make me weak. Rather, my obedience to God as it relates to forgiveness made me powerful because it meant I was more like Him. The burden of lack of forgiveness makes one spiritually sick. It pollutes the spiritual environment and makes it less conducive to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. As human beings, we are incapable of forgetting our experiences because God provides us with a memory. Our emotional reaction to those memories is a measure of whether we have truly forgiven those who have wronged us."

I made a conscious choice that day to embark on a journey of forgiveness. When those past memories visit me and they no longer arrive with heavy baggage full of anger, resentment and pain, I will know that I have arrived at the destination.

Quotes and ideas from "Walking through the Flames"

Love comes in the shape of a heart not a fist.And it is not expressed with insults or threats.  Loving lips are not capable of forming profane words to use as a weapon against you. 
Love doesn't make you feel ashamed or ugly.

"I made so many mistakes and now I have to own them."
If God wanted us to Own our mistakes, He wouldn't have paid for them on the cross!  He took ownership of the sins you committed before they even came to pass.  Don't Own your sins, repent of them! Cry out to the Lord with a broken and contrite heart and ask for His forgiveness.  Then release it and sin no more. Micah 7:19 He will turn again, He will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea
The Lord is waiting with anticipation to forgive us. 

What is Love? part 1

         1 Corinthians 13 is the Go-To chapter about Love, but first, consider this  1 John 4:7-8    7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.  
       If God IS Love, then all of the descriptions and explanations of love are part of the Character of God! Anything described as Love applies to God's response and actions toward us.
      But, this verse tells us to love each other. Not just those in our family or our spouses, but our neighbors (Jesus was pretty clear that our neighbors are not just those in our comfort zone, our church, our circle of friends).
      So, What exactly is Love? The word in the original Greek is Agape, which is also used when God refers to His love for us. Agape means unchanging, self-giving, without expectation of repayment, love that gives in spite of rejection, not giving in order to get something in return, sacrificial, self-denying for the sake of others.
     In 1 Cor. 13. Love is described by Action words, not feeling words. Love isn't that mushy, fluttery Feeling in our tummy.  If love is an Action, that means it is a Choice.  We can Choose to Act out of Love. Jesus was asked which commandment was the greatest, in Matt 22. He said loving God was 1st and next? Loving Each other!  Loving God and others fulfills all the laws and prophets, meaning if we love God and Others, we've got it Made in the Shade!      It's obvious that Love is pretty darn important to God, and we Have to remember that if God asks us to do something, then He Makes it Possible.  He doesn't assign us impossible tasks! He gave us a very clear picture of what Love is and is Not in 1 Cor. 13.      
     The first 3 verses of the chapter tells us that all the really great things we could do -prophecy, giving everything away to the poor, move mountains with our faith, get burned alive for following Christ- it really isn't worth Anything if we don't have Love. It's kind of a Big thing! Now we get to the good stuff;

• not losing heart, 

• persevering  patiently in enduring misfortunes and troubles, 

• bearing offenses and injuries with patience, 

• patiently enduring without avenging wrongs, 

• not punishing

     We can usually act in love toward our children. Its easier to be patient and kind with children, at least until they are Teenagers!  We don't lose heart when they are stubborn, defiant and rotten to us. We don't hold them away from our hearts when they offend us, we don't take Revenge on them. We are kind to little ones, generously extending good to them, especially the grandbabies!      But... relationships with others- that's often a different story! Even with family and friends, we often develop automatic responses and reactions based on past interactions.  We tend to be kind to those who are kind to us, and patient with those who have been patient with us. We don't easily extend kindness or patience to those who we feel have wronged us in some way. Of Course! That's Human Nature, right? Well, yes, it actually Is human, sinful, selfish nature! If it were our natural inclination to be loving, God wouldn't have needed to Explain it so Clearly throughout the Bible. 
As a matter of fact, 1 Peter 4:8 tells us to keep on loving each other because Love covers a multitude of sins.
   (I have used several translations, commentaries, dictionaries, etc. to be sure of accuracy)
     LOVE IS:
     4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; (new kjv)
      4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant (esv)
1. Patient/long-suffering: long suffering (makrothumeo), <2 Peter 3:9 uses the same word to describe God's actions toward Us>; 
2. Kind: (chresteuomai) showing, using kindness (friendly, generous, considerate) extend good to others
        Loving others sounds like an easy commandment to follow.  After all, as a Christian, we have the love and mercy and forgiveness of God. We live under the grace of the unfailing love of the Almighty. That should Fill our hearts with easy affection for others. Unfortunately, that isn't how it works, once we have been hurt, offended, or rejected. Its easier to put on the Good Christian mask, hiding a frown, while pretending to be pleasant and kind.      
     Once we have put our guard up, prepared to protect ourselves, it becomes much more difficult to Extend true kindness or bear offenses with patience. And Why Should I? "My sister said the most hurtful thing"-  "My dad never had time for me"-  "My spouse has broken my heart, offended, injured me, in So many ways" -  "I Need to be Careful"-   "I'm not going to let him forget that offense"-   "She always gets away with it but not This time"-   "He always gets the recognition at work"-   "They don't deserve another chance"-  "I think he is up to Something"- "I sure won't trust them"-  "I can be patient and kind by Totally Avoiding them!"
     Does any of that sound familiar? It should be obvious, these thoughts are familiar to Me. And I like to think I am actually a loving person?  In case you are thinking, "I'll just work a little harder at being Nice to people, it's 'all good'", we have only covered the first two aspects of LOVE.  
      Please stay tuned, hehehe I have more to say.... I Always have more to say! ;) 

