Category: Exhort Pray Praise…

Posted in 50 in 50 days, Exhort Pray Praise...

I Made My Bed 25 days to 50

Posted on by Christy Petty

I woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning.

On our brand spankin new pricey mattress. This, Francesca T12,not feel like the Francesca T12 Keith and I laid upon in Sears, while passerby’s snickered, as we found our favorite sleeping positions, looking for our ‘just right’. This mattress is stiff, the pillowtop does not squish, unlike the store try..  We had shopped and shopped for the ‘feel’ that we had experienced in a favorite stay of ours, Country Inn and Cottage #1.   The bad ‘wake’ this AM could also be that I woke, often, thinking about the bed being ‘different’.  😉   I figure a few more nights and I will get used to it. Maybe it is like a new pair of shoes or jeans, you gotta wear a bit till they form to you and become a ‘fit’. Seeing that we both woke up pain free, it is probably exactly what is needed. Just not what I expected.

I find I do not need the same as I want, or expect, most of the time. I am not complaining, just saying.It is about being content. Accepting ‘it’ as it is. A saying one daughter in-law taught the ‘grand’s is “You get what you get and you don’t throw a fit.” That is being content. Being satisfied. Knowing this is how it is, and move on without bitching and moaning about it. Though,it is not necessarily accepting that things can not be changed or even bettered.   Content. Hebrews 13:5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. Not to want MORE, but to be pleased with what you have. Counting it all joyJames 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,

The trick of this content business is realizing what I have and if I need to ‘better’ it, without being discontent. . What should I not accept?What should I not be satisfied with? How do I know the difference between what I really, really ,want and don’t need and what I really ,really need, and may or may not want? What I should endure for the better of me? What I must change for the best? Being satisfied with who and what I am today, yet striving to be better tomorrow.

I have never wanted to live in Midland, yet I am satisfied here, I actually have come to the place that I don’t want to leave here. I have my home that God built, my children and grandchildren all live here, I am content.. The medical, the shopping, the terrain,the climate,the social life (lack of),the schools…I have learned that I can adjust to, I can acclimate, I can enjoy vacations away all the more.  I know what is better, and how and where to get it, because I see the worse .

I am content with being gluten free. I am thankful each time someone has enough symptoms from gluten they become gluten free. It is a blessing to get off of wheat. I am not satisfied with gluten in our food. I am not satisfied with having to eat ‘special’ to be gluten free. So I strive to thrust gluten free living on the world.

My house I am satisfied with. Heck, I was satisfied with the mobile home I lived in 30 years ago. I work on making it better everyday though. Cleaning, decorating, repairing, upgrading. We sold a house we were content with, to better and build this home. I am content, yet strive for better,when improvement can be had.

Where is the line though? I am discontent with my weight. I was more discontent 30 lbs ago.  Maybe vanity played some part, but being fat is not healthy, physically nor mentally, I should be unsatisfied with being obese.  I will be more content with more weight gone. Should I be satisfied with being just 30 lb’s overweight instead of 60? Should I be satisfied with the ‘extra me’ left over after the weight loss, that looks like a deflated balloon? Is wanting tucks and snips of something so humbling a want or a need?

My being unsatisfied with the state of our government, wanting for our president to be removed and replaced with an honest Godly president is not just a want, it is a need, for our country, for the freedom of all Americans. To sit back and watch for the sake of  being ‘politically correct’ , has to be wrong. Our forefathers were discontent with taxation without representation (and more), and they did something about it.

Should I sit back and shut up when heresy is being taught or promoted, when false teachers and leaders are slandering God’s word?  God places our church leaders prophets and teachers…. Or does He? Why would God warn us away if they were all of him? Jeremiah 14:14Then the Lord said to me, “The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them. They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, idolatries and the delusions of their own minds.

Matthew 166 Then Jesus said to them, “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.”

