We are covered for our sin

orange = Shawn's responses or notes.

Other Test, scripture, Bold = highlighted scripture

Daniel's Note:
The part about Christians being liars if they sin was a verse from the Bible. 1 John 3:9 says if you are in Him you cannot continue to sin. And that was contrary to what you were saying that we will always continue to sin. That's why I posted it, I was trying to correct you. The stance that we will always sin until we die says that Jesus is not our savior from sin, but death is. Jesus came to save us FROM our sin, not IN our sin.

Galatians 5:24. Colossians 2:11

Those are neither boastful or prideful statements because I don't claim to have done the work for any of it, I'm only boasting and taking pride in what Jesus has finished. He did all of the work, so "if any man boasts, let him boast in the Lord."

Jesus did the work, I get to enjoy the benefits. I don't have to work hard for it, I just have to receive it. That's the good news of the Gospel. Hebrews 4:10, we should be resting from our work as Jesus is, not striving for things He has given us.

I don't say what I say to cause division, or to pervert scripture, I say what I say to free people because I have been freed from that way of thinking. ;).

1 John 3:9

The Bible makes the point over and over that
“we are dead to sin”, (Romans 5, 6, 8. Galatians 5:24. Colossians 2:11) that our sinful nature is dead and has been removed from us, and that we cannot go on living in sin, we have been set completely free from it. I'm not adding anything or misinterpreting anything, I'm just repeating what the Bible says about the issue :). There's no special, secret way to interpret, "You're dead to sin." and "You're sinful nature is dead."


End Note from Daniel


The only way we can be in God's presence is to be without sin. We are "covered by the blood of the lamb". 

We still live in sinful bodies. Our flesh is sinful. We will never be "100% like" Christ here on earth. He was fully God in human form.... We can never be fully God in human form, that would make us God. Even as Jesus was tempted, He was still God. I could never make that claim. I am the sinner who was saved by the perfect man, being God in flesh - and with every day as I seek and desire to be closer to Him, I do get better; and I will become closer to perfection, but I will never be the "perfect man", as Jesus was/is. 

Romans 5, 6, 8.

Romans 5

Peace and Joy

 ¹Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we^[a]have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ²through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we^[b]rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. ³Not only so, but we^[c] also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; ⁴perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

 ⁶You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. ⁷Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. ⁸But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

 ⁹Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! ¹⁰For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! ¹¹Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Death Through Adam, Life Through Christ

 ¹²Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned— ¹³for before the law was given, sin was in the world. But sin is not taken into account when there is no law. ¹⁴Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who was a pattern of the one to come.

 ¹⁵But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God's grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many!¹⁶Again, the gift of God is not like the result of the one man's sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. ¹⁷For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.

 ¹⁸Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. ¹⁹For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.

 ²⁰The law was added so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, ²¹so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 6

Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ

 ¹What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? ²By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? ³Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? ⁴We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

 ⁵If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. ⁶For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with,^[d] that we should no longer be slaves to sin— ⁷because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.

 ⁸Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. ⁹For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. ¹⁰The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.

 ¹¹In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. ¹²Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. ¹³Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. ¹⁴For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.

This does not say we will not sin anymore… It tells us to not let it be the master, because we are under grace.

Slaves to Righteousness

 ¹⁵What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! ¹⁶Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? ¹⁷But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. ¹⁸You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.

 ¹⁹I put this in human terms because you are weak in your natural selves. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness.²⁰When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. ²¹What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! ²²But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. ²³For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in^[e] Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 7

An Illustration From Marriage

 ¹Do you not know, brothers—for I am speaking to men who know the law—that the law has authority over a man only as long as he lives? ²For example, by law a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law of marriage. ³So then, if she marries another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is released from that law and is not an adulteress, even though she marries another man.

 ⁴So, my brothers, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit to God. ⁵For when we were controlled by the sinful nature,^[f] the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in our bodies, so that we bore fruit for death. ⁶But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.

Struggling With Sin

 ⁷What shall we say, then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! Indeed I would not have known what sin was except through the law. For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, "Do not covet."^[g] 8But sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, produced in me every kind of covetous desire. For apart from law, sin is dead.⁹Once I was alive apart from law; but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life and I died. ¹⁰I found that the very commandment that was intended to bring life actually brought death.

 ¹¹For sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, deceived me, and through the commandment put me to death. ¹²So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good. ¹³Did that which is good, then, become death to me? By no means! But in order that sin might be recognized as sin, it produced death in me through what was good, so that through the commandment sin might become utterly sinful.

 ¹⁴We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. ¹⁵I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. ¹⁶And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. ¹⁷As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. ¹⁸I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.^[h] For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. ¹⁹For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. ²⁰Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

 ²¹So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. ²²For in my inner being I delight in God's law; ²³but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. ²⁴What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? ²⁵Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! 
      So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.

We still have our sinful bodies. Our “natural body” wants to sin, we cannot get away from it. WE can change toward sinlessness, but our body’s will be the same until we are transformed to eternity.

Romans 8

Life Through the Spirit

 ¹Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,^[i] 2because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. ³For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature,^[j] God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering.^[k] And so he condemned sin in sinful man,^[l] 4in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.

We have to “live according to the Spirit”, it doesn’t just happen. When I became a Christian, I didn’t switch off all the sinful things or living like a righteous person, such as “doubting my worth”, “not respecting my husband”, “telling white lies”, “I am afraid, concerned, worried”, “not taking care of my temple”, “not trusting that God has everything under control”, “not living to my potential”.

 ⁵Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. ⁶The mind of sinful man^[m] is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; ⁷the sinful mind^[n] is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. ⁸Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.

 ⁹You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. ¹⁰But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. ¹¹And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.

Our bodies are dead because of sin, yet we have the spirit inside us. There is conflict.

 ¹²Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation—but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. ¹³For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live,¹⁴because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. ¹⁵For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship.^[o] And by him we cry, "Abba,^[p] Father." ¹⁶The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. ¹⁷Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Future Glory

 ¹⁸I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. ¹⁹The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. ²⁰For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope ²¹that^[q] the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

 ²²We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. ²³Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. ²⁴For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? ²⁵But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

We wait for our new body, which we will not get until we are raised up when we die physically of this world to be with our heavenly Father.

 ²⁶In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. 
What weakness, if not sin? 
We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. ²⁷And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.
We pray in Jesus name to go to God, we pray for forgiveness of our sins, for healing. 

More Than Conquerors

 ²⁸And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,^[r] who^[s] have been called according to his purpose. ²⁹For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. ³⁰And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

 ³¹What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? ³²He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? ³³Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. ³⁴Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. ³⁵Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ³⁶As it is written: 
   "For your sake we face death all day long; 
      we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."^[t] 37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. ³⁸For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,^[u] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, ³⁹neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Realizing I am a sloth and sluggard - OUCH!

Today was another revealing learning experience from God through our pastor John Bruce.

I have spent my life as a doer, so I thought! But the more I get to know God, or, actually get to know me with God, I realize how much growth I have - not a new statement by me; however, revolutionary anyway from today's standpoint.

Last week, John discussed, Smart People Take God Seriously, and it is a sad state that our world is in right now. We take so many other things seriously, the things that really don't impact anything except our pride or boasting.... but that gets me political, and that is not my aim right now.

Today as I heard God's word, I was again, set to grieving how much time I have lost - spending time on the wrong things and with the wrong thinking. Still in Proverbs, John's 10 Ways to Diagnose Whether or Not (I am) a Sluggard or Sloth, and the lesson begins.

Smart People Take Action

1. Do I Think I am Lazy? Many months ago, and for my entire life, I would have said "no", strongly "NO". And, as I reflect on my actions, or inactions over the years, I am submitting that changes need to happen; I have gotten in life what I have because I don't always act as quickly as I should. So, how does that change? With recognition that change is needed, praying - asking God to direct and guide, then massive action on my part. SO MANY THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: Proverbs 26:16
2. Do I Make Small, Soft Choices - WHICH Eventually Become Habits? Everyday! Wow, reality is shocking sometimes, and my prayer is that these are not just my revelations, but others can see their need to know themselves better. Idleness saps or zaps energy - how true is this? This morning, I woke up early, then rolled over and fell back to sleep, and when I woke up for the second time, an hour later - I didn't want to budge. John's examples including, longer shower, slower to getting up from the table after a meal, procrastinating and slow to start things. SO WHAT SHOULD I DO? Push myself at every moment. Be the person that does things first, and the best! Proverbs 6:9-11 & Proverbs 19:15.
3. Do I Always Feel Busy, BUT Accomplishing Nothing? BINGO! Yep! Got me on this one! Never, ever feel like I have enough time - this one is speaking to me loud and clear. My life has been run like the bell goes off, and I am in the midst of a fire drill I will definitely be listening to this message again. It truly is a matter of prioritizing, and knowing what to spend time on. I am working with someone right now - coaching, mentoring, fine-tuning my walk with God, and this is the area. My coach calls it the Playground (my mind). Proverbs 12:11 & Proverbs 14:23
4. Am I Always in a Rush to Get Things Done? Rushing through life is a past-time of many - do I do it? Absolutely. And, it is my desire to enjoy every aspect of my life - no matter what the activity or event. To be present in all moments, whether planned, spontaneous or "just so happens". Proverbs 21:5 & Ecclesiastes 11:4. There are so many things that haste is costing me. Lord, guide me to savor.... to enjoy.... feel joy! 
5. Do I Wait "Til the Ideal Time" Before Taking Actions? Proverbs 20:4
6. Do I Find Myself Saying "I Will Do It Later"? Proverbs 10:5
7. Do I Need Somebody to Help Me Get Going? Proverbs 12:24
8. Do I Fail to Finish Things I Have Invested Time and Energy In To? There is wisdom, many times in things that are identified in conflict. My husband shares this truth with me often, and I spiral into defensive mode, BIG TIME! This is an area, that drives me completely nutty about myself and yet, I do it more than anything else. Little things become major things. Through the conflict and lessons of this past year, my personal growth has come in God's wonderful way of nudging, prodding and "here it is, would you please pay attention". Proverbs 12:27 & Proverbs 24:30-34
9. Do I Live in a World of Wishful Thinking? Proverbs 13:4 & Proverbs 21:25-26
10. Am I Ruled by my Appetites? Proverbs 26:14 & Proverbs 23:20-21

Thoughts to ponder:

• ·       Is Christ first for me?
• ·       "I become what I do regularly" Aristotle
• ·       Am I my body's master or slave? 
• ·       Am I resting on His promises or my premises?
• ·       How am I motivated, externally or internally?
• ·       God will not do for me what I can do for myself.

Emerging from the Wreckage (... a godly wife, obedient to love like Christ)

My life, my husband would say “is a fire drill”, unorganized, frantic and exhausting. And over the years, I would say that his assessment has been true in a lot of cases. In some areas of my life, however, I am overboard organized, calm and energized. Today, I claim the latter description moving forward. These have been consuming years, we truly have been through a lot. As I look out my office window, as I write this, I see our Redwood trees, sturdy, yet flexible, and deliberate on that kind of growing. With branches extended out, waving in the breeze, new growth on the tips, and stretching greatly to the sky – my mirror image today. 

Less than a month ago, I had no idea where my life was headed, what I would salvage from the wreckage of my unorganized, frantic and exhausting existence. It was early July, and I laid flat to the ground, sobbing and confused – how could I be here, and not hear all that was going on in my life? How could I disconnect so easily? What could I possibly do or say to make up for my lack of interest in my own life? I was definitely not living for anyone in this household – I was on a collision course with enemy territory. You see, the enemy hates marriage, and he will do anything to destroy it. Those little comments running through my head that said, “why bother, he doesn’t love you anyway?” or “it won’t matter if you work later, he doesn’t miss you…” those are lies. And, I would go to God, and tell Him how unhappy I was. How much I was hurting, and at no time did I feel the need to consider the one in my life, who does not know God; and the only God he saw, was totally disconnecting and leaving him behind even more. 

The fact that today, was a wonderful day, one full of fun, laughter, hope and excitement with my husband, is a miracle. 

My journey is clear. Although I may not always understand why I am traveling a particular way, as long as I know it is God’s will for me to be there, I will faithfully and trustingly follow him. 

In the rearranging of my schedule, I promised God, that my marriage would come first (after Him of course); so life is much different than I had grown accustomed to. In this process of restoration and rebuilding, I have asked God to restore more than just my marriage. I have prayed for the restoration of me, the person that always did what she said, the woman of her word – integrity with myself. To boldly state what I will do, and not be afraid to pursue it; and boldly stating something because I am so afraid; knowing that I have the strength of God with me, I step out much more confident than ever before and go toward my fear anyway.

It is important to Chris that I work out, that I am healthy and getting that competitive, athletic edge I always had before. So, I started a regiment; not tough, but takes some effort. Two days a week, I walk the hill; a 3+ mile walk down 2nd Street, and over to East Avenue, which is all up hill – a definite work out. As I started down the hill for my walk this morning, I had my scripture in hand, Romans 4 and a friend’s blog (Steve Wickham) entry from today Joy in the Continuity of Prayer – Part 1 

I printed both out, so I could read it as I walk down the hill, and I could pray and concentrate on what I read on the way back up the hill.

On my walk, I met a neighbor... had the most amazing conversation. He is 86, Leo. A little rough around the edges, said he was a plumber; as we were chatting outside his house, two young kids walked by and Leo talked to them, they said “hi, have a nice day” and were on their way. He said "the young people just don't want to hear from us old people" you could see in his eyes that he just wanted to share himself; his experience, his trade, his heart..... my heart broke. We stood and talked for 20 minutes. He said, "you know the Lord!" It wasn’t a question, it was his observation. I responded, "yes, I live for the Lord." 

He told me about his wife, Nola, her heart condition and diabetes episodes with the paramedics coming to the house in the middle of the night (I met her too and their friend Jane). He spoke of his accomplishments, life in general, the neighborhood, which by the way “I have lived here for 55 years, amazing, huh?” he went on. He attends Three Crosses; He started to tear up as he talked about the Lord - as I said, rough around the edges, a plumber (construction-type); share some illness concerns - He says, "you go, you have a walk to complete, but promise you'll come back - I know God brought you here." I asked if I could pray for his health and just in general. We shared quite a bit in those 20 minutes. Before I walked away he whispered "your husband - do it quietly... you, me and God got it covered, he will know our Lord".

Thank You Lord for blessing my life in ways that I never knew could be present. When in the past, I would have been one of the young kids too busy to hear an old folk share.

Additions later... 
I shared this privately with others... but knowing my lovely ladies who commented here, I thought you might find something in it. 

When complaining is directed at me.... in general or about me. I nod, but I am not nodding in agreement with what they say, I am nodding in agreement with who God says I am. 

"I am a mighty woman of God. I am lead to the most amazing situations through my days on earth. No matter what I am going through, my Christ went through the worst. My job is to unconditionally love a man who does not know Christ, and see Christ in me. I am a mighty woman of God, and He strengthens me through every uncomfortable moment, attack or disapproval by anyone else - for that is the enemy - looking for the weak spot to jump in and take me down. I will not be moved. I am on solid ground, here. God has my front, my back and all sides completely. Every arrow that comes to me, bounces back to slap the enemy in the face - take that... " 

or something along this line. It varies depending on how pissed off I am, or how hurt I am.

When anyone is negative, focuses on the negative... yada yada... 
Today, I FOCUS ON WHAT GOD GAVE ME. I wake up, praising that I get to spend eternity (which is a lot longer than my life here); my husband has pain that I will never know. Guilt that will not go away with his ways, and I know that God in him will transform him, so I pray diligently that the Lord will catch him... take his bitterness and turn it into tenderness. My God will take the pain of my husband and make him whole again. I am only unequally yoked in my marriage, but the husband I treasure is the one who died for me - who takes the hits for me every day, seen and unseen. My job, is to love my husband, like Christ loves me. And, who can turn that away?

Reflections

There is so much wisdom in our lessons; I pray that the grieving is minor; and through your journey God is blessing your honesty and all the giving that is ushered my way from my God. 

And know that I am hearing God. It is hard, because a big part of me wants to just start over and have a life without all the riff and strife. My heart has been broken so much, and it is a daily exercise to seek God and to lay the words or looks or whatever feels wrong with my marriage at His feet. Through my pain, I administered pain to my husband too. Over the years, my disconnection has been deep wounds and wounds that were representative of Christ to him; and my entire desire is to wipe that from existence to create a new Christ for him in my example. The enemy works hard in my house... but I will not be moved. 

During my walk on Saturday as I walked home after meeting Leo, I was in tears, I felt so much grief and loss for a life I so wanted - a husband who adores me, edifies me, supports my every move... but as I did, I was released. What God has in store is greater. My life is being played out here, for a life I will truly live in eternity. Worshiping and loving in ways that tease the senses now.

Proverbs - God's Instructions & Taking God Seriously

Proverbs 1:7

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, 
       but fools ^\despise wisdom and discipline.” NIV

“ Start with God—the first step in learning is bowing down to God; 
   only fools thumb their noses at such wisdom and learning.” The Message

Proverbs 3:4-6

“Then you will win favor and a good name 
       in the sight of God and man.

 Trust in the LORD with all your heart 
       and lean not on your own understanding;

 in all your ways acknowledge him, 
       and he will make your paths straight.” ~Proverbs 3:4-6

Proverbs 9:10

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, 
       and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” NIV

I love this.

Proverbs 15:33

“The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord brings instruction in Wisdom, and humility comes before honor.” The Message

Proverbs 14:2

“An honest life shows respect for God; 
   a degenerate life is a slap in his face.” The Message

Proverbs 14:27

“The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, 
       turning a man from the snares of death.” NIV

“The Fear-of-God is a spring of living water 
   so you won't go off drinking from poisoned wells.” The Message

Proverbs 19:15

“Laziness throws one into a deep sleep,
   and an idle person will go hungry.” GOD’S WORD Translation

 “Life collapses on loafers; 
   lazybones go hungry.” The Message

Proverbs 24:23-25

More Sayings of the Wise – An Honest Answer

“It's wrong, very wrong,
   to go along with injustice.
Whoever whitewashes the wicked
   gets a black mark in the history books,
But whoever exposes the wicked
   will be thanked and rewarded.” The Message

Learning From Wise People

“These also are the sayings of wise people:

   Showing partiality as a judge is not good.
 Whoever says to a guilty person, “You are innocent,”
      will be cursed by people and condemned by nations.
 But people will be pleased with those who convict a guilty person,
      and a great blessing will come to them.” GOD’S WORD Translation

Proverbs 28:14

“Blessed is the man who always fears the LORD, 
       but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.” NIV

Genesis

As I read through the first part of Genesis, I stopped and contemplated all the possibility of this beginning. I have been in some pretty deep and, frankly very much "out of my comfort zone" conversations with some people who believe very differently than I do, in fact other end of the spectrum "belief". And, as I continue to read, and with the love in my heart for my God, the one I whole heartedly believe is the creator of the heavens and the earth and all things, my heart breaks for a heart that is so hard that any form of light is shaded and shut off. 

Before I became a Christian, I was full of light, an open heart to things spiritual - but you mention God and I became defensive dark and antagonistic. My life did not reflect a "God in it", according to me at the time. With failures and abuse, and wrong thinking, and wrong seeking I was totally dependent on what I could do.

I happened to see a statement yesterday on a friend's page about one of these uncomfortable discussions - and what catches my attention the most is when someone has faith in no faith, that there is an enormous need to sway one with faith to their side. To make them see how irrational they are by believing the unseen. Christians are seen as delusional or even crazy, half cocked, not all there, because what I feel or know to be true is not shared by them. I cannot judge the world because they "see" things differently or incompletely. Where is the hope? Where is the love? What is the appeal? A life of VOID, when compared to a life of fulfillment that comes from a perspective of so much more. 

I scoffed, laughed and mocked all my friends and family who were "Christians", if not to their faces, behind the scenes and to what did that enhance my life. You know, those were times that I felt the worst about myself.

My personal claim is that if I am right, then God is pleased. If I am not (which believe me, I have no doubt at all), then all I have done is live a life of edifying others and living in a hope of so much more than a life of void and skepticism. And, truly that is what the "gotcha" was for me. "What if... what the bible says is true?" was my first question - opening the door, allowing God to infiltrate into that little gap. Then the wall would appear, and the light would shut down. My "mind" "reason of the unproven, most of the time" took over. 

I love everyone. When I was younger and served in a restaurant, my daily goal was to get a smile from every table. And, in my mind, I never failed - does that mean everyone smiled? Actually I believe they did. I would imagine them leaving and getting into their car and chuckling at the "nice girl" who waited on them. The other side, is the cynical one "everyone is mean, unfriendly a major pain in the a_ _)" - and although these views are probably true, doesn't it just feel better to have the first outlook? 

My gifting is compassionate care and relationships, loving people comes naturally. Edification no matter where they come from. But I do expect respect, as I will give it as well.

I can be completely battered and bruised, and just like a fighter, after binding the brokenness, salving the wounds, icing the injuries, I can go right back at it. And the more I know I am not alone, the more I know that my life is purposed, that I am a mighty woman of God, the more I can take on in the ring. The more rounds I can take and the stronger and tougher I become. 

So, back to my reading in Genisis this morning. What else besides a compassionate, loving caring God would create us? How would we all be so individual and unique? A big bang did occur and it was when God said "Let there be light," and there was light."

       “So God created man in his own image, 
       in the image of God he created him; 
       male and female he created them.” ~Genesis 1:27

Or the world was made into existence with a boom, and random acts of atoms and molecules came together and created everything you see today….

Father, we live in a world of so much confusion – we know that there is one truth, a truth that has been over and over revealed. Lord we pray for the hearts that are hardened, that if there is movement to be made in softening their stance, their views that You move them. Almighty God, in Your presence I ask to be, confident in Your word, words relayed and lessons to absorb. Lord, I ask that I be strengthened in conviction through the Holy Spirit, that my understanding is SOLID, clear and perfect. Thank You Lord, for my life, my journey, my convictions and You in it.

In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

RECALL NOTICE:

The Maker of all human beings (GOD) is recalling all units manufactured,
regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and
central component of the heart. This is due to a malfunction in the
original prototype units, code-named Adam and Eve, resulting in the
reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units. This defect has
been technically termed "Sub-sequential Internal Non-Morality," more
commonly known as SIN, as it is primarily expressed.

Some of the symptoms include:

1. Loss of direction
2. Foul vocal emissions
3. Amnesia of origin
4. Lack of peace and joy
5. Selfish or violent behavior
6. Depression or confusion in the mental component
7. Fearfulness
8. Idolatry
9. Rebellion

The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is
providing factory-authorized repair and service free of charge to correct
this defect. The Repair Technician, JESUS, has most generously offered to
bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is
no additional fee required. The number to call for repair in all areas is:
P-R-A-Y-E-R.

Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE
procedure. Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus,
into the heart component.

No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with:

1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Patience
5. Kindness
6. Goodness
7. Faithfulness
8. Gentleness
9. Self control

Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before
Leaving Earth) for further details on the use of these fixes.

WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction
voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and
problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit being
permanently impounded. For free emergency service, call on Jesus.

DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will
have to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted
to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility. Thank you
for your attention!

GOD

PS  Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important
recall notice, and you may contact the Father any time by 'Knee mail.'

"Be Strong and Courageous"

"Be strong and courageous".... the key word is "Be", not "wait to be",  not "want to be", not "aspire to be".... sounds like a command to me... God says "Be....." it is action, not submission. Deut. 31:6, 31:7, 31:23, Joshua 1:6, 1:7, 1:9, 1:18, 10:25, 1 Chron. 22:13, 28:20, 32:7.... 

• Deuteronomy 31:6
  Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
• Deuteronomy 31:7
  Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, "Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their forefathers to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance.
• Deuteronomy 31:23
  The LORD gave this command to Joshua son of Nun: "Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land I promised them on oath, and I myself will be with you."
• Joshua 1:6
  "Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them.
• Joshua 1:7
  Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.
• Joshua 1:9
  Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
• Joshua 1:18
  Whoever rebels against your word and does not obey your words, whatever you may command them, will be put to death. Only be strong and courageous!"
• Joshua 10:25
  Joshua said to them, "Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the LORD will do to all the enemies you are going to fight."
• 1 Chronicles 22:13
  Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the LORD gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.
• 1 Chronicles 28:20
  David also said to Solomon his son, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished.
• 2 Chronicles 32:7
  "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him.