Letter to a Friend

Every person is a sinner at his core.  That is part of the nature that is in us all.  You are right about yourself; however, this is not exclusive to you alone.  This is to every man women child on this earth.  It is the doctrine of sin.  This we all know (romans 3:23; Genesis 6:5).  And this is a good thing because Jesus says "blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven"  Jesus says we must  know that we are nothing (this is having a right view of ourselves in comparison with God).  But in knowing we are nothing we realize that God is everything; therefore our lowliness of spirit births our entrance into the kingdom.  But the key here in what Jesus says in these beatitudes is two fold.  First there must be the lowliness of spirit (that you realize)  and of the depth of depravity that we are in, but there is another key truth also that is the idea of God.  This idea of Him (which brings us into the kingdom of heaven) must be the truest idea of Him.  He is holy (separate from all other existence because he is creator not creature) (Isaiah 6:3) just (all he does is correct) (Psalms 89:14) righteous (there is not sin found in him) (Psalms 89:14) wrathful (with righteousness in those that are sinful) (Ezekiel 25:17) jealous (a love for his people and a wanting to keep him to himself [which he is due being the most supreme being in existence]) (Exodus 20:5) and these are the ones it seems many equate with (or that which I'm about to speak on and leaving out that which I have spoken on) but there is more.  God is merciful (He does not inflict the punishment in which we deserve) (Deuteronomy 4:31) gracious (giving us things that we not only do not deserve but ill deserve and this is one that I believe you should remember) (Romans 3:24) kind (considerate and helpful because of his nature to be) (Romans 2:4) patient (slow to anger and wrath suffers the site of evil to see men come to repentance) (2 Peter 3:9) forgiving (God lets our sin vanish be cause of the work on the cross where he and we do not have to remember or be eternally condemned any longer for it) (Psalms 103:12) and he is loving (and its not that he loves in general but that he loves us and he demonstrates that love by sacrificing His Son for us) (John 3:16)  I believe Exodus 34:6-7 sums up the totality of God's character.  Now in having a right estimation of ourselves as being depraved and wholly sinful individuals and then in having a true understanding of the Righteous King (i.e. God) then one is moved to repentance and love for Him.  

We as brothers must bond together and open up ourselves if we are to ever be truly free in Christ.  Paul talks about his own life being beaten and bruised in his walk as a man consumed with sin and weakness (Romans 7:15-25).  But He having a right understanding of God in His grace and mercy cries out "there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." this condemnation is a damnation or a judging of what our flesh does in its sinful nature; however, as we know we sin (even habitually as the text in Romans states [in AMP version]) and when we sin we must ask for forgiveness and this with boldness for Jesus knows how we feel (Hebrews 4:16).  And when we go to Him he forgives us and cleans us of this evil (1 John 1:9).  Yet often times though we too much call simple sorrow true confession when it is not; there is a distinction (2 Cor. 7:10).  And this is why the brotherhood of the saints is so important.  We as a family of faith help to bring true repentance and this by accountability (Galatians 6:1-2).  Furthermore in this confession as brothers in repentance of the heart (through accountability) we find that this brings about a change a true change in the action of the person that is doing the confessing.  He becomes cleansed of the demons that have plagued in him for so long.  The ground which seemed to rot wherever he walk now seems more solid in each step taken.  This is the healing that is promised in James (5:16) a healing that is true in a physical sense but also in the spiritual sense as Peter (1 Peter 2:24) says of us through Christ death.  Confession (accountability) with the brethren is important and needs to happen.  This is a responsibility that breads great rewards (proverbs 27:17).  And maybe this sorry is what God has called upon to bring you to this repentance and accountability that he has set you apart for, for God may have called you to a divine appointment and that is now (1 Cor. 7:9)

Aside from these little messages I wrote about two very important things I believe need to be addressed are all the natural things that go on in life (though not easy by no means). And with these natural things comes relationships. If we cannot trust people (which I believe this is a major issue in your life) then life is going to be difficult with people. I know that it seems easier to be alone than to deal with others but others (in Christ honoring friendships) can bring life and joy that we could not imagine. I truly believe that the brethren is the love of God shown in human agency. As you have clearly stated it is hard to see and feel God's loving rays at times but His body is a tangible feeling of that John says that the love of the brethren perfects (or rather completes) God's love (1 John 4:12).

