Vain Religion

The world is full of religion, but this religion Baird little to no resemblance to the truth of the Scriptures. Why? Because man-made religion it’s vain. It is empty. It dresses up nicely and pretend to great power and influence, but inwardly processes no power to change men not to give them life. It is like the “scribes and Pharisees, they are like whitened tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but inwardly are full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanliness” (Matt23:27).

The Bible offers this simple analogy. A man that claims religion but cannot bridle his own tongue is adhering to arrange religion. He may believe himself secure and righteous, but he is simply deceiving his own heart. Only thing that can change a man is trusting Christ as Savior.

If I can help somebody as I pass along, in my living room will not be in vain. Righteousness is the quality or state of being morally correct and justifiable behavior that is morally justified or right.

Dr Martin Luther King

There’s nothing better than a church that is socially aware of what’s going on and that is truly guided by biblical principles, that dedicate themselves to the word of God and prayer. It would be utterly foolish to even imply that churches and their belief systems are the root of the problem.

Churches are necessary and useful for the social and spiritual health of God’s people. However, we must understand that churches, and their doctrines , can become an idol and operate under a Pharisees spirit; we try to make our rituals and regulations equal to God. That was the problem with the Pharisees they were putting more emphasis on the rituals an outward appearances then the inward transformation and relationship. So much so that Jesus called them “White-Washed Tombs full of Dead Bones.

Are You Righteous Or Religious?

A service was done by The George Barna Research Institute, that revealed something about religious life in America. According to the survey 94% of America is claim to believe in God. Amazingly out of the 94% only 45% sure that they attend some form of worship on a regular basis. Regular meeting at least once a month. Then of that 45% only 4% so they actually practice their faith daily.

If 94% of people believe in God but only 4% practice their faith what are the other 90% of the people actually practicing? I would venture to say religion.

Religion is defined as an organized system of belief, ceremonies, and rules used to worship God or a group of gods. Wow that sounds familiar. That definition literally makes anything religion. Atheism, the belief that there is no God is a religion. Buddhism, The belief in the false god is a religion. Hinduism, the week in many gods is a religion. I heard someone say once that they practice the religion of Jedism because they believed that the force within them – For those that may not know what a Jedi is it is the main protagonists, the leading character or one of the major characters in a drama movie, novel, or other fictional character in Star Wars. Movie franchise, they are fictional characters of a movie and to develop a religion out of that and anything other than Jesus Christ it’s a sin.

But he who doubt is condemned if he eats, because it isn’t of faith and whatever is not a faith is a sin

Romans 14:23

Righteousness is the quality or state of being morally correct and justifiable Behavior that is morally justifiable or right.- Behavior that is morally justifiable or right.

The Greek New Testament word for “righteousness” Primarily described a conduct in relations to others, especially the regards to the rights of others in business, and legal matters, and beginning with the relationship to God. It is contracted with wickedness, the conduct of the one who, out of gross self-centeredness, never reveres God nor respects man.

Behold, the Lord’s eye is on those who fear him, and those who hope in his loving kindness; to deliver the soul from death, to keep him alive and famine. Our soul has waited for the Lord. He is our help and our help and our shield. For our heart rejoices in him because we have trusted in his holy name. Let your loving kindness be on us Lord since we have hope in you. (Psalm 33:18-22).

To be righteous, and biblical language, is to be right or pleasing to God. Pleasing God involves keeping his commandments.

Religion can be external, but righteousness is internal, real, and always from the heart.

Many people today in fifth at the righteousness is the righteousness of Christ which clothes every believer by imputation. It is true that because we are imputed with the righteousness of Christ, we are seeing in God’s eyes as having a righteousness that far exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and the Pharisees because the blood of Christ covers our sins.

Behold, a certain Bible (Torah) scholar stood up and tested him, saying, rabbi, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said to him, what is written in the Bible (Torah)? How do you read it? He answered, you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, I love your neighbor as yourself. He said to him, you have answered correctly. Do this, and you will live. But he, desiring to justify himself ask Jesus, who is my neighbor? Jesus answered, I certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, He fell among robbers, They both stripped him and beat him and then departed, leaving him half dead. By the chance a certain priest was going down that way. When he saw him, he passed by on the other side. In the same way a Levite also, when he came to the place, and saw him pass by on the other side. By the certain Samaritan, as he traveled, came where he was. When he saw him he was moved with compassion, came to him, bound up his wounds, Pouring and oil and wine. He set him on his own animal, brought him inn and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out Denarii, gave them to the host, and said, take care of him. Whatever you spend beyond that point, I will repay you when I return. Now which of the three do you think seemed to be a neighbor to him who fell among the robbers? He said, he who showed mercy on him. Then Jesus said to him go and do likewise.

