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Where is your hope today?
The Unlikely Missionary
DHW
Tuesday, December 18, 2018
Where is Your Hope?
Where is your hope today?
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
The Moments We Walk on Water
I feel like Peter walking on water.
I’ve grabbed hold to the promises God has made me but halfway through the journey I let the logic of what I think I know and people have told me talk me out of who God has proven Himself to be and I begin to sink. Matthew 14:22-33
I am pessimistic to my core. It’s an oxymoron to how I should be as a believer but I’ve been taught to view the glass as perpetually half empty. This can keep you expectations tempered but also strangle the life out of your dreams.
Mind you I’m a dreamer. I know, it’s like how can that be? Because I know in my heart that God performs miracles everyday. I just often don’t believe they will come true for me. So I dream.
When in my darkest nights I dream about the house God told me I’d have. Like Peter it energizes me and then I take the step out of the boat. I ride that high. Taking steps toward it. But then something happens that takes my eyes off of Christ (the wind) and I begin to sink. It can be crippling.
But I fight it because when I read God's Word I'm reminded that Jesus is in the boat, He's on the water. All it takes is one outstretched hand from God. All it takes is one touch from God. One Word from His lips and the sinking ceases, the storm calms, everything is alright.
We all have and will have these walk on water moments. Just don't get stuck on the sinking, God won't let you drown. We are victors even in the midst of strife. We just need enough faith to believe, to step out on the water and walk. God will carry us through. Just keep your eyes fixed on Him. Eliminate the distractions. Persevere. Our faith is what makes our dreams come true.
The Unlikely Missionary
DHW
Ever singing, march we onward,
Victors in the midst of strife,
Joyful music leads us Sunward
In the triumph song of life.
Monday, December 10, 2018
Praise Break: Joyful, Joyful
Feel the Joy of the Season in this beautiful rendition from David Phelps. I've listened to it at least 5 times today already. Lol.
God is good
Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flow’rs before Thee,
Op’ning to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
Drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day!
All Thy works with joy surround Thee,
Earth and heav’n reflect Thy rays,
Stars and angels sing around Thee,
Center of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
Flow’ry meadow, flashing sea,
Singing bird and flowing fountain
Call us to rejoice in Thee.
Thou art giving and forgiving,
Ever blessing, ever blest,
Wellspring of the joy of living,
Ocean depth of happy rest!
Thou our Father, Christ our Brother,
All who live in love are Thine;
Teach us how to love each other,
Lift us to the joy divine.
Mortals, join the happy chorus,
Which the morning stars began;
Father love is reigning o’er us,
Brother love binds man to man.
Ever singing, march we onward,
Victors in the midst of strife,
Joyful music leads us Sunward
In the triumph song of life.
Music video by Bill & Gloria Gaither performing Joyful, Joyful (feat. David Phelps)
The Unlikely Missionary
DHW
Sunday, December 2, 2018
What Does it Mean to Be Loved?
I have asked this question many times over the course of my 32 years of life. A s a Christian I know the pat answer of 1 Corinthians 13 but the question is what does that look like?
As a pastor's kid people often say they "love" you but that love can end up being a source of great heartache and pain. I've spoken before of being two people. The good "church approved" girl and the true me, who isn't that much different from the first mind you but definitely falls short of the standard that me church community would deem acceptable.
Which brings me back to, "What does it mean to be loved?". If you don't truly love me as the "church approved" girl and you don't love me as me did you ever really love me at all?
Love is tricky because the world says that its a feeling which means that its optional and can fade at whim. However, God commands us to love which means its an action and only stops if you stop doing it.
People don't fall out of love, they stop loving.
The way that I love people is not the way they love me back sometimes and that is hurtful and often I have felt unloved. The thing is that I really should have been looking for my source of love from God not from people.
God is always patient with me, always kind. He doesn't envy me. He doesn't big Himself up to make me feel small even though He totally could. His pride doesn't keep Him from loving me unconditionally. He's not loving me for His own personal gain. He's not short-tempered when I mess up and when I mess up He doesn't keep a record of it. He doesn't delight in my misgivings but wants me to succeed. He always watching out me, always believes in me, always keeps loving even when I'm deemed by the world to be unlovable.
When He could say I told you so He doesn't. His dreams for my life surpass the dreams I have for myself. He NEVER stops loving me.
I wish when I was younger I truly understood the depth of God's love the way I understand it now. I was taught that when I do the wrong thing God would stop loving me but that is not true. It is directly contradictory to God saying NOTHING can separate you from my love. That is what people do. We withhold love as punishment.
God is love. He is the ESSENCE of love. So when people hurt us, abuse us and say they love us that's not love because that's not God.
I can't control others and how they love me but I can control myself. I can love the way God loves and I can hold on to His unfailing love and I can find rest in that even in the midst of situations that would seek to destroy me. This isn't easy but being loved by God means He shares our burden (Matthew 11:28-30).
Personally, without God I would have given up already on this life but His love is what saved me.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
Which brings me back to, "What does it mean to be loved?". If you don't truly love me as the "church approved" girl and you don't love me as me did you ever really love me at all?
Love is tricky because the world says that its a feeling which means that its optional and can fade at whim. However, God commands us to love which means its an action and only stops if you stop doing it.
People don't fall out of love, they stop loving.
The way that I love people is not the way they love me back sometimes and that is hurtful and often I have felt unloved. The thing is that I really should have been looking for my source of love from God not from people.
God is always patient with me, always kind. He doesn't envy me. He doesn't big Himself up to make me feel small even though He totally could. His pride doesn't keep Him from loving me unconditionally. He's not loving me for His own personal gain. He's not short-tempered when I mess up and when I mess up He doesn't keep a record of it. He doesn't delight in my misgivings but wants me to succeed. He always watching out me, always believes in me, always keeps loving even when I'm deemed by the world to be unlovable.
When He could say I told you so He doesn't. His dreams for my life surpass the dreams I have for myself. He NEVER stops loving me.
I wish when I was younger I truly understood the depth of God's love the way I understand it now. I was taught that when I do the wrong thing God would stop loving me but that is not true. It is directly contradictory to God saying NOTHING can separate you from my love. That is what people do. We withhold love as punishment.
God is love. He is the ESSENCE of love. So when people hurt us, abuse us and say they love us that's not love because that's not God.
I can't control others and how they love me but I can control myself. I can love the way God loves and I can hold on to His unfailing love and I can find rest in that even in the midst of situations that would seek to destroy me. This isn't easy but being loved by God means He shares our burden (Matthew 11:28-30).
Personally, without God I would have given up already on this life but His love is what saved me.
The Unlikely Missionary
DHW
Observations
Have you ever just sat and observed people?
I've been a very cautious person since I was a little girl. In my cautiousness I have learned to study people.
I have often struggles when people put me on the spot because it takes me time to process things in order to come to the best answer or solution.
God does this too.
He observes us.
He learns us.
He knows us.
And He doesn't act until we are ready because He knows the best path for our lives.
We often get angry at God for not answering our prayers when we want Him to. Its not until God gives us His best that we realize that what we requested pales in comparison to what God's plan is.
In this season of my life I have learned great humility and great strength.
I never knew I was strong until I got evicted from my apartment at 6 months pregnant and decided to live and fight instead of lay down and give up.
It was in this season that I had to evaluate my relationship with God. If I hadn't been forced to evaluate my relationship with God I wouldn't have discovered I was walking around disappointed and bitter at God and realizing that He still loved me anyway.
If I hadn't been challenged to trust God even when I couldn't see it, I wouldn't be launching a business. I wouldn't have come to a place of surrender to God's will.
If He had answered my prayer when I prayed it 4 years ago I would have gotten evicted again, but this time with 2 kids, and my life would be in tatters.
I didn't know but God knew.
And I now count it all joy.
Because while in my mess I was and still am blessed.
I've lost a baby
I've been evicted.
I've been counted out.
Laughed at.
Treated like I didn't know what I was doing or wasn't qualified.
But I am still here because God saw me. And He loved me the same.
I don't care where you are right now. What you are doing. What you are going through.
God sees you and He loves you just the same.
Following God is not the absence of tension, heartache and loss. It means having the strength and support to persevere in spite of. God, Himself, gave up His son for us. Jesus was homeless, and cash poor but He was rich because He understood that in the midst of the struggle God was with Him, God was in control, and God would work it out for His good.
If you became a Christian to not experience pain then someone sold you a raw deal.
When you become a Christian your circumstances may not change but your response to those circumstances will and that is what changes your circumstances.
When I miscarried my first baby I was devastated. When my due date came I cried so much, my husband just held me. All I saw was pain. But the truth is that if I had that baby then I would have been pregnant with a one year old and no home. And I would never want any child of mine to experience that.
Now I have two healthy babies that I don't take for granted and God replaced the one I lost with a joy so that July isn't filled with pain but a birthday celebration.
The Bible is full of imperfect stories that God redeems. Not by changing the circumstances but by changing the heart of those in those circumstances.
We may not understand it all but truthfully we don't really need to. We just need to know that He will work it out.
I'm a numbers girl. i need to know what steps I'm going to take before I move. But God has been teaching me to move in His will, in His steps and footprints. For His way is the best way.
Be blessed.
I've been a very cautious person since I was a little girl. In my cautiousness I have learned to study people.
I have often struggles when people put me on the spot because it takes me time to process things in order to come to the best answer or solution.
God does this too.
He observes us.
He learns us.
He knows us.
And He doesn't act until we are ready because He knows the best path for our lives.
We often get angry at God for not answering our prayers when we want Him to. Its not until God gives us His best that we realize that what we requested pales in comparison to what God's plan is.
In this season of my life I have learned great humility and great strength.
I never knew I was strong until I got evicted from my apartment at 6 months pregnant and decided to live and fight instead of lay down and give up.
It was in this season that I had to evaluate my relationship with God. If I hadn't been forced to evaluate my relationship with God I wouldn't have discovered I was walking around disappointed and bitter at God and realizing that He still loved me anyway.
If I hadn't been challenged to trust God even when I couldn't see it, I wouldn't be launching a business. I wouldn't have come to a place of surrender to God's will.
