December 4, 2011

From A Letter To A Friend

Galatians 5: 16a 

Galataians

So I advise you to live according to your new life in the Holy Spirit.

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Thoughts.....

The following is taken from a letter to a friend which I have modified for todays 'Thoughts': 

We’ve spoken on a few occasions now, and, I thought I would let you know that I’ve learned some things from our conversations. As I’ve listened, the Holy Spirit has shown me areas that are pertinent to any ministry, and in order to be considered a person of integrity, I need to make some corrections. Having learned these through your actions....myself mirrored in a few.....I believe you would want to know how you, too, can improve for our Lord God. That having been said, here is the list of things that cropped up:

Religious intolerance

I don’t believe for one minute that God is on his throne judging with anger and resentment how people worship him and his son. I believe he is honored, and rejoicing that they do. If we are to emulate God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit, then we must be religiously tolerant. It is not how we worship, but that we worship. Others may not worship or believe exactly as I do. Others may be on different levels of understanding than either of us. But they have every right and responsibility to worship, believe, and seek understanding as they seek God....as God leads them. I am not perfect. I do not know everything. Others may not either. For me to lord over someone else, place mandates, accuse and ridicule will only show others a god, rather than THE God who loves, accepts, forgives, teaches, etc.

My first thoughts after our first long conversation when you aggressively attacked the Catholic religion were, that I was glad I was not a new Christian, or even a devout Christian practicing Catholicism who migh have been meek. I might have turned away from GOD all together, and feared the church who may have brought me to him in the first place. God says come....you said go.....away....not go forth.  I clearly heard 'don't', 'can't', 'hate', revulsion, division, etc.  What does it matter what other people have done in the past....it is passed.  Those actions should be lessons on what to do or not to do today.  For me, it matters who I am and what I do in the name of God today....how I answer his call....with love.     

I believe we must temper what we believe with our presentation. Our knowing must not exceed our wisdom. Our goal as Christians....all are called to be ministers for Christ....is not to push what we know and our ways onto others with vehemence, vengeance, and demands. It is to take others by the hand and with love, lead them to God....not to our ways, but his. He is not a man who would say, ‘I’ll let you into heaven if you are a Fundamentalist, but not if you are a Catholic, or a Presbyterian, no matter how much you say you love and adore me, and spend your time praying to me with all your heart and mind, showing me in all ways that you honor me.’ Or, ‘I’ll let you into heaven, if you are a Republican, but not a Democrat or Independent.’ Some drink milk, some eat meat, some eat things in between, some dessert. Love, peace, tolerance, acceptance, truth with temperance....all the fruits and gifts of the Spirit with discernment and wisdom thrown in will speak volumes to others about God, and about you and I.

Jesus had 12 apostles for the 12 tribes of Israel who each had different leaders who had their own ideas. Those 12 apostles and many disciples were sent out to preach to the world. Firmly I believe he knew that there were many MANY people who would believe, accept, come to understand things differently than each other, so he compensated by sending many to speak to many pairing them up, so the harvest would be plentiful. So, if I don’t believe as someone else, or worship in a specific way, just means that although I may plant a seed, I may not be the harvester, but someone is coming who is far greater who will harvest. Like the Presbyterian, Catholic, Pentecostal, or Fundamentalist minister. Of course, Jesus will be in them....all who go forth in his name are his....regardless of church name of religious affiliation. 

I learned from you not to lord. I learned from God to love, accept, forgive, teach, and not be intolerant, that we are all in this together...fully embraced and embracing is how/who we should be.

Discretion

The better part of valor. We have both stated things about others without the right to do so. We should not be telling others’ stories without their permission. After all, we would not want others to tell our stories. It’s gossip. Privacy is key if we are to be respected and show we are ministers of integrity. If and when God decides that we can mentor one another, then sharing outlines is different than telling the story. ‘I have a difficult situation for which I need prayer’ is far different than ’I have this person called ‘blank’ who....blah blah...does this.....blah blah....is going through blah blah‘. Topic, first name, only the essentials are needed....God knows. I learned to be more discreet.

