Tue, Nov 27th - 4:21PM

The identy of a man is not be found within self;

it is to be found within the glory of the Most High, Christ the King....

"But the Lord will be to you an everlasting light,

And your God your glory."

Isaiah 60: 19b

Fri, Jul 27th - 12:20PM

Identity Myths....

Myth #1    Appearance Equals Identity...

This type of identification, where appearance equals Identity, is good when we apply it to objects; not so when applied to people, reality is hidden or disfigured. Identity and appearance are never the same. According to Identity Theft : Appearance can reflect things about a person's inner life; but even then, what is echoed in the face or conveyed by body posture is not the same as identity.

Appearance is a physical phenomenon. Identity is of the heart, where the issues of life flow from.

(Matt 5:8; Matt 12:34; Matt 15:8; Luke 6:45; Prov. 4:23)

Myth #2    Behavior Equals Identity...

It should be said that, everyone of us is the same. The only accurate measure of our condition is seen in how we behave when no one is watching and there is no chance of getting reprimanded or even found out for what we might do.

Jesus and John understood that the Pharisee's belief that they could change  their identity by changing their behavior was what poisoned their minds, seperating them from God, and leading them to make false conclusions about other people, their sect, and themselves. Jesus ignored their behavior, telling them, " God knows your hearts" (Luke 16:15) affirming that identity and the issues of life flow from the heart. (Prov.4:23)

Myth #3    Possessions Equal Identity...

This myth is an error that Jesus warned against and addressed in Luke 12:12-20. He pointed out that even when a peson has an abundance of possessions, to associate them with identity is wrong.

There is also an unspoken assumption that the sum and total of a persons stuff makes up their identity. (Mark 4:19)

Myth #4     Status Equals Identity...

Have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives? If you show partiality, you are committing sin. (James 2:2-4,9)

Although many people regularly show preference to one another on the basis of status, unconsciously concluding that status is a reflection of identity, yet scripture condemns not just the practice of partiality butthe very idea. God is not a respecter of persons (Acts 10:34; Rom. 2:11)

Book: Identity Theft by: Avram & Boldt (Arrow Publications)

personal thought:

If our identity is within the heart, where the issues of life flow...And the Lord judges us according to what He sees within our heart, then would it not stand true that God the Father and His Kingdom is where our treasure should be. It must also be true that what the Lord is looking for in our heart is the reflection of Himself... Where is your identity?

Wed, Apr 18th - 11:16PM

Evidence is overwhelming...

Dallas Willard's book, Hearing God Developing a Conversational Relationship with God gives many morsels to chew on concerning this topic... one of which:

 "Life with effects beyond the natural always depends upon intimate interactions between us and God, who is therefore present."

Throughout the Word there are examples of men and women whose lives showed this truth. The evidence of their relationship with the Lord was seen through the many miracles, signs and wonders... 'There was no doubt of God's presence with them because it was He who energized their activities with a power beyond their own. The fullfillment of Jesus' words concerning the divine helper- 'He abides with you, and He will be in you' (Jn 14:17)- was to them the most obvious fact in their lives. 'If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit that dwells in you.' (Rom 8:11; also Eph.1:19-20)

So if our relationship with God is as intimate as those who have gone before us, then the evidence would be overwhelming...just as the evidence of our lack of intimacy is also evident....

As for this Christian, knowing that the evidence is clear, more time is required to grow in a deeper walk with Him...

Wed, Mar 28th - 10:39AM

"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers,

For there is no power but of God:

The powers that be are ordained of God.

Whosoever therefore resisteth the power,

resisteth the ordiance of God:

and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation"

Romans 13:1-2

According to Joel Stein (Columnist for the Los Angeles Times)

'Heaven is totally overrated. It seems boring.

Clouds, listening to people play the harp.

It should be somewhere you can't wait to go, like a luxury hotel.

Maybe blue skies and soft music were enough to keep people in line in the 17th century,

but Heaven has to step it up a bit.

They're basically getting by because they only have to be better than Hell.'

There is a sad truth to what was said here by Joel; if one stops to consier that this is the same view of many of our Brethren in the faith. That they only have to be a step above Hell to be accept into Heaven.

According to the Word it takes more then being a step up....

"I beseech you therefore, brethren,

by the mercies of God,

that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice,

holy, acceptable unto God,

which is you responsable service.

And be not conformed to this world:

but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind,

that ye may prove what is good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

Romans 12: 1-2

What testimony do we as the Body of Christ do we project? The Spirit of the Living God or that of a Dead god....

"For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink;

but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost."

Romans 14: 17

Should we not live as though we can't wait to get to Heaven; after all it is more then clouds and harp music...

Tue, Mar 27th - 5:05PM

Holy Spirit Control....

"...to be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,

singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,

giving thanks always for all things to God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

submitting to one another in the fear of the God."

Ephesians 5:2,21

Have you ever noticed how there are four results of being controlled by the Holy Spirit?

Take note: that He will anoint your speaking as well as your singing,

He will anoint your relationships and your perspective (submitting one to another,giving thanks for all things).

Bless the Lord, we should consider His Word more... What a blessing it is....