Category: God

Why we should never blame God:

I was not ready to get up today at 4:30 am, but this thought woke me up and it was a realization, a clarification of a question many people struggle with: Why would God let this happen? Why would God do this to such a good person?

It became clear to me this morning: if we blame God, we are wrongly blaming our Creator, who gave us life because He loves us. Think about that for a minute. God gave us life. God made us out of His love for us. Let logical thinking take over our hurt, sadness, anger, pain, etc. God does NOT do bad things to those who love Him. God does good things for those who love Him.

your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

(Jesus said this) Matthew 6:25-34

Yes, bad things do happen to good people, BUT God does NOT CAUSE that. It is normal to be angry when bad things happen to “good” people, but sometimes we direct our anger incorrectly. Why are we so quick to blame God? If we call ourselves Christians, we should know this: God does NOT do bad things to His people. The Bible is the only TRUTH, so if we look to the Bible for answers, we will find the answers, to this and much more.

Who is Good?

First of all, we need to realize, what we think is “good” is not the same as what God knows as “good.” Jesus made this point responding to someone saying: “Why do you call me good? No one is good – except God alone.” We all fall short in some way of being known as “good” to God. Our days of living on earth are part of the process of us individually preparing ourselves for eternity. (It’s like getting an education to prepare for work, only it has greater implications than a job or career: our eternity.) And we will never be “good enough” which is the reason why Jesus died for us; so that we could be in eternity with God. We are not “perfect” nor able to justify our way to heaven thinking if we are good enough we will get to heaven (we won’t get to heaven “being good enough” – from the Bible). The only way we will make it to heaven is through believing and faith in Jesus. BUT there will be consequences from our behavior.

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

John 14:6

Who causes bad things to happen to people?

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Ephesians 6:12

If only every person on earth would comprehend what this quote tells us, we would stop fighting with each other, we would stop blaming one another, we would unite together against the powers of the dark world and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms that CAUSE the bad stuff we experience here on earth. If we are angry- be angry at the true source, don’t blame the innocent!

Jesus said:
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Ephesians 2: 2 ……in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.

The entire book of Job is another example, God did not CAUSE those bad things to happen, Satan did. But the end of the story is that God restored everything for Job.

Why does God allow bad things to happen?

We have to remember that God is just:

He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.

Deuteronomy 32: 4

Sometimes bad things happen as a consequence of a choice or an action we made (we cause it). Sometimes God allows bad things to happen to test our faith (read the book of Job) to find out if we truly love Him. And sometimes “our time is up” and God is ready for us.

28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 

(Jesus said this) Matthew 10: 28

If we experience an untimely death of someone we love, we need to put this in perspective: Yes it hurts. It will always hurt. But those feelings are focused on us, if we turn our thoughts to what is better for the person who experienced the untimely death, their suffering on earth was shortened. They didn’t have to endure the pain we do. It is a time like this to remember what Jesus said:

My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?

(Jesus said this) John 14:2
by Categories: FAITH, FAMILY, God, HAPPINESS, Improvement, Letting Go, Love, Make It Count, prioritiesTags: , , , , , Leave a comment

Merry Christmas 2020

It is often in hindsight (that we realize) during the most trying times of our lives is when we experience God’s love, God’s people working on His behalf and truly have the opportunity to get to know God. God often uses something tragic in our lives and turns it into something good. He’s done this repeatedly throughout history and continues today.

AN OLD TESTAMENT EXAMPLE- GOD TURNING BAD EVENTS INTO GOOD

Here is one example, of many, from the Old Testament: the story of Joseph (from the Bible, book of Genesis 37 – 50). Joseph was the son of Jacob and Rachel, Jacob who was the son of Isaac, who was the son Abraham and you can trace Abraham back to Noah, Noah back to Enoch, Enoch back to Adam (for those of you who recognize these “famous” names from the Bible), it’s fascinating. Anyway Joseph was thrown into a cistern by his own brothers (due to their jealousy), then sold into slavery when he was young. God had given Joseph the spiritual gift of dreams (that Joseph could interpret and also came true). Joseph rose to great power in Egypt, despite having many trials along the way then ended up saving many people from famine including his own family because of this spiritual gift God gave him. (An example of God turning bad hardships into something good).

