Self-preservation vs Self-exaltation (Pt.2)

It's godly when men want to know how to meet the needs of their wife. (and vice versa) This is an indication of a humble heart. Some men "get it", but many don't. It's the other way around too! We don't think alike. We don't have the same perspective on life, therefore we must make every effort to educate ourselves and then serve one another in love. This makes for a balanced and more complete couple (Eph 5:31>2=1). Many marriages end tragically in divorce for these reasons>"I don't love you anymore", or "he doesn't make me happpy", or something along these lines. God doesn't permit divorce and remarriage in this case (1 Cor. 7). The Bible gives clear instructions for marriage success (Eph 5:21-29). (Note: husbands look at your instructions and wives look at yours!) When one is in a situation where their mate doesn't "get it", or their friend, or their relative, etc., then that one can get supplemented in their relationship with God. No one should ever take God's first place filling our needs. No one will ever be able to fully accomplish this task. There are too many scriptures to list re: the fact that God wants to and should meet our every need. Putting God and His ways first sets us up for pleasant surprises along the way, not to mention eternal blessings. I'll call this GODLY SELF-PRESERVATION or GSP. When we look for someone or something to fulfill us rather than God, we are setting ourselves up for a let down. I'll call this FLESHLY SELF-PRESERVATION OR FSP. God wants to be our source (Phil.4:12), He wants us to focus our love on Him (Mk. 12:30), He wants us to serve Him by serving and loving others (Lk 10:27; Gal 5:13 AMP), and in God's love we are secure and satisfied in life and in our relationships (GSP). The reason we "can't get no satisfaction" is because we won't get it. It's our choice. God is there for us in every way we need Him (within the bounds of His Word). GSP says, "I must preserve my hope, joy, strength, and faith to the glory of God and for His purposes". FSP says, "I'm going to lose my mind if I don't..." or "I'm not going to take this!", "I don't deserve this!" Or something like, "I can't, I won't, or I hate...!" Who is the common denominator in this scenario? "I" or "it's all about me". And the attitude smells of flesh (Gal 5:16-17 ). It's human nature to preserve one's self, but we must take on a higher nature as Christians, God's nature. (*2 Peter 1:1-12 Amp). This passage is too long to type here but you must read it. I will bring out some of the highlights. "May grace and peace be multiplied to you...For His divine power has bestowed on us His precious and exceedingly great promises, so that you may escape from the moral decay that is in the world...and become sharers in the divine nature...employ every effort in exercising your faith to develop virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection...For IF these qualities are yours and increasingly abound in you, they will keep you...unto the knowledge of Jesus Christ...whoever lacks these qualities is blind...So I intend to remind you of these things, although you know them...". We must constantly remind ourselves of these things. We must encourage one another with these things. *2 Peter 1:11 encourages us with these words,"...Thus there will be richly and abundantly provided for you (who possess these qualities) entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." That's reassuring! We need to humble ourselves and trust that God's way works! We may not know in this lifetime all of the effects our decisions make, but certainly we will in the next. In conclusion, 1 John 3: 22 says, "...we receive from Him whatever we ask, because we obey His orders and (habitually) practice what is pleasing to Him." He loves us so much, and wants to bless us. We must let Him prove Himself to us. As we obey Him, we then see His faithfulness, we will receive a testimony for His glory, and we will overcome this world (Rev. 12:11) . We need to live it like we believe it! If we believe it, live it, then we will see it!

