Life's Pain

Pain is a thing I know so well
It used to live in me
But now I do not feel this pain
His love has set me free

In days of old His word untold
The dark it lit my way
But now I have His word within
I shall not be afraid

Love I thought I knew so well
Love I craved so deep
It was a love that one day ends
A love that one day sleeps

But now alive my spirit thrives
My old man passed away
The aches and pains
Which this world gains
In shame have gone astray.

The sour ends and lifeless friends
of once I so much craved
They fade away with this new day
This day I have been saved

Saved from all the fears of life
Saved from this world's great host
Saved from pain of emptiness
Filled with the Holy Ghost.

Life's Pain

Pain is a thing I know so well
It used to live in me
But now I do not feel this pain
His love has set me free

In days of old His word untold
The dark it lit my way
But now I have His word within
I shall not be afraid

Love I thought I knew so well
Love I craved so deep
It was a love that one day ends
A love that one day sleeps

But now alive my spirit thrives
My old man passed away
The aches and pains
Which this world gains
In shame have gone astray.

The sour ends and lifeless friends
of once I so much craved
They fade away with this new day
This day I have been saved

Saved from all the fears of life
Saved from this world's great host
Saved from pain of emptiness
Filled with the Holy Ghost.

This series entitled "The War is Over" I would also highly recommend:

http://www.awmi.net/extra/audio/1053

Hi Jasmine:

I just happened to stumble across your question and to be honest I did not take the time to read any of the responses.

There is most definitely harmony between the Old Testament and the New Testament. God never changes. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

It can be hard to wrap our peanut-sized brains around the fact that everything God has ever done was motivated from His great love for us. It's hard to look at some of the Old Testament wrath and harmonize that with the New Testament grace. But the correlation is definitely there.

I wish I had about a month to try and explain this to you.

Think of the flood for example. Sin was running so ramped in the world that is was like a fast spreading disease, a disease without a cure. God came very close to wiping out all creation because of it. But instead He found one upstanding man and chose to use him and his family as a means to give mankind a new chance.

It's kind of like gangrene. (sp). Sometimes it becomes necessary to lop off an arm to save the rest of the body.

That's just one example but the truth is that from the very beginning God has had an amazing love for people. He even gave mankind power and dominion over this physical realm but we yielded that power to Satan back in the Garden. And God, being a keeper of His word could not just take back what He had already given us. The earth belongs to man is what the bible says.

This is exactly why God had to become a man, Jesus, so that He could take back the power and the authority that we ourselves gave away. It took a physical body on this earth to gain back the dominion and now through receiving the Christ we no longer have to be tormented by the enemy or be in fear of God's wrath.

He poured all of His wrath out on His own Son so that you and I could become the victorious men and women He originally intended for us to be.

Like I said, I could talk about this forever but if you are really and truly interested in hearing the truth, I strongly suggest taking the time to listen to the following audio series. It will help bring into light a greater understanding of the way God once dealt with us as opposed the way He does now. God is awesome!

http://www.awmi.net/extra/audio/1002

The Spout Of Greater Things

Gazing through the scales of life
My vision not yet clear
I climb the ropes of faded hopes
Those dreams of yester-year

Desires stirred long since deferred
My heart now sick and stagnant
Enemy spies, religious lies
They draw me like a magnet

Opposing force, yet cling to source
The source of all things made
The source above, who's name is Love
Has shown me were I strayed

Now those scales where death prevails
By grace fall from my eyes
I climb the rope of greater hope
The hope sent from the skies

Up in the sky my dreams now fly
Forever taken wings
Once down and out, now drink the spout
The spout of greater things

-Michael

Weeds Of Seeds

Three years ago began a trip toward lands to me unknown
This trip began by chopping down the weeds of seeds I'd sown
Those weeds of seeds and sinful deeds had left me scared and cold
So I lost my life, forgot the strife, and left for lands untold

Now along this journey, the road forked many ways
Sometimes I'd make the wrong choice, and camp out there for days
Then pack my bags of filthy rags, go back and try again
I need some sort of map to read, a guide, or just a friend.

Sometimes I'd ask directions, from someone strange to me.
But then they'd ask for money; I thought advice was free
Silver or gold, I had none, so on my way I went
Another fork, another choice, now right back in my tent.

I keep on pushing somewhere, the place I do not know
I've heard some others speak of it, where milk and honey flow
I wish I had a partner, someone to act as guide
I cannot make this trip alone, I'm weak and petrified

But wait, what's that I see ahead? It looks like some strange book
With great anticipation, I decide to take a look
What in the world does this book say, I thought with my first peek
I cannot comprehend this book, the words they must be Greek.