Xmas

     I'm sure we have all heard the anger and hostility by Christians regarding the use of Xmas.  Is the use of "Xmas" a way to leave Christ out of Christmas?  It appears that in today's culture it is usually taken that way, and generally viewed as a quick way to remove Christ.  I had to do a little research, curious where the whole Xmas thing started. So where did it come from?  Whew... interesting stuff here!

 The Greek word Christ is written  ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ .  Notice that if you place the first two letters, ΧΡ, and overlay them, you have a symbol, the Chi-Rho. ΧΡ, Chi Rho gained widespread popularity and found much use by the Christians after it was adopted by the  Roman military commander, Emperor Constantine I as a military banner. Constantine said the symbol appeared to him in a dream before the Battle of the Milivian Bridge in 312 A.D. He put this Christian symbol on his soldiers’ shields. His army won the battle, Constantine legalized the religion of Christianity across the Roman Empire, and the Chi-Rho has continued to be widely used in Christian art and literature since that time.  The symbol XP (Chi-Rho) has been in common use by Christians for about 1700 years now. 

     Chi, X,meaning Christ, as an abbreviation, really came into common usage in the 13th century, especially with the advent of the printing press. Since the printing press required each letter to be set by hand, abbreviations were very common.  So Christianity, Christian, Christmas became Xianity, Xian, and Xmas.  As a matter of fact, the name Christina was very commonly written as Xtina. The X part of the words were pronounced as Christ...not X.    In many manuscripts of the New Testament, X abbreviates Christos (Xristos). In ancient Christian art X and XP abbreviate his name. This practice entered the Old English language as early as AD 100. Even Wycliff used X as an abbreviation for Christ.
    With this history in mind, originally Xmas was in No way an attempt to Remove Christ.  It was the most Common practice of abbreviating the name of Christ.  In fact, the symbolism was a way of honoring of Christ, as the symbol was in reference to the original language of His name.  
     So, how does that fit in today?  I personally wouldn't use the term Xmas simply because the modern connotations of the term.  Christians and non-Christians alike are unaware of the history, and it is commonly perceived as a removal of Christ.  I don't want to support that misconception.  
     Once again, we have allowed the secular world to steal one of the wonderful symbols of our faith.  It once made a statement to wear a cross, but gang members and rappers have giant gold crosses hanging around their necks while they spout the most horrifying garbage. Rainbows, a promise from God, now symbolizes homosexuality.  The shamrock, used by St. Patrick as a way to explain the Trinity, has become a symbol of the Irish. Angels and butterflies have both been symbols of Christianity, but not anymore. Our Christian symbols have been appropriated by rappers, pagans, other religions, and the LGBT community. I wonder if it is even possible to reclaim our Christian symbols? 
   I find it ironic that someone using the term Xmas thinks they are removing Christ and yet they are actually using an ancient symbol of Christ.  The Intended Insult, removing Christ, really Isn't an insult but a return to our Christian symbolic roots!!  Knowing the facts and the rich history behind the X, makes me wish we could recover the original symbolism, but it's not likely I suppose.  
     So when I see someone using the X, I am pretty Likely to go ahead and explain it to them!!!  But I won't be using the controversial X except within a group that understands the the history!

Saturday, December 11, 2010 at 2:29pm

To X or not to X

    My last note was a quick history of the X used in Xmas so the question remains, do we X or not? My personal view comes down to this, no matter what my belief is on the usage of the X, I can't in good conscience use it.  Since it is a point of controversy with so many, it would be completely wrong of me to use it. It can easily offend Christians who view it as a removal of "Christ", and non believers can see it as another way Christians are wishy-washy about Jesus. 

