October 28, 2012

Be Resolute On Your Journey .... and VOTE!

Luke 9: 51 - 56

Luke

As the time drew near for his return to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.  He sent messengers ahead to a Samaritan village to prepare for his arrival.  But they were turned away.  The people of the village refused to have anything to do with Jesus because he had resolved to go to Jerusalem.  When James and John heard about it, they said to Jesus, "Lord, should we order down fire from heaven to burn them up?"*  But Jesus turned and rebuked them.  So they went on to another village. **

*Some manuscripts add 'as Elijah did'. 2 Kings 1

**  Some manuscripts add 'and he said, "You don't realize what your hearts are like.  For the Son of Man has not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them." 

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Thoughts.....

Before I proceed with todays lesson, I'd like to make a comment about voting and about some issues regarding the upcoming election in America.  I do not believe I have the right to tell anyone how to vote.  But I do have some thoughts to help clarify some points running rabid in the American landscape. 

From a legal perspective, as regards civil rights, rights should be afforded under the law.  From a spiritual Judeo, Christian, Muslim, Islam, etc., perspective, NO ONE has to choose to be the kindergartner at the end of the line following blindly through an open door.  The laws are placed to give people legal choices.  As Christians, we decide with prayer, hopefully, what we choose to do in life, or are directed to do by and with God.  Somewhere I learned 'just because a door is opened, doesn't mean we have to go through it'.  I fully believe everyone should legally have the right to choose how they will live, whether they listen to our God, their God, or not.  Keep in mind that rights under the law gives freedom of religion to all and freedom of speech.  VOTE!

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People are always going to do what they feel they need to do.  Legal or not.  With regards to not being a kindergartner and not going through an open door as mentioned above, allowing abortion to be legal, keeps the abuse of back room mutilations and deaths down, and racketeers from maiming others to include financially.  Roe v Wade was established for these reasons.  Not to 'applaud' abortion, but to save the lives of many.  Unfortunately, like most things, the option has been abused.  Per a movie I saw, the name of which escapes me as usual (I never remember movie or book names), years ago there was an underground women's movement to help those hide what they got caught with....a baby.  The methods of abortion were not sterile and barbarian at best.  Women were dying, men were supportive/ing, and those that didn't die, were scarred for life physically and emotionally (just like today still), and likely unable to have another child, regardless of inappropriate decision in youth or adulthood, rape, incest, or pending death of the mother. 

As a Christian, I have a hard time justifying abortion or euthanasia.  As a sinner like everyone else, I haven't the right to tell another what to do, nor can I force others to believe the Christian belief that life begins at conception....or when the heart first beats.  Clearly, we NOW know, it is well before the first wail.  It would be my hope that the world would learn the option is there to protect, not to kill.  And yet, as I say that, I wonder from what an unborn child needs protection besides the whole world.  Abortion is certainly sadly an action taken for the most part to protect the mother....from shame, from socio-economic impact, from a different future other than that dreamed.  There are some who will abort to protect their baby from the world at large....give him or her back to God for protection.  But it is a civil right to allow people to make their own choices and a legal right to protect freedoms (obviously not the child's), regardless of how we, as Christians, define those rights and freedoms vs the world's definition....sometimes very sadly.

If you are reading this, pregnant, and on the fence as to what to do....

Please consider holding that life in your arms forever.....or consider adoption.   

Please don't hurt the baby.   

Life will go on....hopefully for you both.

In America, in most cities, you can take your baby to a hospital or fire department without recrimination, if you've delivered and are scared, or don't know what to do.  Giving birth is really not about you.  It's about the baby.

Please give life and give it abundantly....and if you can't, give the child away, don't kill it.

If you need to talk, I will listen.  Feel free to call or email me using the info further down on this page. 

Either way, know that God loves you and forgives you. 

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Regarding the laws providing legal civil rights to allow gay persons to marry, it isn't going to make a heterosexual gay or make anyone else less Christian.  Jesus said, "no male or female".  If someone who is a homosexual is a sinner, are your sins any different?  A sin is a sin, is a sin.  The only unforgivable sin is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.  For the record, I learned late in life that homosexual and pedophile were NOT synonymous.  Not even close.  You may be confused on that as well.  The picture changed enormously for me when I realized that as fact.  Anyone can become a pedophile.  Sadly.

Personally speaking, because homosexuality pertains to things done behind closed doors, just like the term heterosexual does, I don't know why it's brought up or discussed.  Can't we please just keep it all behind closed doors and be loving Christians.....period?!  I don't go around saying, 'Oh, hi.  I'm heterosexual'.  Discretion is the better part of valor.   

FYI...."Some are born as eunuchs, some have been made eunuchs by others, and some choose to not marry for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven.  Let anyone who can accept this statement.".  Thus saith the Lord.  Matthew 19:12.  I believe this applies to those who are homosexual as well as to heterosexuals.  Some are born homosexual, some are made so by others (painfully), some choose to not act. Same for heterosexual individuals.  In my counseling business as a Christian Counselor, I've seen all of the above.  Food for thought.

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Last, but not least....our gun laws in America are not working.  The countries around the world have very strict gun laws and the murder rates are almost nil....nada.....nothing in those countries.  Our country has rates of murder in the stratosphere in comparison.  Can someone please focus prayer on how to effect a change to keep our people alive? 

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Oh woops, one more.....if America is engaged in war, it won't be pretty.  Our economic situation in America won't matter, if our foreign policies, and decisions made by any president, don't keep other countries allies and the world safe.  Hek, America would cease to exist under nuclear attack.  If we get 'nuked', if won't matter what or how we believe because we won't have a life to exercise those rights.  PLEASE VOTE RESPONSIBLY! 

Phew....gonna be a long day.  Sorry I took so long on the above....but I felt with all the questions be lobbed at pastoral leaders, clarification would help.  If the issues don't concern you personally, don't let them stress you.  Seriously read all the fine print about issues presented on your local ballots.  Many topics have numerous issues 'snuck in' that have nothing to do with the initial topic.  Be wary as a fox.  But VOTE!

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OK.....on to todays lesson!!!  Woo Hoo.  You might want to reread todays scripture to refocus. 

"As the time drew near for his return to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem."

The first sentence reminds us that Jesus knew what his journey was and he was resolute as he set out for Jerusalem.  To be resolute means to be firm with conviction, having a dedicated stance, impassioned in your response, strongly determined.  Jesus certainly had all that.

Do you have that resolve to share, teach, preach the Gospel?  Are you even on the journey with him?

Jesus calls us to have the resolve that he did.  Get on with the journey.  Be resolute.  This should be part of your character on a regular basis.  Per the Life Application Bible....NIV....Tyndale 1991...."When God gives us a course of action, we must move steadily toward our destination, no matter what potential hazards await us there." I say, take deep breaths along the way....the way could be turbulent.

He [Jesus] sent messengers ahead to a Samaritan village to prepare for his arrival.  But they were turned away.  The people of the village refused to have anything to do with Jesus because he had resolved to go to Jerusalem."  Hmmmm.

I'm not 'up there' with Benny Hinn, Joyce Meyers, Kenneth Copeland, Billy Graham, or others.  I've got no one that would even need to go ahead to announce and set up for me anywhere.  And I cannot imagine why anyone would block someone because they were to go into another village....naive as I am.  So I did a little research and this is what I learned....here is some meat for those meat lovers out there....according to the Life Application Bible, NIV, by Tyndale 1991...."After Assyria invaded Israel, the northern kingdom, and resettled it with its own people (2 Kings 17:24-41), the mixed race that developed became known as the Samaritans.  "Purebred" Jews hated these "half-breeds", and the Samaritans in turn hated the Jews.  So many tensions arose between the two peoples, that Jewish travelers between Galilee and southern Judea often walked around rather than through Samaritan territory, even though this lengthened their trip considerably.  Jesus held no such prejudices, and he sent messengers ahead to get things ready in a Samaritan village.  But the village refused to welcome these Jewish travelers."  Ah.

So in laymans terms.....it was a 'nanny nanny boo boo' moment.  'If you don't want to play by our rules, we won't let you play.'  But Jesus stayed resolute.  He didn't let closed doors stop him.

We go on reading: "When James and John heard about it, they said to Jesus, "Lord, should we order down fire from heaven to burn them up [as Elijah did]?"  But Jesus rebuked them. [And he said, "You don't realize what your hearts are like.  For the Son of Man has not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them."]

You may recall, from Luke 9: 5 we learned from Jesus, "If the people of the village won't receive your message when you enter it, shake off its dust from your feet as you leave.  It is a sign that you have abandoned that village to its fate."  Also from LAB, NIV, Tyndale 1991...."When others reject or scorn us, we too may feel like retaliating.  We must remember that judgment belongs to God and we must not expect him to use his power to carry out our personal vendettas."  However, I must add that the Lord did tell us in scripture "Vengeance is mine."  Anything done against one of his kids IS 'gonna get it', just make sure he is the one giving it.

Jesus was fully concerned about rebuking the gang.  It was important for him to impart the info about their hearts.  Recall in Hebrews 3, we are told not to harden our hearts against him.....3 times.  There are many places we are warned not to harden our hearts, for we will never enter his place of rest.  Read Hebrews 3.  And what we do to the least of these, we do to him (Matthew 25:40).  So I'm thinking rebuking the gang was appropriate.  He's trying to set priorities in order and insure the t's are crossed and the i's are dotted....before he left them.  Remember, they were to take the message to everyone, so all of those folks could then share the message with still others.  He was the foundational cornerstone.  He had to build firmly. 

Jesus came to save your life.  Have you accepted him as your Savior and made him Lord of your life?  If you have, you need to be resolute on the journey he has given you.  Be firm with conviction, have a dedicated stance, empassioned in your response, strongly determined.  Jesus IS Lord.  Make him Lord of your life today, and carry on what he has called you and all of us to do....obey him, share, teach, and preach his Gospel, heal others, be fruitful, and multiply.  And be prepared for his final arrival!

And, if you live in America, VOTE to make your voice heard!

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Let Us Pray

God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, forgive me of my sins.  Heal me and make me whole.  Walk with me and talk with me.  Show me how to be resolute on the journey.  Help me to help others as they reach out.  Help me to impart who you are, that you are, and how wonderful you are to all along lifes path.  I pray, Lord, that all those in America will vote with one voice, that it be loud to be heard, and mighty to be strong, tempered always with your love.  May this be so for everyone of every country for whenever a vote is called.  For those suffering in their decisions during pregnancy, Lord, be with them.  Heal them as only you can, and protect the unborn with the embrace of your love.  May we all learn how to get along and love one another as you've commanded us to do.  Help me to go forth on the journey you've planned for me.  Help me to be strong, if I need to convict my Christian brother or sister, so your message does not get slanted.  And thank you for giving me yet another day of life.  May everyone cherish their life, their freedoms.  I love you, God, Jesus, Holy Spirit.  Thank you for all you have done, are doing, and will do for me.  Praise to you in the highest heavens, and on earth, grant us peace and goodwill for all....please.  Amen.    

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! 

BesidesBesid   

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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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