SPIRITUAL SCUM

". . . For he is like a blazing fire refining precious metal and he can bleach the dirtiest garments! Like a refiner of silver he will sit and closely watch as the dross is burned away. He will purify the Levites, the ministers of God, refining them like gold or silver, so that they will do their work for God with pure hearts." Malachi 3:2b, 3.

Before silver and gold, iron and petroleum, or even raw sugar can be utilized beneficially, they must be separated from all foreign substances. After the solids are melted, the refining fire gets hotter and hotter as impurities and scum come to the top of the boiling liquid where they can be be removed. If the liquid cools before all contamination is removed, the slag settles to the bottom and the process must be repeated.

What about the "spiritual scum" in our lives, those things which are unlike Christ? Hasty words. Impure thoughts. Wrong attitudes. Unkind, thoughtless acts. Can you identify with any of them, or with other "scum" that comes to mind? And how can this "scum" be removed?

God frequently uses people as His refining fire. Friends. Family. Neighbors. Acquaintances. People we work with. Offspring. Spouse. We become irritable with them. Get on the defensive. Scold the kids. Nag our spouse. Yell at the cat. Ad infinitum.

We're all God's ministers, as the above Scripture says, in one way or another. And that's when we need to remember we're still in the refining process. When, by an act of deliberate will, we swallow our pride, our self-righteousness, repent and forgive when necessary, God's Divine love will replace our bitterness thereby removing the "spiritual scum" from our lives. Then we'll be more effective ministers for God.

In the New Year ahead, what positive action, in addition to prayer, can you take to remove the slag and scum from YOUR spiritual life?

Preacher's Kid

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

Not much time left to ponder what your New Year's resolutions are going to be. I've been thinking about mine off and on all day.

For years I've only made one resolution, and it's nothing to be proud of. My only resolution was that I wasn't going to make any resolutions as they would be broken before the first week of the new year was over.

I know I need to work hard on my dieting. I am watching what I eat and have had minimal success. But I'm not ready to make a bona fide resolution! I can only say I'll keep on trying.

Then there's the question of chocolate. My chocolate cravings are temporarily under control, but only because my sweet "better half" keeps the candy hidden! The chocolate candy, that is. Other candy doesn't tempt me in the least. We've had a dish of various Christmas candies sitting in plain sight for days, and I haven't touched a piece! I could care less! But I like my chocolate candy too well to make any resolution about calling chocolate quits.

I thought of the inordinate amount of time I spend on computer games. First thing in the morning. The middle of the night when I get awake. I'm addicted. I've already started to cut down on game time which gives me more time to spend on my writing. But I haven't brought myself to a resolution of a definite time frame for playing games. It's another area of my life I'm at least watching.

But there's one resolution I can make with all confidence in my ability to keep -- with the Lord's help, that is. And so, I HEREBY RESOLVE TO DRAW CLOSER TO THE LORD IN THE COMING NEW YEAR, AND THEREBY GROW IN MY SPIRITUAL LIFE! Amen and Amen!

Now, what are YOUR resolutions for the coming year? Quick -- you only have a little over 24 hours to decide!

Preacher's Kid
P.S. Maybe if my dear hubby reads this blog, he'll take pity and help me with the resolutions I OUGHT to be making!

I LOVE YOU IF . . .

"Yea I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee" (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV).

"I love you, but only if you let me play with your robot," pouted three-year-old Jennifer to her older brother.

"That's all right, Jennifer," consoled Anthony in a condescending manner newly acquired since entering kindergarten a few weeks prior. "I'll let you play with it anyhow."

What a beautiful picture of God's unconditional love. Love that never fails. Love that is forgiving. Love that accepts us just as we are, warts and all! Love that has nothing to do with the way we feel or the mood we're in. Love with no strings attached.

Divine love keeps on loving even when we selfishly pray, "Lord, this is what I want to do. This is where I want to go. This is what I want to be. This is how I want You to work out this situation." We forget we should be praying, "Your will be done, Father. I want what YOU want."

What a privilege is ours to be recipients of God's unconditional love. And let us remember that His unconditional love carries with it the responsibility of loving others with the same kind of love.

How about a New Year's resolution such as, "With God's help, I will accept others just as they are, and show to them the same unconditional love that You show me."

Read I John 4:7-11 to find explicit instructions on how Christians should express this marvelous unconditional love.

Preacher's Kid

HOW HONEST ARE YOU?

Proverbs 28:9 (LB) says, "God doesn't listen to the prayers of men who flout the law."

I was late for an appointment one Saturday night years ago when the traffic light turned red -- well, amber, actually. Revving the engine, I tore through the disapproving signal, telling myself it was only a "pink" light. Now you and I both know there is no such thing as a "pink" traffic light! Suddenly I thought of the next day's Sunday School lesson: "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all" (James 2:10 KJV). Although no one saw me, I backed up my car on the deserted street and waited for the offensive light to blaze forth its welcoming green. My Sunday School class and I both had a good laugh when I illustrated the lesson the following morning with the embarrassing incident.

How easy it is to pass over seemingly small incidents with the frivolous excuse, "It's too trivial to matter." A pen or pencil taken from the office without permission. A personal letter run through the office postage meter. A postage stamp; envelopes; stationery; rubber bands; paper clips. Small items, true, but nonetheless it's pilferage.

A Bible Study leader once handed out fifty or sixty xeroxed copies of material to our group explaining, "This is my boss' contribution to the Lord's work even though he doesn't know it. It's time he gives something to the church. After all, he can afford it."

Another Christian acquaintance lost a well-paying position when, after repeated warnings, he continued reading his Bible and witnessing to co-workers during the time he was paid to work. I'm sure he never looked upon his actions as thievery -- but that's what it was, thievery of company time!

No wonder many employers, including Christians, are reluctant to hire other Christians as employees. It's so easy for a Christian employee to take advantage of a Christian boss with the excuse, "He's a Christian, too; he'll understand."

Luke 16:10 (LB) states, "For unless you are honest in small matters, you won't be in large ones. If you cheat even a little, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities."

How honest are you?

Preacher's Kid

Do You Close YOUR Eyes . . . ?

. . . (W)hen you pray, that is!

My husband and I had the silliest conversation this morning! Because it was Sunday, we were rushing around like mad to get to Sunday School on time.

I was sitting at the table taking my blood sugar, getting my insulin and then my vitamins -- usual morning routine. As Rex was getting his cereal out of the pantry, he asked me what I wanted for breakfast. I generally get my own breakfast -- something other than cereal. But on Sundays I eat cereal, too -- only because I'm somewhat lazy on Sunday mornings and I know he'll get it for me which will save time!!!

As soon as he gave me my cereal, I cut up half a banana in it and immediately began to eat while he was still getting his. You see, he uses a different kind of cereal and has to put raisins, protein powder and a few nuts in it! And I wasn't about to wait for all that!

As he finally sat down and saw me shoveling cereal in my mouth at a somewhat rapid pace, he said, "Aren't you going to pray?"

"Nope," I answered.

He looked at me in surprise, for he hadn't seen me bow my head. "I prayed while I was cutting up my banana," I grinned, "with my eyes wide open all the time!"

He said nothing. Just bowed his head and closed his eyes (as a holy, sanctimonious person should do!) and blessed his own food -- all the while continuing to stir his coffee!

"Bet the Lord didn't hear either one of us," I quipped when he finished. "I had my eyes open while praying and you were stirring your coffee all the time you were praying! The Lord'll probably give us both indigestion!"

"You come up with the craziest ideas," was my husband's laughing comment!

I dare say you've done the same thing if you'd only admit it!

And know what? It's now evening and neither of us got indigestion, either!

Preacher's Kid

LEGEND OF THE CANDY CANE

I'm sure you're familiar with the legend of the candy cane that claims a candy maker in Indiana wanted to make a candy that would be a Christian witness. So he made the Christmas Candy Cane and incorporated several symbols from the birth, ministry and death of Jesus Christ. And according to my research, that's all the story is -- a legend. Candy canes existed many long years before the legendary Indiana candymaker!

But why can't we give the candy cane religious meaning and make it a part of our Christmas tradition?

Let's start with the shape of the candy cane which is like the letter "J" in Jesus' name. The shape also reminds us of a shepherd's crook which symbolizes Jesus as the Good Shepherd Who watches over His little lambs. As a hard candy, it is similar to a rock, and Jesus, our Rock, is the foundation of the Church.

The peppermint flavor of the candy cane is a member of the mint family, hyssop, which was news to me. Hyssop was used in the Old Testament for purification and sacrifice. Of course, that represents the purity of Jesus and the marvelous sacrifice He made for all mankind. The purity of Jesus is also indicated by the white color in the cane; and that, too, represents Christ's virgin birth. The red color stands for the blood of Christ, shed for our redemption.

Did you ever notice three fine stripes on some candy canes? Those are significant for two reasons. They represent the stripes Jesus bore at the hands of the Roman soldiers -- stripes, the Bible proclaims, by which we were healed (I Peter 2:4). Those three stripes also represent the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

So regardless of when and where the candy cane with its familiar shape and color first appeared, it is still a symbol and reminder of the meaning of Christmas.

It's not too late to incorporate the Christmas Candy Cane into your holiday traditions.

Preacher's Kid

HOW BIBLICAL IS A CHRISTMAS TREE?

The Christmas tree is a world-wide tradition. There is no Scripture commanding us to use a tree in our celebration of our Savior's birth; neither is there any Scripture condemning the practice. There are some people, however, who refer to Jeremiah 10:3-5 and claim that a Christmas tree is forbidden. But the tree spoken of there is a pagan tradition, and we are not pagans, we are Christians! To the pagans, the tree mentioned there was an idol which they worshipped.

As Christians, everything we do at this precious season of the year should revolve around Christ. Why not start a tradition of our own and point out to our families each year the Christian meaning of each aspect of the Christmas tree?

