Greetings -
Scriptures are from the King James Bible.
Before I did this piece, our Lord gave me Hebrews 12:14, "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:" Moments, and I do mean moments, after that I sat down to do this post but first I proceeded to check to see if I had any e-mail messages. There was just one new one. What is the subject of that e-mail? "HUNGRY FOR HOLINESS"! When I saw that I was wowed because I had just got finished reading "holiness" from Hebrews 12:14. I haven't yet read the subject e-mail, as I didn't want it to influence what I will express here. But I'm in awe of how rapidly our Lord provided confirmation about the holiness matter.
Many of us have heard it expressed, "Once saved, always saved." But is that truth? If anyone has any biblical evidence to support that, please share it here.
Note: The content below is not relative to those who are newly saved - baby Christians. They truly don't know enough...
My questions:
- Are backsliders lake-of-fire bound if they don't return to the Lord before they pass from this life or if Christ returns and they have not repented? Revelation 21:8 - "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone:..."
1 Corinthians 6:9, 10
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
- Are carnal/lukewarm Christians lake-of-fire bound if they continue to be carnal? Revelation 3:16, "So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth."
- Is there biblical proof to support, "once saved, always saved"?
These are the scriptures that our Lord gave me:
Hebrews 3:14
For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;
Romans 11:22
Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
Revelation 22:19
And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city,...
2 Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed rightly dividing the word of truth.
Titus 1:16
They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
John 15:22
If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin.
Romans 1:18-20
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
The Acts 17:30
And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
Matthew 7:21-27
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name: and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock.
And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house: and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
Luke 12:47
And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
James 4:17
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
Matthew 24:12, 13
And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall was cold.
But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Matthews 10:22
And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
Mark 13:13
And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Revelation 2:5
Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
1 Corinthians 9:27
But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
Romans 8:13
For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
Hebrews 3:6
But Christ as a son over his own house: whose house we are, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.
Note: Here is my response to one of the commenters relative to this post topic:
Greetings -
You are right that GOD is the JUDGE.
Also, I firmly beieve in the scripture in 1 Corinithians 2:15 that says, "But he that is spiritual judgeth all things,..."
I agree that we are not to attempt to determine who might or might not be saved. And I agree that we need to tend to ourselves but I also believe that there is a lot of false teaching being promoted and that people need to know the truths of the Bible.
In particular, baby Christians may inquire about whether "once saved, always saved." Yes, they can seek the Lord through prayer and His Word... When I was a baby Christian, I asked lots of questions of GOD and of His people. I got some very helpful answers, of course from GOD, but also from His people. I asked my mentor the subject question. Her answer was no, not "once saved, always saved." She gave, in essence, what is stated above Matthew 24:13, "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."
Again, I agree that we need to tend to ourselves but I also believe that it is biblical to tend to others in the spirit of love, and as led by the Spirit of the living GOD.
I am deeply grateful that some dear saints tended to me when I was a baby Christian and beyond.
Biblical truths need to be shared because much false teaching is being spread.
Prayer:
Lord, please, I pray for us to remain steadfast in our aim to perfect holiness - 2 Corinthians 7:1. I pray that we will keep being burning lights that shine - John 5:35. Let us move in glorious holy freedom and go and glow firm with You until the end.
Please move upon carnal/lukewarm and backslidden Christians to become fervent for You - with steadfast aim to keep You, beloved Father, as FIRST LOVE.
Thank You, Lord - Amen
Friday, July 29, 2011
Sunday, July 24, 2011
PART TWO - "BUT I SUFFER NOT A WOMAN TO TEACH, NOR TO USURP AUTHORITY OVER THE MAN..."
Greetings -
Scriptures cited by Sandra are from the King James Bible.
This is Part Two. Part One is posted directly below this one.
Thank you to all who provided comments. More comments are certainly welcome. We are living and learning...
Here is an excerpt of Dakota's comment from Part One:
Many women excel in gifts of hospitality, mercy, teaching, evangelism, and helps. Much of the ministry of the local church depends on women. Women in the church are not restricted from public praying or prophesying (1 Corinthians 11:5), only from having spiritual teaching authority over men. The Bible nowhere restricts women from exercising the gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12). Women, just as much as men, are called to minister to others, to demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), and to proclaim the gospel to the lost (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; 1 Peter 3:15).
God has ordained that only men are to serve in positions of spiritual teaching authority in the church.
Sandra's comments:
My spirit bears witness with what Dakota expressed. I firmly believe that he speaks the words given Him by our Lord.
Here is a comment that I posted under Part One in response to one of Dakota's comments:
What you have expressed is of much help to me. I understand more about the matter.
I just finished having a lengthy conversation with one of my dear Christian female friends.
She pretty much explained the matter to me with much of the same logic that you did in your comment immediately above this one.
Also, before I conversed with my friend, I went to the Word of GOD and to prayer with our Lord. He has made the issue much more clear to me. Based on that, my spirit bears witness that you and my dear female friend are right. Most importantly, our Lord revealed to me during my intimate time with Him...that you and my dear female friend are correct.
Of course, that doesn't mean that I will get on a "soap box" to discourage others...
It is what our Lord has clearly revealed to some... I cannot judge what is going on with others. My aim is to KNOW and to do what our Lord commands through His Word and through His Holy Spirit. I deeply want to change to conform wholly to His image and to His Word as best that I know how...understanding, of course, that we will never know it all...but what I do KNOW is that our Lord holds each of us accountable for what He has clearly revealed to us to do...or NOT to do....
Note: I have never been comfortable with the female pastor arrangement though it is obvious that some of them are Christians, and are anointed and speak profound truths. It just never sat right with my spirit...but I had quite a bit of confusion about the matter...until now... Clearly now, as per revelation from our Lord, I'm NOT to partake...and am to receive the subject scriptures as gospel truth... GOD means what He says - I'll adjust accordingly.
Thank you so much, Dakota, for expounding on this issue.
Later today our Lord led me deeper. Here are scriptures that He shared:
1 Corinthians 14:34, 35
Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.
And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.
Sandra's comments:
My dear female Christian friend stated that if women aren't married that GOD is our husband and that we are to ask Him. My spirit bore witness with that. Isaiah 54:5 says, "For thy Maker is thine husband; the Lord of hosts is his name;..."
1 Timothy 2:12
But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man,...
Proverbs 9:9, 10
Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
Isaiah 9:2
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
Titus 2:1
But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
Titus 2:3-5
The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Sandra's comments:
Our Lord doesn't mean for wives to obey husbands who aim to lead them in ungodly ways, such as expecting wives to allow abusive treatment. GOD does NOT approve of abusive conduct.
I deeply appreciate that our Lord has delivered me from the confusion and uncertainty about the female pastor issue... Now I am fully certain, as revealed by His Spirit, that female pastors are NOT in accordance with the Words of our Lord, as cited above and by content contained in comments shown under Part One of this posted topic. Again, the Word states in 1 Timothy 2:12, "But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man,..."
Yes, some female pastors are Christians and deliver truths but the position of female pastors is not biblical. I cannot judge why they have taken on such roles...and of course, I love female pastors. I must, though, be on record to state that, as of this day, our Lord has revealed to me that I'm not to partake of ignoring/disobeying 1 Timothy 2:12...because now I KNOW, and He holds me accountable for what He has clearly revealed to me today as His truth.
This is shared here as led by our Lord. As I was writing this, I heard a pastor say (live streaming Sunday afternoon service), "Don't cross boundaries." As soon as I heard that, our Lord witnessed to my spirit that that is what female pastors...are doing - crossing boundaries.
My earnest aim is to wholly follow Christ and to be conformed to His image the best that I know how. We live and learn and certainly will never know it all but we are accountable to do what our Lord has revealed to us, individually and collectively.
I beseech you to seek our Lord for yourself about this vital matter.
Thank you all so much for your helpful comments.
Love,
Sandra
- FYI - You're invited to obtain my e-books. Also, I invite you to read my free offerings. Here is the link for additional information. http://www.sandrasbookdepot.blogspot.com/
Scriptures cited by Sandra are from the King James Bible.
