Holiness

When I was younger, way back before "worship music", we used to sing a song called "Holiness Unto The Lord".  Here are the lyrics, "

1. "Called unto holiness," Church of our God,

Purchase of Jesus, redeemed by His blood;

Called from the world and its idols to flee,

Called from the bondage of sin to be free.

(Refrain) "Holiness unto the Lord" is our watch-word and song;

"Holiness unto the Lord" as we're marching along.

Sing it, shout it, loud and long:

"Holiness unto the Lord" now and forever.

2. "Called unto holiness," children of light,

Walking with Jesus in garments of white;

Raiment unsullied, nor tarnished with sin;

God's Holy Spirit abiding within.

3. "Called unto holiness," praise His dear name!

This blessed secret to faith now made plain:

Not our own righteousness, but Christ within,

Living and reigning, and saving from sin.

4. "Called unto holiness," bride of the Lamb,

Waiting the Bride-groom's returning again!

Lift up your heads, for the day draweth near

When in His beauty the King shall appear!

 

When I was younger this was one of my favorite songs.  I guess I grew up in Holiness churches.  When people got saved, they really repented.  It was more that just saying a prayer.  I believe that holiness is very important.  I Peter 1:16 states, "for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."   Holiness is being like God.  This should be every Christian's goal.  Galatians 4:19 says, "My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you."  It was such a big deal to Paul the Apostle, that he prayed and travailed in the Holy Spirit until he saw Christ in his fellow Christians.  This is something that needs to return to  the Body of Christ.  If it takes every day of our lives, we need to pray until something happens.

Whose Church Is It?

As most of my readers know, I grew up in the church.  Most of my life I have gone to church.  There have been a few years here and there that I didn't go to church.   I don't consider myself an expert on the "church" but I have had a lot of experience with church.  When I was growing up, it seemed like people understood that the "church"  was not the building.  Things were never perfect, but some things have changed over the years.
It seems that the church has lost it's reverence for God.  Church should revolve around God, not around a man.   The church does not belong to a man or a group or even a denomination.  The 'church' is God's.
What does God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit say about the "church"?
Matthew 16:13-20:
^"13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
¹⁴ And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
¹⁵ He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
¹⁶ And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
¹⁷ And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
¹⁸ And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
¹⁹ And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
²⁰ Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ."

I have included more than the verse I am highlighting because the context is always important.
Jesus and His disciples are talking and He asks His disciples who people say He is.  Apparently, the people of the day had various ideas of who Jesus was.  Then Jesus asks the question that each of us must also answer:  "Who do you say that I am?"   Peter says that Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah, the Savior), the Son of the Living God.  Jesus replies and says that God Himself showed this to Peter.   Now we get to the point I am trying to make.  Upon this rock (upon the revelation that Jesus is the Christ), Jesus will build HIS church and the gates of hell will NOT prevail against it (the church).
The church belongs to God, it does not belong to man.   Jesus said that He will build the church.  If the church would stop doing its own thing and let God build the church, perhaps the gates of hell would not be prevailing against the church as they are doing now.

Let's go to another scripture to further this principle.    Acts 2:37-41 tells us how God built His church:

^"37 Now when they heard, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
³⁸ Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
³⁹ For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
⁴⁰ And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
⁴¹ Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls."

We see that 3,000 souls were added to the church in one day.  How did this happen?  Peter was preaching about Jesus and the people were asking what to do because their hearts were stirred by the message.  Peter told them to REPENT!
Repentance is crucial to the building of the "church" of God.  Men have built big churches without repentance, but when God builds a church, repentance is key.
A little further down in the chapter we find this:  

^"6 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
⁴⁷ Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.."

WHO added to the church?  Peter? John?  the disciples?  NO, the LORD added to the church and He added to the church DAILY!
If the church today would go back to the Bible and Biblical principles, perhaps the Lord would do the same in these end times we live in.