Luke 10:25-37

Samaritans were considered the lower class, they were literally shunned by the Jewish people. The righteous people look down on them with great disdain and contempt, sound much like religious people today. The story of the good Samaritan is a great illustration of the righteousness of god versus the religious aspect. There is a man lying in the road who has become a victim of violence. Let’s bring this into the more modern aspect of today homelessness, drug or alcohol abuse, homosexuality, and all the other unfortunate circumstances today.

The question is if we see a beaten man, a homosexual, a transient, dirty, smelling, alcohol or drug induced crazy person. The question is are we going to stop whatever we’re doing and come to their aid or help their need, which is to meet Jesus. Are you willing to take a minute your day to minister to a stranger, a friend, a family member? Are you willing to show the love of God to someone who needs it? Are you willing to put self, religion, and whatever else might by hindering you aside, and change somebody’s life? You never know. The life you change might be your own. It is in the moment that you face the situation that you will find out whether you are religious or righteous.

There were three men traveling along the road from Jerusalem to That day that encourage the one lying on the side of the road near death. Three represents fullest Past, Present, Future Death, Burial, Resurrection, Father, Son, Holy Spirit.

It Wasn’t Supposed To Be This Way

Maybe you took a job that was supposed to be fulfilling, but now you dread going to work. Maybe you went to college and worked intensely to get your degree and after graduation you’ve found there aren’t promises opportunities for work in the area your living. Maybe you thought your marriage would have turned better, after pouring your heart and soul into the relationship. Maybe your children haven’t turned out the way you expected as adults.

When life doesn’t turn out the way we expected, hoped, or planned, we feel tremendous disappointment and it hard not to start doubting everything, including ourselves.

Our disappointments might be the best thing that ever happened to us. It opens doors to opportunities for healing our past issues, by changing how we live now, and creates a future based on who we are and not who we expected to be.

“Expectation Hangovers”

Our disappointments and other negative reactions we experience are called expectation hangovers by a life coach named Christine Hassler in her book. She says that most expectation hangovers fall into these categories:

Situational: something doesn’t turn out the way we wanted it to; or we do get the satisfaction we thought we would from a particular result.

Interpersonal: we are let down by someone else, or we’re unpleasantly surprised by their actions.

Self-Imposed: we didn’t live up to the standards or expectations we’ve set for ourselves.

These are symptoms just like a hangover but far more miserable and lasting. They include lack of motivation, lethargy, anxiety, anger, regret, depression, confusion, self- judgement, shame, denial, and faith crisis.

There are actually treatment plans with insights and exercises to help navigate disappointment and channel expectations into a meaningful life. They address 4 levels: emotional, mental, behavioral, and spiritual.

Here are three tips:

1. Give yourself permission to feel your feelings.

It’s important not to compare your experiences to anyone else’s. “You may think it silly to cry over being laid off when you someone just lost their child from cancer. Remember your experience is your experience.

You symptoms of a expectation hangover are tied to the feeling you weren’t willing to face in the past.

I refused to acknowledge my feelings i experienced as a child for many years. I would not accept there was a way out of what I was feeling, therefore I wasted 30 years of my life. But I’m trying to release all the regret that I lived with for years.

I urge you not to do do what I did, there are ways to get out of any situation. Don’t let disappointment from the past ruin your future.

There are exercises called “release writing” to process your emotions. Which includes writing a minimum of 10 minutes a day. (You can set a timer).

Before writing , put your hand on your heart to connect with your compassion and unconditional love. Then write whatever comes to mind.

Here are some prompts:

  • I’m angry because…
  • I’m sad because…
  • I’m ashamed because…
  • I’m scared because…
  • I feel guilty because…

As you write, don’t edit yourself, or analyze. After your done writing, put your hand on your heart again, take a deep breath, and connect to the love you feel inside you. Acknowledging your courage in working this exercise.

Next, either tear up the paper into tiny pieces or burn it. This helps you fully release the energy of your emotions. Then wash your hands.

