DANCE OF FIRE

I wrote the content on this blog with sincere and holy intentions with the knowledge that I had at the time... We live, learn and amend...as errors are exposed and more truths are revealed...

Only GOD is perfect. It's vital that you seek the Lord to expose any errors that you've embraced. Please ask Him to expose any areas of darkness to you and for what is necessary to do to dispossess what's NOT of truth.

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POETRY: DANCE OF FIRE

Flames of fire dance joyfully as dreams of fervor conjure up images of red hot passion for the gusto of life.

Sizzle, spark, explode -

Fireballs light up the sky. Wow! a thunder flash with a clap -

The flames are vivid with the awesome glow of orange colors blended with yellow highlights that accent the blaze.

This display is the bomb torched with a rocket plan. Such rapture has lit our fire. We are dynamite on this journey.

Come on fire, fall on us. Pour your liquid potency. Ignite our souls that we may be engulfed with magnified intensity.

Blow up our hearts. Dance with us....

Sandra

Copyright 2010

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Monday, February 21, 2011

OFF WITH THEIR HEADS! HOW DARE THEY THINK WITH THE MIND OF CHRIST.

Greetings -

Scriptures are from the King James Bible.

Philippians 2:5
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Galatians 1:10
For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

Galatians 1:12
For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Sound and wise counsel is something that we all need.  We need to receive it and we need to give it.  But it is vital to seek our Lord for His infinite counsel.  The counsel of GOD trumps all other advice.

For the most part, from the outset, our Lord "wired" me as one who doesn't "go along to get along."  That was my M.O. in the world and it is my M.O. now as I walk with JESUS.  I have often challenged the status quo and questioned obvious abuses, especially in the area of authority.  Abuses of authority have, for as long as I can remember, deeply disturbed me.  In one of my previous places of employment, my supervisor teasingly nicknamed me D.A. - short for District Attorney.  I steadfastly hungered for justice - still do.  Our Lord has taught me more about how to feed that hunger in righteous ways.

My time spent "in the trenches" with our Lord has progressed to where He has situated me such that I am rarely fazed by what people think of me relative to my earnest aim to please our Lord.  He does lead me to seek and heed counsel but mostly, I hear directly from our Lord as to what actions to pursue.  Daily I am in His Word, and in prayer, and communion with Him.  It is in those times that I gain the bulk of my instructions and revelations from our Lord.  Sermons and Christian programs are helpful aids, as well.  I'm sure that others can relate that, often, our Lord provides confirmations, from His elected resources, of what He has shared with us.         

It can be to our detriment to heed the counsel of man above the counsel of GOD.  We can worry, "What will people think?"  What people think shouldn't intimidate us if we KNOW that we have sure directions from GOD.

We all have drama, issues and foolish actions that we engage in.  We miss the marks but praise GOD that we can repent and forsake our wicked ways and receive forgiveness from our merciful Lord.  We all have matters that we haven't conquered.  GOD knows our hearts.  He expects us to love righteousness and to hate iniquity.  When we do our best to overcome, GOD honors our steps.

We cannot afford, spiritually or otherwise, to waste energy on the foolish judgmental conduct of others.  And we don't always owe people explanations about why we obey GOD.  If our Lord leads us to explain, that is reasonable.  It helps to be mindful that those who are unrighteous in their judgments are not doing that which is acceptable to GOD.  Psalm 19:14 says, "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer."  There is no win if GOD is displeased.     

In Hosea 1:2, GOD told Hosea "Go, take unto thee a wife of whoredoms..."  What do you think people thought about that?

In Judges 11, Jephthah, "the son of an harlot," was "thrust out."  Later those who thrust him out called upon him to be their captain.  GOD thought enough of Jephthah to appoint him a judge.  Judge Jephthah went on to subdue the enemy.  Initially, what did people think?  They thought that Jephthah was inferior because his mother was "an harlot."  Eventually, what did people think?  He was a "mighty man of valour" who they needed to be their captain.  GOD'S thoughts always trump our thoughts.  

I once heard Pastor Fred testify that a significant financial church investment opportunity came up for a vote among him and his board members.  Pastor Fred stated that he received from our Lord a "no" on the investment opportunity.  The board majority voted yes.  Pastor shared that he didn't feel comfortable using his pastoral authority to go against the board majority so he went along with their choice.  The investment was unwise and resulted in the loss of the entire financial investment.  Pastor Fred said something like, "I had to get up BY MYSELF in front of the church body to tell them that we had lost that significant amount of money."

Years ago, I was the hold-out juror in a criminal case.  Fellow jurors became angry at me because they were ready to leave.  I believe that Mother's Day or some holiday was approaching.  I refused to cave under their anger.  It got "cold" in that room because of my hold-out status.