If He had answered my prayer when I prayed it 4 years ago I would have gotten evicted again, but this time with 2 kids, and my life would be in tatters.
I didn't know but God knew.
And I now count it all joy.
Because while in my mess I was and still am blessed.
I've lost a baby
I've been evicted.
I've been counted out.
Laughed at.
Treated like I didn't know what I was doing or wasn't qualified.
But I am still here because God saw me. And He loved me the same.
I don't care where you are right now. What you are doing. What you are going through.
God sees you and He loves you just the same.
Following God is not the absence of tension, heartache and loss. It means having the strength and support to persevere in spite of. God, Himself, gave up His son for us. Jesus was homeless, and cash poor but He was rich because He understood that in the midst of the struggle God was with Him, God was in control, and God would work it out for His good.
If you became a Christian to not experience pain then someone sold you a raw deal.
When you become a Christian your circumstances may not change but your response to those circumstances will and that is what changes your circumstances.
When I miscarried my first baby I was devastated. When my due date came I cried so much, my husband just held me. All I saw was pain. But the truth is that if I had that baby then I would have been pregnant with a one year old and no home. And I would never want any child of mine to experience that.
Now I have two healthy babies that I don't take for granted and God replaced the one I lost with a joy so that July isn't filled with pain but a birthday celebration.
The Bible is full of imperfect stories that God redeems. Not by changing the circumstances but by changing the heart of those in those circumstances.
God knows best.
I'm a numbers girl. i need to know what steps I'm going to take before I move. But God has been teaching me to move in His will, in His steps and footprints. For His way is the best way.
Be blessed.
The Unlikely Missionary
DHW
Tuesday, November 13, 2018
Learning to Trust
The one disservice that I think many churches give to their young people is we don't teach them to trust God.
That seems counter intuitive because churches preach about God's faithfulness all the time. We sing about it in songs. But we always add conditions to His faithfulness to us. Only if we work hard. Only if we are living right and paying our bills and not making any mistakes. Then we go out and work jobs that run us into the ground. We are scared about bosses and others taking our job. We worry about bills and lights to the point of lashing out at loved ones. We even worry ourselves sick or to death.
If we are doing all of this what would we need God for? If we are driving the ship what do we need the captain for? And so We effectively work Him out of our life and then get mad at Him when our life veers off course.
Thats not trusting God. Churches today teach young people to chase wealth. We teach that when we mess up we aren't redeemable and are castaways. We teach that God will only bless and prosper the good. He won't bless our mess, so we have to get right.
This is pure and utter foolishness and not biblical.
Growing up I was terrified of messing up and I worried myself ragged because of it. To me, mess ups and screw-ups meant that I wasn't worthy of God's blessings. I would try and try and try to fix things in my own strength. It worked for awhile. And then it didn't.
Then I got into debt. Then my credit got messed up. Then I got evicted. Then I got sued.
In the last 4 years my life fell completely apart. And I'm thankful it did.
I know, you probably think I'm crazy. But, when I stopped fighting, when I stopped questioning God, when I stopped losing my mind, I started trusting. Not just paying lip service to it but actually doing it. Because I literally had nothing else.
Matthew 5 (above) and Psalm 37:25-26 are verses I repeat to myself quite often when I start to get anxious and I remind myself of how good God has been to myself and my husband in the midst of my freaking out, my crumbling, my desperation to hold on to a facade I should have let go of eons ago.
My husband and I were struggling. But even when we were in it the deepest, some how we always had food, we always had clothes, we always had protection. That was nothing short of God's grace and mercy.
Learning to trust is not easy for me. Not even to trust God because I was taught to trust and rely on myself. I was taught that if you do the right thing nothing bad will happen to you. I was taught that if you end up in mess you're on your own. As a Christian that is a dangerous and false narrative to push because when the bottom falls out, like mine did, we are lost. You fall so deep you can't see the out.
Luckily, for me, as I was deadman floating out at sea I said to God, "I don't got this. You are all I have left. I trust you." I would love to say I instantly saw a life boat coming to my rescue. Thats not how life works. God can go poof and fix it all but He's not a genie. He's not in the granting wishes business. He is in the supplying NEEDS business.
What did happen is that when I thought I would sink, God gave me His strength to keep floating. Then He sent a life jacket floating by me to put on. It took a little while before I put it on. Then a piece of wood floated by that He helped me get on to so that I was out of the water. Then He began to push me toward the shore.
I see the shore now and every now and again I get afraid, I begin to doubt that I'll make it, that my family will be ok and then God says, aren't you more important to me then a bird? Aren't you more precious to me than a flower? Haven't I kept you from drowning? Haven't I provided you with food, haven't I kept your bills current, and provided shelter for your family? Trust me!
Your mind will try to talk you out of it but God's promises NEVER return void. He promised and He will do. David tells us, NEVER have I seen the righteous forsaken. (Even when you are not behaving righteously, if you are a believer you are counted in the number of the righteous.) Never has God not shown up.
Stand strong and confident that even if you can't see it, God's got it. I wish I could have learned this without going through the heartache and the pain, embarrassment, frustration, all of it but, now I can encourage you reading this post.
Don't go through life alone. If you are a believer, stand firm in the knowledge that God promises to never leave you or forsake you and that He's NEVER reneged on a promise. If you aren't a believer, accept Jesus today and know that He will walk with you everyday so that you're not alone and He will give you the strength to face whatever life throws at you.
That seems counter intuitive because churches preach about God's faithfulness all the time. We sing about it in songs. But we always add conditions to His faithfulness to us. Only if we work hard. Only if we are living right and paying our bills and not making any mistakes. Then we go out and work jobs that run us into the ground. We are scared about bosses and others taking our job. We worry about bills and lights to the point of lashing out at loved ones. We even worry ourselves sick or to death.
If we are doing all of this what would we need God for? If we are driving the ship what do we need the captain for? And so We effectively work Him out of our life and then get mad at Him when our life veers off course.
Thats not trusting God. Churches today teach young people to chase wealth. We teach that when we mess up we aren't redeemable and are castaways. We teach that God will only bless and prosper the good. He won't bless our mess, so we have to get right.
This is pure and utter foolishness and not biblical.
Growing up I was terrified of messing up and I worried myself ragged because of it. To me, mess ups and screw-ups meant that I wasn't worthy of God's blessings. I would try and try and try to fix things in my own strength. It worked for awhile. And then it didn't.
Then I got into debt. Then my credit got messed up. Then I got evicted. Then I got sued.
In the last 4 years my life fell completely apart. And I'm thankful it did.
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?
26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life[a]?
28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.
29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.
30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?
31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’
32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.
33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
I know, you probably think I'm crazy. But, when I stopped fighting, when I stopped questioning God, when I stopped losing my mind, I started trusting. Not just paying lip service to it but actually doing it. Because I literally had nothing else.
Matthew 5 (above) and Psalm 37:25-26 are verses I repeat to myself quite often when I start to get anxious and I remind myself of how good God has been to myself and my husband in the midst of my freaking out, my crumbling, my desperation to hold on to a facade I should have let go of eons ago.
My husband and I were struggling. But even when we were in it the deepest, some how we always had food, we always had clothes, we always had protection. That was nothing short of God's grace and mercy.
Learning to trust is not easy for me. Not even to trust God because I was taught to trust and rely on myself. I was taught that if you do the right thing nothing bad will happen to you. I was taught that if you end up in mess you're on your own. As a Christian that is a dangerous and false narrative to push because when the bottom falls out, like mine did, we are lost. You fall so deep you can't see the out.
Luckily, for me, as I was deadman floating out at sea I said to God, "I don't got this. You are all I have left. I trust you." I would love to say I instantly saw a life boat coming to my rescue. Thats not how life works. God can go poof and fix it all but He's not a genie. He's not in the granting wishes business. He is in the supplying NEEDS business.
What did happen is that when I thought I would sink, God gave me His strength to keep floating. Then He sent a life jacket floating by me to put on. It took a little while before I put it on. Then a piece of wood floated by that He helped me get on to so that I was out of the water. Then He began to push me toward the shore.
I see the shore now and every now and again I get afraid, I begin to doubt that I'll make it, that my family will be ok and then God says, aren't you more important to me then a bird? Aren't you more precious to me than a flower? Haven't I kept you from drowning? Haven't I provided you with food, haven't I kept your bills current, and provided shelter for your family? Trust me!
And I do.
Stand strong and confident that even if you can't see it, God's got it. I wish I could have learned this without going through the heartache and the pain, embarrassment, frustration, all of it but, now I can encourage you reading this post.
Don't go through life alone. If you are a believer, stand firm in the knowledge that God promises to never leave you or forsake you and that He's NEVER reneged on a promise. If you aren't a believer, accept Jesus today and know that He will walk with you everyday so that you're not alone and He will give you the strength to face whatever life throws at you.
Trusting God is the BEST thing I've ever done.
The Unlikely Missionary
DHW
Friday, October 19, 2018
Fall On Your Knees
God is an AWESOME GOD!
This song is sung by two of the most beautiful voices and its a testament to why the praises that we sing to the Lord are more beautiful to him than the songs that the angels sing.
Be blessed by this beautiful heralding of the birth of our Saviors birth.
This song is sung by two of the most beautiful voices and its a testament to why the praises that we sing to the Lord are more beautiful to him than the songs that the angels sing.
Be blessed by this beautiful heralding of the birth of our Saviors birth.
Oh holy night the stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior's birth
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new glorious morn
Fall on your knees
Hear the angels' voices
This is the night when Christ was born
Fall on your knees
Fall on your knees
Fall on your knees
Fall on your knees
Fall on your knees
Oh holy night, Oh night divine
The Unlikely Missionary
DHW
Wednesday, September 26, 2018
Podcast Episode 5: Policing Morality is NOT Our Job
Where is the love people of God? God gave us to two commandments (Matthew 22:37-40) and neither one involves telling people what to do.
American Christians are doing a bad job at loving because they are too busy being the morality police. News flash: That’s not our job! This may be an Unpopular opinion but we as Christians are in no way qualified to tell others (non-believers or believers) whether they are worthy of entrance into the kingdom of God.
I'm not saying that we can't determine right and wrong, good or bad. I'm saying that it is not our job to condemn people to hell, throw away people, or try to change the minds of people who don't believe as we do. So what is our job?
In Episode 5 I talk about what God has really call us to do.
You can listen to this podcast in the player above or in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher & Spotify. Please rate and subscribe.
For more Unlikely Missionary follow me on Facebook at Facebook.com/UnlikelyMissionary.
You can listen to this podcast in the player above or in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher & Spotify. Please rate and subscribe.
For more Unlikely Missionary follow me on Facebook at Facebook.com/UnlikelyMissionary.
The Unlikely Missionary
DHW
Monday, September 24, 2018
When Society Ignores Rape
I had an interesting exchange on Facebook awhile ago which moved me to create this post. However, I hesitated to put this out. However, since them we have had Dr. Nasser and Michigan State, another Catholic church sandal and a Supreme Court Justice nominee that has been accused of Sexual Assault. So I have finally found the courage to post something that needs to be said from the Word of God.
There is a lot of discussion of rape culture in America especially when rapists are given three month sentences for their awful crimes.
There is so much BS out there about how women can keep themselves from being raped as if we can steel trap our legs shut. And it particularly grieves me when supposed people of God speak these things out of their own mouths.
But what does the Bible say?
The story of Tamar in the Bible is a perfect example of what happens when society ignores rape (2 Samuel 13).
It has a high cost.
King David, we all know King David, had an obscene amount of wives and had many children. Tamar was his daughter and she was raped by her half-brother Amnon in a nefarious scheme thought up by his friend Jonadab. This story could be a story we would read in our newspapers today.
After he completed his scheme and was done with her, he threw her out into the street. When her full brother, Absalom, found her he knew immediately what happened but told her to keep quiet. Then when they finally told her father, the king, he was angry but did nothing.
What do we know?
I once watched an episode of the show Cold Case many years ago now but it is one I will never forget. A young woman had been raped and she didn't want to go to the police but her boyfriend convinced her to go. Because the police were supposed to help her right? I found myself openly weeping as she was revictimized by the police officers who were supposed to help her. They listened to her story but didn't bother to write it down. They asked her if she wasn't sure she liked it. Then began to mock her. I was heartbroken because, how many women have experienced this?
The episode was a cold case because the boyfriend was so incensed that nothing was done he went to get justice by his own hand but ended up killed instead. We will get to the costs in a minute.
The Problem
No one once thought about how Tamar must be feeling. Instead it was about protecting Amnon. Absalom told her to keep quiet because Amnon was her brother and not to take it to heart. Doesn't this sound familiar? Don't say anything because his whole life is ahead of him and this will mess everything up. He didn't really mean it. Or are you sure that's what really happened? Or if you weren't so pretty he wouldn't have wanted you. There is nothing new under the sun people. Society has been making up these same arguments since the beginning of time.
David did nothing because Amnon was his heir and the crown prince. David's position however is a unique one. He was not just a father but the law of the land. And by not condemning his son for his actions he not only caused division in his household but set precedence in his kingdom for the acceptance of violence. David had many sons, his kingdom would have been fine if he had punished Amnon. He chose not to just like many judges in this world choose not to. Unfortunately, like many men after him they protect the criminal and not the victim.
The Cost
Tamar lived her life in her brother Absalom's house as a desolate woman (v20).
Absalom hated Amnon for what he did to his sister. And this makes sense. As she lived in his house he watch the toll this assault took on his sister and then he began to think about how Amnon wasn't punished for it. His hatred grew and I dare say not just for Amnon but for his father as well.
Amnon is killed in Absalom's household. As I have always said, no one gets away with what they do. It may seem like that at first but we always experience consequences for our actions. Absalom got to the point where he couldn't take it anymore. He let his hatred fester for 2 years and then he got his own justice.
David still lost his heir, lost his beloved son Absalom & his daughter. And ended up with a kingdom divided. Absalom got Amnon killed. Because of his father's inaction Absalom further rebelled, plotting to kill David as well as dividing the kingdom against David and taking over as king. Finally, Absalom chased David all over Israel until he himself was killed by his father's advisers.
One act of inaction caused national upheavel which is what is taking place now. A nation divided.
Tamar's Legacy
She was not silent. She let it be known what happened to her because it was wrong and it was not her fault. Her name means palm tree which is a symbol of justice in Jewish culture. I believe her name means justice because God wanted it to be known that all sexual assault victims deserve justice even if the world doesn't believe so.
This story was included in the Bible for a reason and it is so that we could see that even back then even when men tried to keep it quiet. God saw.
It may seem like people get away with things but they really don't.
For more check out this post from Jennifer Davis Sensenig
We Can't Turn Away From Tamar's Story
If you are a victim or know of someone who was a victim of sexual assault call RAINN at 800.656.HOPE (4673) and talk to a trained counselor who can help.
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There is a lot of discussion of rape culture in America especially when rapists are given three month sentences for their awful crimes.
There is so much BS out there about how women can keep themselves from being raped as if we can steel trap our legs shut. And it particularly grieves me when supposed people of God speak these things out of their own mouths.
But what does the Bible say?
The story of Tamar in the Bible is a perfect example of what happens when society ignores rape (2 Samuel 13).
It has a high cost.
King David, we all know King David, had an obscene amount of wives and had many children. Tamar was his daughter and she was raped by her half-brother Amnon in a nefarious scheme thought up by his friend Jonadab. This story could be a story we would read in our newspapers today.
After he completed his scheme and was done with her, he threw her out into the street. When her full brother, Absalom, found her he knew immediately what happened but told her to keep quiet. Then when they finally told her father, the king, he was angry but did nothing.
What do we know?
- Tamar knew what this assault meant for her. She would now be regarded as damaged and she would be ruined. People would look at her differently. This is true for many women even today. Women don't just lose physical autonomy when they are assaulted. They lose so much more emotionally, mentally and holistically that often times they are left to build back up alone.
- Tamar was failed by all the men in her life. How often do women who have been assaulted get met with anger at what has happened to them? How often do they then get told to be quiet as her brother Absalom did? How often do you go to those in authority for help, and like King David, find no justice there either?
I once watched an episode of the show Cold Case many years ago now but it is one I will never forget. A young woman had been raped and she didn't want to go to the police but her boyfriend convinced her to go. Because the police were supposed to help her right? I found myself openly weeping as she was revictimized by the police officers who were supposed to help her. They listened to her story but didn't bother to write it down. They asked her if she wasn't sure she liked it. Then began to mock her. I was heartbroken because, how many women have experienced this?
The episode was a cold case because the boyfriend was so incensed that nothing was done he went to get justice by his own hand but ended up killed instead. We will get to the costs in a minute.
The Problem
No one once thought about how Tamar must be feeling. Instead it was about protecting Amnon. Absalom told her to keep quiet because Amnon was her brother and not to take it to heart. Doesn't this sound familiar? Don't say anything because his whole life is ahead of him and this will mess everything up. He didn't really mean it. Or are you sure that's what really happened? Or if you weren't so pretty he wouldn't have wanted you. There is nothing new under the sun people. Society has been making up these same arguments since the beginning of time.
David did nothing because Amnon was his heir and the crown prince. David's position however is a unique one. He was not just a father but the law of the land. And by not condemning his son for his actions he not only caused division in his household but set precedence in his kingdom for the acceptance of violence. David had many sons, his kingdom would have been fine if he had punished Amnon. He chose not to just like many judges in this world choose not to. Unfortunately, like many men after him they protect the criminal and not the victim.
The Cost
Tamar lived her life in her brother Absalom's house as a desolate woman (v20).
Absalom hated Amnon for what he did to his sister. And this makes sense. As she lived in his house he watch the toll this assault took on his sister and then he began to think about how Amnon wasn't punished for it. His hatred grew and I dare say not just for Amnon but for his father as well.
Amnon is killed in Absalom's household. As I have always said, no one gets away with what they do. It may seem like that at first but we always experience consequences for our actions. Absalom got to the point where he couldn't take it anymore. He let his hatred fester for 2 years and then he got his own justice.
David still lost his heir, lost his beloved son Absalom & his daughter. And ended up with a kingdom divided. Absalom got Amnon killed. Because of his father's inaction Absalom further rebelled, plotting to kill David as well as dividing the kingdom against David and taking over as king. Finally, Absalom chased David all over Israel until he himself was killed by his father's advisers.
One act of inaction caused national upheavel which is what is taking place now. A nation divided.
Tamar's Legacy
She was not silent. She let it be known what happened to her because it was wrong and it was not her fault. Her name means palm tree which is a symbol of justice in Jewish culture. I believe her name means justice because God wanted it to be known that all sexual assault victims deserve justice even if the world doesn't believe so.
This story was included in the Bible for a reason and it is so that we could see that even back then even when men tried to keep it quiet. God saw.
It may seem like people get away with things but they really don't.
The Unlikely Missionary
DHW
For more check out this post from Jennifer Davis Sensenig
We Can't Turn Away From Tamar's Story
If you are a victim or know of someone who was a victim of sexual assault call RAINN at 800.656.HOPE (4673) and talk to a trained counselor who can help.
Wednesday, September 19, 2018
Podcast Episode 4: Be Honest... Life Sucks Sometimes
Episode 4 of the Podcast is up now!
If you are like me you have learned how to speak churchese. We have learned how to pretend and never go below the surface because if we go deeper we might be judged or rejected or shamed or ostracized. Meanwhile we are struggling - to get by, with addiction, deep trauma, suicide, you name it we struggle through it. Why? Because we are human. Our humanity doesn't stop because we follow Christ.
We need to stop acting like bad stuff doesn’t touch us, like we don't struggle and make poor decisions because it absolutely does and we absolutely do. The good news is that we can go to God. He knows it sucks and wants to help, He is waiting for you to invite Him into the mess so that y’all can fix it together. We need to stop lying to God and ourselves. And also let our lives be a testimony to others so that they don't get disillusioned. God doesn't stop our struggles, God goes with us through our struggles and makes sure that we come out on the other side whole, strong, and full of faith.
Give it a listen below or wherever you listen to podcasts. Its on all platforms. Plus, rate and subscribe. Also, follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/UnlikelyMissionary.
