tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13615164187748654912024-03-13T11:27:11.510-07:00The Narrow WayEvettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795731011550267490noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361516418774865491.post-42974214132348746152011-11-03T00:00:00.000-07:002011-11-03T17:36:27.480-07:00A Cup Of Kindness<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF4nvaVL3KaHwV0RCB5M5QqqRf_2pmxPzkH6369BYuS_1PD3c9WSTUoo1t19Ez1nFffB-SqjS_1Gf6C8WUbhr479Awuqn2EUy_bBmk_684cDxjn91MVpCWSj0ILAZT0TJuOvJ6a73fW68/s1600/a+cup+of+kindness.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF4nvaVL3KaHwV0RCB5M5QqqRf_2pmxPzkH6369BYuS_1PD3c9WSTUoo1t19Ez1nFffB-SqjS_1Gf6C8WUbhr479Awuqn2EUy_bBmk_684cDxjn91MVpCWSj0ILAZT0TJuOvJ6a73fW68/s320/a+cup+of+kindness.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669828578885739986" border="0" /></a><i></i>Some of the nastiest and most vile people that I've meet are people who call themselves Christians. They become so passionate they loose their passion for others--the fruit of the spirit is no longer visible, they've become Pharisee's! In their mind they're doing what we as followers of Christ are called to do--doing the work of an evangelist, fulfilling our ministry as stated in 2 Timothy 4:5, but in the process they've made it an us versus them mindset, a war if you will. And we all know that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12)<br />It's all in your presentation! One particular blogger that I use to read and follow on twitter, as well as listen to their podcast, comes to mind. It is my belief that this person started out on the right track, but this individuals passion became his stumbling block, and now sounds more like an unloving, spiteful, hateful religious Pharisee. Though he/she may speak the truth, it's lost in the name calling of those who are unbelievers as well as though who have strayed from the truth. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying we don't take a stand, we are to persevere in correcting our opponents because it is imperative that they should know the truth, even though they might oppose the truth at present. There is a balance--but so many are tipping the scales.<div><br /></div><div>Looking at 2 Timothy 2:24-26 "<span >And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.</span><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0); ">"</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Sin must be confronted, but our speech must always be seasoned with salt! And no, that does not mean sitting along side the world holding hands and singing kumbaya. Joel Osteen comes to mind. He is a prime example of what NOT to do and is the perfect example of a false prophet in action, telling people what they want to hear, caring more about the praise of men! He is not alone in this category, there are many well-known preachers who preach a different gospel. There are many more who are preaching the truth without compromise, stating the truth in love, always standing on the word and never wavering. Many people have made Jesus in their own image, but we are to reflect the true image of Christ in word and deed. How much could be accomplished if people would just give a little cup of kindness! </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span>James 3:6-12 "</span><span class="verse-num" id="v59003006-1"> </span><span>And </span><span>the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, </span><span>staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life,</span><span> and set on fire by hell.</span><span class="verse-num" id="v59003007-1"> </span><span>For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, </span><span>but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, </span><span>full of deadly poison. </span><span>With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. </span><span>From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers,</span><span> these things ought not to be so. </span><span>Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water?</span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span> </span>Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.</span></span></div><div><span><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);"></span><br /></span></div>Evettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795731011550267490noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361516418774865491.post-73160253940423545602011-10-23T16:23:00.000-07:002011-10-23T19:49:36.617-07:00Got Jesus?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE8fgGNCBoDDMYh8JNTyQnnvRHOPHsfhrH1FXMNbF1diUUaefb4_z1MAX5DjijOcyeXNnozzkPY0ZeV9-kVC5QwlsYgv_H-fZinXtaG634QXPE36WnSKlKIacfdS4w4ADe1zYJ2U5653c/s1600/2009103017130470.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 306px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE8fgGNCBoDDMYh8JNTyQnnvRHOPHsfhrH1FXMNbF1diUUaefb4_z1MAX5DjijOcyeXNnozzkPY0ZeV9-kVC5QwlsYgv_H-fZinXtaG634QXPE36WnSKlKIacfdS4w4ADe1zYJ2U5653c/s320/2009103017130470.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665000465177454354" /></a>One of my Facebook friends posted the following on their page the other day: <i>Sometimes inviting someone to church can blow up in your face but don't let it get you down. They rejected Jesus too.</i><div><br /></div><div><div>There is a misconception out there about those who don't attend institutional churches. For some reason people believe that institutional churches are the bar--and those who don't attend are really lacking in Jesus. They are on a mission to invite people to their show, I mean church to hear about Jesus, to experience the latest and greatest contemporary worship songs ever written--to have an experience--an encounter with Jesus. Is it about rejecting Jesus, or is it something deeper than that. Is anyone willing to go deeper to find out, or is it easier to dismiss it as a mere dislike for all things Jesus. Declining a church invitation does not equal rejecting Jesus. Like parents to children, , Christians are to be imitators of God as dear children. And being honest, these days there are many Christians who are seriously lacking and are acting more like carnal/casual "Christians". If you follow Christ then act like it. If you claim Him, live like it. The only person your fooling is yourself. Me and my husband haven't attended a church regularly for over a year now. I'm seriously tired of the "now your not suppose to forsake the assembling" comments, and the raised eyebrows. How arrogant and ignorant of the word folks are these days.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>It's not our invitations to church, it's the way we live. John 13:35 "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for on another." Technically speaking, the "Church" is not for the unsaved but for the saved! The church is for follower's of Christ to come together, fellowship, worship, share, as brothers and sisters in Christ, who is the head of the Church. And might I add that the Church is His people. 1 Corinthians 3:16 "Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?" </div><div><br /></div><div>In case you've missed it, there is a great movement taking place these days. People like my family are leaving the "church" in droves, not because we don't have Jesus, or faith, we've left because for the most part, more than half of the churches kicked Jesus out a long time ago. We are just the few who knew when he left and followed. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Evettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795731011550267490noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361516418774865491.post-5789578890387837842011-09-27T21:00:00.000-07:002011-09-27T17:15:10.129-07:00Truth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Evettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795731011550267490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361516418774865491.post-81987717833152838222011-09-27T20:30:00.000-07:002011-09-26T17:54:10.926-07:00Just One Of Those Days<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNvviG0jMH828Y0CmYL_vjX8coruM4CzvYBaO8HXLJ4wdD1L7D2chVp1Ly8Y0eFIz9u0BS5iWURHzzIUpK80CBr6Q6S0hm652j99clbnfJYCGIfXq8RNw5Foc-eUgpdc_GWOOBNFhyXd4/s1600-h/let+go.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300283310387602290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNvviG0jMH828Y0CmYL_vjX8coruM4CzvYBaO8HXLJ4wdD1L7D2chVp1Ly8Y0eFIz9u0BS5iWURHzzIUpK80CBr6Q6S0hm652j99clbnfJYCGIfXq8RNw5Foc-eUgpdc_GWOOBNFhyXd4/s320/let+go.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 190px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 320px;" /></a>I wrote this blog post 3 years ago. It is still fitting to this day. Enjoy!<br />
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The Proverbs 31 woman evades me. She is a ghost eluding capture within the pages of God's word on some days.<br />
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<span style="font-style: italic;">"She seeks wool, and flax and works willingly with her hands."</span><br />
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I seek peace and quiet when I get home from work and look forward to bed time.<br />
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<span style="font-style: italic;">"She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong." </span><br />
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I dress myself in modern day mu mu's for comfort, all while apologizing to my husband.<br />
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<span style="font-style: italic;">"She opens her mouth with wisdom and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue." </span><br />
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I scream, holler, and threaten exile to their bedroom for the remainder of the evening.<br />
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<span style="font-style: italic;">"Her children rise up and call her blessed."</span><br />
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My children rise up and call me mean mommy.<br />
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Maybe I'll be whisked away in a supernatural (God ordained) tornado to a land flowing with free facials, massages, and 100% cotton robes complete with fuzzy slippers. And when its time to return home I'll click my heels together 3 times while repeating, "there's no place like home."<br />
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This is what I've become ( I state to myself in frustration)----a haggard wife & mother who spends her days taming her children with a sharp tongue, washing laundry at every minute and trying to answer the question why boys can't aim and hit the toilet (that includes grown men). All this while trying to keep the little sanity I have left and convincingly trying to hide my need for Prozac and xanax.<br />
