James 2:1-4

We have a special faith of Jesus.  Something wonderful and powerful that He is the center of.  With something so precious, we should share it with all equally.  This means not playing favorites.  If a banker and a farmer walk into church, you should not give the best seat to the banker while making the farmer stand in the back.  That is showing favoritism with favoritism.  What is more, you have made yourself an evil judge.

Evil and God can't exist together... so... you finish that thought on who is saved and who isn't.  The very person you treated less than another will be in heaven instead of you.

James 1:27

"Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world." ~ James 1:27

This means to me that this is the definition of true worship.  Taking care of others in their loneliness and time of need.  While helping others, you do not pick up any bad habits that you will come into contact with.  Keep yourself centered on God instead of yourself, and you will be practicing true worship.

James 1:26

"If anyone among you think he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless." ~James 1:26

This means to me that if you feel like you are right with God and know how to live your life correctly, but do not keep yourself from speaking a lot in check, that you have lied to yourself and are not right with God.  Something that is mentioned repeatedly in the Bible is that people need to learn to listen more and speak (gossip, boast, etc) less.  I know the one thing I craved when I was a teenager was someone to listen, understand and care.  So this is almost like a suggestion for how to help those in and out of the church to feel loved too.

James 1:22-25

"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."

You are to show by your actions that you are Christians.  That you love and trust God.  If you only read the Bible or believe that faith without works will save you, then you missed the whole point and have deceived yourself.

Jesus did not come to earth, hold out his wrists and say, "Slit them so I can die for you."  He lived His Life a certain way and that way was full of hard work, kindness, love, worship, prayer, caring, etc... How can we do less?  

You read these words.  Will you forget them?  Stop reading and start acting!

"For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror, for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was."

Are you understanding?  If you do, then reading these words alone isn't enough.  Your whole life should tell others that you love God.  How?  By loving others!

In today's world, many churches are upset at the pulpit about Obama winning because he represents evil to them for supporting gay marriage, immigration, and marijuana.  Church members say hateful things, pass on emails and words about how horrible something is, gossiping about politics that aren't even true, and denouncing people who are sinful.  

Jesus ate with the sinners.  Why don't you?  Jesus sweated through hard work to ensure that others who are poor could feel hope.  Why don't you?  Yet words are said against those who have food stamps and are poor because it is assumed they are lazy.  Yes, there are a few... but only a few... like that.  Most are not.

We are pushing people away by showing ourselves, that we call Christian, to be hypocrites.  No wonder Christianity is in trouble.  Believing isn't enough.  Acting and acting with love, caring, and kindness is needed desperately in even the smallest things.

"But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does."

Here is the key to success.  By acting as a Christian and helping those around you, you will be blessed.  By caring and being a friend to those who are different, you will be blessed.  In case I am not understood, by helping "the least of these" you will be blessed.  The first shall be last and the last first... I see that to mean those with self-righteous attitudes towards self and disgust towards others will be the last to understand God's gift of LOVE.

James 1:21

"Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls."

This means to me that the things in life that have cuss words, violence, sexual content, gossip, and even jealousy with friends/family should not be allowed to be a part of your life.  It is, no matter for what purpose such as entertainment or jokes, not worth your soul.

Instead, be extremely meek and humble in accepting a priceless gift that you could never have afforded.  It isn't your right to have it.  It isn't a privilege you should just be given because you are human.  It is a gift of Truth placed inside of you that will guide you if you will but say yes.  Remember what a gift is?  It is a gift.  It can save you.

James 1:19,20

To give context to these next two verses, the previous versus were dealing with the characteristics that we should have in hard times, our attitudes if we are poor or wealthy, and the role of both God and man in temptation.

Characteristics we should display were joyfulness, wisdom, and faith.

Attitudes we should have were enjoyment despite lack of wealth and humility even if having wealth.

Temptation does not come from God and when we face it, we should pray for God's help since He truly wants to assist us because we are His.

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

When life isn't fair or things go wrong, it is common to see people stomp about, venting angrily in another's face, shoving a pan onto the counter, or even hitting something.  I've watched arguments where those involved didn't even listen to how the other was seeing the same situation because they were too focused on getting their own side across (I'm guilty of this.)

This isn't what God wanted.

In hard times, Christians (a close-knit, loving group) should place 'listening to the other' very high.  Don't speak quickly, take your time to form solid communicative sentences, and avoid becoming angry or frustrated.  Your emotions will never come close to making things right as God can.

Tempting at this point to be in an argument and to become angry at the other side for not listening, but then you are already breaking part of what I'm telling you. 

Tempting at this point to be having something go wrong and become angry that others are not acting as they should, but then you are already breaking part of what I am telling you.

James 1:18

"Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures." ~James 1:18

Definitions:
will - intense desire or wish for something to happen
brought - cause someone or something to come to a place
forth - out from a starting point and forward or into view; onward in time
word - a distinct meaningful element of speech or writing
truth - that which is true in accordance with fact or reality
kind - a group of people or things with similar characteristics
firstfruits - a religious offering of the first agricultural produce of a harvest

Cultural Note:
The writer is talking to the early Christians of that time, but addressed the letter to all the Jewish people.  In those times, Christians and Jews were still somewhat mixed and not always entirely separate of each other.  An example of this was that Christians would meet in synagogues, a traditional Jewish place of worship.

God had an intense desire that He acted on where He took some Jews and taught them about Him more fully.  They became the first in a religious sense to form a group of Christians.

The harvest is the world and those early Christians were but a few of the many that were to come.

James 1:16,17

Verse 16 - "Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren."

Definition of deceived is someone causing someone to believe something that isn't true, usually for personal gain.  Definition of beloved is is a much loved person.  Definition is a group of close people.

The writer is saying to those who he loves and is close to 'to please no believe a lie.'

Verse 17 - "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning."

Anything that is good and positive (emotions, events, people, things, etc) is from God.  That must mean that everything that is bad and negative (emotions, events, people, things, etc) is from the absence of God.  Since God promised to always be there for us, He can only be gone if we push Him away.  In some cases, it isn't us.  It is others, having pushed Him away (because He is a God of choice), who do or say things that are bad.  That then affects us.  Everyone suffers the consequences of their actions, even if they ask forgiveness (which is always granted.)  God is a God of choice, and He wouldn't be fair if He bubble-wrapped us or didn't let us experience our choices.

God is pure Love.  Pure goodness and positiveness.  There is no evil where He is from.  What comes from Him reflects that.  If you worry about temptations, then pray for Him to come chase them away because where He is, there is no temptation.  If you are looking at all the areas of gray, pray for His guidance, for where He leads, there is no variations of what is right.  You have choices and He will always let you know which ones are His will.  You can choose one of those He says is good, or you can go down yet another route.

James 1:13-15

Topic - Temptation

We are not supposed to say that "I am tempted by God."  Temptation is being drawn to something or action by our own selfish wishes.  Selfishness is not of God, for God is love.  God can NOT be tempted by evil, and He would NOT be the cause of evil tempting you.  Evil is the absence of God and evil's abdicate is the Devil.

When you are tempted, it is your own selfishness for something or to do something that is there.  That desire, once born, can lead you to sin.  Sin, once full-grown, leads to death.  Either nip that sin in the butt by going back to God or let it lead you to your grave.  Your choice.  Eternal Life (continuing to learn and grow happily when Jesus returns) or Eternal Death (which is nonexistence).

James 1:12

"Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."

Definition: Blessed - made holy (adjective)

Definition: endures - suffer patiently or tolerate

Definition: temptation - desire to do something, particularly if wrong or unwise, or a thing/course of action that attracts someone

Definition: approved - officially agree or accept or believe something is good or acceptable

Definition: receive - be given, presented or paid

This is an interesting verse.  At first glance, it seems that the condition needed for eternal life is to resist temptation.  However the second half says that if you love Him, then He made a promise to you to give you eternal life.  A promise doesn't develop conditions.  It is safe to say though, that when you love Him, you will want to take care of yourself and only do that which glorifies the Lord.  After all, you love Him, so He is your Love.