The tree, itself, speaks of life. Fir and pine trees remain green the year around, symbolizing the everlasting hope of mankind. And did you ever think of the needles that always point upward where our hearts, our thoughts and our prayers should always be?

The lights we use to decorate not only the Christmas tree but also our houses, represent Christ, the Light of the world. As we look with awe and wonder at the millions upon countless millions of lights adorning the countryside at this blessed time of year, we're reminded that each one celebrates the birth of the Babe in the manger. Even those who are not Christians are presenting the glorious Light of the world for all to see even though they are oblivious of that fact.

We often put a star at the top of the tree which represents the fulfillment of God's promise of a Savior. Some people crown the top of their Christmas tree with an angel. And it was an angel, of course, who announced to Mary she would become the Mother of the blessed Son of God. It was angels who heralded the glad news of the new-born Christ Child to the shepherds. It was an angel choir who sang, "Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, good will toward men."

And have you ever put a candy cane on your tree? A cane represents the crook of the shepherds' staff, the staff that helped them bring straying sheep back to the fold! What a beautiful picture of the purpose for the coming of the Son of God!

Remember, too, that lost sheep are found by the soft tinkling sound of a bell around their necks. That same bell rings today to bring lost men and women back to God's fold. Remember the old carol, "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day?" A phrase of one verse proclaims, "Then pealed the bells more loud and deep, God is not dead nor doth He sleep!" Aren't you glad God is still on the throne today and knows everything that goes on in this sin-blighted world of ours?

Then, too, we often hang a wreath in our windows or on our doors. And a wreath symbolizes the real nature of love, love that never ends, but is one continuous round of affection -- no beginning, no ending. "We love Him because He first loved us." And we give gifts, of course, to commemorate the greatest Gift ever given -- the Gift of the little Lord Jesus Who came to earth to become our Lord and Savior.

Even the holly leaf reminds us of Christ, as it represents the crown of thorns He wore as our Redeemer, while its bright red berries represent the precious Blood He shed for us.

And like the shepherds, we, too, should worship the Lord of lords. Like the Magi, we should honor Him as King of kings and give Him our lives, which is the best gift of all.

So this year let's make Christ the center of Christmas as we not only remember the true meaning of Christmas but also share it with our families and friends.

The Christmas tree is as Biblical as you want to make it!

Preacher's Kid

TELEPHONE LULLABY

Christmas Eve is almost over. In fact, for some of you -- depending upon where you live -- it may already be Christmas Day. If so, Merry Christmas!

I was going to blog earlier in the day, but all I could think of was "Bah, Humbug!" And a Pet Peeve. Neither one, I decided was appropriate for Christmas Eve Day, so I thought I'd bypass the blog another day. Until the Christmas Eve service, that is. I just HAVE to tell you what happened. It was hilarious. At least, now that it's over, it was hilarious!

You see, the Christmas Eve service was what had me in a "Bah, Humbug" mood. Whoever heard of having a Christmas Eve service at six p.m.? 11:00 p.m., yes! That wouldn't bother me. But 6:00 p.m???? And my husband and I, who were participating in the service, had to be at the church by 5:00 p.m. which made it worse yet. When could we have a nice Christmas Eve dinner? Prior to 5:00 p.m. would be too early. By the time the service was over at 7:00 p.m. it would be too late to come home and prepare a special holiday meal. And no use to hunt for a restaurant that would be open that late on Christmas Eve, so we thought. So that's what comprised my Pet Peeve/Bah, Humbug mood!

But what's this Telephone Lullaby all about? Rex and I were scheduled to play a piano duet, A Christmas Lullaby, a medley of Christmas carols. I set the mood by playing "O Little Town of Bethlehem" as a piano solo. Then Rex joined me and together we played "Silent Night" followed by three different tunes of "Away In A Manger." I let Rex take the lead while I endeavored to add the "extras" to make it sound like a music box.

We were next to last on the program. In the meantime, the pianist for the Praise and Worship Band accompanied two flautists in a beautiful rendition of "O Holy Night." Later on, he and his daughter sang a vocal duet while he played the piano.

As Rex and I seated ourselves at the piano, I noticed that John, the other pianist, had left a big bottle of GatorAde sitting on the piano--on the side away from the audience. I glimpsed a small, black object in front of the GatorAde and fleetingly thought it was his billfold. I wasn't concerned for I knew he'd get it after the program.

Just as Rex and I got a good start on "Silent Night," I heard background music coming from somewhere and wondered why no one did anything about it. The music didn't exactly clash with what we were playing, but it sure didn't match! They must be playing in the Key of C, too, I thought, as that's what we were playing in. Then I realized it was someone's cell phone ringing with a music tune and wondered who was stupid enough to leave a cell phone turned on during a Christmas Eve service! As the ringing continued, it hit me -- that was NOT John's billfold lying on the piano. You guessed it -- it was his cellphone, and that cellphone was giving Rex and me some competition. Then out of the corner of my eye I saw John get up from his seat in the back of the sanctuary, walk down the aisle, and up on the platform. He scooted in behind us, reached around me, grabbed his phone and shut it off! Bet his face was crimson as he faced the congregation to return to his seat! How the audience could keep from laughing, I'll never know. But I didn't hear a peep! They were probably too embarrassed for John.

Know what? Rex and I never missed a beat! We kept right on playing. In fact, Rex told me later he never saw John come up on the platform beside us and grab his phone!

And that never-to-be-forgotten incident got me out of my "Pet Peeve/Bah, Humbug" mood!

Preacher's Kid
P.S. We drove around and looked at Christmas lights after the service and discovered that Shari's Restaurant was open. Were they ever crowded! But we had a lovely Christmas Eve dinner.

SINGLES CAN REALLY COOK???

Back to Pet Peeves -- only this isn't a devotional pet peeve. It's a real-life pet peeve.

Last night my husband and I took dinner to a friend who recently fell down the stairs and suffered a most severe broken ankle. She's now flat on her back with strict orders to keep her foot and leg elevated. At church Sunday, they announced we should help out by taking in evening meals. Since no one volunteered for last night, I did. I called to let her know I would take care of her supper (or dinner, if you prefer), and she asked us to join her husband and her for the meal. Said she was not sick, just incapacitated! And she was able to come to the table in a wheel chair.

So I fixed pork chops, mashed potatoes and gravy, sauted squash, green beans, and cottage cheese/jello salad.

In the meantime, her step son's girlfriend and daughter unexpectedly came and at the last minute (after we got there) decided to stay the night. Fortunately we had plenty of food once we cut the four pork chops in half!

So what's my pet peeve? The unexpected guests? No way. That didn't bother me at all. Then what was it, you wonder.

As you know, I was single for 75 years before I found my Prince Charming. And somewhere along the line, people -- multiple upon multiple people -- have gotten the idea that single gals can't cook! I've put up with comments to that effect all my adult life. Comments such as, "I didn't know you could cook." Hey, singles have to eat, don't they? Or, "Your cooking prowess surprises me." Yeah, cooking has always been more or less a hobby of mine! Or, "How did you ever learn to cook like this? You don't have a family." And therein lies my pet peeve--that folks thought I couldn't cook!

Last night was no exception! I've been married five-and-a-half years, now, and my husband and I do a lot of our cooking together as he, too, enjoys cooking. But last night he didn't do a thing except turn the pork chops a time or two! Our hostess was graciousness personified and complimented me over and over on how good this, that, and the other was. Maybe I over reacted, but in the tone of her voice I heard, "I had no idea you could cook!"

Reminds me of when I attended the Swedish Salvation Army back East. And those Swedes, let me tell you, knew how to cook. Then one day for a potluck I tried a new meat ball recipe, one given me by a single attorney, no less. And would you believe my meat balls disappeared before anyone else's? Talk about feeling good to the point of bragging! And again, the comments came, "You can cook!"

Yes, I can cook. That's why the scales go higher and higher and higher until now they read -- well, never mind! Even my husband's clothes fit tighter since we've been married!

That meat ball recipe? Make your favorite meat balls (a little smaller than usual). Mix a 12-ounce jar of chili sauce and a 12-ounce jar of grape jelly and cover them. Bake for 45 minutes. (I usually brown the meat balls, then dump everything in a slow cooker.) Sounds yucky but is absolutely delicious.

Gotta go. A piece of cake with coconut carmel icing is calling me!

Preacher's Kid
P.S. Maybe Christmas dinner will be better. We'll be with the same couple plus their extended families. I'm taking Waldorf salad. Anybody can cut up apples, celery, grapes and walnuts! That doesn't take skill. So maybe I won't have to endure unwanted compliments!

PROUD AS A PEACOCK

It's difficult to know how to categorize this post: Just Blogging, Devotional, or Bragging!!!!

Someone said to me the other day that she had been practicing Christmas carols quite diligently on her trombone as she plays in the band at her church. She was especially pleased with how well she was able to play "Angels We Have Heard On High" last Sunday and commented how nice it sounded. (I, too, play the trombone -- used to, that is -- and can verify that that particular song IS difficult to play as you have to move the trombone slide back and forth quite rapidly to get all those notes in on "Glo-o-o-o-o-o-ria!) She was also pleased when several people on the platform gave her nods of approval and appreciation. And that's when she got to worrying she was proud, and was afraid God was mad at her for allowing pride to enter her mind!

I reminded her of Romans 12:3 which says that man is "not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think." It doesn't say we're not to think highly of ourselves -- we're just not to overdo it! I also told her that if God has blessed us with a talent, he intends us to use it for His glory, and that it's perfectly OK to be pleased with ourselves when we know we've done our best for the Lord.

Sounds OK to me. And I sure hope it is, 'cause yesterday I got the surprise of my life which left me feeling proud as a peacock and thanking God for using the writing talent He gave me for Him! You see, it's this way:

Gaithers (and the entire Christian world knows the Gaithers!) have a series of annual Christmas books, mainly articles, stories, poems, recipes, etc., etc., written by their various artists. They also include a few stories from their fans. And this year, didn't they use one of my stories on page 64! I just received my free copy of the book yesterday -- that's the first I knew about it!