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At the end of the day, when the children are in bed (2 hours past their bedtime) and I'm finally left alone for a moment of peace I can't imagine my life being anything else. God never said the Proverbs 31 woman had it easy. He never said she wasn't like me and had 'one of those days", but He did say "Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come." And I'm laughing all the way to my knees in prayer!Evettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795731011550267490noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361516418774865491.post-37247432534138764782011-09-12T19:38:00.001-07:002011-09-13T05:57:08.123-07:00Putting Things In Perspective<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwNNVY8J6JwBZaQRlf-vWAQ-VwU2aIWxDktJ-7oePb5U6qmz4JdZH7JR1gSjwC21kznA6gG5nijPYD3bn9lCULExFikDCejCIybf_ja0TW_oAKSh8k5oYvj0o9e2NkoJVsgIs8cUxK4b4/s1600/go-sell-everything-you-have-pope-catholic-religion-atheist-j-demotivational-posters-1309313361.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651668466341148578" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 282px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwNNVY8J6JwBZaQRlf-vWAQ-VwU2aIWxDktJ-7oePb5U6qmz4JdZH7JR1gSjwC21kznA6gG5nijPYD3bn9lCULExFikDCejCIybf_ja0TW_oAKSh8k5oYvj0o9e2NkoJVsgIs8cUxK4b4/s320/go-sell-everything-you-have-pope-catholic-religion-atheist-j-demotivational-posters-1309313361.jpg" border="0" /></a>I read something today that sparked a fire of outrage inside of me. It's the one thing that America has plenty of, it's the one thing that many take so much pride in that they can't see as far as the building their sitting in. If you guessed another mega church--you are correct. It seems that another church is planning the construction of another mega-church that will cost 35 million dollars! <a href="http://www.christianpost.com/news/first-presbyterian-church-in-colorado-finalizes-35m-construction-plans-54790/">First Presbyterian Church of Colorado</a> is building a "church" that will house a cafe, bookstore, library, childcare area, oh and let's not forget the sanctuary. This truly grieves my heart, breaks it into a million pieces really. The picture to the left really puts things in perspective doesn't it? Do you find it hard to look at the children--bones easily visible through their skin. Does it bother you to know that tomorrow, if they see tomorrow they will awake to the horror of another day without the basic necessities of food, water, shelter, or clothing? All while people pour millions of dollars into their magnificent buildings--their treasures here on earth that will burn, rust, and succumb to the elements. It bothers me, it grieves me, it saddens me, and it angers me! Will you think of these children, and other's all over the world who face these same bleak conditions when you get dressed in the morning jump in your car, enter your building that is as grand as a hotel lobby. Will you think of the least of these as you sit in your cafe, browse the bookstore, sip on your coffee, eat your pastries, and marvel at the beauty of the building that pride built? Will you think of them as you enter the grandeur of the sanctuary, sit in the plush seats, and try your best to be closet to the stage, listen to the newest worship songs, lift your hands in awe and wonder? As you look around at the huge TV screens, lighting, and admire the show, admire what man built--will you see the faces of those you really could have served? Sad to say most won't. Some call it church growth--I call it the pride and selfishness of man at its greatest. If I am grieved, I know that Jesus weeps! <br /><div><br /></div><br /><div></div>Evettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795731011550267490noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361516418774865491.post-21019411981671164132011-08-24T17:58:00.000-07:002011-08-24T19:23:28.090-07:00The Truth Shall Set You Free<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgp65BRdGb-J4IRqwa2PxEVRqJXuIZYc8GFwyWueLbTpYOUM_146X49xHGbSbM5lMjh7aSrAYVcHW3LA0poPnk7eNP-kV-nmCoXqzR9C2nx2Vw6Trz7UIpglpJ-VsRLBiGxcxsMEDyb1M/s1600/Break+Free+Investors+Logo.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 215px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgp65BRdGb-J4IRqwa2PxEVRqJXuIZYc8GFwyWueLbTpYOUM_146X49xHGbSbM5lMjh7aSrAYVcHW3LA0poPnk7eNP-kV-nmCoXqzR9C2nx2Vw6Trz7UIpglpJ-VsRLBiGxcxsMEDyb1M/s320/Break+Free+Investors+Logo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644221308930291122" border="0" /></a>"You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free." Does this quote sound familiar to you? Through out my life--especially in church I've heard this quoted, more times than I can count. Since the institutional church is suppose to be real big on the truth--I wonder why there are far more churches turning their backs on the truth then those teaching it. We've been inundated with a false Gospel for so long half of the church folk wouldn't know the truth if the truth smacked "em up side the head--Maybe if the pastor said "Now turn to your neighbor and slap 'em upside the head and say the truth is here--are you listening." Sorry, couldn't resist that one. If most of these seeker driver churches were actually teaching the Biblical truth we certainly wouldn't see the spreading of humanism growing in the church at such a rapid pace that those who are leaving these churches do so for their spiritual health. The truth: most folks can't handle the truth--that's why they entertain _______ (fill in the blank).
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<br />Question: If it's for freedom that Christ has set us free--why are so many self-proclaiming Christians still in bondage? Some don't even know it-but they are-- nonetheless.
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<br />John 8:31 "Then Jesus said to those Jews, who believed Him, "<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."</span> They answered Him, " We are Abraham's descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can you say, <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">"You will be made free?"</span> Jesus answered them, <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">"Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed."</span>
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<br />Several things struck me as I read Jesus' words and the replies from the Pharisees. In order to know the truth you must abide in Him and His word. Not the words of the pastor, or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Bethel</span> A.M.E. Zion Church, what the deacon/first lady says. How are you going to be truly set free if you don't know the truth? Yet, so many faithfully take everyone <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">else's</span> words as the pure unadulterated Gospel, never searching the scriptures and testing the spirits they encounter, always hearing the truth but never coming into full knowledge and freedom.
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<br />The reply of the Pharisees resound like many church folk today. The Pharisees objection--denial about their true condition is startling, considering that in the past the Israelites had been in bondage to the Egyptians, the Assyrians, and the Babylonia's. And at this particular time, Israel was under the power of Rome. In their arrogance, and ignorance they believed that religion could save them, especially when they themselves could not keep the law. They had no idea that Jesus was referring to spiritual slavery, which no man/woman has the power to break away from--He must have someone else set him free (Romans 8:3-4). They may have been physical heirs of Abraham, but they were not his spiritual descendants unless they had faith. In the futility of their minds, they could never grasp that--they heard the word but did not believe it, therefore they could not experience or know the truth--which is true freedom.
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<br />Please hear me--the truth is not based on our opinions, our views, and our feelings! This is one of the biggest problems within the body of Christ. The word of God is the only truth. I can't tell you how many times I see Christians give their opinions about sin by their own feelings and views--never taking it to Biblical authority, the same authority they claim to live their lives by. When I, you, or anyone else sees fit to dismiss this--we've become little more than Pharisees ourselves purposing and injecting our views all while placing Jesus at the bottom and ourselves at the top--which is a dangerous place to be. The man/woman of God who abides in the Word of God knows the truth and its there that freedom from the bondage of sin is. There is no other place for which true freedom exists!
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<br />Jesus said in Luke 4:18-19
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<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="woc">The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">because he has anointed me to </span><a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Matthew%2011:5;%20Luke%206:20/" title="Matt. 11:5; [ch. 6:20]"></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">proclaim good news to the poor. </span><p style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" id="p42004019_01-1" class="line">He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, <a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Isaiah%2058:6/" title="Isa. 58:6"></a>to set at
<br /></p><p style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="line">liberty those who are oppressed, <span class="woc"><a title="Lev. 25:10; [Isa. 49:8; 2 Cor. 6:2]" class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Leviticus%2025:10;%20Isaiah%2049:8;%202%20Corinthians%206:2/"></a>to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.”</span></p>
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<br />Evettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795731011550267490noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361516418774865491.post-8092084827609312102011-08-09T18:20:00.000-07:002011-08-09T19:36:07.066-07:00Living In A Babylonian Culture<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2cKWmE_tzDaU57YZAMRIqN20a0X_Sx_IIPOvrU2LuGwoXI4EfA8uyJDgsJsc_f0MPlgRKDEuEFh175WVWChKXThU4_F-5tiHxbpX8Hi0wKvRhKUsfUbXCzxSkaYM0eRBoZtsC-YlDy1g/s1600/furnace.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 286px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2cKWmE_tzDaU57YZAMRIqN20a0X_Sx_IIPOvrU2LuGwoXI4EfA8uyJDgsJsc_f0MPlgRKDEuEFh175WVWChKXThU4_F-5tiHxbpX8Hi0wKvRhKUsfUbXCzxSkaYM0eRBoZtsC-YlDy1g/s320/furnace.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638668545763993890" border="0" /></a>It is my firm belief that many institutional churches are not preparing and have not prepared the younger generation how to live in this Babylonian culture that we are living in. I'd go so far as to say they haven't prepared anyone. Now more than ever, we see a watered down gospel that caters to our wants rather than our needs, it's all about the numbers--the numbers draw the money. Living in the society that we live in, where the days are growing more wicked, people are growing more cold, and the world is loving less, too many pastors are obsessed with looking good and making you feel good. I'm telling you God is not pleased with those who call themselves the bride of Christ. Out of all the "Christian" television networks on today, I've not seen one that has any substance. Last night I caught TD Jakes preaching his watered down version of the gospel. He stated and I quote "The word of God is His sperm". Really! And all these folks could do was hoop, holler, jump up in down in agreement. Can't say that I was surprised though. Disgusted, I flipped the channel. Where are the Daniels, Hananiah's, Mishael's, & Azariah's of this age. (And they are out there) I'll tell you where they're not---on any so called christian programming show. I've been studying the book of Daniel--the Lord impressed it upon me to study and really look at these men of God. Here are a few points that I walked away with:<div><div><ul><li>Daniel and company were brought from their land into captivity to Babylon. They were good looking, smart, able to learn, and chosen for those reasons to serve under the king. (Chapter 1)</li><li>The four men were stripped of their names and given names that the King chose, taught them their language and their culture in an attempt to make them take on the identity of Babylon.