This is Part Two. Part One is posted directly below this one.
Thank you to all who provided comments. More comments are certainly welcome. We are living and learning...
Here is an excerpt of Dakota's comment from Part One:
Many women excel in gifts of hospitality, mercy, teaching, evangelism, and helps. Much of the ministry of the local church depends on women. Women in the church are not restricted from public praying or prophesying (1 Corinthians 11:5), only from having spiritual teaching authority over men. The Bible nowhere restricts women from exercising the gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12). Women, just as much as men, are called to minister to others, to demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), and to proclaim the gospel to the lost (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; 1 Peter 3:15).
God has ordained that only men are to serve in positions of spiritual teaching authority in the church.
Sandra's comments:
My spirit bears witness with what Dakota expressed. I firmly believe that he speaks the words given Him by our Lord.
Here is a comment that I posted under Part One in response to one of Dakota's comments:
What you have expressed is of much help to me. I understand more about the matter.
I just finished having a lengthy conversation with one of my dear Christian female friends.
She pretty much explained the matter to me with much of the same logic that you did in your comment immediately above this one.
Also, before I conversed with my friend, I went to the Word of GOD and to prayer with our Lord. He has made the issue much more clear to me. Based on that, my spirit bears witness that you and my dear female friend are right. Most importantly, our Lord revealed to me during my intimate time with Him...that you and my dear female friend are correct.
Of course, that doesn't mean that I will get on a "soap box" to discourage others...
It is what our Lord has clearly revealed to some... I cannot judge what is going on with others. My aim is to KNOW and to do what our Lord commands through His Word and through His Holy Spirit. I deeply want to change to conform wholly to His image and to His Word as best that I know how...understanding, of course, that we will never know it all...but what I do KNOW is that our Lord holds each of us accountable for what He has clearly revealed to us to do...or NOT to do....
Note: I have never been comfortable with the female pastor arrangement though it is obvious that some of them are Christians, and are anointed and speak profound truths. It just never sat right with my spirit...but I had quite a bit of confusion about the matter...until now... Clearly now, as per revelation from our Lord, I'm NOT to partake...and am to receive the subject scriptures as gospel truth... GOD means what He says - I'll adjust accordingly.
Thank you so much, Dakota, for expounding on this issue.
Later today our Lord led me deeper. Here are scriptures that He shared:
1 Corinthians 14:34, 35
Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.
And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.
Sandra's comments:
My dear female Christian friend stated that if women aren't married that GOD is our husband and that we are to ask Him. My spirit bore witness with that. Isaiah 54:5 says, "For thy Maker is thine husband; the Lord of hosts is his name;..."
1 Timothy 2:12
But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man,...
Proverbs 9:9, 10
Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
Isaiah 9:2
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
Titus 2:1
But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
Titus 2:3-5
The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Sandra's comments:
Our Lord doesn't mean for wives to obey husbands who aim to lead them in ungodly ways, such as expecting wives to allow abusive treatment. GOD does NOT approve of abusive conduct.
I deeply appreciate that our Lord has delivered me from the confusion and uncertainty about the female pastor issue... Now I am fully certain, as revealed by His Spirit, that female pastors are NOT in accordance with the Words of our Lord, as cited above and by content contained in comments shown under Part One of this posted topic. Again, the Word states in 1 Timothy 2:12, "But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man,..."
Yes, some female pastors are Christians and deliver truths but the position of female pastors is not biblical. I cannot judge why they have taken on such roles...and of course, I love female pastors. I must, though, be on record to state that, as of this day, our Lord has revealed to me that I'm not to partake of ignoring/disobeying 1 Timothy 2:12...because now I KNOW, and He holds me accountable for what He has clearly revealed to me today as His truth.
This is shared here as led by our Lord. As I was writing this, I heard a pastor say (live streaming Sunday afternoon service), "Don't cross boundaries." As soon as I heard that, our Lord witnessed to my spirit that that is what female pastors...are doing - crossing boundaries.
My earnest aim is to wholly follow Christ and to be conformed to His image the best that I know how. We live and learn and certainly will never know it all but we are accountable to do what our Lord has revealed to us, individually and collectively.
I beseech you to seek our Lord for yourself about this vital matter.
Thank you all so much for your helpful comments.
Love,
Sandra
- FYI - You're invited to obtain my e-books. Also, I invite you to read my free offerings. Here is the link for additional information. http://www.sandrasbookdepot.blogspot.com/
Thursday, July 21, 2011
SAY WHAT
Greetings -
Scriptures are from the King James Bible.
Photos compliments of Sandra - Copyright 2011
Say what GOD says - HIS Words.
Daniel 10:12
Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.
Jeremiah 15:16
Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts.
Psalm 128:2
For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.
Tonight I heard a pastor say these words, "The gospel of the kingdom brings heaven to earth. Jesus came to set up the government of GOD in our daily lives on earth."
Matthew 4:23
And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in the synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom...
Now is the time to think GOD'S Words, to say GOD's Words, and to DO GOD'S Words. Now is the time to be keenly aware of what we allow in our ear gates and in our spirits. Satan has agents who he aims to contaminate and pollute our spirits. There are agents who speak doom, gloom, and discouragement. That is not our agenda.
It is our Father's good pleasure to give us the kingdom - Luke 12:32. I heard a pastor tonight use the word "kingdomized." Amen - Hallelujah! Also, he mentioned something to the effect that it is king dom with the "dom" meaning dominion.
Here I mention just some of the things that our Lord provides us as kingdom dwellers in this life. Matthew 6:10 says, "...Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." It is up to us to have pure hearts so that we can receive all that our Lord has for us who do according to His will as contained in His Holy Bible and as delivered to us by His Spirit.
2 Chronicles 13:18
...and the children of Judah prevailed, because they relied upon the Lord God of their fathers.
Psalm 71:16
I will go in the strength of the Lord God: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only.
Proverbs 16:20
...and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he.
2 Chronicles 16:8
Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubims a huge host, with very many chariots and horsemen? yet, because thou didst rely on the Lord, he delivered them into thine hand.
The Word of GOD states in Isaiah 57:21, "There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked." But Oh Hallelujah! If they choose to be kingdom of GOD dwellers, there is an abundance of peace.
Psalm 37:11
But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
Isaiah 66:12
For thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river,...
And joy figures prominently in the lives of kingdom dwellers. By the way, kingdom dwellers are not waders. Kingdom dwellers swim in deep waters guided by the Holy Ghost! Hope is the anchor of our souls. Hebrews 6:19 says, "Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast,..."
Matthew 2:10
...they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
Matthew 25:21
..enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.
Luke 1:14
And thou shalt have joy and gladness;...
Luke 2:10
...I bring you good tidings of great joy, ...
Luke 6:23
Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for behold, your reward is great...
John 16:22
...and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.
The Acts 20:24
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
Recommendation: I highly recommend that you visit Toyin's blog
to read this post titled, "WHO DO YOU TRUST?" http://youcanfacetodaybecausehelives.blogspot.com/2011/07/who-do-you-trust.html#comments
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
I WAS MARRIED TO A MAN WHO BECAME A PIMP, DRUG DEALER AND DRUG ADDICT
Greetings -
I just posted on my blog http://www.torchblazers.blogspot.com/, CHAPTER ONE of my fiction book, SOLID JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS - THE VICTORIA CHRONICLES. The Victoria character is based on me and true events that happened in my life.
The subject chapter is found on the referenced blog under a separate tab just below the blog header photo of the sunset. The tab is titled, "SOLID JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS - THE VICTORIA CHRONICLES."
Some of you may have read here on June 29, 2011, my post that referenced the Prologue of the subject book. That was placed on http://www.torchblazers.blogspot.com/ on June 29th. Here is an excerpt from that post:
Victoria Jessup, a honey-colored, raven-haired, petite dynamo has piercing eyes that quickly engage her “targets.” Her character style is bodacious with confidence developed through years of lessons delivered by life. In particular, humility became of high value to Victoria. Her aim is not to leave home without it. Victoria possesses a keen sense of awareness, a hearty sense of humor, and an overall sharp grip on perspectives. She isn’t formally educated but is adequately intelligent, well-read, and informed. Confidently, Victoria engages in most circles, educated and otherwise. Definitely, she has the gift of gab. The gab is prone, at times, to quench the gift. Once a boyfriend said to her, “Shut up, shut up completely.” The nerve of him!