A NEW TESTAMENT EXAMPLE – GOD’S OWN SON, JESUS

This is really the hardest to explain because this is unfamiliar and uncommon to us making it difficult to comprehend, but is explained throughout the entire bible (Old Testament through New Testament). There is only 1 God, however God is a triune God (consisting of three in one): God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Basically, God sent a part of Himself to earth (Jesus) to save us from evil and permanent death because of God’s love for us. I don’t comprehend why evil was allowed such a heavy influence and power over the earth, except that God is love and in real love, love is a choice, not forced. So that concept helps me understand this. God has given those evil ones a choice, they just didn’t choose God back and that’s what we are living through right now, but not forever (if we love God back). Getting back to the point: God used Jesus’ suffering and death for our good, as a ransom to evil, so that those who choose God will have eternal life after physical death. God used bad to turn it into something good in this, the greatest example, from the New Testament.

EXAMPLE TODAY- MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

My faith journey is documented throughout my entire blog. It was ignited by a tragic event, a car accident involving one of my daughter’s closest friends, Andy, shortly after he turned 16. This is when I first began truly seeking to know God, trying to understand the reason this happened along with questioning my purpose in life; rethinking my entire life.

It wasn’t a quick transformation, it began 5 years ago (2015) very gradually and with many personal failures along the way, but increased over time with an intensity that didn’t make sense. I was not a religious person by any means. I am definitely not the same person I was 5 years ago, so much has changed in my life (ultimately for the better). But along the way I experienced some of my most challenging times. No one will understand what I mean unless you have gone through this personally. I am not a “religious” person today either; I have a bible based faith. I see things very differently than before. I understand what the bible means about spiritual “blindness” because it affected me. When the blindness begins to disappear, is when those of us who have been through this experience comprehend what that blindness means. I say “begins to disappear”, because not everything is clear to me from the Bible, but some is. I now experience peace, hope and love as I never have before in my life. The “joy” is something I’m working towards! As I’ve explained before, I don’t write about these things unless something inspires me to. When I feel a “push” is when I do this. My latest “push” has been focusing on “Joy”….it is so incredible how those filled with God’s spirit, who have basically “nothing” by our world’s value system, show this tremendous joy and happiness from God (in an authentic, not fake way). I seek that joy and know that over time as I grow closer to God, I will experience that, because I see others who experience this. Others inspire us: I think that is what leading by example is: those other people who are joyful, lead us to seek joy, which truly only comes from God, because those with joy are joyful in both good times and bad. This is from the Holy Spirit and can only be attained through obeying God’s commands, changing our mindset and becoming God focused. So getting back to the point again: God uses bad things and turns them into something good today as well as in the past. Ultimately the greatest joy is knowing that one day, those of us who choose to love and obey God will not have any sorrows to experience that here on earth, may hold us back from experiencing the joy of God. For true joy, we need to constantly re-focus our negative thoughts on God and eternal life and realize that all pain we go through is only temporary. I pray to God that whomever reads this will experience the joy from God ahead despite our circumstances as we enter 2021.

May God bless you and your family.

Merry Christmas!

by Categories: FAITH, FAMILY, God, HAPPINESS, Improvement, Love, Make It Count, RELATIONSHIPSTags: , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Churches, Christians, Depression & the Truth

Ever think some events happen for a reason? Several months ago, maybe a year ago, I came across someone through social media who challenged my belief in God and the Bible. Having read the Bible for the first time a year ago, I’m obviously not a biblical scholar, but I knew of resources with scripture that could “prove” the Bible is truth, outside simple logic (from understanding the purpose of the Bible). That person believed the Bible was created for manipulating and controlling a population (which doesn’t make sense because if that was the purpose, then there wouldn’t have been killings of Believers in the Bible). This person rejected what I sent because the person wasn’t open to exploring and understanding the Bible (being spiritually blind is talked about in the Bible), but their mind was so strongly convinced of this mis-information, it puzzled me. Their belief was SO strong against the Bible, it didn’t make sense to continue the conversation for very long, Faith is a choice: believe or don’t believe, but there are consequences for either choice.

From the Church to Atheism

It turned out this person had multiple negative experiences in their church, so they left the church and things weren’t going well in their life, but since they left the church they said “life is so much easier.” (This makes sense too when you understand spiritual warfare). When I first came across this person, they were promoting atheism after formerly being in some kind of a church. Finding that out was very sad to me because I know the truth found in the Bible (and if they would only consider it, it would BENEFIT them), but they had so much resistance due to their experience, they weren’t open to even viewing those resources. They didn’t believe what was written in the Bible. I see that with many people lately: strong resistance to biblical information and truth. (Is this part of spiritual warfare?)