<br /></li><li>Though these men were brought into the land of Babylon by captivity, they resolved to not defile themselves by partaking in any of the indulges' that the King offered--in food or wine.</li><li>They Loved God above all else and served Him only, fully trusting and believing Him.</li><li>They submitted to the King--but when it required going against God, they refused--holding fast to their identity in God. They knew who their provider was and was faithful--even in the face of death.</li><li>
<br /></li></ul><div>
<br /></div><div>This for me paints the picture of what the Narrow Way is. It's not conforming, or compromising. The Narrow way demands our complete obedience to God, Christ, and the Word. If we are not grounded we will certainly walk or be lead into a ditch. It's not about fuzzy feelings, following after the next big move of God or the next big so called Prophet that prophesies lies. There is no doubt about it, you will face the furnace......the question is will you be willing to trust in Christ and take a stand. Shadrach, Meshach, & Abednego lived in a Babylonian culture just as we do now, the difference between these men & the majority of so called Christ follower's...they knew the difference between the wide gate and the narrow one.</div></div></div>Evettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795731011550267490noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361516418774865491.post-80600054274211596572011-08-02T17:35:00.000-07:002011-08-02T18:25:49.469-07:00What's High On Your List<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjND2aQr_TdDmh0GLkwBRygndnIJp4dMY6IqcAnghVirFrL_MQoytHXP8XHUD3VJ0RrurX-A9I2ePb3pbiPttg5WoRqm1s4K2rJg_6SeWtJlz3XnOG39Xo0L5O1BBSuvHblUEbf_GXWZmE/s1600/top-10-list.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 247px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjND2aQr_TdDmh0GLkwBRygndnIJp4dMY6IqcAnghVirFrL_MQoytHXP8XHUD3VJ0RrurX-A9I2ePb3pbiPttg5WoRqm1s4K2rJg_6SeWtJlz3XnOG39Xo0L5O1BBSuvHblUEbf_GXWZmE/s320/top-10-list.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636422627382218034" border="0" /></a>I'm standing in the front of the classroom on this one, raising my hand high, my top ten list use to have Jesus at the bottom. Of course, I didn't realize that--because in my own mind I felt like I had Him at the top of the list. One of my complaints was--I never really have enough of time to incorporate any Bible Study in my time through out the week, or prayer time for that matter. I'd say "Lord, if only I had enough hours in the day to do all the things that I needed to do." Folks can I be honest here. Truth: We all have enough time in the day to devout ourselves to stopping and putting God first in every aspect of our lives. We have enough hours in a day, we have enough time even in our most hectic and chaotic days--it's all a matter of making choices, and wisely doing so. Simply giving God Sunday, and Wednesday Bible Study is not having a relationship with Him at all. Can you truly learn and have a relationship with anyone while devoting 1-2 days a week (if that) to building that relationship? The problem that many followers of Christ have is truly assessing our priorities and being honest with ourselves. Putting God at the bottom of the list puts everything else ahead of Him and that leaves us vulnerable. Then that's when we wonder "God where are you?" Hear me when I say this people--THERE IS A STORM COMING AND ONLY THOSE WHO ARE PREPARED WILL ENDURE IT! The only way to prepare is to study and immerse ourselves in His word and Prayer. Have you checked your list lately?Evettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795731011550267490noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361516418774865491.post-44147319260568153582011-07-28T17:54:00.001-07:002011-07-30T09:37:05.846-07:00Can You See The Handwriting On The Wall?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIDyMCU0ldGeHFHQv3Rih-_m8cy00ETP1JeaEgASRoIH5HujknYFdkg-TPWF87DPeNizdI4ZNdRLENyyW4Std3FnqXfrbXrMse77bHkwDtS8quoRiIgxqSBPxjwoWuikqK51baXLxSwr0/s1600/hand+writing+on+the+wall.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 253px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIDyMCU0ldGeHFHQv3Rih-_m8cy00ETP1JeaEgASRoIH5HujknYFdkg-TPWF87DPeNizdI4ZNdRLENyyW4Std3FnqXfrbXrMse77bHkwDtS8quoRiIgxqSBPxjwoWuikqK51baXLxSwr0/s320/hand+writing+on+the+wall.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634571630286129778" border="0" /></a>Much of the world, along with many people in the body of Christ are living in denial. Even in the wake of all the tragedies, natural & man made disasters that are and have taken place, there still exists an "it ain't true" mindset--everything is good and we'll pull through. The refusal to see the state of where we truly are will leave many caught off guard. The writing on the wall is so evident, so clear, I'm left scratching my head at how others still cry peace, peace---we just want peace. They say we need to coexist, we need to all get along--we serve the same God--for the sake of peace let us reason together and come to a clear understanding so that peace may reign. They are blind, deaf, and spiritually dead, having a form of godliness but denying God all together. Wake up-wake up you who slumber, the Master is at the door and He's closer than you think---than you want to believe. Now begins the beginning of the end. You have heaped up false teachers to tickle your ears, you have forsaken the narrow way and have chosen to enter by the wide gate! You lead the sheep astray, heaping up for yourselves treasures that will rust, and be melted away. You have no desire but to satisfy the desires of the flesh, you who call good evil and evil good. No more will your prayers be heard--no more will He incline His ear to hear you--now begins judgment. But those who are His know the time is near, those who have been called by Him know his voice and are sounding the trumpet. Those who are His have told you time and time again to repent! But you refuse--you say in your heart--time has gone on and will continue to do so---but you are wrong. There is coming a day when all will stand before the throne of judgment. Get your house in order, fall upon your face in prayer, fasting, seeking Christ for no one comes to the Father but through Him--the one and only son of God--He is Christ--Him crucified for the sins of the world. Can you not see the writing on the wall?Evettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795731011550267490noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361516418774865491.post-17529612395303003912011-07-19T16:22:00.000-07:002011-07-19T18:03:56.520-07:00Welcome To The Show....We Call Church<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxdV3pmfMmFcuEGR900JiFNu86L6IZkIH8pDbcrWxtIlO_A1So_SrRmtI3Gn3ol2AHOqQlusYhriLGRbU6WHoYjEDWFVYl4EnWNkLFIkmqO7d7vjQALORoV1rXGx_1D7P7V-qankh1Esk/s1600/stage_worship-3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxdV3pmfMmFcuEGR900JiFNu86L6IZkIH8pDbcrWxtIlO_A1So_SrRmtI3Gn3ol2AHOqQlusYhriLGRbU6WHoYjEDWFVYl4EnWNkLFIkmqO7d7vjQALORoV1rXGx_1D7P7V-qankh1Esk/s320/stage_worship-3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631208905200802498" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" >These days churches are looking more and more like a circus act that you might find in Vegas. In order to be relevant in this culture, many people believe we must take a cue from the world. Pastors are going for the dramatic--<i>you gotta look like the world to draw 'em </i>mentality. When I hear the words, epic, life changing, radical in association to any church a shiver goes down my spine--(I avoid such churches). These are the same people who've coined the phrase "Jesus was a rebel", which gives them the green light & justification for shallow, man centered, theatrical, circus like shenanigans. My question is--was Jesus truly a rebel (our definition of rebel)? In order to answer that question, let's look at a few truths about who Jesus was & still is:</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" >Jesus called out the Pharisees--those who had a form of godliness, but denied Him--they honored God with their lips, but their hearts were far from Him..they were the religious. </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; " >He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. Isiah 53:2</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; " >He reached out to the "least of these"--the outcasts--rejected. He loved them, broke bread with them--but was never influenced by them---He influenced them. </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; " >He demanded repentance--he demanded that we deny ourselves, pick up our cross and follow Him. Sadly, many couldn't do that--because they loved the world too much. </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; " >Jesus never once compromised Himself to be relevant to the world-- He never took on the identity of the world, he demanded that we take on His identity.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; " >He called sinners to repentance--for the Kingdom of God is at hand. </span></li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">Acts 2:42-47 "</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; "><span class="verse-num" id="v44002042-1" style="font-weight: bold; padding-right: 0.15em; padding-left: 0.25em; vertical-align: text-top; ">42 </span>And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. <span class="verse-num" id="v44002043-1" style="font-weight: bold; padding-right: 0.15em; padding-left: 0.25em; vertical-align: text-top; ">43 </span>And awe</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span">came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. </span><span class="verse-num" id="v44002044-1" style="font-weight: bold; padding-right: 0.15em; padding-left: 0.25em; vertical-align: text-top; ">44 </span><span class="Apple-style-span">And all who believed were together and had all things in common.</span><span class="verse-num" id="v44002045-1" style="font-weight: bold; padding-right: 0.15em; padding-left: 0.25em; vertical-align: text-top; ">45 </span><span class="Apple-style-span">And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. </span><span class="verse-num" id="v44002046-1" style="font-weight: bold; padding-right: 0.15em; padding-left: 0.25em; vertical-align: text-top; ">46 </span><span class="Apple-style-span">And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, </span><span class="verse-num" id="v44002047-1" style="font-weight: bold; padding-right: 0.15em; padding-left: 0.25em; vertical-align: text-top; ">47 </span><span class="Apple-style-span">praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved."</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;" >In summary: The profession of their faith was in their actions, their devotion, their love for Christ, so much so that people were drawn to them--not by theatrics and pony shows--but by them actually walking the walk. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;" ><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;" >John 13:35 Jesus says: </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;" ><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-26653" style="line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; ">34</sup><span class="woj"><sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26653A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="line-height: 0.5em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; "></sup> A new commandment<sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26653B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="line-height: 0.5em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; "></sup> I give to you,<sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26653C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="line-height: 0.5em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; "></sup> that you love one another:<sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26653D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="line-height: 0.5em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; "></sup> just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.</span> <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-26654" style="line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; ">35</sup><span class="woj"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 0.5em;"><sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26654E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)" style="line-height: 0.5em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; "></sup></span> By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="woj" ><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >None of the Apostles drew anything from the world--They looked nothing like the world. People are craving the truth--their tiered of the dog and pony shows--religious self seeking hypocrites who serve no other purpose than to tear the body of Christ apart, the people of God are tiered of the religious looking the part and not acting the part, the people of God are tiered of seeker sensitive churches and pastors, who are still on milk and not solid food. Tricks are for kids!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;" ><br /></span></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 19, 32); line-height: 21px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 19, 32); line-height: 21px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 19, 32); line-height: 21px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></div>Evettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795731011550267490noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361516418774865491.post-43326553113953912542011-07-17T13:51:00.000-07:002011-07-17T18:13:49.204-07:00Can You Spot The Differences?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZ6d8JoDS1aWRIegvgSWZmNQMGZ2OZBwo2Vsyhm0sPYXrs8BChPvmX1k35zD7dUKSKyxernTiDFMzmurUOLhwC1cyhnu5WOkMploX9QvBYpxLEl-p2ngPj7aK1e2z2eBudTtyA7UxNPc/s1600/spot+the+difference_easy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 205px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZ6d8JoDS1aWRIegvgSWZmNQMGZ2OZBwo2Vsyhm0sPYXrs8BChPvmX1k35zD7dUKSKyxernTiDFMzmurUOLhwC1cyhnu5WOkMploX9QvBYpxLEl-p2ngPj7aK1e2z2eBudTtyA7UxNPc/s320/spot+the+difference_easy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630444003976246738" border="0" /></a>Who doesn't like a good puzzle every now and then. I don't fancy myself a great mind in such things. However, I do enjoy the occasional logic puzzle, which requires more concentration than your typical "spot the difference pictures". As a child I loved those games you'd find in the back of a kid's magazine, or on the back of your cereal box. Even now that I'm an adult, I do enjoy the comparative picture puzzles. One thing is for sure--not all comparative pictures are alike. Some are easier, while others require you to take each object in the picture and break it down in sections. The differences can be slight to very obvious----just like the church. These days its getting harder and harder to actually find an institutional church that is centered on God and not man. <div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Galatians 1:6-10 "I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and turning to a different gospel--not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ."</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div>As you see, there is nothing knew about man...me..centered doctrines. The world will do what its always done --the problem comes ---when the world infiltrates the church,and the church starts taking on the identity of the world & looking more and more like the world and less like Christ, having the appearance of godliness but denying its power. Friendship with the world is enmity against God. My grandmother has a saying: "Honey, not everyone is a child of God." Words of wisdom that I've learned---some the hard way---but learned them. The only way to spot a fake is to compare it to the real thing. Never take what someone says as fact, search it and find out. There's a high price to pay in the end for compromising--I'm not sure many realize how high the price is----it's your soul!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 20px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" >1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are of God; for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit which confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit which does not confess Jesus is not of God. This is the spirit of antichrist, of which you heard that it was coming, and now it is in the world already. 4 Little children, you are of God, and have overcome them; for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 5 They are of the world, therefore what they say is of the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are of God. Whoever knows God listens to us, and he who is not of God does not listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div>Evettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795731011550267490noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361516418774865491.post-72591564448728647952011-06-28T17:04:00.000-07:002011-06-28T19:56:23.754-07:00Who Do You Say That I Am?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivR4s-CC4pxJqzoPCvgDCn7L84a-Bz3e3RKtRfVFk0cc5gIPiRJANYuea-JzBBFuWdxBrXpE3jDJuuv453F5oJvnznlRUdiG5BfJzgeDZh5Q19J33xMF11k3PTKWnuFO7qjURAgpfH5Vk/s1600/Passion_of_the_Christ_Poster_by_PauloDuqueFrade.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 218px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivR4s-CC4pxJqzoPCvgDCn7L84a-Bz3e3RKtRfVFk0cc5gIPiRJANYuea-JzBBFuWdxBrXpE3jDJuuv453F5oJvnznlRUdiG5BfJzgeDZh5Q19J33xMF11k3PTKWnuFO7qjURAgpfH5Vk/s320/Passion_of_the_Christ_Poster_by_PauloDuqueFrade.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623425953249135042" border="0" /></a>Children have a way of asking the most thought provoking questions. You know---those that actually require a parent to stop, think, and answer with clarity. The other night, my youngest son, Riley, asked me a question that caused me to stop--ponder. "Mom" he says, eyes wide, staring back at me, "Is Jesus our brother?" "He's closer than a brother". "We'll what does that mean", he asks--squinting his eyes in confusion. "He's our Savior, sent to pay a debt that we ourselves could never pay." After that answer I realized that he was more confused than ever. After much more explaining, he got it. The entire exchange with my son about who Jesus was--and is brought questions to my own mind of how we--people--individuals-- view who He really is versus who we've made Him out to be in our own minds...how we've fashioned Jesus as a mere "relative", one of the guys in the group just like us--made in our own image. We see Jesus in the scriptures reaching out to the untouchables--sitting with sinners--challenging the Pharisees and Sadducee's, He's the one that the religious hated and the "least" of these loved!<div><br /><div>What we've done in our churches/seeker sensitive churches to make Jesus cool--more appealing--to those rejected by the religious, church folk (those professing Christ but looking nothing like Him) is paint a picture of a loving, rebellious, going against the grain, tolerate of all sins, man that requires nothing but to love others and treat others with respect--the way everyone wants to be treated.</div><div><br /></div><div>What people have done in the world to make Jesus cool--more appealing--to those rejected by the religious, church folk--is paint him as tolerate, loving, one of the guys, non-judgmental, caring to all, requiring nothing in return, but accepting of all that we do, because He is the man who made the "least of these" first, and the religious the last!</div><div><br /></div><div>A friend of mine said it best "<i>Jesus doesn't offer options for people to consider, He issues commands for people to obey." </i>Luke 5:31-32 Jesus makes it clear why he came, <span class="Apple-style-span">"Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance." </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div>Jesus calls us the way we are, in our sin..where we are, but he calls us to repentance--to turn from our sin. If we profess Christ we must admit that we are sinners, dead in our trespasses in need of a Saviour to rescue us. How have so many missed the mark? How have so many gotten it wrong? It's easy---we love who we think He is--and dismiss who He really is because dying to self is the hardest thing any of us will ever do! </div><div><br /></div><div> To truly accept Christ means looking yourself in mirror and truly seeing the "you" for who you really are--in need of a huge make-over from the inside. He is the son of God sent to do the Father's will, not ours. Following Christ will cost you. Christ requires change!</div><div><br /><div><div><div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div>Evettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795731011550267490noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361516418774865491.post-52456005689089404292011-04-23T07:56:00.001-07:002011-04-24T06:04:54.393-07:00In The Name of Love<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH0UPvdSdZnoN6hDsgFiV569t8Xk85NGDrdhyrJp3XLYkegVWyUjnipLV_oc-pu1xSQ5qqZzfyEMmofc8231l5Nv4lYWRBAp64cM9xeC4B9KEgPPur19Jjq43eySRi8jfQ7shOSJMr9aY/s1600/godard-2008-calvary-michael-art.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH0UPvdSdZnoN6hDsgFiV569t8Xk85NGDrdhyrJp3XLYkegVWyUjnipLV_oc-pu1xSQ5qqZzfyEMmofc8231l5Nv4lYWRBAp64cM9xeC4B9KEgPPur19Jjq43eySRi8jfQ7shOSJMr9aY/s320/godard-2008-calvary-michael-art.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598907843184432450" border="0" /></a><br />My name isn't important, but you know who I am. I'm the thief that walked the road to Calvary with Jesus. The thief who was condemned to die upon a cross next to the King of Kings. I'd done my fair share of sinning. I'd chosen a life of crime. Do you know how it feels to walk the road of a condemned man--forced to carry his shame and listen to the jury cry for your death. I know all too well, but I accepted the road that I walked.