Since I jumped into this alphabet soup a little late J was kind of an easy letter for me. If you’ve ever read any of my earlier posts you would know that and would think to yourself, “You don’t say, Mr. Obvious.”
Jesus is what I would consider is the most misunderstood, misused, misinterpreted, misrepresented, yet, the most important figure I can think of. Do I know it all and have Him figured out completely? Oh heavens no. I’m of the mind like the old hymn “Amazing Grace,” “When we’ve been there 10,000 years, bright shining as the sun, we’ve no less days to sing God’s praise, than when we’ve first begun.” Why is that? Because, after 10,000 years, we still won’t have God figured out.
I heard a saying once that said, “If you think you’ve got God figured out, your god is too small.” But what I do know is this, “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him (puts their faith and trust in Him) shall not perish but have everlasting life.”
I believe that God is Love. I also believe that Jesus is God incarnate, or “God in the flesh.” Therefore I also believe that Jesus is the very embodiment of Love. Foreigner once sang, “I wanna know what love is.” Look to Jesus.
Which leads me to one of my “I wonder sometimes” moments, there is a scripture verse that states, “Having a form of godliness, but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” (2 Tim 3:5) These are the same people that are “always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” and 2 Tim 3:7. Are these people who claim to love but have ulterior motives? Paul gives Timothy a good idea of who these people are at the beginning of the chapter. These people cover a wide range of people from the religious to the anti-religious, to the politicians to the business community. “If you say you love God and hate your brother, you’re a liar.” Simple statement. Love is the greatest of these. Not personal gain. Not position or power.
So much to say and share, so little brain power…LOL…
Until K.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Saturday, April 10, 2010
I is for Incredible ...just for Arlee
Saw the Air Force Thunderbirds today...
Incredible group of flier...
They were Incredible.
Blessings to everyone of our service people who serve this country...
May God bless you and keep you and may His face shine upon you.
DJ GlenMC
Friday, April 9, 2010
I Wonder Sometimes...
I posted on Facebook about a week ago that I “wonder sometimes.” There is so much implied in that. What do I wonder about? Why just ‘sometimes?’
I wonder sometimes about people who are ‘Christians’ who claim to believe that “God so loved the world,” then proceed to tell the world that God hates them. Then I remember that Jesus looked down from the cross and said, “Father forgive them. They know not what they do.”
I wonder sometimes about people who claim there is no God and then claim to have the evidence to prove that evolution is ‘true.’ But when I read about the ‘evidence’ there are always clarifying statements like ‘scientists believe that’ or ‘they think.’ But I can say that “I believe the clouds are made of cheese,” but it doesn’t make it true. I always think of simple questions like, “If man evolved didn’t a woman have to evolve at the same time, in the same stages so that he could reproduce another one?” And, “If man evolved, didn’t a food or energy source have to evolve at the same time?” Then I remember that “God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked.”
Then I wonder sometimes why people hated Jesus so much. Then I realize that Jesus strips away all pretense of pride. Jesus freely loved anyone (not this modern day definition of ‘love.’) “For God so loved the world…” He was willing to forgive anyone that would believe in Him with their hearts. Jesus could see right into the heart of everyone. He once noted that the religious leaders professed God with their mouths but their hearts were far from Him.
Jesus died on the cross for the whole world. He looked down from the cross on the whole world and said, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
Steve Camp wrote a song that said, “Don’t tell them Jesus loves them, til you’re ready to love them too.” Jesus declared that “They will know you are my disciples by the love you have for one another.” “If you say you love God and hate your brother, you’re a liar.”
Disciples are teachable not dogmatic. Disciples love when self says, ‘hate.’ Disciples love whether a person’s a right-winger or liberal. Disciples love whether a person’s rich or poor.
I wonder sometimes…
I wonder sometimes about people who are ‘Christians’ who claim to believe that “God so loved the world,” then proceed to tell the world that God hates them. Then I remember that Jesus looked down from the cross and said, “Father forgive them. They know not what they do.”