Lack of Trust

The unfortunate reason many give is “a church experience” which I completely understand, having had that experience myself. Most often the reason given involves lack of trust. Lack of trust is what holds people back from numerous experiences in life, for good reasons too: based on experiences, but it’s not good when it holds people back from something GOOD. That needs to change. This is one of the reasons why I believe it is so important to read the bible individually. Each of us needs to know what’s in the bible so that we are not misled by anyone distorting the information in the Bible. Reading the Bible isn’t a quick read, so if you hear someone say something, look it up, read the entire chapter or the book if necessary so it’s not taken out of context, that way you’ll eventually get through some of the Bible, a little at a time. A little is better than none.

Christians

Christians also turn people away if there is a negative interaction. I’ve seen this first hand from both sides too! Meaning I’ve been just as bad as a Christian of not having a good interaction with those closest to me. So I’d like to explain what happened in my experiences. BEING PURSUED: A person who has never read the Bible may not fully understand a scripture quote, so the scripture doesn’t seem relevant to that person, there is more needed context in the Bible before the quote is clearly understood. (That was my experience) Or maybe the person simply has no interest because they don’t understand the Bible’s purpose, so they are not ready to hear it? Or they are afraid there are too many rules they may need to abide by (I think this is many people) PURSUING: From a “newly” Christian’s perspective, when I found out the purpose of the Bible, I especially wanted to tell those closest to me, and I felt an urgency too. I’ve finally realized I have this internal drive to “protect” people. Most ‘person to person” contact about Christianity isn’t from a selfish, self-serving or self-centered motivation, it is because the person truly cares about the other person, but needs to learn a more successful way of communicating.

Depression/Anxiety

This is something I haven’t seen very often mentioned, but something people should know. Depression, anxiety or sadness can bring us to God, but it can also separate us from God. Often when we seek God, it’s a response to something bad that’s happened in our lives. We look to God to “fix it” for us, as the last resource. In reality, God should be our first resource, but initially He is often the last resource in a time of hardship. Reaching out to God (through prayer) is the best solution because He certainly has the ability to “fix” it for us. But we have to remember: He’s not a “vending machine” or a “genie” there to “grant our wishes” either. He wants a relationship with us first and foremost. Think about how we feel when someone just wants to take from us but never wants to give, it makes sense when looking at it from that perspective, doesn’t it? Depression/Anxiety/Sadness can also separate us from God if we are angry with everyone and God. Identifying the underlying source of the anxiety is the most important part in dealing with it. (see image)

Based on my personal experience, I thought if I simply surrendered to God everything would get better, but it didn’t, it started getting worse. I didn’t consider, or know about, the underlying sources of anxiety when it happened unfortunately or I could have dealt with it much more quickly. Little by little parts of this information was revealed as I was studying/reading the Bible. Ironically, my first start to reading the Bible, I opened the Bible to a random page and decided I would start there. It was the book of Job- and it explained a little bit about the spiritual warfare. What better time is it for something evil to “hit” a person then when the person is first surrendering to Jesus, right? That could easily turn a person away from God. The book of Job is good in understanding this because it showed these bad things can be a “test” of faith. Also the Bible often tells us there is a battle for our minds, so negative thoughts, fears, anger, sin, depression can be present to try to separate us from God. Please understand this so if it happens to you reject those “attacks” and pray to God to overcome them.

The Truth

Each of us was created by God, out of love. No person is accidently created; God is the Giver of Life and intentional in giving life to a person. God wants us to seek Him and communicate with Him through prayers, building a relationship. Once we have a relationship with God, He also wants us to help others. God has a purpose for each person He creates, each of us is valuable to God, it may take us awhile to figure out our purpose, but that’s just part of the growth process. The Bible is a resource, a guidebook for life, with the “secret” to eternal life for those who read it and take action. Eternity is not just about life, it can also be eternal pain, if we don’t choose to have a relationship with God. The Bible reveals some aspects of the spiritual realm. It contains thousands of prophecies that happened already, but also has prophecies regarding the future. A “Believer” is more than someone who simply believes Jesus, the Son of God existed, died for us, rose from the dead and ascended to Heaven after His physical death so that we could have eternal life with God. “Believer” means someone who understands that and out of immense gratitude decides to live in a godly way, choosing Jesus as the role model of how to live. The Bible is a resource showing us how Jesus lived and what He taught. The Bible is wisdom and essential for every single person.

