Does God Expect Perfection?

This is a question I used to ask all the time, but then I read this verse in the bible and it got me wondering again.

Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Mathew 5:48

Jesus says this during his sermon on the mount. He just gave teachings like the beatitudes and covered topics such as adultery, murder, and prayer. Jesus concludes this by a verse saying "Be perfect."

If God expects perfection, we're all doomed. There is absolutely no way we can be perfect. And isn't that exactly what Jesus wanted to get across? In Exodus, the law was established to show Israel just how messed up they were. (Romans 3:20) We cannot uphold the law on our own. There's just no way that could happen. If the end of the story was that we need to be perfect, there would be no hope. Aren't you glad that this was just the beginning?

Jesus came to die, but before death, he had to live a perfect life. He came be perfect because he knew we couldn't. He fulfilled the law because God knew we never could.

If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.
Psalm 130:3-4

Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous, no one who does what is right and never sins.
Ecclesiastes 7:20

These two verses say it. We can't stand before God on our own. We cannot be perfect.

You guys probably knew that already. I just wanted to make sure we were all on the same page. So now, let's get back on topic.

If God expected perfection from us, he never would have sent Jesus, his son.

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.
Luke 19:10

Jesus said this to Zacchaeus. He told Zachaeus that his sins were forgiven (Luke 19:9). He doesn't expect us to be perfect, God, the righteous judge, needs some atonement for sin and that would be Jesus.

Jesus wasn't lying, he wasn't just saying something. He said what he said in Mathew 5:48 to make a point, and I think that is this: There needs to be perfection for us to get to heaven. Be glad Jesus is willing to be that perfection for you.

The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. Otherwise, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins. But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins. It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.
Hebrews 10:1-4

Photo Credit:

http://gallery.yopriceville.com/Free-Clipart-Pictures/Angels-PNG/Cute_Angel_Free_PNG_Clipart_Picture#.UvFErz1dWSo

The Fool

As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly.
Proverbs 26:11

I thought of this verse in proverbs as I was watching my dog eat her vomit. It then struck me just how great this proverb describes sin and foolishness.

When we sin, especially return to a sin, we don't grasp how nasty it is. Just like a dog doesn't understand that you just don't eat vomit, we don't don't understand how God feels. We just shouldn't return to our sin. If something hurts us once, why try it again? We wouldn't repeatedly touch a hot stove, would we? So why is sin any different?

The second things I got from watching my dog was this: we try to make ourselves feel better about it first. My dog ate grass before returning to her vomit because she was trying to soothe her stomach first. There are times when we try or pretend to be repentant, to make ourselves feel better, but ultimately, we still come back. Why? We try to fill up on sin. After we "vomit" we're left feeling empty. Instead of turning to God, we decide to try the sin again.

Third, she won't puke in her master's house. When she feels like she's getting sick, she'll let us know she wants to go out because she doesn't want to vomit in her master's home. She has to go somewhere we won't see her, or at least were she thinks we won't. I can see the whole yard from a certain window in my house, but she doesn't know that.

God stands at the widow. He can see you just as well outside as he can in. There's no use in trying to hide from God. The only thing you can do is go to God and beg for forgiveness

If you, LORD, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.
Psalm 130:3-4

Without Excuse

I think pretty much everyone hates excuses. We can make excuse now, but when God judges us after our death, there are no excuses

Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.
Romans 1:32

A few posts ago, I wrote on what the bible says about homosexuality. When I read over that post a few days ago, this last verse stuck out to me. Particularly the first part, "Although they know God’s righteous decree..." 
Early in this chapter, Paul writes this famous verse:

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
Roman 1:20

So pretty much, Romans one is telling us that God is not one for excuses. When we die, no one is going to get to heaven by excuse (Luke 14:16-20) because we all know. No one needs to read the bible to know who God is. And no one has to read the bible to know what sin, or that it's wrong.
Then there are excuses we might try to make after we've come to Christ, but there are tons of excuses that are mentioned all throughout the bible, including these:

