"In light of the realization of who Jesus is,the radiance of God’s glory, the exact representation of God, far superior to angels and all created beings—we must be very careful to pay even closer attention to the Word of God that we have heard" (Hebrews 2:1).
It will not be the obvious, in-your-face sins that trip us up, but rather the gradual drifting away from the truth that we have come to know. Perhaps that sin will be neglecting to read the Bible and spend daily time in prayer. Perhaps it will be the letting down of our guard when it comes to the entertainment we enjoy or the ways in which we spend our money or our time. Or perhaps it will be our participation in unproductive, sinful things like idle gossip. The sins are different; the result is the same—spiritual drifting.
In order to prevent drifting in your walk of faith, ask the Holy Spirit to alert you to any subtle areas in your life where you may be drifting. Agree with what he shows you there, repent, and get back on course by realigning yourself with the Word of God.
Think of a boat in the water...the tide may cause it to drift in one direction or the other but if you have an anchor your boat will not drift. Seeking the face of God and studying his word is just like throwing out that anchor. It will keep you from drifting!
It is also important to keep strong believers with you (keyword 'STRONG') for the bible tels us that "the wise walk with the wise."
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reads, "Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. "
But we must be careful of who we surround ourselves with. I suggest only making those with Godly counsel extremely close, for in your time of need or trouble you need them to provide you with the word of God, not mere opinion.
To aviod drifting spiritually, set clear goals for yourself and commit to them.
Proverbs 21:5 tells us " The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, But Everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty."
Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit your works to the LORD, and your plans will be established.”
Many people say that drifting or backsliding is natural and it just sometimes happens, well I disagree. I want the people of God to begin to exercise the Word in a big way.
Being a CHRISTian is about progress and advancement! And that is exactly what we will do. WE ARE ABOVE DRIFTING. WE ARE BETTER THAN THAT. Glory to God!
So lets remove the possibility of drifting from our very thoughts....
Count it all Joy! Point5
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Should we judge or not? A MUST READ
Judging is a subject which many Christians like to avoid. When pressed to defend one's position, though, there often seems to be a distinct division–those who think no one should judge anyone else for any reason, and those who tend to pass judgment on everyone for everything. So which position is right, according to God's Word? Neither. The fact is that Christians are not only permitted to judge, but in certain scriptures they are instructed to do so. However, there are restrictions on what and how we are to judge.
Christians who think judgin is wrong are quick to point out the "do not judge, or you too will be judged" scripture (Matthew 7:1; Luke 6:37), yet they either stop short of or fail to understand the meaning of Matthew 7:2 which continues, "For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
To understand what this means let's start with a good foundation for our understanding of judging. Our foundation is upon Jesus Christ. Jesus' purpose in coming into this world was for judgment (John 9:39). God the Father appointed Jesus as judge of the living and the dead (John 5:22, 27; Acts 10:42; Acts 17:31; 2 Timothy 4:1; 1 Peter 4:5). It is important to note that Jesus' judgment is just and right (John 5:30; John 8:16; Acts 17:31; 2 Thessalonians 1:5; 2 Timothy 4:8; Revelation 16:5, 7; Revelation 19:1-2). This is because Jesus doesn't judge arbitrarily; it is His Word which does the judging (John 12:47-48; Hebrews 4:12). God's Word further teaches that God doesn't judge by external appearance (Galatians 2:6) but that He judges each man's work impartially (1 Peter 1:17). And finally, we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10; Hebrews 9:27; Hebrews 10:30; Jude 1:14-15).
Now I know we are not Jesus so please understand this yellow portion is merely a discription of the way God does things. Jesus does the judging by His Word. And everyone will be judged by Jesus and the standard of His Word.
Now, let's return to the passage in Matthew 7:1-2. Since we know that we will be judged in the same way that we judge and with the same measure we use, and we also know that we will be judged and measured by God's Word, this passage means that we are permitted to judge by that which we find in God's Word. It is when we judge by other measures (opinions, wrong motives, erroneous information) that we end up in a lot of trouble!If we judge others with our opinions, with wrong motives, or by using erroneous information, then we can expect the same treatment from God! Boy, that should stop us in our tracks before judging, shouldn't it!?
However, we shouldn't be so fearful of judging wrongly that we fail to use common sense, decency, and a knowledge of God's Word to pass right judgment. This is what has happened to our country; we have been turning blind eyes to all of the sin around us for the sake of not judging so much that more and more souls are bound for hell everyday. Instead, we need to realize that God's Word does, indeed, give us guidelines for judging rightly against sin.
Let's see what limits and qualifications God places on making a right judgment:
Use God's Word as the standard for judgment (John 12:47-48 and Hebrews 4:12 with Matthew 7:1-2). Be sure you are not currently guilty of doing the same thing when you make the judgment (Romans 2:3; also see specific examples in Matthew 12:27; Luke 11:19; and Acts 23:3) Do not judge by mere appearances (John 7:24) Do not judge with discrimination (James 2:4) Do not slander (James 4:11) Do not pass judgment on disputable matters or those things on which the scriptures are not clear (Romans 14:1-4) Judge with mercy (James 2:13) Be willing to forgive (Luke 6:37) In addition to the above guidelines, one of the most important things to remember is that we are only capable of judging the act. We are never to judge the intentions or motives of another person–to do so would be assuming the role that only Jesus can fill. In John 8:15, Jesus taught that we can only judge by human standards, and we could be wrong. Only Jesus can judge men's secrets (Romans 2:16). It is the Word of God which judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). When the Lord returns, "He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts" (1 Corinthians 4:5).
We can see from these scriptures that only Jesus and His Word are qualified to judge intentions, motives, and attitudes. We are limited to judging the act itself. We must realize that there are some things which can be judged now and some things which cannot be judged until later, for sometimes it takes time for certain sins to be revealed (1 Timothy 5:24).
Christians are specifically instructed to judge the actions of those within Christ's church (1 Corinthians 5:12-6:4). Not to do so results in much sin within the body of Christ. In fact, God's Word teaches, "The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment" (1 Corinthians 2:15).
The Bible gives some specific examples of things we can judge, so long as we follow the guidelines and limitations previously discussed. They include murder (Matthew 5:21), careless words spoken (Matthew 12:36), rebellion against authority (Romans 13:2), sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 5:3; Hebrews 13:4), and grumbling against each other (James 5:9).
So the last thing I would like to say is that much like everything else in this world we must go to the Word of God.
"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being My priest. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children" (Hosea 4:6)
Get that knowledge before you hastily do things that you are uncomfortable with, such as judging others.
And for those who Judge me...you can see that I am in the word, I am constantly seeking the face of God and working towards that knowledge so that I won't make these types of mistakes. Just know that my Judgement is never to condemn! If I say anything to you it is honestly just an effort to help you grow. I love you ALL, regardless of whether or not you love me..
There is only one way to do it..."Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth."(2 Tim 2:15)
Terrance aka Point5
Christians who think judgin is wrong are quick to point out the "do not judge, or you too will be judged" scripture (Matthew 7:1; Luke 6:37), yet they either stop short of or fail to understand the meaning of Matthew 7:2 which continues, "For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
To understand what this means let's start with a good foundation for our understanding of judging. Our foundation is upon Jesus Christ. Jesus' purpose in coming into this world was for judgment (John 9:39). God the Father appointed Jesus as judge of the living and the dead (John 5:22, 27; Acts 10:42; Acts 17:31; 2 Timothy 4:1; 1 Peter 4:5). It is important to note that Jesus' judgment is just and right (John 5:30; John 8:16; Acts 17:31; 2 Thessalonians 1:5; 2 Timothy 4:8; Revelation 16:5, 7; Revelation 19:1-2). This is because Jesus doesn't judge arbitrarily; it is His Word which does the judging (John 12:47-48; Hebrews 4:12). God's Word further teaches that God doesn't judge by external appearance (Galatians 2:6) but that He judges each man's work impartially (1 Peter 1:17). And finally, we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10; Hebrews 9:27; Hebrews 10:30; Jude 1:14-15).
Now I know we are not Jesus so please understand this yellow portion is merely a discription of the way God does things. Jesus does the judging by His Word. And everyone will be judged by Jesus and the standard of His Word.
Now, let's return to the passage in Matthew 7:1-2. Since we know that we will be judged in the same way that we judge and with the same measure we use, and we also know that we will be judged and measured by God's Word, this passage means that we are permitted to judge by that which we find in God's Word. It is when we judge by other measures (opinions, wrong motives, erroneous information) that we end up in a lot of trouble!If we judge others with our opinions, with wrong motives, or by using erroneous information, then we can expect the same treatment from God! Boy, that should stop us in our tracks before judging, shouldn't it!?
However, we shouldn't be so fearful of judging wrongly that we fail to use common sense, decency, and a knowledge of God's Word to pass right judgment. This is what has happened to our country; we have been turning blind eyes to all of the sin around us for the sake of not judging so much that more and more souls are bound for hell everyday. Instead, we need to realize that God's Word does, indeed, give us guidelines for judging rightly against sin.
Let's see what limits and qualifications God places on making a right judgment:
Use God's Word as the standard for judgment (John 12:47-48 and Hebrews 4:12 with Matthew 7:1-2). Be sure you are not currently guilty of doing the same thing when you make the judgment (Romans 2:3; also see specific examples in Matthew 12:27; Luke 11:19; and Acts 23:3) Do not judge by mere appearances (John 7:24) Do not judge with discrimination (James 2:4) Do not slander (James 4:11) Do not pass judgment on disputable matters or those things on which the scriptures are not clear (Romans 14:1-4) Judge with mercy (James 2:13) Be willing to forgive (Luke 6:37) In addition to the above guidelines, one of the most important things to remember is that we are only capable of judging the act. We are never to judge the intentions or motives of another person–to do so would be assuming the role that only Jesus can fill. In John 8:15, Jesus taught that we can only judge by human standards, and we could be wrong. Only Jesus can judge men's secrets (Romans 2:16). It is the Word of God which judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). When the Lord returns, "He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts" (1 Corinthians 4:5).
We can see from these scriptures that only Jesus and His Word are qualified to judge intentions, motives, and attitudes. We are limited to judging the act itself. We must realize that there are some things which can be judged now and some things which cannot be judged until later, for sometimes it takes time for certain sins to be revealed (1 Timothy 5:24).
Christians are specifically instructed to judge the actions of those within Christ's church (1 Corinthians 5:12-6:4). Not to do so results in much sin within the body of Christ. In fact, God's Word teaches, "The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment" (1 Corinthians 2:15).
The Bible gives some specific examples of things we can judge, so long as we follow the guidelines and limitations previously discussed. They include murder (Matthew 5:21), careless words spoken (Matthew 12:36), rebellion against authority (Romans 13:2), sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 5:3; Hebrews 13:4), and grumbling against each other (James 5:9).
So the last thing I would like to say is that much like everything else in this world we must go to the Word of God.
"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being My priest. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children" (Hosea 4:6)
Get that knowledge before you hastily do things that you are uncomfortable with, such as judging others.
And for those who Judge me...you can see that I am in the word, I am constantly seeking the face of God and working towards that knowledge so that I won't make these types of mistakes. Just know that my Judgement is never to condemn! If I say anything to you it is honestly just an effort to help you grow. I love you ALL, regardless of whether or not you love me..
There is only one way to do it..."Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth."(2 Tim 2:15)
Terrance aka Point5
Friday, November 14, 2008
Hope (not so much teaching, just me sharing)
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith unto this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character, and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” (Romans 5: 1-5)
Just meditating on this verse really pleases me! I am feeling a sense of renewed understanding and just thought this to be a perfect time to share with you.
You know I often go through things...being in ministry I go through a lot! I deal with the heart ache of haters and those who aim to destroy God's ministry through me, I battle with those who believe me to be unworthy of Gods plan, and I contemplate the errors of those who refuse to love me as the lord does. In these things I am often hurt....but I press.
I find myself so often in a position to teach others that I rarely get to share my issues...well God has shown me today that my issues are testimonies, tools for ministering to others. I was recently reminded of Daniel in the lions den and how it was appearent to him that he would be there even before he was. Looking at his story showed me that people are watching me..they are watching me to see how I act in my time of trouble. They want to know will I fall? Will I give up?
Because of this I often show my strong side and don't allow people to see that I too hurt. Well today I have learned that in transperency all things are visible, this includes both the hurt and suffering because that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character, and character, hope! and hope is worth fighting for.
Today God spoke to me and told me something.... He did not call me to minister to the people who don't care, but instead to minister for the ones who do! So all I have to say is I will not please everyone, but fortunately I am not trying to. I am only trying to please God
“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)
This is me, I wake up everyday for one reason...to serve Jesus! and because of that I don't speak negatively about people regardless of what they say about me. I warn the gossipers of their error but I still love them as Christ, and I respect their independence and their privacy.Do the same for me.
If I were to speak to those who have recently been talking about me in an ungodly way, what I would say would be just what Paul said in Phillipians 3
"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained.
Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body."
Just know that when people fail you (and believe they will!) God will still be there. So maintain hope because "hope does not dissapoint us"
blessings. .5
Just meditating on this verse really pleases me! I am feeling a sense of renewed understanding and just thought this to be a perfect time to share with you.
You know I often go through things...being in ministry I go through a lot! I deal with the heart ache of haters and those who aim to destroy God's ministry through me, I battle with those who believe me to be unworthy of Gods plan, and I contemplate the errors of those who refuse to love me as the lord does. In these things I am often hurt....but I press.
I find myself so often in a position to teach others that I rarely get to share my issues...well God has shown me today that my issues are testimonies, tools for ministering to others. I was recently reminded of Daniel in the lions den and how it was appearent to him that he would be there even before he was. Looking at his story showed me that people are watching me..they are watching me to see how I act in my time of trouble. They want to know will I fall? Will I give up?
Because of this I often show my strong side and don't allow people to see that I too hurt. Well today I have learned that in transperency all things are visible, this includes both the hurt and suffering because that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character, and character, hope! and hope is worth fighting for.
Today God spoke to me and told me something.... He did not call me to minister to the people who don't care, but instead to minister for the ones who do! So all I have to say is I will not please everyone, but fortunately I am not trying to. I am only trying to please God
“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)
This is me, I wake up everyday for one reason...to serve Jesus! and because of that I don't speak negatively about people regardless of what they say about me. I warn the gossipers of their error but I still love them as Christ, and I respect their independence and their privacy.Do the same for me.
If I were to speak to those who have recently been talking about me in an ungodly way, what I would say would be just what Paul said in Phillipians 3
"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained.
Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body."
Just know that when people fail you (and believe they will!) God will still be there. So maintain hope because "hope does not dissapoint us"
blessings. .5
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Love and relationships
I often find that great men and women of God get tripped up in the matter of relationships. This truly pains me to see the enemy come in and begin to tamper with a relationship that God has ordained. So I felt the need to post this to try and help people in their troubles
First thing to know is that confusion is not of the Lord.
1 corinthians 14:33 "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace"
This is important because the first thing the enemy does is try to make you question your beliefs and commitments. He tries to confuse you and in your pain bad desicions are often made.
secondly psalm 55:22 reads "Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken."
This says that He will never allow the righteous to be shaken! NEVER!! If you believe that, yet you are shaken then you must know the enemy is at work. SO it is often key not to go running to other people but instead Give it to Jesus, Remain focused on God and God alone. Often if you just focus on living for Jesus and not even worry about your relationship God will take care of your problems for you.
Proverbs 3:5 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. "
In my observation, this is the biggest mistake I see people make. They get so worried and/or hurt that they start trying to figure it out on their own. Without Jesus you cannot succeed in knowing the solution to your problem.
For those who know this scripture, I see them often make a similar mistake. They dont ant to lean on their understanding, so they go to someone else and get that persons understanding. This is still problematic because it is still just a persons opinion. It has no more value than your own opinion.
Continuing on Matthew 6:33 says "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Are you seeking the Kingdom first? the answer to this question will be known when you see if the thing has been "added unto you."
Ultimately, If you are a follower of God, and in a relationship that God has confirmed is true to be his work, then you should expect troubles but know that God will not Give you anything you cannot handle. People give up far too quickly these days.
James 1:3 says "Knowing that the proving of your faith worketh patience."
Faith is to be proved to God and to one another, If you ahve faith in your relationship then you should be SURE of what you hope for and CERTAIN of what you DO NOT see.
Many times you will not see success, love, or even happiness, but if you walk by faith and not by sight then you will know that your success is nearby.
People of God, live in the scripture, don't allow your emotions to cause you to make bad desicions. God births beautiful lasting relationships but it is sometimes up to us to make them last.
If you are always confused, hurt, uncertain, emotionally pained, and faithless, then you know now that you are not casting your cares upon the Lord. It is time to change. It is time to prove your faith! it will test your patience, but be obedient to the Lord and after the Storm your reward will be great! I love you all. Blessings. .5
First thing to know is that confusion is not of the Lord.
1 corinthians 14:33 "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace"
This is important because the first thing the enemy does is try to make you question your beliefs and commitments. He tries to confuse you and in your pain bad desicions are often made.
secondly psalm 55:22 reads "Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken."
This says that He will never allow the righteous to be shaken! NEVER!! If you believe that, yet you are shaken then you must know the enemy is at work. SO it is often key not to go running to other people but instead Give it to Jesus, Remain focused on God and God alone. Often if you just focus on living for Jesus and not even worry about your relationship God will take care of your problems for you.
Proverbs 3:5 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. "
In my observation, this is the biggest mistake I see people make. They get so worried and/or hurt that they start trying to figure it out on their own. Without Jesus you cannot succeed in knowing the solution to your problem.
For those who know this scripture, I see them often make a similar mistake. They dont ant to lean on their understanding, so they go to someone else and get that persons understanding. This is still problematic because it is still just a persons opinion. It has no more value than your own opinion.
Continuing on Matthew 6:33 says "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Are you seeking the Kingdom first? the answer to this question will be known when you see if the thing has been "added unto you."
Ultimately, If you are a follower of God, and in a relationship that God has confirmed is true to be his work, then you should expect troubles but know that God will not Give you anything you cannot handle. People give up far too quickly these days.
James 1:3 says "Knowing that the proving of your faith worketh patience."
Faith is to be proved to God and to one another, If you ahve faith in your relationship then you should be SURE of what you hope for and CERTAIN of what you DO NOT see.
Many times you will not see success, love, or even happiness, but if you walk by faith and not by sight then you will know that your success is nearby.
People of God, live in the scripture, don't allow your emotions to cause you to make bad desicions. God births beautiful lasting relationships but it is sometimes up to us to make them last.
If you are always confused, hurt, uncertain, emotionally pained, and faithless, then you know now that you are not casting your cares upon the Lord. It is time to change. It is time to prove your faith! it will test your patience, but be obedient to the Lord and after the Storm your reward will be great! I love you all. Blessings. .5
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