I wonder sometimes about people who claim there is no God and then claim to have the evidence to prove that evolution is ‘true.’ But when I read about the ‘evidence’ there are always clarifying statements like ‘scientists believe that’ or ‘they think.’ But I can say that “I believe the clouds are made of cheese,” but it doesn’t make it true. I always think of simple questions like, “If man evolved didn’t a woman have to evolve at the same time, in the same stages so that he could reproduce another one?” And, “If man evolved, didn’t a food or energy source have to evolve at the same time?” Then I remember that “God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked.”
Then I wonder sometimes why people hated Jesus so much. Then I realize that Jesus strips away all pretense of pride. Jesus freely loved anyone (not this modern day definition of ‘love.’) “For God so loved the world…” He was willing to forgive anyone that would believe in Him with their hearts. Jesus could see right into the heart of everyone. He once noted that the religious leaders professed God with their mouths but their hearts were far from Him.
Jesus died on the cross for the whole world. He looked down from the cross on the whole world and said, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
Steve Camp wrote a song that said, “Don’t tell them Jesus loves them, til you’re ready to love them too.” Jesus declared that “They will know you are my disciples by the love you have for one another.” “If you say you love God and hate your brother, you’re a liar.”
Disciples are teachable not dogmatic. Disciples love when self says, ‘hate.’ Disciples love whether a person’s a right-winger or liberal. Disciples love whether a person’s rich or poor.
I wonder sometimes…
Thursday, February 25, 2010
God Bless Our Troops.
I have this picture over my desk of the Vietnam memorial statue I believe is in Washington DC - three soldiers walking together. Underneath it I have the phrase “Why We are Here.” In a world full of evil and uncertainty, there are people who are keeping us safe. Our country, our freedoms and our families depend on others to keep the lions at bay. Men, women, immigrants and natural born citizens have joined our military ranks to protect and defend us.
I am just one person. But I realize that I am part of a bigger picture. I don’t delude myself into thinking that people around the world are just like me. Oh, they have hair, and fingers and toes and eat and breathe, and drink and so many other things that I do as a human. But I don’t believe they hold the same values that I do. There are people that I work with that don’t think or believe the way that I do, so I bid them a good day, do what I can to work with them and thank them for their time. Almost all of them are part of this great country and most of them I don’t believe want to physically harm me or my family.
But, there are those that are not a part of this nation that come here with one thing in mind – bring this nation down. But this nation is made of people, people who work, play, read, love, cry, laugh and desire. Most don’t rejoice when a child is murdered or hurt. But, I’ve seen that from people in other countries. I’ve seen people from other countries who rejoice when innocents are slaughtered and maimed - things that we are accused of doing by some in our own nation. While those that actually do those acts are defended and given excuses as if it were our fault.
History is filled with people who tried to appease dictators only to realize they will never be appeased. Hitler, Napoleon, Stalin and others all used force to conquer other nations. People in power will use those around them to gain more power.
Slavery was ended by war. Hitler was stopped by war. War is never desired, but sometimes is required.
As I look on the picture over my desk, I pray for the men and women who have volunteered to protect and defend this country from all enemies foreign and domestic. I “pray for peace, while helping to prepare for war.” Do I want us to go to war? Not just no, but Hell no. Do I believe there is a time for peace? Yes. Do I believe there comes a time when talking doesn’t work and it’s time to do something with force? Unfortunately yes.
I am a small part of a bigger picture. I am just part of the support team. But if the support team fails then those that make it possible for me to be part of support may fail, then none of us will be here.
May God bless our troops and their families as they do the hard things, so I won’t have to.
I am just one person. But I realize that I am part of a bigger picture. I don’t delude myself into thinking that people around the world are just like me. Oh, they have hair, and fingers and toes and eat and breathe, and drink and so many other things that I do as a human. But I don’t believe they hold the same values that I do. There are people that I work with that don’t think or believe the way that I do, so I bid them a good day, do what I can to work with them and thank them for their time. Almost all of them are part of this great country and most of them I don’t believe want to physically harm me or my family.
But, there are those that are not a part of this nation that come here with one thing in mind – bring this nation down. But this nation is made of people, people who work, play, read, love, cry, laugh and desire. Most don’t rejoice when a child is murdered or hurt. But, I’ve seen that from people in other countries. I’ve seen people from other countries who rejoice when innocents are slaughtered and maimed - things that we are accused of doing by some in our own nation. While those that actually do those acts are defended and given excuses as if it were our fault.