2nd peter 13 b They are spots and blemishes, carousing in their own deceptions while they feast with you,

Should I be content with lies? Should I be content with deception? So,  I am not happy with the actions of others, I know the Truth, that is all that matters. Right?  Romans 16:17 17 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.

Others will figure it out , or not. Each to their own, to believe as they will. Or should I be discontent for the sake of Christ? Matthew 28:19Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

The line is there. A fine line. Being content is not being fruitless, futile. To be content, is being at peace with, satisfied yet always striving for more. Hebrews 12:1Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. 

I have to put the weight of this world (literally 30lb’s)aside. I must take action and not be satisfied standing on the starting line, I have to cross the finish line to reach the prize.

I like my mattress, it is not as soft as I wanted it to be. Maybe I need the firmness. I will lie on it.

Posted in Exhort Pray Praise..., Politics

Because I DO Love

Posted on by Christy Petty

My life is peppered with “Should have” of “Could have” saids.  I am in awe of the Tom Petty’s of the world, who ‘Won’t Back Down’.  I ‘say’ a lot more on my blog, than I do in ‘public’, because I can still type when my heart is pounding in my throat.

Why do I back down?  I don’t want to be rejected. I fear being attacked,opposed. I question my heart. Am I right to stand up against authority, if they are wrong,evil? I believe the world, it is not ‘loving’ to stand, even if it is for the truth.

I concern over man what they will think, if they will still like me, far more than I concern over serving God. I KNOW he won’t reject me. But ‘they’ always do. “Cursed is the man who trusts in man, and makes flesh his strength. Whose heart departs from the Lord. He shall be like a shrub in the desert. And shall not see when good comes.  Jeremiah 17:6   The twist in my concern of man opinion, man objection, man judgement, man rejection, is that I am trusting in man. I am letting man, (even if that man  be me) be the governor of what I do and say, not God. If I do something to please man, or keep man pleased with me, I am manipulating the situation. For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For If I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ. Galatians 1:10 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct your paths.  Proverbs 3:5-6

When I do get the guts to speak, to let him direct my paths and quit leaning on my fear of rejection, I KNOW I am trusting and He IS leading. This does not remove the heart pounding, nor does it make ‘them’ like me. It just gives me the strength to endure. To not be anxious, beyond my understanding. I allow a relationship, open the door, and survive the ‘No’. My heart is not broken and I forgive the rejection.  Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out it roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes. But it’s leaf will be green and will not be anxious in the year of drought nor will cease from yielding fruit. . Jeremiah 17:7-8

Blessed , but not among men. Jeremiah says  the ‘tree’ will not fear when ‘Heat’ comes. The heat of rejection, opposition,condemnation, accusation, anger, abuse, death.    Dr. Ben Carson, St. Valentine Joan of Arc,John Adams,Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Elizabeth Kenny, Edna Gladney, Dr. Rodney Ford, Joe the Plumber, Dr.Ignaz Semmelweis,Keith, myself.  We are not guaranteed acceptance from man for standing for the truth. Whether it be the truth that gluten is intolerable to everyone ,or liberal ideals are destroying, or opposing a corrupt leadership, or pointing out the sins of man, for the transformation of man, or just washing your hands.

Matthew 5:11 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake

I do trust man. I do give man the benefit of the doubt. I do love my neighbor. I consider others. I do respect positions of authority. I am supposed to.I believe man when they say it is wrong to hurt others, disrespect others, to be unkind to others. God says the same.

  • Let each of you look not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others Philippians 2:4
  • Obey Those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for the souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you Hebrews 13:17
  • The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness. self control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23   

God also says to not but my trust in man. God tells me of false prophets, wolves in sheep’s clothing. God tells me the ways of the world, men is not His way. If I am partaking of the world, doing as, agreeing with the ways of man, compromising I am not pleasing to God, I have become the world. God tells me to stay away from believers who are doing wrong.