<br /><br />Three of us walked to our death that day upon dusty roads made of stone---our crosses heavy, a crushing weight that begs for relief. I didn't know at the time, that this day was no ordinary day. There was a man, Jesus, who seemed to be hated and loved for who he was. Not a thief, murderer, or sinner by any means---He was the son of God.<br /><br />His only crime was claiming that he was such. He'd been known through out the land. Known for calling all sinners to repent for the kingdom of God was at hand, healing the sick, raising the dead, & that seemed to rile the religious order. So much so they brought him before Pilate and demanded his crucifixion.<br /><div><br /></div><div>He was a man scourged, beaten, whipped, spit upon and mocked. As we moved through the crowd those who loved him followed and wept.<br /><br />Finally arriving at Calvary's Hill they hung us up on our crosses for the world to see--to look upon the condemned. There at the feet of Jesus they divided his garments and cast lots. They sneered, yelling "He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God."<br /><br />A sign hung over His head that read THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. But Jesus, prayed for them saying, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do." Imagine that--He the condemned praying for those who hated and despised Him. I'd never known or seen such a man as this.<br /><br />I knew that I deserved my punishment, but this man did not--He did no wrong that required such a punishment. I recognized what those who did not or refused to---Jesus was who He claimed to be and He would live and rule in God's Kingdom. Though I died that day I inherited everlasting life. "Lord, I said, "remember me when You come into your kingdom.<br /><br />Jesus raised His head, looked upon a sinner--a thief--an outcast, and said "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."<br /><br />There on that Hill, He bore the sins of the world----all in the name of love!<br /></div>Evettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795731011550267490noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361516418774865491.post-43669859473974814322011-04-21T11:44:00.000-07:002011-04-21T11:45:28.778-07:00Footprints in the Sand<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj85iXi2ombjETIoPENIG4eXVUsE6LzHmkhDIYmxmBHIDxD7-j3NXPlZhcivpvJJNfeZpp889f4jqTLvLMtMGXmbNgMPVQC8ifD1J7YqmSre2VEt0vXSbQFr9rpYL_kmGjzOdeSnwg1ff0/s1600/footprints-in-sand1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj85iXi2ombjETIoPENIG4eXVUsE6LzHmkhDIYmxmBHIDxD7-j3NXPlZhcivpvJJNfeZpp889f4jqTLvLMtMGXmbNgMPVQC8ifD1J7YqmSre2VEt0vXSbQFr9rpYL_kmGjzOdeSnwg1ff0/s320/footprints-in-sand1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598109855142789250" border="0" /></a>I knew something was wrong. Pam abruptly stopped in the middle of performing my regularly scheduled ultrasound and excused herself from the room. "I'll be right back she said, and disappeared through the door. Lying there on the table, gel still warm on my growing belly, I began to pray frantically. My heart beat hard against my chest, anxiety set in and my mind began to race with worry. Richard sat beside me trying to be strong for me, but we both knew something was wrong. There in the dimly lit ultrasound room I waited for what seemed like an eternity, preparing myself for the worst. The door opened, revealing a little light. There was my doctor with a look of sympathy upon his face and we knew then that our baby had died after only 14weeks.<br /><br />Emptiness, pain, sorrow, darkness, and fear swirled within me raging like a storm set out on a turbulent sea. In the midst I questioned God: Why? Why did this happen? Was there something I did or didn't do? Why had he allowed such an awful thing to happen? And God always answers, even if its not what we want to hear. And God, being who He is, answered me. There in the midst of it all he met me, just He and I--Father to daughter. And it was there that I finally learned what "peace that surpasses all understanding" is. And that even in one of the darkest and bleakest times in my life, He was there---He carried me through--us through. It's knowing that Jesus wept with us and my pain was and is his pain.<br /><br />There is a purpose for all things. As horrible as it was, God's will and purpose was done. Some may question what in the world good was accomplished through such a tragedy. We'll I'll tell you. No longer do I take my other children for granted. Those little things that used to drive me crazy no longer bother me. Our family is stronger, my marriage is stronger, my relationship with my mother is stronger, and my faith is stronger. No matter what comes my way, I can depend on Jesus. God never left me and He will never forsake me. If not for the love of God and Christ's sacrifice, where would I be.<br /><br />It's been 2 weeks since we buried our son Ronan Pete Wagner. I'd be lying if I said that it hasn't been hard. I have my moments where I think about him not being able to take his first steps, first day of kindergarten, sibling rivalry, or saying his first words. But I know that he sleeps, and I'll see him again. We grieve, but not as others who grieve, for we know where our hope lies. It is in Christ. I found my way back to Him in it all never really knowing how far I had actually strayed from home until April 8, 2011. It was that day that I bared my soul, laid my head upon upon his lap and told Him just how much I needed Him. He simply replied: "Welcome home Daughter" and placed upon my head a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy for mourning and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.Evettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795731011550267490noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361516418774865491.post-41098799590355953862011-03-24T17:29:00.000-07:002011-03-24T20:31:05.496-07:00And Baby Makes 5<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghK9HieJ2gnM1dalh7qerzvwkM9pE5D-5ScS2ltk8zXXp5jRZ0-6URC37pC2nTpNlATMFun2H-7ya3YKwOqL7JTiRq2xxKuhnDUdI2mmT9L2mry5MkLN1JPIuDi9xI2xfUh9sBkn2HPnw/s1600/Candles_054_27213541.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570382994035461858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghK9HieJ2gnM1dalh7qerzvwkM9pE5D-5ScS2ltk8zXXp5jRZ0-6URC37pC2nTpNlATMFun2H-7ya3YKwOqL7JTiRq2xxKuhnDUdI2mmT9L2mry5MkLN1JPIuDi9xI2xfUh9sBkn2HPnw/s320/Candles_054_27213541.jpg" /></a><br />I've not blogged in quite sometime. Truth is, haven't really felt like it. Not since I've found out that I'm pregnant again. Yes, I'm pregnant. Believe me when I say that it was a huge surprise. Me and my husband were not thinking about having any more children. My oldest (daughter) just turned 17 and my youngest is 7. Not to mention how I can hear 40 breathing down the back of my neck. Sure it won't be here for 2 1/2 years, but its knocking loudly nonetheless. However, in spite of the huge surprise and the fact that we were not trying in the first place, we are happy and joyful that we will welcome our 5th child. My life so far has been like an out of body experience. My other pregnancies were never like this, but then again I was in my 20's and now I'm in my late 30's--huge difference.<br /><br /> My get up and go has got up and went. Strange food cravings and constant nausea dictate much of my life right now. Not to mention the dumb comments like "You know what causes that, don't you?" or Thank God that ain't me, I'd kill myself", to which I always reply, with a smile---"God only choses those who are strong." And no one knows how to truly respond to that answer. As HIs Word says <em>Every good and perfect gift comes from the father of lights.</em> I'm looking forward to welcoming our new child in to our family. My due date is Oct 1. But something tells me that I won't make it to Oct, I believe this will be another Sept baby. I'll be getting back on the blogging horse once my nausea wanes, and my get up and go has returned to me. Until then, keep me and child in your prayers for a healthy baby and a safe and drama free birth.Evettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795731011550267490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361516418774865491.post-7290610313027954222010-11-22T17:27:00.001-08:002010-11-22T19:12:53.465-08:00Living Out The Gospel<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVKXOIm1k4FjmZbgyS9i_6b_CzmEk0G9uxZ_8X-Sz02B3Ce6zoB7O-4cOzwJ8WKO6akfTxu_YhUQX4wKfS0wZpaGAYUxtTyqsETLfV8Ftt15vkMIeK7rAu59fGleZiULDLcpNDTls3g3s/s1600/Gospel2.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVKXOIm1k4FjmZbgyS9i_6b_CzmEk0G9uxZ_8X-Sz02B3Ce6zoB7O-4cOzwJ8WKO6akfTxu_YhUQX4wKfS0wZpaGAYUxtTyqsETLfV8Ftt15vkMIeK7rAu59fGleZiULDLcpNDTls3g3s/s320/Gospel2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542550865106362498" border="0" /></a>We expect the world to do what the world does. However, when the lines are blurred and you can no longer differentiate the church from the world we have a huge problem. Meaning---many churches have taken on the identity of the world and are looking less like the body of Christ and more like the world. In many cases, sad as it is, the church is little more than a seeker sensitive politically correct institute made after the hearts of men. Whatever it takes to draw them in mindset has made itself prevalent within the body. Thousands are drawn away by the desires of their own hearts and convince their members that in order to be truly successful we must build it bigger, better, and have more stuff to draw the outsiders. Of course you need to draw people in order to pay for the huge buildings and other things. This type of thinking has lead many churches to close it's doors in the wake of the recession. Money is tight these days and many churches are finding themselves short on money and unable to keep up the opulent buildings they've built. Case in point, the Crystal Cathedral, which has been forced to close its doors due to a dwindling congregation and a recession that has hit so many so hard. With no other option than to file bankruptcy, the Crystal Cathedral finds itself in a pit of debt of about 5.5 million dollars with no way to pay the mortgages or those they've hired to put on lavish programs.<br /><br />Now the mega-churches have something else to worry about. The Tennessee State Board of Equalization has decided that one mega-church in Nashville Tn, will have to pay the amount of $425,000 in property taxes. Why, you ask? It seems that the board deems churches who have bookstores, gym's and the like in their building is considered commercial enterprises and are deemed taxable. The minister who received this huge bill is from South Nashville and pastors a congregation of 2,300. The pastor had this to say:<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">"They think a church worships on Sunday and then everybody goes away," pastor Dan Scott said. "Anything else you do is not church. But Christianity is not something you dive into once a week."