JunSix shares his pain and how Jesus can help heal in this new song, also the title track from his latest album The Art Of Smiling.
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Tag Archives: Jesus
John 13:8 From Another Perspective
http://bible.com/1/JHN13.8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
Bible.com/app
We look at this scripture and use it to highlight service and that is correct. Indeed we must understand and emulate the servant role that Jesus took on, even though He was to be served as both Lord and master.
But let’s look at where He says, “if I do not wash you, you have no part with me”. That in and of itself, coming from Jesus means a great deal and can certainly apply to us today.
We know the scriptures speak of the blood of Jesus and its power to cleanse us of sins, hence being “washed in the blood”. Although some would disagree, many of us understand that baptism represents that washing away of sins, once we have confessed Jesus. I mean, what happens when we accept Christ?
We are allowing Him to wash us!
If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
We indeed become a part of Jesus and Jesus a part of us when we obey the Gospel. Apart from that we are not a part of Jesus and Jesus mentions, not a part of God either. For believing in Jesus is to believe in He that sent Him.
Heavy.
If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
Why would any refuse to be washed?
Perhaps they fail to admit it or fail to see that they are dirty to begin with. As the sick person who refuses to admit they are sick so that they may see the doctor… Not dirty…so why clean? Why wash?
Perhaps they do take Peter’s view that He is so high and they are so low that it doesn’t make sense that Jesus should wash them. Self-loathing and pity-party throwing…
So we are either too self-Loving or too self-loathing to simply go to Jesus and BE WASHED.
HOWEVER…
If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
I beg you, seek Jesus. Learn of Him. Be washed. Be reconciled.
Get churched.
Oh yes! Canon and Derek Minor go beast mode on this track called Lotto.
Eye on Jesus: How This Philosophy Can Help You in Life
Hebrews 12:1-3 KJV
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. That means He, by His death and resurrection, authored our salvation. He was the first to do it, proving it can be done. It is by being in Jesus and living in obedience to His commandments that He becomes the finisher our our faith.
That very mindset of following Christ and looking to Him in unwavering fashion is applicable to life itself.
God gives us a beautiful illustration during Jesus’s life here on earth.
Matthew 14:22-32 KJV
And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.
Consider Peter’s walk towards Jesus. He kept his eye on Jesus and did well. He stayed afloat. He paid attention. He was focused.
Then he got distracted. By the wind. He got unfocused. He stopped paying attention. He took his eye off Jesus. He sank.
What takes your eye off Jesus? What distracts you? What gets you unfocused? Think about those things. Consider them and work on removing those obstacles. Better yet look past them and fix your eyes on Jesus. Listen to Jesus. Learn from Jesus. Pay attention to Jesus. Try it and see how it affects your life.
What goals do you have? Think about them. School. Work. Anything. What would you like to accomplish? There is a way to be successful. Keep your eye on the goal. Listen to those who can direct you. Pay attention to the ones who did it first. Do not be distracted by the waves of naysayers, self doubt, or things that will slow you down or cause you to regress. Try it and see what happens.
Keep your eye on it! Be unwavering. Don’t give up. Your success depends on it. Physically and spiritually.
Blessings in your Christian walk.
Check out this appropriate anthem by my girl Beckah Shae.
All Grown Up?
How many of us have heard the word maturity? How many of us have heard that concept? “Be more mature”, or “he or she has matured”. How many of us have experienced the opportunity to make your own decisions? Experienced freedom from rules? Experienced the ability to set your own boundaries?
There are two distinct viewpoints on what maturity is and what opportunities await the one who has entered a situation where they have more “freedom”.
It appears people equate maturity to worldly privileges. Note how certain movies are said to be for “mature” audiences. Usually the content is of the sinful nature. As a music fan, you will hear a younger artist who has grown up say they now have a mature sound. Usually this means they are now talking about sex. It’s sometimes accompanied by wearing less and cursing more. You’re grown so now you get to do what the grown folk do…right?
Freedom within this school of thought is a euphoric breakaway from the chains of structure, rules and ultimately good behavior which was once forced upon you, to the unbound, free-spirited, do-what-I-want and bad behavior. It presents you with an opportunity to please your desires because momma ain’t there to say I can’t and ruin my fun. I’ve seen it with my own eyes.
Then you have the other view of maturity. God’s view. Consider…
Luke 2:52 KJV
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
Hebrews 5:12-14 KJV
For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Also consider…
Philippians 2:12 KJV
Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Galatians 5:13 KJV
For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
Maturity in God’s eyes is growing in spiritual wisdom. That is learning more about how to serve the Lord, love your neighbor and pass that blessing to others. When you see one growing in this way it is magnificent and such an encouragement. Jesus matured in this way. The Hebrews were encouraged to grow in this way. Maturity has everything to do with learning how to do better in the eyes of God and His Word is the way to that end.
Freedom is an opportunity to exercise that maturity by doing right even when you have the freedom and opportunity to do wrong. Your choices increase, but what choices do you make? What you do when your parents, your teacher, your boss isn’t watching means so much more. Ultimately God is always watching. If you left a situation where godly principles were taught, don’t use your newfound freedom to completely forsake those principles. Use it to reinforce them.
That’s God’s version of maturity. So grow up!
Now let’s listen to one of fave joints by Isaac Carree:
Addressing “Christian” Division
1 Corinthians 1:10-13 KJV
Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
It was never God’s design, but Christianity is divided. The Word constantly reminds us to be of the same mind. Paul implored the churches to do this back then to combat factions and divisions. People claimed to be of Paul or Apollos. Today people claim to be of Luther and Calvin. Just saying. Christians who were formerly Jews wanted Christian doctrine to contain elements of Judaism.
So seeing this took place years ago, it’s no surprise that this exists today.
Don’t consider this a viable excuse to avoid Jesus altogether as this is a foolish school of thought. Jesus is not divided even though man is divided on how to serve Him. Jesus still has expectations of you. The failings of man doesn’t negate the perfection of God or His law.
But the separation is dangerous!
Why? Because it gives off the misguided notion that religion divides and causes conflict which could not be further from the truth. People cause conflict. But one looks at the bickering within christianity and are immediately turned off.
It confuses the seeker. Why so many religions? Which is right? Denominational, non denominational… Ahhh!!!
It’s also produces a false sense of unity. The secular world clumps all “those Christians” into one major group without any careful respect to individual doctrinal differences. People who call themselves Christians clump themselves with others who call themselves Christians and feel we are all on the same page as long as we believe in Jesus. And the general unity is necessary and beautiful but…
Why so many different Christians? Churches?
Did not Jesus say to Peter, on this rock I will build my church? Were they not first called Christians at Antioch?? Did Paul not urge us to be of one mind? Church. Not churches. Christians and not Lutherans, catholics, baptists, etc. One mind.
If the Bible highlights unity, the multitude of groups within this one supposed unified faith is not what God intended!
(If I’m wrong, scripture me right)
No. This not an attack on any one denomination by any means!! But what I want to convey is there is a separation and this is a true spiritual issue. Furthermore it begs the question, why?
It’s more obvious than you think.
There are significant differences in the proper application of scripture.
We, if truly Christians, all agree that the Bible is the infallible word of God. The infallible truth. Right? So from there we now have to rightly divide the truth (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV). This is why we are charged to study the word. If one person does not do this and joins himself with others who has erroneously applied the word, you now have a group who has erred in unison.
Many false doctrines have been born out of failure to accurately apply scripture or totally fail to really read it altogether. God’s word is really more clear cut than it is cryptic. Through God’s word we learn what God expects of us, how to serve Him, how to be saved and how to get to heaven. But conflicting views have created this plethora of denominations.
The point of this blog is not to discuss specific doctrines, but to address the individual sitting in a pew or deciding which pew to sit in. The purpose of this blog is to also cause church groups to really look at this issue, look at their doctrine, look at God’s word and ask themselves if both agree.
The root of the confusion is people are not reading their Bible correctly. The confusion is fed because people are not reading their Bible at all. To you I say read your Bible. Rightly divide the word of God. Join yourself with others who have correctly determined what God requires of His church.
Because although there may be many local congregations, we all should be saying one thing.
Ephesians 4:4-6 KJV
There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
Blessings in your Christian walk.
Let’s get to this humble beast, Braille!
Everybody Knows?
Have you ever heard of the phrase “common knowledge?” It’s those concepts or things that should be pretty much known by all people because it’s so prevalent. Some might even call it common sense. It usually comes with the phase, “everybody knows that!”
It’s those things that apparently you’d have to have been living under a rock to not know about, like, “you’ve never heard of Michael Jackson?” And you quite possibly look foolish because you’re not in the know.
How many things do we consider common knowledge? Are there things we perhaps don’t share because we think people already know??
Do we feel that way about Jesus? The gospel?
At this point it could be safe to say everybody knows who Jesus is…right? I mean we’ve seen the movies. There are churches everywhere. A Bible is pretty accessible (although in some countries not really). Christianity is HUGE. Everybody knows.
True they may have heard of Jesus, but do they really know Jesus? They may know about Jesus, but do they know the gospel? The good news??
If you ran a poll on what people truly know about Jesus and the gospel, just asking simple questions, you might be surprised how much people don’t know. That’s not a knock on the world. That’s a knock on Christians.
We have our preconceived notions. We think the gospel is common knowledge. We think everybody knows. We make judgments on who we think will or won’t receive it. And we have become lazy because of it.
Consider…
Matthew 28:18-20 KJV
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Romans 10:13-15 KJV
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
Not all information is common knowledge. Furthermore it would be sad if someone would remain lost in sin all because you figured he or she should have already known.
The world may know of Jesus. Tell the world who He is, what He did, why He did it, who He did it for and what it means we must do.
Because it’s too beautiful for you to not make sure it’s something that everybody does know.
On that note listen to the appropriate song, Beautiful Feet by Lecrae.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7fOBSQHEj4&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Look at it this Way: Judging and Admonishing
It seems that in some way or another everybody has an issue with telling someone that something in their life is not what God agrees with. Saying it’s wrong and doesn’t align with scripture.