by Categories: Face Fear, FAITH, FAMILY, FRIENDSHIP, God, HAPPINESS, Improvement, Love, Make It Count, priorities, RELATIONSHIPS, WellnessTags: , , , , , , Leave a comment

Work, Wealth and Labor Day (USA)- thoughts…

I woke up on September 8, 2020 the day after Labor Day, way too early in the morning with these thoughts in my mind, when I wrote this: “I’m curious if anyone else shares my perspective or has similar thoughts? What is Labor Day truly about? How does the Labor Day celebration and values compare to what we learn from God through the bible? What does God say about “work” in general? “

I finished this post on 9.8.20 but decided not to publish it because there was frustration building in me as I wrote this and I prefer positivity over negativity. So I’ve waited a month now and still feel the same about this. Leading up to September 8th, around the end of August 2020, Democratic leadership chose to omit “under God” from the Pledge of Allegiance when addressing certain groups who may not respond positively to “God.” This has bothered me ever since then and I have been angry about it. The fact is, those words are in the Pledge of Allegiance and removing them is going against God. It’s deceptive and manipulative in speaking to those certain people and that action was ungodly and concerning to me. I can’t stay silent on this.

A personal note (so you might understand my perspective)…

It is a little embarrassing to admit how much of my life I just “went with the flow:” I accepted things how they exist, not giving much thought to it: traditions, teachings, religion, holidays, work days, the way people lived, etc. I accepted many things blindly from “trusted” sources of authority from childhood, but as I grew up, I personally felt there are a lot of “gray areas”; nothing seemed absolute, and rules were only guidelines. I didn’t necessarily agree with everything, but letting it exist “as is”, kept me away from conflict most of the time. I thought I was better off living my life, my own way. Looking back, I didn’t have a strong direction in life, I was continually trying different things, hoping to figure it out someday. I now realize my past was existing in a state of “blindness.” I can’t call it “living” now, it was “existing” in a meaningless state, focused on obtaining happiness….but all that changed…

Now back to the significance of Labor Day in the USA, what it’s about...

“Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.” US Dept of Labor

“The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pays tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation’s strength, freedom, and leadership – the American worker.” US Dept of Labor

What influenced my thinking…

I look at everything in life differently now. Ever since I started studying the Bible many traditions, teachings, religion, holidays, work days, the way people live, etc. are not truly how I viewed them before. Reading the bible literally changed my thinking- it wasn’t just one church or a person who did this. There were about seven influential people and churches I found online, after personally reading the bible front to back. I was searching topics of interest which led me to compare what they said against the bible. There is so much online, so it is important to read the bible personally so you know if what someone is saying is truly in the bible or if it is being taken out of context and used in a false way. Seeking answers was an internal drive in me: “What is the Truth?” This opened my eyes to so much false information, teachings and values that hit all of us so hard daily. Modern day culture falsely presents many things as the the “right way,” when it is not true, from a biblical perspective- it is the “wrong way.” This bothered me; I don’t like being lied to and I don’t like it when others are lied to and they accept this ignorantly, just like I did. Not because it affects me, but because it effects every individual in a personal way, a way that can be harmful to each person. This is the reason I write and make videos about different subjects, hoping to open up someone else’s eyes, like mine were opened.

Getting back to the Labor Day holiday and biblical teachings about work…

First, here’s the Labor Day holiday description:

“a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.”

