I used to walk a road full of pain
Until I heard of the One who was slain
How deceived I was--just playing the game
Until I heard of the One who was slain
Enjoying the fun and feeling no shame
Until I heard of the One who was slain
Sin is fun--so very fun
As long as I'm not hurting anyone
Spiraling down a bumpy hill
As the sin in me has its fill
No where to run no where to hide
Ashamed of the man I am inside
Yes, I used to walk a road full of pain
Until I met the One who was slain
His light too bright--I turned away
Sin calling me back for another day
Why did I let it lead me astray?
My heart is sick--Sin no longer fun
Now I'm living on the run
Return to Me, cries out the Savior
Won't you let me do you a favor?
I am the One who can set you free
Please do not continue running from Me
Once again His light shines bright
This time I surrender to the warmth
Clinging to it with all my might
Now I know true peace joy and love
Having fun with the One from above
Sin no longer causing me shame-
For I have been washed--given a new name
By Jesus Christ the One who was slain
He is calling you--won't you do the same?
(C) Teresa Ortiz 2008
Aug 31, 2008
When the Bad Guy Wins--or Does He?
Do you ever feel like doing the right thing gets you nowhere? Are you frustrated because it seems like the good guys always get the short end of the stick?
When we look at the world around us, it seems as the bad guys are winning. A good example might be the gangsters in prison; they get recording contracts and are rich before they even step out of the prison gates. Look at corporate America; we read about kickbacks and payoffs to secure contracts.
"It takes money to make money", they say. You have to be rich and famous to get rich and famous. It's obvious to the average guy that sometimes you have to make a deal with the devil to get where you want to be in life. Lie, cheat and steal. Yet, society in general applauds those who went for their dream and are successful--no matter the cost.
Thankfully, there are still members of society who will not stoop to such deeds. They remain hard working, honest, and do their part to help those less fortunate. They even consider success to be measured by how many lives they've touched, not by how many digits are in their bank account.
Still, at times, this can be discouraging to those who try to live a life of goodwill and seek to follow the ways of God.
So what to do we when discouragement and temptation to forget about "living right" and join the ranks of the other members of society come our way? After all they are the ones who seem to get ahead.
King David was a man God, he did his best to live right and serve his fellow man. He did not rise to the top by lying, cheating, or stealing. So why was the world-his little world, against him? I have found comfort in King David's reaction toward the wicked, maybe you will too.
Read the thoughts and prayer of King David as He shares his heart with God.
"No doubt about it! God is good-good to good people, good to the good-hearted. But I nearly missed it, missed seeing his goodness. I was looking the other way, looking up to the people at the top, envying the wicked who have made it, Who have nothing to worry about, not a care in the world. Pretentious and arrogant, they wear the latest fashions in violence. Pampered and overfed, decked out in silk bows of silliness. They jeer, using words to kill, they bully their way with words. They're full of hot air, loudmouths disturbing the peace. People actually listen to them-can you believe it? Like thirty puppies, they lap up their words. What is going on here? Is God out to lunch?" (Psalm 73:1-11 – The Message.)
These first few verses are comforting-they tell us there is a time when it is okay to share our real feelings with God. He wants us to, in fact.
This part is never a problem for me, I confess. This however is not where we should end. There is more for us to glean from King David-let's read a little bit more of his conversation with God.
"Did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I keep myself innocent for no reason? I get nothing but trouble all day long; every morning brings me pain. … So I tried to understand why the wicked proper. But what a difficult task it is" (Ps. 73:13-14,16 – The New Living Translation)
(You just have to love David's honesty here, I certainly relate.)
Now that we have laid our complaint out to God, what do we do? How do we reconcile our feelings with the desire we have to end the jealousy in our hearts?
Let's read on.
"Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and finally understood the destiny of the wicked. Truly, you put them on a slippery path and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction. In an instant, they are destroyed, completely swept away by terrors. When you arise, O Lord, you will laugh at their silly ideas as a person laughs at dreams in the morning. Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant-I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you. Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. (Ps. 73:17-24 NLT)
I appreciate the heart of David. This is where I want to be. What a blessing to come full circle and realize the wicked will not prosper forever. Their deeds are recorded; they will answer to God for them--and so will ours.
The final step is to repent of our anger toward God and toward the wicked. As David was honest before the Lord, God revealed a bigger picture and he was able to see his own sin of bitterness. He came away from his time with God with a new understanding and strength to continue. I love his conclusion:
"My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever…and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things You do." (Ps. 73:26-, 28b – NLT.)
Therefore, don't let the bad guys get the best of you. Seek the Lord, take comfort in His truth. There is a reason to keep our hearts pure. We are not perfect; King David was not perfect, but we press on nonetheless, repenting when the need arises.
What a motto to live by.
© Teresa Ortiz
When we look at the world around us, it seems as the bad guys are winning. A good example might be the gangsters in prison; they get recording contracts and are rich before they even step out of the prison gates. Look at corporate America; we read about kickbacks and payoffs to secure contracts.
"It takes money to make money", they say. You have to be rich and famous to get rich and famous. It's obvious to the average guy that sometimes you have to make a deal with the devil to get where you want to be in life. Lie, cheat and steal. Yet, society in general applauds those who went for their dream and are successful--no matter the cost.
Thankfully, there are still members of society who will not stoop to such deeds. They remain hard working, honest, and do their part to help those less fortunate. They even consider success to be measured by how many lives they've touched, not by how many digits are in their bank account.
Still, at times, this can be discouraging to those who try to live a life of goodwill and seek to follow the ways of God.
So what to do we when discouragement and temptation to forget about "living right" and join the ranks of the other members of society come our way? After all they are the ones who seem to get ahead.
King David was a man God, he did his best to live right and serve his fellow man. He did not rise to the top by lying, cheating, or stealing. So why was the world-his little world, against him? I have found comfort in King David's reaction toward the wicked, maybe you will too.
Read the thoughts and prayer of King David as He shares his heart with God.
"No doubt about it! God is good-good to good people, good to the good-hearted. But I nearly missed it, missed seeing his goodness. I was looking the other way, looking up to the people at the top, envying the wicked who have made it, Who have nothing to worry about, not a care in the world. Pretentious and arrogant, they wear the latest fashions in violence. Pampered and overfed, decked out in silk bows of silliness. They jeer, using words to kill, they bully their way with words. They're full of hot air, loudmouths disturbing the peace. People actually listen to them-can you believe it? Like thirty puppies, they lap up their words. What is going on here? Is God out to lunch?" (Psalm 73:1-11 – The Message.)
These first few verses are comforting-they tell us there is a time when it is okay to share our real feelings with God. He wants us to, in fact.
This part is never a problem for me, I confess. This however is not where we should end. There is more for us to glean from King David-let's read a little bit more of his conversation with God.
"Did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I keep myself innocent for no reason? I get nothing but trouble all day long; every morning brings me pain. … So I tried to understand why the wicked proper. But what a difficult task it is" (Ps. 73:13-14,16 – The New Living Translation)
(You just have to love David's honesty here, I certainly relate.)
Now that we have laid our complaint out to God, what do we do? How do we reconcile our feelings with the desire we have to end the jealousy in our hearts?
Let's read on.
"Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and finally understood the destiny of the wicked. Truly, you put them on a slippery path and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction. In an instant, they are destroyed, completely swept away by terrors. When you arise, O Lord, you will laugh at their silly ideas as a person laughs at dreams in the morning. Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant-I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you. Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. (Ps. 73:17-24 NLT)
I appreciate the heart of David. This is where I want to be. What a blessing to come full circle and realize the wicked will not prosper forever. Their deeds are recorded; they will answer to God for them--and so will ours.
The final step is to repent of our anger toward God and toward the wicked. As David was honest before the Lord, God revealed a bigger picture and he was able to see his own sin of bitterness. He came away from his time with God with a new understanding and strength to continue. I love his conclusion:
"My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever…and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things You do." (Ps. 73:26-, 28b – NLT.)
Therefore, don't let the bad guys get the best of you. Seek the Lord, take comfort in His truth. There is a reason to keep our hearts pure. We are not perfect; King David was not perfect, but we press on nonetheless, repenting when the need arises.
What a motto to live by.
© Teresa Ortiz
Aug 25, 2008
Adam and Eve Banished from the Garden: Punishment or Grace
Have you ever wondered why God would banish Adam and Eve from the Garden for one mistake-just one sin, no second chances?
Over the years, I have pondered this, reading the account countless times and always coming to the same conclusion. It was the punishment for disobedience. Clear and simple-why should that be a surprise? We all understand choice and consequence.
So why did I keep coming back to this familiar story? What is God trying to teach me? About a month ago, I was reading a book by Erwin Lutzer. The subject was the fall of man and the need for redemption. He talked about how the grace of God will meet us where we are, but will not leave us in the same state in which we were found. He also talked about what it would be like if we remained in our fallen state for all eternity.
The wheels started spinning and I went back to Genesis and reread the first three chapters.
We are told God created man in His image--created to live forever in peace and harmony with God and the rest creation.
He told Adam and Eve they could eat the fruit of any tree in the garden except the fruit of the tree of knowledge, which by the way, isn't necessarily an apple.
The story goes on to say the Serpent, who was Satan Himself, swayed Eve by appealing to her desires. Some commentators suggest that Eve may have been close to the tree, even gazing at it when Satan came to her. It makes perfect sense to me-this is another lesson. Getting back to the subject at hand, Adam and Eve chose the way of disobedience.
God warned them that if they should eat the fruit of this tree, in the same day they would die. Sure enough, this is what happened. At that moment, they died a spiritual death, thereby separated from God.
God in His mercy calls out to Adam, "Adam where are you?" God restores them spiritually, by sacrificing an animal. (Sin had to be paid for from the beginning. It's interesting to note that God was not satisfied with their attempt to cover their sin by making clothing out of fig leaves--sound familiar?) Nevertheless, the physical effects and consequence of sin remained, thus the need for God to ban them from the garden. This is one of the rare times we are given the privilege to read an account of a conversation that takes place between God the Father, and His Son Jesus:
"God said, "The man has become like on of us, capable of knowing everything, ranging from good and evil. What if he now should reach out and take fruit from the Tree-of Life and eat, and live forever? Never-this cannot happen! So God expelled them from the Garden of Eden and sent them to work the ground, the same dirt out of which they'd been made. He threw them out of the garden and stationed angel-cherubim and a revolving sword of fire east of it, guarding the path to the Tree-of Life." (Genesis 3:22-24 – The Message.)
For the record, I don't believe in anyway that this passage reveals that God is jealous of man for knowing good and evil, as many suggest. Rather, it reveals that God is concerned for man because he knows that knowing the difference between good and evil doesn't mean we will always choose good. I don't think any of us can ague this point.
With this new thought in my mind, I read this passage in a way I never did before. Why wouldn't God want them to live forever if they were created to live forever? I have come to believe the reason is Grace--Sweet Grace.
Once Adam and Eve chose to sin, their physical bodies were corrupted, they immediately started to die--along with everything else. All of creation was subject to death as a result of their choice (Wow! It makes me wonder what the lasting effects of my sin will be).
If Adam and Eve did not obey and stay away from the tree of knowledge, why in the world would they stay away from the tree of life? How much more desirable is living forever? Isn't this what people are striving for today? Why would anyone want to live forever in this body of decay is beyond me.
This brings me to my point and my understanding of God's choice.
IF Adam and Eve had remained in the garden, surely they would have been tempted to eat from this tree of life. It must have been beautiful with fruit so luscious--fruit that probably doesn't exist today.
What would have been the result? They would have lived forever in their fallen state with no chance for physical redemption, no chance for a new Eden-a better Eden. A life filled with pain and heartbreak. Plant's dying, animals dying--animals eating animals--you name it. It would be forever. Everything you are going though would be forever.
God banned them to protect them because He loved them. He also loved the rest of his creation. So now, Adam had to tend to the ground because it was also corrupt. It would no longer yield the fruit and vegetables of its own accord. I believe you get the picture.
Although I easily accepted the thought that they were banned as punishment, God opened my understanding and has shown me a more excellent way--the way of Grace.
The story doesn't end here, this is just the beginning--the Tree-of Life still exists and as of today is still guarded. When the fullness of time comes, there will a day when the fire in front of the tree will go out.
The great news is when that day comes there will be no corruption, everything will be restored and those who have chosen to receive the gift of God's grace through His Son Jesus Christ will have access to this tree.
For further study on the effects of the fall, read the book of Romans. If you would like some assistance in your study, I suggest Kay Arthur, Bruce Bickle and Stan Jantz's Christianity 101 series, and of course, you can always contact me.
© Teresa Ortiz
Over the years, I have pondered this, reading the account countless times and always coming to the same conclusion. It was the punishment for disobedience. Clear and simple-why should that be a surprise? We all understand choice and consequence.
So why did I keep coming back to this familiar story? What is God trying to teach me? About a month ago, I was reading a book by Erwin Lutzer. The subject was the fall of man and the need for redemption. He talked about how the grace of God will meet us where we are, but will not leave us in the same state in which we were found. He also talked about what it would be like if we remained in our fallen state for all eternity.
The wheels started spinning and I went back to Genesis and reread the first three chapters.
We are told God created man in His image--created to live forever in peace and harmony with God and the rest creation.
He told Adam and Eve they could eat the fruit of any tree in the garden except the fruit of the tree of knowledge, which by the way, isn't necessarily an apple.
The story goes on to say the Serpent, who was Satan Himself, swayed Eve by appealing to her desires. Some commentators suggest that Eve may have been close to the tree, even gazing at it when Satan came to her. It makes perfect sense to me-this is another lesson. Getting back to the subject at hand, Adam and Eve chose the way of disobedience.
God warned them that if they should eat the fruit of this tree, in the same day they would die. Sure enough, this is what happened. At that moment, they died a spiritual death, thereby separated from God.