Victoria was born in Washington, D.C., to Jewel Newsome and Charles Evans. The twist? When Victoria was conceived, her parents were married but not to each other. Victoria entered this world the offspring of two adulterers who were later saved and forgiven by the Lord Jesus Christ. How GOD is that?!
There is much to learn and to pursue. By the grace of GOD, Victoria journeys on.
Here is an excerpt from Chapter One that I posted tonight on www.torchblazers.blogspot.com:
CHAPTER ONE
"A MATRIMONIAL WALK ON THE DARK SIDE"
In truth, I was married to a man who became a pimp, drug dealer and drug addict. The content below is not fiction but has some content that is fictionalized.
This excerpted account is when Victoria discovers her husband in his car with Tracy, a woman with whom he is intimately involved.
It’s a sunny Saturday afternoon. Victoria is uptown on 14th Street when she sees Morris’ parked car and him seated in the driver’s seat with a woman, Tracy, seated in the front passenger’s seat. Tracy is a dark petite woman with high cheek bones and short cropped auburn hair. She is intimately involved with Morris.
The presence of Tracy stabs at Victoria’s heart. She foolishly relies on her matrimonial status to give her advantage. She mistakenly believes that her presence will cause Tracy to leave; Tracy stays.
Victoria thinks, “The nerve of her!”
Morris adds to the insult. He refuses to tell Tracy to get out of the car, and she makes no moves to relinquish her illegitimate perch. Immensely wounded and exasperated, Victoria asks Morris to drive her downtown.
He tells her to get in the back seat.
END OF EXCERPTS
Please visit http://www.torchblazers.blogspot.com/ to read the full Prologue and Chapter One.
Thank you for your consideration.
Note: I have already received, via e-mail, a very helpful critique on Chapter One. It's likely that some changes will be made but I won't bother to post as I revise.... Also, the book title is SOLID JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS - ... so I won't provide a bunch of details in the subject chapter chronicles.
I just posted on my blog http://www.torchblazers.blogspot.com/, CHAPTER ONE of my fiction book, SOLID JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS - THE VICTORIA CHRONICLES. The Victoria character is based on me and true events that happened in my life.
The subject chapter is found on the referenced blog under a separate tab just below the blog header photo of the sunset. The tab is titled, "SOLID JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS - THE VICTORIA CHRONICLES."
Some of you may have read here on June 29, 2011, my post that referenced the Prologue of the subject book. That was placed on http://www.torchblazers.blogspot.com/ on June 29th. Here is an excerpt from that post:
Victoria Jessup, a honey-colored, raven-haired, petite dynamo has piercing eyes that quickly engage her “targets.” Her character style is bodacious with confidence developed through years of lessons delivered by life. In particular, humility became of high value to Victoria. Her aim is not to leave home without it. Victoria possesses a keen sense of awareness, a hearty sense of humor, and an overall sharp grip on perspectives. She isn’t formally educated but is adequately intelligent, well-read, and informed. Confidently, Victoria engages in most circles, educated and otherwise. Definitely, she has the gift of gab. The gab is prone, at times, to quench the gift. Once a boyfriend said to her, “Shut up, shut up completely.” The nerve of him!
Victoria was born in Washington, D.C., to Jewel Newsome and Charles Evans. The twist? When Victoria was conceived, her parents were married but not to each other. Victoria entered this world the offspring of two adulterers who were later saved and forgiven by the Lord Jesus Christ. How GOD is that?!
There is much to learn and to pursue. By the grace of GOD, Victoria journeys on.
Here is an excerpt from Chapter One that I posted tonight on www.torchblazers.blogspot.com:
CHAPTER ONE
"A MATRIMONIAL WALK ON THE DARK SIDE"
In truth, I was married to a man who became a pimp, drug dealer and drug addict. The content below is not fiction but has some content that is fictionalized.
This excerpted account is when Victoria discovers her husband in his car with Tracy, a woman with whom he is intimately involved.
It’s a sunny Saturday afternoon. Victoria is uptown on 14th Street when she sees Morris’ parked car and him seated in the driver’s seat with a woman, Tracy, seated in the front passenger’s seat. Tracy is a dark petite woman with high cheek bones and short cropped auburn hair. She is intimately involved with Morris.
The presence of Tracy stabs at Victoria’s heart. She foolishly relies on her matrimonial status to give her advantage. She mistakenly believes that her presence will cause Tracy to leave; Tracy stays.
Victoria thinks, “The nerve of her!”
Morris adds to the insult. He refuses to tell Tracy to get out of the car, and she makes no moves to relinquish her illegitimate perch. Immensely wounded and exasperated, Victoria asks Morris to drive her downtown.
He tells her to get in the back seat.
END OF EXCERPTS
Please visit http://www.torchblazers.blogspot.com/ to read the full Prologue and Chapter One.
Thank you for your consideration.
Note: I have already received, via e-mail, a very helpful critique on Chapter One. It's likely that some changes will be made but I won't bother to post as I revise.... Also, the book title is SOLID JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS - ... so I won't provide a bunch of details in the subject chapter chronicles.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
NONE MADE THEM AFRAID...
Greetings -
This morning as I read the Word of GOD, our Lord shared with me that many of His children are afraid. His heart is wounded because many of His people fear the devil while many in the world have no fear of GOD.
Our Lords says to His people:
Keep yourselves holy, pure, and sanctified and you certainly will not be afraid. My heart grieves because My people fear. Gird up your loins and seek Me for how to come into sure places where fear is not your companion. That is not a match made in heaven. I have not given you a spirit of fear - 2 Timothy 1:7. 1 John 4:18 says, "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love."
Arrest fear and sentence it to death in you. In the kingdom of GOD, fear is on death row. Many heathen don't fear Me because too many who profess Me as Lord fear the devil. Reverse the curse, people. Satan should fear you as long as your hearts are pure and your lives habitually holy. Agree with Me. That will be a sure indication to Satan that we are on the same side. Amos 3:3 says, "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" When more of My people come into agreement with Me, You can more powerfully resist the devil and he will flee - James 4:7.
Certainly, I perform My Words. Read on for proof from My Holy Bible:
Job 11:19
Also thou shalt lie down, and none shall make thee afraid;
Leviticus 26:6
And I will give peace...and ye shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid:...
Ezekiel 34:28
And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen, neither shall the beast of the land devour them; but they shall dwell safely, and none shall make them afraid.
Jeremiah 30:10
Therefore fear thou not, O my servant Jacob, saith the Lord; neither be dismayed, O Israel: for, lo, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be in rest, and be quiet, and none shall make him afraid.
Jeremiah 46:27
..and be in rest and at ease, and none shall make him afraid.
Ezekiel 39:26
...and none made them afraid.
Micah 4:4
...and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the Lord of hosts hath spoken it.
Zephaniah 3:13
The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid.
Ezekiel 2:6
And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.
Philippians 1:28
And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.
The Acts 20:24
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
Job 5:22
At destruction and famine thou shalt laugh: neither shalt thou be afraid of the beasts of the earth.
Psalm 3:6
I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.
2 Kings 6:16
And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.
Psalm 34:4
I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
Now as for what you will witness more when you consistently live holy and resultantly resist fear:
Deuteronomy 2:4
and they shall be afraid of you:
Deuteronomy 28:10
And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the Lord; and they shall be afraid of thee.
My Word reveals that not all people will be saved but, for sure, more will enter My kingdom from the witness of my holy saints. More will come to fear Me through what they witness from My sanctified vessels. More heathen will come to respect Me from the holiness and power that pours forth from My anointed vessels of honor. My love will go and glow from within My people and My glory will be seen upon them - Isaiah 60:2. What vital actions will bring holy powerfully anointed revolution? Pure saints who shine and operate with the Spirit of the only GOOD GOD Almighty.
