Ask most people what God is like and they might say warm, inviting, loving and forgiving. Some might say vengeful and controlling. What is God really like?
Ask most people what born-again Christians are like and they might say exclusionary, self-righteous, “perfect” and uppity. Others might say kind and courteous. What are we supposed to be like?
Both of theses kinds of observations are based on the type of experience the individuals you asked have had with God and His ambassadors on Earth. In order to get a more accurate observation and answer the questions, we need to go to His Word given to men that were with the Master on Earth.
In chapters 1 and 2 of Genesis, we are shown the great Creator building His perfect masterpiece. God created the heaven and the earth and all that fills both realms. God said that is all was good. He created man to have complete dominion over all (Gen 1:26). He also required obedience to His instructions from the very beginning (Gen 2:16-17).
He also said that man was good. However, we are the only creature in heaven and earth that were given a choice. He entrusted us with the rest of His creation.
After entrusting us with His creation, humankind chose to be disobedient (Gen. 3:6). We opened mistrust and shame and allowed sin to enter. As we continue to read, we see the immediate consequences for that choice; mistrust, accusation, enmity between loved ones, pain, sorrow, hardship and death (Gen 3:9-19).
Poor choices and problems continue to plague mankind (Gen 6:5). So much so that God, shows grace and mercy to Noah’s family (Gen 6:8) by telling them that the firmament will be flooded and they have been chosen to continue on with the animals. Noah’s obedience to God’s instructions spared human and animal kind from certain destruction (Gen 6:22).
Continue reading in the Old Testament and you will see the same pattern. Mercy, grace and provision for obedience; Wrath and destruction for disobedience.
The greatest demonstration of love for his wayward creation was made in the New Testament. God robed himself in flesh (temptation) (Mt 1:18-25), lived a sinless, obedient life through Jesus and died so that we might all be reconciled to the perfection of the beginning.
Are God’s character and His actions more evident after this review? He is, indeed, all those things in the observations made in the beginning of this article. What did we learn about mankind in this review? Humans have choices. We can make good ones or bad ones. These choices reflect our hearts and create circumstances (consequences).
God said that his creation was good. He Word also says that we were created in His own image (Gen 1:27). Because of these truths, all mankind is redeemable. Each can choose the path of obedience and blessing or of disobedience and cursing.
Check the mirror. Are you reflecting His image? Or do you see something else?
If you are grieved, chances are He is too. Redemption and condemnation are choices. Only you can make that choice.
Ellen Conn Taylor
2006
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Thursday, January 10, 2008
This was emailed by a friend . . .
http://www.dashpoemmovie.com/
And with all the happenings lately, it made me cry.
What it says really is true.
See for yourself.
Thank you, Joni.
And with all the happenings lately, it made me cry.
What it says really is true.
See for yourself.
Thank you, Joni.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Appreciation
I have neglected to tell the people who read this on a regular basis how much they are appreciated.
THANK YOU!!!!!!!
If it were not for friends like you, my life would not be the same. You have each touched my heart deeply.
I am eternally grateful for HIS guidance in our friendships.
THANK YOU!!!!!!!
If it were not for friends like you, my life would not be the same. You have each touched my heart deeply.
I am eternally grateful for HIS guidance in our friendships.
Prayers needed please
My grandfather is in the hospital. His kidneys are not functioning the way they should. The doctor's say there is a 50/50 chance for him to survive based on the recent events in life. Read about it here.
I just need the courage to accept God's will. I need the peace that passes all understanding in order to demonstrate that to my family members who do not serve my Lord.
One of our pastors spoke on regifting tonight at church. You know, getting something and then giving it to someone else. He spoke about rewrapping before you regift. In order to rewrap God's gifts, we need to use and understand them ourselves. We need to know HIS gifts so intimately that they are second nature to us, that they flow freely and without regret.
I need to be able to do that.
I just need the courage to accept God's will. I need the peace that passes all understanding in order to demonstrate that to my family members who do not serve my Lord.
One of our pastors spoke on regifting tonight at church. You know, getting something and then giving it to someone else. He spoke about rewrapping before you regift. In order to rewrap God's gifts, we need to use and understand them ourselves. We need to know HIS gifts so intimately that they are second nature to us, that they flow freely and without regret.