God in His mercy calls out to Adam, "Adam where are you?" God restores them spiritually, by sacrificing an animal. (Sin had to be paid for from the beginning. It's interesting to note that God was not satisfied with their attempt to cover their sin by making clothing out of fig leaves--sound familiar?) Nevertheless, the physical effects and consequence of sin remained, thus the need for God to ban them from the garden. This is one of the rare times we are given the privilege to read an account of a conversation that takes place between God the Father, and His Son Jesus:
"God said, "The man has become like on of us, capable of knowing everything, ranging from good and evil. What if he now should reach out and take fruit from the Tree-of Life and eat, and live forever? Never-this cannot happen! So God expelled them from the Garden of Eden and sent them to work the ground, the same dirt out of which they'd been made. He threw them out of the garden and stationed angel-cherubim and a revolving sword of fire east of it, guarding the path to the Tree-of Life." (Genesis 3:22-24 – The Message.)
For the record, I don't believe in anyway that this passage reveals that God is jealous of man for knowing good and evil, as many suggest. Rather, it reveals that God is concerned for man because he knows that knowing the difference between good and evil doesn't mean we will always choose good. I don't think any of us can ague this point.
With this new thought in my mind, I read this passage in a way I never did before. Why wouldn't God want them to live forever if they were created to live forever? I have come to believe the reason is Grace--Sweet Grace.
Once Adam and Eve chose to sin, their physical bodies were corrupted, they immediately started to die--along with everything else. All of creation was subject to death as a result of their choice (Wow! It makes me wonder what the lasting effects of my sin will be).
If Adam and Eve did not obey and stay away from the tree of knowledge, why in the world would they stay away from the tree of life? How much more desirable is living forever? Isn't this what people are striving for today? Why would anyone want to live forever in this body of decay is beyond me.
This brings me to my point and my understanding of God's choice.
IF Adam and Eve had remained in the garden, surely they would have been tempted to eat from this tree of life. It must have been beautiful with fruit so luscious--fruit that probably doesn't exist today.
What would have been the result? They would have lived forever in their fallen state with no chance for physical redemption, no chance for a new Eden-a better Eden. A life filled with pain and heartbreak. Plant's dying, animals dying--animals eating animals--you name it. It would be forever. Everything you are going though would be forever.
God banned them to protect them because He loved them. He also loved the rest of his creation. So now, Adam had to tend to the ground because it was also corrupt. It would no longer yield the fruit and vegetables of its own accord. I believe you get the picture.
Although I easily accepted the thought that they were banned as punishment, God opened my understanding and has shown me a more excellent way--the way of Grace.
The story doesn't end here, this is just the beginning--the Tree-of Life still exists and as of today is still guarded. When the fullness of time comes, there will a day when the fire in front of the tree will go out.
The great news is when that day comes there will be no corruption, everything will be restored and those who have chosen to receive the gift of God's grace through His Son Jesus Christ will have access to this tree.
For further study on the effects of the fall, read the book of Romans. If you would like some assistance in your study, I suggest Kay Arthur, Bruce Bickle and Stan Jantz's Christianity 101 series, and of course, you can always contact me.
© Teresa Ortiz
Aug 23, 2008
Tales of Cold Water, the Mail Box, and Flashlights
As my son and I shopped for school supplies today, I had mixed feelings. Senior year--the year every kid lives for and the year many parents dread. Then there are the parents like me who are not sure what to feel.
On one hand, it's a relief--he made it! One the other, it's sad because you realize they are growing up too quickly. Walking through the isles, I saw a mixture of ages. It seemed the older the child, the less excited they were--funny how that happens.
Waiting in line is always a joy. You find the most interesting gadgets, that are screaming, "Buy me, I'm only a buck". Then I saw it; a flashlight--a special flashlight that took me back in time.
Our home has never been a boring place, especially when the kids were little. My husband always made sure the kids were screaming and laughing. The worst was at bedtime. They would always ask me to send dad in to tell them a goodnight story."His stories are better", they would say. Before long, they were laughing. His stories would last at least 15 minutes.
"Settle down guys, it's bedtime, go to sleep, I'm not going to tell you again!"
This he said in a very deep voice for my benefit. They were silent a moment and then all three of them would be snickering.
I can't recall the first time this happened, but at some point, my husband decided it would be funny to pour cold water on our son while he was in the shower, then turn off the light.
"D-A-D!" Justin would yell. "One of these days, your gonna get it", he adds as he laughs.
This became a ritual, but it remained sporadic to keep the element of surprise at its best. When Justin was seven or eight, he came to me and told me he was ready to get back at his dad. You can imagine how thrilled I was!
Justin climbs onto the counter to get the pitcher. I never heard such a devious giggle come from an innocent child--I loved every minute of it. As he was walking toward the bathroom, I had a brilliant idea!
"J, come back here, you can do better than your dad."
I emptied some of the water, filled the pitcher with ice cubes, then added more water. Justin's giggle was almost scary. I had to help him carry it back to the bathroom.
I must have been a good influence on him because just before we got to the bathroom, he whispers in my ear, telling me he is going to turn off the light first and then throw the water over! I was so proud! I helped him onto the chair that I had quietly snuck in a few minutes earlier.
And then the deed was done. My husband gasped to catch his breath! We left the bathroom so fast and yes, Justin left the light off.
"Excuse me, mam, can you move up please?"
Another moment and I was back in our little singlewide trailer, watching the sunlight glisten off the lake.
"Daddy", yells Brittany from the end of our driveway--which is about 200 feet away.
"My hand is stuck, you gotta help me daddy!" My daughter is practically in tears while my husband stands still, debating whether or not to run to her rescue.
He looks at me, I look back--shrugging my shoulders, "It's your call", I say.
By this time, she is crying and yelling for help--promising with all her heart that she is not faking it. So he takes off, bare-footed down the gravel driveway to help her.
When he was about 5 feet away from her, she pulls her hand out of the mailbox and says, "Gotcha"!
Moving forward in line, I take a deep breath and smile at my son. Many jokes have been played in my family, but these two are dear to my heart as they represent the kind of relationship my husband would have with our children. They had fun with me at times, but this story isn't about me, so I don't need to get into that now.
There is one thing that continues to puzzle me; my son is almost 18 and he keeps a flashlight in his bathroom and his bedroom. Now that I think about it, there is a flashlight in every room of our house, he knows how to turn on the generator, and is well acquainted with the fuse box. Could it be…nah!
As for Brittany, she can still cry on a dime, and she is way too good at being tricky.
I am sure it's all just a coincidence and has nothing to do with their childhood.
On the other hand, if I should ever get random bills from a therapist, I'll know I was wrong.
Senior year and my daughter's 20th Birthday--what a day!
When my husband showers tonight, I think I'll throw a pitcher of ice water on him and turn off the light for old times sake.
What? There's a flashlight in there.
(C) Teresa Ortiz
On one hand, it's a relief--he made it! One the other, it's sad because you realize they are growing up too quickly. Walking through the isles, I saw a mixture of ages. It seemed the older the child, the less excited they were--funny how that happens.
Waiting in line is always a joy. You find the most interesting gadgets, that are screaming, "Buy me, I'm only a buck". Then I saw it; a flashlight--a special flashlight that took me back in time.
Our home has never been a boring place, especially when the kids were little. My husband always made sure the kids were screaming and laughing. The worst was at bedtime. They would always ask me to send dad in to tell them a goodnight story."His stories are better", they would say. Before long, they were laughing. His stories would last at least 15 minutes.
"Settle down guys, it's bedtime, go to sleep, I'm not going to tell you again!"
This he said in a very deep voice for my benefit. They were silent a moment and then all three of them would be snickering.
I can't recall the first time this happened, but at some point, my husband decided it would be funny to pour cold water on our son while he was in the shower, then turn off the light.
"D-A-D!" Justin would yell. "One of these days, your gonna get it", he adds as he laughs.
This became a ritual, but it remained sporadic to keep the element of surprise at its best. When Justin was seven or eight, he came to me and told me he was ready to get back at his dad. You can imagine how thrilled I was!
Justin climbs onto the counter to get the pitcher. I never heard such a devious giggle come from an innocent child--I loved every minute of it. As he was walking toward the bathroom, I had a brilliant idea!
"J, come back here, you can do better than your dad."
I emptied some of the water, filled the pitcher with ice cubes, then added more water. Justin's giggle was almost scary. I had to help him carry it back to the bathroom.
I must have been a good influence on him because just before we got to the bathroom, he whispers in my ear, telling me he is going to turn off the light first and then throw the water over! I was so proud! I helped him onto the chair that I had quietly snuck in a few minutes earlier.
And then the deed was done. My husband gasped to catch his breath! We left the bathroom so fast and yes, Justin left the light off.
"Excuse me, mam, can you move up please?"
Another moment and I was back in our little singlewide trailer, watching the sunlight glisten off the lake.
"Daddy", yells Brittany from the end of our driveway--which is about 200 feet away.
"My hand is stuck, you gotta help me daddy!" My daughter is practically in tears while my husband stands still, debating whether or not to run to her rescue.
He looks at me, I look back--shrugging my shoulders, "It's your call", I say.
By this time, she is crying and yelling for help--promising with all her heart that she is not faking it. So he takes off, bare-footed down the gravel driveway to help her.
When he was about 5 feet away from her, she pulls her hand out of the mailbox and says, "Gotcha"!
Moving forward in line, I take a deep breath and smile at my son. Many jokes have been played in my family, but these two are dear to my heart as they represent the kind of relationship my husband would have with our children. They had fun with me at times, but this story isn't about me, so I don't need to get into that now.
There is one thing that continues to puzzle me; my son is almost 18 and he keeps a flashlight in his bathroom and his bedroom. Now that I think about it, there is a flashlight in every room of our house, he knows how to turn on the generator, and is well acquainted with the fuse box. Could it be…nah!
As for Brittany, she can still cry on a dime, and she is way too good at being tricky.
I am sure it's all just a coincidence and has nothing to do with their childhood.
On the other hand, if I should ever get random bills from a therapist, I'll know I was wrong.
Senior year and my daughter's 20th Birthday--what a day!
When my husband showers tonight, I think I'll throw a pitcher of ice water on him and turn off the light for old times sake.
What? There's a flashlight in there.
(C) Teresa Ortiz
Aug 17, 2008
God Eats Pop Corn
The air is cool--the wind blows softly--the dogs are asleep on my lap. Finally, there is peace, a moment to myself.
As I flip through the Bible, I say "the Bible", because it's not "my Bible". Strange as it may seem, there is a difference.
~~~~~
In my Bible, I know where everything is. I can open it to the book I want just about every time--give or take a few pages. My Bible is the one I use everyday. It has my personal notes, my thoughts, and my prayers written on its pages-a textbook and journal all in one. I even know what side of the page I will find the verse I am looking for. I know it well, too well.
On the other hand, "The Bible", is a Bible that sits in my library of Bibles and is handy when mine is not close by. It is foreign to me, however, and I don't know where to find anything. Before I open it, I examine it and then open up to where I think I should be. To my surprise, I am way off. If there is anything that bothers me, it's not knowing exactly where each book of the Bible lands based on the size alone. The other problem with this is it seems so generic; a big book filled with many little books--just words on a page. It is unfamiliar, too unfamiliar.
~~~~~
Still flipping, I decide I want to read the book of Philippians--a book on brotherly love. Four chapters packed with wisdom, encouragement, and a beautiful picture of the humility and humanity of Jesus.
Just one problem; it's not where it's supposed to be! Nevertheless, going to the Table of Contents is out of the question and it's not because I'm stubborn, I'm just testing my memory:
What was that I learned when I first tried to memorize the books of the Bible?
After staring down at the pages a moment, it comes to me: God Eats Pop Corn.
G = Galatians
E = Ephesians
P = Philippians
C = Colossians
Thank you, Jesus! All I had to do was find Galatians and I was there. Now I'm ready to read. The cool breeze had a calming affect, making it easy to close my eyes for a quick prayer.
~~~~~
Not only was this Bible not my Bible, it was also a different translation--thus being twice unfamiliar. The translation I was reading is called, "The Message"--a reader's version, also known as a paraphrase. It is designed for people who have never read the Bible and want to get the "gist" of its message. In many ways, it reads like a novel--extremely unfamiliar, surprisingly refreshing.
These are Paul's words to the believers in Philippi:
"If You've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care-then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand. Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn't think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human. Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn't claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless obedient death-and the worst kind of death at that-a crucifixion." Philippians 2:1-8
Wow! The words jumped up at me so fast, I almost choked.
"Forget about yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand."
It doesn't say it that way in my Bible. Mine says, "Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." (NKJV)
I get it. Don't be selfish, think of others as well. So how often do I do this? And is it only after I take care of myself? Surely Jesus thought of himself last. In my mind, I know this. In my theology and scripture memorization I know this, but how long do I forget about myself to help others? Is it long enough?
Suddenly, I realize I have so much more to learn. As I close my eyes and ponder this amazing find in the Bible, I drift off to sleep. I'm not sure how long I slept with my dogs cuddled on my lap, but when I woke, my desire to renew my mind with a fresh reading of God's word was stronger than ever before. I am thankful for the unfamiliar and the sweet conviction of the Holy Spirit which brings me to a place of humility before my Lord Jesus as I am washed clean by the water of His word.
Sometimes we are too comfortable. We have confidence in what we know, and it cripples us.
I must disagree with the idea that "The Message" translation of the Bible is only good for new believers or people who want to get the gist of its message.
I am convinced it is also good for those of us who have read and reread the Bible--especially for those of us who have a special one we call our own.
It is important to have a teachable spirit; one that is open to the new things God has for us. The word of God is alive and active, it convicts, encourages, and challenges those of us who claim to follow Jesus.
I want to remember that God Eats Pop Corn. Reading a different translation on occasion just might be the solution.
(C) Teresa Ortiz
As I flip through the Bible, I say "the Bible", because it's not "my Bible". Strange as it may seem, there is a difference.
~~~~~
In my Bible, I know where everything is. I can open it to the book I want just about every time--give or take a few pages. My Bible is the one I use everyday. It has my personal notes, my thoughts, and my prayers written on its pages-a textbook and journal all in one. I even know what side of the page I will find the verse I am looking for. I know it well, too well.
On the other hand, "The Bible", is a Bible that sits in my library of Bibles and is handy when mine is not close by. It is foreign to me, however, and I don't know where to find anything. Before I open it, I examine it and then open up to where I think I should be. To my surprise, I am way off. If there is anything that bothers me, it's not knowing exactly where each book of the Bible lands based on the size alone. The other problem with this is it seems so generic; a big book filled with many little books--just words on a page. It is unfamiliar, too unfamiliar.