I informed the other jurors that, according to the judge's instructions, I wasn't convinced that I should change my position.  Further, I said that I was prepared to remain firm in my position unless evidentiary revelations and reasonable arguments were presented by them to convince otherwise.  Also, I said something like, "I plan to be here until..."  The jury foreman glumly responded, "I believe you."  By then, the room was in "freeze mode."  I was surrounded by "polar bears."  The lion in my heart kept me warm, determined, and assured.  Anyway, I cannot recall precisely, but it was at least another day or two before I was convinced.  What did the people think of me?  My choice was not "embraced."  Did I have any regrets? - Not at all.

Relative to the Little Rock Nine, in 1957, a white woman, Grace Lorch, rescued one of the Nine, Elizabeth, from an angry white mob.  Grace stepped out ALONE to help that terrified black child.  It was a dangerous act executed by a brave woman.  I have another post forthcoming that shares more about that event in history.  Did Grace wonder what people would think?  Perhaps - but we know what she did - she acted courageously, regardless of what people thought.  Also, Grace clearly had awareness that her actions could have further incited the crowd.  Her valor froze the mob, and she and Elizabeth made it safely away from there.

In Galatians 2, we read where Peter was eating with the Gentiles until his fellow Jews arrived.  Peter then withdrew and separated from the Gentiles for fear of what the Jews would think.  Galatians 2:13 says, "And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him;..."

When Paul saw that they "walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel," he rebuked Peter "before them all."  Paul withstood Peter "to the face."   What Peter did affected others as they followed his "lead."  And certainly, those unrighteous actions affected the Gentiles from whom they withdrew.  What a mess - all because Peter and his "crew" were intimidated by what the Jews would think.  Paul took holy authority over that nonsense.  What did GOD think?  "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." - Matthew 25:21.

JESUS walked on this earth in flesh form and did our Father's business.  Did he unreasonably concern himself with what people thought - above the desires of our Father?  No, our innocent Savior allowed Himself to be crucified so that we could be saved from our sins, and have life more abundantly.  What did GOD think?  "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." - Matthew 3:17.    

Sandra

Written Monday February 21, 2011    

Note: This piece is available in my $4.99 e-book titled, Warfare Solutions Loaded with the Lion of Judah. You don't need e-readers to read e-books they can be read online, as well.

Here is the link to my e-books available on Smashwords.com

Titles:

- Warfare Solutions Loaded with the Lion of Judah

- Zest and Gusto in Christian Short Stories

- Championship Conduct - Excel in Care, Courtesy and Customer Service

Free samples of my e-books can be read on the subject site.

Please read the post directly below this one, "PART 3 - GOD'S ADVENTURE FOR ME IN CHARLESTON..."

Thank you for your indulgence.

14 comments:

  1. OFF WITH THEIR HEADS! HOW DARE THEY THINK WITH THE MIND OF CHRIST!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Dying to the dear of man.... I have taken that course over and over and am finally passing the mid-term, I think. If God be for us, who can be against us? should be all that matters but it is difficult, isn't it?

    Black and white - no gray... I can sure relate to that my friend! It is right up there with no compromise. God said narrow is the path... we need to choose, daily and trust the outcome to Him.

    ReplyDelete
  3. These are lessons I have learned, some the hard way. I will turn 40 this year, and I'm discovering that the older I get, the less I care what people think. :) I am much like you in that I am a non-conformist as well. My hubby says I'm not "easily tossed to and fro" with every wind of doctrine, and it's true. I try not to be hasty or act rashly, I take time to really think and pray things through, and do what GOD says to do, and not what people think I ought to do. This has definitely been tested in this season as God has led me and my hubby into an unconventional life style...for awhile I was trying so hard to "fit" into a mold and I was miserable. Only in recent weeks, as you've discovered on my blog, am I learning to accept what has come from God's hand, and in that I am experiencing a freedom I have never known.

    Thank you for sharing this! It ministered to me! And I had no idea about that incident with the Little Rock nine! I'll look forward to your post about it!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Greetings -

    Thank you for visiting and commenting.

    @Marijo
    You said, "God said narrow is the path... we need to choose, daily and trust the outcome to Him."

    Amen - Marijo

    @Mining for Diamonds
    There are benefits indeed to being
    non-conformist. We follow the greatest non-conformist who came in the flesh - JESUS CHRIST.

    I love what your husband said about you. Glory to GOD!

    If you google Grace Lorch, you can learn about her and her husband.

    ReplyDelete
  5. All true, and how difficult it is. It was difficult for the disciples and it is difficult for us.

    Mining For Diamonds---If you think you don't care what people think now that you are forty, just wait until you are my age! It does get easier. Blessings to all...

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi Clint -

    It is NO longer difficult for me. Like everyone else, I have my "moments" but rarely am I fazed by what others think relative to my earnest aim to please GOD...

    Blessings to you, as well, Clint.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Sandra - This was just great!! Such a powerful word. I really liked how you said that Jesus did not unreasonably concern Himself with what other people thought. That was so well said. Yes, He calls us to be mindful of other people - to be kind, gracious, forgiving - after all, He set that example perfectly. But, it's a different thing to conform to their wishes or lifestyle or thoughts, if they go against what God tells us to do or say. You have made this abundantly clear!