1. I'm not good enough (Exodus 4:10-17)
2. I'm to good to do that (2 King 5:1-14)
3. They won't listen (Ezekiel 2:1-7)
4. It wasn't me, it was _____ (Genesis 3:9-13) (1 Samuel 15:17-21)
5. Maybe tomorrow... (Proverbs 27:1)

People all over the bible make excuses time and time again and God is always shown to despise them. I think it's safe to say we all struggle with making excuse. I know I do.
But excuses go against the bible. They allow us to think that we can get away with things when really, we can't. On day, all of us will stand before God and all the excuses we've made will be worthless. Only Jesus can excuse our sin.
So stop with the excuses. You are capable of anything God calls you to do! 

I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13

Photo Credit:
http://simplechristianthoughts.com/without-excuse/

Daily Reminders #24

Ascribe to the LORD, you heavenly beings, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.

Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.

The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD thunders over the mighty waters.
The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is majestic.
The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.

He makes Lebanon leap like a calf, Sirion like a young wild ox.

The voice of the LORD strikes with flashes of lightning.

The voice of the LORD shakes the desert; the LORD shakes the Desert of Kadesh.

The voice of the LORD twists the oaks and strips the forests bare. And in his temple all cry, "Glory!"
The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD is enthroned as King forever.
The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.
Psalm 29

Photo Credit:
Niagara Falls: Me
Water: http://cah4el.wordpress.com/2011/04/13/in-a-still-small-voice-you-spoke/
Calf: http://www.wildnatureimages.com/
Lightining: http://krolowa-superstar.blog.pl/2013/06/29/podczas-burzy-lepiej-nie-uprawiac-sportow-na-swiezym-powietrzu/
Desert: http://bodymindspirittheawakening.blogspot.com/2012/12/40-days-in-desert.html
Tree: http://artistsinresidenceproject.blogspot.com/2012/01/my-first-red-cedar.html

Galatians: Predestination (Part 3)

I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin.
I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.
For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it.
I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers.
Galatians 1:11-14

The bible is not some made up fairy tale, it's not a ghost story told around a campfire. The bible is the God reveling himself through men.
Paul literally went blind from the majesty of God, from the holiness of God when he was going to Damascus. Paul knows that God is real because he experienced God's presence. Paul was a religious leader, until God turned his whole world upside down. Paul knows that he is not making up what he is writing.

But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased
to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being.
Galatians 1:15-16

Before we are even born, God had already selected me to be a Christian, to do his work. God has everything worked out for good. God is in control!
I know that some of my reads might doubted that God does indeed predestine humans. Know that if you're already christian, we you became one, it was entirely your choice. God did not force you into become one of his children, but it's more like this:
If you were to adopted a child, you would pick one child to take home from the orphanage. All the orphans need a home, but you can only take one. You love them all, you want them all to have a family, but you cannot take ever orphan home.
Likewise, God loves everyone. He wants everyone to be a part of his family, but not everyone can come to heaven.

For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will
Ephesians 1:5

In Ephesians, Paul also brings up the idea of predestination.
I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus.
Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days.
I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord’s brother.
I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie.
Then I went to Syria and Cilicia.
I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ.
They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.”
And they praised God because of me.
Galatians 1:17-24

The bible is not a joke, it's the God inspired book written of thousands of years by dozens of different authors.

I want you to know...the gospel I preached is not of human origin.I did not receive it

from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.

Previous
Next (Coming Soon!)
First

Photo Credit:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Conversion_on_the_Way_to_Damascus-Caravaggio_(c.1600-1).jpg

What does it mean to fear God?