Social Issues and the Church

I listen to a lot of podcasts.   Some of the podcasts that I listen to are in no particular order:  Sheila Zilinsky, TruNews (Rick Wiles), Hagmann & Hagmann, and the Power Hour.  I especially like when Ted Broer is hosting the Power Hour.   I am mentioning this because one of the podcasts I listened to yesterday had a portion about another Barna Study.   This was the study that I had been looking for when I wrote yesterday's blog.  Some of my favorite guests on the above podcasts are Steve Quayle, Timothy Alberino, Ted Broer, Nathan Leal, Jonathan Cahn, Pastor Lankford, Augusto Perez, LA Marzulli, and Russ Dizdar.  Of course, I don't agree completely with any of them, but these are people who make me think.  That helps me research and delve into deeper studies of what the Bible says.
The study that I heard about was about why Pastors don't touch the social issues of our day.  You can read the study at:  Barna Study Regarding Controversy
I have often wondered why pastors in America don't talk about the issues of the day.   I know some do and to those I say Kudos!  I had somewhat come to the conclusion that they just weren't aware of what was going on.  I know that sounds very simplistic.   I wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt.
According to this study 90% of them state that "the Bible speaks to every one of the issues."  Less than 10% will speak to the issues.  "When researchers ask those pastors what else they are willing to do to get their people active in the political process, Barna said 'it's almost nothing.' "
Why?  Why would this be?  "
"Why the disconnect? According to Barna, the answer is simple. He suggests asking pastors how someone would know if their church is "successful" – which he did.
'There are five factors that the vast majority of pastors turn to [when asked that question]," he explained. "Attendance, giving, number of programs, number of staff, and square footage.' "
What?  Huh?  Are you kidding me?   I do not believe that you can find backing for any of this in the Bible.  Somehow, I think that God's idea of a successful church is far different.   Here are some things that the Bible says about what the church is to do:  the gates of hell will not prevail against the church, laying down our lives for another,  known by our love for one another,  knowing the Word of God (Bible), having mature Christians, going into the world and making disciples of all nations, the gospel preached to every tribe and tongue (every people group), having the fruit of the Spirit, having gifts of the Spirit, knowing what Christ did for us, not being afraid to die for the gospel.   Of course this list could go on and on, but you get the idea.

What People Are Looking for in a Church

If you have been reading my blog for any length of time, you know how much I dislike statistics.   I am finding though that I like the Barna Group.   They do studies and research things.  Generally speaking, they are considered honest and trustworthy.
Earlier today I heard about a 2 year study that Barna did.  However, while looking for that study I found another one that I found extremely interesting.  We, Christians, have been told by our Pastors that the reason we do things the way we do is to draw in the unchurched.   This often means worshipping in the semi-dark, with lead worshippers on a stage, whiich is usually lit with spotlights.  It may mean low lighting during the "sermon".   It may mean have an auditorium look as opposed to a sanctuary.  Most of the churches I have been to, it means LOUD music.   Even during the times that are allotted for the churchgoers to visit with one another, the music blares.   Conversation may be nearly impossible.   The above is why I find this study so very interesting.
Barna study on church
I urge you to go to the website and look at it.  I think you will find in interesting.
One part I am going to post here as I find these results very revealing,
Participators in the survey were ask to choose the word that describes their "ideal" church.  Here are the results:
• Community, 78% was selected over privacy, 22%
• Sanctuary, 77% (auditorium, 23%)
• Classic, 67% (trendy, 33%)
• Quiet, 65% (loud, 35%)
• Casual, 64% (dignified, 36%)
• Modern, 60% (traditional, 40%)
So it seems that what is "really" wanted in "church" is the more traditional look.   The churches that spend much money renovating the churches may have wasted their money.  It seems people want to go to "church" not a nondescript place.   I think that people may not like the "pretense".  It seems that people do want a modern feel without being trendy.    I understand why people like "casual" is more inclusive overall.
I found this study thought-provoking.