I must say Jacob that you have to let us love you. We may push you to be more than you are (but that God wants you to be) do more than you think you are capable of (and you are not without the help of God) and risk more than you may ever risk (love, trust, life) but this is what real friendship and true brotherhood is. Paul tells us to lay aside all falsehood and speak truth to one another for we are one body. And that is what I must do and if you trust me you will walk in it, be taught and discipled (Colossians 2:7 says that we are taught by someone i.e. a discipler and that we should remember those things in our lives). God has plans for you Jacob you must get out of the way and let him work.

Being an Example and the Blaming of Others

I'm standing outside and I'm waiting for a fireworks show to begin.  There is a huge crowd of people, so much so that its hard to move around much.  I have two children with me.  And as children they are antsy and impatient.  One starts grabbing my arms and flailing them around.  He's having fun.  He is taking up time till the wonderful fireworks extravaganza begins.  However, not even 10 seconds in to his fun with my arms (like I'm Jungle Paul) he whacks this little boy in the head with my arms.  The little boy starts to cry.  I freak out, I say "Hey lil buddy, are you okay?!"  But the child runs to his father who is only a few feet away and holds on to his leg.  Instantly I go to apologize to the father for my actions.  The cold war situation of whats going to happen between the two adults- as everyone watches and sees this child crying- has been quickly put to a stop.  The father of the child consoles his son, and I talk to the young child I was playing with about watching what he is doing when he is playing.  But what if I told the child's father "That kid was holding my hand he did it"  or said "Wasn't my fault dude.  Blame the kid, he was swinging my arms around."  That could have been the missile that launched and started instant chaos between to adequate warriors.  The kids father didn't look like no punk.  He could have handed down retribution without hesitation, and rightly so.  Thanks be to God for the humility of the man, actions I was guided to take, and the diffusion of the situation.

I tell this story because in reality this is a story in which we all are engaged in everyday.  This is the decision to stand up for the actions that we take or to blame others.  When I say blame i do include that the situation may truly warrant the fault of another.  Maybe you were ignorant (didn't know) of the situation, maybe you had the best intentions of helping in a matter, or maybe like me you were legitimately controlled by another human being.  However, we are still responsible for our actions.  In the example of the boy controlling my arms and hitting the kid, who gave him control?  You say "You don't know my situation."  Well what about an extreme.  When the Nazi soldiers went about the business of killing Jews,  do you believe that is what they "wanted" to do?  I do not (though some did actually hate them).  They were just soldiers following orders.  Does that cut it for you if your brother, sister, mother, father, grandparent, or daughter was killed.  I think not.  Each man has a choice in the decisions carried out in life.  These decisions affect not only ourselves but the people around us.  Do we take this to heart? 

 Let us now think on the other half of the spectrum.  Do we tell others what to do, how to live, or even how to believe?  Do you not think the condemnation of our wrong teaching will fall on the student or disciple? Each man stands condemned upon his own deeds, not the deeds of others.  If so by my teaching a man follows the wrong path is that his deeds? He or she is the one living that life.  He is the one continuing in sin or living a more open sin because I said it was "okay".  Of course I will receive heavier judgment because of what I told this follower to do, but that is because of the teaching, not the action.  That is why there is a superlative used.  Heavier not heavy, because of the sin having a condemnation its own- heavy, and the teaching of that sin another, and greater condemnation-heavier.  Are we sending the right message?  Are we teaching the right thing?  Even further, are we living the "Christian" life.  Because living a life is teaching in its self.  How does an apprentice learn his trade?  From watching the master.  In this same manner our lives should be worthy of teaching others how to live.  Because we ARE TEACHING.

I read a story in 2 Samuel 1 about a man, an Amalekite. This man ran back to the camp of David (the heir to the throne).  David asked what had happened at a battle that had taken place in Israel.  The Amalekite told of the death of Saul and his sons.  He preceded  to say it says by chance he came by Saul, the king of the Israelites.  Saul was leaning on his spear (this is to say close to death because he attempted to commit suicide and failed).  Saul told the Amalekite man to kill him.  The Amalekite man not wanting to see Saul in pain killed him.  However when David heard this he had a soldier kill the Amalekite. David said "Your blood is on your head, for your mouth has testified against you, saying, 'I have killed the LORD's anointed'" (1 Samuel 1:16).  You would think that it is okay to "take someone out of their misery"  especially when the person being a king requested this.  But it is never right to take human life (unless in war or justice, which are two things I have not the time to cover).  But more than that I read this as David (though he is not) being the perfect Judge GOD, and the Amalekite as being me.  If I come to God telling Him "I didn't believe in your son because people told me it was untrue" or anything in the like manner he will reply "Paul depart from me you sinner!" and I will be doomed to an everlasting hell (which is real).  Don't let this happen to you.