  •  Psalm 146:3 Do not put your trust in princes,Nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help..
  • Matthew 15:8–9 8 ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. 9 And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ ”
  • Matthew 7:15 15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.
  • Luke 16:15 But Jesus said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in men’s eyes, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly prized among men is utterly detestable in God’s sight
  • .1 John 2:15-1715 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
  • 1 Corinthians 5:11-1311 But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolaters, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person.12 For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? 13 But those who are outside God judges. Therefore “put away from yourselves the evil person.”

How do I do both? I am back to Proverbs 3:5-6 letting God lead me.    I speak the truth in love.  Ephesians 4:1214 that we should no longer be rchildren, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of sdeceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the thead—Christ—   Knowing that it may not be received well ,Hebrews 12:11 11 Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. But is is necessary for growth of all. Proverbs 10:13 Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding, But a rod is for the back of him who is devoid of understanding

God tells me to stand, and I will be opposed. It is right. 2 Timothy 42 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.  

He did not say it would be easy.  

John 15:18–2118 w“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 xIf you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet ybecause you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, z‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. aIf they kept My word, they will keep yours also. 21 But ball these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.

 

Posted in 1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians 11:17-32

Posted on by Christy Petty

Paul is moving on to another issue–But the main issue is still, their NOT BEING OF ONE CORD, they are not a unified body.

17 Now in giving these instructions I do not praise you, since you come together not for the better but for the worse. 18 For first of all, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it.  After all the other he has spoken of, yeah these Corinthians have divisions, issues. 19 For there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved may be recognized among you.   20 Therefore when you come together in one place, it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper. 21 For in eating, each one takes his own supper ahead of others; and one is hungry and another is drunk.  22 What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I do not praise you.  The Lord’s supper is not dinner with friends! Eat at home, worship and respect the Lord in his home.23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat;[b] this is My body which is broken[c] for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”  26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.  27 Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood[d] of the Lord. .  28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner[e] eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s[f] body.   30 For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep.  31 For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged.  32 But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.

Communion has been turned into an interesting ritual by the different churches. Catholics and Baptist have communion only exclusive to ‘their own’. Methodist and Bible Church’s open communion, to all who believe. Some use wafers some use baked bread. Some use communal cups others little individual cups. Some must go to the ‘land’ of Holy of Holies to receive others sit in their seats and it is passed to them. Some insist on baptism as a prerequisite. Some do it weekly, others monthly, some just at Passover/Easter, some at weddings.

There are a lot of man-made rules attached to communion today. Must be of this religion or that. Must have no sin. Must be baptized in this church or that. Must kneel. Must have a clean heart. Must not hold any anger towards a brother in Christ. Must have no unforgiveness. Must be forgiven. Must be wine. Must not have ever had wine.

I have heard the scripture  1 Corinthians 11:27 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner[e] eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s[f] body. with  Matthew 5:23 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.  used at communion to ‘tell’ the partakers to make sure they have the ‘right heart’ to receive the elements.  Some will say Paul was talking about ‘examine yourself’ as to if you have divisions amongst yourselves, then throw in Matthew 5:23, which is totally different speaker and time and context, to prove you have to be all hunky dory with you fellow church goers before you have communion.  I disagree with this interpretation by man, to dissuade communion of man and their Father.  

In 17-19 Paul does reprimand for the discord in the church. The Corinthians are a dysfunctional group of people. There are those that think they are better than others, powerful because of their education and social status. The are pointing fingers and condemning the actions of the lowly and holding themselves and their cronies at different standards. Paul is disgusted by them. We have to imagine what was told him about the Lord’s supper mayhem. Remember Paul has a list of ‘problems’ and questions from these people and reports about these people. The church is NOT one. He is saying you are coming together for communion, for what? It shows their hearts are not for ‘the body’ in the way they conduct the communion it is a literally a drunken brawl. It is like a church picnic where people bring food only for themselves and don’t share. Or worse, like bringing breakfast burritos into church service and eating it and washing it down with the communion wine. This church has no respect for others nor God.  After pointing out they have no reason to have communion, he starts to explain how to have communion. If they dare. 😉