I was reading an article on a well known actress who spoke about Christian roots and how she currently attends a church. In the article she ends up somehow trying to harmonize that with doing a risque sex scene in a movie. I thought quickly to myself- don’t judge. She may be a struggling Christian just like you..plank in the eye, blah blah blah…
Society has begun to get lazy or make excuses through misuse of the scriptures like he without sin cast the first stone.
I’m not perfect either; therefore I shouldn’t say anything.
We are super concerned with hurting feelings, losing friendship or looking “holier than thou”.
The church has misused the “come as you are” philosophy and changed it to “stay as you are”. We’ll accept you.
Concerned about bringing as many people to Christ by turning away none. Ever. No matter what.
And the result is nothing gets said.
Consider…
Galatians 6:1 KJV
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
1 Corinthians 5:3-5 KJV
For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
James 5:19-20 NIV
My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
Have you ever looked at it this way? The way God looked at it? Rather than calling it judging, call it restoring? Restoring one back to the right relationship with God is love. That sounds like something a true loving brother in Christ would want to do. Right?
Ever thought about it as saving their spirit through destruction of flesh? That is their lusts, their ego, etc. Is not helping someone you love live in the Spirit rather than carnally worth it if the consequence is eternal damnation?
Ever thought about it as saving them from death and covering a multitude of sins? They will not undergo spiritual death and they, seeing the error of that sin, will probably try not to do future sins though correction and redirection!
So it doesn’t sound as mean, condescending, self righteous, judgmental or like, “oh you’re just picking on me!”, does it?
Bear in mind some things. God said to use a spirit of meekness and to speak in love. Also, make sure your motive is truly that which we’ve mentioned above. Be sure the one you correct needs correction. Don’t judge blindly. Talk to them rather than accuse.
But don’t take the lazy way out and deny the world and the church that loving act of admonition and restoration. The Word of God has already done the judging. It’s already been bound in heaven. Help others align with that Word.
Look at it this way.
Well it wouldn’t be Christian Music Pusher without music. Check out this new soul drenched song by Mali Music.
Get churched!
Fresh and New– Jamie Grace – To Love You Back (Official Lyric Video)” on YouTube
Jamie Grace returns with her upbeat new album. To Love You Back has a soulful feel. This and another one called Do Life Big are my faves on the album!
Check out this lyric video!
Get churched!
The Misinterpretation of Love
Love…
What the world says about love:
Love me no matter what.
Love is love.
Love is always a good thing.
Love is acceptance.
We’re in love so it’s okay
What God says about love:
1 John 2:15 KJV
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
Matthew 10:37 KJV
He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
John 14:15 KJV
If ye love me, keep my commandments.
John 12:43 KJV
For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
John 3:16 KJV
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
1 John 4:8 KJV
He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
Love is truly a beautiful thing! Not only is it beautiful, but it’s necessary. It means so much to the world. It’s what we live for, work for, fight for and die for.
Love is powerful. In fact, love is so powerful that the misunderstanding of love and or the misuse of love can be damaging, misleading and even deadly.
Love is then no longer beautiful.
A man cheats on his wife because he loves another woman. Is this beautiful love? It’s okay as long as they love each other…right?
Another works everyday, misses church and has no time for his family because he is focused on money and success. He…loves it. Is this what love should be?
Is love the right kind of love when it conflicts with another love? Which one is right?
So then all love isn’t good and beautiful love.
Love is also no longer beautiful on the surface when it is coupled with discipline, correction or truth.
More Bible examples of love:
God disciplines those He loves.
Speaking the truth in love.
But wait! Love is supposed to feel good! So if the truth hurts, this isn’t love… But it is.
If you love me you would…
…Accept who I am? No. What you’re really wanting to avoid is correction and accountability under the protection of love.
…Not lay a finger on your child. Is not disciplining your child love?? Does that help your child?
…Live and let live. To not correct in love and just let the world be as it is is to live and let DIE. If you see me headed to my doom and you do not say something because you don’t want to hurt my feelings, you have misinterpreted love.
So…
Love me no matter what: I do love you, but at some point that love will come in the form of correction, honesty or discipline.
Love is love: yeah but not all love is really love.
Love is always a good thing: are you sure about that?
Love is acceptance: To accept is not to condone. For me to say it’s wrong does not negate the love, it proves it.
God knows love. He is love. He shows love in sacrifice. He loves us. But He corrects us. He tells us when we’ve erred. He loves all but He also judges righteously enough to reward those who obey and punish those who do not.
If you truly believe in love, apply love this way: if you love me you will keep my commandments.
Most importantly, Jesus loved enough to suffer and die for all who DO NOT love Him. Even the very ones who killed Him. That’s Love.
Don’t misunderstand love. Don’t love things God hates. Don’t use love as a crutch. Don’t use love to overrule doing what’s right. Don’t say the person that corrects you or tells you the truth doesn’t love you. Fight for, live for, work for the right kind of love. Understand real love.
This will make all the difference in the world.
Get churched by Da Truth’s Real Love
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