Mercies of God

What an honor it is to serve God!  Each day is a new day.   Anne of Greene Gables said something like each day is a clean slate with no mistakes.  Lamentations 3:22, 23 says:  "Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning, great is your faithfulness."  There is a sweetness to beginning every day with God.  
I confess that I need the mercy of God.  I do not believe that this is a failure.  I am of the race called humans.  I make mistakes.  God knows and understands how we are made.  After all,  God took the dust of the earth, formed man and breathed into him the breath of life.  (See Genesis 2:7)  Psalm 139 reaffirms that God loves me.  He loved me before I was even in my mother's womb.
What is even more exciting is that God loves you.  He has thoughts about you.  In Jeremiah 29:11, God tells Jeremiah, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  God is concerned about you and about your future.  God is not just concerned about your beginning and what you are doing now, He is concerned about your entire life.  He gave you the Bible to learn about His ways.  When we learn about God's ways, we begin to make better decisions.  This affects our tomorrows.
Another great thought is to read a chapter of Proverbs every day.   If you are a brand new Christian, you may want to read just a few verses each day and as God to show you what they mean and how you can incorporate them into your life.   It is great to read the Bible cover to cover, but in the beginning you may want to start with the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.  
Just as a baby starts with milk, new Christians benefit the most by reading the New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs.   After a while, you will want more solid food, so to speak, and then you can move on to other books like Galatians and Ephesians.
The most important thing is to ask the Holy Spirit to help you to understand what you are reading.  You may need someone to help you understand.   If you have questions, please feel free to leave a comment and I will do my best to answer.   
Don't get upset if you don't understand everything.   We likely never will while living down here on Earth.  However, as time goes by you will understand more and more.   Don't get down on yourself if you make mistakes.  God knew you (and I) would make mistakes and He still formed us and cares about us.  His thoughts toward us cannot be me counted.  That is so amazing.

Forgetting:  All the mistakes of yesterday and today, all the mistakes before this moment.
Remember:  I (and you) are created by the Creator of the Universe.  When we ask forgiveness He forgives us.  He takes our sins and never remembers it again.   Forgive youself!

2 Corinthians 6:14

"Don't team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness?"  2 Corinthians 6:14 New Living Translation
I'm deeply disturbed by something that is happening in the church today.   It's the idea of using wicked things to draw people into church to preach the gospel to said people.  I am hopeful that this idea has not permeated the church, but I do see it in quite a few churches.  
Here is an example:  A church is doing a sermon series entitled "50 Shades of Grey".   Now in the church's defense, the pastor told the people from the "stage" that he does NOT recommend anyone go to see the movie or read the book.   He then proceeded to preach a very good message on sex and boundaries.  I want to be clear that I believe the church should talk about sex.  We should stand up for the Biblical viewpoint on sex and marriage.  The pastor did do that.   I think that sermon series can be used to help Christians delve deeper into the Bible principles.
My problem comes into place because the church is using a title of a book/movie that is totally unbiblical.  One might say that it is wicked.   So how can a church say it is ok to draw people into the church using something that is totally against what the Bible teaches about sexuality and marriage.   Do the ends justify the means?   I don't think so.
Does the church not know that friendship with the world is enmity against God?  We are at war with the darkness that is growing in our world.   We are to be a light to the world.  How can we have light in one hand and darkness in the other and say:  "God is on board with this."
What happened and when did it happen that God said it is okay to use the things of the world to bring people to Him?  Then they can preach the gospel.  It is justified by saying that our church is growing and prospering.  I wonder what would happen if they had nothing to do with unrighteousness, and preached the gospel?  What then?  Perhaps, God would have added twice or three times as many people to the church?   What if they are settling for good when they could have had what is best?
Is it possible that "God will bless places He will not dwell?"  (Rick Joyner).   I believe that is a key truth for pastors everywhere.   I want to be a dwelling place for God.  I want to go to a church where God dwells.    If God is dwelling in a people, it is hard to imagine how much they could do for God.  If God said of the people at the tower of Babel, "
^"6 And the Lord said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do."  Genesis 11:6
What could be accomplished through a group of believers who refused to have anything to do with wicked things and came together to see God's will established in the earth?
For any pastor reading this that thinks that the above way is the way to bring in people to their church, I ask you to do research.  Here is one to start on:  Dr. David Berman of  New Hampshire.  His church's website is http://clfchurch.com/

Matthew 24 - Are We in the End Times?