I want to sum this up on three main ideas.  The latter which I talked about being the most important.  If you do not know Christ find Him.  He loves and cares about who you are and the life you are in. It does not matter what you have done, because he loves you for being YOU.  Second, let us not blame things on others,  but let us take responsibility for our actions.  We all have free will even if one has to die keeping it (which is happening everyday to persecuted Christians).  And third, how are you living?  Is your life one that it would lead others to Christ?  If it is not I would examine your life.  God is King, and His return is swift.

"It is impossible for a man to be freed from the habit of sin before he hates it"

The title is a quote by Ignatius

Can I hate sin? This deserves more thought. Though the truth is there, is the action. Can one who continues to do sin hate sin.

For I do not do the good that I want to do, but I practice the evil that I do not want to do...For in my inner self I joyfully agree with God's law. But I see a different law in the parts of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and taking me prisoner into the law of sin in the parts of my body. Romans 7:19;22-23

Now I can claim to be struggling as Paul writes here to the Romans, but is this true. Do I joyfully agree with the God's law? See Paul writes this to explain the impact of the God's grace through the spirit rather than by the rigidness of the law. Paul using this example means to show that we (as humans) know that there are certain laws that govern us but we cannot follow them. This then condemns us. But see Paul tells a way out of this inability to control. First by saying this:

Therefore, no condemnation now exists for those in Christ Jesus, because the Spirit's law of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2

That appeals to our sense of guiltiness, because the sin we are struggling with we want forgiveness for. And God forgives. Amen! That's what Paul is saying. That is what we all want. Everyone not only wants forgiveness but needs forgiveness. That is how God mends the broken hearts and binds his people together. The brokenness of each of us through our experiences help us to understand forgiveness (or the need to give forgiveness to others because I don't know if we'll understand true forgiveness of the purest sort) and the power to help others in similar circumstances. But the second part is the more troublesome part. Sanctification. As Paul continues to explain salvation He tells us more of what this law of life we are following is about and what (if we are Christians) He is supposed to be doing.

So then, brothers, we are not obligated to the flesh to live according to the flesh, for if you live according to the flesh, you are going to die. But if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. All those led by God's Spirit are God's sons. Romans 8:12-14

Sanctification is to purify or free from sin. That is the process the Spirit is beginning when we are born in Him. In verse 13 Paul says living by the Spirit we die to our flesh or sinful desires. Dead means no longer in effect, significance, or practice as by Dictionary.com. This means that our fleshly or sinful desires are no longer of any significance or practice. I am not to care about or do what sins I want to. But prior to this Paul says anyone who does do these things will die.

Here is where my thinking comes in. How am I hating sin if I still doing it. But further more how am I living by the Spirit if I am living in the flesh. I cannot run on the same "nobodies perfect" theme forever. God will judge His people. And if I'm not hating sin am I loving God? In another part of the bible it says loving this world (and the things of it) makes me an enemy of God. How long will God sit back and allow me to slander His name. I have a job. It is to wait on Him. However this waiting is not idly sitting around twirling my thumbs (which coincidentally causes much sin to begin with).

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us...we also groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. Romans 8:18;23

So today I resolve to do my job. To bring the Kingdom to Earth. To deny self no matter the cost so that I may see Him, my God in the fullness of His glory. Robed in light. Shining like the Sun. And I will praise Him.

Yes I hate sin, because I love God.

Wait on the LORD

I remember sitting at a red light one time in the middle of town.  It had been red for what seemed like hours.  The light had been red for so long (there were no cars in the other direction) that cars just started to go past the red light.  It didn't matter what the law was.  So I decided to go too.  As soon as I go the light turns green and then another colored light shined.  Its color was blue.  I got pulled over and given a ticket.  I told the officer first "I thought the light was broke!" 

 He said "Its green now."  

Then I told the officer "Everyone else was crossing!"  

He replied, "I didn't see everyone else."

Patience is a tough thing to handle a lot of the times.  In this world we are seeking instant gratification (getting what we want when we want it).   If it is not ready now we don't want it.  It is the same way with God in our spiritual lives.  A lot of the time we want God to produce answers or get us out of trouble that instant.  We have little regard for His will in the situation.  We only want our own.  

