Fibs, White Lies, and Sin!

A white lie is something that may seem like it doesn't effect anyone. It is often told to spare one's feelings or for mutual benefit. Wife says, "How do I look hubby?" Hubby says, "You look fine dear!" What you didn't hear is how hubby truly dislikes how wifey is lookin! In his mind he spares himself a beat-down and argument while sparing his wife's feelings and boosts her ego! It is damaging and an untruth!

Fibs are lies that are lies told by kids. Usually to be manipulative and to get what they want. Kids will play parents against each other and promotes unhealthy behavior for later on in life.

Both of these seem so innocent and harmless but can have later effects that can be very hurtful and sometimes dangerous. It's something that may be argued is in human nature. Things just fly out of our mouths and so many actions and miscellaneous things we do involuntarily. Some may be intentionally on specific purpose! It all falls under the category of SIN. It is something we all do however. (please note "do" was used and not "did") Romans 3:23

What is sin? "All unrighteousness is sin!" 1 John 5:17. What constitutes unrighteousness? Not adhering to moral principles, practicing unjust or unfair behavior, being dishonest and deceiving, and doing things that are disrespectful to God.

The controversy lies in what is sin and what is not sin. What was a sin back then(biblical times), may not be considered a sin now. What may be a sin in one country may be a sin in another country. An easy way around all of the technicalities is to first develop a relationship with God. Being filled with the HOLY SPIRIT will help you recognize what is sin and what is not. He is the source of knowledge and truth. The Holy Spirit lets you know when you are about to do wrong and when you have done wrong. The Holy Spirit will lead you to the truth. John 14:16-17

God is not the author of confusion. 1 Corinthians 14:33. Go to him with sincerity asking and seeking clarity. Once we acknowledge our unrighteousness, ask for forgiveness with the mind to stay right, God is faithful and just in forgiving us! 1 John 1:9

Be strong and Keep the faith until the next time!

Expectancy to Deliver!

To be expectant is to have a strong feeling or certainty that something is to come. That sounds just like faith, doesn't it? Ya know, faith! The substance of things hoped for and the evedince of things not seen! Hebrews 11:1

There is a saying if you are going to pray don't worry, and if you are going to worry don't pray. I began to ponder that over and over. I could not understand if I am going to worry why shouldn't I pray! Everybody worries about something and many upon many people still pray. I needed understanding and it boils down to the faith behind the prayer. If you are worrying, your faith is is doubt. If your faith is not strong and you are asking in faith, your prayer is now weak. Faith is the positive reinforcement to prayer! James 5:15 says the prayer of faith can heal the sick, that means Faith has that power!

Getting back to the expectancy! When you expect God to do something you are certain he will do it! You are believing it will happen and come to pass! There are so many afflicted and wounded in the body of Christ, spiritually and physically speaking. We have to realize that we have that power to Heal. We have to be certain in ourselves.

We have to have expectancy in ourselves to deliver the power from within us! When we exhibit such great acts of faith, we can now look to God with Expectancy in our hearts and minds and God Will Deliver!

Is It Well?

When peace like a river, attendeth my way - There will be many many good times that come up. There will be many joyous occassions that we will have a chance to experience. We have to be thankful for these times. Use that time to prepare yourself for a worse time that may come.

When sorrows like sea billows roll - There will be some bad times that will come and toss us. Some may bring us to our knees and even cripple us. There lies the balance There will be good and bad. You have to press on and keep on going! We have to press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Phillipians 3:14

Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say - Whatever happens you have to be conditioned. You have to roll with the punches! You take the good with the bad and the ugly with the pretty. go about life with the attitude "It is well, it is well with my soul!"

In everything give thanks! 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Deliver Me From Myself

Often times we come across problems. We cast blame on the devil, the people and even the situations around us. If he didn't do this I would... If she wouldn't have done that I could have... Whatever the reason or excuse, there is SOMETHING that is blocking us. We always seem to have an enemy opposing us. I caught myself from shifting the blame. I thought to myself, the devil, along with whatever else, is not my major enemy! My biggest enemy is the enemy within me!

We are faced with situations and presented with choices. Then we make decisions. Those very same decisions is what gets us in trouble! The devil presents thoughts to us and we have the power to rebuke him. Do we? Friends put that cigarette to our mouth and sway us with a drink. No body's fault but our own! Your body is a sanctuary for God, and the bible instructs us to keep it clean! (1 Corinthians 3:16-17)

Our own curiosity, and sometimes even our selfish desires, begin to break us down. You know that you aren't to test the waters but you make a storm anyhow! That includes wandering minds/eyes and being sneaky thinking we wont be caught! The biggest battles come from within ourselves. If you don't know yourself in a strong way you will not know how to overcome yourself!

A good way to start is by having your mind in the right place. The bible says to let this mind that be in you be also in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 2:5) Jesus was that of peaceful mind and spirit. One that was always in prayer in every situation! When you feel you are too much for yourself to bear, give yourself to God in Prayer! Be honest with him and express your situation. Pour out your heart to God! (Psalms 62:8) Let this be your prayer, "Deliver me from the enemy within me, deliver me from myself!"

First, Second Third...

Morning procedure usually involves waking washing and leaving for work. We'll head to work and come home from work, doing our errands in between. Eat dinner, watch some TV and then we're off to sleep. I would say this is a typical work person's day.

Something seems to be missing in that timeline of events. Where is God? Where is the prayer? Everyday we give two left feet about God and then we expect him to bend at our every whim and request. Then get mad when God doesn't move when we want him to move! Our priorities seem to be in disarray.

The actual house of God is replaced with Bedside Baptist, Pillow Presbyterian, and Couch C.O.G.I.C.! We use every excuse to put ourselves first and God second, and sometimes even third! That extra few minutes of sleep that will make us late for work can be used to glorify God in prayer!

The Bible tells us to seek God first and his kingdom. Then, after that, all the other things will be added. There is the timeline of how things ought to be. Put God first. Wake up and Pray. Tell God how great his is. Tell him thank you! It doesn't take much effort to open your mouth and utter something worthwhile to God's ears!

Lets place our priorities where they ought to be. All it takes is a little effort. Watch and see when you place God first how things begin to happen for you!

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33