Losing Your Religion

When did you lose yours?

Preach it McGee: "The Man Who Lost His Religion"

Blue Eyed Jesus

Every Christmas I make it a tradition to add a new ornament to my daughter's collection. Each one has a memory attached to it. When she is old enough to leave the coop, she can take all the ornaments gathered over the years to her home and decorate her tree with memories of her childhood.

This year, I wanted to make sure she remembered the reason for the season and found an ornament of Jesus, the Good Shepard. I looked it over and chuckled at how they painted his eyes blue and that got me thinking about what Jesus might have looked like. Hmm!

I wrote a little diddy of my thoughts about this matter.

'Blue Eyed Jesus'

Blue Eyed Jesus

Jesus was an Israelite

Born in the Middle East

He may have had olive skin

And straight white teeth

His hair most likely was dark brown

Who knows what length he wore,

He probably had facial hair

At times a shadow or full beard

Genetics and DNA state

The possibility that Jesus

Could have blue eyes

Brown, hazel, grey or green

Scripture is silent on his physical stature

From baby, child to adult

There is no description

And this is not by default

The fact of the matter is

We all just speculate

On the features of Jesus

The divine God man

Is His image on the burial shroud?

Did anyone make a portrait?

It’s good we do not have an image

For an idol we would make

Instead of getting to know Jesus

In faith without tangibility

Now the promise of seeing Gods face

Rests in eternity

But God in His mercy

Gave a glimpse of Himself in history

Mary, Joseph, James, Jude, Simon

His sisters and disciples

For thirty-three years in time

Saw Jesus’ human form and face

A future time we too will see

The face of Jesus again

At His second coming and

Earthly reign in the millennium

For 1000 years mankind will

Behold the face of saving grace

And meet with Him in Jerusalem

To worship; a man from every race

Think in wonder on this truth;

When we enter eternity,

We will behold Gods face in all its’ glory!




Isaiah 53 says He would not have external features to attract or draw people to him.

I don't think Jesus had blue eyes because of the above verse.

Cut The Mustard

I love a good idiom like 'cut the mustard' or 'can't cut the mustard',  meaning either I will succeed or I can't handle the job.  I live within both of those phrases. I know God has brought me to a point where I know I can't handle the job set before me, but I will succeed because I choose to trust in Him. What a paradox!

I don't know about you but I take the Bible seriously and literally.  Lately, the parable of the mustard seed found in all three synoptic gospels has been laid on my heart.  It is a warning and prediction about the kingdom of heaven (the earthly sphere of profession) and the church. The mustard seed starts off smaller than a grain of rice but grows into a very large bush, and within it is the true and false. The false is depicted by birds that nests within its' branches. The birds are demonic influences that want to hinder the true growth and bring impurity into the church.  There is a list a mile long in all the false ways this is accomplished.  This makes me ever more grateful for the ministry of Paul. He had to defend himself to other christians all the while loving them, correcting them, encouraging them. I am certain he would have understood the above idiom.

Mustard

The 2nd Letter to The Corinthians: Chapters 10-13

I am understanding the dilemma Paul went through a bit better through my own life circumstances.  I have been accused by christians and non-believers of being contentious because I question what I see ( I think that's salt - Mat. 5:13) although my heart is passionate and only wants what is right (I've always been curious with a genuine heart of respect). I have been accused of piety (believe me I know I am a sinner- wretched just like Paul states and want to correct when I am wrong) when all I have is passion for the Lord. I have been accused of wanting to take control when all I want is to communicate and come to a mutual understanding. I have been accused of being false in my intentions when all I want is fellowship and community that builds each other up. I have been accused of being over emotional or even negative when I am actually trying to look at life through the lens of reality (2 Corinthians 4:7-10). I know some have even thought I have the influence of a demon, they just won't come out and say it. Please know I am a Holy Spirit in dwelt believer and I serve only one master. (I am not the fulfillment of 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, I masquerade NOT! Discernment is also key, (John 8:48-52). (I know a lot of people, so please don't try to guess who these people might be. In fact, I hope that I misunderstood them and want to give benefit of the doubt but the pattern keeps repeating so I am more attuned to it, even when it seems subtle.) If anything, I am battling oppression as I conquer the falsehood against me and within the church and learn the dynamics of true forgiveness and letting anger not take root in my life and loving ALL. Paul went through this same scenario with the Corinthian church. They accused him of living by the world's standards, of being untrue through his 'weighty and forceful' letter but unable to speak well. The Corinthian church was in a carnal state and looked on the outward, they followed the latest and greatest, 'super-apostles' and became haughty which lead them back into worldly practices (sexual sin and lustful desires). When a christian becomes haughty they don't heed any correction and become nit-picky fault finders and this leads to gossip, slander, strife, division etc.). I have to be careful here, because I can tend to be fearful of allowing deception into my life and become nit-picky too. I want to be a good Berean and ferret out false ways to protect my heart (not to boast in being right).  The one sin I have had to deal with recently is anger. All these false accusations causes one to have to deal with forgiveness without the possibility of reconciliation and lay your character, personality and identity at Christ feet (and go it alone) and still love (2 Corinthians 2:5-11). I have to admit, the struggle is real. I live the mustard paradox in this area of my life and have been challenged greatly where all this is concerned. I know victory is my reward, as I choose to be obedient to God's ways and lay these burdens at his feet.

The antidote to the false is looking at the fellow believer as Christ does. Paul mentions this before he defends his ministry in 2 Corinthians 5:13-21. What a pickle for Paul to be in. He has to call out sin against a rebellious church, while looking at them as Christ does. I'm telling ya, what knife can cut that mustard? (only submission to the Holy Spirit can accomplish this task).

My Prayer:

Lord, please bring reconciliation. Please let the ultimate spiritual gift, LOVE abound between the true brothers and sisters in Christ. Strengthen all of us in truth and unity of Spirit.  Thwart the plans of Satan to separate. Help the true followers love the false professors (deceived, blinded) and let only truth come from our lips so if any that are false may be converted. Let us not grieve your Holy Spirit.

VIDEO:  AMEN!
The Holy Spirit and the Sinning Christian

The Holy Spirit and the Indwelling  Mustard! My heart resonates deeply with this sermon. I relate to the lady who felt she was called but couldn't do anything about it but still did what she could and in the end left a huge blessing.

The Greatest Sermon of the Apostle Paul   More Mustard! You are a preacher, Your life is talking! The presence of Paul caused revolution or revival in his missionary journey.  He totally cut the mustard! LOL!

What Do You Do with Your Burdens? McGee Nails this message of what that means for fellowship between other believers and on your own. Brilliantly taught!


J Vernon McGee has been an encouraging listen these past few months. This man's ministry is still being used by the Holy Spirit today. My grandparents used to listen to him and I saw the fruits of the Spirit in their life. Such great memories!

Note for Fun: My father was lead to the Lord by my Grandpa Koch (My mom's dad). He preached the gospel and had such a passion for the winning of souls. I miss you grandpa Jack, your ministry, which you led out of your house has born much fruit!

Luke 17:5-6 -Now this is my kind of mustard!

NOTE:
A sneaky bird that enters in the church are bullies and meddlers... Diotrephes was one that was warned about in 3 John. It does take wisdom and discernment in knowing who is looking out for souls (watchmen) and who is lording over man.

Mr. McGee Preach It...  I know what is right..... Woman's Place in the Local Church... those who question my 'intentions' I agree with McGee! But I also know God uses women boldly too. I find it quite ironic I agree with this article as I find God using me in the way the article states but don't agree with the organization's founder.

Good Teaching on this subject

I am strong in my beliefs because I submitted to the authority of STRONG MEN!! I do not claim these things from my own teaching, hence, all the videos, articles I learn from are from these strong men. I then teach it to my daughter.  Titus 2: 4-5. (Mainly about how to be a good woman through biblical teaching and discipleship... it does take teaching doctrine to set a foundation). I also believe in the authority structure of the family and the church. I don't believe a woman should be a pastor.

Also, someone threw this hint in my direction, The Jezebel Spirit. Heck, I never heard of it and had to do my research on it. WOW!  This accusation is destructive and harmful to true believers who are just trying to be Bereans (especially women) I question if a person has a hatred toward a Godly person by trying to use this accusation against them!  It is a device of Satan to separate sheep from fellowship and causes much harm.  Remember Jezebel hated God and was lewd and openly tried to control and overtake Godly men, her goal was to use worldly ways, idol worship and licentiousness. Yes, this needs to be outed from the church, but you have do your detective homework and get hard evidence. Word of caution before you accuse someone of this or if you think a person may be like this, you had better get to know them or do your research before you fire away. If you can't tell the difference between a Godly Berean questioning what a pastor says in the pulpit and a jezebel spirit you may need to go check yourself and see if you are of the faith. In this apostate time a church should welcome tough questioning! All it can do is strengthen you! If you find you are in need of correction, then humble yourself and thank God for the person that dared to ask.  PRAYER is key: be in prayer over your church flock and that God will expose those wolves early on and be in prayer that the church will correct error as they learn it!

I wonder if there is a Delilah Spirit, or What about a Bathsheba Spirit... ABSURD! Yes, there can be attitudes and people who are dastardly that come in to try to control. A person who questions with respect is being Biblical.

Love, The Lady who likes Dijon Mustard!

THE BEST TEACHING ON THE JEZEBEL SPIRIT... which I know I am NOT of.... Never have been...and I am soaring in this truth... those that tried to pin this on me have a problem and it is not mine.

God With Us

As promised, I am sharing one of my favorite 'Christmas' songs. O' Come O' Come Emmanuel ,God with Us. The promise of the Savior in the Old Testament to the exiled nation of Israel and the fulfillment of this in Jesus, God's only begotten Son. I love the gospel message in this song. It speaks to all of us who were once exiled from God because of our sin. It speaks of freedom over death, of His safety as He leads us and the beginning of a beautiful saving relationship stated long ago on Mt. Sinai.

I love how sombre the tone of the melody is, all the while telling us to rejoice. Oh what a beautiful depiction of Israels history and the deliverance from all the world's sorrows.

As a lifelong believer, I have seen God work in my life and know even today He is with me. Praise Him!

Listen to this beautiful rendition... You may have to go on youtube to actually listen to it. It is worth it!

O come, O come, Emmanuel And ransom captive Israel That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel. O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free Thine own from Satan's tyranny From depths of Hell Thy people save And give them victory o'er the grave Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel. O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer Our spirits by Thine advent here Disperse the gloomy clouds of night And death's dark shadows put to flight. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel. O come, Thou Key of David, come, And open wide our heavenly home; Make safe the way that leads on high, And close the path to misery. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel. O come, O come, Thou Lord of might, Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai's height, In ancient times did'st give the Law, In cloud, and majesty and awe. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

You Better Watch Out

It's Christmas again and everyone is cheerful and full of warm, fuzzy feelings. A sweet Christmas song is blaring through the speaker, you sing along blinded by the cheerful demeanor of the melody until you realize the words escaping your mouth may be deceptive in their tune.

As a kid, singing Santa Claus is Coming to Town, brought you anticipation. As an adult whose reared a kid, you know this song is a warning!

Oh, He's Watching!

I'm not sure if Coots and Gillespie had a run in with their kids before writing this Christmas song for Eddie Cantor's Radio show in 1934 but life experience is usually fodder for musical genius. It was an instant hit. I suspect parents sighed in relation to the verbal threats and the kids dug the tune and it made everyone happy. Ahh, music, bringing people together since the beginning of time.

So next time your kid is acting out and you need a little relief, just grit your teeth, grin and bare it and remember the lyrics and sing them with gusto, you'll feel better. Your kid will get the message and back down the naughty meter and all will be well with your souls. At least you didn't have to lower the bar and tell them about Krampus to get them to behave.

I have a few more Christmas songs in the line-up that make you go HMMM! but I'll pick on those another year.

P.S. You will be proud of this Grinch. My Zumba instructor taught the class 2 new Christmas song dances today. One of which was a re-mix of, you guessed it, The Drummer Boy. I beat pretend drums for the squat move as I laughed inside. My heart did not grow any bigger after performing that feat but I did make it through my Christmas song 'bete noire' with grace.

I do have my Christmas Holiday FAVORITES (that make my heart grow)... I'll write about them too. Promise!

Me and George Bailey

Humor always helps me when I'm down. Since It's A Wonderful Life is one of my family's favorite Holiday movies, I wrote a little diddy to help brighten my spirit.

Me and George Bailey

Me and George Bailey

had similar years

pleading with God

cheeks full of tears

Maybe I got Clarence

to help me like him

Angel Second Class

A little bit dim

Me and George Bailey

know what it takes

keeping it together

when finances are at stake

A night at Martini's

sure sounds pleasing

but we may get Nick

and a ration of teasing

Me and George Bailey

know what's important

Zuzu's petals, lassoed moons and

friends of comportment

Gower, Potter and Uncle Billy,

Violet, 'HeeHaw' Sam and Harry.

I've known a few

but best of all was George's wife, Mary!

Me and George Bailey

We know what is true

God still answers prayer

for me and for you

Merry Christmas!

The Dilemma

As I rest in God, push into prayer, lay my burdens at His feet, and unfortunately pick them back up, only to learn I have to leave them at His feet in order to see Him able to work His plan in my life, I reflect on the struggles of living a christian life.

I love bringing out my wedding album every once and while and reminisce. I had my guests write words of encouragement and notes of advice so I could remember them fondly.  Some were clever, others wrote poetry, some made me laugh. The guests who came really impacted that day.

I have kept this particular note in my Bible the past few years as the advice certainly has been timely. I don't know who wrote it. It is the only one without a name attached. It is typed with errors but the references have been prophetic (in the correct sense of the word... this term has been abused in Christian circles, I would clarify that the advice is sound for anyone walking with God). I asked both sets of parents if they were the culprits but they both don't recognize it. I really would like to find the guest that took the time to write the note since it is being born out in my life.

It has given me hope as I see my family being tumbled to and fro, it seems our hedge of protection has been removed, things just don't seem to be right, battling the fiery darts of falsehood while striving to step out in faith has been extremely difficult. Our health has waned, our jobs have been affected, our reputations have been attacked. YET WE TRUST GOD! Romans 8:28.

Lord, we ask humbly for your direction. What do you want us to do? Do you want us to do anything?

Forgive those that trespass against you, I WILL! Forgive those that plan evil against you, I WILL! Confess your sins so that you may be right with God and others, I WILL! My life is not my own, IT IS YOURS!

I know I am nothing like Job (except in my upright stance - I say this as humbly as one can), I am thankful for the life of Job as the recent things we are experiencing help us read his life and know what to do. STAND FIRM, should I accept good and not trouble from the Lord? (Job 2:10). I will pray for those friends that got it wrong about our situation, as I know this helped Job's heart. Mine is in need of this help too. Job 42.

I know our family can not withstand without Ephesians 6:10-18. The Armor (Word and Prayer).

My Prayer: Lord may the truth be made known. Vindicate your servants and make things whole again! Please right those wrongs and work out the mess that we didn't create. If we are responsible for any part of the mess, please help us in correction.
I John 4:6 is what I am praying, let those who have the Spirit of God understand the truth of our matter.

Quote: "To give truth to him who loves it not leaves room for misinterpretation."
May your Word cut to the quick! Hebrews 4:12.

Wedding Album
Who wrote it?