If you are like me you have learned how to speak churchese. We have learned how to pretend and never go below the surface because if we go deeper we might be judged or rejected or shamed or ostracized. Meanwhile we are struggling - to get by, with addiction, deep trauma, suicide, you name it we struggle through it. Why? Because we are human. Our humanity doesn't stop because we follow Christ.
We need to stop acting like bad stuff doesn’t touch us, like we don't struggle and make poor decisions because it absolutely does and we absolutely do. The good news is that we can go to God. He knows it sucks and wants to help, He is waiting for you to invite Him into the mess so that y’all can fix it together. We need to stop lying to God and ourselves. And also let our lives be a testimony to others so that they don't get disillusioned. God doesn't stop our struggles, God goes with us through our struggles and makes sure that we come out on the other side whole, strong, and full of faith.
Give it a listen below or wherever you listen to podcasts. Its on all platforms. Plus, rate and subscribe. Also, follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/UnlikelyMissionary.
Finally, I mention a talk that Pastor Steven Furtick has with Dr. Caroline Leaf toward the end of the podcast. It's a really great interview that shows how physically and mentally unhealthy it is to not deal with your emotions and feelings and struggles.
The Unlikely Missionary
DHW
*The views in this post and in the podcast are in no way connected to or are a reflection of Pastor Steven Furtick, Dr. Caroline Leaf or Elevation Church. They are all my own.
Tuesday, September 18, 2018
Praise Break: All We Ask
Music has a way of moving me more than anything else can. As I sat at my desk listening to this song the Holy Spirit guided me to share this with you.
Feel the Holy Spirit in the words.
All I want to hear God tell me when my time on this earth comes to an end is - Damaris you ran the race, you kept the fight, My Child, Well Done! That's why I do what I do.
Feel the Holy Spirit in the words.
All I want to hear God tell me when my time on this earth comes to an end is - Damaris you ran the race, you kept the fight, My Child, Well Done! That's why I do what I do.
♮Take me home with you my lord
When my life is through
Take me home with peace my lord Let me rest with you
When I've fought the fight
And I've kept the faith
And my race on earth is won
All I ask is that you say well done♮
♮Lord please let me hear you say well done♮
Amen!
The Unlikely Misionary
DHW
Monday, September 17, 2018
Jesus Shaking Tables
Imagine hearing that your house is being robbed. You would probably go straight there to see what's going on.
Next, imagine walking into your home and there is the robbery, in progress. I’m sure you would be in shock.
Now imagine that it’s a friend or relative that is robbing you. You’d probably be feeling betrayed.
Finally, imagine that they look up, see you and continue to rob you in your face. Now here comes the anger.
This ladies and gentlemen is where we encounter Jesus in Mathew 21:12-14.
This is a story that most know well. Jesus goes into the temple, flies into a rage and throws some tables.
It’s not that simple and the way we simplify it almost trivializes it significance in the Word (Everything in the Bible is significant or it wouldn't be there). Jesus "shook" them tables because he was being robbed; of reputation, of experience and of respect.
- REPUTATION: When we do the wrong thing in Jesus name we damage God’s reputation as a loving, righteous God. It makes it harder to share the Gospel because you have to combat all these false ideologies about who God is because of what people have done. It’s harder but not impossible. God can do anything. But how dare you sully the Name of Jesus because you can't act right?
- EXPERIENCE: The last time the scriptures show Jesus in the temple it is a very different experience. Jesus was just here 10 years ago. The first time was a time of fellowship and spirited discussions about the things of God (Luke 2:41-52). How quickly those same men who had once sat in Jesus presence in amazement are now robbing the people blind. How hurtful and disappointing is that? People you trust and should know better. Plus, to top it all off the first time Jesus was able to walk right in and fellowship now the people can't even get in to worship without paying.
- RESPECT: Doesn’t this show just an utter lack of respect for God? This is the same temple where only the priests were allowed into its more Holy places because it was were God dwelled and now it’s the marketplace? And my commandments say do not steal and you are stealing from my people in my house? And you say you are serving me but you are really serving the money you are stealing? The level of disrespect is unreal. What’s even more incredible is that they had no fear and that is the most troubling. However, God said your gonna learn today.
Side note: to all you people who do evil in God's name just because you think you have gotten away with it doesn’t mean you have and won’t get punished for it. The wages of sin has and will always be death. Nothing gets by God. It just is a matter of if it happens on this side of heaven or not.
Have you ever been so angry and frustrated you just want to hit someone? Jesus had the power and authority to destroy everyone in that place. The wages of sin is death. But instead he used this moment as a lesson.
There is a righteousness in anger. A Holy Discontent that calls for righteousness and justice. And sometimes the call to act leads to something that will get people's attentions. The overturned tables did just that, they got everyone's attention.
The reason that the temple was filled with “thieves” is because no one stood up to say, this is wrong. Jesus wasn't the first one to question what was going on but he was the first to act on what he knew to be true about God and what was happening wasn't it. We often don’t question people when they do things understand the umbrella of God but this is why you HAVE TO read the Bible for yourself.
When something is presented to you that goes directly against the word of God you have to call it out. And you have to bring attention to it.
This was what Jesus was doing in the temple that day.
We are so scandalized by the things preachers and church folks do. I often ask myself, why are we so scandalized? We shouldn’t be because they are still people and religious people have been doing scandalous stuff since before the time of Jesus.
What Jesus is showing us is that when these things happen we should get angry, call for righteousness and demand justice.
The problem today and back then too is that instead of confronting it, church folks bury it, ignore it, use God as a weapon against the victim to maintain the status quo. Jesus' example shows that is the exact opposite of what we should do. The problem should be dealt with swiftly and thrown out. Because God cannot dwell in darkness and that which is buried and covered up He will illuminate.
Enter Jesus. He said this is enough. You have robbed my Father and I long enough. You have hurt the people long enough. You have stolen not only their resources but the sanctity and safety of the place my Father dwells for the people, and tainted the relationship they have with Him.
I don’t know about you but I get extremely pissed of when I hear about misconduct in the church. I have actually experienced it first hand. My mother, sister and I were invited to a Women’s Day celebration at a church in our neighborhood by our neighbor. This is not uncommon in the church world especially as a pastor's daughter. People invite you to a lot of things and often times you feel obligated to go in order to represent your church.
Now a lot occurred in this one experience, I have seen a lot y’all in this Christian walk I'm on, but what was most disturbing was the pastor. He came out toward the end to pray and close the service, when from the pulpit he saw my sister and I. I immediately got a bad vibe off this guy. Pastor or not people are people and are capable of anything. He kept staring at us and it was unnerving.
When service was over and we are greeting each other it’s like he made a beeline for us. I thank God for my mother because she saw him coming and immediately stepped in front of my sister and I, grabbed his hand in a firm handshake and didn’t let go until he finished talking to us.
A few weeks later that same pastor was the front page news story for raping a girl in his congregation. I went to my mom and said I knew there was something off about this guy. She then told me that the Holy Spirit told her that he wasn’t right and to protect us from him. She didn’t know why at the time but she was obedient and that is why she physical blocked him from touching us.
Unfortunately this young girl who was brave enough to come forward was crucified by her church. Thankfully for this young girl her family believed her and stood by her. However, people I knew backed the pastor and tried to trash talk this girl. It was heartbreaking and disgusting.
However, my mom she was angry and not afraid. If anyone brought it up to her she would call him out, even when it wasn’t the popular opinion. She would support the young lady’s account and she often said, I have two daughters that girls age, if something happened to them I would hope you would believe them. In her own way, my mother was shaking tables.
This passage is so much more than Jesus being angry. It’s about demanding righteousness and calling out unrighteousness especially when done is Jesus' name.
You better put some respeck on His name.
The Unlikely Missionary
DHW
PS - This title came to me because I watch Love and Hip Hop (the Lord is yet working on me) and for some reason I remembered a scene with K. Michelle saying, "Don't shake unless you ready to get shook". Remember I'm the Unlikely Missionary.
Monday, September 10, 2018
Anger is Biblical People
Anger gets a bad wrap because we often equate the things we do in anger with the feeling itself.
Anger is a healthy emotion. Things happen. We get pissed. Now this is the point in the dialogue where the sinning part can take place. Our reaction to the anger is where we get ourselves in trouble.
In the Bible, God got angry all the time. People usually talk about and preach about Jesus getting angry (John 2:13-25) - I will talk about that more in my next post (Jesus Shaking Tables) - and Him not sinning but we love to forget that the children of Israel had a habit of pissing God off every chance they got. God is the very blueprint of how to be angry and sin not. Where you you think Jesus got it from? Like Father, Like Son.
The Old Testament is basically this on a loop: God told the children of Israel to do something. They do the opposite. God gets mad (usually after several and I mean several warnings). Them doing what they did causes them to suffer the consequences of their actions. They ask for forgiveness. God eventual saves them from themselves.
Now the question is, How is that possible?
Its all in the response. When someone hits you or talks bad about you or does you wrong, after the feeling of anger our first response is to get them back bigger, better, harder then they did us. In most cases it done with glee with an expectation of satisfaction. And in some cases its laced with hatred.
In each and every instance where God gets angry, He's angry at what they did, not at them personally. And it is never laced with hatred or malicious.
I know. I hear you but just stay with me.
Lets look at a couple of scenarios shall we.
Scenario one: God told Moses to speak to the rock (Numbers 20). He gave Moses very specific instructions. Take the staff but speak to the rock and water will come forth. Now Moses - because his problem was always not trusting God fully - struck the rock with the staff. Now the water still came forth but Moses did the wrong thing.
This scenario is a familiar one right? Whether at home or at work. You give someone specific instructions to do something and instead they do their own thing. Now whatever the task was may still end up being successful but their disobedience created other obstacles or problems for you to overcome that wouldn't have occurred if they had just been obedient.
This scenario is no different.
Back story: the children of Israel had been fighting with God because of a water crisis. Which when just looking at this verse only wouldn't seem like that big of a deal. However, when looked at it in context in previous verses God had literally saved them from slavery and been supplying all of their needs during the entire journey to the Promised Land. They really had nothing to complain about because God had shown Himself to be faithful in much bigger situations. (Side note: How many times does God have to prove His faithfulness to us before we will believe Him? That's a word for me too.)