~~~~~
Still flipping, I decide I want to read the book of Philippians--a book on brotherly love. Four chapters packed with wisdom, encouragement, and a beautiful picture of the humility and humanity of Jesus.
Just one problem; it's not where it's supposed to be! Nevertheless, going to the Table of Contents is out of the question and it's not because I'm stubborn, I'm just testing my memory:
What was that I learned when I first tried to memorize the books of the Bible?
After staring down at the pages a moment, it comes to me: God Eats Pop Corn.
G = Galatians
E = Ephesians
P = Philippians
C = Colossians
Thank you, Jesus! All I had to do was find Galatians and I was there. Now I'm ready to read. The cool breeze had a calming affect, making it easy to close my eyes for a quick prayer.
~~~~~
Not only was this Bible not my Bible, it was also a different translation--thus being twice unfamiliar. The translation I was reading is called, "The Message"--a reader's version, also known as a paraphrase. It is designed for people who have never read the Bible and want to get the "gist" of its message. In many ways, it reads like a novel--extremely unfamiliar, surprisingly refreshing.
These are Paul's words to the believers in Philippi:
"If You've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care-then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand. Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn't think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human. Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn't claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless obedient death-and the worst kind of death at that-a crucifixion." Philippians 2:1-8
Wow! The words jumped up at me so fast, I almost choked.
"Forget about yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand."
It doesn't say it that way in my Bible. Mine says, "Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." (NKJV)
I get it. Don't be selfish, think of others as well. So how often do I do this? And is it only after I take care of myself? Surely Jesus thought of himself last. In my mind, I know this. In my theology and scripture memorization I know this, but how long do I forget about myself to help others? Is it long enough?
Suddenly, I realize I have so much more to learn. As I close my eyes and ponder this amazing find in the Bible, I drift off to sleep. I'm not sure how long I slept with my dogs cuddled on my lap, but when I woke, my desire to renew my mind with a fresh reading of God's word was stronger than ever before. I am thankful for the unfamiliar and the sweet conviction of the Holy Spirit which brings me to a place of humility before my Lord Jesus as I am washed clean by the water of His word.
Sometimes we are too comfortable. We have confidence in what we know, and it cripples us.
I must disagree with the idea that "The Message" translation of the Bible is only good for new believers or people who want to get the gist of its message.
I am convinced it is also good for those of us who have read and reread the Bible--especially for those of us who have a special one we call our own.
It is important to have a teachable spirit; one that is open to the new things God has for us. The word of God is alive and active, it convicts, encourages, and challenges those of us who claim to follow Jesus.
I want to remember that God Eats Pop Corn. Reading a different translation on occasion just might be the solution.
(C) Teresa Ortiz
Aug 12, 2008
A Conjunction, An Adverb and Preposition--What do These Have to do with Writing?
The other day someone sent me an email in response to something I had written. He said I was an encouragement to him and he was looking forward to reading more from me. No harm here, this made me feel good. The problem is he went on to tell me that I was a prolific writer.
What in the heck is that? I had to ask someone at work the other day, because I was too lazy to pull out my dictionary. Sure, I have heard this word before and though it is somewhat of a sophisticated word, it never applied to me, so why look it up? Now that I know it means abundant, or continuous, or more of--is it even a compliment?
This was three days ago and I haven't been able to get it off my mind. It is time for me to confess; I have no business writing. What was I thinking? I mean really, I don't even know the basics.
What is a preposition? What is a conjunction? Should these words be capitalized? Let's see, noun equals person, place or thing-okay, well the last time I checked prepositions and conjunctions were "things", so I suppose I should have capitalized them.
The only thing I remember about conjunctions is the old Saturday morning cartoon, "Conjunction-junction, what's your function….something, something…phrases and clauses." What is a clause? Does it have something to do with Santa?
Have I mentioned that I failed English class three times? It was the teacher's fault, I'm sure. The tests were ridiculous--seriously; allow me to give you an example:
Instructions: Please breakdown the following sentence.
"Hector was outside playing with his brown Chi-Wawa."
Um, well, there is this boy and his name is Hector and um, he is outside playing with his brown Chi-Wawa.
I got an F. What other way can you breakdown this sentence? What didn't I get?
Eventually I passed the class--thanks to Tim, who sat in front of me, and willingly shared his answers in exchange for a back rub. It was a small price to pay.
So here I am, all these years later. What is the deal? If I would have known then, what I know now. Would I pass the test today? Um, well, I think his name is still Hector, and unless he went inside, he is still playing outside with his brown Chi-Wawa. Although, Hector is probably an old man by now and his Chi-Wawa must be dead, so does it really matter?
Okay, fine--I won't be lazy. Let's see what my trusty dictionary has to say.
Conjunction = A joining; or being joined together; union; association."
What? This sounds like marriage to me. What does this have to do with proper grammar? No wonder I failed.
As for an adverb, "Any of a class of words used generally to modify a verb, an adjective, another adverb, a phrase, or a clause…"
Gee, thanks Mr. Webster, of the New World, it's all making sense now.
Finally, the preposition "In some languages, a relation or function word, as English in, by, for, with, etc."
So let me see if I have learned anything new:
Hector = Noun
Was = Preposition
Outside = Adjective
Playing = Verb
With = Preposition
His = Pronoun
Brown = Adjective
Chi-Wawa = Dog
How did I do? What can I say, writing is a gift.
© Teresa Ortiz
What in the heck is that? I had to ask someone at work the other day, because I was too lazy to pull out my dictionary. Sure, I have heard this word before and though it is somewhat of a sophisticated word, it never applied to me, so why look it up? Now that I know it means abundant, or continuous, or more of--is it even a compliment?
This was three days ago and I haven't been able to get it off my mind. It is time for me to confess; I have no business writing. What was I thinking? I mean really, I don't even know the basics.
What is a preposition? What is a conjunction? Should these words be capitalized? Let's see, noun equals person, place or thing-okay, well the last time I checked prepositions and conjunctions were "things", so I suppose I should have capitalized them.
The only thing I remember about conjunctions is the old Saturday morning cartoon, "Conjunction-junction, what's your function….something, something…phrases and clauses." What is a clause? Does it have something to do with Santa?
Have I mentioned that I failed English class three times? It was the teacher's fault, I'm sure. The tests were ridiculous--seriously; allow me to give you an example:
Instructions: Please breakdown the following sentence.
"Hector was outside playing with his brown Chi-Wawa."
Um, well, there is this boy and his name is Hector and um, he is outside playing with his brown Chi-Wawa.
I got an F. What other way can you breakdown this sentence? What didn't I get?
Eventually I passed the class--thanks to Tim, who sat in front of me, and willingly shared his answers in exchange for a back rub. It was a small price to pay.
So here I am, all these years later. What is the deal? If I would have known then, what I know now. Would I pass the test today? Um, well, I think his name is still Hector, and unless he went inside, he is still playing outside with his brown Chi-Wawa. Although, Hector is probably an old man by now and his Chi-Wawa must be dead, so does it really matter?
Okay, fine--I won't be lazy. Let's see what my trusty dictionary has to say.
Conjunction = A joining; or being joined together; union; association."
What? This sounds like marriage to me. What does this have to do with proper grammar? No wonder I failed.
As for an adverb, "Any of a class of words used generally to modify a verb, an adjective, another adverb, a phrase, or a clause…"
Gee, thanks Mr. Webster, of the New World, it's all making sense now.
Finally, the preposition "In some languages, a relation or function word, as English in, by, for, with, etc."
So let me see if I have learned anything new:
Hector = Noun
Was = Preposition
Outside = Adjective
Playing = Verb
With = Preposition
His = Pronoun
Brown = Adjective
Chi-Wawa = Dog
How did I do? What can I say, writing is a gift.
© Teresa Ortiz
Jesus: A Rebel with a Gracious Cause
Someone asked, "Would Jesus break the law to help someone?" The short answer is yes--not only did He break it, He encouraged others to do the same. In addition, He spoke well of one who broke the law in time past.
I cannot go on without saying that this question is incomplete; the complete question, and perhaps the key in answering more accurately is this:
"Would Jesus break the law to help someone, and if so, which law?"
With this in mind, the short answer is worth further investigation and opens the door for a multitude of discussions. With any kind of luck, it will effect change in our own lives.
So which law did Jesus break? Doesn't this go against His teaching? I thought He said we should obey the laws of the land. These are fair questions, so I'll get to the point regarding these. Yes, Jesus told us to obey the laws of the land, and yes, He would have defied His own teaching, IF the laws of the land were the ones He broke.
In every way, Jesus obeyed the laws of the land--right down to paying those dreaded taxes, never mind how he got the money to pay for them. This is another story.
Instead, Jesus broke the religious laws that the Pharisees set in place. In every sense of the word, He was a rebel-a rebel with an incredibly gracious cause.
In the book of Exodus chapter 34, it is recorded that God Himself wrote the Ten Commandments on two tablets of stone. The forth commandment reads,
"Six days you shall work, but on the seventh day you shall rest; in plowing time and in harvest you shall rest." Ex. 34:21 (See Ex. 20:8 for details).
Such a simple law designed for the health and protection of the people-very simple; rest from labor.
Over the years, however, the religious leaders, known as the Pharisees complicated this law to an extreme degree. There were many other additions; six hundred and some odd laws they invented out of the ten. (Sounds a lot like what modern day churches have done.)
I mention this particular law because it has everything to do with our topic. Let us fast-forward a few thousand years to a scene that shows just how indignant Jesus was to the religious law of His day--In this case, the Sabbath.
"Now it happened on the second Sabbath that He [Jesus] went through the grainfields. And His disciples plucked the heads of grain and ate them, rubbing them in their hands. And some of the Pharisees said to them, 'Why are you doing what is not lawful to do in the Sabbath?' But Jesus answering said to them, ‘Have you not even read this, what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: how they went into the house of God, took and ate the showbread, and also gave some to those who were with him, which is not lawful for anyone but the priests to eat?...But if you would have known what this means, I desire mercy and not sacrifice, you would have not condemned the guiltless.'" Luke 6:1-5; Matt 12:7
Jesus went on to explain that He was the Lord of the Sabbath and that the Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath. In other words, if you are hungry eat; there is no law against that. The Labor God is referring to is a job. (By the way, the principle of the Sabbath is for us today.)
As we read on in the book of Luke, we are told that Jesus is in the temple the following week, again on the Sabbath. His heart was moved with compassion when he saw a man who had a withered hand.
"..So the scribes and Pharisees watched Him closely, whether He would heal on the Sabbath, that they might find an accusation against Him. But He knew their thoughts, and said to the man who had the withered hand, ‘Arise and stand here.' And he arose and stood. Then Jesus said to them, ‘I will ask you one thing: Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save a life or destroy?' Luke 6:6-9
Jesus went on to heal this man's hand and then he questioned the Pharisees, asking them if one of their sheep were to fall into a well, would they do "work" to get it out? They were so angry and immediately began to plot on how they would destroy Him. I suppose there anger toward Jesus was a result of the conviction they felt.
They were so caught up in the rules and regulations of their religion, they put it above the basic love laws of God. I would recommend a fresh reading of the Gospels to see just how rebelious Jesus was against the religious laws.
One last thought (for now), on the "love" law of God; Today, if Jesus were at a red light and ahead he saw someone in need, I would venture to say he would look both ways and as soon as it was safe, he would "floor it" to reach them. In this respect, yes, Jesus would break a "governmental" law.
I believe we could learn a few things from Jesus and like him, become a rebel with a gracious cause. Are you willing to set aside your religious beliefs to help someone in need? I would like to think I would be willing to get a traffic ticket for a good cause. I have a feeling you would as well.
Come on; say it with me--I want to be like Jesus, I want to be a rebel with a gracious cause.
© Teresa Ortiz
I cannot go on without saying that this question is incomplete; the complete question, and perhaps the key in answering more accurately is this:
"Would Jesus break the law to help someone, and if so, which law?"
With this in mind, the short answer is worth further investigation and opens the door for a multitude of discussions. With any kind of luck, it will effect change in our own lives.
So which law did Jesus break? Doesn't this go against His teaching? I thought He said we should obey the laws of the land. These are fair questions, so I'll get to the point regarding these. Yes, Jesus told us to obey the laws of the land, and yes, He would have defied His own teaching, IF the laws of the land were the ones He broke.
In every way, Jesus obeyed the laws of the land--right down to paying those dreaded taxes, never mind how he got the money to pay for them. This is another story.
Instead, Jesus broke the religious laws that the Pharisees set in place. In every sense of the word, He was a rebel-a rebel with an incredibly gracious cause.
In the book of Exodus chapter 34, it is recorded that God Himself wrote the Ten Commandments on two tablets of stone. The forth commandment reads,
"Six days you shall work, but on the seventh day you shall rest; in plowing time and in harvest you shall rest." Ex. 34:21 (See Ex. 20:8 for details).
Such a simple law designed for the health and protection of the people-very simple; rest from labor.
Over the years, however, the religious leaders, known as the Pharisees complicated this law to an extreme degree. There were many other additions; six hundred and some odd laws they invented out of the ten. (Sounds a lot like what modern day churches have done.)
I mention this particular law because it has everything to do with our topic. Let us fast-forward a few thousand years to a scene that shows just how indignant Jesus was to the religious law of His day--In this case, the Sabbath.
"Now it happened on the second Sabbath that He [Jesus] went through the grainfields. And His disciples plucked the heads of grain and ate them, rubbing them in their hands. And some of the Pharisees said to them, 'Why are you doing what is not lawful to do in the Sabbath?' But Jesus answering said to them, ‘Have you not even read this, what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: how they went into the house of God, took and ate the showbread, and also gave some to those who were with him, which is not lawful for anyone but the priests to eat?...But if you would have known what this means, I desire mercy and not sacrifice, you would have not condemned the guiltless.'" Luke 6:1-5; Matt 12:7
Jesus went on to explain that He was the Lord of the Sabbath and that the Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath. In other words, if you are hungry eat; there is no law against that. The Labor God is referring to is a job. (By the way, the principle of the Sabbath is for us today.)