</span><br /><br />Of course Pastor Dan Scott plans on fighting this. I'm more on the side of the Board in this case. These things may be nice, but really there is no essential need to have them.<br /><br />Once church in particular is really living out the Gospel they preach. Here is the article and the link. <span>Read more: <a style="color: rgb(0, 51, 153);" href="http://www.charismamag.com/index.php/news/29535#ixzz164LaaoDU">http://www.charismamag.com/index.php/news/29535#ixzz164LaaoDU</a></span><div><div style="overflow: hidden; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;"><p style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">David Platt (pictured right) became one of the youngest megachurch pastors in history when in 2006, at the age of 28, he was appointed to lead The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Ala. </p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Yet just as remarkable is how his church of more than 4,000 responded to his challenge over a series of weekend services to take Jesus’ words at face value and abandon all for Him. </p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">The result? Families (including Platt’s) downsized their living spaces, simplified their lifestyle and gave away profits to the poor. Business owners sold their companies to aid global and local mission work. Dormant believers became activated to launch ministries. And the church radically made over its budget to do more with less so it could invest more in local and global ministries.</p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">This year, Brook Hills embarked on a one-year commitment called “The Radical Experiment” which includes dozens of short-term mission trips around the world to allow people a different context of service. “If we’re not careful, if I’m not careful, we can start to think the world looks like Birmingham,” Platt says.</p><span><br />I believe this young man is going in the right direction. I'm not inclined to call it a Radical Experiment, but simply what it is-----Living out the Gospel! We don't need all the bells and whistles----Jesus just needs us to follow Him!<br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(0, 51, 153);" href="http://www.charismamag.com/index.php/news/29535#ixzz164LaaoDU"></a></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Evettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795731011550267490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361516418774865491.post-38999696816653099422010-10-05T11:50:00.000-07:002010-10-05T18:10:12.431-07:00There is light<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmGE3ZQ4eBvN5p0f54nk-xCUyV22B3DyWugUyYfXakoN0jViLYwybxrxkcWi84uCH8WzAdbbb7fmA_Pq_DeWFWBH6aFHQ1rFIH2Mm-Zr6YGPdO6EZk0tzDGgT3g-C-S2zuNkGaAR6eyE/s1600/sinkhole-place-of-mayan-worship_700x700_q85.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmGE3ZQ4eBvN5p0f54nk-xCUyV22B3DyWugUyYfXakoN0jViLYwybxrxkcWi84uCH8WzAdbbb7fmA_Pq_DeWFWBH6aFHQ1rFIH2Mm-Zr6YGPdO6EZk0tzDGgT3g-C-S2zuNkGaAR6eyE/s320/sinkhole-place-of-mayan-worship_700x700_q85.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524705511955117586" border="0" /></a>I'm not a fan of dark places. In my house you'll always find a light on to lead the way to the bathroom. There's something about the darkness that brings out the child in us all, leaves us clinging to our bed covers with a flash light readily available on the night stand just in case. Anything can be lurking around in the dark, be it monsters, aliens, or the things that we cannot see with our own eyes, but see it none the less. In those dark places, we feel the most evil of things clawing at our very skin, trying to invade our thoughts and move our eyes away from Jesus. They can be subtle at first, starting with the most innocent of things. But they grow like a wild plant and become the monsters in our lives. When we finally look back we see that plant, wild, green, and out of control. We wander around in the dark, bumping into things, stubbing our toes and cursing out in pain. In a panic we grope for the light switch. We've become desperate. As our desperation takes hold of us we finally give up and forsake our way of doing things and give in. That's when we fall to our knees, and we pray for guidance, for help, for Jesus to come and open the dark prison to which we are bound. It is only in our desperation that we finally relinquish control and cry out to our Father for help as little children. Unless we become as little children in need of our Father, in need of Christ our advocate, we'll remain in our darkest moments.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Submission for some is a dirty word. The idea of not belonging to yourself, and the idea of having to answer to some one evokes images of our worst child hood moments. Mama or daddy is always in control and you can't wait to do it your way. There is so much more to life than what we see. Eventually our world will will be turned upside down and life will happen leaving us as if we're suddenly thrust back into our child hood lying in a corner in the fetal position knees firmly drawn in to our chest. In that moment you'll realize you were never in control. And when you finally submit, relinquish control, and cry out to God-- look up and see the light ---lighting your way out of darkness.<br /><br />Psalm 18:28 "For it is you who light my lamp; the Lord my God lightens my darkness"<br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div>Evettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795731011550267490noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361516418774865491.post-82353379397036861062010-09-28T20:21:00.000-07:002010-09-28T18:37:05.837-07:00My Worship<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6AvCkiFYhUD-QgqmoI1LGV9xhTWCmjiE2oVXiPKAYte4ad2WZY2NXTt28p9IxmbQ8Vf6fbt1vopFuxkrpNzdlXCsNeXekuxCON1_KixfHmxN7KV0nmAfokn6STEC90dagUHoPBmmu-nc/s1600/Spiritual-Patterns-of-Worship-785545.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6AvCkiFYhUD-QgqmoI1LGV9xhTWCmjiE2oVXiPKAYte4ad2WZY2NXTt28p9IxmbQ8Vf6fbt1vopFuxkrpNzdlXCsNeXekuxCON1_KixfHmxN7KV0nmAfokn6STEC90dagUHoPBmmu-nc/s320/Spiritual-Patterns-of-Worship-785545.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522120965408381746" border="0" /></a>I made a promise to myself long ago. We'll not so much a promise, but a statement to self. And each time I would try to enact it, something would happen and I'd get side tracked. But now things are different for me. Today, I finally put in motion what I've been gearing to do for some time now. It's a simple index card, but what I place on it has the power to transform my heart, my mind, and bring me closer to my Father, and my Saviour. This week I'm Praying<br /><br />Psalm 139:23-24<br /><br />"Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."<br /><br />I felt that it was only fitting that I made this my first of many moments with God. I want so much for all the junk that I've accumulated, hoarded in my life to be gone as quickly as possible. How can you move forward in any relationship without knowing the areas in your life that need the most attention. Those who worship the Father, must worship Him in spirit and in truth. Some times the hardest thing in life, is looking at yourself and seeing the ugliest of things and crying out at the feet of Jesus and washing His feet with our tears, hurt and having him take away anything that is not pleasing to Him. It is a painful, but beautiful process.<br /><br />We're all guilty of cheapening our worship, and our praise to just one moment one day of the week. I'll be the first to admit it. Doesn't our Father deserve so much more than lip service, simple gestures done because that's what we do? We are our Father's passion. I want him to be mine.Evettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795731011550267490noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361516418774865491.post-76430920786394732042010-09-26T20:05:00.000-07:002010-09-26T20:07:37.889-07:00Moving Forward<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Mhm8ApBoIPzV_iAl2pKdZbMpIrsqva39nexH7Hpya-E7O1yicpyOeNAPKFjaVOxbApyvBgbe7U6RqaE6S9-l2DPwNlHrfCHJOBxKYWscqHBm1qCTyuUxSyWuaNVKn2BeWrGo-vTiP5s/s1600/the-open-road-1600-1200-3357.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Mhm8ApBoIPzV_iAl2pKdZbMpIrsqva39nexH7Hpya-E7O1yicpyOeNAPKFjaVOxbApyvBgbe7U6RqaE6S9-l2DPwNlHrfCHJOBxKYWscqHBm1qCTyuUxSyWuaNVKn2BeWrGo-vTiP5s/s320/the-open-road-1600-1200-3357.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521424265633334226" /></a>It's been a while since my last blog post. Truth is life has moved at such lightning speed I've not really had the time, or for that matter, the required energy. But here I am finally putting pen to paper..well fingers to the keyboard. After my last post I received some great encouraging, uplifting words from many of you. And then there are those who believe that we've completely abandoned "the church" when in reality we've just left a building. To say that its been quite the journey is an understatement. Some have called us bitter and nicely stated they'd be praying for us. I was even de-twittered by one individual. As of late I've noticed that individuals I once called friend no longer see me as one. Though they've not de-friended or de-twittered me, silence says it all. There are no invites to hang at anyone's home, or just hang out anymore, though we do get the occasional "we miss you". At times I feel like a leper cast out from among the sheep. However, I harbor no ill will or wish anyone harm. There before me lies an open road, and the Lord is leading and I will follow where ever he leads me. Currently I'm stripping away a lot of junk. Junk that I never thought of as junk. But as I devote myself to doing things his way and allowing Jesus to lead, I'm loosing myself---the old self. No longer spectator but participant.Evettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795731011550267490noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361516418774865491.post-29825413600440443252010-08-23T18:18:00.000-07:002010-09-05T06:37:55.722-07:00The Journey----back<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8MO7IgDlumctgyziJ_M6Wc_G8clv97yrJVafK3lgIdAppVGXJMddC20mAsAuluFTzB4x5Au_T5MUUPN1aJeZdOG0hppDG_abihXagtJ_dQTMk1Qta5AOXtAKUv2jxGq_HKbSSmzE__nQ/s1600-h/rural+church1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 227px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8MO7IgDlumctgyziJ_M6Wc_G8clv97yrJVafK3lgIdAppVGXJMddC20mAsAuluFTzB4x5Au_T5MUUPN1aJeZdOG0hppDG_abihXagtJ_dQTMk1Qta5AOXtAKUv2jxGq_HKbSSmzE__nQ/s320/rural+church1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256281217037123986" border="0" /></a><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I'm a rebel at heart. I've always been that way. Don't believe me? Well my family could tell you some stories. And admittedly, more often than not, my way was far from the best way to accomplish anything. Being somewhat hard headed about many things, I had to learn the hard way. And guess what, I’m still a little hard headed, but learning that in all things----there is a lesson to be learned.