In my quiet time I read 1 Samuel 13.  It talks about how King Saul was suppose to offer a burnt sacrifice before his battle with the Philistines but he must wait seven days until Samuel would arrive (8).  However, King Saul got impatient worrying about his officers leaving and fleeing and he offered the sacrifice early (9). In the midst of it burning Samuel appears and asks what has happened and Saul starts babbling off excuses (10-12).  Despite the excuses Samuel brings judgment upon King Saul for his disobedience to God's will (which he can because he is a prophet of God) (13).

King Saul's lack of patience for the will of God spoke by the prophet Samuel caused grievous punishment to be handed down upon him.  How many times do we destroy the glory that God had for himself in us due to the impatience we have in His plan.  King Saul's punishment was loosing the kingdom to a man after God's own heart.  Will that be our punishment.  If God has serious plans for His glory in our lives, what if He decides to take those plans somewhere else because we are not men and women after His own heart.  People with great potential in their lives with Christ are losing great opportunities because of their lack of patience and want to do His will. Whether it be in our work, studies, relationships, or activities.  When we don't wait on the LORD, God will remove His awesome plan from us and give it to someone more deserving.  Do we want that?

Starting today let us not seek instant gratification but wait for when the LORD sees fit.  Let us not live in our fears and our troubles that surround us, but in the faith that God is standing in our steed.  I charge you today to be a man or women after God's own heart.  Living everyday in His presence in His will, and in His time.  Let the Spirit of God reside in our hearts producing the fruit of patience in our lives.  Let us do the call God has called us to do!

Don't Turn From Following the LORD.

We all sin don't we.  Its a fact of life.  But sometimes we have that sin that hurts us so bad that we can't forgive ourselves.  That is a tough situation.  We've all been there.  I came across a passage today that exemplifies this.  In 1 Samuel the Israelites cry out because of the sin they committed (If you read an earlier post then you know it was because they asked for a king).  Samuel proceeds to tell them an amazing thing.

Samuel said to the people, "Do not fear.  You have committed all this evil, yet do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart." 1 Sam 12:20

Every time I commit sin that hurts my God I am going to remember this.  Ask for repentance and then don't turn aside form following Him. Samuel gives a great command. So often we are stuck in the weight of our sin and forget about the power of God's forgiveness.  Lets not forget God forgives.  But Samuel doesn't stop there.  Often times we find ourselves getting told to do something but we don't know why.  This time Samuel lays the plans out clearly and beautifully.

You must not turn aside, for then you would go after futile things which can not profit or deliver, because they are futile.  For the LORD will not abandon His people on account of His great name, because the LORD has been pleased to make a people for Himself. 1 Sam 12:21-22

First When sin is conceived if we don't repent it has puppies.  If we don't align ourselves back with the Father we race after things of no importance.  In essence sin becomes easier.  I can remember one night missing church to hang out with some friends from work.  It started out as missing church and ended up in a wasted night of drinking and partying.  I remember this night because after that I chase after drugs, alcohol, money and women for the next 3 years.  I know how turning away from God will cause one to follow foolish things. I believe Samuel gives this reason for us to understand the weight of sin.  That sin can carry if allowed to. However the second is the most amazing.

Samuel says "the LORD will not abandon His people".  If we turn from our sins, the LORD will make his presents known to us and to the world that we are His children.  I had a friend once who was atheist and his life was clearly visible to that.  (though I did not know him at the time).  I always hear of reports of how he use to be.  But now this man is a burning flame for the power and presence of GOD.  Feeling the spiritual resonance I get from being around this person lets me now how powerful God is. And seeing how powerful God is makes me glorify His name.  And thats what God wants!  He is pleased to make us His people so that others might know how great He is.  Thats what "on account of His great name" means.

Let us remember that sin has no hold on us, and that the past is the past and that God is the future.  Let us not fall to the lie that Satan tells of how we should not forgive ourselves.  A great man of God C.S. Lewis once said  "If God forgives us we must forgive ourselves otherwise its like setting up ourselves as a higher tribunal than him."  So I charge you to live every day serving the LORD with all your heart.  To not turn aside from His will or call when all seems in despair because the LORD will make His name great in your life but only if you let Him.