I need to be able to do that.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Indentured Servitude
Like the indentured servants of old, you and I are bound to Christ. He purchased our salvation and place in Heaven with His blood. Offering our bodies to as a living sacrifice is our reasonable service (Romans 12:1).
Doing His bidding is our reasonable service.
Has He asked you to do something that is unpleasant or humbling? Just remember that He walked and talked with those that no one else would walk and talk with. He cleansed the unclean.
Has He asked you to do something outside your comfort zone? Just remember the Garden of Gethsemene.
Jesus is our perfect example. We are to aspire to be like Him.
He talked with the Father daily. There was a deep connection there.
He understood what was required. He asked for clarification and confirmation.
He was obedient. He did the things He did out of love.
That last one is the kicker. Indentured servants of old were not required to love. Just complete the time period that was agreed upon.
As servants of Christ, we are still indentured but God added another component. Love. It is not optional but part of our reasonable service.
Indentured servitude is a choice, an agreement to the terms. We must serve on HIS terms. We must choose.
Doing His bidding is our reasonable service.
Has He asked you to do something that is unpleasant or humbling? Just remember that He walked and talked with those that no one else would walk and talk with. He cleansed the unclean.
Has He asked you to do something outside your comfort zone? Just remember the Garden of Gethsemene.
Jesus is our perfect example. We are to aspire to be like Him.
He talked with the Father daily. There was a deep connection there.
He understood what was required. He asked for clarification and confirmation.
He was obedient. He did the things He did out of love.
That last one is the kicker. Indentured servants of old were not required to love. Just complete the time period that was agreed upon.
As servants of Christ, we are still indentured but God added another component. Love. It is not optional but part of our reasonable service.
Indentured servitude is a choice, an agreement to the terms. We must serve on HIS terms. We must choose.
Heavy stuff that can't be shoveled. . .
Have you ever felt that you were the nearest dumping ground? I kind of feel that way lately.
My brother in law is having family issues and calls almost daily. He will be in the States from Germany on Tuesday. That's when the "real" therapy sessions start.
My mother in law is having a disagreement with her sisters about the treatment of her 94 year old mother. This is a result of not speaking to each other about anything important for years! I just want to lock them in the closet and let them fight it out! Can I really fixt this? NO! Do I want to? YES!
My family is still reeling from the loss of my grandmother. This Earth will NEVER be the same!
**********************************************************
All of the above issues deal with forgiveness and grief. Forgiveness and grief are both processes. However, you must be willing to work through the process in order for the situation to be resolved.
The neediness of these situations will eventually go away. Knowing that is helpful.
My brother in law is having family issues and calls almost daily. He will be in the States from Germany on Tuesday. That's when the "real" therapy sessions start.
My mother in law is having a disagreement with her sisters about the treatment of her 94 year old mother. This is a result of not speaking to each other about anything important for years! I just want to lock them in the closet and let them fight it out! Can I really fixt this? NO! Do I want to? YES!
My family is still reeling from the loss of my grandmother. This Earth will NEVER be the same!
**********************************************************
All of the above issues deal with forgiveness and grief. Forgiveness and grief are both processes. However, you must be willing to work through the process in order for the situation to be resolved.
The neediness of these situations will eventually go away. Knowing that is helpful.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Do you like pie?
Works for me . . .
You Are Pumpkin Pie
You're the perfect combo of uniqueness and quality.You're able to relate to many types of people with many different tastes.But you're by no means generic or ordinary.In fact, you're one of the most original people around.Those who like you are looking for something (someone!) special.You tend confuse people when they first meet you. You're not as complicated as you seem.Even though you have a lot of spice and flavor to you, you're never overpowering.You are a calm and comforting force in people's lives.
http://www.blogthings.com/whatkindofpieareyouquiz/
You Are Pumpkin Pie
You're the perfect combo of uniqueness and quality.You're able to relate to many types of people with many different tastes.But you're by no means generic or ordinary.In fact, you're one of the most original people around.Those who like you are looking for something (someone!) special.You tend confuse people when they first meet you. You're not as complicated as you seem.Even though you have a lot of spice and flavor to you, you're never overpowering.You are a calm and comforting force in people's lives.
http://www.blogthings.com/whatkindofpieareyouquiz/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)