</span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> These days I feel the rebel rising up in my chest, burning and inching its way forward again after all these years. It dances inside my head, humming a tune and giving the world the well known finger. However, this time I’m not alone. My husband and I are now the rebel rousers, bucking the authority so to speak. </span></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">As a family we’ve decided that we will no longer attend Church. It’s not a decision that we came to quickly or lightly. Truth is we got hurt, again. Imagine that, getting hurt by godly people. Reminds me of Beth Moore’s book, When godly people do ungodly things. But like I said before there’s always lessons to be learned. <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><o:p><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b></o:p><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Memories of my life in church came to me like shadows casting themselves on walls. Clips from a movie, if you will, staring me. Like most people in the South, I grew up in the church. It is a small church in a small community that my mother and her siblings grew up in. I sang in the choir, taught children’s Sunday school and was the Sunday school recorder. You know, giving the report of how many attended, how much was collected. I was quickly immersing myself in church duties. I remember Homecoming celebrations, which brought people out in droves who normally didn't attend church. Shopping for that perfect Easter outfit, Sunday School conventions where we attended other churches such as this one. Our church congregation was small, filled with mostly family, and if we had a piano player on a particular Sunday it was considered a blessing. Otherwise we just used our hands and feet as instruments. Our church choir was small but our voices rang through the church as if we were the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. My grandfather was the head Deacon and worked tirelessly to make sure that the church served the community. There were times when we'd only have 5-10 people in the congregation, but that never deterred anyone from praising God, it never mattered to the "old saints" how many people were there.</span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Yet, even then I was different.......I was the rebel. It was me who asked questions like, “why do we have to wear dresses and pantyhose to church, Jesus doesn’t care how we come.” Dare I buck the authority and put on a pair of jeans. We’ll not in my mama’s house, and I tried. I'd watch the pastors as they sweated, hollered, about the goodness of God, about the dangers of hell, and how Jesus was the way. People would stand up and shout out of excitement, they'd wave white handkerchiefs, and nod their heads while saying amen amen, preach preacher. It was all alien to me. I'd just let my mind wonder....wonder why when someone sung a song it was more of a concert...it was their platform and they were Whitney Houston. I wondered why everyone "acted" up in church like they were holy, and had no compassion, empathy, or love for anyone else. For all the latest gossip all you had to do was go to church. But it wasn’t gossip as long as they put, “Bless her heart, she needs Jesus” at the end of everything. I wondered why some of the churches I went too were like walking down the runway and I was the model on display so they could converse back and forth about what I was wearing. I've seen those who came to church dressed in their best taken in back rooms and given "more appropriate" clothing to wear. And they never returned. </span></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Once I was 18, I left the church. I had grown tiered, weary of it all. If I could have, or rather had enough nerve I would have risen up out of that pew and shouted screamed to the tops of my lung. “You have created traditions of men that are killing us, and driving us away from the very arms that you want us to run to.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><o:p><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b></o:p><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">If you read my last post, you understand my view. I’m tiered of the clicks, the complacency, the worship wars, the lies, and people’s need to keep the traditions of man. When I read Acts there are no similarities to what the church has become now. And no, we are not forsaking the assembling of our brothers and sisters in Christ. We will gather in worship, we will pray and we will continue to pursue Christ with a passion. We just refuse to do it man’s way. We’ll go and visit at times with others also, but don’t look for us in the pews doing the “church” thing. Were gonna do it God’s way.</span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Evettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795731011550267490noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361516418774865491.post-59689336791160740692010-08-13T20:54:00.000-07:002010-08-12T21:46:36.815-07:00What's happening with our Churches?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1cnqVcJLsYiQMuIGfciUeEtNGK6rDLIel0x60jhvxUWZp63Gsd-Ucd227mqOl1lUx5cXCjwVL77XqI_kwYJ599kvOK90W07TaBMG_ede-CeygkB_4PfMN6KXPshMCVl0zZLjopcAW_A8/s1600/Church-Self-Portrait.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 197px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1cnqVcJLsYiQMuIGfciUeEtNGK6rDLIel0x60jhvxUWZp63Gsd-Ucd227mqOl1lUx5cXCjwVL77XqI_kwYJ599kvOK90W07TaBMG_ede-CeygkB_4PfMN6KXPshMCVl0zZLjopcAW_A8/s320/Church-Self-Portrait.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502511423401523730" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">"The first lesson we learned was how to count the cost. In Egypt, our theology is the theology of pain. It is not a theology of prosperity. We don't know the theology of prosperity, but we know Jesus."</span><br /><br />I took this quote from a magazine that I subscribe to. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Voice of Martyrs Serving the Persecuted Church. </span></span>When I read this magazine I find myself envious. Many may find this strange, or even down right crazy. By comparison, we Christians in America are spoiled, and ungrateful. We measure God's love in what he gives, what he takes away, and what he allows to happen (good or bad). Dare I say that we've become lazy, worldly, and selfish. Church for us is about building great "churches" having great youth programs, great worship music, and numbers. Church has become religion, with no relationship with Jesus. It's become something that we do every Sunday and Wednesday night. Do we really know what sacrifice is, to die for the cause of the kingdom, to not know if we'll ever see our family again? Do we know what it truly is to forsake all for Jesus---to leave it all behind? Do we know what it is to not have the freedom to read our bibles, meet with others ? Sadly, most of us don't know and really don't want to know.<br /><br />Each Sunday morning we gather in buildings critiquing the music, gossiping about brother and sister so and so. All while our brothers and sisters in Christ are suffering for the cause. We gripe about the pastor's message, how long it was. We complain about how long praise and worship was or how bad it was. When we get mad or get our feelings hurt we just leave and join another "church"---or we just start a new church. Not to say that there are not instances when leaving a church is warranted, because it is. But for so many there's nothing warranted, its because our toes have gotten stepped on.<br /><br />When I look at those who have been killed, tortured, and imprisoned never once have they wavered on their love for Christ. They are steadfast, faithful to the very end. Ministry doesn't equal money, worldly possessions, silver and gold, but rather knowing that they are reaching others for Christ and adding to the kingdom. They do not take their tribulations as punishment or a curse but welcome it, because they truly know where their inheritance lies.<br /><br />As I write this post thousands are rounded up like cattle, beat within inches of their life, accused of blasphemy- all for Christ. The above quote says it all, doesn't it? I'm sure that there are those who will read this and critique it with great words of condemnation, challenge my thoughts, and tell me I'm wrong. But ask yourself this question----how far would you really go for the King?<br /><br />I'm not sure about you, but personally I've wasted enough of my life over mundane things. Are we ready to really do the will of the Father? Are we ready to step out of our comfort zones and walk out on faith. Are we really ready to trust him? I am!<br /><br />Reading Acts has really placed things in perspective for me! We do "church" instead of being the church of Christ. I'll leave you with a quote from another brother in Christ who faces death daily for the cause of Christ. When asked his thoughts on what the Apostle Paul calls tribulations He responded with the following:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">"I think that suffering is a most beautiful part of the Christian faith because Christianity without pain, without suffering, without hard times is like the ready-made food. There's nothing true in it. It's very superficial, very shallow." And may I add--he did not say suffering is the only part of the Christian faith, but "a most beautiful part." </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Father forgive me for treating you like a genie in a bottle. I thank you for the wake up call, the probing of my heart and showing me the order of things. It's so much clearer now. The kingdom suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. </span>Evettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795731011550267490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361516418774865491.post-57111312864757830242010-08-02T13:34:00.000-07:002010-08-02T17:14:13.747-07:00Silly Bandz<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNr-d1gNpKHpX9JAc5lErvkUTbZiefs-U4e_BStMIa9WpSOnuhjYi7nuVHeoOoWLDo2uEgndQPblK_TtQPAQb9LtUBZkY_CjUV5RB1DtnSRytrD_KQ_TzaBxtYi41-GBaqdDiq_HCaVcY/s1600/animalrubberbands.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNr-d1gNpKHpX9JAc5lErvkUTbZiefs-U4e_BStMIa9WpSOnuhjYi7nuVHeoOoWLDo2uEgndQPblK_TtQPAQb9LtUBZkY_CjUV5RB1DtnSRytrD_KQ_TzaBxtYi41-GBaqdDiq_HCaVcY/s320/animalrubberbands.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500967996434110482" border="0" /></a>For those of you who don’t have children, you may not be aware of the current epidemic that is currently sweeping our country, much like the Beanie Baby pandemic (which I confess to totally being right in the middle of the craziness myself) . This new epidemic has caused much civil unrest in our home at times. We’ve broken up more fights & threatened a ban on this product that’s suddenly brought every child under its evil spell. Some of you may already know what evil I’m speaking of, if not I’ll give you a hint. They're bracelets made out of thin rubber in different shapes and objects------SILLY BANDZ, is their proper given name.<br /><div><br />Somewhere the creator of this new craze is sitting basking in the delight of knowing that something so simple ( which most of us wish we would’ve thought of the idea) could become so popular with children all while raking in the big bucks. There is nothing special about Silly Bandz. They can’t do tricks, fly or anything spectacular. Silly Bandz are nothing more than colorful accessories on the arms of children everywhere, sometimes clear up to the elbow. I’ve seen my children beg, borrow, trade, & deal just to own a pack of bands. Now seeing how my children love these slivers of rubber, and how they react to just the prospect of owning more, Mama is now using their love for Silly Bands to her advantage.<br /><br />Suddenly chores get done, behavior improves, and payment is fairly cheap. I'm seriously hoping that the power that these things hold will continue through out this new school year.<br /></div>Evettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795731011550267490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361516418774865491.post-90824887590430006562010-01-08T15:32:00.000-08:002010-01-08T15:41:36.103-08:00Desperately Seeking Jesus<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIAqsc4KGTVlM35IHjaYrh1_HjnMJsCGl8Qqndmg0D3JwQkuAo3B-8TAYdbtRFxN_f-jLRBP9PQKD4y1ko8KsfPFNrTDi0rfkFIQkWGDIfa22eO-oSPTAuUxMZCZNGpVXf8btqdHtwwQ0/s1600-h/gold_glow_christmas_clock_screensaver-193331-3.jpeg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424516674294530754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIAqsc4KGTVlM35IHjaYrh1_HjnMJsCGl8Qqndmg0D3JwQkuAo3B-8TAYdbtRFxN_f-jLRBP9PQKD4y1ko8KsfPFNrTDi0rfkFIQkWGDIfa22eO-oSPTAuUxMZCZNGpVXf8btqdHtwwQ0/s320/gold_glow_christmas_clock_screensaver-193331-3.jpeg" border="0" /></a> I knew it would be the last time I’d see her again. The chemotherapy had long stopped working and everything up to this point was more palliative than anything.<br />Today she was sitting up in her chair. Today she’d be going home to live out the last of her days. Yet, in the back of my mind I believed that healing would come, come and take all the pain from her body that had been eaten by cancer.<br /><br />Cancer had aged her. Chemo robbed her of her crown and glory. In all her pain she managed to laugh and smile. In all her suffering she was persistent, steadfast, and faithful…to the end. And even in the end, when she knew that no healing would come through the hands of man, only through the Father, she embraced the outcome…whatever it may be.<br /><br />I told her often how brave and beautiful she was. We prayed together sometimes, holding hands around her bed desperately seeking Jesus. Desperately seeking him to come and move in her situation. Lord 47 is just too young to die. I’d think to myself.<br /><br />She passed away New Year’s Eve. I imagine her carried away in the arms of angels to meet her savior. In her sickness I wonder how she cried out to Jesus, how he wiped the tears from her eyes when the pain was so much she could no longer bear it. I wonder what her prayers were for her family after she was on this earth no more. I often wonder how her life changed after her diagnosis. I wonder how desperate she became for Jesus, and how he worked in her life because she sought him no matter what. I may never have the answers to these questions but one thing she taught me….be desperate for Jesus, and seek Him through it all.<br /><br />This year I won’t make any New Year’s resolutions that I know I’ll break. This year I won’t promise to go to the gym, loose weight, etc…this year I’ll desperately seek Jesus with all of my heart, every day, every minute, and every second, to walk with him no matter what! I’ll love harder, stress less, and trust Him more.<br /><br /><strong><em>Lord forgive me for my selfishness, for making it all about me. Forgive me for putting you last when I should have placed you first. One thing is for sure, when test, and trials come they do come to make us stronger. Thank you for allowing me to know your daughter in Christ. Though she is home with you now, she taught me how to be desperate for you, no matter the obstacles!<br /></em></strong>Evettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795731011550267490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361516418774865491.post-78663157080243160662009-10-28T07:03:00.000-07:002009-10-28T07:07:29.229-07:00Growing Pains<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK12bEculePWpNOnSoJnFbVCPHCYXDDq6vpAvIVlIax-c64dZowsW24qJw93e4TH51SWt9LqeY7BYVxhrJwoyomsj2mPmiWyAKdndgPvnlmfmD5SNt-zs4GJdddjzxKtl-522E3kjSYTs/s1600-h/growing+pains.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397651354650002242" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 160px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 152px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK12bEculePWpNOnSoJnFbVCPHCYXDDq6vpAvIVlIax-c64dZowsW24qJw93e4TH51SWt9LqeY7BYVxhrJwoyomsj2mPmiWyAKdndgPvnlmfmD5SNt-zs4GJdddjzxKtl-522E3kjSYTs/s320/growing+pains.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Ricky, why do you always do that?” I say to my oldest son. As he stands there I realize that he’s actually pondering the question in his mind. After carefully considering the question, he answers “I don’t know. I guess because I’ve always done it like that.”<br /><br />He continues to work on his homework, and he repeats the mistake I just called him on.<br />“Ricky, didn’t I just tell you there’s a better way, a simpler way to get the correct answer?”<br /><br />He just stares back at me with this blank stare, never really answering my question he gives a quick shrug of the shoulders and finishes up his work. After checking his work there were a few answers that were wrong. After trying to show him the correct way to do the work, I concede defeat and give up. He’ll have to learn by his own mistake. The next day, it was homework time again. By this time I’m sure that Ricky is dreading it.<br /><br />“Mama, I got my papers back from my homework we did last night.” He handed over the papers and gave me that look, and said “you were right mom.”<br /><br />“See honey, if you just slow down and listen to me.” I say to him, feeling somewhat vindicated. And that’s when I had an ah ha moment. You know the moments when the light comes on and it suddenly hits you like a ton of bricks that the lesson you thought you were teaching to your child, was turned around and you had become the student. How many times had I done just as my son did? How many times had I told God, I’ve got it? And how many lessons had a learned the hard way?<br /><br />If I’d simply just listened and done as I was told, how much heart ache could have been saved on my end. I guess we are more like children than we’d like to admit at times. We get caught up doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results. These are the growing moments. The times in life that God is killing, pruning away that thing that is not bearing fruit, or the wrong kind.<br /><br />It is our imperfections that call us to the Cross. It's our human condition that brings us to the feet of Jesus. Even when we blow it he doesn't say I told you so or rub it in. He's not sitting on his throne wagging his finger in disapproval. There's no condemnation for those in Christ!Evettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795731011550267490noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361516418774865491.post-49365339777848342762009-10-12T11:31:00.000-07:002009-10-12T11:36:41.389-07:00I Know A Change Is Gonna Come<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwDekmcEtZumhy6-rfshzT0cbD7ncdgm3Lg3dIpgi6F6CgdeoIjj3Lnt121NtMAvH1zaCh5Jk5nZLO0TZklt1fdmNUzzk3AlE_I4LIhpcTEqfqcxSaiBay2tr8M6kO5xBynE2TwXmXUU/s1600-h/hemofgarment.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwDekmcEtZumhy6-rfshzT0cbD7ncdgm3Lg3dIpgi6F6CgdeoIjj3Lnt121NtMAvH1zaCh5Jk5nZLO0TZklt1fdmNUzzk3AlE_I4LIhpcTEqfqcxSaiBay2tr8M6kO5xBynE2TwXmXUU/s320/hemofgarment.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391783165738650594" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">"I know a change is gonna come, if only I can just touch the hem of his garment", she said to herself as she followed the crowd. Shame and desperation had brought her here. Physician after physician had claimed to provide the healing she so desperately sought, but they all failed. So many had called her cursed. According to the other women in the village, God was punishing her for her sins. After all, its normal to bleed but not have a flow so long and so heavy that she remained continually unclean. They had all taken her money, and the shame was still there. You are cursed with a curse…the only diagnosis any of them offered. </span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> She'd heard the rumors of a man but not just any man. He called himself the son God, who had performed miracle after miracle. And a miracle she needed. </span> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">"I believe, I believe" she whispered, anticipating her move. Immediately she found herself on her knees crawling through the crowd of people who pushed and shoved and pressed their way toward Jesus.<br /><br />Stretching out her arm her fingers grabbed the hem of his garment with boldness and determination, and faith that could move a mountain. She wanted to shout for joy, she wanted to run through the streets praising God.<br /><br />"Who Touched Me"<br /><br />Anywhere but here, she thought. The reality of what just happened made her cower in fear.<br /><br />Again, Jesus said "Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me." The crowd was mystified. People as far as the eyes can see and he asks who touched him, thinking to herself.<br /><br />Knowing that she couldn't just retreat, there at the feet of Jesus she confessed in the midst of the crowd. At his feet she laid her shame, defeat, and pride.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><span style=""> </span></span> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">"Daughter your peace has made you well; go in peace."</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">No condemnation, no scolding, no judgment, no punishment, just love.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <b style=""><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >Here I am Lord, grasping the hem of your garment. My shame kept me from coming boldly to your throne. Today I bring you everything that has bound me with chains. Today the prison doors are open and I no longer dwell in darkness, you have taken what was broken and made it new. I am your Daughter! </span></b>Evettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795731011550267490noreply@blogger.com1