Communion is for the believer to remind themselves of the price paid for them. Jesus’ life. To remember His body, the bread of life, was given to us, so we might ingest it and have life eternally. The literal body of Christ was broken so the Holy Spirit can dwell in us. The blood of Christ was spilled, he died yet conquered death, so that we too can have the opportunity to escape death, eternally. To have communion for any reason other than recognizing the price Christ paid for the believers eternal life is disrespectful, to say the least. 

I venture to say, it also wrong for a man to interfere with the communion of a believer and God, based on man’s judgement of man. We are to judge our own hearts. We judge to know we,ourselves, are realizing the sacrifice made for us, each time we take communion.  If we are not ‘perfect’ if we are angry, unforgiving, unforgiven, accused, fearful, doubting, in sin, have adversity in our lives, wouldn’t this be the time we most need to commune with God?

Posted in Adoption, Exhort Pray Praise...

She(I)Wont Back Down

Posted on by Christy Petty

An amazing Godly, woman, in my life spoke out with God’s truth. 2nd Timothy 4:2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. cConvince, drebuke, eexhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.

The movie, October Baby, had convicted her of a truth she already knew, she was compelled to speak out. Abortion is wrong.  Matthew 10:27 Whatever I (Jesus/God) tell you in the dark.  speak in the light and what you hear in the ear preach on the housetops.

It would have been easier, to have just kept this truth, so many others already take a stand. Making it public, stating on Facebook, sharing in groups, her belief in the TRUTH, took courage.  Matthew 10:38 And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.

But she knew God’s word and knows she is commissioned to share, for the hope of others. 2nd Timothy 3 16 uAll Scripture is given by inspiration of God, vand is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for 3instruction in righteousness, 17 wthat the man of God may be complete, xthoroughly equipped for every good work.

Knowing that possibly family and friends who are not believers even believers who aren’t willing to stand for truth, may turn their backs on her. For standing and speaking for God’s truth. Matthew 10: 37 He who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.

Standing up speaking truth convicts those not in truth, and so many will attack the messenger of truth.Matthew 10:22 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake.  But he who endures to end will be saved.

She stood for those who can not speak for themselves. Proverbs 3:88 gOpen your mouth for the speechless,In the cause of all who are 2appointed to die.9 Open your mouth, hjudge righteously,And iplead the cause of the poor and needy

Abortion is wrong. Killing a child is wrong. Retribution is expected, by God for injury to a child in the womb. Exodus 21:2222 “If men 4fight, and hurt a woman with child, so that 5she gives birth prematurely, yet no harm follows, he shall surely be punished accordingly as the woman’s husband imposes on him; and he shall spay as the judges determine. 23 But if any harm follows, then you shall give life for life, 24 teye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.

God does not say IF. God does not say there are extenuating circumstances. God says DO NOT .Exodus 20:13 s“You shall not murder.

Proclaiming truth, in this world,  is not easy.  She was accused. She was attacked. She was told it is only her ‘opinion’. John 8 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me.

Those that can not hear, that attacked her, that condemned her, believe the LIE. They would rather not hear, rather attack one they love, They accuse her of being unkind. What if this causes someone to not believe because of the condemnation they feel now. John 8 43 eWhy do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word.. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. Satan is  the father of lies,  and really good at it, most don’t even know they are listening to him.

She does not back down. She stands and repeats the truth, stands against the opposition. Risks attack again. She does not compromise for the sake of the lie. Matthew 10:28  And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.  But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

She knows among those who will not hear, there are some who need the truth Matthew 10:6 Go rather to the lost sheep, …..

She will not despair over those who choose to not hear. She has obeyed. John10:14 And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet.