Part Two:
Yesterday I read an article with the headline, "Thieves strikes at 3 churches during services." Here is the link (I'm not sure how long the article will remain on the subject site) http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Thieves-Strike-at-3-Churches-During-Services-125007314.html
In the subject article, it was stated, "Churches have become a target for crimes recently." This a.m. I pondered that and asked the Lord why there has been an increase in such crimes. He shared with me that there is an increase of people who don't fear Him. He further shared that some of that lack of fear is because of the failures of scores of those who are called by His name. Further, many have taken GOD'S longsuffering for granted. He made it vividly clear to me this a.m. that the fear of GOD, for more people, shall come to pass. Why? Because He is about to unleash His fury in their lives up close and personal. This is some scripture content that He shared with me this a.m. :
Genesis 35:5
...and the terror of God was upon the cities that were round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob.
Isaiah 13:3
I have commanded my sanctified ones, I have also called my mighty ones for mine anger, even them that rejoice in my highness.
Isaiah 13:7
Therefore shall all hands be faint, and every man's heart shall melt:
Isaiah 13:8
And they shall be afraid: pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman that travaileth:...
Some will fear GOD to the point that they will repent with godly sorrow and forsake their wicked ways.
The love of GOD can certainly use fear as one means to bring people into His kingdom. He is an awesome GOD and uses whatever means He deems necessary, but surely, this is a season when His fury will be more on display. And He will show the proof because His Word never returns void - Isaiah 55:11.
Amos 3:7
Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.
Isaiah 59:18
According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to his adversaries, recompence to his enemies;...
2 Chronicles 6:10
The Lord therefore hath performed his word that he hath spoken:...
2 Chronicles 6:17
Now then, O Lord God of Israel, let thy word be verified, which thou hast spoken...
Romans 10:9
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
More helpful scriptures:
Psalm 56:3
Psalm 112:7
Proverbs 3:24
Isaiah 8:12
Isaiah 12:2
Isaiah 51:7
Isaiah 51:12
Jeremiah 1:8
This morning as I read the Word of GOD, our Lord shared with me that many of His children are afraid. His heart is wounded because many of His people fear the devil while many in the world have no fear of GOD.
Our Lords says to His people:
Keep yourselves holy, pure, and sanctified and you certainly will not be afraid. My heart grieves because My people fear. Gird up your loins and seek Me for how to come into sure places where fear is not your companion. That is not a match made in heaven. I have not given you a spirit of fear - 2 Timothy 1:7. 1 John 4:18 says, "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love."
Arrest fear and sentence it to death in you. In the kingdom of GOD, fear is on death row. Many heathen don't fear Me because too many who profess Me as Lord fear the devil. Reverse the curse, people. Satan should fear you as long as your hearts are pure and your lives habitually holy. Agree with Me. That will be a sure indication to Satan that we are on the same side. Amos 3:3 says, "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" When more of My people come into agreement with Me, You can more powerfully resist the devil and he will flee - James 4:7.
Certainly, I perform My Words. Read on for proof from My Holy Bible:
Job 11:19
Also thou shalt lie down, and none shall make thee afraid;
Leviticus 26:6
And I will give peace...and ye shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid:...
Ezekiel 34:28
And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen, neither shall the beast of the land devour them; but they shall dwell safely, and none shall make them afraid.
Jeremiah 30:10
Therefore fear thou not, O my servant Jacob, saith the Lord; neither be dismayed, O Israel: for, lo, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be in rest, and be quiet, and none shall make him afraid.
Jeremiah 46:27
..and be in rest and at ease, and none shall make him afraid.
Ezekiel 39:26
...and none made them afraid.
Micah 4:4
...and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the Lord of hosts hath spoken it.
Zephaniah 3:13
The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid.
Ezekiel 2:6
And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.
Philippians 1:28
And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.
The Acts 20:24
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
Job 5:22
At destruction and famine thou shalt laugh: neither shalt thou be afraid of the beasts of the earth.
Psalm 3:6
I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.
2 Kings 6:16
And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.
Psalm 34:4
I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
Now as for what you will witness more when you consistently live holy and resultantly resist fear:
Deuteronomy 2:4
and they shall be afraid of you:
Deuteronomy 28:10
And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the Lord; and they shall be afraid of thee.
My Word reveals that not all people will be saved but, for sure, more will enter My kingdom from the witness of my holy saints. More will come to fear Me through what they witness from My sanctified vessels. More heathen will come to respect Me from the holiness and power that pours forth from My anointed vessels of honor. My love will go and glow from within My people and My glory will be seen upon them - Isaiah 60:2. What vital actions will bring holy powerfully anointed revolution? Pure saints who shine and operate with the Spirit of the only GOOD GOD Almighty.
Part Two:
Yesterday I read an article with the headline, "Thieves strikes at 3 churches during services." Here is the link (I'm not sure how long the article will remain on the subject site) http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Thieves-Strike-at-3-Churches-During-Services-125007314.html
In the subject article, it was stated, "Churches have become a target for crimes recently." This a.m. I pondered that and asked the Lord why there has been an increase in such crimes. He shared with me that there is an increase of people who don't fear Him. He further shared that some of that lack of fear is because of the failures of scores of those who are called by His name. Further, many have taken GOD'S longsuffering for granted. He made it vividly clear to me this a.m. that the fear of GOD, for more people, shall come to pass. Why? Because He is about to unleash His fury in their lives up close and personal. This is some scripture content that He shared with me this a.m. :
Genesis 35:5
...and the terror of God was upon the cities that were round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob.
Isaiah 13:3
I have commanded my sanctified ones, I have also called my mighty ones for mine anger, even them that rejoice in my highness.
Isaiah 13:7
Therefore shall all hands be faint, and every man's heart shall melt:
Isaiah 13:8
And they shall be afraid: pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman that travaileth:...
Some will fear GOD to the point that they will repent with godly sorrow and forsake their wicked ways.
The love of GOD can certainly use fear as one means to bring people into His kingdom. He is an awesome GOD and uses whatever means He deems necessary, but surely, this is a season when His fury will be more on display. And He will show the proof because His Word never returns void - Isaiah 55:11.
Amos 3:7
Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.
Isaiah 59:18
According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to his adversaries, recompence to his enemies;...
2 Chronicles 6:10
The Lord therefore hath performed his word that he hath spoken:...
2 Chronicles 6:17
Now then, O Lord God of Israel, let thy word be verified, which thou hast spoken...
Romans 10:9
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
More helpful scriptures:
Psalm 56:3
Psalm 112:7
Proverbs 3:24
Isaiah 8:12
Isaiah 12:2
Isaiah 51:7
Isaiah 51:12
Jeremiah 1:8
- FYI - You're invited to obtain my e-books. Also, I invite you to read my free offerings. Here is the link for additional information. http://www.sandrasbookdepot.blogspot.com/
You don't need e-readers to read e-books; they can also be read online.
You don't need e-readers to read e-books; they can also be read online.
Monday, July 4, 2011
I'VE BEEN REBUKED SHARPLY...
Greetings -
Scriptures are from the King James Bible.
When I did my post yesterday titled, "CREDIBILITY, COURTESY AND REQUEST FOR PRAYER," one commenter mentioned balance. I so agree with her that we need to exercise balance with love, of course, in the mix.
We can be at extremes where we never, or rarely, rebuke each other or at extremes where we rebuke in excess. I have heard it stated by several Christians, as well as in the media, that a well-known pastor soft pedals the gospel and avoids preaching about hell and other "uncomfortable" biblical topics. I happen to believe that the subject pastor is a loving man of GOD. My inclination, though, is not to watch his programming because his style is not one that appeals to me.
Recently, I read an article by a Christian woman who stressed that the church is silent too much. She blamed church silence for some of the wrongs that have been allowed to progress in society. She went on to state that we need to be reformers. I looked up reform. It says: make changes in (something, typically a social, political, or economic institution or practice) in order to improve it:.. - Source - The New Oxford American Dictionary. The author expressed the need for us to cease to be silent about the gospel in places outside of the church walls. The gospel needs to be proclaimed and lived before heathen witnesses in government, medicine, science, politics, economics, etc. Our Lord deals with us all uniquely. I believe that it is wise to seek Him to learn how He needs to use us as reformers in our communities, schools, governments and other places where the gospel needs to spoken and shown. Our forefathers built this country on the precepts of the Holy Bible.
Back to the matter of rebuke....I've been rebuked sharply. Titus 1:13 says, "This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they many be sound in the faith." I have learned to be appreciative of rebuke, sharp or otherwise, that I know comes from our Lord. Last month I was in a deep conversation with a man who, for the most part, is backslidden from our Lord. During our conversation, when I began to interrupt him to say what I was inclined to say, he sharply told me, "The Lord told me to tell you to shut up." Immediately, I knew that it was the Lord speaking to me through him - and immediately I shut up. As we continued to deeply converse, I began again to interrupt him to say what I was inclined to say. He sharply told me, "The Lord told me again to tell you to shut up." And again, I knew that it was our Lord...and again, immediately I shut up. I didn't get angry about the sharp rebukes. Gratitude is what registered in my spirit.
Last year on a city bus, a stranger, who happened to be a Christian, publicly rebuked me sharply when she heard me speak out of order to someone on the bus. When she rebuked me, immediately I knew that it was our Lord speaking through her to me. I thanked her. Another person on the bus attempted to engage me in conversation again. My reply was that I didn't have anything else to say because the Lord had used that woman to shut me up.
This morning a man rebuked me and our Lord revealed to me that it was NOT of Him. I disregarded...what the man said because it was not for me, as our Lord had clearly revealed.
There are some Christians who resist the rebuke aspects of the Holy Bible. Some express that it is up to GOD to judge and to rebuke. That is true but GOD sometimes uses people to express His judgments and rebukes. That is full gospel truth according to what is written in the pages of the Bible in the Old and New Testaments. Certainly, GOD is the JUDGE of all judges. But He does use people to judge and to rebuke.
Many people misuderstand the scripture in Matthew 7:1 that states, "Judge not, that ye be not judged." That scripture means not to judge in malicious unrighteous ways. There is biblical basis for judging righteously.
Ezekiel 3:18, 19
When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.
Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.
1 Corinthians 2:15
But he that is spiritual judgeth all things,...
1 Corinthians 6:2
Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
1 Corinthians 6:5
...Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?
1 Corinthians 14:29
Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
2 Corinthians 10:6
And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
1 Corinthians 4:21
What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?
1 Thessalonians 5:14
...warn them that are unruly,...
Romans 15:14
...able also to admonish one another.
Here are scripture references where Paul judged/rebuked Peter:
Galatians 2:11
But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.
I looked up the word withstood. It says: offer strong resistance or opposition to (someone or something). - Source - The New Oxford American Dictionary
Galatians 2:14
But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all,...
Certainly, it is Bible truth that we are instructed to restore those at fault in the spirit of meekness - Galatians 6:1. It is also certainly Bible truth when it instructs to rebuke sharply - Titus 1:13. The most vital issue is to walk in the Spirit with love to be led of our Lord as to when to say/do what and how - all for His glory.
- FYI - You're invited to obtain my e-books. Also, I invite you to read my free offerings. Here is the link for additional information. http://www.sandrasbookdepot.blogspot.com/
You don't need e-readers to read e-books; they can also be read online.
Scriptures are from the King James Bible.
When I did my post yesterday titled, "CREDIBILITY, COURTESY AND REQUEST FOR PRAYER," one commenter mentioned balance. I so agree with her that we need to exercise balance with love, of course, in the mix.
We can be at extremes where we never, or rarely, rebuke each other or at extremes where we rebuke in excess. I have heard it stated by several Christians, as well as in the media, that a well-known pastor soft pedals the gospel and avoids preaching about hell and other "uncomfortable" biblical topics. I happen to believe that the subject pastor is a loving man of GOD. My inclination, though, is not to watch his programming because his style is not one that appeals to me.
Recently, I read an article by a Christian woman who stressed that the church is silent too much. She blamed church silence for some of the wrongs that have been allowed to progress in society. She went on to state that we need to be reformers. I looked up reform. It says: make changes in (something, typically a social, political, or economic institution or practice) in order to improve it:.. - Source - The New Oxford American Dictionary. The author expressed the need for us to cease to be silent about the gospel in places outside of the church walls. The gospel needs to be proclaimed and lived before heathen witnesses in government, medicine, science, politics, economics, etc. Our Lord deals with us all uniquely. I believe that it is wise to seek Him to learn how He needs to use us as reformers in our communities, schools, governments and other places where the gospel needs to spoken and shown. Our forefathers built this country on the precepts of the Holy Bible.
Back to the matter of rebuke....I've been rebuked sharply. Titus 1:13 says, "This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they many be sound in the faith." I have learned to be appreciative of rebuke, sharp or otherwise, that I know comes from our Lord. Last month I was in a deep conversation with a man who, for the most part, is backslidden from our Lord. During our conversation, when I began to interrupt him to say what I was inclined to say, he sharply told me, "The Lord told me to tell you to shut up." Immediately, I knew that it was the Lord speaking to me through him - and immediately I shut up. As we continued to deeply converse, I began again to interrupt him to say what I was inclined to say. He sharply told me, "The Lord told me again to tell you to shut up." And again, I knew that it was our Lord...and again, immediately I shut up. I didn't get angry about the sharp rebukes. Gratitude is what registered in my spirit.
Last year on a city bus, a stranger, who happened to be a Christian, publicly rebuked me sharply when she heard me speak out of order to someone on the bus. When she rebuked me, immediately I knew that it was our Lord speaking through her to me. I thanked her. Another person on the bus attempted to engage me in conversation again. My reply was that I didn't have anything else to say because the Lord had used that woman to shut me up.
This morning a man rebuked me and our Lord revealed to me that it was NOT of Him. I disregarded...what the man said because it was not for me, as our Lord had clearly revealed.
There are some Christians who resist the rebuke aspects of the Holy Bible. Some express that it is up to GOD to judge and to rebuke. That is true but GOD sometimes uses people to express His judgments and rebukes. That is full gospel truth according to what is written in the pages of the Bible in the Old and New Testaments. Certainly, GOD is the JUDGE of all judges. But He does use people to judge and to rebuke.
Many people misuderstand the scripture in Matthew 7:1 that states, "Judge not, that ye be not judged." That scripture means not to judge in malicious unrighteous ways. There is biblical basis for judging righteously.
Ezekiel 3:18, 19
When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.
Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.
1 Corinthians 2:15
But he that is spiritual judgeth all things,...
1 Corinthians 6:2
Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
1 Corinthians 6:5
...Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?
1 Corinthians 14:29
Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
2 Corinthians 10:6
And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
1 Corinthians 4:21
What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?
1 Thessalonians 5:14
...warn them that are unruly,...
Romans 15:14
...able also to admonish one another.
Here are scripture references where Paul judged/rebuked Peter:
Galatians 2:11
But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.
I looked up the word withstood. It says: offer strong resistance or opposition to (someone or something). - Source - The New Oxford American Dictionary
Galatians 2:14
But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all,...
Certainly, it is Bible truth that we are instructed to restore those at fault in the spirit of meekness - Galatians 6:1. It is also certainly Bible truth when it instructs to rebuke sharply - Titus 1:13. The most vital issue is to walk in the Spirit with love to be led of our Lord as to when to say/do what and how - all for His glory.
- FYI - You're invited to obtain my e-books. Also, I invite you to read my free offerings. Here is the link for additional information. http://www.sandrasbookdepot.blogspot.com/
You don't need e-readers to read e-books; they can also be read online.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
REVELATION REST
Greetings -
Scriptures are from the King James Bible.
Photo compliments of Sandra - Copyright 2011
Nehemiah 2:17, 18
...and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach.
Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work.
This post is somewhat related to the one posted directly below this one titled, "CREDIBILITY, COURTESY AND REQUEST FOR PRAYER." In that post, I expressed my battle with people who, overall, lack integrity and credibility. After I wrote the subject post and read some very helpful comments, our Lord settled me and gave me these revelations:
- When people betray us, as long as we keep ourselves pure, we can be mindful of Esther 4:14 which says, "...then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place;..."