Finally, reflect on the experience in a journal.

2. Release guilt and regret

During an expectation hangover,we tend to dwell in regret (I’m a pro at this). We replay scenarios over and over in our head, thinking of all the things we could have done, or said, which is miserable. We ruminate about our decisions and berate ourselves for not picking a different choice, judging ourselves for so we did in the past after knowing all the information inter present.

We also may experience guilt, believing we made a mistake or did something wrong. This stops you from moving forward. If you drove a car by looking in the rear view mirror, you would never get to your destination,

To release guilt first think about what you feel guilty about. Then write it down, the details, your thoughts and beliefs about the experience. Focus on exploring your thoughts and experiences, but avoid judging yourself.

Ask yourself these questions:

  • What did I learn about myself?
  • What did I learn about someone else or a situation?
  • How would I like to behave differently in the future?

Then, based on the lessons you’ve learned, think about the commitment you’d like to make to yourself in the future. Avoid absolutes such as “always and never” and focus on what feels encouraging. For example “I vow to tell the truth even if it scares me.”

When you have your commitments, write them down and sign the bottom of the page. Then go back and read these frequently.

3. Observe, and adjust your behavior

When we’ve disappoint ourselves we might find ourselves not doing anything at all or behaving in ways that don’t create healthy and meaningful changes.

Observe your own behavior for a week. Then answer these questions in your journal

  • What am I doing or not doing that’s exacerbating the symptoms of my expectation hangover?
  • What actions am I taking that are resulting in different outcomes than what I expect?
  • What am I telling myself?
  • How am I talking about myself and my life to others?
  • How am I taking care of myself?

Next, based on your observations, formulate a hypothesis about what you think will help you create healthier and more meaningful habits. For example, “If I stop doing this…and start doing this…then I can start talking about… rather than…

Begin testing your hypothesis to determine what behaviors help you move out of your expectation hangover.

When we feel disappointed because something didn’t happen or because it did but we’re surprisingly dissatisfied, it helps to remember that disappointments are really opportunities to become a better you.

This article contains ideas from Christine Hassler’s book “Expectation Hangover: Overcoming Disappointment in work, love and life.

I will be doing these exercises also.

Finding Your Direction

Just about everyone on earth will feel lost and directionless at some point in their lives.

They might wake up to the realization that they’re just maintaining the status quo rather than actually living.

More people simply go through the motions they’re accustomed to, emotionally checked out so they don’t have to face the fact that they’re miserable in their current circumstances.

Others are fully aware that they, need/want to do something different, but they don’t know what. There are so many options out there, so many paths to take, that they end up feeling overwhelmed and directionless.

Here are 8 Steps that can help you find direction in your life.

1. Ask yourself some important questions.

On a sheet of paper write down, What would I do with my life if money, time, and resources were no object?

– What would you for work,/ a career path?

– Where would you live?

– What would you do with your time?

– How would you dress?

– Would you look different than you do now?

– What would a perfect dat by like for you?

– What kind of partner would you have?

– Which hobbies/pursuits would you enjoy?

Be extremely detailed about all of these answers, and take as much time with them as you like.

Once you’ve done that, flip to another fresh sheet of paper and write down all the things in your life right now that make you feel happy and fulfilled.

After you’ve written those out, flip to another sheet of paper. Here write down all the things in your life right now that make you frustrated, unhappy, and resentful. Be detailed about all of these listed items as well. Writing down how each one of them make you feel, both right now and when you’re experiencing them.

The purpose of these lists is to figure out which aspects of life you’d like to change, which you’d like to keep, and which may or may not fit your ideal life depending on how your journey unfolds.

The idea us that finding direction in your like really means understand how to get from your life today to your preferred life in the future. It’s about knowing what need to change and then working out how to make those changes.

2. Be honest with yourself.

Once you’ve determined the changes that you want to make, be honest as whether you are, in fact, prepared to make those changes.

You may be in the situation where you are paralyzed because you feel trapped in a job you hate, working 80 hours a week for a family you resent and a spouse you haven’t wanted to be around for years.

Whether you’ve written it down on paper or do you just know deep down, you don’t want to be in this situation anymore.

But are you going to do what needs to be done to remove yourself from this misery?

Are you prepared to potentially hurt and disappoint other people in order to live a life that’s true to your own needs, wants, and dreams?