I just HAD to call my friend and tell her, "I'm proud as a peacock!" And I am! (Didn't get any static from her, either!) Even told my husband I wasn't going to associate with common people any more including him now that I'm part of the "in" crowd!

So you see why I categorized this blog as "Bragging!"

Stopped in at our local Christian bookstore today to buy a copy for a gift only to learn they have already sold out -- but I'm sure it's not because of my contribution!!! (Wow! That takes the wind out of my sails!) I'll try WalMart tomorrow!

In the meantime, use your God-given talent, whatever it may be, for His glory and His alone!

Preacher's Kid

BEANS BURNING IN THE KITCHEN

What's that one phrase at the beginning of the old TV series "The Jefferson's?" Something about "beans burning in the kitchen?"

Well, I hope none of you tried making the hamburger soup I blogged about yesterday. If you did, you've got more than beans burning! You've got everything burning! I forgot the MOST IMPORTANT ingredient -- V8 juice! Yep, after you've got all the other ingredients in the crock pot, pour a large can or a jar of V8 juice over the whole thing! You can also add a couple teaspoons of dried minced onion, if you wish, or brown a regular onion with the hamburg. That all depends on whether or not you like onions and how much. I love 'em. But yesterday my dear, sweet hubby saw me start to dice an onion and said not to use any onion as he had a slight tummy ache. So much for onions! (I didn't tell him, but when he wasn't looking I added 2 teaspoons dried minced onion. He didn't complain and slept well last night. So it must not have bothered him!)

Maybe I should write a book on "Sneaky Confessions from the Cook!"

Hmmmm -- wonder if last night's supper is why he suggested we eat out this evening instead of having left-over hamburger soup?????

Preacher's Kid

THE WINDOWS OF HEAVEN

It's been years since I've thought of the old Sunday School chorus: "The Windows of Heaven are open, The blessings are falling tonight." That is, I hadn't thought of it until Sunday afternoon when I heard Tippy, our cat, singing his version of the song. It was something about the windows of Heaven being opened with large, fat snowflakes lazily falling in humongous proportions!

You see, we don't have snow here very often, but Sunday was an exception. It was one of those beautiful, beautiful snowfalls with the large flakes drifting down in abundance ever so slowly. I used to love walking in such a snow. And had I not been recuperating from this head cold that is still hanging on tenaciously, I would have taken Tippy outside to see his reaction there.

The way it was, he jumped up on the kitchen counter (shame! shame!) to try to figure it out. Then he made a mad dash to the dining room, jumped up on a chair and looked out the picture window. That's when I heard him begin to sing as his little head looked up in the sky, followed the fluffy flakes all the way to the ground and then stared at what is usually green grass. (Don't tell me cats don't know colors!) His little head kept going up and down, up and down as the snow continued to fall, then land on the ground. He was so cute. But, then, I'm prejudiced!

That little chorus, as I recall, ends with "I'm feasting on manna from Heaven, and that's why I'm happy tonight!"

Well, I'm feasting on hamburger soup tonight! That, too, makes me happy! Ever make the stuff? Brown a pound of hamburg and dump it in the crock pot. Add a can of undiluted mushroom soup and a pound of frozen veggies. Salt and pepper to taste and have yourself a feast. (You can cook it in a regular pan on top of the stove, but then you have to stir it now and then and make sure it doesn't burn! So I prefer the crock pot!)

One of these days I'll get back to blogging devotions! I'm just not in the mood right now!

Preacher's Kid
P.S. The snow only lasted about 24 hours!

'TIS THE SEASON

Long time no see, no blogs, no nuthin' -- all 'cause of a head cold that gets almost well but then decides to return! One of our grandsons and his family (in another state) had a cold running through his family according to his wife's blog. I must have caught it from them via reading her blog! Gotta blame someone!

We had maybe an inch of snow yesterday -- something we don't often see. Great big giant flakes floating down so gently but in great abundance. If it's gonna snow, that's the kind I like to see. But poor Tippy didn't know what to make of it all. He jumped up in the window sill and looked up at the falling flakes, then looked down at the white ground that's always been green before! Don't tell me cats can't tell color! Back and forth went his little head, up and down and finally he started meowing! He was so cute.

It wasn't cute later on, however, when I was almost finished with my Christmas letters. Had six more to do when I ran out of printer ink, both color and black. No problem -- so I thought. I just reached up in the storage area of my computer desk and grabbed two new cartridges, one black and one colored. Lo and behold, when I ordered the ink last October I inadvertently put down the wrong number -- by just one letter, mind you! I have a Dell printer, and you can't just walk into the store and get some more ink. You HAVE to order it direct from Dell!!! So here I am surrounded by half finished Christmas letters, a printer that doesn't work, and ink cartridges all over the place! It took a couple hours on the phone this morning to order more ink and get permission to return the unused cartridges. I was passed around from one person to another and put on hold most of the time. And most of the people I talked with sounded as though they lived in Timbuctoo! I could barely understand them! How I hate asking them to repeat!

Then I phoned a friend we'd had lunch with yesterday only to learn she had been taken to the hospital with heart problems! She was perfectly OK yesterday! That didn't help my day any!

On top of everything else, my husband has hidden my chocolate candy and I can't find it! He doles it out piece at a time!!! Of course I blew my diet over Thanksgiving, but finally got back just this morning to within one pound of what I had lost! So I want to lose some more real fast so I can blow it again over Christmas! Isn't life fun?

From out of nowhere a few minutes ago I thought of the song, "'Tis the season to be jolly, Fa la la la la, la, la, la, la!" Guess that's better than "Bah, Humbug!"

Preacher's Kid
P.S. I'll get back to being serious one of these days and start my devotional blogs again! In the meantime, I hope you have your jollies, too!

PEANUT BUTTER DELIGHT

I awoke this morning earlier than usual and salivating for a PB sandwich! I say I awoke "earlier than usual" -- but that doesn't mean a thing. You were probably washing your luncheon dishes by that time unless, like me, you use lots and lots of paper plates!

I've started using a CPAP machine at night -- one of those crazy machines that's supposed to help you sleep better! Baloney! They say it takes anywhere from four to six weeks to get accustomed to using the cumbersome things, and I believe it! My primary physician says if I lose 10 lbs., or maybe 20 (Why doesn't she come right out and tell me I need to lose at least 50 pounds?) -- anyhow, with some weight loss, I may be able to sleep without the use of the CPAP machine.

Well, that was incentive enough to get me started on weight loss beginning with eating more fiber. So I started with 100% whole wheat bread -- not plain old whole wheat, but 100% whole wheat the diet book said. You have to read labels! I'm just starting the regimen and, to my great delight, peanut butter is recommended! Wow! So my breakfasts these days consist of one slice 100% whole wheat toast slathered with peanut butter and a small banana split into thirds for a fabulous sandwich! The banana takes care of the complex carbohydrates needed to satisfy my Vitamin C portion of the diet! Add to that Vitamin D foods (such as veggies) and foods rich in Omega 3 and you have it. And I've lost seven pounds in seven days. Wonder how long I can keep that up?

Potatoes -- any kind of potatoes -- are my downfall. Know what else I learned? Cauliflower, cooked until soft, real soft, then mashed is almost as good as mashed potatoes! Hey, I'm learning.

And know what else I learned? I can eat bacon, crispy bacon, that is, with all the fat cooked out of it. So my noon lunches are as unique as my breakfasts. I make a sandwich using leaf lettuce for bread. For filling I use two slices cheese (I have to cheat a little bit, you know!) and two slices of bacon. Then top it off with more peanut butter! At least I don't get hungry afterwards.

But what really ticked me off on the necessity of dieting was the pictures we had taken last week for our church directory. They made me look like the broad side of a barn! My husband was a sweetheart, though. He never once said, "I told you so!"

Preacher's Kid

P.S. Did you ever try making a peanut butter open-faced sandwich like the one I described above only instead of putting sliced banana on it, sprinkle it with chocolate chips and nuke it in the microwave a few seconds! Now that's a sandwich to die for!

WORRY VS CONCERN

Today is Election Day. It's none of my business HOW you voted, but I hope you exercised your right of freedom and did vote!

For many years I've threatened to write a collection of devotional thoughts called "The Great Debate." (I'll come back to my series on "Pet Peeves" later on!) Years ago, whenever election time rolled around, our local newspaper would host a series called "The Great Debate" where candidates for various offices would express their opinions on subjects of interest. That's what sparked the idea in my mind of doing a devotional "Debate." I have stacks and stacks of subject ideas! A remark that someone made in the Sunday School class day before yesterday gave me the idea for today's topic: Worry vs Concern.

Someone in the class requested prayer for a family member and said that although they knew Christians were not to worry, the situation was the focus of her thoughts these days. Another member put her "two cents worth" in and reminded us that there's a difference between worry and concern. As Christians, we are not to worry according to I Peter 5:7: "Casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you." And who of us has not heard the little chorus that says, "It's a sin to worry, it's a sin to doubt, it's a sin to grumble, it's a sin to pout!" And no doubt all of us have experienced the fact that to follow that advice is easier said than done!

What's the difference between worrry and concern, I wondered. So I turned to the dictionary for an answer. Worry, according to one definition, means to disturb the peace of mind of, to afflict with mental agitation or distress; to cause anxiety in a persistent way; to be troubled or uneasy. The ancestor of the word "worry" meant to "strangle." (Isn't that a good definition of the effect of worry in our lives!) A later meaning included "to grasp by the throat with the teeth and lacerate," or "to kill or injure by biting and shaking." What a graphic picture of "worry" those definitions present! That's a far cry from Isaiah 26:3 -- "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee."

"Concern," on the other hand, refers to a feeling of sympathy for someone or something, solicitousness, softheartedness, tenderness, sympathy. Those are all attributes displayed by our Lord and Savior, Jesus, the Christ. It also refers to sharing the feelings of others, especially feelings of sorrow or anguish.

The chorus I mentioned above, if I remember correctly, ends with "Why worry, worry, worry, worry when you can pray?"