Hot Topic>Self-preservation or Self-exaltation (Part I)

Self-preservation is the state in which a person takes measures to protect themself from harm or damage. In this day and time there seems to be a prevalent sense of self-exaltation being confused with self-preservation. Many times it comes when one is not being recognized or appreciated as they think they should be as opposed to delivering one's self from danger. I believe it started in the 60's with the "women's liberation" movement. For those of you who don't know what I am talking about, I will briefly explain. Women were encouraged to stand up and fight for their rights. (Rights are important.) They were encouraged to be strong. (That's great!) But when women are encouraged to fight for their rights and be strong in a spirit of rebellion, then it's wrong. As a pastor's wife, I have noticed through the years a real need to feel significant. I have also noticed feeling an overwhelming sense of obligation to make a difference in this world for the Lord. How much of this is of God and how much of this is self-acknowledgement? There seems to be a trend among many Chrisitan women these days developing their own ministries regardless of the support and oversight of godly authority. Another problem is the fact that the divorce rate among Christians is astronomical. Women are finding their independence, but how many of these Christian women are in error? When we submit to godly authority, God has an amazing way of honoring us and fulfilling our needs. We all have the need for significance. We all need love and appreciation. As we humble ourselves, God will honor us. After all, God's honor is what we should want above all. In light of Benny Hinn's wife filing for divorce and her ministry coming to light, I thought that this is something I must look at. We cannot set ourself up as judge because we are not. God only knows their personal issues and that is between them and God. I believe we must come to our own conclusion on this subject and to the best of our ability line ourself up with God's view point. In the next few posts, I will cover the Biblical stance on the subjects of divorce, women in ministry and submission. We then can make an assessment for ourselves so we can know what is required of us. We can only know for ourselves regarding the choices we must make in life. I am looking forward to delving into this hot topic! You can e-mail me for comments at redeconna@aol.com

Boldly draw near to God!

Hebrews 4:16 encourages us to draw near to God's throne of grace, that we may receive mercy from God and find timely help when we need it. This is so encouraging! I tend to try and fix things in my life and the life of others rather than approach God's throne and talk to Him about the situation. He is able, well able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that I could ever ask or think!>(Ephesians 3:20). After all, He is a loving, merciful, and caring Father. Why do we feel that we must take the responsibility for so much when He wants us to cast ALL of our care on Him, because He cares for us! >(1 Peter 5:7 AMP-"Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. Psalms 55:22 holds a promise: Cast your burdens on the Lord [releasing the weight of it] AND He will sustain you; He will NEVER allow the consistently righteous to slip, fall, or fail. First of all, we must work on being consistent in our dependence on Him. Second, we must by faith believe that He wants us to cast all our cares on Him. And thirdly, we must trust Him to take the responsibility of our situation. So, run into His welcoming and well able arms. Be bold and He will prove Himself faithful.

THE Path of Peace

In the midst of our chaotic and hectic lives, THE peace of God is available. Even we Christians (I'm preaching to myself too!) don't experience His peace like we could and should. This is because we aren't willing to evaluate and adjust our postion in life for going down that path. Yesterday I went to a funeral in Winter Haven. I got lost three times because of different distractions. I had the directions, but I kept missing turns. I eventually made it to my destination, but was a little late and a little frustrated. Rather than focusing on my path, I was entertaining phone calls, and involved in intense (but enjoyable) conversations with my sister who was with me. Well, I got pulled for (unknowingly) speeding. God and the officer was merciful but not the best scenario! In the big picture, life brings distractions and can cause us to veer off the right path causing frustration and a lack of peace. Psalms 91 reveals THE path that will keep us in God's will and thus in the blessed life of peace and lasting joy, bringing us to our destiny in Christ. #1. (Ps 1: 1-2) We must dwell or live in the secret place of the Most High making God our Refuge and fortress >(Heb.-strong place); I must lean on and trust Him (selah or think about that) #2. (Ps 91:14) We must set> (Heb.-apply, consider, look, regard, stay) our love> (Heb.-have a delight, to cling, join, desire) on Him . I don't need or want anymore "drama" in my life than is necessary! Is any necessary? When we are troubled, and we change our positon as necessary, and if we call upon Him, He will forgive, hear our prayer, and will answer us every time!>(Ps. 86:5-7)