Listen, we know why it’s not always as simple as an Internet article makes it out to be. If you’re not ready to make massive changes right now, you can still find a direction as far as pursuing some happiness. You can still make some small changes to move closer to your ideal life, even if it remained out of reach for the time being.

You might be ready to make big changes in the near future or even in the distant future obviously it’s preferable to make them sooner rather than later, but perhaps making small changes now will be the catalyst to drive you to making on big changes later.

And if you can’t make big changes now, it’s a good idea to work on identifying various reports and coping mechanisms you will need to tolerate your situation until you can.

Alternatively, you’ve reached the point where you’re ready to find full, liberating direction that is free from the constraints of the status quo, you need to create a plan.

3. Create a plan of action.

You may have some crossovers in those lists you wrote earlier. For example, if Your dream of a perfect day would include some of your current daily activities, what time spent with your current partner, and those are some of the building blocks for the new life you’re aiming for.

In contrast, there’s absolutely nothing wrong on your list of current love that you would take with you on your life dream, that’s a slate you’ll need to clear.

Determine a list of priorities are to things you need/want to change. List these in order of importance, going from what upsets and hurt you the most right now, to what you can tolerate a little while longer.

For instance, if your relationship is excruciating but your job is only tedious, you know what needs to be sorted out immediately.

Alternatively, if your job is driving you to a suicidal idolization but you’re OK living in your current neighborhood a while longer, then it’s your job that should be top priority.

What actions can you take immediately?

If you like your career path but you hate your current work circumstances, update your résumé as soon as you finish reading this article. They start looking for a new job, possibly with the help of a recruiter.

Alternatively, if you’ve despised this career path or sometime and want to do something completely different, look into what would be involved to pursue this new dream.

Sure, you might feel a great deal of trepidation at starting some think new, especially if you’ve been working where you have for some time. After all, changing careers may involve a lot of financial security or prestige. You may have a senior position where you are, and the income you’re getting now may allow for a certain level of comfort, but what good are those if you cry in the bathroom every night?

Comfort zones or where dreams go to die.

4. Determine what you love

Now, one reason why some people have difficulty finding new direction in life is that they forgotten (or ever really realized) what it is they love they love the most.

You might fall into certain careers because they were good at doing something, But doesn’t mean you’ll enjoy it.

So, what do you love to do?

Do you have a particular hobby or personal pursuit that brings you a great deal of joy? Why do you love that so much? Would you keep loving it if you did it full-time? Is it possible to support yourself (and those who are dependent on you) if you were to pursue this as a career?

Direction to pull from passion and dedication. when you do what you love, you have a strong sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Even if you’re not making as much money as you might have before, that’s absolutely okay. Much emphasis is placed on financial wealth these days that people forget that emotional and spiritual fulfillment are even important.

Again, life is not as simple as this article or anything else you might read makes out – I get that. I’m not saying that everyone can do what they love as a career because that’s just not realistic.

But some people find working an unfulfilling job more soul- destroying than others. And if you have found your way to this article, you may be one of those people.

So, if you there is any way that you could make a living from something you actually enjoy, you should put all the effort you possibly can into making that a reality.

5. Stop doing things that you hate

How much anxiety and depression do you experience because you’re doing things that you can’t stand?

What would your state of mind do you like if you were engrossed with what you’d rather be doing instead?

You might feel trapped right now because you’re doing the thing you despise in order to keep yourself )and probably your family) housed fed. If this is the case, talk to your partner/family members openly honesty about how you were feeling. There’s no shame in asking for help to set yourself free from a excruciating situation.

For example, if you want to pursue a new career, you may have to spend some time and money getting educated in this new path. Do some research find out what grants and programs are available for a second career education. you may be eligible for financial assistance- not just for your education, but for your expenses while you’re being re-trained.

Your social circle (family, friends, spiritual community) May be able to assist as well. You’d step up to help those around get out of a situation that was hurting them right? Well, there’s a good chance that your loved ones would be delighted to help you in turn.

Before work, are there other things in your life you need to keep you even bother to bring you the opposite of enjoyment? Are their friends you no longer enjoy spending time with? Or other activities that you would be for you if you didn’t have to?You should have these on the list you made earlier.

How can you remove the thing from your life? What would it take?

6. Determine which approach works best for you

Are you kind of person who works best with an attainable goals and structure? Or do you prefer a more free-form approach?