You can not hear from someone you do not listen to.. John 8 47 jHe who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.”

They would rather be of this world belonging to the world and the ‘comforts’ of it. The Liar is their god. John 8 44 You  are of your father the devil, and the gdesires of your  father you  want to hdo. He was a murderer from the beginning, and idoes not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him

Truth is Jesus. Truth is God. Truth is The Word. She knows, through Him. She is sharing the truth, in love. John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

She does not compromise in order to keep relationships with ‘man’. Those who have believed the lie of the TRUTH must be watered down, are believing in the lie.Jeremiah 17:5 Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength whose heart departs from the lord

 She did not let peer pressure change her, nor stop her from doing what God asked of her. Galatians 1:10 For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ

 Even when they attacked her character. Matthew 10: 17 But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues.

Because she knew  Mathew 10:32 Therefore whoever confesses me before men him I will also confesses  before my Father who is in heaven

And she knows Mark 9:37 “Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me.”

 To abort a child, is to forbid a child a life.Mark 10:14 He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.

Never, for the sake of peace and quiet deny your own experience or convictions  Dag Hammarskold

Matthew 10:34 Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth.  I did not come to bring peace but a sword.

By Tom PettyWell I won’t back down, no I won’t back down
You could stand me up at the gates of hell
But I won’t back downGonna stand my ground, won’t be turned around
And I’ll keep this world from draggin’ me down
Gonna stand my ground and I won’t back downChorus
Hey baby, there ain’t no easy way out
Hey I will stand my ground
And I won’t back downWell I know what’s right, I got just one life
In a world that keeps on pushin’ me around
But I’ll stand my ground and I won’t back downHey baby there ain’t no easy way out
Hey I will stand my ground
And I won’t back down
Posted in 1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians 11: 1-16

Posted on by Christy Petty

1 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.2 Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you   Remember Paul did not number or chapter his letters, later on people did.  This is concluding his answering the list of questions he was given. Saying, just do what I do and you will be alright. 

Now I think Paul is addressing some things he has been informed of, pertaining to the behavior of these church goers, I think specifically those who think they are a bit more important that the rest. 

This following is not about oppressing women. Paul is not saying women are lower than men. Paul is explaining what is the truth. The purpose God has set before men and women in relations. A bit of culture is mixed in, but basically the culture gleaned from the order of authority God set in place at the beginning of man. 

These Corinthian women were prophesying and praying in public, maybe not such a bad thing in itself, but they also were taking off their covering, their showing of being subject to their husbands. This P & P had given them the big head and they brought themselves to the same ‘level’ or even higher, than their husbands/men, by removing their cultural coverings. 

.3 But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.4 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head. 5 But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head,  Have you ever witnessed a woman who is pretending to be caught up by the ‘Holy Spirit’? Wailing, babbling, waving their hands making a spectacle of themselves? I have. I don’t believe that to be honoring of God at all!for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved. 6 For if a woman is not covered, let her also be shorn. I think Paul is going into the extreme, saying these women are taking on man roles, or at least taking off their show of being women, trying to make themselves equal to men, so why not cut their hair like men.  Women dressing and looking like a man would be shameful.  Just as a man dressing and looking and acting like a woman would be shameful.  But if it is shameful for a woman to be shorn or shaved, let her be covered. 7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man. 8 For man is not from woman, but woman from man. 9 Nor was man created for the woman, but woman for the man. 10 For this reason the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. Paul is speaking the truth, God created male first, in his image, from dust, then created woman from a part,the rib of man. Eve was created because God wanted a suited helper/mate for Adam. 11 Nevertheless, neither is man independent of woman, nor woman independent of man, in the Lord. 12 For as woman came from man, even so man also comes through woman; but all things are from God.  Don’t get cocky men, because without woman there would have been no more men, beyond Adam. God created man, an order for creation, and man and woman alike are Gods creation. 