- When Judas betrayed Jesus our Lord kept His focus on His assignment. GOD gave Jesus the assignment and Jesus completely handled our Father's business. Judas' betrayal did not, at all, waylay Jesus. How incredible that Jesus knew of Judas' betrayal before Judas did - yet Jesus chose him as one of His disciples - that the scripture could be fulfilled. Judas' presence did not prevent Jesus' assignment nor did Judas' presence alter Jesus' persona. Jesus kept His love walk intact as He pressed forward to fulfill the will of our Father. Jesus is steadfastly true to the truth, regardless! Of course, we aren't Jesus and we will falter but what a great witness for us to use as encouragement!
- We disappoint others and they disappoint us. The Word of our Lord says in 1 Corinthians 2:5, "That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." And Jeremiah 17:5, 7 states, "Thus saith the Lord; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord. Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is."
- I need to get better not bitter. Hebrews 12:15 says, "...lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;"
- 1 Timothy 5:22 says, "...neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.
- Vengeance belongs to GOD. Hebrews 10:30 states, "For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people."
GOD does lead as follows, as well:
- Ezekiel 3:18, 19
When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.
- Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, or from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:14
...warn them that are unruly,...
- Titus 1:13
This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;
- Romans 15:14
...able also to admonish one another.
- OF COURSE, WITHOUT LOVE, WE ARE NOTHING
1 CORINTHIANS 13.
It is important to be mindful that Jesus has lion and lamb attributes - He is the Lamb and the Lion. We need to seek our Lord as to when to use gentleness in warnings and when to use sharpness, as stated above - rebuke them sharply. Sometimes our Lord gives us gentle rebukes and sometimes His rebukes are administered sharply. Certainly, we need both, as the Spirit of the living GOD decides. When we walk in His Spirit, He leads as to when, who, and how.
Recently I heard Bishop T. D. Jakes say these words, "Boats don't go down when they get in the water. They only go down when the water gets in them." And he said, "The glory that's down inside you is greater than the limitations around you."
Years ago, one of my friends said to me, "Don't let unjust treatment take you hostage."
With those things said, I need to keep it moving UP with more focus on GOD not man.
I close with recent words that I heard from Pastor Creflo Dollar.
We shouldn't just talk about going up to heaven but about heaven coming down to the earth.
Jesus didn't come just to get us into heaven but to give us a revelation of heaven on earth.
Sandra
CREDIBILITY, COURTESY AND REQUEST FOR PRAYER
Greetings -
Scriptures are from the King James Bible.
Recently I did a post http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2011/04/scripture-joy-and-we-all-need-to-change.html that stated that we all need to change.
Our Lord revealed to me that one reason that this has been posted today is that others are battling with this matter...
Of late, my frequent prayer to our Lord is that I need to change. I have prayed that I will exhibit more love, forgiveness, compassion, and mercy - because certainly I need all of that from our Lord and others. We are commanded to sow to the Spririt and to walk in the Spirit.
My confession here is that I'm probably not as spiritual as I should be when it comes to credibility/integrity issues, especially relative to Christians. When I was in the workforce, numerous people, including managers, complimented me on my excellent work ethic. I received more than several monetary awards for my work performance. And those monetary awards were rendered to me before I became spiritual.
My attendance record was commendable and I habitually arrived at work at least a half hour before my shift began. Responsiveness was very important to me. I returned calls, provided timely feedback, kept my words, and was consistently courteous. Did I falter in some work practices? Of course, but overall, my performance was consistently excellent and my yearly appraisals from my supervisors reflected that.
Now that I have a home-based business, those excellent qualities and attributes continue to be practiced.
Some of you may have read my post titled, "CUSTOMER SERVICE IS AN ART." Here are the links: http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2010/10/customer-service-is-art.html and http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2010/10/conclusion-of-customer-service-is-art.html
Primarily, my confession here is that I'm challenged, in particular, with the amount of times that I have dealt with Christians who don't keep their words, who are, typically, not inclined to provide feedback relative to business commitments, who are discourteous, who consistently lack integrity, and who are regularly disrespectful and unappreciative.
According to scripture, we are to love, to forgive, to show mercy and compassion. But what about what it says in scripture about doing things decently and in order? - 1 Corinthians 14:40.
And the scripture tells us not to judge. But what about the scripture that says in 1 Corinithians 2:15, "But he that is spiritual judgeth all things,..."?
And what about Hebrews 13:18, "...willing to live honestly."?
And Proverbs 19:1
"Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity,..."
I need help, people. Please pray for me in this area. And please share how you deal with and overcome people, especially those who profess to be Christians, who typically lie, cheat, and have lack of credibility and integrity. I speak of from a business and personal standpoint. I know that we are instructed to trust the Lord and to put not confidence in man but I need help please on how to conquer this battle...
It could very well be that I'm wrong for my lack of understanding for such people and their less than honorable habits. Indeed, I have my shortcomings, as well. Of course, I do know that there are circumstances that prevent people from keeping their words...but when it is their consistent conduct, that is where I lack tolerance. Perhaps, they have done as I have and sought the Lord for the help to change their less than godly conduct.
There are people who have loads of baggage from their pasts, who have been abused, and who haven't learned how to practice honorable habits. May our Lord help us all to seek Him for deliverance so that we can purpose to do things decently and in order with integrity and honesty steadfastly demonstrated. It is not reasonable to keep making excuses when we can do better if we work with our Lord to conquer. Our Lord knows what we can do better and what we cannot change...
I certainly don't want to be in a place where I do unrighteous judgments of people but is it reasonable to righteously judge habitual lack of integrity and credibility from those who profess to know GOD? Again, 1 Corinthians 2:15, "But he that is spiritual judgeth all things,..."
Our Lord told me to re-post the following:
CREDIBILTY
Greetings -
Do you know of people, "Christians" even, who are not credible? Credibility and integrity is very important to the Lord. True worshippers of GOD worship Him in spirit and in truth. Our Father expects us to be consistently honest and noble in our thoughts, words, and deeds.
Credibility is vital in every area of our lives. A couple of years ago, I met a "Christian" "minister" who got paid cash for jobs and did not report the income. I mentioned it to him - he offered some sort of "justification."
Have you heard people describe "little white" lies? A lie is a lie is a lie.
Is your word your bond? Can people consistently believe that you mean what you say and that you say what you mean? Do you arrive when indicated, and keep appointments on a prompt and reliable basis? In those instances where you cannot keep your words, do you alert the concerned people to inform of changes? In relationships, business and personal, are you politely responsive? What about being considerate of the time and needs of others? It is wise to be mindful of guarding when others fail to be considerate of our time and needs, as well.
I have observed adults who demand respect from youth yet do not give respect to youth. Children/youth are to be respected as well as adults. We need to tell them "please," "thank you," and "excuse me" just as we should say such to adults. We cannot reasonably expect honesty and respect from youth if they do not consistently observe those qualities in demonstration from us. The same can be said, in some measures, relative to relationships with adults.
GOD is love. GOD is truth. GOD is credible.
Prayer:
Father, in the name of JESUS, please help us to embrace truth in every affair of our lives. We need to be of quality character conformed to Your image with the mind of Christ. Help us to be reliable, dependable and credible in personal and business relationships. Most of all, Lord, please help us to keep it real with You and those whom You have in our lives.
Thank You, Lord, - Amen
Proverbs 19:22
...and a poor man is better than a liar.
Proverbs 6:16-19
These six things doth the Lord hate; yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
Revelation 21:8
...and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone:...
Proverbs 4:18
But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
Here are some of the comments that were entered when the subject post was originally posted on October 12, 2010:
Dee said...
I do know Christians that have done or said similar things that you mentioned above and it disappoints me enough to be careful that I do not do the same things. We have the tendency to forget that the Lord sees our heart..we can deceive our selves but not the Lord. I admire you for letting the Lord use your writing skill to glorify Him and reach out to others with the truth.
MTJ said...
Hi Sandra,
I believe that just as God's word is representative of His integrity, my word is representative of me. If I don't honor my words, what good is my word? That's why I don't commit myself to anything quickly. If I'm asked to commit to something which I know I won't honor, I'd rather say, "no," than offer up some excuse to explain why I couldn't make it.
People may easily forget what I say, but folks have a knack for remembering what I did. Christian and credibility are paired because credibility has to do with honesty, truth, reliability and integrity. If I'm not honest, truthful, reliable and lacking integrity, what does that say about my witness to Christ? I'm a poor example of a follower of Christ.
Blessings and peace.
MTJ
B. Niles said...
Great post Sandra. I agree with all the comments. I use Col.3:17 as my guide, "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus..."
I try to let that govern what I say and do, how I say and do it and whether I say and do it at all. Because if I say it, I'm bound by my word. So I'd rather say no to something and then come back and say yes when I'm sure, than say yes, and have to come back and say, sorry, I can't do it. James says, "We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check" James 3:2.
I'm not perfect yet, but this one thing I do, "I press toward the mark..."
More comments are shown under the original post date of October 12, 2010. Here is the link to the original post. http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2010/10/credibility.html
Another re-post:
COURTESY SCALE
Greetings:
What do we weigh on the courtesy scale?
Do we say "please," "thank you," and "excuse me?"
Do we greet before we engage people? Example: We are at work and in our initial contacts for the day(s), we approach colleagues about matters - do we greet them first with "Good morning," "hi," "hello" etc? Or do we just forego greetings and start in with our communication?
The first "good morning" I speak is to the Lord - whose air we breathe.
What about sharing? Are we gung-ho for receiving but selfish about giving - not just things - but our time and energy to the interests of others?
The other night someone told me that a certain hotel was not inclined to host anymore Christians because of how discourteously they behaved when they stayed there. That was about the second person who told me about that account.
Another account that I heard was about Christians who lack courteous demeanors and who fail to show love.
What about this? Do we keep our words? Of course, extenuating circumstances can necessitate changes/postponements/cancellations becoming necessary but when those are the cases, do we make contacts to inform of changes? Or do we just discourteously leave people hanging?
Today in the December 2010 issue of GQ magazine I read an interview of Vice President Biden. This is what he said that his father told him, "You're a man of your word. Without your word, you're not a man."
May GOD help us all to habitually practice courtesy and to be people of excellence in the areas of love, integrity, credibility, and responsiveness - among other godly pursuits.
Let us be Spiritually fruity Christians in all affairs of life - for that is the Word of GOD - in practice.
Note: Even when we must be stern and firm - love should be a habitual focus.
Here are some of the comments that were entered when the subject post was originally posted on December 8, 2010:
Marijo said...
Great piece that we need to hold up like a mirror and see who we are reflecting!
I received this, via e-mail, from Marijo (She gave her permission to have it posted on this blog):
On Wed, Dec 8, 2010 at 5:41 PM, Marijo wrote:
Know what one of my pet peeves is? when you thank someone (especially a clerk or someone who is helping you with something - waitress etc) and they say "not a problem" - what happened to "you are welcome?" Not a problem is really saying "it didn't bother me that much or wasn't a difficulty for me".... to me that is a self centered answer rather than an outgoing and helpful answer - I realize it is probably a generational thing like saying "cool" was when I was growing up but really.....
I received this, via e-mail, from Karen (She gave her permission to have it posted on this blog):
Karen to me
show details 7:13 PM (19 minutes ago)
I really liked this capsule - good questions. I find it appalling that Christians have a reputation at hotels for being discourteous! I would like to know the whole story there. I know that sometimes nonbelievers scrutinize our actions, looking for hypocrisy, to make themselves feel better. I don't condone discourteous behaviour, but sometimes people take offense just so that they can complain.
I think integrity is very important. I have returned to stores when they gave me too much change, even one time when a grocery cashier missed charging me for about $60 of items. I told the customer service rep that maybe God was testing my integrity. I don't tell this story because I think I am better than other people, I just think that all Christians should be people of integrity.
Karen
Julie Reynolds said...
Amen! I like this post. I think that we do need to do our best in our lives to become more like Jesus, as Christians, that should be what we strive for. However, not every one understands that that is what a Christian is. Unfortunately, there are many who think that they can act any way they want to, because God will forgive them. They don't think about the fact that what they do could be harmful to another person.
Ruth said...
This post gives a lot of food for thought. It is sad when Christians are frowned upon because of their lack of courtesy.
Blessings, Ruth
Sharon Kirby said...
Such a very good post, Sandra. My husband and I love all things having to do with the Old West. We attend several events a year, and many are attended by the old actors from TV and movie westerns. One thing we are ALWAYS impressed by is their politeness. They are gentlemen -
The art of courtesy seems to be missing lately from our culture. Society concentrates so much on a "give me" mindset, that there's not much room for a "help you" thought!
I was taught manners growing up, and I practice them faithfully. I taught my sons the same thing, and they are polite also. I'm so glad that THAT stuck with them!!
In a selfish society, a "Good Morning" or a "Please" or "Thank You" goes a long way!! I have a strong idea that Jesus was a VERY polite person - and always had time to be kind.
As always, Sandra - a good and timely word. THANK YOU!
GOD BLESS!
More comments are shown under the original post date of December 8, 2010. Here is the link to the original post
http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2010/12/courtesy-scale.html
Thank you for your prayers and help with this matter.
Sandra
Scriptures are from the King James Bible.
Recently I did a post http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2011/04/scripture-joy-and-we-all-need-to-change.html that stated that we all need to change.
Our Lord revealed to me that one reason that this has been posted today is that others are battling with this matter...
Of late, my frequent prayer to our Lord is that I need to change. I have prayed that I will exhibit more love, forgiveness, compassion, and mercy - because certainly I need all of that from our Lord and others. We are commanded to sow to the Spririt and to walk in the Spirit.
My confession here is that I'm probably not as spiritual as I should be when it comes to credibility/integrity issues, especially relative to Christians. When I was in the workforce, numerous people, including managers, complimented me on my excellent work ethic. I received more than several monetary awards for my work performance. And those monetary awards were rendered to me before I became spiritual.
My attendance record was commendable and I habitually arrived at work at least a half hour before my shift began. Responsiveness was very important to me. I returned calls, provided timely feedback, kept my words, and was consistently courteous. Did I falter in some work practices? Of course, but overall, my performance was consistently excellent and my yearly appraisals from my supervisors reflected that.
Now that I have a home-based business, those excellent qualities and attributes continue to be practiced.
Some of you may have read my post titled, "CUSTOMER SERVICE IS AN ART." Here are the links: http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2010/10/customer-service-is-art.html and http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2010/10/conclusion-of-customer-service-is-art.html
Primarily, my confession here is that I'm challenged, in particular, with the amount of times that I have dealt with Christians who don't keep their words, who are, typically, not inclined to provide feedback relative to business commitments, who are discourteous, who consistently lack integrity, and who are regularly disrespectful and unappreciative.
According to scripture, we are to love, to forgive, to show mercy and compassion. But what about what it says in scripture about doing things decently and in order? - 1 Corinthians 14:40.
And the scripture tells us not to judge. But what about the scripture that says in 1 Corinithians 2:15, "But he that is spiritual judgeth all things,..."?
And what about Hebrews 13:18, "...willing to live honestly."?
And Proverbs 19:1
"Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity,..."
I need help, people. Please pray for me in this area. And please share how you deal with and overcome people, especially those who profess to be Christians, who typically lie, cheat, and have lack of credibility and integrity. I speak of from a business and personal standpoint. I know that we are instructed to trust the Lord and to put not confidence in man but I need help please on how to conquer this battle...
It could very well be that I'm wrong for my lack of understanding for such people and their less than honorable habits. Indeed, I have my shortcomings, as well. Of course, I do know that there are circumstances that prevent people from keeping their words...but when it is their consistent conduct, that is where I lack tolerance. Perhaps, they have done as I have and sought the Lord for the help to change their less than godly conduct.