Similarly, do you like to work on a number of different projects at once? Or do you like to tackle things one at a time?

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach for finding and pursuing a new direction. Instead each person needs to sort out what will keep them encouraged and motivated as they move forward.

Some people might thrive with smart goal why others are more spontaneous with changes,

If you’re cool with quitting your job, packing your stuff, and moving across the country, then go for it! Alternatively, if you’re more comfortable creating attainable milestones and a work back calendar and aim for that instead.

7. Mix up big and small changes

While you’re working on some of the big issues in your life, take care of that usually attainable achievable ones too.

These provide near instant gratification, that would encourage you as you move forward with more drastic changes.

For example, let’s say that two of the things on your path of changes are getting in shape , and changing your home decor. The former will take time for real time to happen, but keep me in logbook where you note your progress on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.

Well that’s taking time to pursue, you can choose from a room in your house you change. Let’s say your bedroom is a top priority. Set aside a weekend to paint it, get yourself some new bedding, maybe some plants. Discard were no longer suits you, rearrange the furniture, and maybe disuse some new scents in there.

That will create a massive difference, and will reinforce the fact that you are in the process of changing all the other aspects you’ve written down as well.

8. Be brave

Countless people hold back from pursuing the things they actually love because they’re afraid of risking or potentially losing what they have.

They’ll stay in their careers, relationships, even city they despise for much longer than they should, simply because they are afraid of changing their circumstances that might result in greater pain they are experiencing.

That being said, to live is to risk. There can’t be any fulfillment or reward if there isn’t some decree of things not working out as you like. Of course, the only way to ensure a life of disappointment and regret if you stay stagnant where you are.

Psalm 23

Line By Line Meaning

The Lord is my Shepherd = Relationship

I shall not want = Supply

He leads me beside quiet waters = Refreshment

He restores my soul = Healing

He guides me in paths of righteousness = Guidance

For His name’s sake = Purpose

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death = Testing

I will fear no evil = Protection

For You are with me = Faithfulness

Your rod and Your staff they comfort me = Discipline

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies = Hope

You anoint my head with oil = Consecration

My cup overflows = Abundance

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life = Blessing

The 7 Warnings For Today

Revelation Tells us of the Apocalypse in the end times. God speaks of 7 warnings we need to heed.

There is no doubt that in today’s world there are signs leading to the second coming of Jesus. These 7 warnings tell us what we should be do to be able to spend eternity with God.

The 7 Churches Of Revelation, Their Struggles And Strengths

In Revelation each of the 7 churches are mentioned with different struggles and strengths of the churches today.

Here is a short overview of each with John in Patmos. John was one of Jesus’s closest disciples, when Jesus was crucified He had asked John to care for His mother (Mary).

1. The Loveless Church. The people in Ephesus were hard working people who endured and hated evil. From the outside, they looked like they had it together but their hearts were wrong. The 2 greatest commandments are to love God and love people (Mark 12:30-31) and Ephesus was missing thing single greatest component of all- love.

2. The Persecuted Church. There was no rebuke for this persecuted church. Although they were continually under physical hardship, the people were promised that they would not be hurt by the second death (death off condemnation of souls) they were encouraged to stay faithful, even when facing physical death.

3. The Worldly Church. This church was the tolerant church. Although they refused to deny Christ, they allowed sin like idols, immortality, cults and heresies to remain among them.

4. The Wrong Doctrine Church. This church had love, faith, and good works. They were even patient people who were eager to grow. Where they fell short was their doctrine, which was infiltrated by idolatry, sexual in, and pagan traditions.

5. The Spiritually Dead Church. Almost all of the people in this church had fallen asleep spiritually, except for a small remnant of believers. The Dead Church was encouraged to kindle and revive any small bit of faith they had left.

6. The Spiritually Alive Church. This church did well. There was no rebuke for this church of faith. They kept the name of Jesus and never denied it. There is a promise in the kingdom of heaven for these people,

7. The Lukewarm Church. This church only received rebuke. They were neither hot not cold as read in Revelation. Their reliance on riches and things of this world resulted in the lukewarm halfway type.

I challenge you to find out where your group (or yourself) are in these areas. Align them with the word of God.

Everyone thinks they are going to heaven. What will happen when you meet God? Will He say to you “Well done-good and faithful servant” or will you hear the words “Get away-I never knew you?