    The issue becomes the way it is Viewed, instead of whether it is right or wrong. The Bible addresses This issue directly.  Some of the early Christians were eating food that other Christians thought was unclean.  Is it right or wrong?? they wanted to know! Why? So they could point at the others and Accuse them! Which is the bigger problem, the accusing and dissension or the eating "bad" food? The Bible says it might be Lawful to eat it, as in other areas, we might be Ok in doing something, but if its going to cause a problem, then Don't Do it! 

    How does that apply now? It might not be a Sin to dress a certain way, celebrate a holiday in a certain way, use certain language, drink alcohol, get a tattoo, read a certain book...Oh, the list is endless. If God has not specifically lined out His standard regarding one of the hundreds of things we Christians argue about, then we have to use the discernment the Lord puts within each of us. Suppose I think something is perfectly fine.  It's not a sin as far as I can ascertain, after seeking the Lord's guidance (and I mean Truly Seeking Him, not just assuming He's ok with it cause I didn't get struck by lightening!)  So, I go and do that thing... and even Defend my Right to do it... and I have perfectly legitimate evidence to support my stance... but it Really horribly offends another Christian... or a non Christian uses my actions to say,  "See there~ Hypocrite!" or even, "see, I'm a good person, that Christian is no different than me."   Is it Still ok for me?  Nope!  If my words or actions cause someone to stumble, causes a bump in their path, any hindrance in their understanding of God, then it is NOT OK!  I have the Right to do Anything I Choose, but not everything is a Wise and Godly choice because of the effect it will have on others.
1 Corinthians 10:23 (NKJV)  All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.
Now I am not saying that we are to conform to what is Politically Correct. I am saying that, on issues that are Not essential to salvation, not Sinful per se,  then we must do as the bible directs, Shunning any Appearance of evil. We have to avoid things that cause arguments in order to live in peace with our Christian brothers and sisters. That can mean that we have to do, or not do things that we Want.  We have to sacrifice our SELF... hmmm that is starting to sound more and more like what the bible talks about... dying to Self to live with Christ. Are you fighting for your Right to behave the way you Want, while ignoring the effect it has on others? That would be Selfish, and Not loving, and clear Disobedience to God.

So, I Can use the X all I Want! I Can drink a beer! I Can get a tattoo or piercing! But if I know its going to cause a stumbling block in Anyone's path, I Must be willing to put aside my Right..my desire...and put others Before myself!

Sunday, December 12, 2010 at 2:39pm

Thou Shalt not Judge

      It always cracks me up to hear this! As soon as you Dare to tell someone they might be doing something wrong..."Thou shall not Judge" !!!   Ok, it is Close to an actual Bible quote but not Quite!  The interesting thing is that we hear this pseudo-quote from those who really have No understanding of the scripture. They seem to Want this verse (Matt. 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.) to mean that we should just accept Any lifestyle choice, sin or rebellion in which a person wishes to participate. 

      Jesus didn't just say, Don't judge, but He made His meaning clear by continuing on with explaining that we will be judged by the same measure, whether the measure is one of Justice or a measure of Mercy. Furthermore, while we are pointing out the splinter in someone else's eye, we have a big old log in our own. Our "caring" action of "helping" our brother with his splinter shows us to be hypocrites.  We can't possibly hope to offer assistance to anyone with a splinter while we have that big log in the way.  Even if we manage to get that Log out, I'm pretty sure there are plenty of splinters left over!!  This still leaves us in a position in which we are not worthy to judge others. 

     As Christians, we are Often accused of Judging others. Usually we are accused by people who don't wish to be held accountable for their actions. But these are Not the only people we are guilty of judging. Sadly, I have to admit that we are probably doing a Lot more judging that we Realize.   And to top it off, we may be judging those we love as often, and as harshly, as the worst of "sinners."
      So, what exactly is "judging"?  The dictionary says that to Judge is to form an opinion, a conclusion, or give a verdict. That seems pretty straightforward.  Jesus commanded us not to judge others and we Believe we are pretty good about not being Too judgmental.  I found some things we need to consider.

· We break this command when we think the worst of others.

· We break this command when we only speak to others of their faults.

· We break this command when we judge an entire life only by its worst moments.

· We break this command when we judge the hidden motives of others.

· We break this command when we judge others without considering ourselves in their same circumstances.

WHOA!!  Hang on a second, "think the worst"? only point out faults?  judge the hidden motives?   judge by the worst moments, their biggest mistakes/ sins?  

How often do we believe we Know the motives behind another's actions?  Is there someone you only view as a list of Faults?  What about the person that you always Expect the very worst out of them?

Ok, so we judge and we aren't supposed to, but how can we stop it?
The answer is clear and concise, but its not Easy!  
     Mark 12:29-31 love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’   This is the first commandment. 31 And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
To make this even more clear, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7  explains Exactly what Love is all about.  
      4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

    Love answers the problem of judging others, as well as many of our other sinful thoughts and actions.  (1 Peter 4:8)
Now all we have to do is figure out how to really Love others as much as we love ourselves.

x

Characteristics of a "Christian"

The Characteristics of a "Christian"

1. Attentive to Christ's voice ( John 10:3,4)
2. Blameless and harmless (Philippians 2:15)
3. Bold (Proverbs 28:1; Romans 13:3)
4. Contrite (Isaiah 57:15;66:2)
5. Devout (Acts 8:2;22:12)
6. Faithful (Revelation 17:14)
7. Fearing God (Matthew 3:16; Acts 10:2)
8. Following Christ ( John 10:4,27)
9. Godly (Psalms 4:3; 2 Peter 2:9)
10. Guileless ( 2 John 1:47)
11. Holy (Deuteronomy 7:6;14:2; Colossians 3:12)
12. Humble (Psalms 34:2; 1 Peter 5:5)
13. Hungering after righteousness (Matthew 5:6)
14. Just (Genesis 6:9; Habakkuk 2:4; Luke 2:25)
15. Led by the Spirit (Romans 8:14)
16. Liberal (Isaiah 32:8; 2 Corinthians 9:13)
17. Loving (Colossians 1:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:9)
18. Lowly (Proverbs 16:19)
19. Meek (Isaiah 29:19; Matthew 5:5)
20. Merciful (Psalms 37:26; Matthew 5:7)
21. New Creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:10)
22. Obedient (Romans 16:19; 1 Peter 1:14)
23. Poor in spirit (Psalms 51:17; Matthew 5:3)
24. Prudent (Proverbs 16:21)
25. Pure in heart (Matthew 5:8; 1 John 3:3)
26. Righteous (Isaiah 60:21; Luke 1:6)
27. Sincere (2 Corinthians 1:12;2:17)
28. Steadfast (Acts 2:42; Colossians 2:5)
29. Taught of God (Isaiah 54:13; 1 John 2:27)
30. True (1 Corinthians 6:8)
31. Undefiled (Psalms 119:1)
32. Upright (1 Kings 3:6; Psalms 15:2)
33. Watchful (Luke 12:37)
34. Zealous of good works (Titus 2:14;3:8)

Truth, Tolerance and Consequences

Truth or Tolerance

Is there any such thing as absolute Truth? Can we know the truth? As Christians, we believe there is, in fact, an absolute truth, and the truth is knowable.
     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    This statement is absolute. One way, One Truth... (When I talk about" Christians", or "Christianity", I am referring only to those who accept this statement as truth.)
     So the next question would be; If there is Truth, and it is clearly defined, then what is Anything that falls outside these boundaries? Naturally it would be False.  Intentional falsehood is a Lie.
     Ok, so we have true or false; truth or lies. How can we know, for sure, which is which? Thankfully, we have a standard of measurement in the Word of God. We know that the Word of God is True.  If the Word is true, then whatever is different/in conflict or opposition is logically False.
      Now that we have that all straight...hehehe
Tolerance: from Webster....sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices differing from or conflicting with one's own   b: the act of allowing something: the allowable deviation from a standard;  Please Note these key words:  Differing, Conflicting and Deviation
     Well now that I have stirred up this pot a bit. What do we stand for?  Truth or tolerance? Can we go along with the "Tolerance" philosophy in regards to morals, ethics, religion? Do all roads lead to the same place? Are we all worshiping the same God just with different names?