So the next time you are sympathetic toward someone or some condition you can't control, remember it's OK to be concerned. Lift that person or concern to God in prayer. Don't forget about the need. Continue to share your interest in and love toward them. Remember there's a difference between worry and concern, and don't condemn yourself for worrying when you're genuinely concerned.

Preacher's Kid

PERSONAL PROPHECY

If you've been around Pentecostal churches much, I'm sure you've heard some bizzare prophecies. I well remember a young man with the gift (?) of a fluid tongue prophesying to me one night. He foretold that I should write, write, and write; that I was going to be a writer in great demand; that I would write series of books; that I would buy a Victorian house, care for unwanted girls, and use their stories as a basis for my writings. That's been a good many years ago and none of these prophecies have come true. Nor has the prophecy he told my then pastor's wife come true. He proclaimed she would have a baby within a year. She is now well past child-bearing age and still has no children.

But is there such a thing as a true personal prophetic prophecy? Yes, there is -- but there is also Scriptural guideline for such. I Corinthians 14:3 states, "But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort." The Living Bible paraphrase explains it more clearly. "But one who prophesies, preaching the messages of God, is helping others grow in the Lord, encouraging and comforting them." Notice, in both translations, the purpose of a true prophecy. First of all, it will edify the believer, helping him to grow in the Lord. Secondly, the exhortation will encourage the believer. And thirdly, the prophecy will comfort the believer, confirming what he already senses in his spirit that God is doing in his life. Be leery of anything else, of those prophecies that promise wealth, fame, a new car, a trip abroad, etc., etc.

Every week, one misguided sister would ask the young man I spoke about above, "Do you have a word for me?" You know, I want to hear from God on my own, not just through others.

I once attended a revival that was widely advertised. The small building was packed, and people came from out-of-state. But the Word was not preached; lives were not changed. The entire time was devoted to personal prophecies about trips, vacations, jobs, etc. I can't help but wonder how much God was glorified by all the excitement, and believe me, there was excitement a plenty!

May I relate another personal incident? I had had a biopsy for possible cancer, but in my spirit felt that I did not have the dreaded big C. The day before I was to return to the doctor for results of the biopsy (it was a Sunday), a strange gentleman from out-of-state visited our church. He did not know me nor did the people of the church know I had had a biopsy. At the close of prayer time that morning, this brother walked up to me and told me not to fear whatever the doctors might say, that I did not nor ever would have cancer! He confirmed what I already felt in my spirit and his propecy was also a comfort to me. It also edified me and helped my faith grow in the Lord. In addition, it encouraged the faith of the other believers who heard this prophecy when I testified the following week that the prophecy had, indeed, come to pass.

Yes, I believe in personal prophecy so long as it is in keeping with Scripture. It's the wild and bizzare prophecies that are my pet peeve!

Preacher's Kid
P.S. Perhaps you are beginning to get a glimpse of why I originally thought of entitling my book on Pet Peeves (if I ever got it written) "Pentecostal Pet Peeves!" But then, who would publish such a volume?

NUGGETS OF TRUTH #3

Still religion, like still water, is the first to freeze.

The reason some people have so little heart in their Christianity is because they have so little Christianity in their heart.

I don't know who wrote the following poem, so I can't give credit to the author. But I sure do like the poem!

I dreamed Death came the other night,
And Heaven's gate swung wide;
With kindly grace an angel
Ushered me inside.
And there to my astonishment
Stood folks I'd known on earth--
Some I'd judged and labelled
"Unfit," or "little worth."
Indignant words rose to my lips
But never were set free.
For every face showed stunned surpise--
No one expected me!

Preacher's Kid

MORE NUGGETS OF TRUTH

Grace is everything for nothing for those who don't deserve anything.

Grace is God giving the desire and power to respond to every life situation according to the will of God.

God' grace will never take you where it cannot keep you.

Fear is a form of worship. Whatever you fear you are bowing down before and making it God.

Fear is faith in reverse.

Fear is faith perverted.

Definition of fear:
F ake
E vidence
A ppearing
R eal

If you magnify your problems, your problems control you. If you magnify God, God controls your problems.

It's hard for some people to get mind over mattress on Sunday mornings.

In these days of electricity most everything around the house is run by switches except the children.

The church is full of willing people -- half are willing to work and half are willing to let them.

Preacher's Kid

NUGGETS OF TRUTH

My newest Pet Peeve is those people who call you by phone but only let it ring three times before they hang up! Sorry, but Senior Citizens can't move that fast! However, since that topic is not appropriate for this blog, I'll give you a break from my Pet Peeves (betcha you're delighted to hear that!) and list some Nuggets of truth I found written on the front pages of my Bible -- gathered through the years from various sermons I've heard!

A good diplomat is one who tells you to go to h--- and has you looking forward to the trip!

Sacrifice is the ecstasy of giving the best we have to the One we love the most.

Bologna -- the Greek word for much of our modern-day teaching.

Definition of the Bible:

Basic
Instruction
Before
Leaving
Earth

God blesses whom He possesses.

Deliverance from sin is not deliverance from human nature.

Many people try to function without the unction.

Bitterness is the poison you drink while you wait for the other person to die.

More tomorrow!

Preacher's Kid

WON'T YOU HOLD MY HAND?

No doubt you've seen programs on television where people have been "slain in the Spirit" en masse! Again, is there any Scriptural background for that? One incident does come to mind, and that is in John 18 when the officers came to arrest Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Verse 6 tells us they went backwards and fell to the ground. But there is no record they were "holding hands" when that occurred. On the other hand, any time I've witnessed a mass "slaying in the Spirit," the people have been instructed to "hold hands" so the slaying could occur.

I was once in a meeting conducted by a well-known televangelist who often performed such mass slayings. He had the people on one side of the auditorium hold hands, then waved his hand toward them and they fell back in their seats by the hundreds! Our side of the auditorium was next. Same scenario. We, too, were told to hold hands; and as the evangelist supposedly "threw" the Holy Spirit at us, our group fell backwards also. Most of them did, that is. I remained standing even though the people on both sides of me went down. Of course, I was pulled in both directions, but somehow remained upright! The couple on my right (who happened to be my pastor and his wife), laughed excitedly and said, "Whoa!" So now I'm asking, Is that all there is to be slain in the Spirit -- just "Whoa" and a laugh of surprise?

You know, I have several questions for such a phenomenon. First of all, what is the purpose of a mass "slaying?" Has anyone's life been changed? Has anyone seen a vision? Has the experience drawn anyone closer to the Lord? Or is it just something to boast and reminisce about?

And why the holding of hands? Is the Lord unable to slay an entire group of people without their holding hands? If people are holding hands, naturally when the first person goes down, he's going to pull the person beside him down, too! If you watch such demonstrations closely, you'll notice that the people don't fall down simultaneously. The slaying starts at the front of the group and proceeds to the back like falling dominoes or an ocean wave.

Well, when I receive answers to some of my questions, perhaps I'll scratch "mass slaying" off my list of Pet Peeves! In the meantime, be careful about holding hands!!!

Preacher's Kid

SLAIN IN THE SPIRIT

In my years of "church hopping," I've been exposed to both holiness and Pentecostal doctines. One friend remarked, "You've seen the best of both worlds." I thought to myself, "Yeah, and I've seen the WORST of both worlds!"

Pentecostals, of course, believe in and practice being "slain in the Spirit". Is there any Scriptural evidence for such a practice? How about the time in Acts 9 when Saul of Tarsus had his first encounter with the Lord and fell under the power?

And I must say that there is nothing sweeter and more real than being slain in the Spirit when it is of God. I'm speaking from personal experience. But if it's of man, well, that's a different story and constitutes one of my Pet Peeves.

I'm talking about those well-meaning individuals who exert pressure on the person for whom they are praying and push and shove them to the ground. I quickly learned in Pentecostal services to stand with one foot ahead of the other when I was in a prayer line. This gave me leverage to resist being forced to the ground. "Oh," someone says, "but that is resisting the Holy Spirit." I beg to differ. That is simply resisting misguided individuals operating in the flesh!

I remember Charlotte (not her real name). My girl friend used to let Charlotte push her to the ground just to get rid of her! Other times I've watched Charlotte and this same friend in a tug-of-war to see which one would give up first! What a farce! No wonder it's one of my Pet Peeves.

And what are we teaching our children? I've watched preschool kids laugh and play while in the prayer line and then suddenly get serious when someone begins to pray for them. I've seen them throw back their heads so far they lost their balance and naturally fell down. I've seen other youngsters crumple to the floor the moment someone comes towards them because that is what they think they are supposed to do.

One gal said, "I let myself be pushed to the floor just to have a quiet time with the Lord." Is that the only time she can find for a quiet chat with her Savior? Is that truly being slain in the Spirit?

I could go on and on with this Pet Peeve. But I'll save the rest of my diatribe for tomorrow's blog!

Preacher's Kid

IS SMOKING A SIN?

Oh, Boy! Am I gonna get in hot water on this one!

I also got into hot water a number of years ago when I worked in City Court and chided one of the police officers for his use of "coffin nails." "Your judgmental attitude," he calmly replied, "is just as bad, if not worse, than my use of 'coffin nails.' I've read the Bible through several times and found nothing about smoking!"

That was just the beginning of a futile argument in which neither of us won! My rebuttal was, "The Bible may not mention smoking, per se, but it does speak about not harming our bodies." Bill grinned sardonically as he glanced at the junk food spread out all around my typewriter. "And I don't suppose overeating and eating junk food harms the body of a self-righteous bigot." He gave a meaningful glance at my overweight frame much to my chagrin!

(I had no idea that Bill was a professing Christian. Nor did I realize that in a few years I would be attending the same church he attended, that we would be a brother and sister in the Lord! And, yes, he did eventually overcome his habit of smoking! Don't you dare ask me if I've overcome the overeating and junk food syndrome!)

In the intervening twenty-five years, I've mellowed, believe it or not. For me, it WOULD be a sin to smoke. But who am I to force my beliefs on others? As we said in a recent blog on judging, if God doesn't judge, but reserves all judgment to the Son, who in the world do I think I am to judge my brother or sister? Since then, I've met several Christians who smoke. Some have been able to overcome their habit, while others have tried but have been unable to quit. Why, I don't know. I'm not going to make excuses for them, but neither am I going to judge them! They're answerable to the Lord, not me!

But one of my Pet Peeves is to see and hear self-righteous people point fingers at and condemn those who have been unable to stop their habit of smoking.

Apparently I've had no better success with my overeating. For just yesterday the doctor urged me to seriously consider taking off at least ten, but preferably twenty pounds of weight!

How much weight do you need to lose? Or do you need to lose a judgmental attitude?

Preacher's Kid

HEY, THAT'S A PERIOD . . .

. . . and you only use periods AT THE END of a sentence!

Yep, putting a period before the end of a sentence, especially in a Biblical quotation, is one of my Pet Peeves! Periods, you know, are a stop sign!

Should you ask someone to quote Ephesians 3:20 without looking it up, they would probably come back with, "He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think" P-E-R-I-O-D! (Ephesians 3:20 is my favorite Bible verse -- no doubt that's why it's one of my Pet Peeves when people put a period where, in reality, there is none!)

Now, if you check that quote against the written word, you'll notice there is no period after the phrase "ask or think." Nope, there's just a comma there while the remainder of the verse qualifies the first part: "according to the power that worketh in us." In other words, the Lord is limited -- yes, I said "limited" -- in what He can do for us by "the power that worketh in us!"

That raises the question of just what power is working in us, any way? Romans 8:9 answers that question very plainly. "But ye are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, IF SO BE THAT THE SPIRIT OF GOD DWELL IN YOU. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his."

Wow! That says it all. If you don't have the Spirit of Christ, you're not a child of God. And if you ARE a Christian, the Spirit of God dwells in you. So what is the power that is working in us as Christians? It's the Spirit of God, the same Spirit that raised up Jesus from the dead. (See Romans 8:11.) And that's one powerful Spirit!!!

Now, let's put those verses in Romans 8:9 and 11 with Ephesians 3:20. If we have the Spirit of God dwelling in us, then and only then is God free to do "exceedingly abundantly above all we can ask or think."

And if you really want to soar to the heavenlies, ask yourself what all your thought processes can come up with! No matter what you can think of, God can do that and "exceedingly abundantly ABOVE" all that!

So don't be guilty of putting a period where there is none, either in this verse or any other Scripture.

Preacher's Kid
P.S. This also applies to Romans 8:28 that we talked about yesterday! Don't quote "All things work together for good" P-E-R-I-O-D! All things work together for good "to those who are called according to His purpose!"

WHAT IS GOD'S PURPOSE?

I'm talking about Romans 8:28, now -- a Scripture that nearly everyone can quote. "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose."

Now, where, are you asking, can you possibly find a Pet Peeve in that well-known and honored verse? I guess my Pet Peeve isn't with the verse itself; it's with the people who stop with that verse and never go on to the next verse for continuity of thought!

Suppose you quoted that verse to someone and they came back at you, "Yes, but what IS His purpose for ME?" How would you answer? Or would you start tripping over your tongue to find an appropriate answer?

Know what? If you wouldn't stop with verse 28 but go on and quote verse 29, you'd have your answer! And therein lies my Pet Peeve.

What does verse 29 say? "For them he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son . . ." And there's your answer -- God's purpose is for His children to be conformed to the image of Christ!

While you're at it, ask yourself, "How well do I reflect the image of Christ in all I say and do?" Any room for improvement?

Preacher's Kid

WHO'S THE REAL JUDGE?

John 5:22 says,"For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son."

To be absolutely honest, I've done my sharing of judging other people. Then one day I ran across the above verse which hit me right in my solar plexus and stuck there! Now my attitude toward such people who do the same thing is: Who made them a judge of other people, anyhow? Only I soothe my uncharitable attitude by excusing it as another of my many and varied Pet Peeves!!! (An attitude is one thing -- a Pet Peeve is something else, of course!!!)

My erstwhile judgmental attitude really reared its head when women started wearing pant suits to church! Eventually, however, I adopted the same practice. I thought I finally had my attitude -- no, my Pet Peeve -- under control until our lady pastor showed up in pants on the platform one Sunday! Then I had to face my attitude of judgmentalism -- I mean, my Pet Peeve -- all over again!

An acquaintance of mine once told me how she used to play in the church orchestra. At least she did until a new, young Christian showed up in the orchestra wearing a wedding ring! (Christians, she felt, shouldn't wear jewelry, not even a wedding ring!) To show her disapproval (she said she was taking her stand for the right!) she stopped playing in the band. Although she didn't explain why she suddenly dropped out of band, her attitude must have somehow rubbed off onto the new Christian until he, too, dropped out of the orchestra, and out of church, also! I will say my friend wondered if the enemy used her judgmental attitude to hurt a new-born Christian, even to the point of his leaving his new-found faith.

All I can say is, if God, Himself, judges no man, who in the world do I think I am that I can judge others? A bitter pill to swallow, and an even more difficult lesson to learn.

How about you?

Preacher's Kid

SUBMITTING COMES FIRST

One of my Pet Peeves is hearing James 4:7 misquoted -- well, not so much misquoted as not quoted in its entirety.

Frequently we hear well-meaning Christians glibly quote "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." That's all well and good. But let's not forget the first part of that verse which really has a strong bearing on the effectiveness of that popular command to resist the Adversary!

Quoted in its entirety James 4:7 reads, "Submit yourselves, therefore, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

Submitting ourselves to God indicates that we are in a right relationship with the Lord in all areas of our lives. I'm not talking about being perfect. I'm simply talking about obedience to the Lord in all things to the best of our ability. Then, and only then, are we in position to effectively resist the enemy. Then, and only then, are we in position to usurp our God-given authority over circumstances, sickness, disease and demons as authorized in Luke 9:1.

Trying to resist the devil without first submitting to God is useless. Satan is not dumb. He knows whether or not our surrender is real, whether or not it is complete. And if not, he just laughs at us when we try to come against him. But when our submission is genuine, we can confidently claim the promise in James 4:7, boldly resist the powers of darkness and confidently expect them to flee!

Have you checked your submission status lately?

Preacher's Kid

PLAYING GOD

I referred to someone trying to "play God" in my last blog day before yesterday, I believe. And "playing God" is another of my Pet Peeves! I guess I'm really referring to those people who try to force their personal convictions and their personal agenda on others.

You, like me, probably get a lot of emails that, while good in themselves, even cute, even sharing a friendship message in them, drive me up a wall. They're the ones that close by telling you to send them on to seven people in seven minutes. If you do, something good will happen to you. Maybe you'll hear from a friend you haven't seen for a long time, or you'll get an unexpected phone call, or you'll have bad luck if you don't! So far as I'm concerned, that isn't even Scriptural! And I generally do NOT forward them.

If the underlying message is outstanding, I might break down and forward such messages -- BUT after I hit the Forward key, I delete that part of the message that tells me I have to do thus and so and have only so many minutes in which to do it! I see "red" when I receive a message like that!

I remember one young preacher saying that he ate three meals a day to keep his physical body in shape; therefore, he felt he should read three chapters a day in the Bible to keep his spiritual body in shape. He even preached that from the pulpit and insinuated that's what his congregation should do! Now, if that's what he feels the Lord wants him to do, fine and dandy. But don't make the mistake of saying that every Christian should do likewise. What about those people who eat only two meals a day -- and that's me! Does that mean I must read two chapters daily? Or what about the diabetics who eat six small meals a day. Must they read six chapters a day?

Right now my husband and I don't even read one complete chapter a day. Instead we study a subject and read and discuss Scriptures all through the Bible on that particular subject. Other times we DO read complete chapters.

I know of one church whose members won't wear anything that is red -- they think the color is too loud and attracts attention to themselves. If an individual has a personal conviction along that line, OK. But an entire church? I've asked an acquaintance who follows that restriction why God made the beautiful, showy red flowers if it's wrong to wear red? Why does He give us the red sunrises and the red sunsets? Why the red in the rainbow? But the only answer I've received is a shrug of the shoulders and a sheepish "I don't know."

And there are those who say a Christian woman shouldn't wear clothes made from denim as that is a material for men! I'm not talking about an individual, but a group of individuals where the idea has been passed along from one to another. Nor do they approve of women wearing anything made from the material used in men's T-shirts for the same reason! They must all wear silky unmentionables, then -- but I suppose I shouldn't mention something that personal! Give me a break!

I could give more examples, but I think you get the idea. Stick to your God-given convictions (but be sure they are God-given and not man-made) but don't force your personal beliefs (especially when they're not Biblically-based) on others!

So dont send me emails saying I HAVE to forward something within so many minutes!

Glad to get that Pet Peeve off my chest!

Preacher's Kid

HOW LOUD IS LOUD?

"God wants you loud, Lois," said Marlene and proceeded to lecture me on how the Lord would do great and mighty things through my life if I would only be loud. He would bless me abundantly and use me mightily, but I'd have to get loud! My somewhat uncharitable (and unspoken) thought was, "Sister, who made you God to tell me what I should do?" Never did Marlene quote Scripture to back up her questionable theory. She couldn't, of course, because nowhere does the Word uphold her philosophy.

Again I'm talking about prayer. I was accustomed in earlier years to church services where everybody prayed at the top of their lungs at the same time until one could hardly hear the person who was called upon to lead in prayer. I always thought that a leader was someone whom we should follow. But how can we follow someone when we can't hear them? When surrounded by a myriad of voices, which one do you follow? The noise in these services was so deafening it almost bordered on confusion, and we know that I Cor. 14:33 says that "God is not the author of confusion."

By the same token I was in a prayer meeting not too long ago where the people were taking turns praying rather than praying in unison. I have no problem with that. But they had their heads buried in their arms and were praying so softly they couldn't be heard. I was afraid to take my turn praying lest I began praying before the others were finished! That, too, is another of my Pet Peeves!

The Bible talks about people agreeing in prayer. But how can you agree if you can't hear -- whether because of being too loud or too soft? I thought that in corporate prayer one should lift up his brother or sister by following their prayer, praying the same thing, and thereby agreeing with them.

Maybe you think I'm nitpicking. Maybe you think I'm holding a grudge. No, I forgave Marlene years ago for trying to play God. I simply can't swallow the idea that God wants me loud!!!

Maybe this is one of those areas we mentioned before where God wants His children to be well-rounded Christians -- well-rounded in all things, even in prayer.

Preacher's Kid

SILENT PRAYER? SILENT PRAISE?

Have you ever heard someone voice the fact -- though it's not really a fact, for a fact is something that is true! But have you ever heard somone say that praise cannot be praise unless it's vocal? Or prayer is not truly prayer unless one prays aloud?

Whoa! That comes under the class of Pet Peeves in my book! Wrong doctrine, really!

First of all, I'd like some Scripture to back up those claims. The Scripture that comes to my mind right off the bat is Isaiah 59:1. "Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened that it cannot save; nor his ear heavy, that it cannot hear." Prayer and Praise does not have to be vocal for the Lord to hear! How many silent prayers are lifted in the middle of the night from sick beds in hospitals? Do you think the Lord hears them? Of course, He does!

Granted, there is a time for public prayer; there is a time for public praise. But have you ever experienced the blessed peace and presence of the Lord when you've lifted your heart in silent prayer, or even in silent praise to Him?

Contrary to my husband, it's difficult for me to fall asleep at night. Rex is "sawing logs", on the other hand, almost before he hits the pillow! If I haven't fallen asleep within an hour of going to bed, I'm very likely to get up, slip out to my easy chair and read until I can't hold my eyes open. Or I may stop at my husband's computer before I even reach my La-Z-Boy and play computer games for an hour or more! (Guess it's no wonder I don't get up until late in the mornings -- just one of the perks of being a senior citizen!) But most nights, before I get up, I spend time in prayer. And I'm not praying aloud, either, especially with Rex trying to sleep! Does God hear those prayers? Absolutely!

Other times, when Mother Nature beckons to me in the middle of the night (and again when I do get up in the mornings), I often find my spirit breaking out in silent praise and thanksgiving. Does God hear those praises? Without a doubt!

So if you're laboring under the misconception that prayer and praise must be vocal before it wings its way heavenward, throw that concept aside now, once and for all. Or am I the only one who's ever heard someone make such preposterous claims? (I do have a tendency to draw peculiar people to me!!!)

And do read Psalm 63. Especially verses 5 and 6: "(M)y mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips, When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches." Webster says that "meditate" is to reflect and contemplate IN THE MIND". And you betcha God hears!

Preacher's Kid

THAT THING CALLED FAITH

Hey, I'm back. Bet you thought I was gone for good! Had a great vacation but have been having a rough time getting back in the swing of daily routine -- maybe "back in the rut" would be more descriptive! But here I am at long last!

For years I've threatened to write a devotional book on "Pet Peeves" -- spiritual pet peeves, that is. I think this would be a good time to start that!

I've been thinking a lot lately about this thing called faith. Hebrews 11:6 tells us that without faith, it is impossible to please God. Then the question arises, "How do we get faith?" Romans 10:17 answers that for us: "(F)aith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."

My pet peeve re faith is those people who proclaim it's useless to pray for faith -- that's not the way we get faith. We get faith by reading and searching and meditating upon the Word of God. Yes, that's true. We do get faith through searching and reading the Bible. No doubt about it. But is that the ONLY way to increase our faith?

What about the disciples in Luke 17:5 who prayed, "Lord, increase our faith." It doesn't say that Jesus rebuked them for praying thus. And can't we pray the same prayer? In all the Scriptures in John that tell us we can ask God for anything, wouldn't that "anything" include faith, too?

Hebrews 12:2 tells us that Jesus is "the author and finisher of our faith." Now what is an author? What does an author do? An author is someone who writes, who originates, who creates. So says Webster. An author may create a story, a poem, a song or what-have-you. So if God is an author, to me that suggests that He originates and creates faith which is exactly what Hebrews 12:2 is saying.

So let's not be so quick to say that we should not pray for faith or we have no need to pray for faith. God has promised to supply all our need; and if we have need of faith, let's look to the Lord to supply that need, while at the same time we do our part in obtaining faith by reading the Word of God.

I remember hearing someone once pray, "Lord, make us 'well-rounded' Christians." That's a good principle to follow in this matter of that thing called Faith.

The next time you hear someone say we shouldn't waste our time praying for faith, just remember: that's one of my Pet Peeves!

Preacher's Kid

TAKING A BREAK

My husband and I are going to the beach tomorrow for a week's get-a-way - just the two of us. It's doubtful if we will have internet connection so we'll take a break from blogging for a week or so. Check back after September 23rd!

God Bless.

Preacher's Kid

THE DANGER OF SEEKING EXPERIENCES

Many of us who are Senior Citizens, can look back at our early religious training and recall how we were urged to seek an "experience" with God when we should have been instructed to seek a "relationship" with our Heavenly Father. As the old cliche says, "Hindsight is better than foresight." If only I had known years ago what I've learned later in life!

Have you ever heard someone say, "I know it is true because I experienced it?" And then your thought processes kicked in, "But I never experienced anything. Therefore I must not be a Christian!" Do I dare add a very unlady-like "Hogwash!" to that?

To those people who are "hep" on experiences, it doesn't matter whether the Word declares something or not. For them, it isn't what the Word of God says but what THEIR EXPERIENCE SAYS!

Faith in experiences isn't always faith in God's Word. Faith in what one has seen or heard isn't necessarily faith in what the Bible says. Many, if not most religious "experiences" are a product of the physical senses, that is, it is something felt, heard, or seen. Now, can you come up with one single Scripture that says if you "feel" thus and so, you are saved? Or if you "hear" such and such, that makes you a Christian? Or if you "see" a vision, you are a Child of God?

"Experiences" of the senses usually leave a person empty when that experience grows old. Seeking "experiences" is always dangerous because that is trusting in flesh instead of the Word, and because "experiences" are connected with the five senses.

Yes, I know there are exceptions, but they are few and far between. And the ones I know about have been visions from God rather than an "experience" someone was seeking. They've also been sent to people right at death's door as an assurance to them and a comfort to their loved ones. These individuals were not seeking an "experience" as knowledge of their salvation. In fact, they weren't seeking anything at all. It was an unsought and unexpected gift of God's love.

Sense "experiences" attract the curious, are fascinating to the spiritually hungry, and are usually in the realm where most people live. I recall one preacher telling about a time he was praying in his darkened bedroom when he saw a bright light. He could have kept his eyes closed and claimed that as a Divine "experience." However, he opened his eyes and lo and behold it was just the neighbor driving into his driveway with his bright lights on and shining through the window!

People who depend on "experiences" for their soul's salvation often seek to have the "experience" repeated. They never believe the Word and therefore are unstable in their faith. They have continual war with doubts and fears and discouragements. They believe much ABOUT the Word, but never believe the Word itself. They believe the word of man rather than the Word of God. To them, God's Word doesn't carry as much authority as the word of a person who has had an "experience."

As someone else said, most of these people have a "rented space" at the altar. They are perpetual seekers who long for experiences and power.

We need to know the sure Word, the unbroken Word, the living Word, the life-giving Word, the all-satisfying Word. We need to give up our quest for "experiences" and let the Word satisfy us.

Perhaps you are thinking of I John 8:16: "The Spirit himself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God." That witness is not an "experience," but the calm assurance of peace within our very soul, a certainty of our being right with God.

What about you? Are you more interested in an "experience" or a "relationship"?

Preacher's Kid

PRAYER SIMPLIFIED

We've been discussing the use of Jesus' Name recently. We've also mentioned John 14:13 - "Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My Name, that will I do.

That is a most wonderful statement - prayer simplified! "In other words," Jesus is saying, "You do the asking, and I will do the doing!" We know that Jesus' power is unlimited. Now He challenges us to do unlimited asking.

My very favorite Bible verse is Ephesians 3:20 - He "is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us." We know that the power that is in us is the Holy Spirit, the greatest power in the world. Romans 8:9b says "Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." So if you are God's child, you HAVE that power in you. The Word says you do! And who are you to argue with the Word?

So if we are filled with that power, God can "do exceedingly abundantly ABOVE ALL that we ask or think." Where, I ask you, is the limit on what you can think to ask God for? Let your thoughts go; let your imagination soar! I don't see that there's any limit! So shouldn't we be seeing great and mighty things done in the spiritual realm? What's holding us up? What's hindering us? It certainly isn't God, for He is big enough to do anything you ask Him to do! All authority, according to Scripture, is given Him under heaven and earth, and His authority is great enough to see that any request coming from you and me is honored! Can you grasp that?

You ask for salvation for an unsaved friend. He says, "You ask, and I will do it." You ask for a financial need to be met, and He says, "I will do it." You ask for a revival for a church that has grown cold, and He says, "I will do it." In other words, your business is to ask; His business is to do it! It's just that simple! Behind everything stand these words: "I will do it."

Your humble, simple prayer, made according to God's instructions, will move mountains! What power we have both on earth and in Heaven!

Rise to the challenge, friend, rise to the challenge!

Preacher's Kid

CAN YOU BELIEVE GOD?

If you and I lived in the same area, I could phone you and promise to meet you for lunch at Denny's tomorrow noon. But would you believe me? Of course you would! Even though I'm becoming more and more forgetful the older I get! Now, if you can believe me, a forgetful senior citizen who might forget to show up tomorrow noon, why can't you believe God Who NEVER forgets?

Numbers 23:19 says, "God is not a man that he should lie, or the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and will he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and will not make it good?"

The American Revision of Jeremiah 1:12 further says, "I watch over my Word to perform it."

God neither lies nor forgets.

Let's put a promise we talked about yesterday into the equation coupled with these two verses. "Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my Name, he shall give it you." John 16:23. (Of course, I'm talking about asking for things in God's will. Don't get carried away and start asking for a new limousine to come into your possession or for a private airplane to be delivered to your front door free and clear!)

Now, what do we have? A never-failing formula for believing God!

Meditate on these Scriptures until they become firmly embedded in your heart and mind and spirit. Then stand back and watch God answer prayer!

Remember, if you can believe my word, HOW MUCH MORE you can dare to believe God's Word!

Preacher's Kid

HOW TO USE THE NAME OF JESUS

The crying need of the church world today is to learn how to use the Name of Jesus according to the Word.

It goes without saying that one must be a child of God and obedient to the Word.

We must come to God, the Father, through Christ, His Son. This may surprise you, but DON'T pray to Jesus. Jesus told the disciples, "After this manner pray ye: 'Our Father'." So we don't pray to Jesus. Nor do we pray to the Holy Spirit. We can worship, magnify, and exalt Jesus and the Holy Spirit; but we do not pray to them.

We should be definite in our prayers, and not ramble. For example, instead of praying for peace around the world or peace in other countries or even in our own country, pray for peace in specific instances, in specific situations, in specific families or specific individuals. Be specific!

Then remember to approach the Father as a son or daughter, as a child, not as a slave or servant. Visualize the difference between the way your own child would approach you for something and the way an employee would approach you. "Come boldly." says Scripture. In other words, come with confidence as a child, or a son or daughter would do.

Remember, too, your main desire is that the Father may receive glory by answering your prayer. Too many times we pray for selfish reasons only. But God's glory should be our chief aim.

Then clinch your prayer by making your claim in the Name of God's Son, the Name of Jesus. Remind Him of the promise, "Whatsoever you ask the Father IN MY NAME, He will give it you." John 15:16. (Note - It says to ASK THE FATHER, not Jesus, but ask it in JESUS' NAME!)

Once you pray like this, the matter is out of your hands. It has been transferred from your hands to the hands of Jesus, your Advocate, Who sits at the right hand of the Father, and Who, in turn, pleads your case as He transfers your request to the Father.

John 16:24 assures us: "Whatsoever you ask the Father IN MY NAME, He will give it you."

Now, start taking your requests to the Father BOLDLY, and in THE NAME OF JESUS!

Preacher's Kid

THE NAME OF JESUS

What does the Name of Jesus mean to you? Is it just the name of the Son of God? Or is there more to it than that? Can we use that Name in prayer today?

John 14:13 says, "And whatsoever ye shall ask in My Name, that will I do that the Father may be glorified in the Son."

John 16:24 says, "Hitherto ye have asked nothing in My Name. Ask and ye shall receive that your joy may be made full." Jesus is saying, in other words, "Up to this time, you have never prayed in My Name, but now, whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in My Name, He will give it you." This promise is the most staggering statement that perhaps ever fell from the lips of the Master -- that we have the use of His Name.

But notice - it does not say "If we believe," or "If we have faith." That Name has been given to us. It is ours! And what is ours, we do not need faith to use! The right and the privilege to use that Name came to us when we were born into the Family of God.

And get a grip on this: all that Jesus could do when He walked on earth can be done NOW by EVERY believer!

In earlier blogs, we talked about the expression "in Christ" which occurs 130 times in the New Testament. It shows us, as believers, our position in Christ, our legal standing in Him, our place in the Family of God, and in the purposes of God. We're to represent Christ. We're to act in His place. And when we pray in His Name, it is as though Jesus Himself is praying. In other words, we are taking Christ's place and acting as His representatives! And when we pray in Jesus' Name and take His place, it's just as though Jesus Himself were here! That is staggering!

When Jesus gave the disciples this promise, we have no indication that they argued about it. They didn't worry about it. They didn't try to analyze what it meant. All they did was act on the Words of Jesus.

Can we do any less?

Preacher's Kid

TO CONTACT ME

Several people have told me they are unable to make any comments re my blogs, and I really don't know what to do. (At the bottom of each blog, you may have noticed the notation "Comments".) When I first started blogging several months ago, a couple comments came through. Then they stopped, and I don't know what happened. Most of you know who I am and have my Email. For anyone who doesn't, you can always reach me at R_ROTZ@msn.com. Wish I were a computer whiz and could solve this problem, but I'm just not a computer nerd!

Preacher's Kid

DEMAND! ARE YOU SURE?????

Here's a blog that will blow your mind! At least, it did me when I first came across it.

John 16:23b says, "Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you." One Bible scholar, E. W. Kenyon, claims that the word "ask" in this verse has the connotation of "demanding."

Now, let's get one thing crystal clear. We do NOT demand anything from God. OK?

Kenyon claims that this verse is not even referring to prayer; rather it is talking about taking authority over our circumstances and demanding THEM to change, to be turned around, to leave us. (Yep, we can talk to our circumstances!)

We do have authority over evil spirits. Luke 9:1 tells us that Christ gave the disciples "authority over all demons." In the Great Commission of Matthew 28:18-20, Christ passed His authority on to the disciples. Scholars agree that that authority has also been passed along to us. I John 4:4 states that "greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." Putting all these Scriptures together, there should be no question in our minds that WE DO, in fact, have authority over evil powers. (And yep, we can talk to those evil powers!)

Then, there's also the thought of using Jesus' Name. Again, we have the legal right to use that Name. How many times in the New Testament do we read about the disciples doing great works and miracles in the Name of Jesus? It's as though Jesus were standing here before us in person when we use His Name. (The use of that Name has been passed along to us as was our authority over demons.)

So don't you think it's high time we rise to our privileges in Christ and start taking authority over the powers of darkness that come against us, that try to discourage us, that try to wreck havoc upon our lives, etc., etc., etc?

Remember our positive confessions we've spoken about in different blogs? OK. "I have the right to use Jesus' Name, and in that Name I command the spirit of depression (or whatever your need is) to leave me according to John 16:23."

Does this give you new insight into "demanding"? And a new weapon to use in our fight to be victorious Christians?

We can "demand" after all. It just depends upon who and what we are demanding!

Preacher's Kid

YOU ARE THE WILL OF GOD

You are the will of God! How does that grab you? Ever thought of that before? Ever thought of yourself as being the will of God? Wow!

James 1:18 says, "Of his own will begot he us with the word of truth." OK. If His own will brought us forth, we're born of His will, aren't we?

Say it out loud: "I am the Father's will." Say it until your ears become accustomed to it. Say it until your spirit absorbs it. Don't you like the sound of it? Doesn't it do something to you just to know that YOU ARE the Father's will? Bet you never thought of that before!

Repeat that phrase over and over not as a mantra of some sort, but as a confession. We've talked about confession in some of our recent blogs. You know you can never rise above your confession. And if you always confess your failings, your weaknesses, your lack of ability, etc., your lack of ability and your weaknesses will rule you. You can never enjoy anything beyond your confession. Your faith will never be stronger than your confession. So freely confess, "I am the Father's will."

So now that you know you are the Father's will, find out how He wants to use you in His great harvest field, what He wants you to do.

Oftentimes people think they are useless as far as working for the Lord is concerned. But I'm here to tell you that just as there isn't a uselss member in the physical body, so there isn't a useless member in the spiritual body, in the Body of Christ.

You have a place. And with that place comes responsibility. If you don't take your place in the Family of God, the Body of Christ becomes weakened because of it. Just don't set yourself up as a critic. Some people feel it is their calling to criticize everyone and everything! Not so.

My challenge to you today is to find your God-given place in the Body of Christ and fill it.

Remember, you are the will of God!

Preacher's Kid

THOSE HEAVENLY MANSIONS

Another devotional I used recently for our nursing home was based on the well-known and well-loved Scripture in John 14. I used various portions beginning with verse 1 which says, "Let not your heart be troubled," and ended with verse 27 which repeats the same thing.

I pointed out the various reasons John challenges us not to let our hearts be troubled. First of all, God has prepared heavenly mansions for us. Regardless of where we live now, be it a small cottage or just a room in a nursing home, we know we have a mansion waiting for us in the future. Then Jesus says He is going to come again for us and that we will be with Him. Verse 12 tells us we will do the same works as Jesus did; in fact, we will do GREATER works. (Wow! That sure is mind boggling! Think on that for a while! We sure are living beneath our privileges in Christ Jesus!) Then we can ask the Father for anything, and we have the use of Jesus' Name, which is the same as though Christ were in our midst personally. We have the promise of the Comforter in verse 16. The Holy Spirit dwells with and in us in verse 17. Verse 19 assures us of the Father's love. Verse 23 reminds us that the Father and the Son abide with us -- think of it -- they LIVE WITH US! Verse 26 tells us that the Holy Spirit is our teacher. That's absolutely awesome! And in verse 27 we have His peace. It's no wonder John says again, "Let not your heart be troubled."

When we come home from our doctor's office, we drive by a mountain that has huge houses, mansions, I call them, all over the mountainside. I wonder where people get the money not only to build the lavish structures but also to keep them up. And what do they do with all that space? Do they ever get lost in their own house, in their own mansion? And then one day it hit me -- I sure would hate to have to clean those mansions! I should think it would take all their time just to keep the place clean! I can't even clean my own double-wide trailer -- a cleaning lady comes in once each month! Then another thought hit me. (Where do crazy thoughts come from, anyhow?) Who's going to clean our Heavenly mansions??? I hate house cleaning to begin with. But know what? I've got a sneakin' idea our mansions in Glory won't need to be cleaned! Somehow I just can't picture dirt in Heaven! The streets are gold, so we won't be picking up dirt from the sidewalks, that's for sure!

So today let your mind think about your Heavenly mansion and meditate on all the reasons you have not to let your heart be troubled!

Preacher's Kid

HOME AT LAST

Home again after a wonderful vacation. Thank the Lord for traveling mercies. Had beautiful weather for granddaughter's lovely wedding on the shores of the Pacific Ocean!

Our church has weekly devotions at a nursing home down the street, and I was asked to give the devotional thought the other day. I used the Scripture in Matthew 10 about God seeing the sparrow fall and the assurance that we are worth more than many sparrows.

I told about the sparrows who built their nest at the end of our carport. What a joy it was to hear their chirp, chirp, chirp as they raised their little ones. Our house cat, of course, watched the sparrows closely through the windows. Of course, that upset the birds as they didn't realize there was a pane of glass between them and the cat!

Then when my husband and I returned from running errands one day, we saw one of the babies in the second family the sparrows were raising had fallen out of the nest as he attempted to learn how to fly. By the time Rex gently picked him up, he was breathing his last!

That's when the Scripture I mentioned above came to mind. I realized that as God looked down from Heaven and saw that precious sparrow of His, he saw my husband, too, since Rex was holding the baby. Not only that, but God had to have seen me, too, as I was right next to Rex! God saw me! How exciting! And to think I'm important to Him -- worth more than many sparrows, He said!

So I'll remind you, as I reminded the residents at the nursing home, remember, God sees you; He loves you; you're important to Him. And because of that, He'll take care of you no matter what your circumstances. For He has said, "My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."

And just how rich is Christ? You tell me!

Preacher's Kid

VACATION AT LAST!

We're leaving tomorrow for Newport, Oregon, for a granddaughter's wedding. Rex just parked the motor home in front of the house, ready to load up in the morning. We'll return a week from tomorrow. I'll have my laptop with me but don't know if the RV resorts where we'll stay will have computer hookups. I won't have my scrapbooks with me, anyway. So no more blogs till Aug. 18th or so.

However, Rex and I very unexpectedly read something in our devotions last night I want to share -- sort of a "wind up" of what we've been discussing recently about who we are in Christ and about making a positive confession. So I'm going to quote some thoughts from E. W. Kenyon's book, "In His Presence", a book about prayer. In case you're not familiar with this author, he lived in the early 1900's and had a Methodist and Baptist background. Some of his mentors include the great missionary Adoniram Judson, A. J. Maxwell, and Andrew Murray with whom you're no doubt familiar.

Kenyon says, "One cannot conceive of anything that will cripple faith and put the believer in bondage more quickly and surely than underestimating what He (Christ) is, and what we are in Him."

"We should meditate on the fact that we are partakers of the divine nature. I John 5:13"

"If we say over and over again to our hearts: 'I am a partaker of God's very nature. I have in me His faith nature. This makes me a child of faith. I have been begotten of the Living Word through the Holy Spirit. The real me was recreated in Christ. I have the very nature of the Father and the Father is love, so I have in me the love nature of the Father'."

"Repeat it over and over again. Hold it as a constant affirmation before your mind that you are what He says you are; that you are a partaker of His very nature as He has declared."

It no doubt seems that I have been going overboard on this subject of who we are in Christ, and you're probably getting tired of hearing it. But it's such an important concept and so seldom taught, that I just can't emphasize it enough! Copy that above paragraph of affirmation on a 3 x 5 card, carry it with you constantly, affirm it many times a day and see how it strengthens your faith!

And with that ends our discussions about who we are in Christ! Our next blogs will go on to other topics.

Preacher's Kid

MORE OF THE NEGATIVE

Here are some more negative confessions we can learn from! Remember, we're reversing them and turning them into positive confessions, confessions to be read daily until we really and truly grasp them in all their fulness.

Never again will I confess loneliness, for Jesus said, "Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." Matthew 28:20. Also, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Hebrews 13:5

Never again will I confess discontent, for "I have learned in whatsoever state (circumstances) I am, therewith to be content." Philippians 4:11

Never again will I confess unworthiness, for "He has made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." II Corinthians 5:21

Never again will I confess insecurity, for "When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid; Yes, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet . . . for the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken." Proverbs 3:24-26

Never again will I confess failure, for "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us." Romans 8:37

Never again will I confess frustration, for "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusts in thee." Isaiah 26:3

Never again will I confess fear of the future, "But as it is written, eye has not seen nor ear heard, neither has entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for them that love Him." I Corinthians 2:9, 10

Never again will I confess troubles, for Jesus said "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 16:33

Preacher's Kid

THE NEGATIVE SIDE OF CONFESSION

Someone once said, "We learn manners from those who have none."

Similarly perhaps we can learn some positive confessions from this list of negative confessions I found in my scrapbook today. I'll give you half of them in this blog and the others tomorrow.

Never again will I confess "I can't," for "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

Never again will I confess lack, for "My God shall supply all of my needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

Never again will I confess fear, for "God hath not given me the spirit of fear, but of power, of love and a sound mind." II Timothy 1:7

Never again will I confess doubt and lack of faith, for "God has given to every man the measure of faith." Romans 12:3

Never again will I confess weakness, for "The Lord is the strength of my life." Psalm 27:1. Also "The people that know their God shall be strong and do exploits." Daniel 11:32

Never again will I confess that the devil has power over my life, for "Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world." I John 4:4

Never again will I confess defeat, for "God always causes me to triumph in Christ Jesus." II Corinthians 2:14

Never again will I confess lack of wisdom, for "Christ Jesus is made unto me wisdom from God." I Corinthians 1:30.

Never again will I confess sickness, for "With His stripes I am healed." Isaiah 53:5. Also, Jesus "Himself took my infirmities and bare my sickness." Matthew 8:17

Never again will I confess worries and frustrations, for I am "Casting all my cares upon Him who cares for me." I Peter 5:7.

Never again will I confess condemnation, for "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1.

Preacher's Kid

HOW DO YOU THINK?

Why do I keep "harping" on knowing who we are in Christ?

It's fundamental to human nature to act as we think we are, that's why! Remember how Hagen, our little eaglet, thought he was nothin' but a stinkin' ole buzzard? And if we believe we're nothin' more than a dirty, rotten sinner saved by grace, we're gonna act like a dirty, rotten sinner! But once we see ourselves as children of the King, as royalty, as the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, we'll begin to experience the spiritual freedom the good Lord intends for us to enjoy.

It's so easy to mope around in spiritual self-defeat. (Remember Sister De-Feat in our blog on "What The Christian Life Is Not?") Because we haven't learned who we are spiritually, we crawl around on the ground with turkeys, disappointed because there isn't more to this Christian life than what we're experiencing.

Know why you are so disappointed? It's because you've been "turkey-ized". No eagle has ever been happy living as a turkey. And neither will you! It's against your nature.

The enemy has imposed a lot of guilt and condemnation upon the Church, and it's time we fight back. it's time we claim our rightful place and privileges in Christ.

And so I challenge you again to find out who you are in Christ Jesus. When you do, like Hagen, you'll rise out of the woods of defeat and fear and soar into the heavenlies. You'll rise above the little storms of life that drive turkeys into hiding and find, instead, that those storms will simply drive you into the arms of God!

I urge you to rise in freedom and begin to soar in the spiritual heights you were created to soar in. Life will never be the same for you again.

Preacher's Kid

WHAT DO WE CONFESS?

I want to share the following info that came to me through Email a couple months ago about who we are in Christ. It lists the Scripture reference for each item. If there's any doubt in your mind, look up the references.

I am God's child. John 1:12
I am Christ's friend. John 15:15
I have been justified. Romans 5:1
I am united with the Lord, and I am one Spirit with Him. I Corinthians 6:17
I have been bought with a price. I belong to God. I Corinthians 6:19, 20
I am a member of Christ's Body. I Corinthians 12:27
I am a Saint. Ephesians 1:1
I have been adopted as God's child. Ephesians 1:5
I have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 2:18
I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins. Colossians 1:14
I am complete in Christ. Colossians 2:10
I am free forever from condemnation. Romans 8:1, 2
I am assured that all things work together for good. Romans 8:28
I am free from all condemnation. Romans 8:31
I cannot be separated from the love of God. Romans 8:35
I have been established, anointed, and sealed by God. II Corinthians 1:21, 22
I am hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:3
I am confident that the good work that God has begun in me will be perfected. Philippians 1:6
I am a citizen of Heaven. Philippians 3:20
I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power and a sound mind. II Timothy 1:7
I can find grace and mercy in times of need. Hebrews 4:16

Did you make a list of who you are in Christ as we suggested yesterday? If so, add these to that list. If you haven't recognized these wonderful facts as part of your spiritual heritage, as belonging to you, you are living beneath your privileges in Christ.

Ephesians 1:3 tells us that God "has blessed us with EVERY spiritual blessing in the heavenlies in Christ." And all the above are just some of those marvelous spiritual blessings.

Preacher's Kid

CONFESSION

We've said several times in recent blogs that we need to know who we are in Christ, and that's what I want to talk about in the next few blogs. Before I do that, however, we need to address the subject of "Confession".

Like "convicted", which we mentioned in the last blog, "confession" is also misunderstood. We think of confessing our sins, confessing our faults, confessing our weaknesses, our failures, etc. All of that is true, of course. But that is only one side of confession, the negative side. There is also a positive side. One definition of confession is "the open admittance of something."

Romans 10:10 says, "with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." I Timothy 6:13 tells us that Christ witnessed "a good confession" before Pontius Pilate. There are many other Scriptures that speak of a good confession. Just look in a concordance under "confess" and "confession" to find them.

We, too, need to make a good confession -- a confession of who we are in Christ. Someone has suggested making a written list of who we are in Christ (We forget so easily!) and reading it daily. Better yet, speak it aloud daily so you can hear your own lips proclaiming your profession, or your confession. It will strengthen your faith immeasurably!


Start with such affirmations, or confessions, as:

I am a child of God.
I am a new creation.
I am loved by God.
I am no longer under Satan's dominion.
I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.

We'll discuss these as well as other confessions in more detail in the days ahead.

God bless you as you confess who you are in Christ.

Preacher's Kid