13 Judge among yourselves. Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? 14 Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him? 15 But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her; for her hair is given to her[a] for a covering.6 But if anyone seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor dothe churches of God   Paul saying figure it out on your own, this is not a ‘law’ matter, nor is it a commandment of God that women cover their heads. BUT from where Paul is from, the chicks cover their heads, and they act like ladies.  😉

Recently it was decided that women can participate in full combat military. Yipee? 

It is not that I do not think women can fight, shoot a gun, kill the enemy, endure the harshness of ‘war’. I know they can. I could. There are women who are much stronger and tougher than I that could and will.  I just don’t think we, women are ‘suppose’ to. Society, the world, says we can and should. But that does not make it correct to do so.

Our world has turned upside down. It tells women like myself I am weak and insignificant because I will not take on the facade of a man. I need to work 40+ hours a week, be a CEO, or at least be telling some man what to do, to be of any real worth.  Dresses, jewelry, pretty clothes, fluffy hair, lipstick, that is what the uneducated bimbo who has too many kids and husbands wears. It is shameful to answer that “What do you do? with “I make my house that my husband provides a home. I care for my kids. I work in my church/community. I cook dinner every night. I wrote a cookbook so other women can cook dinner every night too. I am a grandmother who can’t wait to spend time with my family. I pray. ”  My husband pulls my chair out for me, opens doors for me, orders my meals for me. Not because I am not capable, but to honor me, to care for me.  I can do a lot of things for myself, that he does for me, and visa versa. I do for him those things that honor him, and he does those that honor me.  I show I am his wife by wearing a ring on my finger, by standing by his side, by doing as he requests of me, caring for him, going to him for counsel. 

Now we celebrate having women, mothers, sisters, daughters in the military. Being sent across the world to be in war-torn countries, put in harm’s way, in danger of being killed and leaving their children without mothers. We celebrate the reunions of mother and child after a long tour. But these separations should not have been. I mean no disrespect to our military, I honor them, all, male and female. BUT, the women should not be in the military. 

All this women’s lib stuff has taken honor and protection from women. Women demand to be treated like a man, to have the same ‘rights’.  To uncover their heads and not show they are married.  To be the financial support of the family. To go and protect our nation, and kill men and be killed.  That is not what God intended us to be. God created woman for man. To be a helper, to be honored by and treasured by our men. 

This world is not ‘run’ by God. Satan has domain here. Satan is the main influence here. If it is of THIS world, you can bet it is not God’s way.  That is the dilemma for all of man, US. To choose the things that are not of this world, or continue to be a part of it. 

Posted in 1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians 10

Posted on by Christy Petty

10 Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware(ignorant) that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, 2 all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ. 5 But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.

Even though  you are now believers, and it is okay to not be bound by ‘THE LAW’ this does not mean you are ‘all good’ to God, and won’t stumble. The Israelites had God present with them day and night working miracles for them day and night, feeding them literally physically. They were rescued by God, yet they strayed, they turned their back on God and worshiped idols, disobeyed God, and God left ‘MOST” of them.  I think this is ‘Don’t get cocky, you may not be as ‘saved’ as you think. “

6 Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. The Israelites desert tour is for believers to glean from. The consequences they suffered for their disobedience are a warning to us.  7 And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.”] 8 Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; 9 nor let us tempt provoke Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; 10 nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer.  Complained that what God gave them, freedom, food, protection was not enough-. They were DESTROYED by Satan. Satan is the instigator of our sinning, so we will be destroyed. 11 Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. God told us of the Israelites disobedience and consequences so we can learn from them. 1st we can understand that to believe is to abide, the Isrealites were led by God, freed by God, cared for by God, yet they did not but their trust in Him and obey, they turned to their own way, and they were destroyed, separated from God. 2nd to understand is being child of God, an Isrealite, a believer does not MAKE us right, we have to chose to not be sexually immoral, not worship idols, not provoke God, not fall into the temptations of the destroyer.