I cannot use this little book. I need some sort of map
Now tired and exhausted I reclined and took a nap
But in my sleep I had a dream and then I heard this voice
It said that book, it is your map, but you must make the choice

Instantly I sprang awake and jumped up to my feet
I grabbed the book, and flipped a page, and then began to read
The page was titled Proverbs, the chapter labeled three
Then in verse five it came alive, this book it spoke to me

It said that you must trust in me, no need to understand
I'll guide your way, with every day, reach out and take my hand
Wow! I can't believe this, this little book can speak.
It said I'll give you what you need, just make it Me you seek.

I'm still upon this journey, of this I'm proud to say
I know I wont get lost again, this book, it leads my way
And now my destination is of less concern to me
As long as this book guides me, then I know I will be free

Friends this little message is not far from my life
Have weeds of seeds been choking you? Is your life filled with strife?
Then my friends I say to you, chop down those weeds of sin
Take this book, no second look, and let your life begin!

-Michael

The Pain of Jabez

Pain is deep within my heart, it’s been there quite some time.
I used to try to kill this pain with cocaine, weed, and wine.
But temporary fixes, just leave me high and dry,
I feel the pain that Jabez felt in decades since gone by.

My pain is not within my bones, for there it could be healed,
But yet my pain is deep within, not yet to be revealed.
It is this pain that keeps me sane, paradoxically,
For if I did not feel this pain, I just might not be me.

This pain is not about myself, but ones that I have loved.
I took them all for granted, not gifts from up above.
Now alone I find myself, with heart blood pouring out
It seeps from every thought I think, of this I have no doubt.

I cry to live life over. I want another chance.
I want to learn to live my life; I want to learn to dance.
To dance with those who’ve loved me; with those that I’ve made cry,
If I could have just one more chance, I'd dance until I die.

But wait! I have an option. There is a special way.
I could turn my heart towards Jesus, kneel down to him and say;
Lord, will you forgive me? Lord, please take me in.
Lord, how I have needed you, please forgive my sin.

The moment that I do this, I will be born again.
He’ll look at me with loving eyes, and tell me I’m his friend.
He’ll show me things I’ve never thought, He’ll teach me about life.
He’ll heal that pain I’m holding, removing all the strife.

Oh Lord, how much I thank you! Oh Lord, you are my King!
My brand new life has now begun, O' death where is your sting?
And now I live with purpose, not prey to circumstance,
Oh Lord, how much I praise you! May I please have this dance?

-Michael

Life Threw Me a Curve

Standing at the plate of life, I glance out at the stands
The tool to make my fans all cheer, gripped tightly in my hands
The hurler looked me in the eye, ball held as to deceive
I’ll bring my fans straight to their feet, if only I believe

He draws way back, his leg kicked high, anticipation great
I’ll drive this ball straight to the wall, this one’s fast and straight
From the side his arm swung wide, the ball began to swerve
I was thinking fastball, but life threw me a curve

With all my might I swung that bat, to my surprise I missed
Strike one, I heard the umpire yell, while thousands sighed and hissed
That’s only one, I told myself. That will not happen twice
Keep your eye upon that ball, they yelled to me advice

I stepped back up, then tapped my cleats and spit upon the ground
With shame I looked out towards the stands, the crowd without a sound
Once again he drew way back, again his leg kicked high
Thinking low and straight and fast, it curved and slid right by

Strike two, I heard the umpire yell, one more and this game’s through
I backed away, head bowed to pray, Oh Lord, what should I do?
His voice rose up within me, and I clearly heard Him say
Step back up and set your sights, you will not lose today

With Jesus’ words inside me, I stepped back to the plate
I looked that hurler in the eye, my confidence was great
From the side his arm swung wide, the ball began to swerve
Man I need a fastball, but here’s another curve

I waited a bit longer, I loosened up my grip
Anticipation killing me, while biting on my lip
I swung the bat more slowly, my eyes they did not blink
I’ll hit this ball straight to that wall as long as I don’t think

Crack! - I heard that sound so loud, the ball it took a flight
Over the wall and then the stands, that ball was out of sight
My fans jumped straight up to their feet, the wave went round and round
The hurler was defeated, his curve had let him down

I trotted through the bases, tipped my hat and waved
They handed me a microphone but all that I could say
was; Jesus was the batter, cause I can't hit the swerve
If you prefer a fastball, let Jesus hit that curve!