Prisoner of Hope

I found this passage in the Bible that really stood out to me. (Zechariah 9:11-12) "Rejoice greatly O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold your King comes to you...the war chariot, the war horse, and battle bow will be cut off and He (Jesus) shall speak the word and peace shall come to Jerusalem. As for you also, because of and for the sake of the covenant of the Lord with His people, sprinkled with covenant blood, imprisoned people are released out of the waterless pit. Return to the stronghold of security and prosperity YOU PRISONERS OF HOPE. Even today do I declare that I will restore double your former prosperity to you!" Have you been experiencing the onslaught of the enemy lately? Has the war chariot and war horse with the battle bow been in your life lately? I told the Lord the other day that I need a break from troubles. Granted, what I have suffered is mild compared to what I have noticed others are dealing with, but there is a place of peace and prosperity for us. It's BECAUSE we have a blood covenant! Jesus speaks the word and we can breath easy! Iwould much rather be in a stronghold of peace and prosperity as opposed to a waterless pit! I'm hoping in God! I am depending on Him to speak the Word for me! He is faithful and I know that my hope will not be in vain. I now want to receive a double restoration of my former prosperity! (Psalm 40:1-3)>"I waited patiently for the Lord, He heard my cry. He drew me up out of a terrible pit and set my feet on a rock. And He has put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many shall see and worship and put their trust in the Lord." I know that my hope in God, followed by His work in my life, will be seen by many and I will praise and glorify Him again and again!

No man is an island!

I heard someone say the other day that they don't like church and they don't like church people, but they do love God. Well, I tried to explain that this can't be true! First of all, it is obvious that there are some issues involved with this statement. One, there could be hurts. Second, is that they are unwilling to obey God and only want Him on their terms. Thirdly, maybe they don't understand that the church is God's bride and imperfect as she may be, He loves her, died for her, and rejection of her alienates one from Him. The church is God's family and His means of changing us into the image of His Son, (which is His 0bjective and desire for us>Rom. 8:29; Rom.12). There are tons of scriptures and indepth teachings on this subject but I want to share this one passage with you today:Hebrews 10:23-25 (Amp)>"Let us seize and hold fast and retain without wavering the hope we cherish...let us give continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir one another up to love and helpful deeds, not forsaking to assemble together as is the habit of some, but admonish one another, all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching." The jewels in these verses are as follows: 1.church is vital 2. church members are to love and help one another 3. We are to encourage, admonish, and exhort each other to love and serve God faithfully 4. and...be faithful to be there (unlike some). You need church! Church needs you! I don't want to offend the Lord by despising His bride. Church is His family. Like families in this world, to be a successful blessed family, there needs to be alot of love, forgiveness and hope! Find the church He wants you in and obey Him! (Don't feel obligated to go to a certain church without His guidance and a Biblical format). And when you go to church gatherings, don't just attend, but love and serve. You need to get involved and develop realtionships. You will then be seizing, holding fast, cherishing, and retaining without wavering your hope! Your church family will be better for it! And you will too! And most of all, God will be pleased!

The Lord is our King! He will save us!

I have been meditating on Isaiah 33 lately. Keys vital for victory and blessing are all through this chapter. Despite oppression of authority (be it government, employer, a family member, etc.) there is a place of refuge, vision, provision, joy, beauty, and power for the one who looks to God as Judge, Lawgiver, and King. In days like these, living with terror, financial instability, and many threats,we can live an exceptional life. (Vs 16-17)> there is a high place above it all (deliverance), a place of defense (protection), bread given and water given for sure (provision) , eyes to see the King in His beauty (intimacy with God), eyes to behold a vast land (vision and hope), and you will ask "where is he who terrorizes?"(power over the enemy). He is a great King! We are children of this great King! What a privilege. Think about that for a minute. (Ps 145:9-13)> "The Lord is good to all...Your loving ones shall bless You...they shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom and talk of Your power, to make known to the sons of men God's mighty deeds and the glorious majesty of His kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Your dominion endures throughout all generations." Our lives can be a visible testimony of His invisible kingdom. (Ps 145:1-2)> "I will extol You, my God,O King; and I will bless Your name forever and ever. Everyday will I bless You; yes I will praise Your name forever and ever." The Lord is our King. He will save us!! (Is 33:22)