Examining Faith

In Genesis 15, a short verse (oft repeated) simply states, "Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness." (NIV)

Yet, skip a verse and Abram needs assurance once again!

"But Abram said, 'O Sovereign LORD, how can I know that I will gain possession of it?'"

Abram asked a lot of questions - he reasoned with God a lot, too.

What do you think it means that Abram was "credited with righteousness"?

Do you think this is a significant revelation?

Wise Words?

It is to a man's honor to avoid strife,
but every fool is quick to quarrel.

Proverbs 20:3




My skin is finally clear, and I just got my hair did!
I was considering this new profile pic. It makes me think of the phrase, "Whatchoo talkin' about, Willis!"

Personal vs. Ecclesiastical Relationships

I have been in a discussion with another blogger about the concept of separation. Based on his interpretation of Romans 16:17 and 2 Thessalonians 3:6,7-14, this blogger has recommended that I must leave my current congregation that believes that baptism is the point of salvation.

I am working through this matter of baptism myself, and would prefer not to get into a discussion on that as I am already inundated with info and up way to late every night continuing the study. I will post my thoughts for discussion, once I figure out what my thoughts are. :)

However, in this discussion, where initially I had focused on a dilemma of separation regarding a friend's marriage, it dawned me that if I were to truly follow this man's understanding of the scripture, that I would have to leave my husband.

He explained that I had no knowledge of the difference in applying this doctrine of separation to personal and ecclesiastical relationships.

I basically said he was right, I have no such knowledge. And I asked him to share those differences. But he decided to cease discussion with me.

Is there such a difference in applying this or any doctrine to a personal vs. an ecclesiastical relationship?

And what of those relationships that are both personal and ecclesiastical (which for me, are almost all of them!)??

There is no reason to listen if I cannot hear.
Just Another Voice,

What DID Jesus do?

Some people spend a great deal of time trying to figure out what Jesus would do, today, if found in the same predicament. But I think it's pretty important to focus more on what He actually did do.


He died.


If I really want to be like Jesus, I will, too.

1. I will die to self, like He did. Not lead, not defend, not judge, not strive to be the best, not impress others - but serve.
2. I will obey God to the point of dying, not because I want glory but because I trust even my very life to the Father.

God sat at the tables of men and women who not only disagreed with His doctrine, but those He knew plotted His demise. He spoke truths that might later change and save their souls after they had succeeded in slaying Him. I cannot think of one instance when Jesus "withdrew fellowship" or ever spoke up to even defend Himself. Knowing what these men would do, knowing they not only disagreed, but despised Him - Jesus continue to accept their invitations, answer their questions, share insight and parables. He only spoke of the "Pharisaical Heart" to the Pharisees themselves. To the crowds, He taught what it was to be loving, merciful and generous to one another - and of a kingdom to come - not preaching of the dark hearts and heresy of the pharisees.

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things." Philippians 4:4-8

I'm going to try to follow that advice! Fancy that - the peace of GOD will guard my heart and mind, and I can keep my mind on doing good.

Out of Order

Please see more details here.

Goodnight!

Weary...

Logic says I am dead already - that I can be willing to do what is right and good, but never will.

I desire to lose logic.

But when it flees, I despair.

It's a little bit funny?

I had a melt down in Sunday service.

All our New England sisterhood of churches got together for an incredible weekend conference to inspire us in our personal service to the Lord. I've been feeling a call to serve more - not really in church, but in general. The lessons were pointed, practical and inspirational. I had an opportunity to help with the kids and learn some new songs to take back to the home church kids. Mr. Right and I partied with the singles. I loved crashing their gathering and showing off my dance mooooves!

We had a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, and walked across the street. Sunday worship started right on time, at 11am. No worries - ready to worship.

Suddenly, the beautiful worship songs started to make me furious.

Now, I have had a struggle with song-leading for the last 5 years. I have some talent and no lack of joy for being the center of attention. I am a maniac for karaoke, and I dance like a fool for any beat. I love the fellowship at practice and sing my heart out - and even in the congregation I sing so loud people in front of me turn expecting me to be 6 feet tall. But if I stand before the church to lead in worship, I go mute. I keep telling the worship leaders its not my calling, and I get rebuked for not sharing my talent. I hate being told to smile. I hate being told how to dress. I hate being told that my singing is to encourage the church and I should always sing encouraging songs. Poppycock! None of that matters. If it's not 100% for God, I can't do it. It's like God hits the mute button - I physically cannot do it. I've even fainted once when I tried to force it.

But the songs themselves have never made me angry.

With several congregations gathered, many of the songs were unfamiliar, so the words were printed on a sheet.

Refrain from the third song:

"More love, more power
More of You in my life..."

I got nauseous. WHAT? Did He not give us EVERYTHING? Why are we singing these words? And we kept singing it over and over and over and over. I asked my husband to please stop singing. He could tell I was severely distressed, but had no clue. He told me to sit and put my head between my legs until it passed.

After it was over, and I lifted my head, I looked on the sheet at the next song. "I...I...I..." "me...me...me..." I started circling each of those words in the song. My husband frowned at me.

Then another song exclaimed, "You alone are worthy!" I wanted to shout, "Who am I to say that only God is worthy of my praise? I am the lowest of sinners - all are worthier than I!"

The rest of the songs were bearable, but the distress remained. I had to get up and move. I bolted out of the convention hall and ran a lap around the block, praying. I returned feeling a little better - but knowing I am getting a little worn by the worship "experience."



photo by: Mary Ann Morgan