When we look at incidents such as those with Juanita Bynum, Paula White, the Catholic priests and others, the question comes to mind "Do we place more faith in the messenger rather than the message?
The Bible is full of prophets and other other individuals who were used by God even though by societies standards they were not "worthy". Our messengers do not preach themselves nor can they because they cannot provide you with salvation. Instead, they prech Jesus Christ the only one who can save you.
No ministry should become the object of your faith. Foolishly we place our messengers (or they place themselves) on pedastals rather the One who has already atoned for our sins. Rather, it should be God in whom your faith is place.
Our messengers are human; made of flesh and blood. They will in some way or another let you down. Their role is not to model for others what a real "man or woman of God" should act like. Their primary role is to proclaim the finished work of Jesus Christ for salvation…in spite of their inability to always behave in a "godly manner!"
No individual described in the word of God, never mind any who have come along since then, ever attained righteousness through their behavior. There is only one man that can give us salvation and that man is Jesus Christ. So the question remains today where does our faith lie? What do you think?
Friday, September 28, 2007
Friday, September 21, 2007
Jena 6: Should They Be Punished for What They Did?
Although I am not naive enough to believe that racism is gone from our society, I am saddened to know that it can still be dispalyed in such a blatant manner. I personally have never been the recipient of overt racism, however, indirectly I see on a regular basis.
It has been said that Jena 6 could be the new "civil rights" movement. Unfortunately for me, I'm not sure if this is the case. I wonder where our "leaders" were when the nooses were being hung on the tree? Perhaps if they had been around, there would not have been a need for these six african american boys to take matters into their own hands. Futhermore, where will these "leaders" be when the smoke clears? Somehow it seems that they only become visible when there is an opportunity for press coverage.
I then wonder about us as a people. Have we become too complacent? Are we allowing other cultures to believe that since they have thrown us some bones, (a little money, fame, etc.), that we are happy with the status quo. I suppose to that end, we should not only rely on our "leaders" to make change. Rather, we as a people should rise to the occassion and tell society enough is enough.
Lastly, what of the Jena 6? Should they be punished for what they have done?
It has been said that Jena 6 could be the new "civil rights" movement. Unfortunately for me, I'm not sure if this is the case. I wonder where our "leaders" were when the nooses were being hung on the tree? Perhaps if they had been around, there would not have been a need for these six african american boys to take matters into their own hands. Futhermore, where will these "leaders" be when the smoke clears? Somehow it seems that they only become visible when there is an opportunity for press coverage.
I then wonder about us as a people. Have we become too complacent? Are we allowing other cultures to believe that since they have thrown us some bones, (a little money, fame, etc.), that we are happy with the status quo. I suppose to that end, we should not only rely on our "leaders" to make change. Rather, we as a people should rise to the occassion and tell society enough is enough.
Lastly, what of the Jena 6? Should they be punished for what they have done?
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Would Cheating Stop if Women Stick Together?
What do you think? If men didn't have anyone to cheat with could this problem actually be eliminated? Place your comments here and then go to our poll and vote.
How Much is a Woman Worth?
Proverbs 31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies
As women it is imperative that we begin to see ourselves as God sees us instead of allowing society to define us according to its interests. The Bible says that a good woman is worth more than rubies. It is not the world that should define us, but the strength of our character and our relationship with God. Understandably the trails of life can lead to feelings of failure and discontent, but it is at these times when God’s greatest work can be done in our lives. When I was 16 years old I became pregnant. The father eventually disappeared from our lives and my primary means of support was my family. I felt like God had all but abandoned me. But, I remembered Psalms 34:17-18 the righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit. God had never left me; I simply needed to turn to Him. I needed to remember the promises that He made in His word. 2 Corinthians 1:20-22 for all the promises of God in Him are yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. This was a great comfort for me. But, the tasks of everyday life created worry and angst , but each day I meditated on Matthew 6: 25-34 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. You should always remember that you are God’s creation and as such you are fearfully and wonderfully made. Matthew 11:28-30 come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” You have value in God’s eye’s Matthew 10:24-31 29 are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. The God of heaven cares for you. After all, he created you in his own image. Gen 1:27 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. He loved you so much that he ultimately sacrificed his only Son for you. John 3:16 16 for God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. Knowing all of this should provide you with a healthy dose of God confidence and self worth. You can feel good about yourself because you are royalty. As a believer, you are a joint heir with Jesus Christ to the throne of God. Get your inheritance. Live in expectation that God will lift you from the situation that you are in right now because his thoughts for us are of good and not evil. Jeremiah 29:11 for I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. God is true to His word if you just trust Him. Begin to replace your negative thoughts with positive ones. Proverbs 23:7 for as he thinks in his heart, so is he. Phillipians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Believe in God’s word Phillipians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Ask yourself “What would Jesus have me do today?” How can I witness to someone else and bring them closer to Christ? Your life will change because you won’t have time for self doubt and pity because you will be about your Father’s business. Let God through His word and the Holy Spirit minister to you.
As women it is imperative that we begin to see ourselves as God sees us instead of allowing society to define us according to its interests. The Bible says that a good woman is worth more than rubies. It is not the world that should define us, but the strength of our character and our relationship with God. Understandably the trails of life can lead to feelings of failure and discontent, but it is at these times when God’s greatest work can be done in our lives. When I was 16 years old I became pregnant. The father eventually disappeared from our lives and my primary means of support was my family. I felt like God had all but abandoned me. But, I remembered Psalms 34:17-18 the righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit. God had never left me; I simply needed to turn to Him. I needed to remember the promises that He made in His word. 2 Corinthians 1:20-22 for all the promises of God in Him are yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. This was a great comfort for me. But, the tasks of everyday life created worry and angst , but each day I meditated on Matthew 6: 25-34 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. You should always remember that you are God’s creation and as such you are fearfully and wonderfully made. Matthew 11:28-30 come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” You have value in God’s eye’s Matthew 10:24-31 29 are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. The God of heaven cares for you. After all, he created you in his own image. Gen 1:27 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. He loved you so much that he ultimately sacrificed his only Son for you. John 3:16 16 for God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. Knowing all of this should provide you with a healthy dose of God confidence and self worth. You can feel good about yourself because you are royalty. As a believer, you are a joint heir with Jesus Christ to the throne of God. Get your inheritance. Live in expectation that God will lift you from the situation that you are in right now because his thoughts for us are of good and not evil. Jeremiah 29:11 for I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. God is true to His word if you just trust Him. Begin to replace your negative thoughts with positive ones. Proverbs 23:7 for as he thinks in his heart, so is he. Phillipians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Believe in God’s word Phillipians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Ask yourself “What would Jesus have me do today?” How can I witness to someone else and bring them closer to Christ? Your life will change because you won’t have time for self doubt and pity because you will be about your Father’s business. Let God through His word and the Holy Spirit minister to you.
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