From what I get out of this, the person who gets through (positively, not negatively) bad times will be made holy.  It is when we are accepted that we get the crown of life.

If we get through the bad times with our focus on our loving Lord, then we can't go wrong.  He has already accepted us, we just have to accept Him and His gift.  God wants everyone to live with Him.  That is part of His Loving nature.

James 1:10, 11

The proceeding verse said, "Let the lowly brother glory in his humiliation,"

This opening verse, ten, says, "but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away."

Definition of rich is having a great deal of assets or money.

Definition of glory is to take great pleasure or pride in something or someone.

Definition of humiliation is the state of disgrace or a loss of respect.

Putting these together, we can rephrase this to mean that those who seem to have everything you could want materially should be willing to enjoy losing it all.

It explains that a flower that is so beautiful in the spring and summer will eventually turn brown as it dries up and dies.  So evidently no matter how wealthy you are, someday you will lose that wealth.

When you die, that wealth will not be going with you anywhere.  No matter your beliefs on death, the bank account with several billion dollars will still be here and not in the grave, in heaven, in hell, or floating around you in some state of cloud 9.  You will lose it.

Verse eleven explains in detail how the flower dies, and then points out that humans also die.  Thankfully there were no graphic details on what happens to the human anatomy over the years and when a human dies.  The flower gets the stage for that.  However a point is made.

"So the rich man will also fade away in his pursuits."

Definition of rich is having a great deal of assets or money.

Definition of fade is (verb) is grow faint and disappear.

Definition of pursuits is either following someone or doing a specific activity.

Putting these together, we can rephrase this to mean that someone with a lot of wealth will disappear while doing his activities.

What I get out of all of this is that you should enjoy life even if it means that you lose everything you hold of value because when you die, you lose it anyways.

Putting this on the back of the previous post and verse about poor people, I would add that what we should enjoy while we can is not wealth but what is left when the material things are put aside - relationships.

God is always there for us.  A relationship with Him should be the one relationship we put those most into.

James 1:9

When I read these versus, my original goal was to look for glimpses of God's character and love.  Obviously in many of my posts, I have given my own outlooks and interpretations of what I have read as well as insights into the culture.

This particular verse says, "Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation,".  That is literally all verse 9 is.

I want to talk about it though.  It would not have been written if it wasn't important.

Question: Who is the lowly brother?

In the culture of the times when this was written, it could have been someone with a less than desirable job or with less wealth.  This is true very much today as then.

Question: What is the definition of glory?

In this context, it is a verb.  The verb definition is "to take pride, or pleasure, in."

Question: What is the definition of exaltation?

"The feeling or state of extreme happiness."

Analysis - Putting this together, those with a lower social economic status should enjoy being happy.

Money can't buy happiness.  Evaluation - Perhaps it is those with less who are able to see more clearly what is important and enjoyable in life.  Those with more might not be able to see clearly past all the distractions.  Those are my thoughts at least.

Where is Jesus in all of this?  When he came to Earth as a human, he didn't pick a middle class or a "blessed" family to grow up in.  He chose Joseph and Mary, who were truly on the poor side, because of the character of their home.  A good character can bring happiness I think.

James 1:6-8

I love these versus here.  If anyone lacks wisdom, we have but to ask God for it.  He will give us what we ask for in generous doses.

However, you can't just say "God give me wisdom."  You have to ask with faith, without doubt.  Faith is trusting in something or someone.  Doubt is uncertainty.

Doubt it something you can't depend on.  You can't do or say anything with doubt as a foundation.  It is very sketchy, as a surfer might say.

If you have doubt that God will give you wisdom, it isn't that He can't.  He could.  However, God will say no.  To my own understanding, doubt is a negative emotion just like anger, bitterness, fear and selfishness.

Therefore if you entertain doubt, like any of these emotions, you are entertaining the ruler of those emotions.  God is the creator and ruler of love, joy, peace, happiness and trust.  The absence of love is where the devil resides and in that void he is the ruler.  So he is the ruler of doubt and encourages it.  If you indulge yourself in doubt and refuse to have faith, then you are allowing the devil authority in your life instead of God.  So why would God say yes and grant you wisdom if you don't accept Him as the authority and ruler of your life?

Versus 8 wraps up why God says no very nicely.  A person who asks in "faith" but doubts is a 'double-minded' person who if very 'unstable.'

Remember the parable about building a house on stone instead off on sand?  If you lacked the funds to decorate your house and asked your Father for money to decorate it, He will give you what you ask for in generous amounts.  If it is built on stone.  If it is built on sand, He will say no because it is unstable and would be a waste.

James 1:5

James 1: 5 - "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."

Wisdom can be defined as 'the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; the quality of being wise.'  Wise can be defined as having or showing experience, knowledge, and good judgment.

If you don't have the experience you feel you need, God will place you in situations where you can learn and grow in the ways you are lacking.  If you don't have the knowledge that you want, God will find ways for you to learn.  If you want to be able to have good judgment, He will provide the Holy Spirit and mentors in your life to help guide you.  It begins with reading His Word.

God won't get upset if you ask for wisdom.  He said he would provide and provide without lecturing you.  You can trust Him to keep His Word.  However be careful for what you pray for.  Some have prayed for patience and promptly went through situations that were stressful and tried their patience.  Instead I think one should pray for God's guidance and strength to get through what we are already facing.

In regards to the first half, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God," I would like to turn you to Revelation 14:6 and Proverbs 2:2b.

Rev 14:6 - Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth - to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people.

Pro 2:2b - And apply your heart to understanding.  (Context is valuing wisdom.)

From there I would like to direct your attention to John 16: 13 which says, "However, when He, the Spirit of Truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come."  This verse tells us that the Holy Spirit will be our teacher teaching us whatever it is the God told Him to say.

Finally 1 Cor 2: 6-16 says "However, we speak of wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.  But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.  But as it is written: 'Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love him.'  But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit.  For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.  For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit which is in him?  Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.  Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.  These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.  But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; now can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.  But he who is spiritually judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one.  For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?  But we have the mind of Christ.

I want to summarize this and connect it to James 1:5.  When this was written 2000 years ago, the leaders of those times among the Christians and Jews alike did not understand the scriptures and how they pointed to Jesus and His sacrifice for us.  Afterwards though, those that sought God's will and leading were given that understanding.  The Bible means nothing to those who don't want to know or focus on secular viewpoints.  You have to love God and be open to His Holy Spirit's leading.  Otherwise that wisdom will not be understood by you.

The only way to be wise is to ask God.  He will then provide you with that wisdom.

Proverbs 2:3,4 says simply that you need to want wisdom and to focus on understanding it.  If you ask God for help in learning and becoming wise, He will help as a teacher explains a text to his student.

Deuteronomy 4: 29 says that if you seek God with all your heart, that you will find Him.

Jeremiah 29: 13 says that if you seek God, you will find Him.

Matthew 6:33 says that if you "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you."  Seek first God's justice and being good, and everything else you could want will fall into place.

Back to the top, if you want wisdom then make God your love.  If He is all you need in life, you will be happy and want for nothing.  Why?  God is your life.  You will be happy and content with Him at the center of your life.  Why?  Because having Jesus is enough.  That right there is wisdom to intake and live.

Prayer Request

I would like to share a story with you about my friend Nicole. She really wants prayers on this... also their life has been difficult lately.  So trust please pray for them, that would be greatly appreciated.

"On August 31, I was involved in a fender bender. I was changing lanes, and a car hit me from behind on mine left back side. He was clearly speeding thru the red light as the strip of road from the light to where he hit me was only 100 yards. He was speeding so fast that his little two door car literally turned my car into the guard rail, I have a galloper, much like a bulky jeep. 

I panicked for many reasons, one having to do with the unfairness to expats here, one having to do with the mountain of recent stress, one having to do with Corey not being near me (which as an expat you dint have a community of family and friends to kean on) and one to do with all the chemical changes in my body from IVF...and I did something I never thought I would, I drove off. His car barely had a dent, and he was clearly ok. This is not like me, I usually always bite the bullet and take responsibility, but in a brief moment I committed a crime out of fear before I had the time to process everything. 