Knowing this, God gives Moses the instructions He does to show the Israelites that God can do anything even speak to a rock for some water. But Moses, as God's representative, didn't even fully believe God and him striking the rock was a mini rebellion in and of itself when you think about it. Like he knew better than the God who had parted the Red Sea. Like parted the literal sea! This put God in a spot where if He didn't still bring forth the water the Israelites would have had just another thing to quarrel about.
God's response. Moses, because you didn't believe you won't see the Promised Land.
Our response. That is not what I told you to do you big faithless dummy. I told you to speak to the rock. Speak! Are you deaf, blind or dumb? Like really? See, now you ain't getting into the Promised Land because I need to teach you a lesson for being so dumb and foolish. Thats what you get. You gonna learn today.
Now we think that God's response is harsh but truly it was just Moses consequence for disobedience. The difference in how the world would response is that we wouldn't let Moses in because how dare he do the opposite of what I said. Are you dumb? That wasn't God response at all because I believe that He was quite sad that Moses didn't fully trust Him and because he didn't he couldn't lead God's people into the Promise Land. Imagine if this got tougher? How would he be able to lead them if he didn't have the faith for now after all he had seen and done? The world on the other hand would probably say good for you and some would actually be happy he wasn't going to make it.
Lets look at a second scenario. 2 Kings 17:18 expressly says that God was angry with the children of Israel. Read the first part of 2 Kings 17 to see why. He was so mad at them that He removed them from His presence. In essence, He kicked them out.
Even in this he was sin-less. I know, you're like how though?
Simple.
God's response. Fine, if you want to be out here sinning, running amok, being disobedient and not following my commandments go ahead. But you can do that without the benefit of living in my house and the protection and favor that brings. I don't have to do what I have been doing. I was keeping people from attacking you but no more. If they want to attack you I won't stop them. If that means that you get conquered so be it. I have been protecting you from your bad decisions and choices but no more. You're not allowed back in My house (His presence) and life will be hard. But I warned you what life without me would be like and now you will experience it yourself.
Our response. You stupid, tired, no good, evil, wicked not nice words. You want to do this to me? After everything I have done for you. I'm gonna show you. F-you. F-your mother. F-your whole family. And you can get these hands.
Lol.
Do you see the difference? Its in the response.
God doesn't say, How could you do this to me? Now I've got to get you. Nope. The sin lies in the response. Not in the anger but in the action. With God, when He is angry He simply allows us to experience the consequences of our sin.
Us? We want to hurt you just as much as you have angered and pissed us off. We want to stick it to you. That's never God's purpose. God gets angry because He knows the consequences of our disobedience and He is trying to keep us from those consequences. Most of the time our anger isn't nearly as noble.
I write all this to say....
Take the pressure off. Just re-evaluate your response. We get angry because we get hurt. And that's fine. However, we need to let it go, not let it take root or wish ill on anyone but allow the natural consequences of this world play out. Its not easy but it is necessary.
Anger is a healthy emotion. Things happen. We get pissed. Now this is the point in the dialogue where the sinning part can take place. Our reaction to the anger is where we get ourselves in trouble.
In the Bible, God got angry all the time. People usually talk about and preach about Jesus getting angry (John 2:13-25) - I will talk about that more in my next post (Jesus Shaking Tables) - and Him not sinning but we love to forget that the children of Israel had a habit of pissing God off every chance they got. God is the very blueprint of how to be angry and sin not. Where you you think Jesus got it from? Like Father, Like Son.
The Old Testament is basically this on a loop: God told the children of Israel to do something. They do the opposite. God gets mad (usually after several and I mean several warnings). Them doing what they did causes them to suffer the consequences of their actions. They ask for forgiveness. God eventual saves them from themselves.
God in His anger NEVER sins.
Now the question is, How is that possible?
Its all in the response. When someone hits you or talks bad about you or does you wrong, after the feeling of anger our first response is to get them back bigger, better, harder then they did us. In most cases it done with glee with an expectation of satisfaction. And in some cases its laced with hatred.
In each and every instance where God gets angry, He's angry at what they did, not at them personally. And it is never laced with hatred or malicious.
I know. I hear you but just stay with me.
Lets look at a couple of scenarios shall we.
Scenario one: God told Moses to speak to the rock (Numbers 20). He gave Moses very specific instructions. Take the staff but speak to the rock and water will come forth. Now Moses - because his problem was always not trusting God fully - struck the rock with the staff. Now the water still came forth but Moses did the wrong thing.
This scenario is a familiar one right? Whether at home or at work. You give someone specific instructions to do something and instead they do their own thing. Now whatever the task was may still end up being successful but their disobedience created other obstacles or problems for you to overcome that wouldn't have occurred if they had just been obedient.
This scenario is no different.
Back story: the children of Israel had been fighting with God because of a water crisis. Which when just looking at this verse only wouldn't seem like that big of a deal. However, when looked at it in context in previous verses God had literally saved them from slavery and been supplying all of their needs during the entire journey to the Promised Land. They really had nothing to complain about because God had shown Himself to be faithful in much bigger situations. (Side note: How many times does God have to prove His faithfulness to us before we will believe Him? That's a word for me too.)
Knowing this, God gives Moses the instructions He does to show the Israelites that God can do anything even speak to a rock for some water. But Moses, as God's representative, didn't even fully believe God and him striking the rock was a mini rebellion in and of itself when you think about it. Like he knew better than the God who had parted the Red Sea. Like parted the literal sea! This put God in a spot where if He didn't still bring forth the water the Israelites would have had just another thing to quarrel about.
God's response. Moses, because you didn't believe you won't see the Promised Land.
Our response. That is not what I told you to do you big faithless dummy. I told you to speak to the rock. Speak! Are you deaf, blind or dumb? Like really? See, now you ain't getting into the Promised Land because I need to teach you a lesson for being so dumb and foolish. Thats what you get. You gonna learn today.
Now we think that God's response is harsh but truly it was just Moses consequence for disobedience. The difference in how the world would response is that we wouldn't let Moses in because how dare he do the opposite of what I said. Are you dumb? That wasn't God response at all because I believe that He was quite sad that Moses didn't fully trust Him and because he didn't he couldn't lead God's people into the Promise Land. Imagine if this got tougher? How would he be able to lead them if he didn't have the faith for now after all he had seen and done? The world on the other hand would probably say good for you and some would actually be happy he wasn't going to make it.
~
Lets look at a second scenario. 2 Kings 17:18 expressly says that God was angry with the children of Israel. Read the first part of 2 Kings 17 to see why. He was so mad at them that He removed them from His presence. In essence, He kicked them out.
Even in this he was sin-less. I know, you're like how though?
Simple.
God's response. Fine, if you want to be out here sinning, running amok, being disobedient and not following my commandments go ahead. But you can do that without the benefit of living in my house and the protection and favor that brings. I don't have to do what I have been doing. I was keeping people from attacking you but no more. If they want to attack you I won't stop them. If that means that you get conquered so be it. I have been protecting you from your bad decisions and choices but no more. You're not allowed back in My house (His presence) and life will be hard. But I warned you what life without me would be like and now you will experience it yourself.
Our response. You stupid, tired, no good, evil, wicked not nice words. You want to do this to me? After everything I have done for you. I'm gonna show you. F-you. F-your mother. F-your whole family. And you can get these hands.
Lol.
Do you see the difference? Its in the response.
God doesn't say, How could you do this to me? Now I've got to get you. Nope. The sin lies in the response. Not in the anger but in the action. With God, when He is angry He simply allows us to experience the consequences of our sin.
Us? We want to hurt you just as much as you have angered and pissed us off. We want to stick it to you. That's never God's purpose. God gets angry because He knows the consequences of our disobedience and He is trying to keep us from those consequences. Most of the time our anger isn't nearly as noble.
I write all this to say....
Anger is Biblical
Take the pressure off. Just re-evaluate your response. We get angry because we get hurt. And that's fine. However, we need to let it go, not let it take root or wish ill on anyone but allow the natural consequences of this world play out. Its not easy but it is necessary.
The Unlikely Missionary
DHW
Tuesday, September 4, 2018
Podcast Episode 3: Living in THE Truth
I started a podcast! We are 3 (three) episodes in. I talked about a Jonah moment over on Facebook and this was it. God had placed on my heart to start this podcast a year ago and I sat in the fish a whole year. But, I finally decided to be obedient and the fish spit me out and I'm so glad that I did. This has been a good ride so far. God is good.
Thanks for listening. The podcast is on all of these platforms. So please listen and rate.
Monday, August 20, 2018
The Sin You Do To Yourself
"Lets talk about sex baby, lets talk about you and me..."
One thing that never goes out of style is sex. From both a scientific and biblical standpoint sex is for procreation. Before in vitro the only way to get pregnant was doing the do. But outside of that it is for the joining of two people together because back in Genesis God said, "it is not good for man to be alone".
However, in Christiandom we teach that sex is nasty, dirty, vile thing to be done in the dark because we have to and never discussed which is foolishness. And we do our young ppl a great disservice when we do so. That's why as a youth leader I did this study.
We get the secular version of sex all day but young people especially those in church need to know the truth of God's vision for this wonderful act. They need to understand why God said sex was for marriage only. Not because He wants to cramp your style but because He wants to save you from a bunch of heartache.
Sex is a beautiful, wonderful thing that God created. It brings two ppl that love each other closer together, creating a soul tie. (I'll share more on soul ties later)
Sex is the sin you do to yourself (1 Corinthians 6:18).
One thing that never goes out of style is sex. From both a scientific and biblical standpoint sex is for procreation. Before in vitro the only way to get pregnant was doing the do. But outside of that it is for the joining of two people together because back in Genesis God said, "it is not good for man to be alone".
However, in Christiandom we teach that sex is nasty, dirty, vile thing to be done in the dark because we have to and never discussed which is foolishness. And we do our young ppl a great disservice when we do so. That's why as a youth leader I did this study.
We get the secular version of sex all day but young people especially those in church need to know the truth of God's vision for this wonderful act. They need to understand why God said sex was for marriage only. Not because He wants to cramp your style but because He wants to save you from a bunch of heartache.
Sex is a beautiful, wonderful thing that God created. It brings two ppl that love each other closer together, creating a soul tie. (I'll share more on soul ties later)
Sex is the sin you do to yourself (1 Corinthians 6:18).
In sexual sin we violate the sacredness of our own bodies, these bodies that were made for God-given and God-modeled love, for “becoming one” with another.
Quite literally. You are joining your body with someone else and becoming one (doesn't that sound familiar, like in marriage vows; Genesis 2:24).
For this reason, God gave us warnings about the improper use of sex, its the Sin You Do To Yourself.
Read: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20
Now am I gonna sit here and act like I wasn't out here doing stuff? Nope! Cuz I'm not gonna lie to you. (Too many Christian lie about their own stuff. I'm not ashamed. I've confessed my mess and been forgiven by God if you don't forgive me I'll be alright.) I grew up in church and heard all the churchese and platitudes and still didn't understand fully why sex was such a big deal. But that's also why I'm telling you what I am.
Sex outside of the will of God feels real good until it doesn't. The feel good last a few minutes but the pain can last a lifetime and through generations. When ppl say I just can't quit this person, that's a literal thing because your soul is tied to them. The reason ppl compare lovers, the reason you can have flashbacks to previous encounters while with your current lover is because they have left an imprint of themselves on your soul. The reason you may feel that you live in the shadow of your partner's ex it is because you do.
Let me paint a picture for you....
You and your partner have been dating and are contemplating having sex for the first time. You have had 3 previous partners and they have had 5. So your soul is tied to 3 ppl and your partner is tied to 5 ppl. Collectively you are bringing 8 ppl into your bed with you plus all the ppl those 8 ppl have slept with, plus the ppl those ppl have slept with, plus the ppl those ppl have slept with, plus the ppl those ppl have slept with, and it goes on and on.
Your bed is getting pretty crowded isn't it? The remnants of past girlfriends/boyfriends, one night stands, friends with benefits are all there in the bed with you. All the things that complicate sex and relationships start with a soul tie.
It makes you stay in bad relationships longer. You can end up tied to someone that was only supposed to be in your life for a season for 18 years and hating each other. There are emotional scars that can follow you from relationship to relationship all be cause of a soul tie that you were never meant to have.
But its even bigger than that. In 1 Corinthians 6, it tells us that our body is our temple. Our bodies are sacred. Our body and soul are interconnected and as Christians it is were the Holy Spirit dwells. So every time you sleep with someone they leave a deposit with you and you leave a deposit with them and that deposit is hanging out with the Holy Spirit. So that ex you can't stand, that prostitute/escort you solicited, that one night stand whose name you can't seem to remember are chilling together with the Holy Spirit following you around, popping up at inopportune times and competing for the Holy Spirit for your peace. As the verse says, that like bringing Jesus to the whore house with you (v15). Would you do that?
Its interesting in this day and age we are more concerned about the food we put in our mouth (organic, non-gmo, gluten-free, vegan, keto, etc) than the ppl we allow into our bodies and souls.
So why are we so reckless with our bodies in this day and age when we know about AIDS, Hepatitis, pregnancy, STI's etc? Because we have removed God from it. When we stop seeing God as judging us and trying to protect us, when we are ruled by our heads and not our bodies, when we invite God into our relationships we move different, we make better, prosperous decisions and we think twice about what we are doing.
Do I wish I had waiting until marriage to have sex? Absolutely! Sex without God, just like life without God, is empty. It is not fulfilling. Thankfully God kept me from a lot of bad stuff. This world will try to convince you that you are miss out on something or your not a real man if you haven't slept with a bunch of people. But truly if I am missing out on having a deadbeat baby daddy or heartache because I was just a conquest to some guy I'm glad I missed out on that.
God isn't trying to kill your buzz. If you do have sex outside of marriage you are not doomed to hell. If you confess your sin He will forgive you. God is just trying to protect you from the hurt and pain that can come into you literally and and plant itself into the fiber of you. Our bodies are temporary but our souls are forever.
The Unlikely Missionary
DHW
Monday, August 13, 2018
Forgiveness is for the Forgiver
I remember the day I learned forgiveness is for the
forgiver. My dad had said something to me that had really hurt me and I held
that hurt for a long time and it festered and built up until finally I was like,
I’m gonna confront him about this.” So I wrote all my points down (because I’m
a planner) and I called him and laid it all out and we left the call with what
I thought was a mutual understanding but I hadn’t forgiven it.
I thought I had. I convinced myself I had but God always knows how to test your so called growth.
Any little thing my father did triggered me and brought me right back to that original hurt and all that pain would come flooding back.
Then one day I hit my limit because my family just didn’t understand why I was so angry and I said dad knows why, I told him why and his face went blank and he looked at me and said when?
Babay, I saw red! I said, that day that I called you and we talked for like 3 hrs. And he said, I don’t remember. In that moment I was so tight if my head could have exploded it would have. I had never felt that level of anger and hurt in my life.
Later that day I was still seething and asking myself how could he not remember? And God rebuked me. Then I was mad at God, like how are you on his side? God replied but I thought you forgave him. It was like a bucket of ice water had been dumped on my head. God continued, see while you sitting here mad, holding grudges, being pissed off, he didn’t even remember. So who is really being hurt by your unforgiveness?
When I was a youth leader I told the young ppl all the time forgiveness is for you. You sitting around mad, bitter, not living life acting like your unforgiveness is hurting the person who hurt you. Acting like they are bothered by the fact that you have stopped talking to them or are mean mugging them or hate them. When in actuality they probably don’t ever remember.
To tell you the truth they really don’t need to remember. The bigger question is: Even if they asked for forgiveness would you give it? Even if they were sorry would you accept it?
When I realized how much this hurt was holding me back, making me bitter, affecting the way I talked to my husband, affected the way I interacted with ppl, caused to me to be agitated, short-temper and really someone I personally wouldn’t like I prayed, Lord, help me to forgive, heal this hurt and move on.
I said Lord, if he never says I’m sorry, if he never acknowledges my hurt, if he never apologizes and asks for forgiveness help me to forgive him anyway.
I would love to say that instantly I was set free. Nope! It was a struggle but by changing my attitude I changed my life.
I know, I hear y’all saying but that’s not fair. He should apologize. True, he should. But why should I allow that to control my life? I want to live in freedom and by not forgiving I was choosing to be enslaved by that hurt, to operate from a place of hurt and not freedom.
Our lives are a series of choices. It may not always seem like it but we always have a choice. If you are in jail you have the choice to comply or be combative. At work you have the choice to do the work or not. If you feel uncomfortable you have the choice to leave or not. No matter the situation there is always a choice. They aren’t always easy or exciting. Sometimes your choosing the lesser of two evils but you always have a choice.
The only person I have control over is myself. I can’t make someone apologize to me but I can forgive them and move on. I can stop being triggered by them. I can stop letting them mistreat me, I can live my life without allowing things and people to hold me back.
When you minister to other people you say a lot of things in theory that you haven’t necessarily had to put into practice. But now when I tell people to forgive it’s from a place of knowledge, of struggle.
You can argue me down about this but ask yourself: If I forgave would my life be richer, would I be happier, would I be free? Is that what you want?
I thought I had. I convinced myself I had but God always knows how to test your so called growth.
Any little thing my father did triggered me and brought me right back to that original hurt and all that pain would come flooding back.
Then one day I hit my limit because my family just didn’t understand why I was so angry and I said dad knows why, I told him why and his face went blank and he looked at me and said when?
Babay, I saw red! I said, that day that I called you and we talked for like 3 hrs. And he said, I don’t remember. In that moment I was so tight if my head could have exploded it would have. I had never felt that level of anger and hurt in my life.
Later that day I was still seething and asking myself how could he not remember? And God rebuked me. Then I was mad at God, like how are you on his side? God replied but I thought you forgave him. It was like a bucket of ice water had been dumped on my head. God continued, see while you sitting here mad, holding grudges, being pissed off, he didn’t even remember. So who is really being hurt by your unforgiveness?
When I was a youth leader I told the young ppl all the time forgiveness is for you. You sitting around mad, bitter, not living life acting like your unforgiveness is hurting the person who hurt you. Acting like they are bothered by the fact that you have stopped talking to them or are mean mugging them or hate them. When in actuality they probably don’t ever remember.
To tell you the truth they really don’t need to remember. The bigger question is: Even if they asked for forgiveness would you give it? Even if they were sorry would you accept it?
When I realized how much this hurt was holding me back, making me bitter, affecting the way I talked to my husband, affected the way I interacted with ppl, caused to me to be agitated, short-temper and really someone I personally wouldn’t like I prayed, Lord, help me to forgive, heal this hurt and move on.
I said Lord, if he never says I’m sorry, if he never acknowledges my hurt, if he never apologizes and asks for forgiveness help me to forgive him anyway.
I would love to say that instantly I was set free. Nope! It was a struggle but by changing my attitude I changed my life.
I know, I hear y’all saying but that’s not fair. He should apologize. True, he should. But why should I allow that to control my life? I want to live in freedom and by not forgiving I was choosing to be enslaved by that hurt, to operate from a place of hurt and not freedom.
Our lives are a series of choices. It may not always seem like it but we always have a choice. If you are in jail you have the choice to comply or be combative. At work you have the choice to do the work or not. If you feel uncomfortable you have the choice to leave or not. No matter the situation there is always a choice. They aren’t always easy or exciting. Sometimes your choosing the lesser of two evils but you always have a choice.
The only person I have control over is myself. I can’t make someone apologize to me but I can forgive them and move on. I can stop being triggered by them. I can stop letting them mistreat me, I can live my life without allowing things and people to hold me back.
When you minister to other people you say a lot of things in theory that you haven’t necessarily had to put into practice. But now when I tell people to forgive it’s from a place of knowledge, of struggle.
You can argue me down about this but ask yourself: If I forgave would my life be richer, would I be happier, would I be free? Is that what you want?
If the answer is yes, then you know what you need to do.
The Unlikely Missionary
DHW
Sunday, July 8, 2018
Serving God When Government is Wrong
I've been sitting with this post for a while because so many people have been using the Word of God to justify evil, using Romans 13 as a justification for killing people in the streets without impunity, taking babies from their mothers, deporting good, law abiding citizens.
Before I begin to speak to some of the crazy I will say this. Yes, we need to be responsible citizens and follow the law of the land. And most of the time just living according to God's commandments (Love Him, Love your neighbor) you will do so. Yes, there are consequences for breaking those laws. However, not all laws are just and as a Christian our first obligation is what God has commanded us (Acts 5:29).
The truth is God is love. He commands us to love our neighbor as our self. NONE of what is happening is loving or just or of God. You must ask yourself, would you want ANY of this happen to you. If the answer is no then you need make a serious adjustment.
Romans 13: 1-3 says, "Be a good citizen. All governments are under God. Insofar as there is peace and order, it’s God’s order. So live responsibly as a citizen. If you’re irresponsible to the state, then you’re irresponsible with God, and God will hold you responsible. Duly constituted authorities are only a threat if you’re trying to get by with something. Decent citizens should have nothing to fear."
The first argument that many make is, God is over all government so therefore He supports what this administration is doing.
FALSE.
First of all, with this argument that would mean that God is for every dictatorship, Hitler, and corrupt government that has ever been in existence. We know this is not true.
Yes, God is over all government. They does not mean that God is for all government. The two are not the same. He allows people to have power in a very similar way that He let the children of Israel have Saul for their king. God was not for Saul but He allowed Saul to come to power. Many Christians in this nation wanted this"king" and God let you have him. He also allowed the children of Israel to experience all the consequences of that desire.
Because God is over all government He can bring them down as well. Please remember that in the Bible God also left that same King Saul, destroyed whole kingdoms, and let His chosen people be taken into captivity for doing evil. America is no different.
Second, In this same Romans 13 it says that if there is peace and order it is from God. What is going on in this country is the exact opposite of that. There is no peace. Everyday there is a new story, a new horror and therefore is NOT of God.
Third, it says "Duly constituted authorities". What does that mean you ask? I asked the same thing. What it means is that those in authority over us are properly (formally valid and correct) appointed to govern us (Free Dictionary). It is my opinion that this government is not duly appointed because as the Senate committee quietly concluded, Russia meddled in our election.
Finally, the Bible says to follow the law. Protesting the government is not breaking the law. Standing in the gap for those who can't help themselves is not against the law. Separating families is not the law of this land.
Second, argument is, they are breaking the law so they get what they deserve.
FALSE.
What is true is that when you don't follow the law you invite bad consequences into your life. However, in most cases, those seeking asylum are not breaking the law. They are coming here to ask for help. With that being said even if they were breaking the law, God tells us as Christians to show people mercy. For my fellow Christians who show such heartlessness in the face of children being ripped from their mothers whether by ICE or an officer not following protocol, read James 2:13. When you are cold, heartless and merciless God will show you no mercy at judgement.
What we forget is that Jesus was the first person to call for the separation of church and state. You give to God what is God's and that trumps the law of the land. If the government is just then when following God you will be in alignment with the law. However, when the government is unjust that won't be the case. But following God is ALWAYS our first duty. How many times has preaching the Word of God been illegal? How many times has praying been against the law? Didn't Daniel end up in the lion's den for praying to God? How many times were Peter, John, John the Baptist, and Paul found guilty of breaking the law of the land yet they were following the commands of God?
If you say you are a Christian, God tells you to love Him, love your neighbor and show mercy. If you don't look at EVERYTHING through this lens you are not in line with God. If you try to justify ill treatment, unrighteousness and evil with God's Word He will deal with you in the same manner you have dealt with others. If you believe that people deserve to die because they didn't "comply" don't be surprised when that same mentality is visited upon you.
So as a Christian what do I do when the government is wrong?
First, pray.
1 Timothy 2:2-3 says, "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior,
People often assume this means pray for the success of those in leadership over us. That is not true. When the children of Israel cried out to God because the government over them was unjust they weren't praying for its success, they were praying for justice and deliverance (Judges 6:7; Exodus 3:9).
That is my prayer. God tells us to pray for all people that we may live peaceful and quiet lives. No where in that verse does it say to pray for success. It says to pray that you may live in peace. I have no peace knowing that children are being taken, put in cages and their parents being deported without them. If you have peace in your heart with that, something is wrong with you. So I will petition God for justice and deliverance and I will keep praying that until this government is brought down.
After I pray, I will fight. I will speak up as I'm doing here and where I can be most useful. We are all called to different levels of action. Do as you are so led.
Remember serving God does not mean that you always agree with government because not all the people in authority over us are right. God is love, God is peace. God calls us to love and show mercy. Thats it. So check yourself.
Before I begin to speak to some of the crazy I will say this. Yes, we need to be responsible citizens and follow the law of the land. And most of the time just living according to God's commandments (Love Him, Love your neighbor) you will do so. Yes, there are consequences for breaking those laws. However, not all laws are just and as a Christian our first obligation is what God has commanded us (Acts 5:29).
The truth is God is love. He commands us to love our neighbor as our self. NONE of what is happening is loving or just or of God. You must ask yourself, would you want ANY of this happen to you. If the answer is no then you need make a serious adjustment.
Romans 13: 1-3 says, "Be a good citizen. All governments are under God. Insofar as there is peace and order, it’s God’s order. So live responsibly as a citizen. If you’re irresponsible to the state, then you’re irresponsible with God, and God will hold you responsible. Duly constituted authorities are only a threat if you’re trying to get by with something. Decent citizens should have nothing to fear."
The first argument that many make is, God is over all government so therefore He supports what this administration is doing.
FALSE.
First of all, with this argument that would mean that God is for every dictatorship, Hitler, and corrupt government that has ever been in existence. We know this is not true.
Yes, God is over all government. They does not mean that God is for all government. The two are not the same. He allows people to have power in a very similar way that He let the children of Israel have Saul for their king. God was not for Saul but He allowed Saul to come to power. Many Christians in this nation wanted this"king" and God let you have him. He also allowed the children of Israel to experience all the consequences of that desire.
Because God is over all government He can bring them down as well. Please remember that in the Bible God also left that same King Saul, destroyed whole kingdoms, and let His chosen people be taken into captivity for doing evil. America is no different.
Second, In this same Romans 13 it says that if there is peace and order it is from God. What is going on in this country is the exact opposite of that. There is no peace. Everyday there is a new story, a new horror and therefore is NOT of God.
Third, it says "Duly constituted authorities". What does that mean you ask? I asked the same thing. What it means is that those in authority over us are properly (formally valid and correct) appointed to govern us (Free Dictionary). It is my opinion that this government is not duly appointed because as the Senate committee quietly concluded, Russia meddled in our election.
Finally, the Bible says to follow the law. Protesting the government is not breaking the law. Standing in the gap for those who can't help themselves is not against the law. Separating families is not the law of this land.
Second, argument is, they are breaking the law so they get what they deserve.
FALSE.
What is true is that when you don't follow the law you invite bad consequences into your life. However, in most cases, those seeking asylum are not breaking the law. They are coming here to ask for help. With that being said even if they were breaking the law, God tells us as Christians to show people mercy. For my fellow Christians who show such heartlessness in the face of children being ripped from their mothers whether by ICE or an officer not following protocol, read James 2:13. When you are cold, heartless and merciless God will show you no mercy at judgement.
What we forget is that Jesus was the first person to call for the separation of church and state. You give to God what is God's and that trumps the law of the land. If the government is just then when following God you will be in alignment with the law. However, when the government is unjust that won't be the case. But following God is ALWAYS our first duty. How many times has preaching the Word of God been illegal? How many times has praying been against the law? Didn't Daniel end up in the lion's den for praying to God? How many times were Peter, John, John the Baptist, and Paul found guilty of breaking the law of the land yet they were following the commands of God?
If you say you are a Christian, God tells you to love Him, love your neighbor and show mercy. If you don't look at EVERYTHING through this lens you are not in line with God. If you try to justify ill treatment, unrighteousness and evil with God's Word He will deal with you in the same manner you have dealt with others. If you believe that people deserve to die because they didn't "comply" don't be surprised when that same mentality is visited upon you.
So as a Christian what do I do when the government is wrong?
First, pray.
1 Timothy 2:2-3 says, "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior,
People often assume this means pray for the success of those in leadership over us. That is not true. When the children of Israel cried out to God because the government over them was unjust they weren't praying for its success, they were praying for justice and deliverance (Judges 6:7; Exodus 3:9).
That is my prayer. God tells us to pray for all people that we may live peaceful and quiet lives. No where in that verse does it say to pray for success. It says to pray that you may live in peace. I have no peace knowing that children are being taken, put in cages and their parents being deported without them. If you have peace in your heart with that, something is wrong with you. So I will petition God for justice and deliverance and I will keep praying that until this government is brought down.
After I pray, I will fight. I will speak up as I'm doing here and where I can be most useful. We are all called to different levels of action. Do as you are so led.
Remember serving God does not mean that you always agree with government because not all the people in authority over us are right. God is love, God is peace. God calls us to love and show mercy. Thats it. So check yourself.
The Unlikely Missionary
DHW
Monday, July 2, 2018
Sowers of the Flesh
In the American Church today, unfortunately, many are sowers of the flesh in the name of Jesus.
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
We love to focus on the fact that God is a loving God, and that is ABSOLUTELY true. But love does not mean the absence of correction and punishment.
I often am angered by people who put God in a bad light especially those who support the vile things that have been happening in this country as of late and justifying it with scripture. I don't need to be worried about those individuals because God's got this. However to those who inflict pain in the Name of God...
God gives us a choice in everything we do. Our choices are our own and He stays out of it unless we invite Him in. However, when we use His Word to justify that which is COMPLETELY contradictory to who He is, God will not be mocked.
But DHW, why would God step in at that point? Because just like you don't like your words to be twisted, He don't like it either.