Integrity

Life is full of "good" people and "bad" people.  I've known many people who use to sell illegal drugs for a living.  It was a lucrative business.  They had money going in and out of their house everyday.  Nice cars, fancy clothes, pretty girls, I mean they had everything.  We see on tv how all these high profile celebrities in these crazy shows get the big deals, new movie parts, big houses and luxurious lifestyles.  I know sometimes I wonder why does everything seem to be working out for them?  How come I can't seem to "hit the big lick"?  If we had the money we would of course use it for good, to glorify the LORD and further North American and International missions. But when we look do we stop to think what the ends to all these means are in these peoples lives?

The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way:  but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.  The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.  Proverbs 11:4-5

I read these verses this morning and thought "they" will always get whats coming to them. We see countless people getting caught up in their own naughtiness (i like how Solomon uses that word).  The drug dealer always winds up in jail if he continues in his way.  It is an old saying that you never retire from the game you only end up in jails institutions or death.  For the drug dealer this is his fate.  Yes the money is fast but the time is not.  And the celebrity (of course not all celebrities are living evil lifestyles) where do we always see them, doing dumb stuff and getting their face plastered all over tv.  Acting a fool then getting made fun of on SNL.  Take Charlie Sheen for example.  Now I do not know what is going on in his situation but I do know most of it is stupid and his sins are on front street.  Or Lindsey Lohan and she is in a like manner.  When we wait we find that sin finds its way.  With the righteous truth is always with him or her.  In righteousness he or she walks therefore he or she is always trusted.  Trust is a hard thing to gain but easy to lose.  How much is trust worth?  When a problem comes along the upright follow the rules. This makes him or her right before God and man.  If someone is to yell or make an offence at the "good" guy or gal then the good guy or gal has his or her integrity that he or she can stand upon.  Like many people say word is bond for him or her.

I charge you today to make your word your bond.  I charge you to see the ends to the means, to remember that what is now will not always be.  Let us walk in righteousness with the integrity of our Father and eternity in front of us than in deceitfulness with pleasure all around.

Dangerous Sin

Women are wonderful creatures.  God has made them as a companion with man, to bear children, and to love us with all affection.  I am very glad they are in this world.  However, as I read I find that though they are very precious beautiful creatures they are also dangerous and cunning beings.  I bring this up because I am reading Proverbs.  The first few chapters are characterized with obeying parents, listening to wisdom, not being lazy or walking with the wicked, and women.  I think we forget these early chapters.  We often go to the verses about alcohol or the path of the LORD or having a vision for the future.  But as I began reading this it reminded me of a time when I felt God was speaking to me through this scripture.  I had first started walking with the LORD and I guess that when I was reading this God was telling me I should break up with little Suzy (not in those particular words of course).  I asked many times to my pastor and others about the verse, none gave me any answers because they new ultimately it was up to me to listen to the Father.

I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt.  I have perfumed my bed with myrrh aloes and cinnamon.  Come let us take our fill of love until the morning:  Let us solace ourselves with loves...With her much fair speech she caused him to yeild with the flattering of her lips she forces him.  He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;...For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her.  Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death. Proverbs 7:16-18;21-22;26-27

 Initially these verses are talking about a women lusting for sex and she is married.  Yet the applications can apply to those who are not married or even pornography.  Lust is a sin that all men struggle with.  It is a key sin that Satan uses to attack us with.  Many men fall victim to it who are weak but also those who are strong for she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her. Men don't fall because she is married (you would think they would not fall because of that)  but they fall because of her smooth words and their (not sinful in itself) sinful desires.  I write this not so much to say what to do, because I struggle with this, but I write more as a warning of the danger because it will come. Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death. 


 But about what to do I can say one thing with two examples.  When Joseph was tempted by his master's wife he ran Genesis 39:11-12.  And Paul says to the church in Corinth "Flee fornication." Corinthians 6:18. I know that it hurts to run (Men are strong and can handle anything) but take it from me if the Bible says run then thats what we gotta do.  So I charge you men out there (and women) that if temptation comes run so that victory may come to you with sin through the Word of God.

And finally I say if this has already happened to you then freedom is available from sin through Jesus Christ who forgives all.  He didn't just die on the cross but payed our punishment for sin. This is to say He took on God's wrath for us.  We should put this in God's hands.  "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" 1John 1:9 So I charge you not to let past sin hold you back.  Do not let past sin bring you down, but I say to confess your sin to the Father and live life anew with Him. And live life how God intended it.  In freedom.