Humility

When I called you the other night for prayer, you immediately went on and on about how you were helping someone. It sounded very much like you were puffed up about ‘being important’. You were expressing yourself very excitedly. A zealot. But not for religious reasons...for personal importance. You gushed it all out implying your importance and then realized I had perhaps called for some reason. Does anyone call without a reason? I know you love being called by the Lord and doing for others. I do, too. I get a sense of purpose and accomplishment, a sense of feeling good because I have something important to do. But doing a task for the Lord that is important, is not the same as either of us being personally important in the scheme of things. Everything we do should be important for HIM. Priorities...did HE call? I learned the importance of expression of humility in all things. I learned only God’s agenda is important.  When speaking for him or about him to let him have his say and not let me or what I think get in the way.  Only speak his truth. 

Listening/Discernment

Every time I have called, you have felt it imperative to impart your knowledge....zealously. A lot of your knowledge. When I said I called for prayer for protection, I had to say it again and again and again to try and get you back on track, that all I wanted was prayers of protection. I had to hear about the Catholic Church, other churches, religions, ministers, cults, ad nauseum, others’ problems, for which I, too, am guilty, until we could finally get to the part where you prayed. I do appreciate that you drop everything and pray in the moment. There are not enough of us that

do that. I do know that we are both called to exhort. There is a most important factor missing that causes energy drain, spiritual overload, potential loss of respect, doors to close, and that is the inability to listen. Over ‘puffing’ one’s importance, intelligence can cause this, too. You are brilliant and know many things. Without discernment....it becomes a clanging cymbal. Listen.

Listen with discernment, know to whom you are speaking, what you need to answer, when to speak and how. Discernment knows when to speak, when not to speak, when to listen, when to pray, what to say, what not to say, and more. I learned to listen more and be more discerning...and to apply that discernment. 

Wisdom

Enough cannot be said about wisdom. I feel so lacking most days. Knowing is not the same as having wisdom. Being wise is different than knowing everything. Wisdom is the application of knowledge. Wisdom knows all (?) things and applies that knowledge properly. Like it probably wasn’t wise for me to write this to you, when I so desperately need your knowledge and wisdom about my website, because you may not discern Holy Spirit’s lead on this letter. I don’t know that I fully comprehend it all myself. However, I am learning a lot as I go. The intent of the topic of wisdom is to understand wisdom. Wisdom works together with discernment, listening, humility, and discretion, etc. Wisdom knows what to pray and when. Wisdom gives meaning to respect. Wisdom knows what to say and what not to say beyond discernment. It knows how to listen. It knows the importance of silence speaking volumes to a heart when it is heard. It knows not to impart puffed-up self-knowledge when it would override the need of another. Wisdom is fruitful and multiplies. We’re both in trouble. I learned the hugeness of applying wisdom.  I pray earnestly for it now.

Exhorting

We are both called to exhort. But we must discern, know, be wise as to whether we are to exhort to exert our knowledge, or we are called to exhort for God in that moment. I have an excuse...my easy editor is broken...whatever comes into my head comes out of my mouth....what’s your excuse? Laugh. If my easy editor is broken...it is....I must be more prayerful, discerning, wise, humble, and listen better to God before I allow my mouth to open. “Lord, help me! Amen.”

I know a lot of things. I don’t know a lot more of other things. Is my self esteem so low as to need to show others that I am smart? Do I impart to show others I am ’somebody because I know something’? Or do I lack the ability to love another because I love myself too much....or don‘t love God enough? Perhaps it’s something simple, like I know so little, it’s exciting that I know something! Or I just want to try to help right away. Am I so alone, I speak out of the need to be heard? Whatever it is, if I have not love, with all the fruits and the gifts, and God has not called me to that moment, I am not exhorting, I am puking words or attacking as a know it all. If I am not called in those moments, I am no different than those who killed my Lord and Savior. I learned how painful exerting, puking words, attacking ’knowledge’ can be over lovingly exhorting in his name, albeit there are times when love is expressed with strength of HIS conviction.

So I must continue to learn. I must continue to grow. And you, too, my brother and sisters, must do the same. We are being pruned in this moment. How exciting that we are worthy to be pruned and not cut off! I am grateful for what I have learned while talking with you. I hope you will feel gratitude as well. From Holy Spirit and my Christian heart, I leave you with the following thoughts:

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If I could speak in any language in heaven or on earth, but didn’t love others, I would only be making meaningless noise like a loud gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I knew everything about everything, but didn’t love others, what good would I be? And if I had the gift of faith so that I could speak to a mountain and make it move, without love I would be no good to anybody. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it, but if I didn’t love others, I would be of no value whatsoever.

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

Love will last forever, but prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will all disappear. Now we know only a little, and even the gift of prophecy reveals little! But when the end comes, these special gifts will all disappear.

It’s like this: When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child does. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. Now we see things imperfectly as in a poor mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God knows me now.

There are three things that will remain - faith, hope, and love - and the greatest of these is love.”  1 Corinthians 13 NLT

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The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up only one body. So it is with the body of Christ. Some of us are Jews [Catholics?], some are Gentiles [Protestants?], some are slaves, and some are free. But we have been baptized into Christ’s body by one Spirit, and we have all received the same Spirit.

Yes, the body has many parts, not just one part. If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand, “ that does not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am only an ear and not an eye, “ would that make it any less a part of the body? Suppose the whole body were an eye - then how would you hear? Or if your whole body were just one big ear, how could you smell anything?

But God made our bodies with many parts, and he has put each part just where he wants it. What a strange thing a body would be if it had only one part! Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.”

In fact, some of the parts that seem weakest and least important are really the most necessary. and the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect from the eyes of others those parts that should not be seen, while other parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together in such a way that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other equally. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.

Now all of you together are Christ’s body, and each one of you is a separate and necessary part of it. [Who are all of these people.....Catholics?, Protestants?, Fundamentalists?, Baptists?, Pentecostals?  ALL Christian denominations and non-denominational worshipers are represented here.]   Here is a list of some of the members that God has placed in the body of Christ: first are apostles, second are prophets, third are teachers, then those who do miracles, those who have the gift of healing, those who can help others, those who can get others to work together, those who speak in unknown languages.  Is everyone an apostle? Of course not. Is everyone a prophet? No. Are all teachers? Does everyone have the power to do miracles? Does everyone have the gift of healing? Of course not. Does God give all of us the ability to speak in unknown languages? No! And in any event, you should desire the most helpful gifts. First, however, let me tell you about something else that is better than any of them! [It is love.] I Corinthians 12 NLT

***

So I advise you to live according to your new life in the Holy Spirit. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The old sinful nature loves to do evil, which is just opposite from what the Holy Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict. But when you are directed by the Holy Spirit, you are no longer subject to the law.

When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, your lives will produce these evil results: sexual immorality, impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasure, idolatry, participation in demonic activities, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, divisions, the feeling that everyone is wrong except those in your own little group, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other kinds of sin. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law.

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. If we are living now by the Holy Spirit, let us follow the Holy Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or irritate one another, or be jealous of one another. Galatians 5:16-26 NLT

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A final word: Be strong with the Lord’s mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.

Use every piece of God’s armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared. In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere.

And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words as I boldly explain God’s secret plan that the Good News is for the Gentiles, too. I am in chains now for preaching this message as God’s ambassador. But pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.  Ephesians 6:10-18 NLT

***

I hope you take the time to read all the scriptures, and my notes contained within them, even though you know them, and, I hope you choose to apply them to what Holy Spirit and I shared today. Every day we, as Christians, ‘press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God.’ Philippians 3:14 NLT.  May our journey now be even more strengthened by what we‘ve both learned. I pray you will pray for me as God would direct you to pray, I will pray for you. Thanks for listening. May your blessings be many and your reward.....heavenly!

A parting thought....

Respect

Esteem, a feeling or attitude of admiration and deference toward somebody or something, state of being admired deferentially, consideration, thoughtfulness. 

To me, knowing others have the right and responsibility to answer God how he calls them; seeing how God works in and through others without mandating with anger and resentment 'my way' on them.  

BUT, knowing there is a fundamental way of living with and for God for everyone who calls him Lord.....Galatians 5:16-26 NLT.

In Christ.......

　   *** 

Let Us Pray

God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, thank you for showing me your way, your truth and your Light.  Please forgive me of my sins, heal me and make me whole, please.  Lead me on your path to righteousness for you, that you may be given glory, that I may someday be in your arms in heaven, having received eternal life....the prize of the high calling of God.  Help me to teach others with respect and love what you have shown me.  Let me not lord over or mandate my ways, but direct all onto a path to your arms, that they may learn your ways and receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life.  Thank you for showing me....an ordinary person....many things.  Help me to be a good steward as I grow and share with others so they may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name.  I am humbled, may you be honored.  I thank you and love you.  Amen.

Please pray the following 'Benediction....Blessing' and then scroll down to Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving.                   

Lord,LordJesJeJeJJjEJJJ     JJThe LORD is king!  Let the nations tremble!  T***

More love.... 

  Benediction....Blessing

Let us hear from Paul as he prays:  

When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.  I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit.  And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him.  May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love.  And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is.  May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it.  Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

Now glory be to God!  By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.  May he be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages.  Amen.  Ephesians 3:14-21 NLT         

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Scroll down to read Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving...'The Unforced Rhythms of Grace'.

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Definition of a Christian:  Anyone who believes in God, Jesus and Holy Spirit, and accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior.  Regardless of church name or religious affiliation. 

It is not how we worship, but that we worship....the Trinity!   

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If you feel that the Church of the Holy Spirit has inspired or helped you, we'd like you to prayerfully consider tithing regularly to us or gifting us, so that we can further the work and carry out the will of the Father as proclaimed in Matthew 28:19-20 NLT

 to

 "Go and make disciples out of all the nations

baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.  And be sure of this:

I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

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  Our Current Cause

It is time to reach into the community and the world around you to see wherein lies the greatest need.  As you choose to focus on these areas, do so with a servant's heart.  Whether the need is for children, adults, or animals, or any cause in between that will help those in need, ask God how you can best serve his needs, what path you must take, and how long you should persevere.  Sometimes we are to be in the lives of others merely as stepping stones.  Sometimes we are to touch those lives forever.  Whatever journey you are called to take, whatever team you will be a member, know this:  God is with you always...even til the end of time.  He loves you, is grateful for you, and will help you along life's way, especially if you are helping others along theirs, persevering with a servant's heart. 

Please accept my sincerest thanks....and God's....and may God richly bless you!   

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As we grow, you will have options for allocating your gifts.

In the meantime, we hope you will trust us to direct them to where the need is the greatest.

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    One last thing....

 Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving

'The Unforced Rhythms of Grace'

"Abruptly Jesus broke into prayer:  "Thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth.  You've concealed your ways from sophisticates and know-it-alls, but spelled them out clearly to ordinary people.  Yes, Father, that's the way you like to work."

Jesus resumed talking to the people, but now tenderly.  "The Father has given me all these things to do and say.  This is a unique Father - Son operation, coming out of Father and Son intimacies and knowledge.  No one knows the Son the way the Father does, nor the Father the way the Son does.  But I'm not keeping it to myself; I'm ready to go over it line by line with anyone willing to listen."

"Are you tired?  Worn out?  Burned out on religion?  Come to me.  Get away with me and you'll recover your life.  I'll show you how to take a real rest.  Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it.  Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.  I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn how to live freely and lightly.

   Matthew 11:  25-30

  The Message

And the people said,

"Amen."

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I now write most prayers in the position of ' I ' (first person) because most people are sitting at their computer alone, not in groups, and it allows those reading and praying to personalize the prayer as coming from them going to God.  Variations may appear on holidays when families may wish to use the prayer provided. 

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  Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996.  Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189.  All rights reserved.

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