-Michael

One Thin Dime

There comes a time in each mans life when self is not enough.
We wake one day, hopes gone astray, and look upon our stuff.
Unsatisfied, we cry inside, we’ve wasted so much time.
The things we have are meaningless, worth less than one thin dime.

Yesterday we had a dream; we’d make it to the top.
From others we’d gain envy, the cream of all the crop.
But from the top we gain a view of things we’ve never seen.
We see the toes we’ve stepped upon while chasing down this dream.

In looking down upon their frowns the thought to us occurs,
That reflective frown you’re seeing friend, I’m afraid that frown is yours.
Success is not about ourselves, not something to be gained.
For what success can be achieved from causing others pain?

Come down from that high pedestal, down from your high plateau.
Come down and build relationships, the seeds of love to sow.
From seeds of love comes true success, from seeds of love life grows.
You'll find that frown turned upside down, now washing those hurt toes.

I’m thankful for the things I’ve had, from them this lessoned learned;
Material things within this world are destined to be burned.
But love endures forever. Love stands the test of time.
I would not trade one ounce of love for ten million one thin dimes!

-Michael

I am not sure I buy all that. But I may, at some point, check out the article.

Sometimes we have a tendency to read more into the Word of God than what is really there. The truth of the word is actually quite simple. So simple in fact that we often have to have someone help us to misunderstand it.

The point you were making is one of Jesus being hidden in the early chapters of Genesis. Actualy, Jesus is revealed rather openly not only in Genesis, but throuthout the entire Old Testament. The Old testament itself is only a type and shadow of the real thing, which is Christ.

Jesus Himself said this in John 5:39
"Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me."

All scripture points to Jesus.

Think about this, Jesus said, "I am the light of the world", right? So when God said, "let there be light", was he speaking of Jesus?

And consider Genesis 1:26
"And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. "

Let "us"? In "our image"? Who would you suggest God was takling to?

In the beggining was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God! And, the Word became flesh and dwelt among us!

My friend, please do not take my reply the wrong way. There may in fact be some truth behind the idea you presented from the link you provided. But what I am saying is that we do not have to look for some secret hidden message or buy a limited edition decoder ring to understand that Jesus existed in the very beginning and that through Him and by Him all things now exist.

He is the same yesterday(creation). Today(this realm) and forever (The new earth)!

Hell Is Not That Hot


Pop pills, seek thrills, lusting for the fame
God who? Screw you. Don’t bow to any name.
Snort coke, drink beer, smoke a little pot
Who’s God? Where’s God? Hell is not that hot.

Livin large, me in charge, all about the game
I am great, no debate, don’t believe in shame
Running wild with flower child, Makin’ love, not war
Get high, get by, that’s what life is for.

No hope, need dope, cannot stand the pain
Always high, wanna die, come on acid rain
Snort coke, drink beer, smoke a little pot
Who’s God? Where’s God? Hell is not that hot.

Lifeless, unemployed, livin' on the street
Ruthless, careless, starting to feel heat.
No friends, no ends, beggin' for a meal
Need a hit, can’t get it, gotta cheat and steal.

Locked up, facing time, bouncing off this cell
Cryin out, without a doubt, I’m going straight to hell
20 years, I’m in tears, can’t believe the deal
Need God. Where’s God? God are you for real?

Found the Word, flipped a page, lookin for a verse
Jesus lived, then he died, freed me from the curse
Bowed a knee, cried a plea, searchin' for some love
Somethin' broke, ain’t no joke, presence of a dove

Set free, new me, brand new chance at life
Out of jail, free from hell, givin’ you advice
Seek the Lord, all your heart, no need to understand
Seek Him, serve Him, reach out and take His hand.

No pills, simple thrills, free from guilt and shame
God you came through. Name above all names!
Diet coke, root beer, shrimp boiling in the pot
What a God! An Awesome God! My past he has forgot!

Hi Quickstepper! - Thanks for the comment. I have not heard of either of those two people but may look them up when I have some time. I am always open to new perspectives as long as they are scripturally sound.

Hello Susan! - My opinion is that as long as we are attached to the vine, and walking according to the Spirit, and allowing the life of Christ to flow through us then, we are by default going to be salty. Of course, as I am sure you are aware, there is a lot more to that statement than what appears on the surface.

Jesus said in John 6:63, "My words are spirit, and they are life". Walking by the spirit means walking or living according to the word and therein lies the root of our saltiness!

"How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!"
Psalm 119:103

Highly Flavoured? Ha ha...that's pretty funny....

But actually, that too is also true. Consider this:

“Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? Flavorless salt is good neither for the soil nor for the manure pile. It is thrown away. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!”
Luke 14:34-35 KJV

We who are the faithful followers of Christ are to be the salt of the earth. Or you could say, the highly flavored salt of the earth!

Charitoo

--------------------------------------------------

During some recent studies related to the Christmas story I came across a phrase used in the KJV which we frequently hear used today amongst saints. That phrase is "highly favoured". How often do we hear others say, "I am blessed and highly favoured"?

Until just recently I always thought of that saying as just a religious cliche and never gave it much attention. After all, the term appears only one time in all of the KJV. The angel Gabriel spoke those words to the virgin Mary as he was foretelling the birth of the Lord Jesus.

"And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women."
Luke 1:28 KJV

But what I discovered is that this phrase "highly favoured" actually comes from the Greek word. "Charitoo". Charitoo has two definitions listed and apparently this word was only translated twice in all of the KJV. The first definition, as previously mentioned is "highly favored" and was used to describe how Mary had indeed been blessed of the Lord.

However the second meaning for the word Charitoo is "make accepted". It was used only once in this definition in all of the KJV:

"To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved."
Ephesians 1:6 KJV

So, in light of the multiple definitions of the word "Charitoo", I believe it would be "acceptable" to substitute definition one into this verse and read it as such:

"To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us highly favoured in the beloved."
Ephesians 1:6 My Paraphrase


Now who was Paul writing this passage to?

"Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
Ephesians 1:1 KJV

Not only to the saints in Ephesus, but also to those that are faithful in Christ Jesus. Paul also tells us:

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ"
Ephesians 1:3 KJV

That's just awesome to me. We have already been blessed with all spiritual blessings and they are in the spirit realm! I just love the entire book of Ephesians. Of course I love each and every word of God but Ephesians just seems to bring home the fact that we have already received all blessings, and all favour from the Lord.

I understand that there are certain sects of the Christian society that see Mary as some sort of deity. Some say that she herself lived a perfect sinless life and therefore she is to be glorified. While I do agree that she was a very special woman, even Mary needed a savior as indicated by her own words in Luke 1:47. She would have not called Him Saviour if she wasn't in fact a sinner herself.

"And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour."
Luke 1:46-47 KJV

Mary was not the only one who is "highly favoured" and blessed. So are we, the faithful followers of Christ!

That's all I have to share on that subject for the time being. I just found that to be a very interesting truth and wanted to share it here with my readers. I am blessed and highly favoured!

And as a follower of Christ my friend, so are you! Praise God!

In love,
Michael

Jesus said we cannot serve both God and mammon. Mammon isn't money. Mammon is one of the ancient gods of wealth.

I am not saying that we "can" serve money, but money in and of itself has no power. It is only when we come to worship money, as in a god, as in the god of this world, that it gains it's power.

Let them print whatever they will on "their" money. It will still not have any power over those who really trust GOD!

The wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just anyway, relax! (Proverbs 13:22)

Michael

Faith: Our positive response to that which God has already done.

In short, yes....I do think that priests should marry. And for the record, the bible says that all who have become born-again, adopted into God's family, are ourselves priests. See Verse 5 and Verse 9:

1 Peter 2:4-10
You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor.
5 And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God. 6 As the Scriptures say,

“I am placing a cornerstone in Jerusalem,
chosen for great honor,
and anyone who trusts in him
will never be disgraced.”[c]

7 Yes, you who trust him recognize the honor God has given him. But for those who reject him,

“The stone that the builders rejected
has now become the cornerstone.”[d]

8 And,

“He is the stone that makes people stumble,
the rock that makes them fall.”[e]

They stumble because they do not obey God’s word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them.

9 But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests,a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.

10 “Once you had no identity as a people;
now you are God’s people.
Once you received no mercy;
now you have received God’s mercy.”[g]

Actually, the Jews are the chosen people of God. But because of His unfailing love, grace and mercy, even us gentiles can be grafted into the tree and become attached to the vine.

Romans 11:17-18
But some of these branches from Abraham’s tree—some of the people of Israel—have been broken off. And you Gentiles, who were branches from a wild olive tree, have been grafted in. So now you also receive the blessing God has promised Abraham and his children, sharing in the rich nourishment from the root of God’s special olive tree. 18 But you must not brag about being grafted in to replace the branches that were broken off. You are just a branch, not the root.


And.....when we are attached to the vine, and become circumsized in the heart, or born-again, given a brand new spirit, then we in fact become Jews, the chosen people of God.

Romans 2:28-29
For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; 29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.

Thanks for your replies Abra....believe as you will.