Truth or Consequences

     So what?? As long as I have my mind centered on Christ and I am truly trying to follow His ways, does it matter if I use the meditation methods taught by Transcendental Meditation? Does it matter if I am focused on God but I am using exercises and techniques from yoga?   If I am working to make my marriage or relationships more Godly, can't I incorporate the ideas and knowledge of psychology to help me?  Does any of that make a difference if God sees our intentions/or hearts, then won't it be ok?   I mean, I'm not going to be worshiping other gods, or anything like that! Its not like we can be held accountable if we Accidentally or unknowingly participate in something wrong!! And a little tiny bit isn't going to hurt me anyway, cause I have a strong walk with the Lord!!
    Here's where I go back to my cookie dough analogy! Imagine...yuuummm... cookies! Cookie dough with big chocolate chunks and all the finest ingredients. But, unknown to you, someone has put in  5 small chocolate chips that look no different from the rest. These 5 little chips each contain the Ebola virus. They are Almost exactly like the rest of the chips, and look, taste and smell so close that it would be Very difficult to distinguish them. Ahhh I can smell the warm, wonderful aroma of baking cookies! OOo they look Delicious!!! Here, have one. What???? You don't want any? Why not?  Oh, there are Only 5 tainted chips in the whole quadruple batch!  You probably won't even get one in your cookie!  Oh, you don't want to miss out on these wonderful cookies just because you Might mistakenly get a little Ebola!!! There is soooo much other Good stuff in there!
     Still don't want one? But you could probably tell if there was a tainted chip, you might be able to pick it out before you swallow it. Just suppose now, you go ahead, sure that you can distinguish the Bad chips. (But you Can't!!!) 
     Oh NO! You have just eaten one while enjoying the rest of the cookie or two or Three!!! Yummmy! Yep it was worth the risk! OOOO those were Delicious! Meanwhile, that little poison chip has been ingested, is now being absorbed and its ingredients are spreading through your body.  You don't even Know it yet!!! You feel Great! Happy and satisfied. Meanwhile, the Ebola virus is infecting your bloodstream and is spreading to every area of your body. Eventually the results will be Obvious, even though they aren't right now!!!
     Did it matter? Did that one little chip make a difference? You Bet your life!!!   All the good ingredients and your general good health won't stop it from infecting your entire body. You can't say you weren't warned it was in there somewhere, but you Chose to eat that cookie!
     Is there a warning label on religious or un-Godly practices? Well, Yes! Let's look at the old Testament for a minute. Its one long story of how God Repeatedly warned His people to stay away from every other religion, to have Nothing to do with them, remove all trace of their religions. And what happened? Over and over and over, they said, "Oh it's ok, it's just a little. It's ok, there are just a few people who practice that religion. Oh ,we can spot the wrong and make sure we don't do it."
     How did that work out for them? We all know, they got all messed up, ended up worshiping idols, practicing false religions, wandering away from God. They didn't think it would happen that way! Their intentions were not to stray from God! But it happened anyway, Repeatedly. 
     Can we learn a lesson from their mistakes? The evidence is pretty clear. I think we can make some conclusions about the effects of "just a little". It didn't work for the Jews, and it won't work for us!
        So, how much Ebola do you want in your cookie dough?
                 How much false religion do you want in your spiritual life?
 The answer should be...NONE, Zip, Zero, Zilch... not a Speck, not a Molecule! Nada! Just say NO!

 (please note...usually I am Much more crass and use the analogy of dog poop instead of ebola!!)

Lies vs truths

10 Lies We Believe (and Scriptures to Combat Them!)

1. I am not good enough.(You are a royal daughter of the King. 1 Peter 2:9)

2. I might fail. (God goes before you and doesn’t want you to worry! Deuteronomy 3:18)

3.  I might not have enough money. (God is Jehovah—that means provider. He will  meet all of your needs for His glory! Philippians 4:19)

4. There seems to be no way. This is impossible.(Jesus IS the WAY. John 14:6)

5. How will I make it? Which way should I go?(Pray to God, He will show the right path. Seek His word; it will light your way. Psalm 119:105)

6. I am not pretty enough or the right weight. (God knit you in your mother’s womb and YOU are fearfully and wonderfully made! Jeremiah 1, Psalm 139)

7. I might mess up my future. (God knows His plans for you to prosper YOU and not for evil or harm! Believe that! Trust in God! Jeremiah 29:11)

8. I can sin and no one will know. (God sees all things and knows all things. Romans 6:23, Job 28:24)

9. There won’t be a consequence for my sin.(God is our Father and disciplines those He LOVES. When He corrects you, it is for YOUR good. Proverbs 3:12)

10. I am a failure. God doesn’t love me. (God SO LOVED YOU He sent and GAVE His ONE and only Son Jesus to die for your sins on the cross. There is no condemnation in Christ–You are healed by the blood of Jesus on Calvary. John 3:16)

“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” –Deuteronomy 3:10

https://www.faithgateway.com/god-healed-mind/#.WzAnA3RlC7M

Am I Selfish?

1 Corinthians 10:24(ESV) 24 Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.

James 3:16 (ESV)16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.

Luke 6:32-34(ESV)  32 “If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.

Philippians 2:3-4(ESV)  3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Galatians 5:26(ESV)  26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7(ESV) 4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;[b] 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Beauty

Something I ran across that I think Every Christian woman should check out! Its a great reminder! A Great lesson for our Daughters too!!!
by Carolyn Mahaney
Our culture encourages women to cultivate a beauty that is skin-deep. God, however, tells us to pursue an inner beauty of great worth. A woman who cultivates inner beauty, who fears God and lives to serve others, makes a difference in people’s lives. Her beauty makes a lasting impact on the lives she touches.
Which beauty are we seeking to cultivate? Are we intentionally cultivating inner beauty, or do we give more attention to the outward appearance? The way we think about and attend to our personal appearance is really a mirror of our hearts. By reflecting either godly motivations or selfish motivations, we reveal whether our priority is to cultivateinner beauty or outer beauty.
Here’s a “heart check” test for the purpose of self-examination—questions to help us discern our thoughts, motives, and goals with regard to the issue of beauty.
1. Do I spend more time daily caring for my personal appearance than I do in Bible study, prayer, and worship?
2. Do I spend excessive money on clothes, hair, and makeup, or is it an amount that is God-honoring?
3. Do I want to lose weight to “feel better about myself,” or do I desire to be self-disciplined for the glory of God?
4. Am I on a quest for thinness to impress others, or do I seek to cultivate eating habits that honor God?
5. Do I exercise to try to create or maintain a “good figure,” or do I exercise to strengthen my body for God’s service?
6. Is there anything about my appearance that I wish I could change, or am I fully grateful to God for the way He created me?
7. Am I jealous of the appearance of others, or am I truly glad when I observe other women who are more physically attractive than I?
8. Do I covet the wardrobe of others, or do I genuinely rejoice when other women are able to afford and purchase new clothing?
9. When I attend an event or activity, do I sinfully compare myself with others, or do I go asking God to show me whom to love and how to do it?
10. Do I ever dress immodestly or with the intent of drawing attention to myself, or do I always dress in a manner that pleases God?
Asking these questions on a consistent basis can help us weed out worldly values and cultivate a heart for God’s priorities.

grown up

I have a plan and you don't need to know about it.. I know what I'm doing... You guys don't need to know

the words of an 18 yr old with aspergers...
am I not supposed to worry?
She Doesn't know what she is doing!  She isn't mature, not as mature as the average 18 yr old, which isn't terribly mature to start with but she is a dreamer.. a 6th grader with stars in her eyes and big dreams of what all she can do.. but she can't do her own homework!
My heart is broken
she doesn't see that she is so innocent and so naive  and so ignorant of the ways of the world. ... I wish I could tell her what I have learned ... all learned the hard way,,, my heart just hurts for her cause I see her heading for learning everything the hard way
the reason I write tonight is so that when she comes and says that she didn't know what she was doing... I can show her that she was  very adamant that she did indeed know exactly what she was doing.. she knows it all and won't hear us

Im sad for her

The Magi

The Magi follow a Star
Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked,'Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?  We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.'King Herod heard this he was disturbed,  When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. 'In Bethlehem in Judea,' they replied, 'for this is what the prophet has written:  6' "But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;  for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel." 'Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, 'Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.'
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route." (Matthew 2:1-12)
   But who were they and why did they come? How do they fit into the story of Jesus' infancy?  Who Are the Magi? (1:1) Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, 'Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.'"
 (2:1-2)  All of a sudden an elaborate entourage from the East appears in Jerusalem at Herod's court inquiring about the birth of the "King of the Jews."These men are described as "Wise men" or "Magi" .  The word is magos, " a (Persian, or Babylonian) wise man and priest, who was expert in astrology, interpretation of dreams, and various other occult arts.
   "Where were they from? The text says "the east" , the direction from which the sun rises. Where could that be? There are three main possibilities: Parthia or Persia.
     The term magoi was first associated with the Medes and the Persians. We know that astrology flourished in this area and that the astral lore of the region was applied to royal births.
    Babylon. The Babylonians or Chaldeans had a well developed interest in astronomy and astrology. A large colony of Jews remained there, so astrologers could have learned of Jewish messianic expectations. Also, magoi are referred to in Daniel's description of the Babylonian court.
     Arabia or the Syrian desert. The gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh are associated with desert camel trains coming from Midian in northwest Arabia or Sheba in southwest Arabia.       Astrology was not unknown and Jewish colonies existed in various cities. they were men of wisdom and learning from an exotic, far away land bringing a caravan into the capital city of the Jews, seeking a newborn king. They must have attracted attention.
    What Kind of "Star" Did They See? (1:2)"... and asked, 'Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.'"
   "Star" (astēr) wasn't used in a modern scientific sense. Rather it referred to "a luminous body (other than the sun) visible in the sky, star, single star, planet." Foerster notes, "astēr almost always denotes a single "star," whereas astron can also be used for a "constellation."
     The phrase "in the east"  in verses 2 and 9 may well carry the meaning "at its rising" , of the "upward movement of celestial bodies." 
     Here are some of the possibilities: A "new star." A supernova is an explosion in an existing star that for several weeks or months gives out a great deal of light, sometimes even visible during the day. A dozen novae are discovered each year, but those visible to the naked eye are rare. There is no historical record of a supernova just before Jesus' birth date.  
     A comet. Throughout history, comets have captured human imagination. Its tail can be spectacular. The sun's radiation pressure and solar wind cause an very long tail to form, which points away from the sun. Astronomers have calculated that Halley's comet would have been visible 12-11 BC, years before Jesus' birth about 6 BC.
     A planetary conjunction. Astrologers pay attention to the planets. Apparently there was a conjunction of Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars that occurred in 7-6 BC, and mention seems to have been made of this in cuneiform texts. Some have gone farther. This series of conjunctions over several months took place in the zodiacal constellation of Pisces, which may have been associated with the last days and with the Hebrews. Jupiter was associated with the world ruler among Parthian astrologers. Saturn was identified as the star of the Amorites of the Syrian-Palestine region.      These three indicators could have pointed to a world ruler among the Hebrews in the last days. But this is purely speculative, astrology by hindsight. Nor do we have any evidence that such a conjunction of planets would have been actually referred to as a "star."  We don't know
enough to say authoritatively exactly what the Star of Bethlehem was.  There is a star spoken of in prophecy, however, in a prophecy of Balaam, the errant prophet:  "I see him, but not now;I behold him, but not near.  A star will come out of Jacob;a scepter will rise out of Israel." (Numbers 24:17) saw this prophecy as messianic. Could the messianic expectation based on this verse among Jewish communities in the East be the basis of the Magi's interpretation of the star? We don't know.
     What is the significance of the Star of Bethlehem that the Magi saw? Why do you think the Magi came to find the Christ-child when they saw the star? Why Was Herod Disturbed? (2:3)  "When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him." (2:3)  A delegation of important people coming to Jerusalem to honor the king or to worship in the temple wouldn't
be uncommon. But the Magi's search for a newborn king based on an astronomical phenomenon caused quite a stir. The passive of tarassō means to "be troubled, frightened, terrified.  "Herod was troubled because he saw this newborn as a threat to his own throne. The people were troubled because they had seen what their paranoid king had done when he felt his throne threatened.
      Where Was the Messiah to Be Born? (2:4-6)  Herod takes the Magi's quest seriously."4  When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. 5 'In Bethlehem in Judea,' they replied, 'for this is what the prophet has written:   6 '"But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,  are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;  for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel."'" (2:4-6)
Note that the Magi came seeking "the one who has been born king of the Jews" (2:1), but Herod asked the scholars where the Messiah (Greek Christos) would be born (2:4). He understood immediately that this child they sought was no normal king, but the Messiah himself.
Herod wasn't a descendant of David. He was rather a Edomite (Idumean) son of a ruling family in whom the Romans had seen a talent for controlling the populace. He had been appointed governor of Galilee (47 BC) and later King of the Jews (37 BC). He realized that if a descendant of David were to rise, his reign and that of his descendants would be over. Messiah or not, this child must be destroyed.