In Matthew 24, Jesus talks about the signs of the end times.  So lets take a look and see what will happen in the end times.
"And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple.
² And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
³ And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
⁴ And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you."
--From this we can see that in the end time there will be deception.   That has definitely come true.  Everywhere we turn there is deception.  People are deceived by people who are pushing their views and propaganda.
"⁵ For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many."
--This has also happened.  Throughout history there have been people coming and saying that they speak for God.  Some have said that they are the "Messiah". 
"⁶ And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet."
--Throughout history there have been many wars.   However, it seems like since World War II the world has been almost continually at war.
"⁷ For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
⁸ All these are the beginning of sorrows."
--Almost every month we hear of a famine, and earthquake or some awful thing happening somewhere in the world.
"⁹ Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake."
--This is another that has been almost continual throughout history.  However, more Christians are being martyred for their faith now, than ever in history.  
"¹⁰ And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another."
--This may be debatable.  However, it seems like people are very easily offended at this time.   I believe the news bear witness that there is a lot of hate as well
"¹¹ And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many."
--The list of false prophets in recent history is long.  To name a few:  Jim Jones, Rev. Moon etc
"¹² And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
¹³ But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."
--Sin is definitely on the rise.  It seems at times that people do not have love that should come naturally.  An example would be a parents love for their children.
"¹⁴ And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come."
--This has not happened as the end has not come.  However, the gospel has been preached in much of the world. 
"¹⁵ When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)
¹⁶ Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:
¹⁷ Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:
¹⁸ Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.
¹⁹ And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
²⁰ But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:"
--There is debate amongst theologians as to whether or not this has taken place.  Some say this will take place in the future.  Others believe that it was when Antiochus Epiphanes interrupted temple sacrifices between 168 and 165 B.C. The abomination would be when he sacrificed a pig on the altar in the temple complex.
 ^"21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
²² And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
²³ Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.
²⁴ For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect."
--Great troubles in the world, like there never have been before.  Trouble so bad that unless God shortened the time, no flesh would be left on earth.  People saying they are the Christ and all other false things.  These false prophets will do signs an wonders. I believe we are at the beginning of this time.
"²⁵ Behold, I have told you before.
²⁶ Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.
²⁷ For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
²⁸ For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.
²⁹ Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:"
--This has not happened yet in my opinion.
"³⁰ And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
³¹ And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other."
--This also has not happened yet.  The Son of man has not been seen in the clouds of heaven.
"³² Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
³³ So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.
³⁴ Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.
³⁵ Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
³⁶ But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only."
--Here I believe Jesus is saying that like one looks to nature to see what the season is, we can look for these signs to know that the end of the age is near.
"³⁷ But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
³⁸ For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
³⁹ And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
⁴⁰ Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
⁴¹ Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
⁴² Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
⁴³ But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.
⁴⁴ Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh."
--It will be as in the days of Noah that people will be only concerned with pleasure.  There is much more in this verse that we will cover in a future blog. But for this discussion, our world is getting very close to meeting this requirement.
"⁴⁵ Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?
⁴⁶ Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
⁴⁷ Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.
⁴⁸ But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;
⁴⁹ And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;
⁵⁰ The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,
⁵¹ And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
--This is a goal.  We want to be told by God on that day that we were a good and faithful servant.






So we see in the end times there will be:
* Deception
*Many coming in the name of God saying "I am he", deceiving many
*Wars and rumours of wars
*Famines, pestilences and earthquakes
*Being killed and hated for Christ's name sake.
*Many are offended and betrayal and filled with hate.
*False prophets
*Sin abounds, love grows cold
*Gospel preached to all the world.
*Abomination of desolation
*Tribulation and deception so great that even the saints could be deceived.
*The sun is darkened and moon shall not give her light, stars fall, and the heavens are shaken.
*sign of Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven, earth mourns, angels with a great sound of a trumpet and gather his elect
*It will be like it was in the days of Noah.

Not all of these have been fulfilled, but most have or are happening in our world right now.   I believe we can accurately conclude we are in the end times.

How I Know My Heart is Cold

Before I continue with my story, I want to tell you another story.  I am putting in an excerpt of a story of a young man's life.   I first heard of this story on a conference I was streaming.   By that I mean I was watching it online.   A young teenager was telling this story.  She told it with conviction.  It was easy to see that she was very moved regarding the content.  She had been deeply affected for days.  The man in the story was a Welsh revivalist born in 1878.  His name was Evan Roberts.  Here was a man who loved God with more passion than most of us can even imagine.
After his conversion, the leaders of his church wanted Evan to go to school to learn to be a minister.  He did not want to go because he was afraid that he would lose the "communion"  In other words, he was afraid that he would "backslide" or lose the closeness he had with God.   Here is the excerpt:  "“I got up Sunday. The Rev. Seth Joshua was there. Tuesday evening there was a prayer meeting, and Sydney Evans and others came to see me, and asked if I would go to the meeting. At that moment I felt the Spirit coming upon me, and so irresistible did He come that I rushed to the chapel without my topcoat. The influence began. I was ready to pray - to pray for power to the young women who were there from New Quay, lest the people should wait upon them. I had prayed for them in the house on Monday night. I was not allowed to pray publicly on Tuesday evening. That day I had asked where the devil was. I was hard. I could look at the Cross without feeling. I wept for the hardness of my heart, but could not weep for Christ. I loved the Father and the Spirit, but I did not love the Son."
How amazing is this.  How many people enter churches every day, look at the cross and have no feeling.  Perhaps they do not even notice it is there.  This is something to ponder.  It is time to search our hearts.   How much of our day do we devote to God?
Here is how I know my heart has grown cold.
#1)  The above.   I do not weep when I see the cross.  To some the very idea may seem repugnant.  But I believe my heart and the hearts of my fellow Americans have grown cold.
#2)  When I hear of Christians being martyred, I pause, but go on with my life.  I don't cry out for God to protect them.  I don't pray for those doing the killing.
#3)  Regarding #2 - do I believe that God answers prayer?  That He hears me and cares when I pray?  If so, why don't I pray more?  Why don't I pray more for my friends, family, co-workers, and people I pass by.
#4)  I don't care enough about people to tell them the truth about God.  I'm not talking about what we called "Bible Thumpers" in the 80s.   I'm talking about sharing with people how God has changed my life.
#5)  Excusing myself for sin, instead of dealing with it.  For me, eating healthy and exercising are areas that I know I must heed the Lord.
#6)  Hardening my heart against people that I interact with.  This would include brushing someone off that wants to talk with me, or monopolizing a conversation instead of listening to what the other person has to say.
#7)  Harboring unforgiveness.  This isn't as much of a problem as it has been in the past.  However, I felt it is a way that does show if my heart is cold.
#8)  Denying that my heart has gone cold.

These are just a few ways that I have found upon self-examination.  Other people may have a completely different list.  I daresay that #8 is a problem for most Christians.  I understand as I was there for many years.  It is easier to think everything is ok with me and God than to face the areas that need change.   I hope you and I will let God into our hearts and obey what He says.

Church: Part 2

If you haven't read part 1 of this series, I encourage you to do so.
I want to make a few things clear.  I realize and understand that by writing this blog, I will likely encounter persecution and may even lose friends.   However, as the Apostle Paul stated, "all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." 2 Timothy 3:12.    I hear someone gasping.  When you said the 'sinners prayer' to accept Jesus, did you understand that you would suffer persecution?  Perhaps that is not what you thought you signed up for.   Maybe you were told that accepting Jesus as your Saviour you would have a "happy ever after ending".   Maybe you thought God would give you a Rolls Royce and a condo in the Florida Keys?
Let's take a look at some of the disciples of Jesus Christ.  Peter, John and some of the other Apostles were beaten and jailed for spreading the Gospel. (Acts 4).  Afterwards, they prayed that God would grant them even more boldness to preach the Gospel of Christ.   This is a far cry from the gospel preached today that you can accept Christ today and tomorrow have a glorious life without pain.
History tells us that Peter was crucified by the Emperor Nero.  Tradition says that he was crucified upside down as he did not feel worthy to die in the same manner as Jesus Christ.  James was put to death by Herod Agrippa.  Paul also died as a martyr.   
If you think that martyrs only existed in Bible times, you should visit the Voice of the Martyrs website.  http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx  Christians all over the world are being martyred today.
I believe that persecution is coming to the USA.  It's time to make sure you are right with God.  The God of Abraham, Jacob and Isaac.

Forgetting:  The idea that my life will always be a bowl of cherries.

Remembering:  Jesus is the reason for life.  I may end up a martyr for Christ.  I must prepare for the day I meet my Saviour face to face.

Day 12: Genesis 1:1-1:2 gap?

Is there a gap between Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:2?  Many theologians believe that there is.  In Genesis 1:1 God created the heavens and the earth.  In verse 1:2, the earth is without form and void and darkness was on the face of the deep.  The word for form is tohuw (Strongs hebrew 8414).  It means lie waste, desolate, worthless.  It can also mean vain, confusion, nothing or wilderness.
Void is from bohuw (Strongs 922).  It means empty, a vacuity, empty or void.
This poses the question, did God create something so undesirable?  Perhaps the question is could He create something that was worthless?  God can do anything, so He could.  But would He?  I think the argument could be made that it is presented in an order.  If this were the case verse 2 should come before verse 1.  However, if that were the case then where did the formless and void place come from?
I believe that God is a God of order.  So perhaps verse 1 is a statement of what happened and verse 2 begins the description of how it happened. 
No matter which way you believe, you have to deal with something worthless being there.
If there is a gap, what happened during that time?  How long was the gap?  Why didn't God intervene?  I do not believe we will ever know this side of eternity. 
If there was a gap, it may help to bridge the distance between the age of the world, as seen by the world and the church view.  It could be a day or millions of years. 
As this is not something that I consider as a doctrinal issue, I mention it.  I tend to subscribe to the gap theory.  I think it is likely that the fall of satan and 1/3 of the angels happened during this time.  When he was cast out of heaven, Isaiah states that lucifer did weaken the nations.  (Isaiah 14:12)   He was cast out into the earth (Revelation 12:9).  Revelation 12:12 says 'woe to the inhabitants of the earth and of the sea!  For the devil is come down unto you having great wrath, because he knows he has a short time.'

Forgetting:  That I think I know about God.  That I think I know all His ways and wisdom.

Remembering:   God's ways are higher than my ways, His thoughts are not my thoughts.  He promises to give me all things pertaining to life and godliness.

Day 10: Expectations of myself

Forgetting:  The rigid, hard-liner ideas that I must do this or that.

Remembering:  Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit.   It is important to remember this is a marathon and not a sprint.   In a conversation with someone recently, the following thought was expressed.  It is totally possible that while I am kicking myself from thither to yon, God is in Heaven rejoicing over the progress He sees in my life.   It is important to learn to look at myself through His eyes.

Update 11/11/17:
The above is true.  God looks at me through the blood of Christ.  And He knows my weaknesses, but loves me anyhow.

Day 5: Change

Forgetting:  it won't change anything.  I wonder how many people don't speak up because they do not believe it will make a difference.

Remembering:  that silence can be condoning.  If no one speaks up nothing will change.

Change may be hard at times, but change is needed for growth.   God's ways are higher than my ways.  

Update 11/11/17:
I do make a difference.  Fortunately, I do know that how I make a difference will likely not be known in this life.  It's the little things that are the biggest.  A cup of cold water in the name of the Lord, is a good example. 

Day 3: God's Love

Forgetting:  I am just_________ (fill in the blank.)

Remembering:

I am the apple of the Lords eye

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me

I live in the shadow of Almighty God

I am the righteousness of God in Christ

I am seated in heavenly places.

Read Psalm 139

Update 11/11/17:
This is a great reminder.  I'm very glad I'm taking another look at these blogs before I start writing new blogs.  I want to show others my path so that I can hopefully keep someone from being deceived.