There are people who have loads of baggage from their pasts, who have been abused, and who haven't learned how to practice honorable habits. May our Lord help us all to seek Him for deliverance so that we can purpose to do things decently and in order with integrity and honesty steadfastly demonstrated. It is not reasonable to keep making excuses when we can do better if we work with our Lord to conquer. Our Lord knows what we can do better and what we cannot change...
I certainly don't want to be in a place where I do unrighteous judgments of people but is it reasonable to righteously judge habitual lack of integrity and credibility from those who profess to know GOD? Again, 1 Corinthians 2:15, "But he that is spiritual judgeth all things,..."
Our Lord told me to re-post the following:
CREDIBILTY
Greetings -
Do you know of people, "Christians" even, who are not credible? Credibility and integrity is very important to the Lord. True worshippers of GOD worship Him in spirit and in truth. Our Father expects us to be consistently honest and noble in our thoughts, words, and deeds.
Credibility is vital in every area of our lives. A couple of years ago, I met a "Christian" "minister" who got paid cash for jobs and did not report the income. I mentioned it to him - he offered some sort of "justification."
Have you heard people describe "little white" lies? A lie is a lie is a lie.
Is your word your bond? Can people consistently believe that you mean what you say and that you say what you mean? Do you arrive when indicated, and keep appointments on a prompt and reliable basis? In those instances where you cannot keep your words, do you alert the concerned people to inform of changes? In relationships, business and personal, are you politely responsive? What about being considerate of the time and needs of others? It is wise to be mindful of guarding when others fail to be considerate of our time and needs, as well.
I have observed adults who demand respect from youth yet do not give respect to youth. Children/youth are to be respected as well as adults. We need to tell them "please," "thank you," and "excuse me" just as we should say such to adults. We cannot reasonably expect honesty and respect from youth if they do not consistently observe those qualities in demonstration from us. The same can be said, in some measures, relative to relationships with adults.
GOD is love. GOD is truth. GOD is credible.
Prayer:
Father, in the name of JESUS, please help us to embrace truth in every affair of our lives. We need to be of quality character conformed to Your image with the mind of Christ. Help us to be reliable, dependable and credible in personal and business relationships. Most of all, Lord, please help us to keep it real with You and those whom You have in our lives.
Thank You, Lord, - Amen
Proverbs 19:22
...and a poor man is better than a liar.
Proverbs 6:16-19
These six things doth the Lord hate; yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
Revelation 21:8
...and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone:...
Proverbs 4:18
But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
Here are some of the comments that were entered when the subject post was originally posted on October 12, 2010:
Dee said...
I do know Christians that have done or said similar things that you mentioned above and it disappoints me enough to be careful that I do not do the same things. We have the tendency to forget that the Lord sees our heart..we can deceive our selves but not the Lord. I admire you for letting the Lord use your writing skill to glorify Him and reach out to others with the truth.
MTJ said...
Hi Sandra,
I believe that just as God's word is representative of His integrity, my word is representative of me. If I don't honor my words, what good is my word? That's why I don't commit myself to anything quickly. If I'm asked to commit to something which I know I won't honor, I'd rather say, "no," than offer up some excuse to explain why I couldn't make it.
People may easily forget what I say, but folks have a knack for remembering what I did. Christian and credibility are paired because credibility has to do with honesty, truth, reliability and integrity. If I'm not honest, truthful, reliable and lacking integrity, what does that say about my witness to Christ? I'm a poor example of a follower of Christ.
Blessings and peace.
MTJ
B. Niles said...
Great post Sandra. I agree with all the comments. I use Col.3:17 as my guide, "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus..."
I try to let that govern what I say and do, how I say and do it and whether I say and do it at all. Because if I say it, I'm bound by my word. So I'd rather say no to something and then come back and say yes when I'm sure, than say yes, and have to come back and say, sorry, I can't do it. James says, "We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check" James 3:2.
I'm not perfect yet, but this one thing I do, "I press toward the mark..."
More comments are shown under the original post date of October 12, 2010. Here is the link to the original post. http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2010/10/credibility.html
Another re-post:
COURTESY SCALE
Greetings:
What do we weigh on the courtesy scale?
Do we say "please," "thank you," and "excuse me?"
Do we greet before we engage people? Example: We are at work and in our initial contacts for the day(s), we approach colleagues about matters - do we greet them first with "Good morning," "hi," "hello" etc? Or do we just forego greetings and start in with our communication?
The first "good morning" I speak is to the Lord - whose air we breathe.
What about sharing? Are we gung-ho for receiving but selfish about giving - not just things - but our time and energy to the interests of others?
The other night someone told me that a certain hotel was not inclined to host anymore Christians because of how discourteously they behaved when they stayed there. That was about the second person who told me about that account.
Another account that I heard was about Christians who lack courteous demeanors and who fail to show love.
What about this? Do we keep our words? Of course, extenuating circumstances can necessitate changes/postponements/cancellations becoming necessary but when those are the cases, do we make contacts to inform of changes? Or do we just discourteously leave people hanging?
Today in the December 2010 issue of GQ magazine I read an interview of Vice President Biden. This is what he said that his father told him, "You're a man of your word. Without your word, you're not a man."
May GOD help us all to habitually practice courtesy and to be people of excellence in the areas of love, integrity, credibility, and responsiveness - among other godly pursuits.
Let us be Spiritually fruity Christians in all affairs of life - for that is the Word of GOD - in practice.
Note: Even when we must be stern and firm - love should be a habitual focus.
Here are some of the comments that were entered when the subject post was originally posted on December 8, 2010:
Marijo said...
Great piece that we need to hold up like a mirror and see who we are reflecting!
I received this, via e-mail, from Marijo (She gave her permission to have it posted on this blog):
On Wed, Dec 8, 2010 at 5:41 PM, Marijo wrote:
Know what one of my pet peeves is? when you thank someone (especially a clerk or someone who is helping you with something - waitress etc) and they say "not a problem" - what happened to "you are welcome?" Not a problem is really saying "it didn't bother me that much or wasn't a difficulty for me".... to me that is a self centered answer rather than an outgoing and helpful answer - I realize it is probably a generational thing like saying "cool" was when I was growing up but really.....
I received this, via e-mail, from Karen (She gave her permission to have it posted on this blog):
Karen to me
show details 7:13 PM (19 minutes ago)
I really liked this capsule - good questions. I find it appalling that Christians have a reputation at hotels for being discourteous! I would like to know the whole story there. I know that sometimes nonbelievers scrutinize our actions, looking for hypocrisy, to make themselves feel better. I don't condone discourteous behaviour, but sometimes people take offense just so that they can complain.
I think integrity is very important. I have returned to stores when they gave me too much change, even one time when a grocery cashier missed charging me for about $60 of items. I told the customer service rep that maybe God was testing my integrity. I don't tell this story because I think I am better than other people, I just think that all Christians should be people of integrity.
Karen
Julie Reynolds said...
Amen! I like this post. I think that we do need to do our best in our lives to become more like Jesus, as Christians, that should be what we strive for. However, not every one understands that that is what a Christian is. Unfortunately, there are many who think that they can act any way they want to, because God will forgive them. They don't think about the fact that what they do could be harmful to another person.
Ruth said...
This post gives a lot of food for thought. It is sad when Christians are frowned upon because of their lack of courtesy.
Blessings, Ruth
Sharon Kirby said...
Such a very good post, Sandra. My husband and I love all things having to do with the Old West. We attend several events a year, and many are attended by the old actors from TV and movie westerns. One thing we are ALWAYS impressed by is their politeness. They are gentlemen -
The art of courtesy seems to be missing lately from our culture. Society concentrates so much on a "give me" mindset, that there's not much room for a "help you" thought!
I was taught manners growing up, and I practice them faithfully. I taught my sons the same thing, and they are polite also. I'm so glad that THAT stuck with them!!
In a selfish society, a "Good Morning" or a "Please" or "Thank You" goes a long way!! I have a strong idea that Jesus was a VERY polite person - and always had time to be kind.
As always, Sandra - a good and timely word. THANK YOU!
GOD BLESS!
More comments are shown under the original post date of December 8, 2010. Here is the link to the original post
http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2010/12/courtesy-scale.html
Thank you for your prayers and help with this matter.
Sandra
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