     Herod's Plot (2:7-8)  The prophet Malachi (5:2) made it clear that Bethlehem would be the birthplace of the Messiah, so in Bethlehem the quest would continue."Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, 'Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.'" (2:7-8)  Herod's questioning of the scholars was public, but his interrogation of the Magi is secret.12 He finds out precisely when the star appeared. Later he uses this information to slaughter all the boy babies in Bethlehem two years and under (2:16). Apparently the Magi had seen the sign two years earlier.  Now Herod seeks to enlist the Magi as his secret agents: "As soon as you find him, report to me...." (2:8) He claims to desire to worship the newborn Messiah, but his real desire is assassination. "Worship"  or "pay homage"  It means "to express in attitude or gesture one's complete dependence on or submission to a high authority figure, (fall down and) worship, do obeisance to, prostrate oneself before, do reverence to, welcome respectfully."
      Led by the Star (2:9-10)"After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed." (2:9-10)  It seems that they had seen the star "at its rising" (or "in the East") and had come to Jerusalem, since that is where they expected to find a newborn King of the Jews. But now the star, which seems to have disappeared for a while, now reappears and "went ahead of them." Proagō means "to move ahead or in front of, go before, lead the way, precede."15 Finally it "stopped"  or "stood"  over the place where the child was." Histēmi, "set, place," here means "to desist from movement and be in a stationary position, stand still, stop." The star that inspired their trip in the first place now leads them directly to the very home where the Christ-child dwelt.
      Worshiping the King (2:11a)"On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him." (2:11a) By this time, presumably nearly two years after Jesus' birth, Mary and Joseph were living in a house . The Holy Family had left the stable and found a house. Probably Joseph had found employment as a carpenter. They had apparently decided not to return to Nazareth  But now, outside their home, a caravan of exotic travelers has stopped. Strangely dressed men are approaching while their camels are attended by servants, while other servants are carrying gifts in their hands. Mary scurries around to straighten up while Joseph goes out to meet the strangers. We're not told the details, of course, but when the Magi see the child, now a toddler, they bow down (piptō) and worship (proskuneō) him. Imagine these old men, finely dressed, prostrating themselves on a dirt floor before a small child. They had seen the star and it had reappeared to guide them. These men were convinced -- rightly -- that they were standing before the Messiah, the King of the Jews. Their obeisance was fitting.
     (Matthew 2:11a) What do we learn from seeing the Magi prostrating themselves before the child Jesus?  What was the significance of this for them? How can we emulate this kind of worship?
      Offering Gifts to the King (2:11b)  After lying prostrate for some time, they rise, perhaps at the urging of Joseph.  "Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh." (2:11b) Whenever foreign dignitaries would appear before a great king they would bring gifts as a sign of obeisance and honor. "Treasures"  is probably better translated  "treasure chests"  And as the lids were lifted, the glitter of gold and aroma of precious spices filled the room.  Gold, of course, was the most precious and valued metal known. It was highly prized. It was not found in Palestine, but had to be imported from the mines of Ophir and elsewhere. Frankincense  the Israelites used it in worship in the Holy Place of the tabernacle and temple (Exodus 30:34).   Myrrh is valuable as a perfume and a constituent of sacred anointing oil (Exodus 30:23). The sap is pleasantly scented and dries into a solid resin. It could be diluted to form a liquid cosmetic product and may have been used by Egyptians in embalming.  These may seem inappropriate gifts for a baby, but as munificent gifts from distinguished personages appearing before a king, they would be considered quite appropriate, perhaps as specimens of the products of their country.
    Christian writers, have seen significance in gold for Christ's royalty, frankincense for his deity, and myrrh for his humanity, ultimately his burial, though none of this is in Matthew's account.I can't help think of the song "The Little Drummer Boy"  "I have no gift to bring ... that's fit to give the King ...I played my drum for Him ... I played my best for Him  ...Then He smiled at me ... me and my drum."   The song is popular, though the sentiment is profound. Our best, no matter how seemingly insignificant, is what we owe the King. That is what characterized the Magi's gifts. Though the Magi's quest had brought Herod's scrutiny upon the child, these gifts were probably sold gradually to provide for the Holy Family during three years of exile in Egypt where they fled to escape Herod's wrath.  Why was it appropriate for the Magi bring gifts to the Christ-child? How does the extravagance of their gifts reflect their heart attitude? What kinds of gifts are appropriate for us to bring?
       Disobeying Herod (2:12)  "And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route." (Matthew 2:12) Though Herod had recruited the Magi for his evil plot, God warned them in a dream not to participate, so they left the area without returning through Jerusalem, only six miles to the north. This probably bought the Holy Family a day or two of time to make good their escape. As soon as Herod discovered that the Magi had betrayed him, in a furious rage he gave orders to kill all the male children in Bethlehem who were two years of age or under. This amounted to perhaps twenty baby boys, the first martyrs for the Messiah.
      What Does All this Mean?  Why does Matthew include the story of the wise men in his Gospel?Matthew points to the fulfillment (without saying so) of Balaam's ancient prophecy that "A star will come forth from Jacob, and a scepter will rise from Israel" (Numbers 24:17).The King Honored by Foreign Nations. One of Matthew's themes is that Christ fulfilled Old Testament prophecy. Here the prophecy isn't cited, but only alluded to: that of foreign rulers bringing their riches to honor the King of Israel (1 Kings 10:2, 10; Psalm 72:10-11, 15; Isaiah 60:5-6, 11). This account points to Jesus' royalty as King of the Jews.  
       Enemies of Christ Seek His Death. Here in chapter 2 is the beginning of Jesus' enemies. Herod clearly covets Jesus' claim to be Messiah and seeks to kill him before he can become a threat. Later in Matthew's gospel the "chief priests and teachers of the law" who pointed to his birthplace in Bethlehem conspire to take his life. Ultimately he is crucified for this very charge of being King of the Jews Matthew 27:11, 37; John 18:33-37; 19:19-22).
      Devotion by Men of Wisdom. That wise men recognize the Messiah and bow at his feet is also an example to "the wisdom of this world" (1 Corinthians 2:6).The Sovereignty of God. The gifts of the wise men serve to honor the boy-King and to provide for his shelter for years to come. Where one door closes, another opens. God provides!
Key Verses
"After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, 'Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.'" (Matthew 2:1-2)  "On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh." (Matthew 2:11