This is celebrating workers, those who contribute to the well being of others. Here’s what the bible says (it obviously isn’t silent on being a “worker” and the value of a worker):

  • Proverbs 31:27 (NLT)She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. (This may not be what Labor Day is about, but the contributions of someone who “stays home” and runs a household does contribute to the well being of the family and is equally as important.)
  • Ecclesiastes 10:18 (NLT)Laziness leads to a sagging roof; idleness leads to a leaky house.
  • Ezekiel 16:49 (NLT)Sodom’s sins were pride, gluttony, and laziness, while the poor and needy suffered outside her door.
  • James 1:22 (NLT)But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.
  • Proverbs 10:26 (NLT)Lazy people irritate their employers, like vinegar to the teeth or smoke in the eyes.
  • Colossians 3:23 (NLT)Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.
  • Colossians 3:17 (NLT)And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
  • Proverbs 10:4 (NLT)Lazy people are soon poor; hard workers get rich.
  • Proverbs 12:24 (NLT)Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave.
  • Proverbs 21:25 (NLT)Despite their desires, the lazy will come to ruin, for their hands refuse to work.
  • 2 Thessalonians 3:10 (NLT)Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.”
  • James 1:23 (NLT)For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror.
  • Proverbs 6:6 (NLT)Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and become wise!
  • Proverbs 10:5 (NLT)A wise youth harvests in the summer, but one who sleeps during harvest is a disgrace.
  • Proverbs 13:4 (NLT)Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper.
  • Proverbs 18:9 (NLT)A lazy person is as bad as someone who destroys things.
  • Proverbs 19:15 (NLT)Lazy people sleep soundly, but idleness leaves them hungry.
  • Proverbs 20:4 (NLT)Those too lazy to plow in the right season will have no food at the harvest.
  • Proverbs 20:13 (NLT)If you love sleep, you will end in poverty. Keep your eyes open, and there will be plenty to eat!
  • Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NLT)Whatever you do, do well. For when you go to the grave, there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.
  • Ephesians 4:28 (NLT)If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need.
  • Genesis 2:15 (NLT)The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it.
  • Hebrews 13:16 (NLT)And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.
  • Exodus 5:17 (NLT)But Pharaoh shouted, “You’re just lazy! Lazy! That’s why you’re saying, ‘Let us go and offer sacrifices to the Lord.’
  • Romans 12:11 (NLT)Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.
  • 2 Timothy 2:15 (NLT)Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.
  • Proverbs 15:19 (NLT)A lazy person’s way is blocked with briers, but the path of the upright is an open highway.
  • Proverbs 19:24 (NLT)Lazy people take food in their hand but don’t even lift it to their mouth.
  • Proverbs 24:30 (NLT)I walked by the field of a lazy person, the vineyard of one with no common sense.
  • Proverbs 26:15 (NLT)Lazy people take food in their hand but don’t even lift it to their mouth.
  • Proverbs 26:16 (NLT)Lazy people consider themselves smarter than seven wise counselors.
  • Proverbs 12:27 (NLT)Lazy people don’t even cook the game they catch, but the diligent make use of everything they find.
  • Proverbs 22:13 (NLT)The lazy person claims, “There’s a lion out there! If I go outside, I might be killed!”
  • Proverbs 26:13 (NLT)The lazy person claims, “There’s a lion on the road! Yes, I’m sure there’s a lion out there!”
  • Proverbs 26:14 (NLT)As a door swings back and forth on its hinges, so the lazy person turns over in bed.
  • Matthew 25:26 (NLT)“But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate,
  • 1 Timothy 5:13 (NLT)And if they are on the list, they will learn to be lazy and will spend their time gossiping from house to house, meddling in other people’s business and talking about things they shouldn’t.
  • Titus 1:12 (NLT)Even one of their own men, a prophet from Crete, has said about them, “The people of Crete are all liars, cruel animals, and lazy gluttons.”
  • Exodus 5:8 (NLT)But still require them to make the same number of bricks as before. Don’t reduce the quota. They are lazy. That’s why they are crying out, ‘Let us go and offer sacrifices to our God.’
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:14 (NLT)Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.
  • 1 Timothy 5:8 (NLT)But those who won’t care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers.
  • Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. Galatians 6:4 (NLT)

And Jesus said:

But Jesus replied, “My Father is always working, and so am I.”John 5:17 (NLT)

And how much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Yes, the law permits a person to do good on the Sabbath.”Matthew 12:12 (NLT)

and then there is this about resting/taking a day off work…

  • Genesis 2:2 (NLT)On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work.
  • Genesis 2:3 (NLT)And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation.
  • Hebrews 4:4 (NLT)We know it is ready because of the place in the Scriptures where it mentions the seventh day: “On the seventh day God rested from all his work.”