The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them...Fear the LORD, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
Psalm 34:7;9-10

Psalm 34 is all about fearing God. It includes the rewards for fearing God and the punishment for not doing so. This might make you wonder what exactly, it means to fear God. First, I want to be sure everyone understand that fear of God is a positive thing. Here are a few examples of this:

• Exodus 1:17: Because the midwives feared God, they obeyed him instead of Pharaoh by sparing the Hebrew babies
• Exodus 9:29-31: Pharaoh brought disaster on his nation because he did not fear God
• Exodus 18:21: Moses was to choose leaders who feared God and wouldn't take bribes
• Exodus 20:20: Moses told the Hebrews that they should fear God to keep them from sinning 
• Leviticus 19:14; 32: The law says fear of God as a reason to treat the disabled and elderly well
• 2 Corinthains 7:1: Paul says to work toward complete holiness because we fear God

Fear of God is obviously not a bad thing, but is is indeed, fear, not a holy reverence.

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Mathew 10:28

Jesus says so himself. The bible does say over and over again to fear not, but what Jesus is saying is that shouldn't fear creation, but the creator. The creator is the one who decides if we go to heaven or to hell.

Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.
Ecclesiastes 12:13

Serve the LORD with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling. Kiss his son, or he will be angry and your way will lead to your destruction, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
Psalm 2:11-12

I've talking on God's wrath before, so I'll get to the point. The point is 1 John 4:18 says "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." So this may seem like a contradiction. How can we love and fear God at the same time? This verse says we can't.
Well Jesus is the best example of fear and love working together. He warned us over and over again to not fear men, but to fear God. He spoke lovingly, but frankly to all people because we all need to face our sin and repent. But he also demonstrated love beyond human understanding

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.
John 15:12-13

Photo Credit:
http://survivingsurvivalism.com/fear.htm

Sources:
http://www.christianitytoday.com/biblestudies/bible-answers/spirituallife/what-does-it-mean-to-fear-god.html

Micah: Vengeance is Mine (Part 8)

Marshal your troops now, city of troops, for a siege is laid against us. They will strike Israel's ruler on the cheek with a rod. "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor bears a son, and the rest of his brothers return to join the Israelites. He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And he will be our peace when the Assyrians invade our land and march through our fortresses.
Micah 5:1-5a

Micah has prophesied about destruction, judgement, justice, sin, and false prophets/teacher. Now, Micah is tell us about the one who can save us from all of this and the one who will judge those who choose to not be saved, and that would be Jesus. The most important thing in these first five verses is that Jesus' "greatness will reach to the ends of the earth." Even when bad happen, his greatness will be there.

And he will be our peace when the Assyrians invade our land and march through our fortresses.

I love how Micah puts this. Even when there are invaders, Jesus will be our peace. When everyone else, is freaking out because people are marching through our fortress, Jesus' greatness will still remain.

We will raise against them seven shepherds, even eight commanders, who will rule the land of Assyria with the sword, the land of Nimrod with drawn sword. He will deliver us from the Assyrians when they invade our land and march across our borders. The remnant of Jacob will be among the nations, in the midst of many peoples, like a lion among the beasts of the forest, like a young lion among flocks of sheep, which mauls and mangles as it goes, and no one can rescue. Your hand will be lifted up in triumph over your enemies, and all your foes will be destroyed.
Micah 5:5b-9

Later in this chapter, Micah focuses on the negative side of God's judgment, but right now, Micah highlights the fact that God will deliver them. Micah reminders us that delivereance will come, before getting into the details of the destruction.

"In that day," declares the LORD, "I will destroy your horses from among you and demolish your chariots. I will destroy the cities of your land and tear down all your strongholds. I will destroy your witchcraft and you will no longer cast spells. I will destroy your idols and your sacred stones from among you; you will no longer bow down to the work of your hands. I will uproot from among you your Asherah poles when I demolish your cities. I will take vengeance in anger and wrath on the nations that have not obeyed me."
Micah 5:10-15

Micah prophecies about God's judgement time and time again, but there are a few things Micah mentions that have become idols to the people of Isreal:

1. Horses, chariots (This would be technology)
2. Strongholds (buildings)
3. Witchcraft, spells, (superstition)
4. Idols, scared stones, Asherah poles (false religions)

These are things people can become obsessed with in modern time, whether be getting the newest phones, computers, TVs, etc. or practicing a false religion such as Islam, Hinduism, and Atheism.
But Micah also reminds us that it not our place to avenge sin. God says through Micah: "I will take vengeance in anger and wrath on the nations that have not obeyed me."

It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them."

Dueteronomy 32:35

-Ruth

Previous

Next (Coming Soon!)
First

Sources:
http://www.holydevotion.org/micah/2009/06/micah-510-15-standing-on-rock.html

Photo Credit:
http://untilallhaveheard1.wordpress.com/2010/07/06/the-prophets-and-prophecy-m-dods/

Micah: Who is Like God? (Part 7)

In the last days the mountain of the LORD's temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and peoples will stream to it.
Micah 4:1

This refers to a temple in Jerusalem, the 3rd temple. "The last days" refers to before the events in revelation. Since the third temple has yet to be built, Micah is making a prediction that's waiting to be fulfilled. Ezekiel 40 describes the physical appearance of the temple, but Micah describes something different.

Many nations will come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths." The law will go out from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
He will judge between many peoples and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.
Everyone will sit under their own vine and under their own fig tree, and no one will make them afraid, for the LORD Almighty has spoken. All the nations may walk in the name of their gods, but we will walk in the name of the LORD our God for ever and ever.
Micah 4:2-5

Micah means "Who is Like God?" and this helps when your look for what Micah means.
In the old testament, the temple was how God communicated with his people. You need to sacrifice at the temple to have your sins forgiven.
Once Jesus died on the cross, there was no need for the temple and it was destroyed in a later invasion of Israel.
But what we see is the temple coming back and we see what happens when the temple is rebuilt.
Who is like God?
God has chosen to reveal himself to his people by a third temple.

for the LORD Almighty has spoken.

"In that day," declares the LORD, "I will gather the lame; I will assemble the exiles and those I have brought to grief. I will make the lame my remnant, those driven away a strong nation. The LORD will rule over them in Mount Zion from that day and forever. As for you, watchtower of the flock, stronghold of Daughter Zion, the former dominion will be restored to you; kingship will come to Daughter Jerusalem." Why do you now cry aloud— have you no king? Has your ruler perished, that pain seizes you like that of a woman in labor? Writhe in agony, Daughter Zion, like a woman in labor, for now you must leave the city to camp in the open field. You will go to Babylon; there you will be rescued. There the LORD will redeem you out of the hand of your enemies.
Micah 4:6-10

Who is like God?
Only God can keep a perfect balance between justice and mercy.
God punishes his people, but he also promises to gather them back together.

But now many nations are gathered against you. They say, "Let her be defiled, let our eyes gloat over Zion!" But they do not know the thoughts of the LORD; they do not understand his plan, that he has gathered them like sheaves to the threshing floor.
Micah 4:11-12

This prophecy is already starting to be fulfilled. Nations have always been rising up against Israel. More modern examples would be Hilter and conflicts with Egypt, Jordan,Syria, and Iraq.

"Rise and thresh, Daughter Zion, for I will give you horns of iron; I will give you hooves of bronze, and you will break to pieces many nations." You will devote their ill-gotten gains to the LORD, their wealth to the Lord of all the earth.
Micah 4:13

Who is like God?
God still helps his people, despite the many times they've turned their backs on him. God will bring them victory, allowing them to destroy many nations. Who is like God?

Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in front of the whole assembly of Israel, spread out his hands toward heaven and said: "LORD, the God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below—you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way.
1 Kings 8:22-23

-Ruth

Previous

Next
First

Photo Credit:
http://eschatologytoday.blogspot.com/2009/11/school-to-prepare-for-rebuilt-temple.html

Micah: Justice (Part 6)

Then I said, "Listen, you leaders of Jacob, you rulers of Israel. Should you not embrace justice, you who hate good and love evil; who tear the skin from my people and the flesh from their bones; who eat my people's flesh, strip off their skin and break their bones in pieces; who chop them up like meat for the pan, like flesh for the pot?" Then they will cry out to the LORD, but he will not answer them. At that time he will hide his face from them because of the evil they have done.
Micah 3:1-4

After reading through the book of Micah, I got the feeling that Micah had a very strong sense of justice. He is still defending Judah because he thinks it's not their fault. Micah says that they have been lead astray by their leaders and God agrees with him.

This is what the LORD says: "As for the prophets who lead my people astray, they proclaim 'peace' if they have something to eat, but prepare to wage war against anyone who refuses to feed them. Therefore night will come over you, without visions, and darkness, without divination. The sun will set for the prophets, and the day will go dark for them. The seers will be ashamed and the diviners disgraced. They will all cover their faces because there is no answer from God."
Micah 3:5-7

I can relate to Micah because I also have a strong sense of justice. God has a strong sense of justice too, but he loves us more than he loves justice. That is why he sets aside being fair and gives us something better that justice. He gives us mercy.
God has given the false prophets a chance for mercy, but he does have to have a sacrifice for sin, whether that's a lamb (old testament) or Jesus' death or, if you don't except these, you are the sacrifice. If you don't accept the savior, you must burn up in hell.
Here, God is thinking of ending the age of the prophets. Prophets were suppose to be God's way to communicate to his people, but even they were becoming corrupted and their corruptness was rubbing off on the Israelite. God knew he had to stop this, but first God gave a chance for repentance through Micah because Micah was one of the few people who still had faith in God.

But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the LORD, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin.
Micah 3:8

Micah is a righteous prophet. Even though people are against him, he stands strong because he longs to please God.
The false prophets are telling the people exactly what they want to hear. No one wants to believe that Micah is right. They don't want judgement, so they believe the false prophets and continue with their lives as if nothing's wrong.
The same is true of today. Their are false pastors and teachers who tell people what they want to hear and they usually have a huge audience because who doesn't want to be told what they want to hear? Everyone wants to be told that God is fine with their sin.
But then there are the pastor and teachers like Micah who tell you what God wants you to hear. They tell you what the bible says, not what the world says. Those are the people you should listen to.

Hear this, you leaders of Jacob, you rulers of Israel, who despise justice and distort all that is right; who build Zion with bloodshed, and Jerusalem with wickedness. Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets tell fortunes for money. Yet they look for the LORD's support and say, "Is not the LORD among us? No disaster will come upon us." Therefore because of you, Zion will be plowed like a field, Jerusalem will become a heap of rubble, the temple hill a mound overgrown with thickets.
Micah 3:9-12

Previous

Next
First

Photo Credit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Micah_prophet.jpg

Micah: The Deliberate Sinner (Part 4)

Woe to those who plan iniquity, to those who plot evil on their beds! At morning's light they carry it out because it is in their power to do it.
They covet fields and seize them, and houses, and take them. They defraud people of their homes, they rob them of their inheritance.
Micah 2:1-2

There's sin, and that's bad, but what's even worse is when someone plans their sin. Micah isn't the only bible verse that says this.

I have a message from God in my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked: There is no fear of God before their eyes. In their own eyes they flatter themselves too much to detect or hate their sin. The words of their mouths are wicked and deceitful; they fail to act wisely or do good. Even on their beds they plot evil; they commit themselves to a sinful course and do not reject what is wrong.
Psalm 36:1-4

" 'But anyone who sins defiantly, whether native-born or foreigner, blasphemes the LORD and must be cut off from the people of Israel.
Number 15:30

If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.
Hebrews 10:26-27

Deliberate sin is wrong, the old and new testament both agree on that.

Therefore, the LORD says: "I am planning disaster against this people, from which you cannot save yourselves. You will no longer walk proudly, for it will be a time of calamity.
Micah 2:3

Micah is very straightforward. He tells us "Don't do this because God will do this." If you deliberately sin, God will plan disaster for you. This might be dooming you to hell, or there might be disasters on earth.

In that day people will ridicule you; they will taunt you with this mournful song: 'We are utterly ruined; my people's possession is divided up. He takes it from me! He assigns our fields to traitors.' "
Therefore you will have no one in the assembly of the LORD to divide the land by lot.
Micah 2:4-5

If you plan sin, you will be punished. God does punish sin. It's not always immediate, but it does happen.

Previous
Next
First

God Provides

Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Hebrews 13:20-21

These are some pretty powerful words. God equips us to do whatever we need to do. Equip means to provide whatever is needed for use or for any undertaking. 

This is the authors conclusion, and that's because he wants to leave the Hebrews with an outstanding promise from God. He wants them to know that God will provide, that even when you feel like giving up, God will provide.

We should also desire to be equipped

So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?"

1 Kings 3:9

This is were Solomon asks God for wisdom. God was so pleased with his request that he gave more than just wisdom, he gave him glory and wealth. If we desire to have wisdom and desire to be equipped, God will equip you and he will give you wisdom (James 1:5)

But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble."

James 4:6

If you are humble enough to tell God you need his help, he will show you favor.

God is willing to equip us, but the question is will you let him?

You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit!

Acts 7:51

Do not quench the Spirit.

1 Thessalonians 5:19

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Ephesians 4:30

These three verses tell us the we can resist, quench, and grieve the Holy Spirit. So while we are equipped to do anything God wants us to do, the choice is ours. Knowing that God has taken the time to prepare you for life, how could you resist him?

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.
Ephesians 4:11-14

Sources:

http://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/dbdbg/view.cfm
http://preceptaustin.org/hebrews_1320-21.htm
http://www.celebrationchurchlive.com/2012/06/08/god-equips-the-called/

Photo Credit:
http://sacredsharingsforthesoul.blogspot.com/2013/02/all-things-through-christ-by-cc.html

God's Approval

To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'
Luke 18:9-12

This Pharisee is shown trying to find God's approval outside of God's grace. He tells God about all he is (and isn't) and doesn't even ask for forgiveness once.
The head pastor of my church made this list what self-righteous people do. Here it is:

• They are confident in their own words
• They follow a list a "dos" and "don'ts"
• They pride themselves in their own standards
• They place confidence in how they look or act
• They see themselves as a model of holiness
• They are critical and judgmental of others
• They associate with those who are like-minded
• They scorn those who don't promote them
• They really believe God sees them as being spiritually superior
• They are prideful, but cloak it with false humility
• They are a danger to the church and evangelism
• They demean the cross and the mercy of God

"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'

Luke 18:13

The humble find their approval from God's mercy. The tax collector didn't even find himself worthy enough to look up to heaven when he prayed. His sin weighed him down and so all he asked was "God, have mercy on me, a sinner."

"I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

Luke 18:14

Rather than saying forgiven, Jesus said justified.

Justified- to declare innocent or guiltless; absolve; acquit.

The tax collector has a new standing before God. The tax collector is not just forgiven, he is declared innocent. He has received approval and righteousness in God's eyes.

In this parable, we see two approaches for righteousness:

1. The "outside in" approach is where you look to righteousness on the outside so God will approve of you.
2. The "inside out" approach is where you seek mercy and forgiveness for sin. This approach gets God's approval

Sources:

My Pastor

Photo Credit:

http://stanfordtranscripts.blogspot.com/2009/01/luke-18-uc-davis-12009-9to-some-who.html

A Free Heart

I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws. I hold fast to your statutes, LORD; do not let me be put to shame. I run in the path of your commands, for you have broadened my understanding. Teach me, LORD, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end. Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared. Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good.
Psalm 119:30-39