We as Christians forget that because we are so caught up in the love. But God will not hesitate to rebuke and bring down anyone. The Bible is full of examples of people He has knocked down a peg or a thousand - King Saul, Paul, Jonah, Moses, David and they are all better men than those in the world today (well except maybe King Saul).
We love to pick and choose verses to support our choices and decisions. However, you can't just use some scripture. If some is true all its all true and you should fear the incorrect use of God's Word. People who say they are Christians believe that because they get away with things when they are happening that they will not experience consequences. I'm sorry to burst your bubble but God promises you that whatever you sow you will reap (verse above; Galatians 6:7-8).
If you sow hatred, if you sow disdain, if you sow uncompassion, if you show no mercy or grace, if you sow disregard for humanity.
Many of our elected officials, #PermitPattys and #BBQBeckys are beginning to experience this. You cannot treat others poorly and then expect others to treat you kindly. That is counter to the Word of God.
What is happening now with the killing of innocent people, ripping families apart, justifying ill treatment and hate is breaking the very rule of God. He gave us two commandments. Just TWO! And we can't even do that.
The way you operate is the way you will be treated. We are so quick to accuse others, to condemn others but truthfully, the Bible and its teachings are for the believer. Remember Jesus rebuked the Pharisees and Sadducees; the "believers" and the "law keepers", not the "unbelievers". If you are a believer, all the things you are pointing the finger at others for God is saying, "Hey, I'm talking to you finger pointer because the stake in your eye is enormous"(Matthew 7:1-5).
I am always careful with the Word of God because God warns you about using His Word for evil. You don't get away with it. We ALL will sit in the seat of judgement (2 Corinthians 5:10) and I would rather receive my punishment here than it be met out before God.
Everything that has been happening lately in the name of God has been sowing of the Flesh and not sowing of the Spirit. The Spirit brings life not destruction and the individuals sowing of the Flesh will reap in the flesh and receive their "reward" in the flesh. Their actions show where their treasures are stored and since it is here on earth it is not in heaven (Matthew 6:19-2).
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
We love to focus on the fact that God is a loving God, and that is ABSOLUTELY true. But love does not mean the absence of correction and punishment.
I often am angered by people who put God in a bad light especially those who support the vile things that have been happening in this country as of late and justifying it with scripture. I don't need to be worried about those individuals because God's got this. However to those who inflict pain in the Name of God...
I am very sorry because that is not the nature of God.
God gives us a choice in everything we do. Our choices are our own and He stays out of it unless we invite Him in. However, when we use His Word to justify that which is COMPLETELY contradictory to who He is, God will not be mocked.
But DHW, why would God step in at that point? Because just like you don't like your words to be twisted, He don't like it either.
We as Christians forget that because we are so caught up in the love. But God will not hesitate to rebuke and bring down anyone. The Bible is full of examples of people He has knocked down a peg or a thousand - King Saul, Paul, Jonah, Moses, David and they are all better men than those in the world today (well except maybe King Saul).
We love to pick and choose verses to support our choices and decisions. However, you can't just use some scripture. If some is true all its all true and you should fear the incorrect use of God's Word. People who say they are Christians believe that because they get away with things when they are happening that they will not experience consequences. I'm sorry to burst your bubble but God promises you that whatever you sow you will reap (verse above; Galatians 6:7-8).
If you sow hatred, if you sow disdain, if you sow uncompassion, if you show no mercy or grace, if you sow disregard for humanity.
YOU WILL REAP THOSE THINGS!
What is happening now with the killing of innocent people, ripping families apart, justifying ill treatment and hate is breaking the very rule of God. He gave us two commandments. Just TWO! And we can't even do that.
The way you operate is the way you will be treated. We are so quick to accuse others, to condemn others but truthfully, the Bible and its teachings are for the believer. Remember Jesus rebuked the Pharisees and Sadducees; the "believers" and the "law keepers", not the "unbelievers". If you are a believer, all the things you are pointing the finger at others for God is saying, "Hey, I'm talking to you finger pointer because the stake in your eye is enormous"(Matthew 7:1-5).
I am always careful with the Word of God because God warns you about using His Word for evil. You don't get away with it. We ALL will sit in the seat of judgement (2 Corinthians 5:10) and I would rather receive my punishment here than it be met out before God.
Everything that has been happening lately in the name of God has been sowing of the Flesh and not sowing of the Spirit. The Spirit brings life not destruction and the individuals sowing of the Flesh will reap in the flesh and receive their "reward" in the flesh. Their actions show where their treasures are stored and since it is here on earth it is not in heaven (Matthew 6:19-2).
Some of ya'll gonna find out cuz He will reward you for what you have done and what you amass on earth won't go with you to heaven. Get right people.
The Unlikely Missionary
DHW
Friday, June 29, 2018
Letting Go... Allowing Grace
When there is no grace the consequences of your action can be utter destruction .
We live in the time of grace.
But...
Shame is a powerful thing. And pride is what keeps you shackled by your shame. Hiding it behind closed doors even from God. It’s ironic really that we try to hide our shame from a all seeing, all knowing God.
How much do we miss out on because of our pride? How much do we suffer alone? It brings me to the woman at the well. When Jesus told her all she had done she could have, in her pride, denied it. But she didn’t, she owned it and instead of condemnation she received living water, eternal life.
How many of us have been told the truth about ourselves and vehemently denied it? How much have we missed out on because of it? How many opportunities have passed us by because our pride has caused us to hide our shame? God can’t fix, God can’t use, God can’t turn around that which you don’t give to him.
When Jesus spoke to the woman at the well it was because he knew who she and what she needed. His mission was not to make her feel bad but to offer her the opportunity to let go of the shame in order to find the love, the joy, the peace she was seeking that was eluding her. Then through her she told others of the Messiah.
People shame us. The law shames us. The law saws lock them up and throw away the key. But we live in the time of God's grace. And I am not living for people I am living for God. For "in him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace" Ephesians 1:7. And if He has redeemed me others opinions mean nothing.
God redeems us. And this message is for you as much as it is for me. EVERYTHING is redeemable. There is no expiration date. If confess with your mouth and believe in your heart you SHALL be saved. Its already done but you have to accept it, you have to invite Him in. Give it to God. He sees it anyway so why hold it alone when you can be bathed in His love?
We live in the time of grace.
But...
Shame is a powerful thing. And pride is what keeps you shackled by your shame. Hiding it behind closed doors even from God. It’s ironic really that we try to hide our shame from a all seeing, all knowing God.
How much do we miss out on because of our pride? How much do we suffer alone? It brings me to the woman at the well. When Jesus told her all she had done she could have, in her pride, denied it. But she didn’t, she owned it and instead of condemnation she received living water, eternal life.
How many of us have been told the truth about ourselves and vehemently denied it? How much have we missed out on because of it? How many opportunities have passed us by because our pride has caused us to hide our shame? God can’t fix, God can’t use, God can’t turn around that which you don’t give to him.
When Jesus spoke to the woman at the well it was because he knew who she and what she needed. His mission was not to make her feel bad but to offer her the opportunity to let go of the shame in order to find the love, the joy, the peace she was seeking that was eluding her. Then through her she told others of the Messiah.
“Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did."
I struggle with shame very much. In my personal walk it is the hardest thing for me to surrender to God because I care very much about how people perceive me. I work hard to seem perfect to those around me because admitting my faults has always equated failure to me. I was told from a young age that my name was all I had and that I should do nothing to dishonor it. And I have always believed that failure was dishonor and that was the end. The truth is that failure is not the end. Messing up doesn’t mean you are a waste. No matter what you do, you matter to God and God can use you if you can confess it and surrender it to Him. But if you can’t admit it and give it to Him there is nothing He can do.
People shame us. The law shames us. The law saws lock them up and throw away the key. But we live in the time of God's grace. And I am not living for people I am living for God. For "in him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace" Ephesians 1:7. And if He has redeemed me others opinions mean nothing.
God redeems us. And this message is for you as much as it is for me. EVERYTHING is redeemable. There is no expiration date. If confess with your mouth and believe in your heart you SHALL be saved. Its already done but you have to accept it, you have to invite Him in. Give it to God. He sees it anyway so why hold it alone when you can be bathed in His love?
The Unlikely Missionary
DHW
Thursday, June 28, 2018
Who Do You Say That I AM?
Many people have many different ideas of Jesus but do you believe that he is the great I AM? The Messiah, the Savior? The ultimate sacrifice? He is all those things. What matter is, Do you believe that?
Confess. Believe. Be Saved.
Be blessed!
The Unlikely Missionary
DHW
Was he a poet turned
Radical politician
Trying to start a revolution
A preacher on a mission
Talkin bout fishing
In a new kind of kingdom
Or a small town wannabe tired
Of carpentry
Carving out a little fame
John or Elijah, teacher,
Messiah
Or just someone trying to
Make a name
Could the one we know as
Mary's son
Be the long awaited Holy One
So you're a cynic
Oh, well I get it
It's hard to trust what you
Can't see
You've been broken
How can you hope in
Or believe in a mystery
Oh, you oughta know, gotta
Know where you stand
Who do you say that I am
Who do you say that I am
Two thousand years counting,
The question's still mounting
The answer's still
A mustard seed
Science can't prove it,
Critics accuse it
Of being a crutch for the weak
And the leper's still leaping,
The blind man seeing
Is just a nice fairy tale
Fact or fiction, are we all
Just wishin'
On pennies down in a well
While you're weary wrestling
With the truth
Could the truth be reaching
Out to you
So you're a cynic
Oh, well I get it
It's hard to trust what you
Can't see
You've been broken
How can you hope in
Or believe in a mystery
Oh, you oughta know, gotta
Know where you stand
Who do you say that I am
Who do you say that I am
Though they question if I'm
Just a man
Still the answer is who you say
That I am
So you're a cynic
Oh, well I get it
It's hard to trust what you
Can't see
You've been broken
How can you hope in
Or believe in a mystery
All of your questions
Just keep you guessing
When all you want is to be free
Oh you oughta know, gotta
Know where you stand
Who do you say that i am
Oh you oughta know, gotta
Know where you stand
Who do you say that i am
Who do you say that i am
Who do you say that i am
Music video by David Phelps performing Who Do You Say That I Am.
(C) 2015 Spring House Music Group
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