“You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of complete rest, an official day for holy assembly. It is the Lord’s Sabbath day, and it must be observed wherever you live.Leviticus 23:3 (NLT)

Jesus said:

Then Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath.Mark 2:27 (NLT)

Working is obviously an important part of our country and an important part of the bible. But there are also important parts of scripture giving warnings to people about their “work” :

WARNING #1: Rest and acknowledge God, we need to remember God, recognize God, acknowledge that God provides for us:

  • Exodus 20:11 (NLT)For in six days the Lord made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy.
  • Exodus 16:27 (NLT)Some of the people went out anyway on the seventh day, but they found no food.
  • Exodus 16:30 (NLT)So the people did not gather any food on the seventh day.

The last two references, showed how people who disobeyed God’s commands did not find food on the Sabbath Day, because they didn’t recognize God as the Provider of their basic needs.

WARNING #2: Don’t let work become your idol (something more important than God)

Trust in your money and down you go! But the godly flourish like leaves in spring.Proverbs 11:28 (NLT)

“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.Matthew 6:24 (NLT)

Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”Hebrews 13:5 (NLT)

“Have I put my trust in money or felt secure because of my gold?Job 31:24 (NLT)

“They will throw their money in the streets, tossing it out like worthless trash. Their silver and gold won’t save them on that day of the Lord’s anger. It will neither satisfy nor feed them, for their greed can only trip them up.Ezekiel 7:19 (NLT)

Greed causes fighting; trusting the Lord leads to prosperity.Proverbs 28:25 (NLT)

WARNING #3: Don’t let pride drive us in work, serve others, don’t do it to glorify ourselves, but give the glory to God, when pride takes over, we become idols to ourselves instead of worshiping God, here’s what the bible says about this:

Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.Proverbs 11:2 (NLT)

Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.Proverbs 16:18 (NLT)

Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor.Proverbs 29:23 (NLT)

Don’t you realize that from the beginning of time,ever since people were first placed on the earth,the triumph of the wicked has been short lived and the joy of the godless has been only temporary? Though the pride of the godless reaches to the heavens and their heads touch the clouds,yet they will vanish forever,thrown away like their own dung.Those who knew them will ask,‘Where are they?’ They will fade like a dream and not be found. Job 20:4-8 (NLT)

And then he added, “It is what comes from inside that defiles you. For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you.” Mark 7:20-23 (NLT)

Human pride will be brought down, and human arrogance will be humbled. Only the Lord will be exalted on that day of judgment.Isaiah 2:11 (NLT)

For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.1 John 2:16 (NLT)


If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.Galatians 6:3 (NLT)

The Lord detests the proud; they will surely be punished.Proverbs 16:5 (NLT)

WARNING #4: Accumulating wealth – if we are blessed with wealth, it’s not bad as long as we use it for others, but if we accumulate it for ourselves or by corruption, then we get into trouble with God:

If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?1 John 3:17 (NLT)

Such is the fate of all who are greedy for money; it robs them of life.Proverbs 1:19 (NLT)


The earnings of the godly enhance their lives, but evil people squander their money on sin.Proverbs 10:16 (NLT)

Remember, you must not make any idols of silver or gold to rival me (God). Exodus 20:23 (NLT)

“What sorrow awaits you who build cities with money gained through murder and corruption!Habakkuk 2:12 (NLT)

For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.1 Timothy 6:10 (NLT)

Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.1 Timothy 6:17 (NLT)


Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness!Ecclesiastes 5:10 (NLT)

Wisdom is even better when you have money. Both are a benefit as you go through life.Ecclesiastes 7:11 (NLT)

“What sorrow awaits you who build big houses with money gained dishonestly! You believe your wealth will buy security, putting your family’s nest beyond the reach of danger.Habakkuk 2:9 (NLT)

Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others.1 Timothy 6:18 (NLT)

In conclusion: There is so much more in the Bible about work, wealth and God being the priority in our lives, this would be much longer if I included all of it. Recognizing people for their contributions is important, building people up rather than tearing them down is important, people having time off is important, and there is nothing wrong with wealth (if it is used for others, not acquired corruptly and God gets the credit for the prosperity.) It looks like the Department of Labor forgot that part: the creator is ultimately God. Most importantly, God must be recognized as the Priority above all else. Hopefully with all the information above, it’s clear why it’s important for the future of the USA to continue to recognize God and keep “One Nation under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Understanding the Meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance Words - Historyplex
by Categories: American, Careers, entrepreneur, FAITH, FAMILY, God, Improvement, Labor Day, Make It Count, priorities, USATags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

God and Relationships: Healing, Forgiveness and Love

Last night before I went to sleep, when I prayed, I asked God if He would inspire me with something meaningful to share because I haven’t written in this blog since June, I wanted to write, but I haven’t felt inspired for awhile. Well, God answered that prayer at 6 am this morning when the title of this was the first thought I had as soon as I woke up.