As we read on in the book of Luke, we are told that Jesus is in the temple the following week, again on the Sabbath. His heart was moved with compassion when he saw a man who had a withered hand.
"..So the scribes and Pharisees watched Him closely, whether He would heal on the Sabbath, that they might find an accusation against Him. But He knew their thoughts, and said to the man who had the withered hand, ‘Arise and stand here.' And he arose and stood. Then Jesus said to them, ‘I will ask you one thing: Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save a life or destroy?' Luke 6:6-9
Jesus went on to heal this man's hand and then he questioned the Pharisees, asking them if one of their sheep were to fall into a well, would they do "work" to get it out? They were so angry and immediately began to plot on how they would destroy Him. I suppose there anger toward Jesus was a result of the conviction they felt.
They were so caught up in the rules and regulations of their religion, they put it above the basic love laws of God. I would recommend a fresh reading of the Gospels to see just how rebelious Jesus was against the religious laws.
One last thought (for now), on the "love" law of God; Today, if Jesus were at a red light and ahead he saw someone in need, I would venture to say he would look both ways and as soon as it was safe, he would "floor it" to reach them. In this respect, yes, Jesus would break a "governmental" law.
I believe we could learn a few things from Jesus and like him, become a rebel with a gracious cause. Are you willing to set aside your religious beliefs to help someone in need? I would like to think I would be willing to get a traffic ticket for a good cause. I have a feeling you would as well.
Come on; say it with me--I want to be like Jesus, I want to be a rebel with a gracious cause.
© Teresa Ortiz
Aug 10, 2008
What will you be Doing While the Nation Rages Against Nation?
I'm not much of a debater, never have been and probably never will be. Nevertheless, sometimes things get under my skin and I cannot remain silent.
I was listening to one of my favorite Musicians the other day, and since then, a specific song has been playing repeatedly in my mind. The more I hear it the more I think; have we fallen so far as away from a fundamental and universal belief in love? I'm going to share these lyrics with you; some of you may know the song, it's an oldie. I don't know maybe it's just me, but let me know what you think, as a follower of Christ, am I being to sensitive? On the other hand, am I justified in what I will share?
While the Nations Rage
Why do the nations rage; why do they plot and scheme
The bullets can't stop the prayers we pray
In the name of the Prince of Peace.
We walk in faith and remember long ago
how they killed Him and then how on the third day He rose.
Things may look bad; things may look grim
but all these things must pass except the things that are of Him.
Where are the nails that pierced His Hands?
Well the nails have turned to rust
But behold the Man; He has risen and He
reigns in the hearts of the children rising up in His name.
Where are the thorns that drew His blood; the thorns
have turned to dust but not so the love He has given and remains
in the hearts of the children who will love-while the nations rage.
The Lord in heaven laughs. He knows what is to come
While the chiefs of state plan their big attacks against
His Anointed One.
The church of God she will not bend her knees to the gods
of this world though they promise her peace. She stands her
ground stands firm on the Rock.
Watch their walls tumble down when she lives out His love
Chorus
Music and Lyrics by Rich Mullins/Psalm2/Isaiah 40:12-17/Isaiah 8:11-17
~~~~~~~
So what happened, "church"? Have we not bent our knees to the gods of this world? We have compromised by reasoning away God's holiness for the sake of the peace this world promises. Where has this gotten us as a people-Red, Yellow, Black or White?
We have not seen the walls in the hearts of our chiefs' tumble down because we are not living out His love. We give them more criticism than prayer. I have read more articles in the newspaper and on-line which ridicule instead of lift up and encourage our leaders. We condemn the Pastors who are willing to meet with our leaders and offer them Godly council despite personal disagreements.
We want God to bless America-just stay out of our schools, please. I could go on, but I don't want this to be a rant, but rather a call to the church as a whole. And not only the church. After all, we are not the only hypocrites to walk the face of this planet. There are other non-religious people who claim love, peace, acceptance and tolerance who bash our leaders and the very people that give their lives so that we have these freedoms in the first place. (Oops, I ranted, didn't I?)
Let's stand in the gap together; let's build up, encourage and pray for the leaders of all nations so that their walls will tumble to the ground. I for one will not settle for false peace but I desire true and lasting peace meant for all humanity from the Prince of Peace.
Heavenly Father,
I humbly ask your forgiveness as I repent of being complacent and inattentive at times. Just as our founding fathers thought it wise to seek your wisdom, I do the same now, asking for your grace and love to fill the hearts of all leaders for all nations. Father, I pray in the name of Jesus that you would work in our hearts as individuals so that our first thoughts toward our leaders would be that of prayer for wisdom and not words that speak negativity, for that accomplishes nothing. I am making a commitment to keep my lips from speaking anything but good toward those who make the decisions that will affect our nation. And I pray, that those who claim to know you will once again, stand their ground, stand firm on the Rock and have the courage to straighten their knees before the gods of this world. All who agree, say Amen.
© Teresa Ortiz
I was listening to one of my favorite Musicians the other day, and since then, a specific song has been playing repeatedly in my mind. The more I hear it the more I think; have we fallen so far as away from a fundamental and universal belief in love? I'm going to share these lyrics with you; some of you may know the song, it's an oldie. I don't know maybe it's just me, but let me know what you think, as a follower of Christ, am I being to sensitive? On the other hand, am I justified in what I will share?
While the Nations Rage
Why do the nations rage; why do they plot and scheme
The bullets can't stop the prayers we pray
In the name of the Prince of Peace.
We walk in faith and remember long ago
how they killed Him and then how on the third day He rose.
Things may look bad; things may look grim
but all these things must pass except the things that are of Him.
Where are the nails that pierced His Hands?
Well the nails have turned to rust
But behold the Man; He has risen and He
reigns in the hearts of the children rising up in His name.
Where are the thorns that drew His blood; the thorns
have turned to dust but not so the love He has given and remains
in the hearts of the children who will love-while the nations rage.
The Lord in heaven laughs. He knows what is to come
While the chiefs of state plan their big attacks against
His Anointed One.
The church of God she will not bend her knees to the gods
of this world though they promise her peace. She stands her
ground stands firm on the Rock.
Watch their walls tumble down when she lives out His love
Chorus
Music and Lyrics by Rich Mullins/Psalm2/Isaiah 40:12-17/Isaiah 8:11-17
~~~~~~~
So what happened, "church"? Have we not bent our knees to the gods of this world? We have compromised by reasoning away God's holiness for the sake of the peace this world promises. Where has this gotten us as a people-Red, Yellow, Black or White?
We have not seen the walls in the hearts of our chiefs' tumble down because we are not living out His love. We give them more criticism than prayer. I have read more articles in the newspaper and on-line which ridicule instead of lift up and encourage our leaders. We condemn the Pastors who are willing to meet with our leaders and offer them Godly council despite personal disagreements.
We want God to bless America-just stay out of our schools, please. I could go on, but I don't want this to be a rant, but rather a call to the church as a whole. And not only the church. After all, we are not the only hypocrites to walk the face of this planet. There are other non-religious people who claim love, peace, acceptance and tolerance who bash our leaders and the very people that give their lives so that we have these freedoms in the first place. (Oops, I ranted, didn't I?)
Let's stand in the gap together; let's build up, encourage and pray for the leaders of all nations so that their walls will tumble to the ground. I for one will not settle for false peace but I desire true and lasting peace meant for all humanity from the Prince of Peace.
Heavenly Father,
I humbly ask your forgiveness as I repent of being complacent and inattentive at times. Just as our founding fathers thought it wise to seek your wisdom, I do the same now, asking for your grace and love to fill the hearts of all leaders for all nations. Father, I pray in the name of Jesus that you would work in our hearts as individuals so that our first thoughts toward our leaders would be that of prayer for wisdom and not words that speak negativity, for that accomplishes nothing. I am making a commitment to keep my lips from speaking anything but good toward those who make the decisions that will affect our nation. And I pray, that those who claim to know you will once again, stand their ground, stand firm on the Rock and have the courage to straighten their knees before the gods of this world. All who agree, say Amen.
© Teresa Ortiz
Why Did Jesus Come?
Not long ago, there was an e-mail that went around entitled "Gonna Be A Bear" It goes like this:
In this life I'm a woman. In my next life, I'd like to come back as a bear. When you're a bear, you get to hibernate. You do nothing but sleep for six months. I could deal with that. Before you hibernate, you're supposed to eat yourself stupid. I could deal with that too. When you're a girl bear, you birth your children (who are the size of walnuts) while you're sleeping and wake to partially grown, cute, cuddly cubs. I could definitely deal with that. When you're a mama bear, everyone knows you mean business. You swat anyone who bothers your cubs. If your cubs get out of line, you swat them too. I could deal with that. If you're a bear, your mate EXPECTS you to wake up growling. He EXPECTS that you will have hairy legs and excess body fat. Yup, gonna be a bear." (Author unknown)
While this story is funny (I certainly sent it to all the girls in my address book), it does beg the question, is this the best one has to hope for in the next life? I certainly hope not. If so, you need to meet Jesus, because without Him, hairy legs and excess body fat will be the least of your worries in the next life!
As Christians, our hope in the next life is sure. 1 John 5:13 says "these things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God." This is a wonderful promise; one that we can hang on to when life gets rough.
But still, is being a Christian only about what we have to look forward to? I don't believe so. When I consider Isaiah 61:1-3, I cannot hold back the tears of gratitude and joy I feel because God has allowed me to hear His voice call out to me. Let's read it together:
"The Spirit of the LORD has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of prison to those who are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified."
WOW! What a testimony of God's love. I am amazed that He would send His Son to a lost and dying world. As we look at two of the things Jesus came to do, we see that they are for this life. When we receive all Jesus came to do, we can count on the promise that came from Him in John 10:9-10 "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and he will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly."
In this passage of Scripture, we also have the promise that without Jesus, the thief, who is Satan, will surely come and steal our life until we are destroyed. The final result would be eternal separation from God in the next life, which is hell. Therefore we would do will to receive the gift of Jesus in this life. There is no other opportunity. Hebrews 9:27 says "And it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment."
As a Christians, we do not have to go through this life feeling defeated and only looking forward to heaven. For the one who receives Christ, heaven begins the day they gave their life to Him.
(VS 1) He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted.
Has life been hard on you? Is your heart broken because you have been let down? Your Father has left you; you are going through a divorce, or perhaps it's been very bad and there has been abuse and you suffer from extreme insecurities and it has caused you to shy away from relationships? The good news is Jesus came to heal your broken heart. What good would healing be if it only came in the next life? It wouldn't do any good at all. But we have a promise from God. If we call out to Jesus and surrender all of our heart and our anger to Him, He will heal us. Granted, healing may not always come instantly, but Jesus, being God, has the power to heal us. Pretty soon, we find our worth in Him and knowing that the God of all creation loves us gives us the security we need to develop real and lasting relationships. What we come to learn is that people, (including ourselves) are not perfect and they will fail us - yet God is not like man and He never breaks His promises. Spend time with Him, get to know Him better and your heart will be healed.
(VS 1) To proclaim liberty to the captives, and opening of the prison to those who are bound.
Have you made some decisions that led you to a place you would have never dreamed of in a million years? Do you find yourself bound by guilt? Do you suffer from addictions that are destroying your life? We are told in this passage that Jesus came to free us for the guilt of our past or from our current situation. He will release us from our personal prison. Sure it may take some time, but when we cry out to Him, we are filled with His Spirit and He will give us the strength to overcome. God has an amazing way of bringing people into our lives who will encourage us to continue in our walk with Jesus. It is His promise. Give it a try.
"Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who trust in Him" Psalm 34:8
Whether a non believer, new believer, or a seasoned Christian, this brief look at Isaiah 61:1-3 should bring hope, joy and security to our hearts. I pray that you will be encouraged to get to know the Lord in a deeper way.
I am thankful that God took my life and gave me beauty for ashes. He will do the same for you.
Yup, knowing Jesus is better than being a bear.
(C) Teresa Ortiz
In this life I'm a woman. In my next life, I'd like to come back as a bear. When you're a bear, you get to hibernate. You do nothing but sleep for six months. I could deal with that. Before you hibernate, you're supposed to eat yourself stupid. I could deal with that too. When you're a girl bear, you birth your children (who are the size of walnuts) while you're sleeping and wake to partially grown, cute, cuddly cubs. I could definitely deal with that. When you're a mama bear, everyone knows you mean business. You swat anyone who bothers your cubs. If your cubs get out of line, you swat them too. I could deal with that. If you're a bear, your mate EXPECTS you to wake up growling. He EXPECTS that you will have hairy legs and excess body fat. Yup, gonna be a bear." (Author unknown)
While this story is funny (I certainly sent it to all the girls in my address book), it does beg the question, is this the best one has to hope for in the next life? I certainly hope not. If so, you need to meet Jesus, because without Him, hairy legs and excess body fat will be the least of your worries in the next life!
As Christians, our hope in the next life is sure. 1 John 5:13 says "these things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God." This is a wonderful promise; one that we can hang on to when life gets rough.
But still, is being a Christian only about what we have to look forward to? I don't believe so. When I consider Isaiah 61:1-3, I cannot hold back the tears of gratitude and joy I feel because God has allowed me to hear His voice call out to me. Let's read it together:
"The Spirit of the LORD has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of prison to those who are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified."
WOW! What a testimony of God's love. I am amazed that He would send His Son to a lost and dying world. As we look at two of the things Jesus came to do, we see that they are for this life. When we receive all Jesus came to do, we can count on the promise that came from Him in John 10:9-10 "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and he will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly."
In this passage of Scripture, we also have the promise that without Jesus, the thief, who is Satan, will surely come and steal our life until we are destroyed. The final result would be eternal separation from God in the next life, which is hell. Therefore we would do will to receive the gift of Jesus in this life. There is no other opportunity. Hebrews 9:27 says "And it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment."
As a Christians, we do not have to go through this life feeling defeated and only looking forward to heaven. For the one who receives Christ, heaven begins the day they gave their life to Him.
(VS 1) He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted.
Has life been hard on you? Is your heart broken because you have been let down? Your Father has left you; you are going through a divorce, or perhaps it's been very bad and there has been abuse and you suffer from extreme insecurities and it has caused you to shy away from relationships? The good news is Jesus came to heal your broken heart. What good would healing be if it only came in the next life? It wouldn't do any good at all. But we have a promise from God. If we call out to Jesus and surrender all of our heart and our anger to Him, He will heal us. Granted, healing may not always come instantly, but Jesus, being God, has the power to heal us. Pretty soon, we find our worth in Him and knowing that the God of all creation loves us gives us the security we need to develop real and lasting relationships. What we come to learn is that people, (including ourselves) are not perfect and they will fail us - yet God is not like man and He never breaks His promises. Spend time with Him, get to know Him better and your heart will be healed.
(VS 1) To proclaim liberty to the captives, and opening of the prison to those who are bound.
Have you made some decisions that led you to a place you would have never dreamed of in a million years? Do you find yourself bound by guilt? Do you suffer from addictions that are destroying your life? We are told in this passage that Jesus came to free us for the guilt of our past or from our current situation. He will release us from our personal prison. Sure it may take some time, but when we cry out to Him, we are filled with His Spirit and He will give us the strength to overcome. God has an amazing way of bringing people into our lives who will encourage us to continue in our walk with Jesus. It is His promise. Give it a try.
"Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who trust in Him" Psalm 34:8
Whether a non believer, new believer, or a seasoned Christian, this brief look at Isaiah 61:1-3 should bring hope, joy and security to our hearts. I pray that you will be encouraged to get to know the Lord in a deeper way.
I am thankful that God took my life and gave me beauty for ashes. He will do the same for you.
Yup, knowing Jesus is better than being a bear.
(C) Teresa Ortiz
What is in a Name?
I have been reading a book by Ann Spangler. It is entitled "Praying the Names of GOD" I have to tell you, it has brought such warmth and an attitude of gratitude in my heart for the Lord. Over the years, I have studied God's names in sporadic form. Usually when Scripture points out the very meaning of His name, but I have never studied them all together at once and in such depth. If it has been awhile for you, or you have never done this, I encourage you to do so.
I never thought I could fall more in love with my Lord, but I was wrong. Understanding His names (or titles) in a real way, has opened my eyes to His character in a bigger way. God just keeps getting bigger!!! And the love just keeps getting stronger!!!!
One of His names (or titles) is Adonay. It means LORD MASTER - it implies relationship. God, the Creator is Lord and we are His servants. Now this probably sounds basic, most Christians know this, but the challenge comes in practicing this truth.
The examples that Ann gives in her book, brought this challenge to me:
When I call Jesus my Lord, what I am saying is that I am His servant. But do I live as a servant? Am I always ready to do His will at all costs? Do I trust Him in the things that He is asking me to do? Unfortunately, not all of the time.
Understanding this truth has caused me to consider such Scriptures as:
"These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me, and in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men" Matthew 15:8-9
"But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord', and not do the things which I say? Luke 6:46
Ouch! Over the years, the Lord has asked me to do many things; things I have put them off -making excuses or waiting for a more "convenient" time to do them. Who then, is my Lord? Perhaps, it is myself? God forgive me!
My prayer is that I would do what my Lord Jesus tells me to do with zeal and excitement. After all, He knows best and my desire is to be more like Him. Yet how can this be, if I continually put my will above His.
What is God calling you to do? Give up some TV time and spend more with Him, turn away from those TV shows that do not glorify God or share His love with someone who you do not normally hang out with?
Whatever it is, if we do not lay our lives down before Him, we have no right to call Him Lord.
God has many names:
Elohim, El Roi, El Shaddai, Yahweh Nissi, and many, many more. As we take a closer look, our hearts will be sure to change.
Thank you Father, that You are Creator, the God who see me, the God who provides for me, The God who redeems me. You gave me Jesus, He is my Lord and I am His servant. Help me to live what I believe! In the name of Jesus, Amen.
If you have never surrendered your life to Christ, I pray you do so now. All of the promises of God are for His children and the children of God are those who believe in and receive Jesus Christ as Savior. (John 1:12-13)
What is in a Name? EVERYTHING!
(C) Teresa Ortiz
I never thought I could fall more in love with my Lord, but I was wrong. Understanding His names (or titles) in a real way, has opened my eyes to His character in a bigger way. God just keeps getting bigger!!! And the love just keeps getting stronger!!!!
One of His names (or titles) is Adonay. It means LORD MASTER - it implies relationship. God, the Creator is Lord and we are His servants. Now this probably sounds basic, most Christians know this, but the challenge comes in practicing this truth.
The examples that Ann gives in her book, brought this challenge to me:
When I call Jesus my Lord, what I am saying is that I am His servant. But do I live as a servant? Am I always ready to do His will at all costs? Do I trust Him in the things that He is asking me to do? Unfortunately, not all of the time.
Understanding this truth has caused me to consider such Scriptures as:
"These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me, and in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men" Matthew 15:8-9
"But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord', and not do the things which I say? Luke 6:46
Ouch! Over the years, the Lord has asked me to do many things; things I have put them off -making excuses or waiting for a more "convenient" time to do them. Who then, is my Lord? Perhaps, it is myself? God forgive me!
My prayer is that I would do what my Lord Jesus tells me to do with zeal and excitement. After all, He knows best and my desire is to be more like Him. Yet how can this be, if I continually put my will above His.
What is God calling you to do? Give up some TV time and spend more with Him, turn away from those TV shows that do not glorify God or share His love with someone who you do not normally hang out with?
Whatever it is, if we do not lay our lives down before Him, we have no right to call Him Lord.
God has many names:
Elohim, El Roi, El Shaddai, Yahweh Nissi, and many, many more. As we take a closer look, our hearts will be sure to change.
Thank you Father, that You are Creator, the God who see me, the God who provides for me, The God who redeems me. You gave me Jesus, He is my Lord and I am His servant. Help me to live what I believe! In the name of Jesus, Amen.
If you have never surrendered your life to Christ, I pray you do so now. All of the promises of God are for His children and the children of God are those who believe in and receive Jesus Christ as Savior. (John 1:12-13)
What is in a Name? EVERYTHING!
(C) Teresa Ortiz
Diving Into Baptism: Baptism of the Gentile Part 4
During our study of John's baptism, we noted the importance of his message and that was the message of repentance to prepare the way for the Messiah.
In this study, we will see an important shift in the message--from Repentance to Salvation, and in the timing of water baptism. This baptism is physical and most notably, comes after the message of salvation is received and after the Holy Spirit is given to the one who receives the message.
Looking back for a moment, we remember that John said he baptizes with water unto repentance(which will lead to the remission of their sin) , but He (Jesus) will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." And so it was, that each Jew (Israelite) who received the message of preparation, and was baptized in water, later received the Holy Spirit after the death of Jesus.
So why the shift and why is it important? Because this baptism takes place after the death and resurrection of Jesus, and the message of salvation was opened to the Gentiles (Any peoples who are not Jews). Furthermore, in my opinion, it tells us that water baptism is not a requirement to receive the Holy Spirit, thus salvation, as many teach and believe.
The book of Acts is a book commonly referred to as a book of transition. It records for us the transition from the Old Covenant into the New Covenant. Keeping this thought in mind, helps to keep the teaching on baptism in perspective and I believe, clarifies what seems to be a contradictory teaching.
The first of converted or "saved" Gentiles is recorded for us in the book of Acts. Let's go to Acts 8:26, where we pick up the story.
"Now an angle of the Lord spoke to Philip [a disciple], saying, "arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza."…And behold a man from Ethiopia, a Eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury had come to Jerusalem to worship…He was reading Isaiah the Prophet…So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?" "How can I unless someone guides me?"
The place in the Scripture which he read was this: He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and as a lamb before its shearer is silent, so He opened not His mouth. In His humiliation, His justice was taken away, and who will declare His generation? For his life is taken from the earth." (Acts 8:26-33)
It goes on to say the Eunuch asked Philip of whom the prophet was speaking. At this, Philip began to share Jesus and the message of salvation to him as they walked along the road. The Eunuch responded to the message. Continuing their walk, the Eunuch saw water and asked Philip if there was anything to hinder him from being baptized.
"Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may". And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."…And they both went down into the water, and he baptized him." (Acts 8:37-38.)
We see here that the requirement for baptism is believing with all one's heart that Jesus is the Son of God. This is confirmed repeatedly throughout the New Testament. Interestingly, we never read again about a baptism of repentance. We only read of baptism that follows receiving the message of Christ. This again, is because the death and resurrection accomplished and fulfilled every law under the Old Testament in which the Jews were required to follow.
"But what does it say? The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart (that is, the word of faith which we preached): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made under salvation." (Romans 9:8-10.)
The second example of a Gentile who was saved is in chapter 10 of the book of Acts.
God came to Peter with a vision to prepare him to go and preach to a Gentile. This God did, because he knew the hearts of his people were stubborn and couldn't imagine they should keep company with Gentiles (This is another story with many other lessons), but suffice it to say, unless God made it abundantly clear, Peter would not have gone, nor would have the men he chose to go with him.
Cornelius was a Gentile man who believed in God, prayed, and did the best he could with the information he had. God saw his heart and He chose to send Peter to preach the Gospel of Salvation to Cornelius and his family. (Read chapter 10 for the complete account.)
Peter goes to his home as commanded--where Cornelius was anxiously awaiting his arrival. Once there, Peter began to preach the message of salvation.
"And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He [Jesus] who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins." While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision [Jews], who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also…Then Peter answered, Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord." (Acts 10:42-48)
The account of the Eunuch and Cornelius reveal to us the transition that took place between the Old Covenant-which in short, is having faith in the coming Messiah and the requirements that follow, to the New Testament, which in short, is having faith and trust that Jesus was and remains the Messiah.
The Jews had to wait for the remission of their sins until Jesus resurrected; for those who believed after the resurrection, it was instant. It had nothing to do with baptism.
What can we conclude? It seems that water baptism follows a change of heart and putting faith and trust in Jesus. We also see that having faith in God is not enough. God made it clear to this wonderfully righteous man named Cornelius that He needed to receive the Holy Spirit as a seal and guarantee of salvation, by having faith in Jesus, the Son of God.
It also shows us that all who are sincere in their desire to know the truth about God, will be blessed with those who will help them. It was true for me. It is very encouraging to know that God will send us someone to lead the way to Jesus. The question is-will we respond?
These accounts of Gentiles being converted and baptized are a wonderful example of one of the many things God did by sending His Son to pay the price for the sin of mankind-that is he made a new race of people. He did this by breaking down the wall that separates Jews from Gentiles. For in Christ, there is neither Jew nor Gentile, only His children--the body of Christ. (Ephesians 2:1-21)
This subject will be addressed in The Baptism Into Christ - part 5 of this series which will follow shortly.
© Teresa Ortiz
In this study, we will see an important shift in the message--from Repentance to Salvation, and in the timing of water baptism. This baptism is physical and most notably, comes after the message of salvation is received and after the Holy Spirit is given to the one who receives the message.
Looking back for a moment, we remember that John said he baptizes with water unto repentance(which will lead to the remission of their sin) , but He (Jesus) will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." And so it was, that each Jew (Israelite) who received the message of preparation, and was baptized in water, later received the Holy Spirit after the death of Jesus.
So why the shift and why is it important? Because this baptism takes place after the death and resurrection of Jesus, and the message of salvation was opened to the Gentiles (Any peoples who are not Jews). Furthermore, in my opinion, it tells us that water baptism is not a requirement to receive the Holy Spirit, thus salvation, as many teach and believe.
The book of Acts is a book commonly referred to as a book of transition. It records for us the transition from the Old Covenant into the New Covenant. Keeping this thought in mind, helps to keep the teaching on baptism in perspective and I believe, clarifies what seems to be a contradictory teaching.
The first of converted or "saved" Gentiles is recorded for us in the book of Acts. Let's go to Acts 8:26, where we pick up the story.
"Now an angle of the Lord spoke to Philip [a disciple], saying, "arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza."…And behold a man from Ethiopia, a Eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury had come to Jerusalem to worship…He was reading Isaiah the Prophet…So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?" "How can I unless someone guides me?"
The place in the Scripture which he read was this: He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and as a lamb before its shearer is silent, so He opened not His mouth. In His humiliation, His justice was taken away, and who will declare His generation? For his life is taken from the earth." (Acts 8:26-33)
It goes on to say the Eunuch asked Philip of whom the prophet was speaking. At this, Philip began to share Jesus and the message of salvation to him as they walked along the road. The Eunuch responded to the message. Continuing their walk, the Eunuch saw water and asked Philip if there was anything to hinder him from being baptized.
"Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may". And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."…And they both went down into the water, and he baptized him." (Acts 8:37-38.)
We see here that the requirement for baptism is believing with all one's heart that Jesus is the Son of God. This is confirmed repeatedly throughout the New Testament. Interestingly, we never read again about a baptism of repentance. We only read of baptism that follows receiving the message of Christ. This again, is because the death and resurrection accomplished and fulfilled every law under the Old Testament in which the Jews were required to follow.
"But what does it say? The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart (that is, the word of faith which we preached): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made under salvation." (Romans 9:8-10.)
The second example of a Gentile who was saved is in chapter 10 of the book of Acts.
God came to Peter with a vision to prepare him to go and preach to a Gentile. This God did, because he knew the hearts of his people were stubborn and couldn't imagine they should keep company with Gentiles (This is another story with many other lessons), but suffice it to say, unless God made it abundantly clear, Peter would not have gone, nor would have the men he chose to go with him.
Cornelius was a Gentile man who believed in God, prayed, and did the best he could with the information he had. God saw his heart and He chose to send Peter to preach the Gospel of Salvation to Cornelius and his family. (Read chapter 10 for the complete account.)
Peter goes to his home as commanded--where Cornelius was anxiously awaiting his arrival. Once there, Peter began to preach the message of salvation.
"And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He [Jesus] who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins." While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision [Jews], who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also…Then Peter answered, Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord." (Acts 10:42-48)
The account of the Eunuch and Cornelius reveal to us the transition that took place between the Old Covenant-which in short, is having faith in the coming Messiah and the requirements that follow, to the New Testament, which in short, is having faith and trust that Jesus was and remains the Messiah.
The Jews had to wait for the remission of their sins until Jesus resurrected; for those who believed after the resurrection, it was instant. It had nothing to do with baptism.
What can we conclude? It seems that water baptism follows a change of heart and putting faith and trust in Jesus. We also see that having faith in God is not enough. God made it clear to this wonderfully righteous man named Cornelius that He needed to receive the Holy Spirit as a seal and guarantee of salvation, by having faith in Jesus, the Son of God.
It also shows us that all who are sincere in their desire to know the truth about God, will be blessed with those who will help them. It was true for me. It is very encouraging to know that God will send us someone to lead the way to Jesus. The question is-will we respond?
These accounts of Gentiles being converted and baptized are a wonderful example of one of the many things God did by sending His Son to pay the price for the sin of mankind-that is he made a new race of people. He did this by breaking down the wall that separates Jews from Gentiles. For in Christ, there is neither Jew nor Gentile, only His children--the body of Christ. (Ephesians 2:1-21)
This subject will be addressed in The Baptism Into Christ - part 5 of this series which will follow shortly.
© Teresa Ortiz
Diving Into Baptism: Baptism of John Part 3
The focus for part three of this series will be the baptism of John-or rather, the baptism of repentance that he preached.
This study comes with great controversy because of its nature. It is a water baptism and it is literal and by full emersion. As I mentioned in the introduction, this baptism had a specific purpose for the Jew, which is different from the Gentile. (This will be discussed in the study of water baptism for the Gentile.)
I believe this is one of the many reasons there is such confusion as to whether or not water baptism is a requirement for salvation.
It is easy to be confused if we take a few passages of Scripture as proof texts for this teaching without investigating all texts regarding the subject of water baptism and salvation. It is important for us to remember that this particular baptism was designed for the children of Israel and that this was before the death and resurrection of Jesus, so they were still under the Old Testament Law.
With this in mind, I hope that you will join me in this study and in the end, see that water baptism has two purposes: preparation for the Jew and salvation from a bad conscience toward God for the Jew and the Gentile (not salvation of our soul). In no way, does it cleanse our sin--only the blood of Jesus can do this. (1 Peter 3:21)
The first step in understanding this baptism is knowing who John was and what his purpose in preaching was.
John was the promised son of Zachariah, the priest and Elizabeth. We find the detailed account of John in the Gospel of Luke, with other references and summaries in Matthew, Mark and John.
"But the angel [Gabriel] reassured him, 'Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer has been heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John….He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb. And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will also go before Him [Jesus] in the spirit and power of Elijah…to make ready a people prepared for the LORD." (Luke 1:13, 16b.)
So Gabriel tells Zacharias what John's purpose will be and a bit later, Zacharias explains that John will be a prophet of the Most High and that he will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways and to give knowledge of salvation to God's people by the remission of their sins. Furthermore, Zacharias, says that John will guide their feet into the way of peace. (Luke 1:76-70.)
As we read on, we see that John grew strong in the Spirit while in the desert, awaiting the appropriate time to begin his ministry of preparing the people to receive the Messiah.
"…the word of God came to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. And he went into all the region around the Jordan preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins…I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire."( Luke 3:3, Matthew 3:11)
This passage of Scripture tells us that this water baptism had nothing to do with salvation, but it was a physical act of repentance, which prepared them to receive Jesus, who would later baptize them with the Holy Spirit, which is salvation. In the Gospel of the Apostle John, we read again how John the Baptist emphasized that his baptism was only to prepare them for Jesus.
When John sees that the Pharisees and Sadducees where coming to be baptized, he rebukes them because he sees that they thought all they had to do was get in the water. They were relying on the fact that they were Jews, and not on the fact that they needed to repent and live a changed life. (Matt. 3:7-9) (This will be discussed in our study on the baptism of fire, which is final judgment.)
As we continue in the Gospel of John, we read the words of Jesus, where he tells us that he will give them the Holy Spirit when He departs and returns to heaven. However, he did seal his disciples with the Holy Spirit, before His ascension- John 20:21-23, (Which is different from the baptism of the Holy Spirit- Acts 1:4-8).
This leads to the most controversial passage on baptism in the Bible. Jesus spoke these words after His resurrection:
"And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." (Mark 15-16.)
What are we to make of this passage? At first glance, it contradicts everything I just said. However, I think a closer look reveals differently. In my opinion, the verses that follow are the key to understanding this passage.
"And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues." (Mark 16:17)
Two important details come to mind:
1) Jesus did not say, "But he who does not believe and is not baptized will be condemned". He only said, "But he who does not believe will be condemned."
2) Jesus did not specify water baptism.
Verse 17 tells us that signs will follow the one who believes. Most Christians would agree that power to cast out demons or the ability to speak in tongues comes from the Holy Spirit.
So what can we conclude? It would seem to me that Jesus is speaking of another baptism. On the other hand, He could be referring to water, but his second statement makes it clear that it is belief that brings freedom from condemnation. Furthermore, if water baptism were necessary for salvation, then the thief on the cross could not have been saved. Yet we read in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 23:39-43, that after professing faith and remorse for his sin, Jesus told him that he would be with Him in paradise that same day.
This passage should be viewed in light of all the other passages of Scripture that talk about salvation. It is a gift of God, made available by grace through faith, as taught in the book of Acts through the book of Revelation. Paul discusses this at length throughout the entire book of Romans, Ephesians and Colossians.
The literal baptism of repentance for the children of Israel is a picture of our need to acknowledge our sin before Almighty God, receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, thereby being sealed with the Holy Spirit as our promise for eternal security. (Eph 2:8-9.)
There are many lessons to learn from this story and much more to be discussed. I invite you to share your biblical perspective on this subject.
Father, continue to give us wisdom and understanding of your word. Open our hearts to the truth, especially when it goes against our pre-conceived ideas or what we have been taught to believe. Help us to be as the Bereans and search your word for ourselves. Lord, forgive me when I put the traditions of men above your word and give me a discerning spirit so that I would recognize it when I do. In the name of Jesus, Amen
Part four – Water baptism for the Gentile, will follow soon.
© Teresa Ortiz
This study comes with great controversy because of its nature. It is a water baptism and it is literal and by full emersion. As I mentioned in the introduction, this baptism had a specific purpose for the Jew, which is different from the Gentile. (This will be discussed in the study of water baptism for the Gentile.)
I believe this is one of the many reasons there is such confusion as to whether or not water baptism is a requirement for salvation.
It is easy to be confused if we take a few passages of Scripture as proof texts for this teaching without investigating all texts regarding the subject of water baptism and salvation. It is important for us to remember that this particular baptism was designed for the children of Israel and that this was before the death and resurrection of Jesus, so they were still under the Old Testament Law.
With this in mind, I hope that you will join me in this study and in the end, see that water baptism has two purposes: preparation for the Jew and salvation from a bad conscience toward God for the Jew and the Gentile (not salvation of our soul). In no way, does it cleanse our sin--only the blood of Jesus can do this. (1 Peter 3:21)
The first step in understanding this baptism is knowing who John was and what his purpose in preaching was.
John was the promised son of Zachariah, the priest and Elizabeth. We find the detailed account of John in the Gospel of Luke, with other references and summaries in Matthew, Mark and John.
"But the angel [Gabriel] reassured him, 'Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer has been heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John….He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb. And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will also go before Him [Jesus] in the spirit and power of Elijah…to make ready a people prepared for the LORD." (Luke 1:13, 16b.)
So Gabriel tells Zacharias what John's purpose will be and a bit later, Zacharias explains that John will be a prophet of the Most High and that he will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways and to give knowledge of salvation to God's people by the remission of their sins. Furthermore, Zacharias, says that John will guide their feet into the way of peace. (Luke 1:76-70.)
As we read on, we see that John grew strong in the Spirit while in the desert, awaiting the appropriate time to begin his ministry of preparing the people to receive the Messiah.
"…the word of God came to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. And he went into all the region around the Jordan preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins…I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire."( Luke 3:3, Matthew 3:11)
This passage of Scripture tells us that this water baptism had nothing to do with salvation, but it was a physical act of repentance, which prepared them to receive Jesus, who would later baptize them with the Holy Spirit, which is salvation. In the Gospel of the Apostle John, we read again how John the Baptist emphasized that his baptism was only to prepare them for Jesus.
When John sees that the Pharisees and Sadducees where coming to be baptized, he rebukes them because he sees that they thought all they had to do was get in the water. They were relying on the fact that they were Jews, and not on the fact that they needed to repent and live a changed life. (Matt. 3:7-9) (This will be discussed in our study on the baptism of fire, which is final judgment.)
As we continue in the Gospel of John, we read the words of Jesus, where he tells us that he will give them the Holy Spirit when He departs and returns to heaven. However, he did seal his disciples with the Holy Spirit, before His ascension- John 20:21-23, (Which is different from the baptism of the Holy Spirit- Acts 1:4-8).
This leads to the most controversial passage on baptism in the Bible. Jesus spoke these words after His resurrection:
"And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." (Mark 15-16.)
What are we to make of this passage? At first glance, it contradicts everything I just said. However, I think a closer look reveals differently. In my opinion, the verses that follow are the key to understanding this passage.
"And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues." (Mark 16:17)
Two important details come to mind:
1) Jesus did not say, "But he who does not believe and is not baptized will be condemned". He only said, "But he who does not believe will be condemned."
2) Jesus did not specify water baptism.
Verse 17 tells us that signs will follow the one who believes. Most Christians would agree that power to cast out demons or the ability to speak in tongues comes from the Holy Spirit.
So what can we conclude? It would seem to me that Jesus is speaking of another baptism. On the other hand, He could be referring to water, but his second statement makes it clear that it is belief that brings freedom from condemnation. Furthermore, if water baptism were necessary for salvation, then the thief on the cross could not have been saved. Yet we read in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 23:39-43, that after professing faith and remorse for his sin, Jesus told him that he would be with Him in paradise that same day.
This passage should be viewed in light of all the other passages of Scripture that talk about salvation. It is a gift of God, made available by grace through faith, as taught in the book of Acts through the book of Revelation. Paul discusses this at length throughout the entire book of Romans, Ephesians and Colossians.
The literal baptism of repentance for the children of Israel is a picture of our need to acknowledge our sin before Almighty God, receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, thereby being sealed with the Holy Spirit as our promise for eternal security. (Eph 2:8-9.)
There are many lessons to learn from this story and much more to be discussed. I invite you to share your biblical perspective on this subject.
Father, continue to give us wisdom and understanding of your word. Open our hearts to the truth, especially when it goes against our pre-conceived ideas or what we have been taught to believe. Help us to be as the Bereans and search your word for ourselves. Lord, forgive me when I put the traditions of men above your word and give me a discerning spirit so that I would recognize it when I do. In the name of Jesus, Amen
Part four – Water baptism for the Gentile, will follow soon.
© Teresa Ortiz
Diving Into Baptism: Baptism of Israel Part 2
In this study, we will see that the baptism of Israel into Moses was a metaphor and picture of what it would mean to be in Christ. Their physical deliverance from slavery by following God is an example of how each of us can have spiritual deliverance from the bondage of sin by following Jesus.
Anytime we study the Bible, we need to prepare our hearts to receive the message God has for us (Psalm 119:33-35).Therefore, I believe it is necessary to seek to the Lord's wisdom and ask His Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth-and so I do:
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your faithfulness to give us your word that we would know you and what your will for our life is. I ask your blessing on this and each of the studies that will follow. Teach us what we need to know. You promised that those who seek you with their whole heart will find you and this is what we are doing now. So Father, open our hearts and minds to receive a greater understanding of your word and give us a greater measure of your Spirit that we will come through a changed people because we have answered your call. I pray for those who are new in Christ, or haven't fully surrendered to you, yet find themselves following this study. Bless them Lord and bring them to a place of sweet surrender that they may know you and the power of the resurrection in their lives. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
~~~~~
The Background:
The Israelites found themselves slaves in Egypt. Some 430 years prior to this event, they were welcomed in the land of Goshen, just outside of Egypt because Joseph, Israel's [Jacob] favorite son was second in command over all of the land. However, the latest king of Egypt had other plans...
"Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. And he said to his people, 'Look, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we; come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and It happen, in the event of war, that they also join our enemies and fight against us, and so go up out of the land.' But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew, so the Egyptians made the children of Israel serve with rigor." (Exodus 1:8-10, 12-13.)
God at work behind the scenes:
"Then the king of Egypt spoke to the Hebrew midwives...and he said, ‘When you do the duties of a midwife for the Hebrew women, and see them on the birthstools, if it is a son, then you shall kill him, but if it is a daughter, then she shall live'. But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had commanded them but saved them alive…and so it was because the midwives feared God, that He provided households for them." (Ex.1:15-1, 21.)
Enter Moses:
"So the woman conceived and bore a son…But when she could no longer hide him, she took an ark of bulrushes for him and put the child in it, and laid it in the reeds by the river's bank…and the Pharaoh's daughter found the child…and he became her son and she called him Moses." (Ex. 2:2-3,10.)
The Cry:
"Now it happened in the process of time that the king of Egypt died. Then the children of Israel groaned because of the bondage, and they cried out; and their cry came up to God because of the bondage. So God remembered His covenant with Isaac, and Jacob. And God looked upon the children of Israel and God acknowledged them." Ex.2:23-24.)
God's plan revealed:
As we read on in Exodus, we see how God was bringing all things together to work for good. Moses grew and left the care of Pharaoh's daughter. He made a bad decision which led to murder and the need to flee Egypt. While in Midian, God called to Moses and told him of His plan to use him to deliver the children of Israel from the hand of Pharaoh, resulting in the 10 plagues.
These plagues were brought on by God for three reasons; to punish them for their wicked treatment toward His people, for their idol worship and rejection of the Creator God, and to show the Egyptians that He makes a distinction between His children and the wicked (Ex. 8:22).
After the 10th plague, the death of the first-born Egyptian male--man and cattle, Pharaoh agreed to let the children of Israel go. However, God knew that Pharaoh would change his mind and pursue His children so He led them to the Red Sea.
The baptism of Israel
By this point, the children of Israel had seen the hand of God deliver them; they witnessed His mighty power displayed in his protection for them throughout each plague, especially in the Passover. As long as they followed God's instructions to put the blood of the spotless lamb over the door posts of their homes, they were under the blood, thereby protected and passed over by the death angel. (Ex. 12.)
Nevertheless, it only took one incident to send them into a panic and doubt. Let's pick up the story in Exodus chapter fourteen, verse ten:
"And when Pharaoh drew near, the children of Israel lifted their eyes, and behold the Egyptians marched after them, so they were very afraid and the children of Israel cried out to the Lord…And Moses said to the people, ‘Do not be afraid, Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today…The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.' And the LORD said to Moses, "Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward." (Ex. 14:10,13-15)
"And the Angel [Jesus] of God, who went before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud went from before them and stood behind them. So it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel. Thus it was a cloud and darkness to the one [Egypt] and it gave light by night to the other [Israel], so that the one did not come near the other all that night." (Ex. 14:19-20.)
"So the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left." (Ex. 14:22.)
"So the LORD saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. Thus Israel saw the great work which the LORD had done in Egypt; so the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD and His servant Moses". (Ex. 14:31.)
How is this baptism?
Fast-forward to the New Testament book of 1 Corinthians chapters nine and ten.
In this corrective letter, Paul is warning the Corinthian believers of the dangers of carnal and compromised living; they were following the culture of their environment while professing a faith in God-sound familiar? At the end of chapter nine, we see that Paul was admonishing them to discipline their bodies and he goes on to give them encouragement on how they can do this and in this, we find our explanation for our journey through Exodus:
"Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the red sea, all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and sea, all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them and that Rock was Christ. But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted." (1 Cor. 10:1-6.)
This passage leaves no room for doubt or dispute that the children of Israel had been baptized. It was a baptism into Moses because Moses was their leader.
Remembering the meaning of baptism, we see that they surrendered to the will of God; they trusted Moses and followed him all the way through the walls of water. There was no other way. They could not go around, but they had to go through, trusting God to keep the way open for them and trusting in the fact that they were engulfed in His protection. It was not their own plan that spared them; it was God's.
As Paul tells us, this ultimately points to the fact that the pre-incarnate Son of God was present with them. (Just one of many.) It was a picture of how future generations would need to trust in the coming Leader. The Messiah who is Christ Jesus--the Eternal King.
What can we learn?
We see that trusting God and obeying His voice, despite leadership demands, will give us favor with God and He will provide for us just as He did the midwives.
God's instructions are specific and have a purpose. If we do not follow them, then we have chosen to take ourselves out of His protection. If the children of Israel did not go all the way through to the other side, they would have been over-taken by the enemy. So it goes with us today. Are we going to choose God's way of deliverance and surrender our will to Christ, or are we going to do it our own way and suffer the consequences. The choice is ours.
Partial baptism is not only impossible, it is also ineffective. Each person had to go all the way through; one could not go through for the other. The same goes with a commitment to God. Jesus said, "You are either for me or against me." (Matt. 12:30.) There is no in between . One cannot have faith for another--one cannot speak on behalf of or be baptized for another. Each person must walk for themselves.
It is God's desire that we follow the example of the baptism of the children of Israel. The learning curve is endless; take this information and build upon it. Read the entire book of Exodus and Chapter 10 of 1 Corinthians. Ask the Lord what He would have for your personal walk with Him.
Please share your thoughts, as I desire to build upon my understanding.
May the Holy Spirit be with all who desire to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus and remember, He will stand between you and the things that desire to over take you.
Part three - The Baptism of John to follow soon.
© Teresa Ortiz
Anytime we study the Bible, we need to prepare our hearts to receive the message God has for us (Psalm 119:33-35).Therefore, I believe it is necessary to seek to the Lord's wisdom and ask His Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth-and so I do:
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your faithfulness to give us your word that we would know you and what your will for our life is. I ask your blessing on this and each of the studies that will follow. Teach us what we need to know. You promised that those who seek you with their whole heart will find you and this is what we are doing now. So Father, open our hearts and minds to receive a greater understanding of your word and give us a greater measure of your Spirit that we will come through a changed people because we have answered your call. I pray for those who are new in Christ, or haven't fully surrendered to you, yet find themselves following this study. Bless them Lord and bring them to a place of sweet surrender that they may know you and the power of the resurrection in their lives. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
~~~~~
The Background:
The Israelites found themselves slaves in Egypt. Some 430 years prior to this event, they were welcomed in the land of Goshen, just outside of Egypt because Joseph, Israel's [Jacob] favorite son was second in command over all of the land. However, the latest king of Egypt had other plans...
"Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. And he said to his people, 'Look, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we; come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and It happen, in the event of war, that they also join our enemies and fight against us, and so go up out of the land.' But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew, so the Egyptians made the children of Israel serve with rigor." (Exodus 1:8-10, 12-13.)
God at work behind the scenes:
"Then the king of Egypt spoke to the Hebrew midwives...and he said, ‘When you do the duties of a midwife for the Hebrew women, and see them on the birthstools, if it is a son, then you shall kill him, but if it is a daughter, then she shall live'. But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had commanded them but saved them alive…and so it was because the midwives feared God, that He provided households for them." (Ex.1:15-1, 21.)
Enter Moses:
"So the woman conceived and bore a son…But when she could no longer hide him, she took an ark of bulrushes for him and put the child in it, and laid it in the reeds by the river's bank…and the Pharaoh's daughter found the child…and he became her son and she called him Moses." (Ex. 2:2-3,10.)
The Cry:
"Now it happened in the process of time that the king of Egypt died. Then the children of Israel groaned because of the bondage, and they cried out; and their cry came up to God because of the bondage. So God remembered His covenant with Isaac, and Jacob. And God looked upon the children of Israel and God acknowledged them." Ex.2:23-24.)
God's plan revealed:
As we read on in Exodus, we see how God was bringing all things together to work for good. Moses grew and left the care of Pharaoh's daughter. He made a bad decision which led to murder and the need to flee Egypt. While in Midian, God called to Moses and told him of His plan to use him to deliver the children of Israel from the hand of Pharaoh, resulting in the 10 plagues.
These plagues were brought on by God for three reasons; to punish them for their wicked treatment toward His people, for their idol worship and rejection of the Creator God, and to show the Egyptians that He makes a distinction between His children and the wicked (Ex. 8:22).
After the 10th plague, the death of the first-born Egyptian male--man and cattle, Pharaoh agreed to let the children of Israel go. However, God knew that Pharaoh would change his mind and pursue His children so He led them to the Red Sea.
The baptism of Israel
By this point, the children of Israel had seen the hand of God deliver them; they witnessed His mighty power displayed in his protection for them throughout each plague, especially in the Passover. As long as they followed God's instructions to put the blood of the spotless lamb over the door posts of their homes, they were under the blood, thereby protected and passed over by the death angel. (Ex. 12.)
Nevertheless, it only took one incident to send them into a panic and doubt. Let's pick up the story in Exodus chapter fourteen, verse ten:
"And when Pharaoh drew near, the children of Israel lifted their eyes, and behold the Egyptians marched after them, so they were very afraid and the children of Israel cried out to the Lord…And Moses said to the people, ‘Do not be afraid, Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today…The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.' And the LORD said to Moses, "Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward." (Ex. 14:10,13-15)
"And the Angel [Jesus] of God, who went before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud went from before them and stood behind them. So it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel. Thus it was a cloud and darkness to the one [Egypt] and it gave light by night to the other [Israel], so that the one did not come near the other all that night." (Ex. 14:19-20.)
"So the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left." (Ex. 14:22.)
"So the LORD saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. Thus Israel saw the great work which the LORD had done in Egypt; so the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD and His servant Moses". (Ex. 14:31.)
How is this baptism?
Fast-forward to the New Testament book of 1 Corinthians chapters nine and ten.
In this corrective letter, Paul is warning the Corinthian believers of the dangers of carnal and compromised living; they were following the culture of their environment while professing a faith in God-sound familiar? At the end of chapter nine, we see that Paul was admonishing them to discipline their bodies and he goes on to give them encouragement on how they can do this and in this, we find our explanation for our journey through Exodus:
"Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the red sea, all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and sea, all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them and that Rock was Christ. But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted." (1 Cor. 10:1-6.)
This passage leaves no room for doubt or dispute that the children of Israel had been baptized. It was a baptism into Moses because Moses was their leader.
Remembering the meaning of baptism, we see that they surrendered to the will of God; they trusted Moses and followed him all the way through the walls of water. There was no other way. They could not go around, but they had to go through, trusting God to keep the way open for them and trusting in the fact that they were engulfed in His protection. It was not their own plan that spared them; it was God's.
As Paul tells us, this ultimately points to the fact that the pre-incarnate Son of God was present with them. (Just one of many.) It was a picture of how future generations would need to trust in the coming Leader. The Messiah who is Christ Jesus--the Eternal King.
What can we learn?
We see that trusting God and obeying His voice, despite leadership demands, will give us favor with God and He will provide for us just as He did the midwives.
God's instructions are specific and have a purpose. If we do not follow them, then we have chosen to take ourselves out of His protection. If the children of Israel did not go all the way through to the other side, they would have been over-taken by the enemy. So it goes with us today. Are we going to choose God's way of deliverance and surrender our will to Christ, or are we going to do it our own way and suffer the consequences. The choice is ours.
Partial baptism is not only impossible, it is also ineffective. Each person had to go all the way through; one could not go through for the other. The same goes with a commitment to God. Jesus said, "You are either for me or against me." (Matt. 12:30.) There is no in between . One cannot have faith for another--one cannot speak on behalf of or be baptized for another. Each person must walk for themselves.
It is God's desire that we follow the example of the baptism of the children of Israel. The learning curve is endless; take this information and build upon it. Read the entire book of Exodus and Chapter 10 of 1 Corinthians. Ask the Lord what He would have for your personal walk with Him.
Please share your thoughts, as I desire to build upon my understanding.
May the Holy Spirit be with all who desire to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus and remember, He will stand between you and the things that desire to over take you.
Part three - The Baptism of John to follow soon.
© Teresa Ortiz
Diving Into Baptism: Introduction Part 1
What comes to mind when you hear the word baptism? The first thought most people have is water. However, the Bible speaks of other baptisms--in fact, there are seven specifically mentioned.
Many people never give this much thought. There was a time when I didn't. However, over the years, God has opened my eyes to these treasures of truth. Since then, I continue to study them. I am of the opinion that each of these baptisms play a significant role in increasing our understanding of God's plan for humanity and they serve as explanations for the whys are wherefores of life. For this reason, I am sharing what I have gleaned thus far in hopes that it will clarify some of the misnomers on baptism.
The Seven Baptisms of the Bible:
1. The Baptism of Israel.
2. The Baptism of John (Water for the Jew).
3. The Baptism by water (For the Gentile).
4. The Baptism Into Jesus Christ.
5. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
6. The Baptism of Suffering.
7. The Baptism of Fire.
It is important to note that the word baptism means, "to be completely submerged in". In this respect, you can baptize just about anything in just about anything.
The Old Testament is full of examples of articles being "baptized". There were strict ceremonial cleansing laws; not only for themselves, but also for their clothing and cooking utensils. The Jews were very aware of the importance of preparation by cleansing. This becomes important when we get to the baptism of John, or what I like to call the baptism of the Jews. This helps me to keep things straight as I study the difference between the baptism of the Jew and the baptism of the Gentile.
As we study, we will see that there are times when baptism is literal and when it is metaphorical or "spiritual", or both--meaning, the literal act of baptism has a spiritual application.
Baptism is also a well-known concept outside of the Christian world; Egyptians, potters, fabricators and the like use this term. I say this to remind us that there is more to baptism than we tend to think.
I have three goals that I pray will be reached by the end of this series:
1. We will see that biblical baptism will always represent the truth as it relates to salvation, which is that we become a child of God by surrendering our will to his and placing ourselves completely in Christ, thus being born-again.
2. That we will slow down and read the Bible as if reading for the first time (or maybe start reading), so that we will not miss out on the little phrases, realizing that each story has a purpose.
3. That the body of Christ will not put so much emphasis on water baptism and apply the lessons found in all of the other baptisms to our lives so that we will be able to "give an answer for the hope that lies within" and encourage others in the faith.
I hope you will join me on this journey through baptism. I ask for forgiveness up front, as I know I will fall short in explaining all that this perspective has to offer. I will post each study in the order listed above. I look forward to your participation--as the word of God says, "Iron sharpens Iron".
Soon to follow, The Baptism of Israel: What can we learn - Part 2 of 8.
I'm praying for you, please pray for me.
© Teresa Ortiz
Many people never give this much thought. There was a time when I didn't. However, over the years, God has opened my eyes to these treasures of truth. Since then, I continue to study them. I am of the opinion that each of these baptisms play a significant role in increasing our understanding of God's plan for humanity and they serve as explanations for the whys are wherefores of life. For this reason, I am sharing what I have gleaned thus far in hopes that it will clarify some of the misnomers on baptism.
The Seven Baptisms of the Bible:
1. The Baptism of Israel.
2. The Baptism of John (Water for the Jew).
3. The Baptism by water (For the Gentile).
4. The Baptism Into Jesus Christ.
5. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
6. The Baptism of Suffering.
7. The Baptism of Fire.
It is important to note that the word baptism means, "to be completely submerged in". In this respect, you can baptize just about anything in just about anything.
The Old Testament is full of examples of articles being "baptized". There were strict ceremonial cleansing laws; not only for themselves, but also for their clothing and cooking utensils. The Jews were very aware of the importance of preparation by cleansing. This becomes important when we get to the baptism of John, or what I like to call the baptism of the Jews. This helps me to keep things straight as I study the difference between the baptism of the Jew and the baptism of the Gentile.
As we study, we will see that there are times when baptism is literal and when it is metaphorical or "spiritual", or both--meaning, the literal act of baptism has a spiritual application.
Baptism is also a well-known concept outside of the Christian world; Egyptians, potters, fabricators and the like use this term. I say this to remind us that there is more to baptism than we tend to think.
I have three goals that I pray will be reached by the end of this series:
1. We will see that biblical baptism will always represent the truth as it relates to salvation, which is that we become a child of God by surrendering our will to his and placing ourselves completely in Christ, thus being born-again.
2. That we will slow down and read the Bible as if reading for the first time (or maybe start reading), so that we will not miss out on the little phrases, realizing that each story has a purpose.
3. That the body of Christ will not put so much emphasis on water baptism and apply the lessons found in all of the other baptisms to our lives so that we will be able to "give an answer for the hope that lies within" and encourage others in the faith.
I hope you will join me on this journey through baptism. I ask for forgiveness up front, as I know I will fall short in explaining all that this perspective has to offer. I will post each study in the order listed above. I look forward to your participation--as the word of God says, "Iron sharpens Iron".
Soon to follow, The Baptism of Israel: What can we learn - Part 2 of 8.
I'm praying for you, please pray for me.
© Teresa Ortiz
Is God Your First Choice or Last Resort?
Hebrews 4: 15 -16 "For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need"
Has it been one of those days? You know the kind, when everything that could possibly go wrong has? For me it was the washer and dryer going out the night before my daughter and I were off to California to visit friends and family.
It was also the week before Christmas and I needed to make sure everything was in order before I left my husband to man the house with our son. It is times like these that make me say "Calgon, take me away!"
However, as calm as Calgon might make me on the outside, It will do nothing to calm the inside. After running around frantically trying to ring out the clothes in the washer, trying to pack and wondering how in the world I was going to pay for a new washer and dryer after spending money on airline tickets and Christmas gifts and …. It hits me:
"Maybe I should pray about this." What a novel idea! I can hear Him now, "Teresa, my child. I have a solution if you would just take a minute to chat with Me".
After taking a minute to breathe and remember that "I" don't have it all figured out, I began to pray. I relaxed. I breathed, I even whined a little (well okay, a lot). I simply said, what should I do?
The next morning I went to work - The Lord impressed upon me to go "check out" some washers and dyers on my lunch break. I did. When I arrived back at work, I was surprised to find an envelope on my desk.
It was a Christmas bonus! I went back to the store and purchased the washer and dryer. It was delivered and installed just in time for my daughter and I to leave for the airport.
By the way, did I mention my daughter had a basketball game that night as well?
Take time to seek the Lord BEFORE that "day" comes.
Father, forgive me for not going to you first. Change my heart and draw me closer to You so that You are my first choice for comfort instead of the last resort. Thank you for your patience with me. Make me more like you today. Organize my time and give me discernment to recognize Your voice. In Jesus name, Amen
(C) Teresa Ortiz
Has it been one of those days? You know the kind, when everything that could possibly go wrong has? For me it was the washer and dryer going out the night before my daughter and I were off to California to visit friends and family.
It was also the week before Christmas and I needed to make sure everything was in order before I left my husband to man the house with our son. It is times like these that make me say "Calgon, take me away!"
However, as calm as Calgon might make me on the outside, It will do nothing to calm the inside. After running around frantically trying to ring out the clothes in the washer, trying to pack and wondering how in the world I was going to pay for a new washer and dryer after spending money on airline tickets and Christmas gifts and …. It hits me:
"Maybe I should pray about this." What a novel idea! I can hear Him now, "Teresa, my child. I have a solution if you would just take a minute to chat with Me".
After taking a minute to breathe and remember that "I" don't have it all figured out, I began to pray. I relaxed. I breathed, I even whined a little (well okay, a lot). I simply said, what should I do?
The next morning I went to work - The Lord impressed upon me to go "check out" some washers and dyers on my lunch break. I did. When I arrived back at work, I was surprised to find an envelope on my desk.
It was a Christmas bonus! I went back to the store and purchased the washer and dryer. It was delivered and installed just in time for my daughter and I to leave for the airport.
By the way, did I mention my daughter had a basketball game that night as well?
Take time to seek the Lord BEFORE that "day" comes.
Father, forgive me for not going to you first. Change my heart and draw me closer to You so that You are my first choice for comfort instead of the last resort. Thank you for your patience with me. Make me more like you today. Organize my time and give me discernment to recognize Your voice. In Jesus name, Amen
(C) Teresa Ortiz
Good Parent, Bad Parent, Good God, Bad God
How would you rate yourself as a parent? Would you say you are a good one? What would be your qualifying reasons? What if one were to ask your teenaged child-would they agree with your assessment, or would they say you were mean, judgmental and narrow minded?
Getting back to the first question; if you rated yourself as good, what are the reasons? Following is a list of reasons given over the years:
1. I tell my children how much I love them.
2. I set boundaries for them and tell them the consequences that will follow if they cross the line.
3. I warn them not to touch a hot stove or not to play with fire because they will get burned.
4. I warn them to stay away from strangers and tell them that there are evil people in the world who are looking to harm them while pretending that they are friendly.
As a parent, you know that your teen's perspective on the short list above is a bit different from yours. Following is a list of responses I have heard over the years.
1. I love you too.
2. You're so strict, I never get to have any fun. I thought you said you loved me.
3. You're just trying to scare me into doing what you want me to do. It won't really burn.
4. You're just afraid that I might meet someone who is nice. Bobby's parents are great, they let him go anywhere he wants.
Obviously, this list is just the tip of the iceberg. Still, it makes a good point. So, once again I would ask; are you a good parent or a bad parent? I suppose it depends on whom you ask. As parents, we have experienced hardship and pain; we know what straying from the counsel of our parents did to us. Looking back to our teen years, we might remember a time or two when we thought our parents were mean, to strict and narrow minded. However, as we got older, we understood that it was love that compelled them. It was their knowledge that caused them to warn us of the consequences of straying.
Let's consider God in this same light. Is God a good God or a Bad God? Unfortunately, many "experienced" adults act like teenagers when asked this question. He is accused of being a narrow minded God who just lays out rules and regulations to be followed or else they will suffer the consequences. Why is it that many who take pride in the fact that they raised their children with guidelines and values that taught them to be good people are quick to say that they do not want to follow a God who does the same?
Perspective. However, is perspective the measure? God is love and He is the Creator of all things. Therefore, how much more experienced is He? It would seem that He is the one who is qualified to warn and set boundaries for His children.
Wouldn't you agree that putting a little bit of fear in your children teaches them to respect and trust you? Why then is God accused of being a bad God for doing them same?
It would seem logical that if one considers God bad and narrow minded for setting boundaries, then one must consider themselves a bad parent for doing the same.
Would you pick and chose when you are going to be your parent's child? No, that is silly. You are either their child or not. Either you choose to accept them and honor them as your parent, or you divorce yourself from them, be your own parent and deal with the consequences.
The same applies to God. We can't call him Father when it is convenient and then say He is not our Father when he lays down the rules. You are either His child or not. Either you choose to honor Him as your God and Father or you divorce yourself and be your own God. It's simple logic. God is God 100% of the time or He is not.
"And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the LORD loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives." Hebrews 12:5-6
As a good parent forgives when a child disobeys and comes to his or her senses, God does the same. Be our own god or be a child; the choice is ours.
One last time; are you a good parent or bad parent? Is God a good God or bad God?
© Teresa Ortiz
Getting back to the first question; if you rated yourself as good, what are the reasons? Following is a list of reasons given over the years:
1. I tell my children how much I love them.
2. I set boundaries for them and tell them the consequences that will follow if they cross the line.
3. I warn them not to touch a hot stove or not to play with fire because they will get burned.
4. I warn them to stay away from strangers and tell them that there are evil people in the world who are looking to harm them while pretending that they are friendly.
As a parent, you know that your teen's perspective on the short list above is a bit different from yours. Following is a list of responses I have heard over the years.
1. I love you too.
2. You're so strict, I never get to have any fun. I thought you said you loved me.
3. You're just trying to scare me into doing what you want me to do. It won't really burn.
4. You're just afraid that I might meet someone who is nice. Bobby's parents are great, they let him go anywhere he wants.
Obviously, this list is just the tip of the iceberg. Still, it makes a good point. So, once again I would ask; are you a good parent or a bad parent? I suppose it depends on whom you ask. As parents, we have experienced hardship and pain; we know what straying from the counsel of our parents did to us. Looking back to our teen years, we might remember a time or two when we thought our parents were mean, to strict and narrow minded. However, as we got older, we understood that it was love that compelled them. It was their knowledge that caused them to warn us of the consequences of straying.
Let's consider God in this same light. Is God a good God or a Bad God? Unfortunately, many "experienced" adults act like teenagers when asked this question. He is accused of being a narrow minded God who just lays out rules and regulations to be followed or else they will suffer the consequences. Why is it that many who take pride in the fact that they raised their children with guidelines and values that taught them to be good people are quick to say that they do not want to follow a God who does the same?
Perspective. However, is perspective the measure? God is love and He is the Creator of all things. Therefore, how much more experienced is He? It would seem that He is the one who is qualified to warn and set boundaries for His children.
Wouldn't you agree that putting a little bit of fear in your children teaches them to respect and trust you? Why then is God accused of being a bad God for doing them same?
It would seem logical that if one considers God bad and narrow minded for setting boundaries, then one must consider themselves a bad parent for doing the same.
Would you pick and chose when you are going to be your parent's child? No, that is silly. You are either their child or not. Either you choose to accept them and honor them as your parent, or you divorce yourself from them, be your own parent and deal with the consequences.
The same applies to God. We can't call him Father when it is convenient and then say He is not our Father when he lays down the rules. You are either His child or not. Either you choose to honor Him as your God and Father or you divorce yourself and be your own God. It's simple logic. God is God 100% of the time or He is not.
"And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the LORD loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives." Hebrews 12:5-6
As a good parent forgives when a child disobeys and comes to his or her senses, God does the same. Be our own god or be a child; the choice is ours.
One last time; are you a good parent or bad parent? Is God a good God or bad God?
© Teresa Ortiz
Aug 9, 2008
How to be a Successful Ineffective Witness for Christ
Over the years, I have thought about the days before I surrendered my life to Christ. What made the difference? Who made a difference? As I considered how to present my findings, I could not ignore the common denominator in what did not work and how the methods they chose played a major role in causing me to nurture my wall called "Ruin."
Ruin was my best friend-she was my security; she was my freedom; she was my prison-and I loved her. I tell you this because any chance I had to keep Ruin alive and well, I took. And believe me, I loved it when Christians helped-it was quite funny then, though sarcasm and attitude were my strengths so it made perfect sense. I relished the fact that the very people who were trying to "set me free", actually added bricks and mortar-strengthening Ruin all the more.
Fortunately, (or unfortunately, in this case), the list is short. As a result, you will find that one does not have to go too far to accomplish their goal. This said--following these few simple steps will assure you great success.
1) Always remember: It's not how you win a soul, it's that you win a soul. The goal is to make sure the sinner invites Jesus into their heart, even if it takes all day and night. Eventually, they will see the light and thank you for showing them the love of God.
2) Never be seen having lunch or going to a see a movie with the sinner you are trying to win to Christ. It's quite possible that other Christians will see you and get the wrong impression-like you're their friend or something.
3) Always discuss the negative things about all other religions. Don't offer any positive information, and if they happen to tell you that they practice a particular faith, be sure and tell them why that one is especially bad. They will respect you for that.
4) Be sure and tell them that when they give their life to Jesus, all their problems will go away. After all, they are in the mess they are in because they have chosen to be stubborn. Again, they will respect you for that.
5) Never expose the real you. Don't share your weaknesses or your failures. Rather, speak in spiritual language using phrases like--you just need to be plugged in and set on fire! This way, they will wonder at how spiritual you are and not think for a moment that you might be human.
~~~~~
This might be funny if it wasn't for the fact that in many cases it is the truth. From personal experience, these tactics were 100% ineffective on me. On the other hand, those that were the exact opposite had a big impact on my life. Even though I never let them know it, my walls began to crumble. Until the day when God broke through and my closest friend, Ruin, was slowly replaced with Jesus.
From that day forward I have purposed to be a genuine witness for Christ. Never perfect, but genuine. It's all God requires me to be.
If you are a Christian reading this, and you were offended, the point is well made and I pray it made you think and repent. Apologize to the one you have mislead or mistreated. They will respect you for it. (At least, that's what someone told me.) I am not saying we all do this on purpose, but after we have been a Christian awhile and our lives have changed, we forget that we have been forgiven of past sins and tend to think that we don't sin anymore, or at least not the "big" sins. However, we must remember that God hates pride more than anything else.
If you are not a Christian, especially for the reasons listed above, I ask your forgiveness on behalf of everyone who has made you feel like you are just a target-a soul to be won and not a person with real feelings. As you might have guessed by now, I can relate.
Being on both sides of this issue, I would hope my heart would be heard when I say this: Non-Christian, don't use a bad witness as an excuse to stay away from God. They will be accountable to God for their actions. Though the delivery of the message may be warped, the message, according to the Bible, is true. I would hope and pray that you would search it out for yourself.
P.S. Please forgive my sarcasm, old habits die-hard. ((Smiles.))
Taste and see that the Lord is good. You will never regret it.
© Teresa Ortiz
Ruin was my best friend-she was my security; she was my freedom; she was my prison-and I loved her. I tell you this because any chance I had to keep Ruin alive and well, I took. And believe me, I loved it when Christians helped-it was quite funny then, though sarcasm and attitude were my strengths so it made perfect sense. I relished the fact that the very people who were trying to "set me free", actually added bricks and mortar-strengthening Ruin all the more.
Fortunately, (or unfortunately, in this case), the list is short. As a result, you will find that one does not have to go too far to accomplish their goal. This said--following these few simple steps will assure you great success.
1) Always remember: It's not how you win a soul, it's that you win a soul. The goal is to make sure the sinner invites Jesus into their heart, even if it takes all day and night. Eventually, they will see the light and thank you for showing them the love of God.
2) Never be seen having lunch or going to a see a movie with the sinner you are trying to win to Christ. It's quite possible that other Christians will see you and get the wrong impression-like you're their friend or something.
3) Always discuss the negative things about all other religions. