Unoffended

     With the political agenda's in full swing and the devil handily at work these days, it seems as though, everyone is easily offended. Watch the news or read the paper to see in full view the various marches taking place for "rights" that are already obtained or not even being threatened. It's been astonishing to watch the actions being taken that have led to destruction that could have other wise been avoided. And all the while, being so easily offended, no one has taken thought to the One who is likely the most offended, God.

    We take up offense more quickly than we consider and weight our reaction. Which, reaction isn't the thing that is needed right now, it's just God. We need more of God in this state we're in, we need a restoration of faith. We've been so fooled to think that our marches and protests will gain for us the thing that we think we want or deserve, clouding out our true need of God. God has been mistakenly tossed out of establishments and homes as being archaic and extreme. But tell me, if everyone lived as God calls us to, would we have the troubles we are seeing in the world today? Would there be murder? Would there be abuse? Would there be rivalry?

    "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear them from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14

    Taking into account that God is real and that He does exist, what right do we have to take offense? Who do you think you are that you think you have the right to be so angry and boil over and act so poorly to others? Is it not our call to be loving to one another? Is it not in our best interest to treat others as better than ourselves? Is it not our declaration to speak only what will lift others up, rather than bring them down— because you "feel" offended...? It is not our right to be offended and display such terrible behavior because our "feelings" were hurt. Do you know what feeling are? They're temporary. That's all. I don't feel the same about things and people as I did 6 months ago. Feelings, much like today's sunrise and sunset, come and go.

    Being so easily offended is exalting ourselves above all else. Including God. Does that sting hearing that? It should. And if it does, we've struck a chord and that's good... Now we must get to work on being un-offendable.

    It isn't our job to bring to fruition the things of God in others, the things and virtues He plants within each of us. He is the one to make it grow, He is the gardener.

     "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in my that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful...... I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." John 15:1-2, 5-8

    We have two answers here, One; the Father is the gardener. Two; we are the branches that are to remain in Christ. Apart from Him we can do nothing. We're capable of living lives without Christ but it isn't of any eternal value.
 
    If we are to walk like Jesus every single day and keep our eyes fixed on Him, will we be offended? Will anything unkindly that anyone say or does even matter? You may have that one person at work that rubs you the wrong way. You may have that one person that has an answer for everything that is constantly interrupting you and others. You may have a spouse that storms about the house in a ridiculous display of childish behavior. Or an in-law that gets under your skin. Whatever the case may be, the answer is Jesus.

    Oh, I'm not sitting here telling you it's easy. It's takes an awful lot of yielding and restraint on our part but eventually it will be a success. It's hard not to pipe off at the mouth sometimes, I know. The humbling part about it... It's not our job to tell someone else that they're behaving poorly. I know, I know, but we want to. Somewhere within us, we want to tell them all the things they're said and done wrong but honestly, chances are, they won't listen anyhow.

     If I concern myself with only my walk with Christ (which should be my only end) then I am enabled to pay no mind nor take any offense to what others say and do. In the meantime, in regard to others, we can pray for them.

     "Father God, please tell this guy how much of a jerk he is and get him fired so no one has to deal with him anymore, he really makes my day and life miserable........" No, no, no... tempting but, no.

    Our obedience and change of heart lies within the recognition of grace bestowed upon us. The moment you realized how good God has been to you in spite of your behavior, you experienced His grace. It caused you to understand at least one small facet of His love for you, which is overwhelmingly endless. Pray for others? Pray that they would come to understand God's love for them, that He would lavish that love upon them in a tangible and unmistakable way. As for you dear reader, your involvement, continue to love them as Christ does. It isn't difficult if Jesus is doing it through us, it's a matter of us getting over ourselves, forgiving the offense and continuing to push forward in a loving and Christ like manner. Humility here is the key...

   I write these things not because I have already mastered them myself, it is because it is something God is working in me to accomplish as well. My walk with Jesus is a marathon not a sprint and I'm learning something new every single day. I am often reminded to keep my mouth shut so that I can yield to Him. I am reminded:

    "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Ephesians 4:29

     "But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgement for every empty word that have spoken." Matthew 12:36

    Ask the Holy Spirit to work into you wholesome speech and to only speak things that will lift others up. We as a people need to get over ourselves and our feelings and get back to what is most important and that is God. Paying attention only to our walk with God and not what others are doing or how they've offended us. God is the only One who can change a person and in their own time, not on our time line. It can be discouraging and frustrating to be subject to poor behavior, especially from someone close to you. I know it hurts. But this is the call to pray that much harder and more fervently for them and for your situation. It's also a call to press into God even more. He is the only One who can accomplish anything in this life.

   Much love and blessings to you all.

Just passing through...

     I keep seeing this meme going around- "not my circus, not my monkeys." I didn't really think it was all that funny but rather a reminder about my place here on this planet.

    "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as it's own. As it is, you do not belong to the world but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: 'a servant is not greater than his master,' if they persecuted me, they will persecute you also." John 15:18-20

      I wanna pick this apart a little bit, really zoom in there if we can. "If the world hates you," let's start there... Why do they hate you? Are you a jerk or do they hate you because 'you take this Jesus thing too seriously?' Do you not share in all the world views? Do you follow along with Jesus when others think you've completely lost your mind?

    If you're a jerk, knock it off! Life is too short to project your misery onto everyone else. And whether you believe it or not, you'll have to take account for everything you've done. We all will. I know I don't want to stand at the judgement seat of God and have to give account for a bunch of miserable things with no other excuse than my own sad attempt at excusing myself. No excuse holds water as far as God is concerned. But there is one way to get pardoned, Jesus.

    So, you take the "Jesus thing" seriously... Fantastic! Jesus is far more real than your hand in front of you.

   It is an immediate response to retaliate when someone makes an offense against you, right? It crosses our minds even if we don't follow through. Jesus says forgive 70 times 7, essentially He says, keep forgiving and don't keep track.

    "As it is, you do not belong to the world but I have chosen you out of the world."
If you ever feel unspecial or unimportant, you're not. You were chosen, you are dearly loved by the God of the universe. He tells you in the Bible countless times! If you don't believe me, have a look for yourself. He also tells us not to worry about our lives here. I know that sounds hard to do because we do get a bit attached to things and people here but there is something far better than here. It is with Him in heaven. And He can tell you not to worry because He is assured of this place and you can be assured if only you trust and believe.

     "A servant is not greater than his master, if they persecuted me they will persecute you also."
I'd have to say this one is pretty obvious, we're not exempt just as Jesus was not exempt. The Pharisees and other religious leaders of that time were always seeking to kill Him. Jesus was always ducking out of crowds and seeking refuge in quiet far off places any chance He could get. He was in trouble. He was an outlaw for the right reasons.

   Are you an outlaw for the right reasons? Are you sought for advice and help? Is your insight requested?
   
       It's quite alright to stick out in a crowd, Jesus certainly did. It's alright to be an outcast, Jesus was. If you take up your cross daily and follow the Lord and you're met with ridicule by those who are of this world, you're in good company. The Bible tells us in Matthew 7:13-14, "Enter through the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate ans narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few will find it."

    "Few will find it," -Wow, few... You are one of few. Checking google today, there are 7.4 billion people in the world right now. So of those 7.4 billion, few will find the narrow path that leads to life, eternal life, that is. I want to be one of the few. I will follow Jesus even while everyone around me doesn't understand or laughs at me. I will follow Him, He's more real than this temporal place that I live in. He's more real that my "real life problems," He's also bigger than my "real life problems." My problems and troubles pale in comparison to the glory that is coming! Oh what a fine day it will be.

    I had it on my heart to share this message today, someone needed it, including me. It's a message I continually need to be reminded of myself, the world, the life, all seems to huge and so real sometimes. When really, we're only passing through. We've all got a set time here. We've all got a set list of goals to accomplish and lessons to teach others. One day it all will make sense, we're assured of this.

   
   

Where I end and where you begin...

                                                Where I end and where you begin

            Marriage… For some that’s almost a loaded word. Unfortunately, marriages have been left open for a lack of respect; infidelity, abuse, or just not realizing and respecting the magnitude with which marriage is to be taken seriously. I can fully understand why the word marriage would be a hit below the belt for some.

           

        Marriage can truly be a beautiful thing. It can be an amazing thing. But no one ever said it was going to be easy. Even Paul warned: “But those who marry will face many troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this.”(1 Corinthians 7:28)  Stern warning, right? Absolutely, even more so if you don’t intend on doing marriage God’s way. Read all of 1 Corinthians 7:28-34. Which leads us to 1 Corinthians 7:35, this is where I want to go with this. “I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.”

            

        I will write from the view point of a woman, as it is easiest for me. Ha… Let me set this all up by saying I am not a model citizen (you chuckled if you know me). Our marriage is not perfect but I do believe that my husband and I have something of a rare quality. We recognize that we (ourselves) are not number one. First and foremost, is God, secondly, each other. This is the relationship we are called to pour ourselves into. This is the earthly relationship that is to be sacred. There is no man other than my husband. Nor is that concept even a possibility. There are too many options couples unfortunately leave on the table when entering into a marriage. The possibility of leaving or divorce. The twisted ideology that a man is to rule over a woman (in a brute, harmful way). The idea of living completely separate lives. A marriage of convenience. None of this is marriage. Not as it was intended at least. There is a mutual dance that was set afire when God created marriage. It was meant to be beautiful; deep, personal and lifelong.

           

          I have grown very passionate about the subject matter of marriage. It means something completely different to me than it had. I once had a worldly view of marriage too. I am grateful that the Lord opened my eyes to the truth.

            

         Alright, let’s crack open an often twisted and misunderstood scripture about marriage and a wife’s role. I think I’m ready for this…

            “Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.”

Let’s read on: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.” Ephesians 5:22-28 (emphasis mine)

            Alright, let’s look at this in context. This is not sexist, as some may think. I have no problem “submitting” to my husband because he regards me as a part of himself. And-because he follows the Lord’s leading in his life, his intentions aren’t impure nor displeasing. My husband isn’t reckless with our life. Once we said our wedding vows, my life and his life were merged, we became one- just as we are called to in the bible. That a man would leave his parents and join with his wife to become one. We are also called to take care of our bodies because they are God’s temple. (1 cor 3:16, 6:19) Therefore, if we are treating each other as we should and treating our bodies as we should where is the fear coming from? Here is another scripture to set things into place too. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others.” Philippians 2:3-4

            Some women would contend that they would have no power or say over anything in their life. I know I used to think that way until I understood the scriptures right. What do you want the power to do anyhow? Ask yourself that if you’re struggling with these scriptures. The only thing you truly have control over is your attitude. If the plans you make for your life as a married couple aren’t a part of God’s plan or will, those plans will be thwarted. “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9

            A husband has a tall order and a wife has no small feat either. In this world our natural inclination is to just take care of ourselves and look out for our own interests. It’s like a default setting. A man must love his wife like Christ loved the church (all the people, not the building) Christ died for all His people, the church. That was the ultimate sacrifice. Husbands are being called to love their wives with the same kind of intense resolve. The kind of – I will stop at nothing and do whatever it takes to love my wife. A wife that is dearly loved, adored and cherished is a beautiful thing. That is a means for motivation as well. It motivates a woman to hold up her end of her responsibilities in a marriage.

            Wives are also called to respect their husbands and submit to them. Respect your man for what he does for you. Respect your husband for going to work each day. Respect your husband for all of the little things he does that either you are incapable of doing or just don’t like to do, you know, the manly type stuff. There isn’t much else in this world that makes a man feel like a man when it is evident that he is respected by his wife. Now that, is something to go home to each night! Also, trust in the Lord that the direction your husband wants to take for your home has been well thought out and taken to the Lord in prayer. Both of you should take it to the Lord in prayer. With that as a baseline, both what husband and wife are supposed to be doing, what they are supposed to be to each other and how they are to act- that’s a pretty good start. 

          All too often we take each other for granted, as though they are always going to be there. Now we are called to always be there but that doesn’t mean you should take a person for granted. Love is the staying power. Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all you mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it; love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39

How much more do you suppose we are called to love our spouse if we are asked to also love our neighbor as ourselves? Loving God and doing what is pleasing in His eyes is number one. There is NOTHING that escapes His view. That in itself is a good remedy to keep a clear conscience. We get our love for one another from God. It is because He loved us first that we are capable of loving one another. This is why it is important to maintain an open, devoted and loving relationship with our Father.

            If each of us is doing what we’re supposed to be doing in a marriage we should be good, right? As in, everything is hunky dorey, right? Heck no… not in this world. It’s hard work. But the best work you will ever do! It is a masterpiece worth fighting for. I think that was one of the supporting factors to Paul’s warning. Here is a major factor in why, “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12). “For where two or three come together in my name, there I am with them” (Matthew 18:20). The reason why I led us here is because this is where the trouble comes in. These scriptures in regard to marriage are fighting words for the evil one. These two scriptures are the definition of unity, oneness, closeness. Our enemy doesn’t want anything of the sort for us. If it were solely up to him, married couples would just be feuding all the time. Here’s a couple scriptures to get a good idea of his nature.

 I know I’m jumping around a little bit but stay with me, this is so rich… “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him…..” 1 Peter 5:8-9

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” John 10:10

            

        What can we gather from all of this? First of all, the devil is real. He’s not the red guy with horns and a pitch fork but he is indeed real, the scriptures say so. (Isaiah 14) Second, the greatest lie the devil ever told was that he isn’t real. (some variation of that was in the usual suspects, origin unknown otherwise) So, if there is no enemy to defeat or stand guard against, what threat is there on your life; marriage, or even the well-being of your children? That’s a pretty twisted and cunning lie then, isn’t it? But, if you know the truth you have more than a fighting chance. Without it, you will fall into the worldly thrum of life.

            

       We have to be careful not to fall into the devil’s traps and fall for his disguises. He is the master of deception. It is what he has prided himself upon. The world is filled with temptation. If you seek God and seek godly council you will know the difference between what is pleasing to God and what isn’t. There is a very thick line between right and wrong here.  Keeping God at the center, living right and honoring your marriage vows you will have more hope than most. Not letting go of that first and foremost strand, this is a huge key to it all. Praying together for your lives; marriage and family, the Lord will be present. Recognizing the devil’s ploys to get you both fighting against each other rather than standing in arms together. A marriage united is power! That is one of the reasons why it was meant to be so sacred. Unfortunately, it has been made cheap and disposable by the world. It has been taken too lightly and it has been abused and damaged. I know all too personally, I fell into that worldly trap myself when I was in my mid-twenties. I made my amends to God for my ignorance and disregard for what He had intended. I am very blessed that I was allowed a second chance and have been blessed with a wonderful husband now and a marriage we both take to heart and both fight for.  

             

            In conclusion, if within our marriage, we come to God together- a cord of 3 strands is not easily broken. Your marriage will be stronger with God as the center point. He has the power to change, heal and restore. He has the power to keep you on track in your marriage and keep your intentions pure. Your marriage is greatly opposed by the enemy because it holds a power he doesn’t have. Even with all of your struggles and trials, if at the end of the day both of you can take a quiet few moments and pray together, the Lord will be there with you. And that, is quite the threat to our enemy. Because as you know, the overall battle is won but the daily battles still rage on. One way to knock down those daily battles is to stay united. Stay on the right side of the fence. Know your roll in your marriage, know your boundaries. Your marriage isn’t a place to push on boundary lines. Your marriage is the most important asset you have, next to your relationship with God.  Take the scriptures for what they are, in proper context. Marriage isn’t about power. It’s about unity if you’re living it right together. It is two minds working as one. Two bodies being one. What more a beautiful thing can there be? Go back and read the first pages in genesis about Adam and Eve. Marriage should make more sense. If you’re approaching marriage with the right mind set, there should be no sense of where your husband ends and where you begin.