History is filled with people who tried to appease dictators only to realize they will never be appeased. Hitler, Napoleon, Stalin and others all used force to conquer other nations. People in power will use those around them to gain more power.
Slavery was ended by war. Hitler was stopped by war. War is never desired, but sometimes is required.
As I look on the picture over my desk, I pray for the men and women who have volunteered to protect and defend this country from all enemies foreign and domestic. I “pray for peace, while helping to prepare for war.” Do I want us to go to war? Not just no, but Hell no. Do I believe there is a time for peace? Yes. Do I believe there comes a time when talking doesn’t work and it’s time to do something with force? Unfortunately yes.
I am a small part of a bigger picture. I am just part of the support team. But if the support team fails then those that make it possible for me to be part of support may fail, then none of us will be here.
May God bless our troops and their families as they do the hard things, so I won’t have to.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
More on Pride
I was thinking the other day about a saying I once heard. (I don't agree with this saying so read what I have to say after it okay...Don't go all knee jerk on me...LOL)
"I would rather rule in hell, than serve in Heaven."
I believe that is the problem with most people. They have such a prideful view of themselves they refuse to serve. They refuse to serve those around them. They refuse to be subordinate to anyone. What happens is the hell they end up ruling is the hell they've created. They rant and rave about nothing going their way. No one catering to their needs, and after a while they find themselves alone in their own hell...but hey, they rule!!!
Yet the creator of the Universe didn't see anything wrong with being a servant. He washed His disciples feet. He touched the lame. He sought no government power.
We don't serve because it's beneath us.
There are those that believe in serving, by making others serve at the end of a gun while they rule. Using government coercion to make those that have give to those that don't have, yet all the while not making those that don't have serve.
True faith leads to servant-hood. Because love serves. And true faith and love requires no government coercion to act.
If you read this...I hope you seek the Lords guidance. May you be blessed and inspired by He who is Love.
"I would rather rule in hell, than serve in Heaven."
I believe that is the problem with most people. They have such a prideful view of themselves they refuse to serve. They refuse to serve those around them. They refuse to be subordinate to anyone. What happens is the hell they end up ruling is the hell they've created. They rant and rave about nothing going their way. No one catering to their needs, and after a while they find themselves alone in their own hell...but hey, they rule!!!
Yet the creator of the Universe didn't see anything wrong with being a servant. He washed His disciples feet. He touched the lame. He sought no government power.
We don't serve because it's beneath us.
There are those that believe in serving, by making others serve at the end of a gun while they rule. Using government coercion to make those that have give to those that don't have, yet all the while not making those that don't have serve.
True faith leads to servant-hood. Because love serves. And true faith and love requires no government coercion to act.
If you read this...I hope you seek the Lords guidance. May you be blessed and inspired by He who is Love.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Oversimplification, but makes sense to me.
My oversimplification of the gospel.
Old Testament. In Genesis man was given a simple choice...Tree of Life or the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Man chose the tree of good and evil, God said, "Okay, if that's what you want, you can see what the consequences will entail. This is what is good. See if you can do it."
Man proved time and again, without God, they haven't got a clue.
Moses didn't enter the promise land. Sort of a example of the law will NOT get you into heaven.
New Testament. God rebooted the system by Jesus' death on the cross. God made the sacrifice so we can choose from the Tree of Life (Jesus) again. Jesus died on the cross so that we can choose life, through faith in Christ. We come to love Him because He loved us first.
Yeah, simple, but easy to understand.
Old Testament. In Genesis man was given a simple choice...Tree of Life or the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Man chose the tree of good and evil, God said, "Okay, if that's what you want, you can see what the consequences will entail. This is what is good. See if you can do it."
Man proved time and again, without God, they haven't got a clue.
Moses didn't enter the promise land. Sort of a example of the law will NOT get you into heaven.
New Testament. God rebooted the system by Jesus' death on the cross. God made the sacrifice so we can choose from the Tree of Life (Jesus) again. Jesus died on the cross so that we can choose life, through faith in Christ. We come to love Him because He loved us first.
Yeah, simple, but easy to understand.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Pride
Pride is such a dangerous thing. Lucifer's fall was precipitated upon his desire to be greater than God.
Man rejects God's precious gift of Jesus out of pride...man's desire to be the master of his own life. Families and friendships are destroyed due to pride. The simple act of saying "I'm sorry" is often not said due to pride. So much violence and hatred is inflicted upon society because some people's pride had been hurt.
I read a report once that said some of the most violent acts have been committed by people, not with low self esteem, but with rather a high bit of self esteem. They believed themselves to be self important and if someone disrespected them, they got violent.
Hatred and racism are based in pride. "I'm better than you."
Religious people refuse to love those whom Jesus called us to love out of a misplaced sense of pride. "I am God's child, I can't been seen with 'that' person. I can't talk to that person." Funny though, Jesus, God in the flesh, always talked to those whom the religious would avoid.
Maybe I'll have something more to say...if you read this great. If not, I hope you at least look into Jesus.
Blessing until another day.
Man rejects God's precious gift of Jesus out of pride...man's desire to be the master of his own life. Families and friendships are destroyed due to pride. The simple act of saying "I'm sorry" is often not said due to pride. So much violence and hatred is inflicted upon society because some people's pride had been hurt.
I read a report once that said some of the most violent acts have been committed by people, not with low self esteem, but with rather a high bit of self esteem. They believed themselves to be self important and if someone disrespected them, they got violent.
Hatred and racism are based in pride. "I'm better than you."
Religious people refuse to love those whom Jesus called us to love out of a misplaced sense of pride. "I am God's child, I can't been seen with 'that' person. I can't talk to that person." Funny though, Jesus, God in the flesh, always talked to those whom the religious would avoid.
Maybe I'll have something more to say...if you read this great. If not, I hope you at least look into Jesus.
Blessing until another day.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
I deactived my account...then reactivated it...LOL...
Got bored on my computer...sad...but no one noticed...
I don't even think anyone has read this blog.
Don't matter. I am a Child of God. Jesus loves me whether anyone reads this blog or not. Whether anyone read my whining or not. No matter who controls the reins of power, God is still in control and He loves me anyway. \
So, another day. More words.
Be blessed.
Write me. Don't write me.
Glen
Got bored on my computer...sad...but no one noticed...
I don't even think anyone has read this blog.
Don't matter. I am a Child of God. Jesus loves me whether anyone reads this blog or not. Whether anyone read my whining or not. No matter who controls the reins of power, God is still in control and He loves me anyway. \
So, another day. More words.
Be blessed.
Write me. Don't write me.
Glen
Monday, September 21, 2009
Deactivated
Deactivated my facebook page.
With all this technology we can keep in touch but never touch.
Family and friends we've not talked to in years, we can now see bits of their lives, but we never touch.
We play on our computers but don't go outside. We are on MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, iPhone, IPod...wired, but never connected.
Deactivated my facebook page. I wonder if anyone will notice.
With all this technology we can keep in touch but never touch.
Family and friends we've not talked to in years, we can now see bits of their lives, but we never touch.
We play on our computers but don't go outside. We are on MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, iPhone, IPod...wired, but never connected.
Deactivated my facebook page. I wonder if anyone will notice.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
We are Our Own Idols
When the rich young ruler approached Jesus and asked what he needed to do, Jesus said, “you know the law.”
The young guy said, “I’ve done all that.”
Jesus then said, “Sell all you have and come, follow me.”
The rich young guy walked away sad.
Before this conversation takes place, the rich young guy said to Jesus, “Good master.”
Jesus said, “There is none good, but God.” Which therefore begs the question, “Do you believe that Jesus is God?” The young ruler didn’t believe. What is the first commandment? “I Am the Lord God, you shall have no other gods before me.”
So many of us think that because we “don’t drink, don’t chew, don’t date those that do” we are right before God. But we don’t let go of our egos, or money, or self-righteousness, bitterness, anger, addictions, un-forgiveness or whatever. We claim it’s a part of who we are. We constantly walk away from Jesus claiming we believe in Him, yet, we cling to our idols of self. Jesus does not abandon us. We walk off on Him. He will never leave nor forsake us, but so many times we forsake Him.
There are none righteous, no not one. We have all fallen short. Any in the body who claim otherwise are liars. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” 1 John 1:18
What is it that justifies us? Our church attendance? How ‘good’ we are? Who we associate with? None of the above. It is Christ that justifies us before God. But how many of us truly understand that? We believe that our standing with God is based on our performance. Thus, we make ourselves our own idols.
We do things that we think will improve our standing with God. We don’t associate with “that type of person,” or we don’t “go to those type movies.” “I’m a Christian and I don’t do those things.”
So much of who we are has nothing to do with our lives in Christ. The idea of submission in the body of Christ has been lost because of the abuse of power within the body of believers. Men have behaved like rulers, yet refuse to give themselves as Christ gave himself for the church. Women in the body have been treated badly by leadership if they didn’t ‘submit’ to their husbands.
Marriages have ended because of the demands of submission. No demand should be made of someone that you are not willing to submit to.
How much better the world would be if each of us would put our faith in Christ and let Him live through us. In the Way, let Him love through us. As John the Baptist said, He must increase and I must decrease. To put one’s faith in Christ, is to put one’s faith in God. If God is Love, then we must put our faith in Love. Love is not idle.
God said to love God, then love each other. Then He loved us first. He loved us unto death.
Love is a risk. God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. God gave us Jesus. God gave us Love. Man took Him, lied about Him, spat on Him, beat Him, mocked Him then nailed Him to a cross. This is what we do to Jesus every time we refuse to love those around us for whatever reason. For those reasons have become our idols.
The young guy said, “I’ve done all that.”
Jesus then said, “Sell all you have and come, follow me.”
The rich young guy walked away sad.
Before this conversation takes place, the rich young guy said to Jesus, “Good master.”
Jesus said, “There is none good, but God.” Which therefore begs the question, “Do you believe that Jesus is God?” The young ruler didn’t believe. What is the first commandment? “I Am the Lord God, you shall have no other gods before me.”
So many of us think that because we “don’t drink, don’t chew, don’t date those that do” we are right before God. But we don’t let go of our egos, or money, or self-righteousness, bitterness, anger, addictions, un-forgiveness or whatever. We claim it’s a part of who we are. We constantly walk away from Jesus claiming we believe in Him, yet, we cling to our idols of self. Jesus does not abandon us. We walk off on Him. He will never leave nor forsake us, but so many times we forsake Him.
There are none righteous, no not one. We have all fallen short. Any in the body who claim otherwise are liars. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” 1 John 1:18
What is it that justifies us? Our church attendance? How ‘good’ we are? Who we associate with? None of the above. It is Christ that justifies us before God. But how many of us truly understand that? We believe that our standing with God is based on our performance. Thus, we make ourselves our own idols.
We do things that we think will improve our standing with God. We don’t associate with “that type of person,” or we don’t “go to those type movies.” “I’m a Christian and I don’t do those things.”
So much of who we are has nothing to do with our lives in Christ. The idea of submission in the body of Christ has been lost because of the abuse of power within the body of believers. Men have behaved like rulers, yet refuse to give themselves as Christ gave himself for the church. Women in the body have been treated badly by leadership if they didn’t ‘submit’ to their husbands.
Marriages have ended because of the demands of submission. No demand should be made of someone that you are not willing to submit to.
How much better the world would be if each of us would put our faith in Christ and let Him live through us. In the Way, let Him love through us. As John the Baptist said, He must increase and I must decrease. To put one’s faith in Christ, is to put one’s faith in God. If God is Love, then we must put our faith in Love. Love is not idle.
God said to love God, then love each other. Then He loved us first. He loved us unto death.
Love is a risk. God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. God gave us Jesus. God gave us Love. Man took Him, lied about Him, spat on Him, beat Him, mocked Him then nailed Him to a cross. This is what we do to Jesus every time we refuse to love those around us for whatever reason. For those reasons have become our idols.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