Corey went to the station the next day as was requested. I could not go with him as I was on bed rest after the egg procedure. He went in with the mentality that if he fully cooperates, pay the man the fullest damages he requested without fuss then perhaps they will see we are trying to remedy our wrong. 

The man said that the basketball size dent would cost 1,500$ to fix, we didn't question, we didn't argue we paid him, then he requested bogus hospitalization funds saying he was going to be in the hospital for over two eels because of his neck. We paid him the thousand he requested. 

Corey has always literally lived by the scripture that teaches "give to him that ask of you." mt 5:42. But apparently in korea Corey should not have accepted 100% of the blame and this will probably work against us now.

I did wrong, and acted outside of what I know is the right thing to do. I guess I am human and panic too. I must right the wrong I have done, and we haved tried to do that by paying the man in full of what he asked for. But in Korean law apparently there is no set fine for these things, once the officer "investigates" then a prosecutor can set any fine he would like, there are no standards, in fact the officer said one case was charged over $7000 for leaving the scene. again there are no standards. 

I am terrified that this one brief moment of irrational action is going to immensely set us back. I have wrote a letter of remorse and have begged for mercy, a common culture thing here apparently, so now everything from this point is out of my hands. I want to pray, but feel guilty because itis my wrong. But at the same time Corey and I have goals this year and paying out $10,000 would really really hurts those goals. In the end, our fines will rest in the hands of one person with no set limits, and being an expat I fear the worse. If you feel lead please pray that that person will take the entire situation into account and administer a fair fine."

James 1:2-4

I really love this particular section.  Or rather, I appreciate this section since I haven't read the rest yet.  James wrote that he wanted his audience to "count it all joy when you call into various troubles."  In other words, the very things we are inclined to get frustrated, bitter, resentful, and angry about are actually supposed to bring words of praise to our lips.  

He explains why in the next verse.  The things that cause you to sin, or at least attempt to cause you to sin, is testing your faith.  Every single time you mess up or almost mess up, those are times that your faith is being pushed at.  It is okay though, it isn't for nothing.  Every mistake and temptation helps create in you patience.  

Patience can be defined as putting up with people trying to provoke you, dealing with annoying people or circumstances, getting through misfortune, dealing with delays, hardships, and delays, and so much more with a calm heart as well as not saying anything that could come across as complaining.

Complaining is a tricky thing.  You wouldn't believe how easy it is to complain.  Or maybe you do or am starting to with it being mentioned here.  Complaining can take several forms.  Commonly it is spoken in an obvious manner.  However it can also be seen in our actions and how we we treat items and people around us.  Being rude or giving someone the cold shoulder.  Slamming that pan or plate down instead of setting it down as you normally would.  Walking so that your feet hit the ground harder than normal.  These are all forms of complaining.  The most elusive form of complaining though is playing the martyr.  Saying something in what appears as a positive form, but brings for sympathy from others because it still focuses on your misfortune or assumed slight instead of focusing on God's love in your life.

Verse 4 explains how having patience helps your life.  I have to admit, when I read verse 4 I was stumped.  Thankfully, God leads.  To the best of my current understanding of this text, patience leads to a person being mature in their faith and relationship with God.  If you have God as a close friend, you need nothing else.  He will take care of you.

James 1:1

Verse 1 - James clearly identifies who he is.  Some argue over which James this James is.  Was he the silent, introverted disciple?  Was he the prominent Jewish leader in early Christian times before the other New Testament books were written?  Was he the brother of Jesus?  Though answering such questions gives the background more context and helps align our view when reading this book, I want to point out that James says exactly who he is.

"James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ."  Jame is a servant of the Lord.  Simple.  It is with that understanding that we are to read this letter.  That it is from one who serves God.  The rest of the verse has a traditional greeting of that time.  "To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings."  This traditional greeting was common among the Jewish people, so historians believe this book to have been written closer to when Jesus lived on earth compared the rest of the New Testament.  The phrase means, not to the literal twelve tribes, but really the other fellow believers no matter where they are.  So James was writing to basically everyone.  Not the Sadducees.  Not the Pharisees.  Not the Catholics, Baptists, or Seventh-day Adventists.  He was talking to all those who follow our Creator God.

Philemon 1:24,25

This is the closing of Paul's letter to Philemon.

He says that Epaphras, a fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, said hi.  Since Paul is in prison during this time, we can only assume he is not alone.  That another Christian whom Philemon knows is also in prison with Paul.

In greetings to Philemon, Paul also includes other believers' greetings that are Rome to Philemon and the local congregation.

I just want to point out that while this letter, talking about a very personal matter that has the possibility of a lot of tension, is addressed to Philemon.  It is also addressed to the believers who are meeting at Philemon's house.  Therefore Philemon, as a spiritual leader, is having this request to treat Onesimus kindly made public among all the believers.  In a way, Paul found a method of having Philemon held accounted for as a Christian believer and as a spiritual leader.

Philemon 1:21,22

So we had looked at how Paul had asked Philemon to accept Onesimus back out of friendship and freewill instead of just duty.

Verse 21 says that Paul is confident in the outcome of his request.  He knows that Philemon will gladly accept Onesimus back and not hold his betrayal at running away against him.  Also, we can suspect that the two of them will now worship the Lord together come Sabbath hours.  Possibly more will come out of this.  Paul certainly believes so when he says confidently that Philemon will do all this and more.

Verse 22 is an extension of that.  Knowing that Philemon will be so kind and generous, he also asks that while the two of them are getting along, to prepare for Paul's own return.  Paul plans to visit.  It isn't something that might easily happen but it is something Paul would like.  It is Paul's way of holding Philemon accountable.

Life

God is amazing at giving me what I want, then pointing out that it wasn't what I needed. The things that are truly important in life are things you work hard for, struggle for, and put a lot of yourself on the line for.

This includes taking the time multiple times a day to sit down and spend time with God. Your Creator. Your Lord. Your Savior. Sure "life" gets busy but it isn't really a life without Him.

~Mindy's post on facebook.

Philemon 1:20

"Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in the Lord."

This is a powerful request.  A powerful wish.  Placing it on top of Paul's caustic and ironic reply that he didn't want Philemon to feel obligated despite owing so much to Paul, we see yet another view point on Paul's part.  Paul feels a lot of responsibility for helping Onesimus come to Christ, as well as ensuing that he and his master get along.  He avoids saying that Philemon should be nice to him simply because he is a brother in Christ now.  He avoids only saying that as a Christian, Philemon should just accept what has happened and forgive.  Instead, Paul is pushing Philemon to freely do all this in order to bring happiness to Paul.  Not just because Philemon is a nice friend, but because Jesus is working in his life.

In our own lives, things happen and we often say, "oh I should be nice because I am a Christian" or "I should just turn the other cheek like the Bible tells me."  However, Paul is showing an example here of a friend asking for a favor as well as an example of allowing Jesus to work in us.  The actions might still be the same, but the reasons behind them are not.  It is not self-centered, but instead focuses actions towards the benefit of others because of Jesus' work in our hearts AND minds.

Philemon 1:17-19

Paul is asking that Philemon trust him.  To take back Onesimus as if he was Paul himself.  That is asking a lot and by comparing the two men as similar, forces Philemon to possibly see Onesimus in a new light.  Paul goes so far as to take onto himself anything that Onesimus maybe have done wrong.  Just as Christ took our sins, so Paul said to put onto his account anything that Onesimus might have wronged him in.  This is where Paul gets a bit caustic.  He says that he is writing this himself, that even though Philemon owes Paul his own life, that Paul will take on any expenses Philemon feels Onesimus owes and pay it back.  This is the ultimate guilt trip.