12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.   All believers need to know they are fallible, the LAW was given so we can govern our selves. Believers can ‘fall’ dishonor God, sin, then will have consequences, God will judge ALL sin.  God gave us instruction to protect. Believers are to apply their belief in God with obedience and rely on Him and not their own strength. God allows, not produces, temptation. God will allow it to refine us, even to the point of physical death, in order to retain our souls. 

14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. I will digress some here, Paul does I think 😉  The question presented in 8:10 of eating of things offered to idols,I THINK, is still being discussed by Pau,l as well as being obedient to THE LAW for man’s sake. 15 I speak as to wise men; judge for yourselves what I say. Yeah right! Paul is appealing to what he is trying to convince them to be, wise.  16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 17 For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread.  Poetic? Believers are all one body, through Christ. Christ blood is blessing, poured out. Bread, Christ’s body, broken.  The ‘body’ of Corinthian church is broken with dissension, and back biting and accusations are flowing from the church, instead of blessings

18 Observe Israel after the flesh: Are not those who eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar? The sacrifices made to altar is food for the priests, caretakers of the temple. It is their ‘pay‘ 19 What am I saying then?.  That an idol is anything, or what is offered to idols is anything? NO 20 Rather, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons. Those that make sacrifices to idols are making sacrifices to demons, they know it that is why they do it. Don’t have anything to do with the people, the food is not the issue.  21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons. You can not do as the worldly, associate with the worldly and serve God. 22 Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?  An unspoken reprimand here is to these Corinthians who are wagging their fingers at the silliness of those who are telling them they are bad for eating sacrifices made to idols. These Corinthians have just admitted they are associating with idolaters and being in the presence of their idols and worship, because they are eating their sacrifice food.  

This is convicting to ME, a Thai restaurant in town has ‘idols’ with glasses of water and apples etc in presence. These make me a bit uncomfortable, I have wondered if it is wrong of me to patron this restaurant, as a matter of principle. I have my answer

23 All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.24 Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being.   So even though the Pud Thai and Basil Chicken is the best, it does nothing to glorify God for myself, nor those who I am to example.

25 Eat whatever is sold in the meat market, asking no questions for conscience’ sake; 26 for “the earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness.”   Asian restaurants with no visible idol worship are fine to do business with. Don’t ask don’t tell policy 😉

27 If any of those who do not believe invites you to dinner, and you desire to go, eat whatever is set before you, asking no question for conscience’ sake. 28 But if anyone says to you, “This was offered to idols,” do not eat it for the sake of the one who told you, and for conscience’ sake;[f] for “the earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness.”[g] 29 “Conscience,” I say, not your own, but that of the other. For why is my liberty judged by another man’s conscience? 30 But if I partake with thanks, why am I evil spoken of for the food over which I give thanks?   What you don’t know won’t hurt you. It is not the food, no curse is on the food. IT IS the knowledge of sin and compromising for it that will hurt you, and others.

31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, 33 just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

 THEREFORE, to answer these questions, these issues you have brought to me:  Bear with my imagination of the questions ‘they’ may have presented to Paul. My theory, based on the answers Paul gives
  • Who is best based on whom they were baptized by?1:10-3:21
  • The smarter, richer and more educated a believer, the more Holy? Right? 4
  • Should someone like you Paul receive payment for their work for God? 4:11 9:1-27
  • Those of the body in sin, are okay, because they are of the body, especially the important ones. We will overlook, or even compromise the Word for them. 5:3-9
  • Jo Blow and Who Zit are going to court, to settle a dispute. 6:1
  • Since we are believers and saved by grace, we can really do what ever we want, right? Like we don’t have to abide to all the silly sex with spouse rules right?. 6:12
  • Mr. Pius has not had sex with anyone so he is really really special dude, he even has a fiancé, but is not ‘taking’ her, shouldn’t every follow his example? She on the other hand wants to have a real marriage, so is considering leaving him to marry another, she is wrong, right? 7:1-17
  • Pete suggests everyone be circumcised to show they are really believers. 7:19
  • Virgins are way better than everyone else, right? A good father keeps his daughter from ever marrying, right? 7:25
  • There are some believers who have problems with other believers who eat food that has been sacrifice to idols. This is pure silliness isn’t it?  8-9
  • OR Mrs. Accuser says she saw you eating at the Jones’s and it is known they always get their meat from the butcher who gets his meat from idolworshipers.com. We thought you should know that we know you did such a thing. 8-9
In all of the things you do, do it to the Lord. Know that the Law did not save you Christ did, and because of that you should want to abide to the commandments of our God, in the hopes to bring even more to choose Christ.  It is a small thing to ask, after all, He gave his life for YOU.
Posted in Exhort Pray Praise...