It amazes me how the Bible shares wisdom with us “scattered” throughout the book, through different messengers, but all giving the same message.

This topic is consistently timely because we interact with people on a daily basis and need God’s help “dealing with” people, and more appropriately “dealing with” ourselves. I’ll explain the image for this article and how it relates:

We need God in our relationships: any relationship with God as a part of it equals love.

God is love.

MAKING EXCUSES

I believe in being accountable for my own actions, not making excuses (understanding what leads me to something, but not blaming my actions on someone or something else). I’m responsible for my own actions no matter what happens around me. I personally choose to react the way I do. So why is it that I allow different standards for others? I allow excuses for them. Excuses justifying other’s actions or behavior, when I wouldn’t allow myself to act that way. I made excuses because I thought trying to be a Christian meant accepting other people as they are, and not being judgmental of others, which it does, but there is more to this:

A Christian should help others be aware of the wisdom from God through the bible (awareness only -not judgement nor retaliation- that’s reserved for God) – don’t be silent, speak up, but don’t do this in anger, do this in a loving way to build up the other person, in the knowledge of God, not tear them down.

DO NOT JUDGE:

GO TO THE BIBLE AND IN PRAYER GO TO GOD FOR ADVICE, STRENGTH AND WISDOM:

HEALING

I had to think: which comes first: healing or forgiveness? It’s a challenge to forgive someone if we haven’t healed from what happened. But we also can’t heal from it unless we forgive it (let it go). So maybe it’s a combination of healing and forgiveness, but first and most importantly seeking God. This is where we NEED God: to heal and to forgive. There is no question about that. I often think of this simple statement which is so true:

Hurt people hurt people.

Pastor Rick Warren

It’s something I keep in mind whenever someone hurts me. It’s important to have that perspective, it makes it easier to accept someone for who they are. We can’t know everything that happened to someone during their life. If someone was loved throughout their life, they wouldn’t hurt. So because they have been hurt (and haven’t healed), they hurt other people. So it’s so important for all of us to heal from the hurt other people caused in our lives.

FORGIVING

If we want a great relationship with anyone, we need to be able to forgive, regularly! Forgiving someone doesn’t mean allowing what they did to continue as if it doesn’t affect us. But if the other person who hurt us is truly sorry, that person will do their best to not do it again and ask for a second chance. If the person truly wants forgiveness and tells us how they have changed and why they have changed, then we need to offer forgiveness. (If this is an abusive situation, we may need to offer forgiveness but not remain in that person’s life for safety reasons. This type of situation requires other qualified individuals’ assessment of the situation.)

WHY WE NEED GOD FOR HEALING, FORGIVENESS AND LOVE (and Eternity):

HOW WE GET THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

On our own, we are going to fail, that’s the truth, but if we have the Holy Spirit in us, we will succeed. So how do we receive the Holy Spirit? God sends the Holy Spirit to us if we ask and OBEY God:

And this is why we need God in all of our relationships. We need a relationship with God so that we can have good relationships with other people through the strength of the Holy Spirit in us.

Once we have a relationship with God, he will protect us until the end of times.

HERE’S HOW YOU CAN TELL IF SOMEONE HAS A RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD (these qualities will be evident in that person’s life):

We obviously need God as the priority in our life, so the rest of our life can fall in place. As in any good relationship, there is an exchange of giving and receiving. This is no different with God, we aren’t going to receive the power of the Holy Spirit unless we obey God’s commands (sin keeps the power of the Holy Spirit from us). God always loves us, but the power of the Spirit is reserved for those who obey Him. The power of the Holy Spirit makes our lives more peaceful, provides joy, wisdom and enables us to love in a more godly way than we could on our own.

I hope you found this helpful for your relationships!

by Categories: Dating, Entertainment, FAITH, FAMILY, FRIENDSHIP, God, HAPPINESS, Improvement, Letting Go, Love, Make It Count, Marriage, priorities, RELATIONSHIPS, WellnessTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment