Pssst... Don't tell Anyone

So I've been reading through Mark the last few days and something struck me as interesting. At the end of Mark 7, specifically verse 36, it says: "Jesus told the crowd not to tell anyone, but the more he told them not to, the more they spread the news."

There are several verses throughout the Gospels that are like this: Jesus instructs people not to tell others about the miracles he did for them, and they go out proclaiming to everyone what happened.

I've always found it somewhat odd that Jesus told people not to tell anyone, but today I got a different perspective. Did Jesus tell them not to tell because he knows that we as humans cannot resist doing something we are told not to do??? Like when there was a sign that says "Do not touch," we just ache to touch. When we're told not to do something, we are on the verge of exploding if we don't do it. It is because Jesus knew human nature so well that he told people not to tell, knowing full well that they wouldn't be able to resist? Add that to the list of things to ask when I meet God:o)

Judging

Matthew 7:1-2
"Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged."

Ummm.. ouch! Could I withstand the scrutiny that I put others through in my head??? I mean I can really mess up too. Another great reminder for me to love using God's love when I can't do it on my own!

The Tests

As I was cleaning the kitchen (again) today, I started thinking about all of the little tests and miracles that God puts in our lives. It reminds me of the Verizon commercial where the spokesman is going to several locations and keeps repeating "Can you hear me now?" It's like God keeps repeating "Do you trust Me now?"

Reaching an Unbeliever

Yet again it's been way too long since I've posted... not that I've got many interested readers anyway... but I need to commit to getting on here at least once a week to share what God has been doing in my life.

I'm doing this incredible Bible study right now by Priscilla Shirer called "One in a Million; journey to your promised land." If you ever have the opportunity to do this study, DO IT. It is absolutely amazing. Well, anyhoo, I was looking up some scripture for my study and of course I stumbled upon some other scripture that really spoke to me.

But the people's minds were hardened, and to this day whenever the old covenant is being read, the same veil covers their minds so they cannot understand the truth. And this veil can be removed only be believing in Christ. Yes, even today when they read Moses' writings, their hears are covered with that veil, and they do not understand. But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord - who is the Spirit- makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.

2 Corinthians 14-18

Can I tell you that I know EXACTLY what this is like???? As a reformed Atheist, it's unbelievable how accurate this passage is. When I became a believer, it was like I instantly understood what those Christians were always trying to tell me. But when you don't believe, you are blind to the Truth. Before, I always thought that religious people were just brainwashed; but now I know that it's the other way around. An unbeliever can not see the truth; their minds and hearts are covered in a veil. 

God's Word is so incredible; it speaks the truth, not only in the spiritual world but in the physical world as well. Thank you Heavenly Father for bringing me out of the darkness.

Dinner 8/2-8/6

Monday: Chinese Take-out for D's birthday
Tuesday: fajitas (thank you Treasure Box treasurebox.org)
Wednesday: BBQ chicken with mac & cheese and a salad
Thursday: Beef roast (really this time) with cous cous and broccoli
Friday: Leftovers!!!!

Dinner 7/26 - 7/30

Monday: Left over tacos
Tuesday: Calzones and garlic bread
Wednesday: Asian beef stir fry
Thursday: Beef roast (crock pot)
Friday: Salsa chicken with cous cous

Freedom and the Soul

This is a wonderful quote from Whittaker Chambers (1901-1961) who was an American editor and writer:

Freedom is a need of the soul, and nothing else. It is in striving toward God that the soul strives continually after a condition of freedom. God alone is the inciter and guarantor of freedom. He is the only guarantor.

External freedom is only an aspect of interior freedom. Political freedom, as the Western world has known it, is only a political reading of the Bible. Religion and freedom are indivisible. Without freedom the soul dies. Without the soul, there is no justification for freedom. 

"for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever." 1 Chronicles 9