Do You Hear or Cry “Wolf”?

Posted on by Christy Petty

A friend and I were speaking of ‘Wolf Criers’, having some in our lives. Wolf Criers put the listeners in a tough spot. Is that their intent to cause listeners distress and guilt? Or are they solely concentrating on themselves and getting attention for themselves, with absolutely no awareness of the issues they cause others.

Evan cries ‘Wolf’.

to get off of work, wanting to hang with his gamer friends instead of doing his work.

to get attention. I think being ‘sick’ as a child makes one a bit more ‘needy’, it conditions one to be used to the extra attention.

because he is lonely. Attention, again, but in a different way. Being sick, having something that needs to be fixed gets him out of the mundane everyday and into appointments and questions and conversation directed to him and about him. Evan has two gamer friends, and they don’t really miss him if he is not there. He is lonely.

I have told him the story of the boy who cries wolf many many times. For someone like myself, this story had a great impact on me to NOT inconveinience or lie to others. I hear the story and see the ruin of reputation the boy caused himself, the loss of character. The boy hurt the others by lying and deception, sheep died because of him, the people no longer respected him, he brought shame to his family.  Then there are the others, who hear this story , they see opportunity. Opportunity to deceive and get continued support. They see that concerned caring people will not abandon them to be eaten by a wolf. They see that the rescuers know that they are being used and abused, but still come a running,

Evan is not the worst Wolf Cryer I know, have to deal with. Evan is learning disabled. Some of Evan’s reasoning is, at least, immature. I don’t give that to Evan as an excuse though,I do consider.  I just am not sure if he can always reason into the relm of what his actions DO to others, and what others think about him because of them. I am responsible to Evan, so I do not accept ‘Wolf’ from him.   But what about other “Wolf” criers who are not brain damaged?

So,back to the questions. A bit more in depth though. People who cry “ I have a problem, help me help me. I need help. I can’t because ….. I am in danger because….. I am sick, I hurt” and their ‘issue’ is not as dire as they claim it to be.

Do they actually think they are dying? Do they actually think there is no way out? Do they have no perception of what is really dire circumstances?

Do they realize potential rescuers feel responsible when someone reaches out to them? Do they KNOW who will feel responsible and  those are who they call on?

Does a Wolf Crier get a sense of power when they get someone to come running? Do they get a chuckle at making others concern over nothing to concern over? Is part of the goal to get the rescuer to choose them over their other responsibilities?

Is the need for others to look at them so strong that they are truly willing to be considered a lier and lose all respect? Do they consider what they are doing as deception?

Does a Wolf Crier create their own problem for attention? Maybe not at first, but once receiving attention, do they put out bait, to cause a problem (wolf)? Do they mess up their medication? Overspend just before the water bill is due? Eat wheat when they know it will make them ill? Do they feign chest pains, shortness of breath, something that can not be seen on the outside, that MUST be considered an emergency, because they KNOW it must be considered an emergency?

One more question. Is the hearer wrong to not respond to Wolf Crier? To walk away after knowing there is no wolf?