Session Notes

HURRICANE KATRINA, MEANS OF JUDGMENT OR OPPORTUNITY FOR HOPE:

“d not the death of Christ deal with the root cause of sinful behavior:  sinful hearts?  For me, a pat answer of God’s judgment merely raises many many more questions. We are tempted to be deceived into believing that grace is too light on sin.  However, my heart yearns to testify that it is true grace alone that exposes sin for the subtle dead lie that it is.  Apart from grace, sin is limited to negative-looking behaviors.  Apart from grace, we are tempted to see the need for more of God’s judgment, in addition to the cross.”

This is an excellent article on allowing God’s trust in us because of the 100% sufficiency of Christ as our life. May the Lord replace our fears with the revealing of His security/courage/peace/Finished Work.

A TALE OF TWO MIRRORS:

“ven though my new mirror did not yet need cleaning, I still tried different things to dress up the frame out of habit. After trying everything to dress up the frame, one day I sought to clean the mirror.  Surely the mirror needed cleaning by now. So, I peered into my mirror, saw my reflection, and reached to clean the surface of the mirror…and to my amazement… …to my utter amazement, the mirror had no surface, nothing to separate me from my reflection, and… …and I…I…I touched the face in the mirror!  It was then when I realized I had touched the very face of Jesus!”

A TALE OF TWO MIRRORS:

“ven though my new mirror did not yet need cleaning, I still tried different things to dress up the frame out of habit. After trying everything to dress up the frame, one day I sought to clean the mirror.  Surely the mirror needed cleaning by now. So, I peered into my mirror, saw my reflection, and reached to clean the surface of the mirror…and to my amazement… …to my utter amazement, the mirror had no surface, nothing to separate me from my reflection, and… …and I…I…I touched the face in the mirror!  It was then when I realized I had touched the very face of Jesus!”

I had a miraculous experience reading this revelation article!!! I increasingly deeply felt Jesus as my heart!!! It was as if I could feel more of the revealing of my healing/the veil being removed!!! May it be so for all believers.

SEPTEMBER 11, 2001:

“don’t understand much about the ‘why’ of this tragedy, but this I do know: God makes a person brand new in order to give him the life of His Son…and Christ’s life is sufficient for any situation! During this national distress, we will be tempted to do something to appease God’s wrath and to reclaim His favor.  But the truth is that Jesus Christ has already borne ALL of the Father’s contempt for sin and ALL of His divine judgment on the cross…for us!   God loves and adores each of His children by His amazing grace, not by what we do. ”

This is good brief article that highlights one of the defining moments of our history and our/Jesus response to it. May God reveal it to all.

ONE IOTA OF DIFFERENCE:

“Adam and Eve fell for the temptation to believe Satan’s one iota of a difference regarding the truth about God, and as a result, a division resulted between man and his relationship with God.  All of us inherited this division, this separation.  Jesus the Truth came (John 14:6) to eliminate that division by exposing all iotas in order to make us one in relationship with God (John 17:21). Believing little iota changes in God’s truths can subtly and significantly impact my relationship with God.  The following table presents some examples from my life.  Most often the difference is only one word.  God’s revealed truth nurtures my genuine communion relationship with Him.  However, just a little iota of difference in the truth tempts me to view myself as separate (divided) from God…tempting me to relate to Him as a separate Helper rather than my intimate Life.  When I fall for this temptation, stolen from me is the joy of experiencing the intimacy (oneness) that my relationship with God really is.  The undivided truth sets me free to genuinely, not religiously, relate to God and others (John 8:32, 36).    THE ONE IOTA OF DIFFERENCE   A temptation that steals the joy of my fellowship with God The truth that reveals the joy of my fellowship with God Foundational Biblical Truths God wants me to do good. God wants me! Jesus said, ‘If I am lifted up from earth, I will draw all men to Myself’ (John 12:32). I’m on fire for the Lord. I’m on fire with the Lord! You are light IN the Lord. Walk as children of light (Ephesians 5:8). I just hope for the best. I already have the best hope! The Lord Jesus Christ IS our hope (1 Timothy 1:1).”

This is a great article on the importance of truth rather than the temptation to trust a lie! One is doing it in our own strength the other is just Jesus as the truth of our heart. I agree we do not strive for victory. However I believe we rest in Jesus the victory in us. Our identity is not that we are sinners. We really are saints because Jesus is our heart and that He rose on the cross. We have Him as our new nature. I pray we know it as believers.

My Personal Psalm 23:

“…I shall not want (lack). I used to fall so short in my self-efforts to achieve goodness and happiness (Romans 3:10-12). But now the Lord has given me His righteousness as a gift (Galatians 2:20-21) and His life as my joy (Galatians 5:22, John 17:13). I am now complete in Christ and, therefore, I lack nothing (Colossians 2:9-10)!   He makes me to lie down in green pastures… God makes me lay down my self-efforts (Philippians 3:8).  The pastures where I then rest are lush green, and full of life (John 15:5). God nurtures me there in my true identity and life in His dear Son (Romans 8:16, John 6:51).   …He leads me beside the still waters. God then leads me to a quiet place to assure me of the finished work of His dear Son through the cross for re-creating me (Galatians 6:14-15). He leads me beside still waters to show me my reflection is now a reflection of Christ Himself (2 Corinthians 3:18)!    He restores my soul. This truth restores my soul (mind and emotions).  God turns my focus from temporal things to the indwelling eternal life of Christ (1 John 5:11-13). My mind is being renewed and my emotions are being healed by beholding the glory of His presence (Romans 12:2, Ephesians 4:20-24).   He leads me in the paths of righteousness…  God delights in ordering each of my steps (Psalm 37:23)… the unique ways Christ expresses His life through me (Colossians 1:29). Christ leads me in His righteous paths, not an external guide, but as my very life (Colossians 3:4).”

This is an incredible personal interpretation of the most common reading of the Bible at funerals for comfort/peace! It reveals we have so all of His LIFE/spirit in us if we just allow it show and not try. I pray we let Him have this control of our lives.

UNION WITH CHRIST:

” However, God doesn’t just want to help me! J  Oh how He wants to live through me in the life of His dear Son to minister to others (Galatians 2:20)!  These two attempts (at-temptations!) at ‘living’ are based on the subtle deception that I have a separate identity from Christ – that I have something in me that can do something of real value.  I do have a unique personality, but it is truly manifested only when Christ lives through me. ”

This is a good brief article on doing in our own strength vs Christ doing it through us. I disagree with the interpretation of the OT verse.

BEHOLDING CHRIST:

“true transformation comes not by doing anything, but only by beholding Christ.  Trust Him to reveal what this means.  Following  is my personal paraphrase of 2 Corinthians 3:18: Your need for striving by the law has been removed!  You are now free to be intimately one with Christ!  Look in the mirror.  When you see your face, see also the face of Christ!  It’s true!  I don’t understand it either – we will spend eternity savoring this!  So as you behold Christ now, you will be transformed on the outside to what you are completely like on the inside!  And because all of this is by grace through the Spirit, and not by your works, God is glorified.  Wow!  ”

These are fantastic one one-liners to encourage resting/not doing anything in our own strength.

YOU LISTENED TO ME:

“Our ears are the foundation of any true ministry in the body of Christ if we realize…He listens through us. I’m free!  Jesus is now real to me and to others I listen to, because for one brief moment in time…you listened to me. “

This is a fantastic article on the true Counsel/Love/Grace/and Truth

A One-Word Sermon: “Paul”:

” it doesn’t matter if I make a good name for myself or a bad name for myself in this world… it just doesn’t matter one itty bitty witty bit!  All that matters in all the heavens and the earth is that by grace Christ has already made a name for me, and a name for you.  Each of us have already been made new creations in Christ…we have been made real, yes genuine, through Christ alone (Galatians 6:14-15). Whew!  I no longer have to strive to make a name for myself.  I am free to be who I really am all because of what Christ really did for me and who He really is in me.  Paul.  Yes, I love that name because it is permeated with the genuine, fragrant life of Christ!”

A good small article on God’s acceptance (self-others) because of His work.

TRUE HEALING:

” But Jesus never physically healed anyone to healing sakes.  His healing was always for His sake…to reveal the reality of His divine life — the only true life there is and ever will be. I believe the primary focus on our preconceived idea of physical healing can subtly tempt us with the lie that we are not complete.”

An excellent brief article on the revelation of the risen Christ in us for our greatest good. God’s life can still bless others regardless of our physical condition. I pray we believe it.

BROKENNESS:

“Brokenness is the loving work of God as He uniquely strips each of His children of his or her self-sufficiency so that the beauty of Christ’s life shines through.  Isaiah 33:17 promises that ‘Your eyes will see the King (Jesus) in His beauty.’”

I very good brief article on the meaning of “doing it in your own strength.”

Attack ad targets hot dogs as cancer risk:

“Their report last November said eating 50 grams a day of processed meats for several years increases colorectal cancer risk by 21 per cent. That equals about one hot dog a day or two deli slices of bologna or five slices of bacon. The duration of daily consumption linked with that higher risk is uncertain. Colorectal cancer was diagnosed between three and 19 years after the studies began, but participants could have been eating processed meats for years before that, said dietitian Karen Collins, nutrition adviser with the American Institute for Cancer Research, a group that analyzed the studies. For a U.S. adult, eating one hot dog daily for several years would increase the average risk of getting colorectal cancer, which is 5.8 per cent, to 7 per cent”

a good clear article

Tonsillitis: Signs and symptoms – MayoClinic.com

Signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms of tonsillitis include:

Red, swollen tonsils
White patches on the tonsils
Sore throat
Difficult or painful swallowing
Headache
Fever and chills
Enlarged, tender glands (lymph nodes) in the jaw and neck
Loss of voice (laryngitis)
Abdominal pain in children

Q&A: Lording it over your faith:

“Does he want you to know that you can hear from God for yourself, and that no one else can hear from Him better than you … or does he tell you that God speaks to him on your behalf?  Does he create a tension between dependence upon God vs. dependence upon himself?
 
You know what I think?  I think you ask me because you already know, but are afraid you might be hearing it wrong.  That’s what I think.    Connie, you have the life of Christ within you.  I wrote what I did as a witness to what you already know, but may not have been able to put words to.  You hear from God very well and I hope to encourage you to trust what He speaks to your heart!!
 
Please feel free to write back soon, for I hope to hear from you, and to know that your confidence in HIS working within you is strengthened.”

This is a very encouraging brief article on the definition of spiritual abuse/hurt and it’s root origin. When people grow up feeling unimportant through lack of attention, affection, validation they may set themselves up as those who preach themselves. This is in contrast to Christ/His Finished Work. When others demand, it often can be because they are hiding the fact they should not be trusted. I pray all we touch know that their confidence in God’s working in them is strengthened.

Q&A: Legalism has caused me to lose my closeness with God.:

“When you read Paul’s letters, for example, make sure you notice how he always establishes the reality of who the believers really are. In Ephesians 5, Paul is addressing the believers as ”beloved children“ (v1), ”saints“ (v3), NOT ”sons of disobedience“ (v6&7), ”formerly darkness, but NOW you are light in the Lord“ (v8). His admonition was for the believers to live like the believers they were.”

This is an excellent article encouraging others not to feel legalism has forever stripped them of their feeling of the closeness of God. It reminds us to not put it on our children as it may lessen their natural love for the Lord.

calgary.ctv.ca – Calgary news from CTV:

“Even though they focus on children under six, the doctors also say there’s no evidence to show over the counter cold medicines work for any child under twelve.

Doctors suggest parents give their kids acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and aches.

For more information visit the New England Journal of Medicine’s web site.”

Q&A: What about the sanctification mentioned in Hebrews 12:14?:

“t sure couldn’t be the old performance-based sanctification they were resorting to because that bogus sanctification had no power over sin. The only possible sanctification he demands is that of the once and for all done deal of Christ. Now, also notice the connection: peace with all men and this sanctification. This is INCREDIBLY significant!! Why? Because there is NO real peace we can have with one another unless it is based upon the peace established by Christ in breaking down the barriers between us. In 1 Corinthians 2:2 Paul writes: ”For I determined to know nothing among you except Christ, and him crucified“. This is the same thing referred to by the writer of Hebrews because ”pursuing“ this sanctification is the determination to see all things in view of it.”

This is an incredible article that stresses the two HEB verses 12:10 and 14! We have been made righteous and holy by Christ alone!!!

Q&A: Tell me about your prayer life!:

“ I count on God’s Spirit to interpret the desires of my heart … for it is one with Christ.  The fact is that we are already IN the throne room of God all day, every day.  From within my heart – that new one created in Christ – I am always in communion and communication with God.  As I grow in this confidence I am recognizing how much a part of my life this is.  Here I was trying to make this ”prayer“ thing happen … and it had been already happening.  To have thought that my ”praying“ caused me to enter God’s throne only conflicted with the work of Christ in having already done it for me!”

TheStar.com | Ontario | Chemical hurts children, demonstrators say :

“Smith was referring to a chemical that is used in hard plastic baby bottles, sippy cups and the lining of some food cans. Bisphenol A is known to leach into food. More than 130 peer-reviewed studies have associated bisphenol A with a variety of health problems, including breast cancer, obesity, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and a wide range of other developmental problems, according to Aaron Freeman, the policy director of Environmental Defence.”

McKinley Health Center – Dietary Sources of Iron – University of Illinois:

“The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for
iron for non-vegetarian pre-menopausal women is 18 mg/day. The RDA for
non-vegetarian men and post-menopausal women is 8 mg/day. Because of iron
absorption issues in a healthful, high-fiber vegetarian diet, the RDAs for
vegetarians are higher – 14 mg/day for vegetarian men and 33 mg/day for
vegetarian women. The upper level of intake should not exceed 45mg/day.”

Lack of iron causes stomach aches. Iron needs to be taken at lunch not at bedtime with calcium.

Iron Rich Foods for Iron Deficiency Anemia:

“Heme Iron, found in animal sources, is highly available for absorption. Non-heme iron on the other hand, found in vegetable sources, is less available. Iron rich foods of an iron rich diet are listed below: ”

Q&A: Formulating an argument against the responsibility guilt tri:

“Of course, even when believers are ”guilted“ into something our Father is able to cause this to work out for their good. This doesn’t make it ”okay“ for leaders to do such things, but actually makes it evident that such leaders are motivated and motivating by the flesh. But God is not hindered by the flesh … for His grace is only made more obvious against this lifeless backdrop!!
I have a question though: Why do you think God is in the business of convicting believers of disobedience when, in fact, He only ministers grace and life to us in Christ … because He has ALREADY made us slaves of obedience? Were you not aware of this? Somehow, we have misread the passage in John 16:7-11 so that we have assumed that this ”conviction“ is directed toward those rescued OUT of the world, instead of toward the unbelieving world itself.”

This is a fantastic article that talks about what obedience means to believers and unbelievers! I pray the churches would give the truth about the difference. Focusing on sin CANNOT TAKE SIN AWAY US, JESUS ALREADY DID FOR BELIEVERS.

Calgary’s Child – The Bully in All of Us:

“”My, you are very influential. How about doing that again and finding a way to include everyone?“”It seems the other children follow your direction, will you make sure they each get a turn?“”I see that being first in line is very important to you. As the leader, will you show the rest of the line how to wait patiently and quietly for the teacher?“”You are a real expert at this game! Will you show the other children how to play too?“”

This is an excellent article that takes punishment out of the equation. If offers excellent ideas on turning the negative into a positive. Since Jesus took away sin wouldn’t this be the best way to bless the identity of Jesus in a child?

Calgary’s Child – The EIGHT SECRETS To Family Happiness:

“One of the most important keys to family happiness is maintaining a positive attitude and helping encourage positive attitudes among the children and your spouse. Negativity breeds negativity. Whether you begin exercising or spend a half hour each day meditating (which ever way you prefer to ‘meditate’), finding a way to reduce the amount of stress you bring into a household is essential. ”

This is an good article on focusing on the positive and relaxing to minimize conflicts. We can choose to see our child as demanding or determined. The positive reframe and seeing them in the Finished Work of Jesus, may encourage a positive identity in Christ.

Music – Creative Kids:

“Freely dance a celtic jig, a lively polka, or a steamy salsa while developing rhythm, coordination, and beat. Let your child refine what they already do naturally, and come and have fun”

No right or wrong. It is just letting a kid’s imagination develop so they are not black and white thinkers.

No need for panic, doctors say after Toronto child contracts drug-resistant ailment:

“Yaffe said the child had been otherwise healthy before coming down with the bug and had received all the recommended vaccinations, according to hospital officials. The child had not travelled outside of Ontario before becoming ill more than two weeks ago.”

This is an interesting article because this bacteria was a new strain that could not be vaccinated against. I pray all are protected.

calgary.ctv.ca – Calgary news from CTV:

“Even though most Albertans have been vaccinated when they’re young doctors are learning one dose may not be enough.

Most Canadians born after 1990 did receive two doses of the vaccine, one as an infant and another a few years later and they shouldn’t be affected by the outbreak.

In the second phase of the initiative, all Albertans aged 17 to 26 years who may be at risk of the disease will be targeted for a mumps vaccination.
/
Mumps is generally a mild viral illness that results in fever, swelling and tenderness of one or more salivary glands, located at the angle of the jaw.

But officials say some people can be infected but show no symptoms and thereby unknowingly infect others.

Complications of mumps can include inflammation of the testes or ovaries, meningitis and more serious infections of the brain.”

Even though I have given the fear/confusion that my girls could get meningitis, He seemed to say it will be allright whatever we decide for boosters. I have peace at this point rather than terror when we vaccinated before. I pray so for all He lives out His faith/protection for us to trust Him in our choices.

Q&A: Chastisement in view of development, not shortcomings!:

“WE are the ones who have a problem recognizing it. Just because His dealings may SEEM to line up with injuries or trials or what-have-you, we are the ones who will try to figure out what GOD might be doing by things that may have no connection whatever!!
Some thoughts:
Do your back injuries really have to be considered as ”chastisements“ at all? Could they not just be a weakness and/or an injury? Then again, might this incident not end up being a ”gift“ as our father works all things together for your good? I think we have been trained to be very, very superstitious in our ”Christian“ upbringing.”

This is a good reminder that God sees us/others according to our reality in Christ, if we believe in Jesus/His Work for us. We are the ones who have the problem recognizing it.

Q&A: True discipline:

“The reality of our total acceptance is the basis for true discipline, for our Father is faithful in maturing us.  He works in us FROM the image of his son TOWARD the image of his son.  In other words, beginning and ending in the reality of Christ in us.  He is teaching us who it is we really are, and He uses whatever means He desires to cause us to see this. ”

This is an excellent encouraging short article that says discipline is constant care. I pray parents/schools would understand for believing children God is in them.

Canadians are salt lovers at heart:

“ small children are getting too much, with one- to eight-year-olds consuming more than twice the recommended adequate daily intake of 1,000 to 1,200 mg of sodium per day.”

Q&A: Are we still chastened by the Lord?:

“I can know, good or bad, that He loves me and is not thwarted by all that crap. He didn’t bring us into a life that needs to be made better … but into a life that is connecting to everything I am and everything I do!”

THIS IS AN EXCELLENT ARTICLE THAT WE DO NOT HAVE TO TRY TO BE better. God seemed to say trusting Him is the OUTCOME. HE DOESN’T MAKE US LOVE HIM.

Cervical Cancer – Cancer – Body & Health:

“It’s been shown repeatedly that women who are young when they lose their virginity and women who have had many sexual partners are at higher risk of the disease. However, most people have been exposed to HPV in their lifetime.People who smoke are at higher risk of this disease, as with most cancers. The risk also increases steadily with age. Women over age 65 are the most likely to develop cervical cancer. In Canadian studies, people with low incomes had consistently higher rates of cervical cancer. The most dramatic risk elevation was found in First Nations women, who are 2 to 6 times as likely to develop cervical cancer as non-Native women.”

Q&A: Did Paul write this letter to unbelievers, too?:

“But he made no mistake about those who were born of the Spirit and had the mind of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, where Paul could have slammed the believers for their sinning (because they were indeed manifesting many of the things he mentioned) he instead says this incredible thing, ”And such WERE some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God.“ Remember what Paul had said near the beginning of the letter? ”For I determined to know NOTHING AMONG YOU EXCEPT CHRIST AND HIM CRUCIFIED.“ (1 Cor 2:2). He brought up examples of their day-to-day existence to tie it in with the mindset of the world so that they would be shaken from their stupor! These believers were having an identity crisis!! (Our brother) is correct in saying that, ”ALL Believers by birthright, love the Lord“.”

This is an incredible article on not letting the wisdom of the world/religion DULL THE REALITY OF THE NEW MIRACULOUS WORK OF JESUS/LOVE IN THEM FOR BELIEVERS . WE ARE JUST TO FOCUS ON HIM AND NOT SIN. This is my prayer. Amen.

Q&A: How do I know my questions aren’t from having “itchy ears”?:

“ Most who hang with me STILL have a lot of personal differences, but we have discovered that those things are not the reason why we are one in Christ and so it is ok to not have to resolve everything. Heck, most of it just kinda fades away in view of the life that we have our eyes open to. Those who turn away do so because of a desire for something OTHER THAN CHRIST. It is so sad to see this happen, but it happens often. Your desires are obvious. You got beat up by man’s religion and finally realized that you couldn’t do or be what they preached. I’ll bet you also realized that those who were doing the preaching weren’t meeting up to the standards they preached! So, if it doesn’t work for the preacher why would you think it’ll work for you? This is how the law operates. It’ll tear you up and spit you out and you’ll go back for more until you finally break. Then the good news sounds FANTASTIC! As it should.

”

This is an encouraging article on only focusing on Jesus and His sufficiency. It is not about being stimulated intellectually enough or being recognized for doing good enough, especially in churches. This is true love and acceptance. It enables us to stay in relationships even though we are different.

Q&A: If I don’t understand the scriptures am I not saved?:

“Understanding the scriptures never saved anyone. Actually, it was those who thought they understood the scriptures who rejected Christ the loudest. Your fear comes from the intimidation of the religious self-righteous mindset. You have felt that suggestion that if you don’t know it then you don’t know God. But we know God because His Spirit is in us and not because how much Bible we know or don’t know. That part is actually irrelevant. The Bible declares Jesus … and Jesus declares us righteous. The fear is not of God, so don’t believe it.

”

I pray there would be no shame about not reading the bible or fear one will not go to Heaven. His love is in us and that is Him. I feel if we believe in Jesus we will be there. May it be so.

Children’s Services | Sibling Rivalry:

“Sibling rivalry is less about the relationship between your children, than it is about their relationship with you, their parent. Each of them wants you to love them and them alone. They don’t want to share you.”

Children’s Services | Turn Your Words Into Gold:

“Don’t come back to the room until you can show some respect!Feel free to come back to the room as soon as you can be respectful!Stop arguing with me!I’ll be glad to discuss this with you as soon as the arguing stops.If you forget your lunch, you’ll just have to go hungry.”

These are good grace-based communications so kids will be more open to listen when you talk.

Q&A: Using the Bible to promote bogus religion:

“We have come to speak in terms of ”believing“ when the word ”opinion“ would more accurately describe our relation to the concept or idea that is being discussed or declared. But we don’t usually want to say we ”THINK“, or that this thing is our ”opinion“ because it sounds less authoritative or less personal or perhaps, less godly and more scientific.  The fact of the matter is that our religious world has presented us with the idea that our ”beliefs“ consist of the teachings we hold, instead of IN WHOM we believe – and this has created MANY bogus ideas.  Are you following me so far, ”

This is a very good article that outlines the problems with why people blindly follow what they think the Bible says. It seems right. When we claim a verse we are standing in agreement with God. We were taught we had to believe the Bible so we would know what was true — but we were never taught to think over what it is, who it was written to or what it was written to accomplish.


Fear of infidelity towards God causes so many people to hang on to lies that others have told them.

God give us Your discernment to give You the fear. Cleanse us from it completely. Amen.

Q&A: but what if our perspective is wrong?:

“nderstanding ”truth“ and understanding the Bible were the same thing. Maybe that strikes you odd coming from someone who so clearly holds to the teachings of the Bible. It would have appeared so to me at one time … and still does every now and again, believe me. But we know ”truth“ for one reason and one reason only, and that is because Christ has become wisdom to us. We know Christ, who IS the truth. ”But you have an anointing from the Holy One, AND YOU ALL KNOW. I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, BUT BECAUSE YOU DO KNOW IT, and because no lie is of the truth.“ 1 John 2:20&21 ”

This is a good article that states as we grow/rest in confidence in Christ who is truth/set us free, we will not be so concerned about misunderstanding the Bible. May the life of Jesus that is uncovered be clearly and accurately spoken. Amen.

Q&A: How do you read the Bible and get what you do out of it?:

“When I see Christ as my life I see Him in everything in my everyday life … I even see Him in the Bible! hahaha! How’s that as flip-flop kinda way to view Biblical interpretation? Just remember, the stuff you have read from me has been the same kind of stuff you are wondering about. I just KNEW there was something wrong with so many of the accepted viewpoints, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. I’ll be honest, I NEVER thought that I would uncover so many things in the Bible. But know this: Bible knowledge does NOT equal true knowledge. Actually, true knowledge, which is what we have received already, is what MIGHT allow us to understand some of the PERCEIVED Biblical contradictions. Just realize that what you end up discovering by seeing the original intent of the written word is the SAME REALITY that you KNOW in your heart to be true: that you are REALLY free in Christ through what He did for you in His death, burial, and resurrection.”

This is an excellent section stressing to focus on Christ/His freedom in us!

Q&A: The Damned Oldness of the Letter:

“ mostly hear bondage in the so-called ”defense“ of the ”inspired word of God“.  That damned oldness of the letter!!!  I can hear so clearly the words of the religious as they stood upon the inspired words of Moses!!  Hypocrites we were, huh?  Written words, written standards, written modes of comparison, written traps of logic, written formulas, written principles – all supposedly brought to completion in one leather-bound volume that is said to be the only source by which we can know God and/or truth.  Yuck, puke, vomitous lies all intended to bring us back under a ”written in stone“ kind of relationship with God that never worked before and can never work in any circumstances!!! 
 
Law came through Moses, Grace came through Christ!!!”

The is a excellent, bold, and brief article explains the difference between law and Christ. I pray the lies of only knowing God and His truth from the Bible would be replaced in believing Him/His Finished Work in us. Believers are new/soft/willing at every moment in our heart and not sinners. Although we do have the choice to live under the law which seems to create hardness/disobedience of the heart. This tends to leads to sin.

Q&A: Relating with a mom whose son is on drugs and stealing from :

“You know, when your child fails so badly it goes right to the core of you. It is right THERE that you are tempted to view yourself according to the measuring stick of performance. ”Where did I fail?“ will become the REAL question behind a million others. Do you try to ”fix“ things in the hopes of making up for your failure? Do you take a ”stand“ against the ”evil influences“ and the ”evil doers“ in our society? Do you begin to wonder why your child doesn’t measure up to your own standards? Or do you beat yourself up because you are sure that he/she has become the thing you might have been? ”

This article poses good questions to get to the heart of the matter of parenting issues. There is a touching grieving poem with hope.

Center for Emotionally Focused Therapy:

“n a therapy session, a husband’s numb withdrawal expands into a sense
of intimidation and helplessness. He can now assert his need for respect
and become more accessible to his wife.

He
moves from ”There is no point in talking to you. I don’t want to
fight.“ to ”I do want to be close. I want you to give me a chance.
Stop poking me and let me learn to dance with you.“
His
wife’s critical anger then expands into fear and sadness. She can now
ask for and elicit comfort.

She moves from ”You just don’t care. You don’t get it.“ to ”It
is so difficult to say – but I need you to hold me – reassure
me – can you?“”

I good overview of the process that grieving to the Lord can lead to in marital therapy.

Q&A: How do you raise children by grace?:

“ It is how they will try to keep you from knowing what they have done as they sense shame and inadequacy from it no matter how much you try to convince them Jesus took care of it. They will think like this no matter how hard you try to teach them grace. Don’t get depressed by this … it is the backdrop by which they will realize true grace in time. ”

This is a good article stressing the importance of not pretending the flesh can ever be righteous.

calgary.ctv.ca – Calgary news from CTV:

“At the end of the observation time, doctors found no impact on the rate of allergies or asthma.

But this did find breastfeeding babies, until they turned one, did have some obvious benefits.

”This study really quite definitively shows that, in infancy, breastfeeding did have an impact on eczema and bowel infections,“ says Dr. Reg Sauve from the University of Calgary.”

Q&A: Do you have any insight on raising kids?:

“I don’t have anything written about raising children … not sure I want to get into that. I will say this much, though … most of the stuff that has been said about, ”training them in the way they should go“ is detrimental to the identity of your child. It’s not ”in the way YOU want them to go“, or ”in the way YOU think GOD wants them to go“, but ”in the way THEY should go“.”

This is good article discussing the importance of not turning grace into a nicety. I pray all children would see Jesus came to save sinners. When children see/hear of our hurt and unconditionallove/grace, they will turn to Jesus and not be discouraged. God live give them His faith/way to do His good will.

Q&A: How do I tell my kids about different religions and beliefs?:

“every group has its problems because every group is made up of other people who are just as confused as you and I are, and that the reason you favor one group over another is that, at least in what you can determine, there is a stronger general leaning toward the miraculous reality of Christ, and that this is the only reality that will cut through our confusion.* Don’t be afraid to tell them that many groups are simply built around the name and concept of Christianity and have become social clubs … and may be pretty good social clubs if you were to ignore the religious factors.* religions will often shift and sometimes do things simply to protect itself.* are you prepared to go elsewhere if the group is causing more harm than good in your family?

Back to Top”

This is a good article on questions to consider about church/regligion and Life being found in Christ alone. It is not solely in a group.

Q&A: How to relate to my kids without sounding dogmatic?:

“ avoid the game. Tell your children about the real you. You know, the one that is alive in Christ because of what HE has done, but one who also struggles every day with the same kind of things they struggle with. Your children want to know if they are worthwhile, if they are important, if they are loved, and how they can be right. If you level with them about your own futile attempts to justify yourself through your day then they may be able to see that others, even religious others, are trying to do the same thing. They will really see truth when they realize that that is exactly what they are desperately searching for in the world around them. When it ceases to be a mystery then they won’t be enticed to go chasing after any system of man for their worth. Show them CHRIST vs. EVERYTHING ELSE!! ”

The is an excellent/concise article on parenting with a real risen Christ focus. One needs to keep in mind that we are saved through FAITH not belief.

Q&A: My daughter just told me she is a lesbian:

“also realize that grace does not teach us that we are supposed to be accepting of perverse behavior, but that this is what we have been delivered out of. In Christ, ALL OF IT has been condemned EQUALLY. Christ’s death and resurrection did not make it OK, He put it to death and has raised US to new life.”

This is a really clear brief article that encourages us to say when we feel hurt/fear, the impact, over others choices, as this is our heart, and that we do love that individual. As well we can ask for limits so their free will has less of an affect on us. This is the treasure of grace and honesty in the freedom of Christ’s work on the cross. I pray we can all do it.

Q&A: How to discipline daughter in rebellion?:

“”Grades“ have become like gods to us. What is your real concern in knowing that her grades have slipped? The fact that her grades have fallen simply points to the fact that she has become distracted. Not unusual for a 15 year old girl – especially considering her situation with a mom and a dad who don’t live together anymore. I’m not rebuking you in any way, just adding it all together to give a fuller picture of her world. Once again, consider this: grades vs. relationship. The picture will always become clear when you can see what you’re dealing with. I personally think it is wise on your part to not buy her a car – for what would be the real purpose of it? Don’t let the temporary sense that ”Daddy loves me because he bought me a car!“ fool you into thinking it will do anything in the long run as far as showing your daughter that you love her.I appreciate your concern for your daughter, and thank you for taking the chance to ask me what you did. I look forward to continuing our discussion. ”

I love that the author believes children can be believers of Jesus. It makes a good point that depending on your microculture something may be considered better or worse. It still is a narrow-minded perspective. I am not saying anything goes. As parents we need to realize that what we model, ourselves is most important. Loving her for who she is, not who you would like her to be. I pray so for all us parents.

Q&A: Christ and my job:

“Just remember that we are not bound by the rules of the world,
including the (company) world. Their rules are THEIR rules, they are not OUR
rules. I have found I can submit to THEIR rules simply because I know
who I am because of who is my life. They want me to take out the trash,
I can take out the trash. They want me to fill out a form, no problem.
My freedom is not found in resisting their sometimes silly or
superfluous rules, my freedom is found in the reality that I am truly
free in Christ.  I have discovered time and time again that the life of
Christ has blown away the idea that I need their rules in order to
truly accomplish the real stuff.”

This is a good article on the difference between living under the law vs Christ. Unrealistic demands and definitions will not produce love for God, others or ourselves.

Q&A: Learning grace:

“ I wrote to him quite a few times after that but never heard back from him till this day.It was a very hurtful, but VERY strengthening time of my life. As much as I had learned from it, I saw how systematic theology was easily maneuvered to establish a measuring stick to judge another’s spirituality to determine if someone ”gets it“ or not. I have come to see that ALL spiritual knowledge is exactly that: spiritual. No one achieves a higher level because they understand more. You know what I have learned from all my understanding from Him? That in Him there are no differences because His Spirit has truly made us one!! True understanding comes as my ”measuring sticks“ keep getting snapped and I once again have my eyes opened to the measureless life of Christ who is MY life. Wow!! < << God has worked on my heart (he is so patient!) for many years, teaching me his precious grace. I am a slow learner :-) >>>It sounds like you and I have MUCH in common. It has taken a LONG time for me to learn of this grace … but I think that this is the only way we really learn it. Oh, some may learn an awful lot of ”information“ about the grace of Christ (I’ve had that happen from time to time), but since grace is NOT a ”doctrine“ but LIFE itself it is slowly being worked through us. It truly is so much better than just getting some kind of ”degree of achievement“, isn’t it? ”

This is a great article on only judging all truth by God. May it be so.

Party Game Central- Party games and birthday games for kids and adults:

“Four or more people stand in a circle facing in and holding hands. Two people go around the outside and when ready, tap someone’s clasped hands, breaking the chain. The Dutchmen run around the circle racing against the two whose hand-clasp was broken (who run in the opposite direction). The slowest team gets to be the Dutchmen for the next round. Variations on this game are many including hopping or skipping, or perhaps in piggy-back.

 ”

Also Duck Duck Goose

Q&A: Food fears | Food and drink | Life and Health:

“Stay away from certain foods. Sodium benzoate is widely used in soft drinks and artificial colourings are used in confectionery, drinks, ice creams and cakes, although some manufacturers and retailers have been trying to switch to natural ones. Additives should appear on the label by name or E number, but since many of these foods are sold loose, they are not always labelled”

Q&A: Where did you learn all this about grace and the Bible?:

“That something that keeps drawing you back to the truth that seems frightening is the very life of God within you. You have already made it obvious to me that something seems wrong to you about the fear-based teachings you have learned. Who do you think really makes you know that? Yeah, the Spirit of God within you. The reason that the freedom of Christ makes a connection with you is that it speaks to the real you … the one who has been set free. His Spirit witnesses with your spirit. Book knowledge will always be something that you try to apply, but the knowledge of God actually works within you.”

This is a solid article on encouraging us not be satisfied with finding an answer to have one or sticking to basic teachings of the “Christian” religious faith. This security/safety may not be of God.

Q&A: Fearful of the stigma for believing a certain truth:

“When it all comes down to the bottom line our
”beliefs“ and ”issues“ (even a belief labeled ”the completeness of the
cross“) are usually shown up to be little more than our intellectual
leanings at a given time … and real faith is revealed as being the
miraculous reality of Christ that it really is.”

This is a good brief encouragement. I pray we wouldn’t be afraid of stigmas for believing certain truths. Lord give us the freedom to share for connection, knowing that you are constantly renewing our minds.

Q&A: Trying to find that magical place of filling:

“Like you, I have seen that cold, clean and empty ”doctrinal“ stance taken by many who talk as if receiving the Spirit is merely technical, or ”positional“, and not really real … when you get down to it. I have also seen the desperation that comes from trying to reach that magical place that might be called ”filled“, etc. Neither ”side“ has exclusive rights to that desperation, either, for I come from a non-charismatic background and we tried over and over again to ”get IT back“ … whatever ”it“ may mean … devotional, filled, sold-out, mature, vibrant, ”a man after God’s own heart“, etc. You know much of the terminology.”

This is an excellent description of what it means to “try” rather than “resting” in believing in the Finished Work of Christ.

Q&A: What about those who don’t get it yet?:

“When those who are born of God are confronted with this freedom of Christ they are being hit with so many ”Christian“ concepts that are in opposition to it. Remember your own experiences … and remember who REALLY got the reality across to you: the Spirit of God.So, speak the life of Christ … and plan on being misunderstood … but know that HE is the one who is working all things together for our good!Jim”

This is an encouraging article for discernment. The thing that we didn’t think we/others got was that we already got and have it, the reality of the freedom of the Finished Work of Christ!

Q&A: Why do I still feel rejection when I know better?:

“ It’s going to hurt when it is
being demanded that you are inferior, less-than, below, beneath, of no
value, etc.  The good news is that the feeling brings focus and clarity
to the specific manifestation of the lie’s insistence.  You are put in
the most wonderful place of recognition of the life Christ, as it is
being demanded that even in this exact place where condemnation once
held you have you been set free!!  These wonderful feelings pinpoint or
undercover those former places of fear, shame, guilt, and condemnation,
etc so that you are being made aware of how all-emcompassing this
reality of life in Christ really is!”

This is a good article on our response to feeling a lack of love. We do not have to retaliate/judge. We just use it to grieve the past and give up lies that we are inferior.

Q&A: So many opinions thrown at me because of Christ:

“The answer to your dilemma is NOT found in being able to answer all the Biblical questions that are used to contradict the life of Christ in you … because those questions will NEVER stop. Having said that, realize that there ARE NO BIBLICAL CONTRADICTIONS to the life and freedom we have in Christ … they have only appeared to be so because the written words have been forced into our religious perceptions”

This is a good article that outlines the fears of the religious in order to be empathetic.

FamilyFun: Ideas for Teacher Appreciation – and More Family Fun:

“WALK OF FAME
Create your own Walk of Fame for your teachers. Get a piece of donated red carpet or put red butcher paper down in the entry hall. Make gold stars with a teacher’s name on each, and have the school meet the teachers as they arrive one morning.”

Excellent ideas to encourage teachers!

Q&A: Can a believer live any way he pleases?:

“Can a born again believer live anyway he wants to and still be saved? >>>
This is a very common question. So common in fact that you may wonder why you don’t find it listed somewhere in the Q&A section. I suppose there are two related reasons.

1) There is a whole section (one of the very first added to the Shovel web site) devoted to the matter, and
2) The question pops up either rephrased or as an unspoken but underlying premise to many of the questions I hear.
The questions you’ve asked all pertain to a ”Christianity“ based upon a SOMETHING and not a SOMEONE. Being ”saved“ may include a lot of somethings, but only in relation to the one who has not only done these things but has also become the life of those who are ”saved“.”

This is a very clear article that we are to judge only by the spirit and not the flesh. We only see believers with Jesus in them period! I pray so.

Q&A: My “foothold” in dealing with slippery matters:

“You commented on my ”foothold“ in dealing with slippery matters, and it got me to thinking about how I have come to such a place.  I can tell you that it didn’t happen because of all my attempts to get a handle on it, but in spite of them!!  ”

This is a refreshing article that states the only answer we need it Jesus when asked about the hope/answer we possess.

Q&A: Is Romans 7 our continuing reality in Christ?:

“ The mind of the
flesh cannot see past its own demise, extend beyond its own
confinement, nor understand a choice it cannot make. No wonder
something within us balks at fleshly interpretations of the expressions
of another dimension, that is, from the real.

You are absolutely correct, Romans 7 does not define or lay out our
continuing reality in Christ. Instead, it describes ”the law of the
Spirit of life in Christ Jesus“ that cannot nor will not be contained,
controlled or defined by the delusion brought on by the fleshly mind.
It demands that who you really are in Christ is not made up of a blend
between the two, but of a life that cannot help but see through the
conclusions of ”the law of sin and death“.”

This is a good article outlining the confusions of the law. I pray we see that our struggle to figure it out may be the flesh. May God allow us to rest in His Spirit.

Q&A: Can we help or hinder the work of God in our own lives and others?:

“ regarding your situation with your wife. What does your heart desire toward her? Do you often feel stifled from holding back from sharing life with her in some form or another? Do you keep your mouth shut in fear of screwing things up? Believe me, I understand all this.
I mean, it’s obvious to me that you don’t want her to get into a ”frenzy“, but I suspect you would love to share the life together with her in a very real and living way. True? But you often wonder, ”What’s the use?“, because you know God has to take care of it in His own way. But ”God’s way“ involves US into the sharing of His life. And you have known this desire in a powerful way.”

This is an excellent article regarding the difference between the religious meaning of ministry and the powerful desire of talking about reallife. Even though we are afraid to promote error, it seems to be God’s way that involves us into the sharing of His life. Our knowing the Lord is the one who does the real work truly frees us to be confident in our sharing.

Q&A: Can someone “walking in the Spirit” believe he has 2 natures?:

“it’s not surprising to discover that even ”scriptural“ points of view will get infused with the very same fleshly attitude of the one telling it.  As a prime example, I’m sure both of us have heard God’s wonderful grace incorporated into an arrogant doctrinal stance where those who ”hold“ it will somehow see themselves as if they deserve it.  Well, enough of that, you had another question, didn’t you?  ”

This is a good article that explores two senses of walking the Spirit.
1.) As believers we are always in the Spirit 2.) We either live by the frame of mind that we walk by our efforts or by grace. I pray God allows it be clear for all of us.

Q&A: How do I allow Christ to live thru me?:

“”I was trying.“ Through repeated attempts, I was failing again and again. >>>I don’t think we ever really get to an end of our ”trying“, but our Father builds within us a quicker recognition of these vain attempts. It’s cool to find yourself thinking, ”Been there, done that!“ as you become more and more convinced that everything else is futile, except Christ … who is in us.”

This is a very good article regarding focusing on thanking God for giving us continued insights. this is to cause us to recognize the difference between trying and God’s doing in us. It is also a good discussion on the desires we have within us to please/love our parents and God. The fact God loves you has also been embedded in us.

Q&A: Does sarcasm have any place in the truth?:

“The INTENT of both Jesus and Paul was NOT to put down or insult, but to build up and encourage. They spoke in ways that caused the hearers to hear the truth by seeing the absurdity of the ”wisdom“ they grew up with. There are many instances of a ”subtle“ or ”witty“ use of reasoning in the language of Paul that might be described as ”tongue in cheek“.”

This is a good article discussing the purpose of giving truth. I pray that as we listen to the ears of the Spirit that all believers possess we allow God to infuse the understanding of Christ into all.

Q&A: Are NT commands the Lord’s “to do” list?:

“It seems your friend has grossly misread what Jesus actually said, but
it is a common mis-perception based upon a mind of legal expectations.
For it is not upon every word that PROCEEDED or CAME out of God’s mouth
… but every word that PROCEEDS or COMES from God’s mouth. A big, a
huge, a colossal difference!

Now, as the son of man, Jesus lived according to what he quoted. He
could do nothing other. However, it was not the words of God that had
been written on stone that Jesus lived by, for the dead letter did
nothing for him. In fact, the Pharisees were often offended by his
flagrant disregard of what they had considered ”Every word that CAME
out of the mouth of God“.

Jesus himself saw his father’s doings and did what he did; he heard his
voice and spoke his words. He lived by every word that was coming out
of the mouth of his father.”

This is an excellent article on not using the Bible as God’s to do list for us. I pray all would knock themselves out (come to the end of themselves) trying to “do it” so we all can be open to listening and doing His true will His way.

What to do if Someone You Know is Raped:

“ Victims of sexual assault are apt to suffer from depression and suicidal thoughts and attempts – even months after the attack. With this in mind, every attempt should be made to encourage crisis intervention with trained counselors and social workers who are committed Christians.”

Supercure or snake oil – what’s the truth about echinacea? | the Daily Mail:

“However, I would think that eating a balanced diet, with five portions of fruit and vegetables a day and two portions of oily fish a week, and getting adequate sleep, are far more import in reducing your risk of getting an infection that taking this.

”If someone does all those things and still gets lot of colds, then maybe they could give echinacea a try.“”

Echinacea can cut risk of colds by 50 per cent – Independent Online Edition > Health:

“”There has also been the suggestion … that continuous treatment with echinacea is not recommended – the benefits may only be effective for one or two weeks – and that after taking the agent for this time people should stop and give the immune system a week without the agent,“ Professor Cutler said. ”The true benefits and how the agents work remains unclear and further better controlled … clinical trials still have to be carried out,“ he said.”

Increasing Intimacy in Marriage:

“As this analogy shows, over-dependence in marriage can lead spouses to become tired and resentful of carrying the burden for the other’s happiness. Over-dependence creates feelings of powerlessness and weakness because your happiness is in someone else’s hands. Complete independence is also unhealthy because it causes spouses to feel unneeded and lonely. Interdependence is a balance between over-dependence and independence. In an interdependent marriage, spouses feel needed without being overburdened. They feel a sense of freedom and power, understanding that their happiness is in their control and not in the hands of another person.”

This is a great article encouraging others to be interdependent so the person feels needed and not lonely. This is our prayer for all marriages.

intimacy in marriage:

“Everyone agreed that after a full day’s work both men and women are weary and exhausted. But when a husband seems to reserve all his attention for his work and shows no attention to his wife, she feels unloved. When that happens, instead of having a loving and sexually responsive wife, he will run the risk of being at continual odds with her. He will get wrath instead of warmth.”

This is an excellent series of articles on sustaining intimacy in marriage. Even though one sees the other through the Finished Work of Christ, it is important to share the feelings with each other/the Lord together.

Shovel Writings: 1 Timothy 1:15-16 in context:

“the bottom line of the good news of Christ is ”love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.“  As I had already summarized these in a previous Shoveletter I’ll just paste it below:
LOVE FROM A PURE HEART: Would Paul be referring to anything other than the love that flows from a heart that has been purified by the power of the risen Christ and indwelt by the Spirit of God? Timothy already knew this from having learned from Paul himself. It is in hearing the good news of Christ that our hearts are stimulated to real love for one another for it declares WHO our real life is and WHO is also our real connection with one another.
A GOOD CONSCIENCE: This is nothing less than a conscience that has been set free from sin and made alive to God through Christ. This is the conscience of one who is given confidence through the good news of Christ that there is NO MORE remembrance of sin.
A SINCERE FAITH: Sincere means genuine or real, and it has nothing to do with that pathetic ATTEMPT at sincerity that is often thrust upon us by the religious mind. The only ”sincere“ faith that has ever occurred has been the faith we have received in Christ. It is REAL because something has been done to us to cause us to actually be DEPENDENT UPON God – Christ has become our life. Paul was drawing a contrast between REAL faith and PROFESSED faith. In other words, one was the real stuff, the other, merely hot air.”

This is an excellent article for those dealing with conflict. Yes the law keeps order for the unbelievers. However I pray we can show the mercy of God as he did for Paul, one of the worst of sinners. No one is too far gone. “God do not allow us to hold back Your grace towards unbelievers. ”Do not allow us to see believers as sinners.“ The have just forgotten who they are in You.

Shovel Writings: 1 Corinthians 11:

“”For this reason many among you are weak and sick, and a number sleep“
I think he was referring to their obvious conditions during the celebration (something you had asked me about as I remember).  These were probably all-day affairs.  Some came hungry and left hungry.  Others ate and drank all day.
Many were weak – it was in direct relation to the arrogance of those who despised them. Many were sick – while some had nothing, others were gorging themselves on food and drink. A number sleep – drunk and passed out.
All because of how they viewed themselves and each other.  The coming together for judgment is the very real performance-based judgment they were manifesting toward one another.  If we judged ourselves rightly this wouldn’t be happening among us because we would be viewing one another through Christ.  But even when this happens God is not forsaking us but is continually disciplining (training as children) us.  For if He didn’t stay with us in this we would be condemned along with the world.
Listen to the simplicity of this one thing that Paul suggests: wait for one another.  It is a message of their common unity in Christ.”

This is an exciting article on the meaning of true communion! It offer hope that sin is no longer an issue for believers or unbelievers! The Good News of Jesus raises those still dead and convinces those who have been alive as to the life of Jesus in them!!!

Shovel Writings: 1 Corinthians 5:

“grace, wonderful grace. For here we have the privilege of reminding one another what Christ has done for us and is doing IN us! And in this, we ourselves are blessed for we end up reminding ourselves of our true ”righteousness“ at the same time. And then, when that brother (or sister) is ”restored“ all are encouraged and reminded that this life is indeed miraculous.”

This is a great article on where our encouragement for restoration needs to be and the way it is achieved. It is only through reminding one another of their and our righteousness in Christ. May He do it through us.

Shovel Writings: What about God’s anger against the churches in Revelation?:

“Attention can be given to discernment while forgetting the simplicity of Christ (Ephesus). It is important to realize that suffering is all part of life in Christ (Smyrna). When the stumbling block -law- is taught, sin is produced (Pergamum). Be careful of those ”ministers“ who promote themselves (Thyatira). ”Form“ can give the illusion of godliness but there is no life in it (Sardis). Encouragement to hold fast is worthwhile (Philadelpia). Looking at ourselves stimulates a self-righteousness (Laodicea). There is much more in this. I do believe it gave much encouragement to the believers as they went through the great persecution that followed. It reminded them that the blessings of ”the overcomers“ (this only fits in the context of the miraculous work of Christ … see 1 John 5:4&5) would eventually be revealed. ”

This is an excellent synopsis of hearing what the Spirit says to the churches.

Shovel Writings: Overcoming?:

“John addressed them so that they would KNOW that he was speaking to the MIRACLE OF CHRIST WITHIN THEM. ”He who overcomes“. Overcomes WHAT? ”For whatever is born of God OVERCOMES THE WORLD; and this is the victory that has OVERCOME THE WORLD – our FAITH.“ How did we overcome the world? NOT by what we have done, but through Christ. Faith is NOT something we have done, or something that we do, but is a description of the ACTUAL (not ATTEMPTED) dependency of those who have been inserted into the vine (Christ). Our faith is the ”victory“ … the VICTORY … not the thing required. ”

This is an awe-inspiriring article! It is important God confirms His identity in people.

Infidelity, Cheating Wives – Women’s Infidelity:

“Women at Stage 3 may also be
experiencing the ending of an extramarital
affair, and the ending may not have
been their decision. They may have been
involved with single men who either lost interest because the relationship could
not progress or who became attracted to
another women who was
single. Women whose affairs are
ending often experience extreme grief.
They may become deeply depressed and express tremendous anger toward
their husbands. They are typically unaware that they
are experiencing chemical withdrawal due to sudden
changes in their brain chemistry.
As a result, many will feel that they have
missed their chance at happiness due to their indecisiveness.”

This is excellent article shows the feelings one experiences during the progression of affairs. The anger/sadness/confusion/feaars needs to be expressed to God so the block can be removed. An openness needs to be present before God so his best desires and joy for the marriage can flow once again.

Infidelity, Cheating Wives – Women’s Infidelity:

“Women’s
relationships today follow

a very
predictable pattern:

 

 


They
push men
for commitment


They get what they want


They



lose interest
in sex



They
become attracted to someone else



They
start cheating


They become angry
and resentful

They begin telling their partners that they need time apart

They blame their partners for
their behavior…

               

and then…


They
slowly destroy their relationships and marriages”

This is a typical pattern. However if one gives the fear of love in the intimate relationship to the Lord, God’s sufficient love for the partners to give can flow once again. There is no blame necessary because the person does not realize they are doing the old and really doesn’t deep down want to do it. The new person in Christ is what is true.

Jennifer’s Recovery From Emotional Abuse:

“Jennifer describes her childhood as emotionally abusive and unpredictable. Her mother, now a committed Christian, struggled with uncontrolled rage and mental illness when her daughter was a child. Not only did the incidents of violent and frightening outbursts of rage leave her feeling insecure, unloved and inherently bad, Jennifer’s mom blamed her for her own unstable behavior. ”It’s your fault I act like this,“ she said. Suicide first entered her mind at age six. A sensitive child, Jennifer attempted to avoid her mother’s wrath through perfectionism. By junior high school, weary and disillusioned, she knew she could never earn her mother’s love and approval. If not her mother, she needed someone’s approval, so she sought it out by misbehaving at school, ditching it altogether or seeking affection from the opposite sex. Lonely, insecure and feeling unlovable, she grew to accept cruel and destructive behavior from friends, thinking she didn’t deserve any better.Then she met Rick, a quiet but popular football player, and she described it as ”love at first sight.“ But he had a difficult home life, too. Raised by an abusive, alcoholic father, Rick described seeing his father break a plate over his mother’s head because he didn’t like what she had cooked for dinner one night.”

This is an inspiring story of emotional abuse! However it does not talk about the Finished Work of Christ and His identity/character in believers. This eliminates the need for criticism. Jesus took all the issues away! We have had His constant approval and it will continue always.

Active Learning:

“atthew 4:1-11 with your family. Consider these questions:How did Satan try to deceive Jesus like commercials try to trick you?How did Jesus deal with the temptation to have more ”stuff“?What can we learn from this story about temptation?Now read Hebrew 13:5; talk about what it means to want more things. Remind everyone that God has promised to take care of our needs. Ask each family member to complete the following sentence: ”One way I can be happy with what I have is to …“”

This is a good series of articles on dealing with the feelings of temptation. However one does not need to apply it. I believe one needs to pray in a position of victory that God will live out His way in handling the issue when we ask.

Defend the Faith Like C.S. Lewis, Part 2:

“Now I’ll take a closer look at two of Lewis’ key arguments that use abductive reasoning:The argument from ChristThe argument from longing”

This is another good article on talking about the contradictions. Although they are not stated that way.

Defend the Faith Like C.S. Lewis, Part 1:

“ the law of non-contradiction deals with the concept of antithesis and states that something cannot be true and not true at the same time and in the same sense (A is not non-A). Third, the law of excluded middle is often presented as ”either A or non-A.“ For instance, God either exists or He does not exist.”

This is a fascinating article on Faith vs logic. Can both be true at the same time?

Cancer risk cut – National – theage.com.au:

“Women who took calcium and a dose of vitamin D almost three
times the US Government’s recommended daily intake for middle-aged
adults saw a 60 per cent lower incidence of all cancers than women
not taking the vitamin.”

This is an encouraging article for those individuals who do not drink fortified milk.

calgary.ctv.ca – Calgary news from CTV:

“A new American study shows women who took vitamin D were 60 percent less likely to develop breast, colon and ovarian cancers.

The Canadian Cancer Society is suggesting that adults should take 1,000 international units daily during the fall and winter.

The recommendation is different for those with darker skin, those who do not get much sunlight, as well was the elderly. They should take the daily supplement all year.”

For Mothers at Home:

“Setting expectations too high. If we don’t accept that life with children will include disorder, we will stay frustrated because we feel out of control.Forgetting how to have fun. Do you believe that now that you are an adult you can’t be silly anymore? Even as adults, we can still have slumber parties with our girlfriends, Chinese fire drills and pillow fights.”

BBC NEWS | Scotland | North East/N Isles | Teapot ‘is the healthiest option’:

“The traditional way of making tea in a pot is healthier than dunking a bag in a cup, according to scientists.

Previous research found antioxidants in tea could help protect against things like cancer and heart disease.

Now scientists in Aberdeen have shown that a cuppa only gets the maximum amount of these chemicals when the tea is given proper time to brew.

The researchers also found that adding milk to a cup of tea had no effect on its cancer-fighting properties.


The scientists tested levels of polyphenols, which are antioxidants naturally occurring in plants, in the blood of volunteers who drank black tea brewed for up to 10 minutes.

They found that volunteers who drank tea that had been brewed for five minutes had blood antioxidant levels which were 60% higher than those who consumed a one-minute infusion.”

Shovel Writings: The Whisper:

“This is not blasphemy.  There is no suggestion that God has created any new deities, but He HAS made us SHARERS of HIS divine nature (yeah, Peter believed it, too! 2 Peter 1:4).   Don’t you get it?  An entirely new thing happened when God invaded human history and became a man!  He joined the creation forevermore with the creator!   Then he killed the old creation when he died and rose as the head of the new creation.  We truly are new creations, and Christ is the substance, the core, the life of our new identity!
And the deceiver has whispered in your ear. It is the same thing he said to Jesus. ”If you are the son of God then let’s see some proof!“

”

This is another thought-provoking article. Is Christ really in us?

calgary.ctv.ca – Calgary news from CTV:

“ ”Eight millimeter films shot in the 50’s and 60’s are reaching the end of their shelf life, even if they’ve been stored in optimal storage conditions.“

Videos also do not hold up to time and begin to degrade in as little as 15 years.

Consumer Reports says if you have working playback equipment for your original video, you can buy a DVD recorder and transfer the videos yourself.

”Take your playback device such as your camcorder, and plug in the DVD recorder cable. Press play on your camcorder/playback device. Press record on the DVD recorder, and you’re all set,“ says Langehennig.

When it comes to films you need to hire a service to do the transfer.

An average price for the service is around $50 for the first 15 minutes.”

BBC NEWS | Health | Folic acid ‘reduces stroke risks’:

“olate is a water-soluble B vitamin that occurs naturally in food. Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate that is found in supplements and added to fortified foods

Both folic acid and vitamin B12 are essential for good health and good levels can be achieved by eating a healthy, balanced diet.

Green vegetables are rich in folic acid or folate, while B12 is found in foods such as eggs and meat.

Yet 13 million people do not consume enough folate, according to the Food Standards Agency.

How much?

The current advice is that all adults consume 200 micrograms of folate per day, and that women who are pregnant or thinking of having a baby should take a daily 400 microgram supplement from the time they start trying for a baby until the 12th week of pregnancy.”

What Your Teens Need to Know about Sex:

“Quick ideas about setting boundariesChildren and teens need boundaries for their safety. Children should understand the consequences of breaking family rules and boundaries. Consequences should fit the severity of the rule. The following are a few boundaries to discuss with your teen:CurfewTransporting other teens: who or how many people ride in one car together Drinking alcohol or using drugsDrinking alcohol or using drugs and driving Lying to parents or adults in authorityAllowing opposite-sex company in bedrooms Having friends over while parents are absent Age at which dating can beginDating vs. courting: discuss family values and guidelines”

This is a good article of a vision for teenage relationships. However, the law-based Christianity mindset is laced through it. The piece needs to be changed to focus only on Jesus.

How to Use Your Bronchodilator Inhaler:

“Bronchodilators are prescription medications used to relax the smooth muscles of your constricted airways. This dilates or widens them, making it easier to breathe and to cough up”

Bronchitis Self-Care – Caring for Yourself During A Bronchitis Bout – Bronchitis Treatment:

“Drink a minimum of eight glasses of water or other fluids every day. This will help to keep mucus thin, making it easier to cough up. Avoid sugar and dairy products because they tend to weaken the immune system and cause excessive mucus production.

Cough Suppressants
Do not take cough suppressants. If you have a cough that brings up mucus, this means your body is eliminating the mucus. By taking a cough suppressant, you may cause mucus buildup that can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia.”

Shovel Writings: Galatians 4:

“The issue of belonging to God is one of legitimacy. In other words, who is the rightful heir? As with Abraham’s sons, the APPEARANCE of being first in line is an illusion. The miracle child was harassed by his older brother. And it shouldn’t take a brain-surgeon to figure out the motivation – this stupid little kid was getting his inheritance! Ishmael’s taunts would have been designed to undermine Isaac’s sense of identity, which is the same questioning of your own identity as a rightful heir of God through Christ. How many times has your ”salvation“ been questioned? How many times has it been suggested that you don’t really belong to Him or have a lower standing? How many doctrines have categorized you as illegitimate – as a bastard? Haven’t you noticed that the productivity of the flesh always questions the productivity of the Spirit? It’s message is that you cannot trust freedom to produce anything of worth! But if you hear the simple lesson of Sarah and Abraham you will find that you have a reason to rejoice when you can’t see any fruit … or when it appears as if nothing is happening!


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This is a good article on the deadness of performance as opposed to the fruit of freedom.

Shovel Writings: Christ & Him Crucified:

“He then went on to throw their screwed up experiences in their faces, NOT TO SHAME THEM, but to drive home the reality of what the wisdom of the world had convinced them of and brought them to.  His major questions were, ”DON’T YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE?“  … ”DON’T YOU KNOW WHAT THE WISDOM OF THE WORLD PRODUCES?“ … ”DON’T YOU KNOW THE TWO WISDOMS CANNOT MIX?“.
”AMONG YOU“ … How do you view me?  How do you view yourself?  One will demand the other.  Compare me with yourself or with your group or with your standards and you have evaluated yourself by how well you rate in comparison to me or with those standards!  Rate me by how many doctrines I agree with you on and you have automatically rated yourself as the standard by which I am to be judged in the matter.  Put me under law and eventually you will have no option but to put yourself under law.  It’s what the Corinthians were doing … and it’s what you and I also fall into.
View me in the living, risen Christ, the one who has been separated from everything to do with the world …… OR ……… view me in relation to how well I rate in comparison to your world.  There are no other options.”

An Excellent discussion that we are to only see Jesus in others and not compare them to us. May it be so.

Shovel Writings: Cold, Dead Fingers:

“Wow. I, too, had defined forgiveness by the human process I went through in attempting to ”let go of“ my hurt feelings or anger. But you’re right…in Christ, these offenses do not exist. The spiritual reality destroys the human formula. Our desire is therefore not for the ”how to,“ but rather to stay focused on Christ.
”

This is the only answer to all conflicts: STAY FOCUSED ON JESUS!!! EVEN THOUGH IT APPEARS THERE ARE OFFENCEANNOYANCES THEY DO NOT EXIST IN CHRIST. LORD do this is all of us, please!!! HE SAYS HE WILL.

Shovel Writings: Forgiveness Response:

“Your emotions are letting you know that you are viewing yourself and/or others by your yardstick … while the gospel declares that your yardstick is the thing you have been saved from … he snapped it into little bitty pieces. Chances are that if the emotions are hanging on after seeing the situation in the reality of Christ that those emotions are being stirred up by something else. I have often discovered that my hateful feelings were not really about the person who said something derogatory to me, but in the simple fact that I had been damning myself in that particular thing for years! Once I got past the bogus notion that SOMEBODY ELSE was to blame for my feelings of inferiority I was able to see the obvious fact that my anger was toward myself! But I had for the longest time transferred the blame, and therefore, the corresponding feelings to another. And so I tried and tried in vain to forgive them (or even to see them in Christ) … and I wondered why I felt these things toward them.
And, in this, I am once again presented with the reality of life vs. death. My Father has given me something tangible to behold and to declare that THIS TOO has been removed by Christ! This is His Spirit witnessing with my spirit and it is saturated with life.”

This is an excellent point about the real source of anger towards others. I pray we stop measuring one another and ourselves.