Philemon 1:14-16

Verse 14 - Paul's caustic use of language is what makes reading his rebuke or praise to others so enjoyable.  However in this verse, you can detect true caring mixed with his almost arrogant attitude.  He truly means what he says as always.  However, it is almost as if he is trying to explain himself here.  He sent Onesimus back, despite wanting him to stay, because he didn't want to cause any possible further offense than might have occurred already.

Verse 15 - Then in case Philemon is still upset, he adds that it might possibly have been God's will that his slave, Onesimus, had run away.  That he would return as more than a slave, but a Christian.  That for whatever reason, something had held him back from truly knowing and returning Christ's love.

I can understand that.  Being in an environment you grew up in or are really familiar and comfortable with can lead to complacency.  You are not willing to look further to learn and grow character-wise.  When I came to South Korea, I had all my ideas challenged.  I have the freedom now to do so much but am in a culture that unbalances me by default.  This is forcing me to learn and think for myself.  I believe God sent me away from the country, family, and friends I love to be out of my comfort zone.  All so that I could grow.  Now when I return, I will be a better person for those who miss me as well as for those I have yet to meet.

Inuyasha

There is an anime show called Inuyasha.  I can hear your thoughts screaming at me already.  Why am I tainting my spiritual blog with such a secular genre.  It is because I caught a glimpse of myself and the great controversy that exists around me in an episode.  I want to share my thoughts with you.

There is a main character named Inuyasha.  He was born from a human mother and demon father.  He has always lived with these two influences inside of him struggling to take over him.  Either the human or the demon.

In the episode I watched, it ended with a summary.  He had two females in his life.  The first, Kikyo, is actually a  dead person come back to life.  Since she is dead, there is only death for her.  In order for her to live with Inuyasha for the rest of her existence, he too must die.  She is filled with despair and hate.  She wants that for him as well.

The second female is the human Kagome.  She is alive and well, full of happiness.  She wants to live the rest of her life with Inuyasha.  She wants to see him happy.

Obviously we all would the human who is good instead of the undead who is bad.  Obviously if we could get rid of the demon in us and be just good humans, we would choose that.

So why don't you?  We live in a sinned filled world.  Our blood is tainted by sin.  Our actions are influenced daily by the devil and his angels.  We can choose Jesus, who wants only good for us, and know that someday we will live perfectly happy lives with our bodies and souls purified.  Yet so many times we get angry at others, lash out in bitterness, and fuel jealousy in our hearts.

Do you see where I am going with this?  Your daily actions show who you choose as your master.  The small things you do stamp your hand with either God's seal or the devil's.  The small things you think stamp your forehead with either God's seal or the devil's.  Your choices make up who you are and the character you become.

You are currently a child of God tainted with sin.  You can go either way just as Inuyasha could go either way.  You can choose either the one who wants you to despair or the One who wants you to be happy.  Your choice.

Spiritualism

Something of interest.  In America, if you suggested someone was demon possessed, then you would be accused of being old fashioned or not mentally all there.  Everything is about science and materialism.  Yet if you go to third world countries, the people there can tell you chilling stories about how there are super natural forces at work.  It is easy to become complacent in "civilized" society.  Faith and trust in God grows when you live with Him in each aspect of your life.

In South Korea, there is a lot of problems with occults.  There is a Jesus here who is trying to get a following (and succeeding I hear) to be a part of his kingdom.  There are occults centered around a female Jesus, Mary, and angels.  It is insane how popular some of those beliefs can be.

Yet it is understandable.  This culture has the ingrained belief that something exists beyond what science supports.  I know that if I just ask God to get rid of the bugs, to help me find something, or to deal or get through another day that He will.  Yet I often feel unworthy to ask for His help.  My toilet got stopped up, again, and I didn't pray about it.  I didn't think I should use Him and His love for me so lightly.  But He wants to be there for me.  And finally, I prayed aloud so that the universe is witness for God to just fix it since I wasn't getting anywhere.  He immediately did.

He wants to help that recipe turn out.  He wants to help you design a garden.  He wants to help wash the car. He wants to join you on a morning walk.  He wants to show you another species of bird you might not have seen that week.  He wants to be your Friend and spend time with you on things that might seem mundane or unworthy of note.  In the same way, He wants to help you organize Vacation Bible School.  He wants to help you with the grocery shopping.  He wants to listen to you and whisper thoughts into your mind as you drive long hours.  He wants to be with you.  Jesus is amazing like that.

So why wait?  Tell Him you want Him in your life (again and again and again... every hour).  Read His word and look for another aspect of His character and love.  Look around you for anything positive or good.  That is a gift from Him!  He loves you.

Philemon 1:12-13

Paul is sending Onesimus back.  Paul calls him his own heart.  That he wants to keep his heart (Onesimus) with him.  He is even willing to have him stay to take care of him as if Philemon had sent a gift.  Yet he couldn't do this.  He, despite his love for the man, sent him back.  Because he made this sacrifice, he begs Philemon to not turn the man away.

Reminds me of several things.  How David was a man after God's own heart.

Also, how we should treat others and those around us.  Can you think of those near you who you care about?  They are a part of your heart.  You should take care of them and if need be then let them go to do God's work.

Philemon 1:11

Onesimus is what we know this fellow as.  Yet the play on words here between his name and "unprofitable" or useless makes one wonder if that had just been a nickname.  It doesn't matter.  What is important is his character.  He evidently was quite the trouble maker.  Yet something happened when Jesus entered his life.  He became worth something.  Not just as a follower of Christ, but in the secular sense.  He wasn't an annoyance anymore.  Just is the outcome when Jesus is in our heart... our character improves.

Philemon 1:10

This is an amazing text.  There is this fellow that Paul talks about named Onesimus.  He became Paul's son while Paul was imprisoned.  In that culture, if you could avoid it then you didn't associate with those who were in trouble with the law.  If you were in prison, you had to pray that your family would not be so fearful as to neglect you.  Here is a situation where Paul is in prison.  How did he meet Onesimus and more importantly, how did they become such good friends?  Whatever the outcome, it seems that Onesimus has joined the family of Christ (assumed from the use of "son") and that Paul has taken him under his wing.

Philemon 1:8, 9

"though I might be very bold in Christ" - I like how he wrote this.  He is saying that it is with Jesus that he is bold, not by himself.  Just think, the timid can be bold with Jesus in them.  Also though, we can make requests of others if it is something Jesus would approve of.

Yet though he threatens to (and in a way did, because he mentioned it), he begs that it is for love and not authority reasons that he be listened to.  How beautiful is that :)

Philemon 1:3

This is a beautiful blessing to give others.  Think of someone and pray this prayer for them

"Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."

Grace and peace.  Both are concepts that this world needs more of.  Something that only God can truly give.

Philemon 1:1, 2

I find it interesting how Paul opens his letter with calling himself a prisoner of Christ Jesus.  Not the Romans, not the gentiles, and not sin.  He is a prisoner of Christ Jesus.

This can be taken several ways.  Held captive by God's amazing love.  We can only have one master and he chose Jesus.  Or even because he follows Jesus, he is a prisoner.  I prefer the first, but I want you to be aware of all the possible layers that do exist here.

Then he says who this letter is to.  Again the use of, dare I say, titles.  Philemon is stressed as a friend, but is also a laborer.  Apphia is loved.  Archippus is a soldier.  What does this tell you of their roles in the Christian community (notice I didn't say church).

Everyone has their own work that they do for God.  We each have our own abilities or skills.  Gifts.  Philemon is, it appears, a hard worker who does his best to support the others.  I would call Apphia someone that helps meet peoples emotional needs because people I would call beloved are the ones who listen to and encourage me.  Maybe I am wrong there though since the Bible doesn't really talk about her.  Then there is Archippus who is a soldier.  A soldier.  He fights for the truth to reach others.  Whatever the personal stories of each of these members lives were, we know for certain they each had a role for Jesus.

We also each have a role and we won't be similar to others.  I have heard some amazing testimonies of how God has talked to or worked through people around me.  To tell you the truth, some of their burdens I wouldn't be able to handle so well.  He has a special work for me that is fitted to me.  Just like He has one for you that is fitted to you.

Titus 3:14, 15

I love how this book ends.  It is so beautiful.  It basically says to let Christians do good works and help those in extreme circumstances.  That those kinds of works, helping others, will not be unfruitful that way.  The emphasis is on the people who are doing the good works.  The emphasis is also on meeting the needs of others.  Basically, humans need to help other humans.  Isn't this what love is?  Caring for others?  Isn't that was Jesus did for us?  Cared for us, even to the point of giving His life to save ours?

Then it closes with loving in the faith and greeting fellow Christians who are also in the faith.  The closing blessing is grace to them.  So I shall do for you.  May God's grace be with you.

Titus 3:12, 13

These last few versus are specific instructions.  Looking at them though, we can get the main idea or principle guiding them.  When someone is sent out somewhere for Jesus, they need to be sent quickly with whatever they need for the trip.  So if you feel a calling to go to, say, Canada and preach in a church there then with the help of your church family get started immediately.  Don't wait.  Don't doubt or you might miss that chance.

I remember a story about a pastor who was talking about going to Africa.  He said that he felt impressed to go.  That doors opened to allow him to go.  He was wanting to make certain though that the right SDA offices were informed and had given there approval.  Three weeks or so went by and things were working out for him to go when the door in Africa slammed shut.  He was devastated.  Why did God open so many doors only to slam them shut?

I think the answer is found here easily enough.  He was needed.  He was needed then and there.  Everything was set for him to go.  He procrastinated and pulled the doubting Thomas act or Gideon tirade.  By the time he was done complaining and being hesitant, it was too late and God had to find another.

Titus 3:9-11

There are several things that need to be avoided.  Foolish disputes.  Some things are just not important and can tear families if not the church apart if pursued.  Avoid genealogies.  Yes, being proud of who you are or knowing where is came from is good, but that is no reason to place yourself above others or to put them down.  Contentions should also be avoided.  If your going to disagree, don't make it a big deal or very heated.  Don't argue about the law.  Doing so won't gain you anything nor be of use in any way.

If there is someone causing division after being talked to 2 times, then reject him entirely.  His attitude and mental state have caused his own condemnation as dividing the church is a sin.

If you have noticed anything, there is a theme running throughout Paul's works.  He wants unity in Christ Jesus.  Someone is having a hard time and not able to be a perfect mother, employee, friend, etc.  You should help them instead of put them down.  Build up their family, give them the encouragement and assistance needed at work, offering a listening ear and strong shoulder to cry on.  To do otherwise divides and drives away one of God's precious children.  To cause arguments or drama can lead to a lost soul and bitter memories.  It is not worth it.

Titus 3:8

Trusting and living a life believing and accepting Jesus as our Savior is a good thing.

There is a saying though that you should listen to carefully, "that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works."  This is a good thing for us to do and it also allows humanity to profit.  If your upset that your not overflowing with blessings, perhaps you should reread that saying.

It is a good thing to repeat this saying constantly.  Reaffirming it daily will do you good.

Titus 3:5,6

Jesus came to this earth not because of what humans have done, but by His own love and mercy for us.  He sent us His Holy Spirit to take care of us and remake our hearts.  We could not have become better on our own.  Instead, Jesus dying on the cross is what made this possible.  Jesus is our Savior.

Titus 3:4 & 7

God sent Jesus to this world.  Jesus is kindness and God's love in human form.  When he came, He died for us and was then legally able to give us God's grace.  We are able to be heirs under Him if we just accept His loving gift and sacrifice on our behalf.  We can live forever with Him, Jesus Christ.

Titus 3:3

"For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another."

We are supposed to live humble lives and respect authority no matter what because... we used to be just like them.  Everything we might wish to get mad at, gossip about, trash talk, be proud we are not them... anything you can think of isn't a good reason because we were once at that point too.

No one is perfect.  God had to die for all of us.  We are all equally guilty of sin.

Titus 3:1-2

Verse 1 - "Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work,"

If we have a leader who preaches going against the government, then they are not following God's word.  Only good work is supposed to occur.

Right before the Civil War in the United States, there was a fugitive law passed where everyone was required to either capture or help capture runaway slaves.  There was a steep fine and possible jail time to those who let a runaway slave get away.  There were men who felt it was against their conscience and God's promptings to either help capture a slave or to not help the runaway escape.  Yet to do either was against the government's laws.

They decided it this way.  If they did go against the government, they would do so only as far as to help another human being live.  If they were asked to pay a fine or serve jail time then they would do so gladly.  They didn't fight the government or anything else.

I think in this way they kept their beliefs and followed scripture as much as possible while staying true to what they felt God wanted of them.  It is hard to explain.

This is a huge topic.  Let's look at the next verse before continuing further.

Verse 2 - "to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men."

Your supposed to live your life to the glory of God.  This means no trash talking the other political party or a certain leader.  This means supporting those in your church even if their methods differ from your own.  This means working for peace and letting go of your stubborn pride.  When you talk with others, be gentle.  Humbleness will go far in preserving your health, social life, and spirituality.

Titus 2: 11-15

"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.  Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority.  Let no one despise you." Titus 2:11-15 (NKJV)

Verse 11 - "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,"

For God's grace is where salvation comes from.  It is not from how many widows you feed.  It is not how many church functions you go to.  It isn't how many times you steered that youth you saw was straying from the path.  It is not keeping the Sabbath starting at sundown on Friday (or Saturday or Sunday).  It isn't in avoiding certain foods.  We are saved because of God's grace and that is a priceless gift freely given.  Every single person is given God's grace.  Every single person has salvation.  The problem is that many don't accept it.  Please accept the gift.

Verse 12 - "teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age"

God's grace is a teacher.  The lesson plans' objectives are on how you live.  Sober.  Righteous.  Godly.  These are the vocabulary found in each of those objectives.  You are not supposed to have the material learned before class, otherwise why have a class or even a teacher?  Life is a learning experience and we all will be learning about how to live soberly, righteously, and godly together.  Maybe at different levels, but learning nevertheless.  To do this, deny ungodliness and worldly lusts.  Learning through God's grace isn't going to get us salvation.  It is already ours.  We just have to be willing to accept.  Then learn and grow.  A life's process.

Verse 13 - "looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ"

The goal of this class that Jesus is teaching us through the Holy Spirit thanks to God's grace is... Jesus.  His return to take us to a better place.  His love for us.  There is nothing else we should want more than His return.

Verse 14 - "who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works."

I can hear it now.  Excuses.  "But I don't do this or I have done that.  My lifestyle doesn't fit what I think it needs to fit for me to be saved."  Allow me to be blunt and tactless for one sentence.  Shut it.  Those are valid concerns if you haven't read verse 14, but you just did.  Now they are simply the devil trying to bring discouragement and despair to your heart.  Jesus will work on helping you to have a better character, personality, lifestyle, and guide you in your choices.  Jesus, who died for you, will make you clean both in your heart and in your mind.  You are special and precious to Him.  He will do everything in His power to help you be happier.  You just have to accept.  I give my word that once you accept, nothing will stop Him.  He loves your so much.

Verse 15 - "Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority.  Let no one despise you."

What I just said is what we are supposed to be telling others.  That Jesus loves us.  He paid the ultimate sacrifice for us with His own blood.  He will take care of us in every way so that someday we can live with Him.  He promised to return and when He does, He wants you to be with Him.  You just have to accept.

Titus 2: 1-10

Leaders of God's people are to teach sound doctrine.  The purpose of sound doctrine is to be integrity.  Integrity is living a good life that has morals and values.  The purpose of sound doctrine is to show reverence.  Respect for God and men is seen in our actions and words towards others and things of God.  The purpose of sound doctrine is also to be incorruptible.  This is nearly impossible without the grace of God and walks hand in hand with integrity.  Everything you say, even behind closed doors, should be words that won't condemn.  If you have an opponent and they hear you, they will admire and respect you as a good person because you did not say anything negative.

So what advice are the leader's of others to give?  What supports this and helps us to be an example of sound doctrine?  Have elders teach this in every large group or city.

Older men, you must do your best to live a blameless life.  Don't abuse human, animal, or things around your. Being caring and considerate, treating others as you would want to be treated.  Not how you were treated, but how you want to be treated.  Don't over indulge in alcohol, or anything else no matter if it is a hobby or substance, so that your mind is impaired.  Have reverence for others and for God.  Be temperate in attitude so that your neither exercising a temper nor being meek.  Do all things in love (see 1 Cor 13:4-8) with the utmost patience.

Older women, you must be like them in your reverent behavior having respect for all things and people around you.  Keep sound in the faith, clinging close to Jesus.  He is a part of your daily life, closer to you in all things than your own shadow.  Don't gossip or say things that are hurtful or negative in any fashion about others.  When you drink wine, have moderation and refrain from becoming intoxicated.  Be the mentor and tutor that others can trust to come to in order to learn that which is good.

Young women, you need to love your husbands.  Please read 1 Cor 13:4-8 if you are wondering what God's idea of love is.  Love your children if you have them.  Don't become drama queens or high maintenance to be around, but have a more discreet nature.  Be chaste until marriage, or after be loyal to only your husband.  Take care of the home and make it a safe environment for all that are there.  Be good, don't let anyone have anything mean to say about you be true.  Always listen to your husband, and support him when he makes a decision as this will bring praise to God.

Young men, you need to be sober-minded.  If this means you need to stay away from alcohol or hobbies that make you more than moderate on something, then do so.  (Don't be jealous of the women.)  Put to use the bodies and minds God gave you and do good things.  Good works is a way for you to uphold sound doctrine.  In this way you can demonstrate integrity by being honest and having morals.  Be reverent to all people, animals, places, and things (don't let your temper get the best of you.)  Do not ever allow someone to bribe you, have you do something that is against your better judgement, or act against your conscience.  Whatever you say, ensure it is backed by fact and avoid opinions based on biases, stereotypes, or false judgments so that no one can condemn you.  In this way even those who are against you will have no ammo to use to fire at you with.

People who work for you need to be of a character where they listen and do as their employers say to.  They have good attitudes and do not talk back whether it is in front of them or behind their back.  They don't steal or cheat but have good loyalty to you.  In this way they are making the doctrine of God beautiful in every way.

Testimony

Tonight at the Bible Study group, we got into pairs and the person I was talking to prayed for me. Afterwards we were talking and I mentioned the centipedes and bugs that get into my place. She said to pray and command them to leave. I was uncertain about this but when I got back I did just that.

Not to gross anyone out but I also had a backed up toilet. It gets this way from time to time. I decided if praying in Jesus name had the power to rid my place of bugs, it should fix my toilet. So I flushed it and said in a wimpy voice, "In Jesus name be fixed." It didn't. I looked at it and thought, I should have said that with authority knowing it WILL flush clean. In that instant I said it again and looked at it with no doubt it would flush through. No doubt. And guess what, after maybe one second, it flushed through.

I turned back to the room, speechless. Praised God and re commanded the bugs to leave. I won't have any problems with centipedes again. God will make sure of that. He doesn't want me to have bugs in my place. He is a loving Father and only wants good things for me.  I believe in Him and know He is more powerful than anything else that exists.

Praises.

The following post is something I wrote yesterday:

God is so super amazing. I can't express how amazing He is. He is wonderful, delightful, thoughtful, caring, full of humor, light-hearted, and always several steps ahead of my wildest imaginations. He takes care of me. Not just the basic necessities, but every single level of care that a person has. 

Today Lon Gruesbeck, Linda, and Pastor Schu came to visit. I love Americans and being hugged by them. I love listening to them talk. I love the breathe of familiar air that they bring with them. And it was wonderful. Lindor Truffles (my favorites!). Encouragement, news, and ideas.

All this on top of the vacation I basically had yesterday. All this on top of the amazing night class I had today where I acted like an evil pirate about to rule the world by making my kids read pirate poems. All this on top of the ladies lounge and couches. All this on top of creating a portfolio that will be presented at the conference at the end of the month.

I should return what He has done for me. Show others the respect, care, love that He has so freely offered me. I accept Jesus the Son as my Savior. I know that God the Father sent Him. I want the Holy Spirit to fill my heart. I want to renew this every single morning and evening. Even then, the praise and worship is not enough. Can't express or return the blessings that are filling my life.

The following post is comments I made on that post:

 It is times like these where I can see why God might wish me to stay here longer than I planned. Not one year. Not two. Just a wee bit longer. You see, I have some lessons about life He wants me to learn. I am not sure I can learn them as He wishes elsewhere. This place is unique. I am removed from all that is familiar. I can't easily fall back on my biases that were chains on my heart.


I told you God was blessing me! He continually does. I just got the sweetest message from a friend. His encouragement concerning a curriculum I am creating for the summer really made my day. The bit about buying it was particularly pleasing, though I will gladly give it away. It is based off a CD by Mike Mennard and I don't mind helping promote his music this way.


More and more blessings seem to be piling on now that I have started talking about them. In the Bible, I'm sure it says somewhere about God overflowing our lives with His love and blessings. It is completely true. I think the biggest part is being willing to see the good... even while a big, long, multi-legged centipede is crawling across your pillow trying to get on your arm.

Titus 1:5, 10-16

Verse 5 - "For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you-"

We have here our main topic.  Titus' current mission of getting elders set up in Crete to help run things.  Appointing others to help with the work.  No one man should do God's calling alone.  We are meant to have help.  Where something is needed or lacking, God will provide.  He will because He is the living God, able and willing.


Titus had a handful of problems to deal with in Crete.  This was something no man should tackle alone which is why he needed help.  To delegate work, he needed worthy men that he could trust that would uphold the responsibilities God had given.  


Versus 10-16 shows just what the situation looked like and what needed to be attended to.  It had quite the list that would make any pastor today a bit nervous.  How much more so for the early Christians of that day.


There was a problem with people who had grown up as Jews and believed themselves to be pious and holy.  Self-righteous I believe is the term here.  It wasn't just Jews, but they were the majority in this group.  It is a problem that continues to follow all of God's children today.  The sad part is that in this case, many of them were more than insubordinate.  They were selfish gossipers who strove to get people to agree with them simple because they didn't want to be wrong or because they were wanting to gain something.  


Those type of people are actually very dangerous.  They can cause who families to turn from God with facts or ideas that are not based on God or His Truth.  Reminds me of politics today.  How many politicians try to say that something horrible will happen if we do this or don't stop that person because it happened in the past.  Then they incorrectly cite some event in past history, twisting it for their own goals.  This is done also with the Bible and is very dangerous to our spiritual welfare and community spirit.  


In Crete, there was a person who became a prophet for such a group.  He was leading people astray and causing disharmony, and Paul told Titus that he needed to be rebuked sharply.  Not kicked out of the church.  Not humiliated or persecuted.  Simply rebuked - very strongly.  We have a tendency to pass judgment on others when that is not our job.  We should guide and work to keep those who go astray close to us so that they have a way back in.  In the case of this man, there was the added worry of stories and basically church tradition.  Something that has plagued God's people no matter how many times they attempt to reform.  


Not that there is anything wrong with church doctrine.  However it can be misused and placed higher than Bible study.  To those who are honestly searching for God's will and are pure in heart, they need not worry if they are eating the wrong foods or studying the wrong way.  However those who are of bad temperament that do all the things we have just gone through of not to do.  Those who don't believe God's word.  Verse 16 says it clearest, "They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work."

Titus 1:5-9

This next section is a very sharp section to read.  Sharp in all definitions of the word.

Verse 5 - "For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you-"

We have here our main topic.  Titus' current mission of getting elders set up in Crete to help run things.  Appointing others to help with the work.  No one man should do God's calling alone.  We are meant to have help.  Where something is needed or lacking, God will provide.  He will because He is the living God, able and willing.

Verse 6-9 - We have here all the qualifications that are needed to serve God and lead others.  You will notice that in this list there are no requirements where you have to have wealth, higher education, or well-liked by everyone.  No, instead the requirements in a leader are that of character and habits.

Blameless.  How can we be blameless though when all humans have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God?  Here is how.  Do not be self-willed.  Be willing to listen and follow the ideas of others.  Have only one wife.  I assume that goes the opposite way as well.  Have well-behaved kids that are not accused of dissipation or insubordination.  There are parents who say to those who bring worries about their kids to them that "kids will be kids."  However, this says not even those accused of freely spending their resources or those accused of not listening to their elders.  Why is this important?

Simple.  A leader of the people for God must be blameless.  They shouldn't be focused on themselves.  They are stewards of God and so are responsible for all God's treasures including the human heart.  They should not have a temper, as that can lead to more harm than good.  I can't count the many times that a soft spoken answer did more for me than if I had been yelled at instead.  To have such control, you must not indulge in habits that would cause you to lose it.  One of which is drinking too much alcohol.  Being violent or wanting more money all the time is just as bad.  Maybe the love of money is one of the reasons why being wealthy is not a requirement.  Those are all things that you shouldn't do or be.  So what is left.  How should a person act?

Being hospitable.  If someone needs help or is around you, be the best host or hostess you can be.  When I go to Bible Studies on Thursday night, the family whose house we stay at always offers a light snack and something to drink.  They are some of the most hospitable and attentive Christians I know and they never cease to amaze me in their love for others.  They, as the Bible asks, want what is good.  You have to be sober-minded with an honest and just character filled with the love of God in order to be self-controlled, even in the worst of times.

The worst of times will come.  The only way to get through them is to keep the Bible in your heart.  If your leaders do this, they are better able to lead and guide you.  If situations arise, they are able to help take care of the problems because they have understanding of God's Word.

Titus 1:4

From here it finishes the greeting to Titus, of whom the book is named after.  I like how it doesn't say a particular group from that time frame or such like you would see today.  It says "a true son in our common faith:"  There isn't the division present here that is often seen today.

He then blesses Titus with grace, mercy, and peace.  I love how these three themes appear throughout the Bible.  Pastors seem to not want to bring false encouragement.  Friends and families don't want false hope.  To offer grace, mercy, and peace without saying something about being persecuted or going through tough times is unheard of.  If you prayer for healing, it is assumed that they won't be healed and that you had better have a fail safe prayer.  Yet without conditions, grace, mercy, and peace are offered.

Why?  Because their faith is strong.  There can be grace amid destruction.  There can be mercy in this unfair life. There can be peace in the worst of times.  We can trust God to keep His promises.  All of them.

Staff Worship

Today in staff worship, I was giving a talk with a devotion book by Dwight Nelson.  It was on Jesus' talk to his disciples in the upper room.  He said that people would know that they were followers of Christ by their love.

This is a theme we have been studying all week and looking at in detail.  It has been really rewarding.  The kicker was what today's thought was and it gave way to a good discussion.

We read and talked about what Jesus does not say.  He doesn't say, "they will know you are my disciples... because you keep the Seventh-day."  All in that room kept Saturday as the Sabbath, yet He didn't talk about that.

He doesn't say, "they will know you are my disciples... because you believe in the second coming of Jesus."  That isn't the identifying mark that Jesus talks about.

Jesus gives them this important talk and says one thing.  That they will know you follow Jesus because of your love for other people.  It doesn't matter your race, gender, education, socio-economic standing.  Just love each individual human.

Titus 1:3

"but has in due time manifested His word through preaching, which was committed to me according to the commandment of God our Savior:"

Something that is pretty neat here is that God finds ways to let us know more about Him and what He wants for us.  In this case, God used Paul's ministry to teach and share His Truth.  God gives people gifts.  In the case of Paul, it was the gift of preaching.  Paul used that God-given gift as God meant for us to do with our gifts and gave everything he had.

What in your life do you spend the most time doing?  Is it doing a service others in some form or another?  Or are you focused on entertaining yourself.

Titus 1:2

This is one really cool verse that brings so much to the forefront.

"in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began,"

God made a promise.  A promise that we will someday be able to live with Jesus for all eternity.  That is one promise I am eager to have come to pass.

That is pretty awesome by itself, but another aspect of this verse is that God cannot lie.  Everything He says is the truth.  When He gives us His Word, He always keeps it.

Sidenote:

But what about His promise to destroy Nineva?  In a way He did.  The horrible, wicked city no longer existed because God's Holy Spirit brought the Truth to the people and they accepted it.  It was a spiritual cleansing instead of the physical.

This brings us a lesson.  We have a choice.  Accept God's spiritual cleansing and live with Him, or deny God's Gift and be destroyed by fire when the Earth is cleansed at the end of time.

Titus 1:1

The opening of the book of Titus is revealing to both more of who God is as well as what Christians are supposed to be.

Verse 1 - "Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect and the acknowledgement of the truth which accords with godliness,"

To me this verse is very enlightening.  A bondservant is someone who works for another for no wages or reward.  Paul says that He does this for God.  He gladly has given up his life to God though it gained him nothing.  Apostle is an early Christian teacher.  Paul not only has given his life to God, but also teaches of Jesus.

To give your life to God and teach about Jesus is an aspect of faith.  Faith that God's chosen have.  It isn't just faith though.  When you belong to Jesus, you must also being accepting of the truth.  The truth must be in every way good.  Just as godliness is.

Love One Another

John 13:35 says that the world will know we are Christians if we love others.

I recently read a story about a man who was walking along.  He saw a guy standing on a bridge about to jump.  He ran over shouting, "Don't do it!  There is so much to live for!"

The guy responded, "Like what?"

The man asked, "Well that depends.  Are you atheist or religious?"

The guy answered, "religious."

The man excitedly yelled, "So am I!  Are you Christian or Jewish?"

"Christian"

"So am I!  Are you Catholic or Protestant?"

"Protestant."

"So am I!  Are you Lutheran or Baptiste?"

"Baptiste."

"So am I!  Are you the Orthodox Baptiste or the Reformed Baptiste?"

"Reformed Baptiste."

Horrified the man said, "What?  Die heretic!"  And pushed him off the bridge.

Okay, so I missed a few details in my story.  It actually went all the way to Reformed Baptiste Church of God, Reformation ??15."  The point is the same.  There are going to be people we don't see eye to eye with. How we treat them shows the world if Jesus lives in us though.  Let's not become that man who pushed the guy off the bridge.

2 Timothy 4

There are several things from this chapter I want to draw your attention to in summary.  We are charged with preaching God's word, being ready for His return, and keeping watch just like any good soldier should.

When Jesus returns, He will then judge the living and the dead.  Those who love His second coming will be given a crown of righteousness.  Until that day, He will strengthen us if we let Him.  He will never leave us alone.  Every evil thought, desire, and action He can deliver us from because He wants to keep me safe for His kingdom.

These are good reasons to praise Him.  Praise the Lord who loves us so much and is willing to defend and protect us from evil.  To Him be eternal honor and praise.

2 Timothy 3:10-17

After the last post about perilous men, let's look at the second half of the chapter.

We as Christians should do our best to follow the advice Paul has been outlining as God's will.  (I am all for studying scripture and making sure it all works together, not picking and choosing.)  Live a good and quiet life.  God should be your purpose in life.  Have faith in Him.  You will need to be longsuffering and full of love in order to be able to perseverance through the hurtful things others do to you and other troubles that will come along.  We are in a war, it can't be helped.  God will deliver us.  If we trust in Him and study His Word, He will take us one day to Heaven with Him.

The scriptures can do so much for us.  God talks to us through them.  It helps us understand what we believe and why.  If we need to mend our ways or talk to others about theirs, it says how and on what.  Anything you need to know to live a good life, the advice is in the scriptures.  It is what we need to be able to face the life we are in.

Prayer

In the morning worships we are having among our English teachers, we have been reading "The Chosen" by Dwight Nelson.  It is a very inspirational book that I believe everyone should have a chance to read.  The topic of the last two days has been prayer.  How Paul even wrote, asking for prayer.

We are in a spiritual warfare.  A very real battle where casualties are a reality.  Those at the front lines are Christians.  If the enemy picks off the leaders, our pastors, then the rest will follow.  It is a plan of battle that is as old as time.  So when our pastors have to "go in," then we should provide "cover fire."  We need to be praying for our pastor, evangelist, etc.  It can make a difference between life and death for someone.

2 Timothy 3:1-9

This is such a powerful text.  It opens up saying what kind of people to stay away from in the end times.  People who are selfish, greedy, boast of themselves, proud, say that which is against scripture, don't listen to their parents, are not thankful for what they have, are unholy, have no love, are unforgiving, say mean things of others, have no self-control, cruel, don't like those who are nice, turn their backs on those they claimed loyalty to, stubborn, arrogant, crave and seek sex, and look like upstanding citizens that we can count on but are really not.  It is hard to imagine someone with all of these qualities, but they are out there in one degree or another.  These people are good at manipulating others and leading them astray for their own amusements.

People like this may seem knowledgeable, but they will never know and understand God.  This is because they don't really want to.  They are corrupt inside and try their best to prove that God doesn't exist.  They are foolish and it will be evident in time.

2 Timothy 2

This is what I got out of the chapter.  I will type what I learned in order that I read it.

We are to be strong in God's grace.  We will need that strength because we are soldiers in a war between God and the Devil.  We have to compete in this life according to the rules.  God has high standards.  If we need or want it, God will give us the understanding we need.

The Bible isn't chained and can surpass any attempt to stop it from spreading.  We should be willing to endure anything so that others can learn what the Bible says about Jesus.  Salvation of souls is at stake.  So we should work hard so that when we are before God, we have no need to be ashamed.

God has a solid foundation.  It has a seal with the message of who His people are and that they are separate from the sinful world and what it contains.  Stay away from the lust of youth and do your best to fill your life with only that which is righteous, full of faith, love, peace.  Those with a pure heart can receive such from God.

If you avoid arguing or debating with people, you will be happier.  If you have a point to make or believe something strongly, you should instead have a gentle disposition.  That way you are able to teach in a patient and humble method those who are in opposition to you.  God will open their eyes if they are repentant.  For they are snared by the Devil and are doing the Devil's will, not their own or God's.

2 Timothy 1

I have started reading 2 Timothy.  Here is what I have gained from the first chapter.  I'm prayful that by fasting, I will be able to understand more clearly what He has to say to me.  Also hoping the relationship between Him and I will become stronger.

Here is the message I got to me from Him when I read this.  We should pray without stopping all day and all night.  The first thing in the morning should be words to Him and the last thought should be prayers to Him.  God has given each of us at least one gift.  We should use it.  Don't worry about what may happen or if something might go wrong.  Don't be selfish.  God has filled us with love and power, so what need have we to fear.

We should not be afraid of testimony of God.  Be willing to tell others what you believe and why.  Don' worry about how others might react or think of you.  We are called to an amazing calling to do His will and meet His goals.

After all, Jesus abolished death.

I know who I believe and love.  I claim Jesus as my best friend, my guardian, my leader.  I know I can trust Him.  He will come back for me.

Until that day, I will read, study, and cling to His Word.  Everything He tells me, I place in my heart and cherish them.  The Holy Spirit which God placed in me will help me to understand and follow His leading.

Nehemiah 9

Tonight I went to a Bible Study group.  We are going through the Sermon on the Mount.  It turned out to be a pretty intense Bible study and discussion.  Afterwards while sitting on the bus, I prayed for God to not give up on me.  To guide me.  I decided God had something to say to me and opened my Bible.  It opened to Nehemiah 9.  It spoke loud and clear.

Verses 1-3:  God's people confessing their sins.

They gathered together to fast, dressed simply, and with dust on their heads.  They have broken their lives down so that their only focus is God.  Then they separate themselves from those who would distract them from God to confess all their sins, as well as the sins of their fathers.  Then they read scripture and praised God.

Tonight I remember a phrase spoken.  Sometimes God reveals our sins.  It can be humiliating and painful to deal with.  However, the consequences are better than if it had not been dealt with at all.  I completely agree.

The rest of the chapter goes on to explain how God's people kept leaving Him, but He was merciful and kept taking care of them.  No matter how many times I mess up or break up with my God, He will always be there for me ready to be a part of my life if I let Him.

I really needed to read this chapter.  During the Bible study, those with me prayed for me.  As they were praying, I was pleading that God would be there for me.  Something was wrong though.  I felt like there was a huge chasm between Him and I.  Then one of the ladies had me pray aloud.  That chasm disappeared.  God and I have quite the relationship to work on.  It is as broken as broken relationships get.  However, as long as I trust Him and don't give up, then He will take care of me one way or another.

As soon as I got back to my apartment, I felt like a soldier with my faith in Him acting as a shield.  I marched in and declared in Jesus' name that this place was His.  Not mine.  Not anything or anyone else's.  This is just the start.  Every aspect of my life will be dedicated and rededicated to Him.  Nothing should come between Him and I.

Obviously I will mess up.  Good thing God doesn't.  I love Him.

1 Tim 6:11-21

I apologize for my absence.  Feel free to shoot me a message next time I am away so long reminding me that God's Word is better than whatever is taking my time away from this blog.

This section is full of encouragement and praise to God.  Seriously, if you ever feel down, depressed, sad, alone, or in need of ideas for praising God... read this.

As Christians, we should be striving for righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.  This means that we should (according to the dictionary) do our best to adhere to moral principles, have the piety of being a good person, have complete trust in God, have an intense and deep feeling of affection for God and those around us, accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset, and finally be considerate and kindly in disposition.

We need to be full of faith and do our best to tell others about Jesus and how much He loves us... to as many as you can.  God is responsible for the life in any and all things.  If Jesus confessed that He was the Christ, the savior of the world that He loves, then why should we hold back?  I want ask you, what has life?  Humans?  Animals?  Plants?  Some people would say some electronics because they work as they are supposed to.  I believe that none of this is possible without Jesus, not even your computer.

We need to believe in Jesus and tell others of our faith in Him until Jesus returns.  Remember what faith is; having complete trust in God.  Only God knows when Jesus' return is.  He is the only true immortal.  He lives in such a bright and brilliant light that we are unable to come within sight of it... nor will ever be able to.  To Him all honor and praise should go.  Why would we want to serve anyone else?  God is the only One with everlasting power.  This is all true.

If you have been blessed with wealth or more than you need here on earth, realize what it is.  A gift.  Gifts are not something you earn, but something that He was willing to let you have.  You owe Him for every last penny.  So don't place your trust in money, land, clothes, credit cards, or anything else when only God can be trusted.  These things can for one reason or another end up gone.  Jesus will always be there.

Instead be compassionate and wise.  Share with those around you, do good deeds for others, and any other good and healthy thing.  For by doing so you are building up your character which is the only thing you can really take with you to heaven.  Which would you prefer, a solid foundation there after living a selfless life or lots of wealth and self-pleasure on earth with less chance of eternity with our Lord?

Whatever was committed to your trust, guard it.  Whether it is school children, your own children, the kids across the street, or the elderly lady sitting on her porch drinking afternoon tea.  Stay away from the profane, idle babblings, knowledge that really isn't knowledge.  This means don't become devoted to the unbiblical, avoid those who talk in a foolish or excited way continuously that makes no sense, and listening to or spreading things which may or may not be true.  If you do not listen, you could stray.

So drinking water that was heated in a plastic bottle causes a person's chance of cancer to rise.  Same concept here.  Doing some of the things at the top of this post will lower your chance of being left out of heaven.  Doing some of the things at the bottom of this post will raise your chance of being left out of heaven. Your choice how you live your life, just be aware that some things can influence your life in a life-changing way.