    I can just picture you on that jury - standing your ground! Good for you! My youngest son had a similar experience. He told me, essentially, that there is no timetable for doing the right thing. Amen to that...

    Glad you expanded your ideas - as I said, this was really good. It's all about having the mind of Christ, isn't it? And that is the desire of my heart - to know Him, and in the knowing, to be like Him.

    GOD BLESS!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi Sharon -

    Glad you liked it. Yes, we serve a powerful GOD, don't we Sharon?

    You said, "But, it's a different thing to conform to their wishes or lifestyle or thoughts, if they go against what God tells us to do or say." Yes indeed, Sharon, there we must draw the line!

    As for the other jurors, they were not "happy campers" but justice was what we were there to deliberate. I like what your son expressed.

    Yes, Sharon, as you expressed, "It's all about having the mind of Christ,..."

    ReplyDelete
  9. Argh...I had a long comment written and Blogger ate it! What I was saying was that you asked me if I read your post from the other day. If you are referring to the Charleston one, yes I DID read it, in particular the first half where you talked about gov't assistance...I wanted to say a hearty AMEN!!!! I didn't comment because I've not had a chance to read all of the Charleston story yet...but I totally agree with you regarding the Lord being our source, and the gov't being upon HIS shoulders! We've received our share of gov't assistance in the past couple years, and I am grateful! I see it as God's provision, and not a handout. And like you said, it's not permanent and we're not scamming. I'm just grateful to live in a country that has those kinds of services in place to fill in the gaps.

    I've been subbing more lately and I've gotten behind on my readings but I've not forgotten about the links you've sent me! I definitely plan on looking them up as time permits. As always, I appreciate your comments and prayers, and I enjoy reading your posts!!! Your journey is very interesting! :) God bless!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Wonderful message! I enjoy reading about the things God lays on your heart.You help strengthen me in my task of revealing myself through my blog as I still have events forthcoming that could alter what some people in my life think of me.I am learning not to worry about peoples judgements of me,and my blog helps me to release that fear by putting it all out there. As I said in one of my previous posts, God knows it all anyway.He looks at my heart. He has a purpose. I am just called to follow his will.

    On Sunday, God told me to write my name, blogsite,and contact info down on 10 pieces of paper and give them to women I did not know at church and introduce myself. I was nervous,and I admit, felt a bit strange, but I did it despite thinking, 'they may very well think me crazy'! By the time I was done, one lady (a new christian)told me she has been wanting to make some friends there, and another asked me to help with some womens ministry things. We will see what else will come from it, but I HAD to listen, and he knew/knows his purpose!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Greetings -

    Thank you for visiting and for commenting.

    @Mining for Diamonds
    I love this that you expressed, "... I am grateful! I see it as God's provision, and not a handout. And like you said, it's not permanent and we're not scamming. I'm just grateful to live in a country that has those kinds of services in place to fill in the gaps."

    Amen and Amen - Praise and glory to GOD!

    Glad you enjoy the posts.

    @Cyndi
    Glad that you enjoy reading here. It is great that we bloggers share. We help one another indeed.

    I love what you did on Sunday and the results that our Lord brought from your obedience.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Yes,dear Sandra,I continue to follow your journey.I read about Jesse and Charleston,and will continue with you as you go on to Tampa! Be blessed!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Greetings -

    I received this, via e-mail, from Janette:

    I just finished reading your great post...nodded from beginning to end. I went to comment and my computer ate it, so I decided to just email.

    I agree on the abuse...seen too much of it and have walked through it myself. I also love confirmation of God's words to me...usually more comfortable when the confirmation comes through things I read or a stranger, than through someone that might know me and they are relaying on physical knowledge more than spiritual.

    I also agree we need to not be interested in what men thinks. Recently I just got stuck at the story of Rahab and thought...now how would we react if we heard our pastor had stayed in a house of prostitution...would we believe that was from God? Would we believe he was there just for hiding? We would believe that he hadn't slept with a woman, and yet that is what God had them do....the spies were kept safe and all of her household was rescued....His ways are truly higher than ours.

    We all need to hear His voice over the roar of those around us and the world.

    Thanks for a great post,
    Janette

    ReplyDelete
  14. Greetings -

    @Cyndi
    Thank you, lady. I appreciate your comments.

    @Janette
    Thank you for your interesting and helpful comments.

    I love what you expressed about the Rahab matter.
    That is something to think about indeed.

    Yes, I wholly agree, Janette, that GOD'S ways are truly higher than ours.

    You are certanly welcome.

    ReplyDelete

Greetings -

Thank you for visiting and commenting. It is my pleasure to read from your heart places. We are all students and teachers and I so enjoy, precious people, the beneficial engagements with you.