As a Christian, God sets our heart free from sin, distractions, and anything we put above God. The only reason we can obey God is because he frees us.
Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.
This author is talking about anything we have above God. Since this author is talking about something bad. I get this idea because it's something that this person wants remove. Of course, it doesn't need to be bad, it could be something that gets in his way and the author feels he would be better off without this worthless thing. And by reading the earlier verses "Teach me, LORD, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end. Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart." This guy has already said he wants to follow God's rules. I think it makes sense to think that he's talking about something bad, or something that's not bad in itself, but it was getting in his way of worshiping God. 
I run in the path of your commands, for you have broadened my understanding...Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart.
God sets our heart free. Our heart is imprisoned by sin and guilt, but God sets us free from that. Even before before God sent Jesus to die for us, he still gave people the option of having a free heart. God wants you to have a free heart too.
Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared. Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good.
This author fears disgrace. He wants promises fulfilled and God to be feared. He says that God's laws are good. Every last one of them. I think the author of the song wants to make sure there is nothing between him and God. No fear, no sin. The author wants to make sure he's doing what's right.
Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart.
The song writer wants understanding, as we all should. If you ask for understanding or wisdom, God will give it to you (James 1:5). So if you lack wisdom, then ask God for it. That is one thing God will give you.

Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart—they do no wrong but follow his ways...Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees! Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands. I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws. I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me. How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Psalm 199:2-3;5-11

David Chose Five Stones

"Is that why David took five stones from the brook? One was enough for Goliath."

-David C. Brown (Commenting to Goliath had a Brother?)

This is one things that the bible doesn't give any answer to, but by looking at a few verses, I can make a few guesses as to why he might have chosen to collect five stones instead of one using the info that I have been given.

Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd's bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.
1 Samuel 17:40

While it is a popular belief that the remaining four stones were used for Goliath's brothers, there are a few problems with this idea.

1. Goliaths brother were killed  later on in David's lifetime, and it makes no since to keep those stones, waiting for killing the older brothers.
2. There are a total of 6 brothers mentioned in the two passages. (Ishbibenob, Sippai, Lahmi, Saph, the 12 fingered man, and Goliath) That would be a total of 6 stones if they were to represent Goliaths brothers.
3. David didn't kill ANY of Goliath's brothers. (David was only battle  were Ishbibenob died (2 Samuel 21:15-17). That means he didn't even see four of the giants die.)

Here are a few reasons that are more likely.

• Just in case...

I am sure David was scared before be killed Goliath. Yes, he was full of faith, but he could have a few extra rocks with him in case he missed. Even if he didn't have any doubt, he would still know that sometimes you have to hard fight to win. David might have been anticipating a miss or two. Or he might have several in case the first rock hit Goliath, but didn't take him down.

• Afterwards
  

Even if David knew he would kill Goliath on the first strike, there's still what happens after. He didn't know how the Philistines would respond to the death of their hero, and he might have had a few rocks on him just in case they tried to attack him.

• Five different stones types

Another thing I've heard before is that David selected five different types of rocks (Hard ones, softer ones, shinier ones, ones made of different substances etc.) and then trusted God to have him grab the type of rock God wanted into his sling.

I can't answer your question with a simple yes or no because the scripture doesn't say. As long as you idea is within what the bible tells us, anything goes for this particular instance. 

Photo Credit:
http://baptistsermon.wordpress.com/2011/07/19/11/

Habakkuk's Question

What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 1:9

Have you ever heard this very common question:

How can a good God tolerate evil?

You've probably heard that asked, or even thought it yourself. Well, the prophet Habakkuk asks God that question.

Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrong. Why then do you tolerate the treacherous? Why are you silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves? You have made men like fish in the sea, like sea creatures that have no ruler.
Habakkuk 1:13-14

Habakkuk complain twice in the first chapter...2 times. And he even knows it after the 2nd complaint, he even says this:

I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint.
Habakkuk 2:1

And God has an answer for this question Habakkuk is all about God's prophet questioning the ways of the Lord. If you want the full answer, read Habakkuk 2, but here is a summary of how God replies:

2 Then the LORD replied: "Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.
3 For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.
6 "Will not all of them taunt him with ridicule and scorn, saying, "'Woe to him who piles up stolen goods and makes himself wealthy by extortion! How long must this go on?'
7 Will not your debtors suddenly arise? Will they not wake up and make you tremble? Then you will become their victim.
8 Because you have plundered many nations, the peoples who are left will plunder you. For you have shed man's blood; you have destroyed lands and cities and everyone in them.
10 You have plotted the ruin of many peoples, shaming your own house and forfeiting your life.
11 The stones of the wall will cry out, and the beams of the woodwork will echo it.
12 "Woe to him who builds a city with bloodshed and establishes a town by crime!
13 Has not the LORD Almighty determined that the people's labor is only fuel for the fire, that the nations exhaust themselves for nothing?
16 You will be filled with shame instead of glory. Now it is your turn! Drink and be exposed! The cup from the LORD's right hand is coming around to you, and disgrace will cover your glory.
Habakkuk 2:2-3; 6-8; 10-13; 16

I know, that was a long summary, but here's one that is even shorter:

God tells  Habakkuk that he will punish evil in the end. Even if it prospers now, God says "the people's labor is only fuel for the fire"

And I would like to point out that God tells Habakkuk to write it down, because he know the same question will come up in the future. That question will always be asked, and I know this because if I God-fearing prophet will question God it, you better believe non-Christians will! And they do. And now the next time someone asks you this, or you wonder this, just open your bible to Habakkuk two and let God answer the question because he is smart like that.
There are many other answer to that question, but I like this one because this is what God said to a doubtful prophet. And the last chapter of Habakkuk is a song of praise to God.
Habakkuk concludes with this:

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.
Habakkuk 3:17-19

Jesus (God's Son = God?)

I know that Jesus is God because the bible says so. This is something that a lot of people argue about, but why I do not know, because the bible clearly states that Jesus is man, and is God. Anyway, I'm gonna prove my point in this post.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:1-4; 14

Nothing was made without the word (Jesus) because Jesus is God. Jesus became flesh (human) and lived on the earth.

The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
Hebrews 1:3

Jesus (the son) is exactly the same has God, and is a physical representation of who he is, and now Jesus Christ is in heaven, sitting by the right hand of his father. And I know that one day, we will all bow before Jesus (Philippians 2:10) because he is God. Which leads me to my next verse.

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death--even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Phillippians 2:5-11

Even Jesus says these things:

"I and the Father are one."
John 10:30

"I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!"
John 8:58

By calling himself "I am", he was saying he was the same as the God of Abraham (Exodus 3:14)

For this reason the Jews tried all the harder to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.
John 5:18

This one says it all, the Pharisees knew that if Jesus was God's son, he would be equal with God! If even the stubborn, hardhearted Pharisees understood that, then why can't so many people today understand it?

"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"--which means, "God with us."
Matthew 1:23

The Jesus is God because he was to be called God with us.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6

Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours:
2 Peter 1:1

Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death--that is, the devil--
Hebrew 2:14

For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
1 Timothy 2:5

Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.
1 Timothy 3:16

The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
2 Corinthians 4:4

I here's chart that I made about Jesus being man and God

Chart created by me, but text inspired by carm.org (http://carm.org/jesus-two-natures)

Taken from: http://blog.mrm.org/2012/12/the-trinity-mormonisms-rejection-of-gods-highest-revelation-part-4-of-4/

So there it is, my proof in a condensed form.

Still not convinced? Here are more verses you should look at.
Mathew 4:7, John 8:58, John 1:14, Luke 7:16, John 10:30, Hebrews 1:8, Luke 5:21-22

Sources:
http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/2009/04/10/the-real-jesus#fnList_1_9
http://carm.org/jesus-two-natures

Photo Credit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Dirk_van_Baburen_-_Kroning_met_de_doornenkroon.jpg
http://blog.mrm.org/2012/12/the-trinity-mormonisms-rejection-of-gods-highest-revelation-part-4-of-4/