Real or Counterfeit?

There are many who say “All roads leave to Heaven;” or, “Muslims, Buddhists, etc., all worship the same God as Christians, they just use a different name.” 

There are some “so called” Christian religions who don’t accept Christ as who He is; the Lord spoken of in the Bible. They may acknowledge He is a God, or of God, or some other version, but they don’t accept that He was an integral part of creation and/or that He has always existed. There are also those who have knowledge of the truth and may even be leaders in the church, but their heart is far from God.

My goal here is not to attack anyone’s beliefs. My goal is to encourage everyone to seek the truth; the “absolute truth,” and put it into practice.  This is not about me being right, or you being wrong; it’s about loving my neighbor, and doing what Christ commands us to do. Teach the truth of His word. Close is not good enough. There is an old saying that goes “close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.”

Eternal salvation rest in the balance; do we really want to be on the side of error?

If you believe it doesn’t matter so much what you believe, as long as you believe, what I call counterfeit religious beliefs, I want to present something to you. Take out a one hundred dollar bill and let me see it. I will make a high quality copy of it and give you a copy. I will even be generous and give you two, or maybe three copies of it.

What? You say you don’t want a copy? Not even two or more?  You have a chance to double or even triple your money and you don’t want to? Why not?

It’s simple; because they would be counterfeit. You might be able to use them like the real thing for awhile, but eventually you will be tracked down and punished.

It’s the same thing with God. He will not accept counterfeit beliefs (religion). He gave us His word, and the ability to study and learn truth.  He will surely instruct all who seek Him. Those who choose their beliefs based on personal preference,

choose to have their ears tickled, or pick and choose what they like or want to believe, will face His wrath.

I beg you, don’t take my word for it, study His word and pray, asking Him to reveal His truth to you.

[ The Word Becomes Flesh ] And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. –John 1:14

For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. –John 1:17

But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

 –John 4:23-24

And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” – John 8:32

 

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. –John 14:6

.

I don’t like him!

Have you ever met someone, maybe through a friend, and thought I really don’t like that person? Maybe you think they are prideful, arrogant, un-caring, obnoxious, and/or have other less than attractive qualities. You may tell your mutual friend how you feel, only to have them tell you, you are wrong. Have you ever heard the statement “If you get to know them you will love them?” Maybe in some cases you have gotten to know them and seen how wrong you were.

What is your impression of God? Does He appear to be arrogant, prideful, un-caring, a tyrant? When you think of God, do negative images come to mind? Maybe you have prayed for things and it would appear that those prayers have been unanswered; perhaps a job, a car, the healing of a loved one, or a request made for a mate?

If you have negative thoughts when you think of God, let me say “you’re wrong; if you get to know Him, you will love Him.” I can attest to that. For those who don’t know me personally, or haven’t seen the bad things that have happened in my life, or are happening right now, you might say, well, God has blessed you but not me. Again, you’d be wrong.

I am suffering many things right now, so are you, I’m sure. Whether it be your job, or lack of one, the economy/finances, a divorce, family hostilities, the death of a loved one, or whatever, maybe the only difference between us is the way we see it; perspective.

If God doesn’t give you what you ask for, maybe He is holding back to give you something better. Maybe He is grooming you, or the other person, for a marriage beyond your wildest dreams. Maybe the separation between you and your child, or parent, is what is needed to restore that relationship to be better than it was before. Maybe, separation will lead to eternal salvation for that person. We don’t know the answers, just some questions. God knows our questions, but more importantly, He knows the answers.

He knows what is needed, and the great part is, He has the power and authority to make it happen.

Back to the earlier statement, “If you get to know them you will love them.”

Friend, if you see God as a tyrant who seeks to bless anyone and everyone but you, let me say again, “If you get to know Him, you will love Him?”

Whatever I suffer in this present age, I know my God well enough to say He is doing what is best; no question. I don’t have to like it, I may not want it; but the bottom line is, I trust Him more than I trust myself.  

²² And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, ²³ except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. ²⁴ But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. –Acts 20:22-24

……………………………………………………………………………………………..

Profiting from Trials

² My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, ³ knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. ⁴ But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. ⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. ⁶ But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. ⁷ For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; ⁸ he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

The Perspective of Rich and Poor

⁹ Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, ¹⁰ but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. ¹¹ For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits.

Loving God Under Trials

¹² Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. ¹³ Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. ¹⁴ But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. ¹⁵ Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
¹⁶ Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. ¹⁷ Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. ¹⁸ Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.

Qualities Needed in Trials

¹⁹ So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; ²⁰ for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. –James 1:2-20

……………………………………………………………………………………………..

⁹ I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. ¹⁰ The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.

I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. ¹¹ “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. –John 10:9-11

Abundant life does not mean we get everything we want. It is getting God’s very best for us according to His will; not just for this present age, but for eternity. At the same time we will have great joy in our relationship with Him today. We can rest in His loving arms no matter what.

.

Assembling Of Ourselves

²⁴ And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, ²⁵ not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. –Hebrews 10:24-25

D.L. Moody visited a woman who had grown cold in her Christian life. She said she had not been able to come to church, but otherwise she could not understand what had happened to make her feel as she did about spiritual things.

Without saying a word, Mr. Moody arose and lifted out a live coal from the grate and placed it on the hearth. In a few moments the glow was gone and the coal was black. “I see it” she said.

You cannot continue to glow in your Christian life alone. You need the warmth of fellowship with other Christians. This is a command to us.

(What The Bible Is All About; Dr. Henrietta C. Mears)   

There are cases where a believer can’t gather in the house of the Lord due to medical, or other physical or mental reasons. God understands this, but does that let you off the hook? No. If you find yourself in this position, or know of someone else in this position, I offer to you that this might be an opportunity for you to get involved in ministry. You can reach out to others via the phone, internet, or some other medium. Maybe you can visit, or arrange a pastor to visit with you and/or others.

If you are in a nursing home, jail, whatever, God can use you there.

Over the last month, my brother who has Down Syndrome, spent a week in the hospital and has been in a rehab/nursing home for the last two weeks. Yesterday,

I had to check my mother into the hospital. As I have walked the halls, I have seen pain and suffering all around.

Are we willing to take the church outside the walls of a building and show the world the hope we have? Are we willing to spread the gospel regardless of our afflictions? The Apostle Paul wrote letter after letter from a prison cell. Praise God he never quit the ministry God gave him. He longed to gather with his brothers and sisters to worship, but that was not an option. He used every means at his disposal to assemble the best way he could.

People need hope. Is God calling you to show it to them regardless of where you are, whatever your circumstances?

Caller ID

When my sister calls me on her cell phone, her husbands name shows up on my caller ID.

His name appears, but I know it is probably her. His name appears because the phone contract is in his name.

If you were at my house and the phone rang, you would look at the screen and say “who is Mike?” If you answered, you would hear a voice and you might think “that is not Mike.”

We, as Christians, are somewhat like that. When we walk up to someone, be it a friend, family member, or an acquaintance, they see us, they hear our voice, they know it is us; but who’s spiritual voice do they hear?

Do they hear God’s voice through us? Does God use us as His mouthpiece?

Are we the audible voice of God? 

I know there are some who would say I am wrong about all this; that’s fine. There is no law that says anyone has to agree with me. But please consider what I am saying and judge for yourself.

I believe our Lord speaks to us through His word, His Spirit, and through others.

Many times, when God speaks through us, we don’t even realize it. When we offer a kind word to a co-worker we don’t usually talk to, when we stop to help a stranger with a flat tire, if we put our arm around a grieving person and see the look of comfort by our simple gesture, is that not God’s Spirit working and speaking through us? There are times I have said something to someone and then thought “why in the world did I say that?” only to see in time it was God who had placed it in my heart to say it.

Most of us would have to admit there are people we love to see because their words always (or almost always) lift our spirit. They can say things that just make our hearts rejoice. Many times their words can bring conviction, especially if we are engaging in sinful behavior. Regardless of the message, we have a sense of joy in their presence.

No person has the power to do that. I believe that is God’s words/actions manifested in that person. This is not to say everything that comes out of their mouth is from God.

As we grow in Christ, we become more like Him; thus, more and more of what we say and do will reflect His image. If He dwells within us, how can His light not shine through us? But there are those times our words or deeds don’t just reflect His likeness, they must come from Him directly because they surpass our knowledge and/or nature.   

If I called you today, even though you see my name and hear my voice, might you say “I heard the Lord speak to me through your words?” I hope so.

²⁰ Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, ²¹ make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

–Hebrews 13:20-21

⁹ But as it is written:
      “ Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man
      The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

 ¹⁰ But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. ¹¹ For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. ¹² Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.
¹³ These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. -1 Corinthians 2:9-13

"OUT OF SERVICE"

Have you ever walked up to an elevator only to find a sign that read

“Out Of Service?”

Maybe it was a bathroom, or other needed resource. These things are needed, but often- times a luxury. There may be another way, but this one is/was the easiest and fastest.

The other day I went to the rehab/nursing home to see my brother. When it came time to leave, the nurse at the station told me the elevator was “Out Of Service.” At this point, it was of no value to me; it was worthless.

My mother and sister are taking turns spending the night with Johnny and this night my mother was going home and had several large, bulky items (such as dirty laundry, pillow, etc.) to take home. There were stairs right next to the elevator but we couldn’t use the stairs because opening the door would trigger the alarm. I found myself having to take the long route all the way around the building and then having to walk across the parking lot to my truck (not that I don’t need to walk).

The main corridor contained the rooms of the permanent residents. The smell of human excrement was staggering; the moans and look of defeat in the faces of those in the hall, or looking out from their rooms was heart wrenching. Such suffering, loneliness, loss, defeat; it was depressing to say the least. I tried to make eye contact and smile at each face but at best it must have been obvious I had no joy. How could I?

I see a need there but for the sake of time I will move on with the intent of this writing.

How many of us are “Out Of Service?”

Has God called us to perform a specific task only to have us reject His plan for the cares of this world? Maybe when we were young we felt called to the mission field; only to have dreamed up different plans for ourselves. Maybe some were called to pastor but abandoned that to go into business. Some of us may not have been called into fulltime ministry but to reach our family, neighbors, co-workers, and/or others with the message of Christ.

God can use anyone of us, wherever we are, whatever our position. All we have to do is surrender our lives to Him wholly. That means His will above ours!

If we chose/choose to do something other than what God planned for us, could that cause someone else to be forced to walk a longer path; going down the corridor of despair?

Maybe it’s our child not being brought up in a Godly home, or taken to church.

Maybe it’s a sibling who has struggled with addiction or depression; maybe a close friend or even our spouse who is contemplating suicide.

Maybe god’s perfect plan was to use us in specific circumstances but He couldn’t because when He came to use us He found that we were “Out Of Service.”

 ¹ Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ² looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. –Hebrews 12:1-2

Update on my brother Johnny

Johnny continues to improve. He is eating more and sleeping less.

A couple of days ago he was lying in bed holding one of his flags and one of his nurses was in the room. She was looking at some pictures I had and her back was to John. My mom saw him slowly edging his flag toward her. She said “Johnny, don’t you poke her with that!” He quickly withdrew the flag, only to wait a minute and then poke her in the backside. He didn’t poke her hard and she thought it was funny.

They love him and pick at each other all the time. It is so good to see him acting like himself. It has been awhile since he did such things.   

He still has a ways to go so please continue to pray. God bless each of you~

For The Word Of God Is Living...

Hebrews Chapter 4:12-16

God’s Living Word

¹² For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. ¹³ And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

4:12,13. The reason given for one’s careful scrutiny of his life involves the reality that God is intently scrutinizing it. His word is quick (living). This word is first in the Greek and is the emphasis. God’s word is not old or archaic; it is alive. It is not inept or inactive; it is powerful (active). It reaches into the inner secrets of man’s mind to discern even his thoughts and intents. Likewise, God’s eye sees man as though he were naked, unable to hide behind excuse or pretense. (taken from King James Study Bible) 

Our Compassionate High Priest

¹⁴ Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. ¹⁵ For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. ¹⁶ Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

4:14,15. At this point the author begins his discussion of Christ as high priest. His priestly ministry is far superior to any other priest’s because of the intercession He provides. The earthly high priest, with fear, once a year gained access to the mercy seat in the Holy of Holies; Christ not only has access to but is seated in the very presence of God the Father. Yet prior to this position, He partook of man’s nature and temptations so that He might sympathize, yet without sin. To imagine that since Jesus could not sin He could not suffer, misses the point of the passage. Temptation can be a reality apart from sin. “God cannot be tempted with evil” (James 1:3), yet God is tried or tempted (Gr. Peirazo) by men (3:9; Acts 15:10). Yet, beyond the statements of this passage, He who was God, though made like man, could not sin (being impeccable); and indeed, He need not sin to be human. Before Adam sinned, he was completely human. The glorified saint will never again be able to sin, yet remain human. Temptation is greatest in duration and intensity when one does not accept the “easy” way out by sinning. If man’s temptation is greater when he endures it, surely Christ’s was great since He had no alternative, in His humanity, but to endure it.

4:16. Only Christianity provides such boldness for sinful men before a holy God, and that boldness is possible only because of our High Priest. The figure of a throne suggests a place of authority and provision. It is the place to obtain God’s grace when it is especially needed. (taken from King James Study Bible)         

Does this not cause us to stand in awe?

This all powerful, holy God, who can see in us what we ourselves cannot see, loves us and came to be tempted, to suffer and die in our place that we might have eternal life. I stand amazed in His presence! (my comments here are so inadequate)

Quite An Exciting Time

This weekend I had the privilege of attending my nephew’s wedding.

Family gathered from across the nation. People who didn’t know each other, as well as those who did, but had not seen one another in ages converged in a state park in Tennessee. Most of us stayed in cabins. It was beautiful.

It was quite different from most weddings I have attended. It was held in an old, stone and wood beam building (I thought resembled a castle) in the woods.

The groom wore a black tux with tails and the bride wore a beautiful white dress. The groomsmen wore black tuxes with tails, and the bridesmaids wore black dresses. The music was performed by a soloist with acoustic guitar accompaniment. The groom’s father read out of Proverbs and a Scottish writing

(I believe a poem).

When the minister had them turn to one another and read statements they had written to one another, the bride teared up and the love she had for this man was abundantly obvious. I had seen that same look in him as she had walked down the aisle.

At the reception, the groom entered with a top hat, white gloves and a cane.  Of course he had his beaming bride on his arm. There was indeed much celebration.

As I consider this wedding and all the joy, I did not dwell on the painful areas of my life. No, I was so elated with happiness over this event, I kinda forgot that elsewhere there was suffering and pain. I didn’t think about the struggles I would face next week, or the house payment and other bills that I have to pay. It was like I was caught up in the moment and all was happiness.

There may be other weddings I attend, Some may even seem grander. But I know there is coming a wedding soon that will have no equal. The best part is, it will have no end.

⁵ Then a voice came from the throne, saying, “Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great!”
⁶ And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, “Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! ⁷ Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” ⁸ And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.
⁹ Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.” –Revelation 19:5-9

You have an invitation; why not RSVP right now?

.

Update on Johnny, 10 May

Johnny continues to improve but still can't walk. He is in a rehab/nursing home and they are going to try to help him get back on his feet. My mother has been staying with him as he can't be left alone. Last night my sister stayed and my mom was able to sleep in her own bed for the first time since last week.

A friend went to visit and ask for him by name. The lady didn't recognize the name but a nurse said "Oh, you mean Johnny!" They have been great to him. I thank God for kind Dr/nurses, and others.
Please continue to pray for Johnny and our family.

Is That You Lord?

 ¹ Now the boy Samuel ministered to the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was rare in those days; there was no widespread revelation. ² And it came to pass at that time, while Eli was lying down in his place, and when his eyes had begun to grow so dim that he could not see, ³ and before the lamp of God went out in the tabernacle of the LORD where the ark of God was, and while Samuel was lying down, ⁴ that the LORD called Samuel. And he answered, “Here I am!” ⁵ So he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.”
And he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” And he went and lay down.
⁶ Then the LORD called yet again, “Samuel!”
So Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” He answered, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” ⁷ (Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, nor was the word of the LORD yet revealed to him.)
⁸ And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. So he arose and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you did call me.”
Then Eli perceived that the LORD had called the boy. ⁹ Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down; and it shall be, if He calls you, that you must say, ‘Speak, LORD, for Your servant hears.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
¹⁰ Now the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”
And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant hears.” –I Samuel 3:1-10

Has God ever spoken to you?
If so, did you know it was Him? or like Samuel, did you mistake Him for someone else?

I believe God still speaks to people; not just religious leaders, but to anyone willing to say ““Speak, for Your servant hears.”

In the scriptures, God spoke to many people in many ways. Some fell on their faces (Moses), some stood and talked face to face (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abedneggo), some, like Jonah and Elijah, cried out in anguish wanting things their way. I could go on but you can read for yourself. 

If you believe God is speaking to you, pray and listen.

Do not be disheartened if you don’t recognize His voice immediately. Sometimes it is through scripture, sometimes through someone else, and sometimes it is through His Spirit. However He calls, be ready to reply "here am I."

Update on Johnny

Johnny is much better but still in need of prayer. He is laughing and pretty much
himself. He still can't walk, and he is still fighting infection. He may be released
from the hospital today, but not sure if he will go home or to a nursing home for
a couple of days or weeks. God has truly blessed us by allowing us to have him
for awhile longer. No matter how this goes, God is so good.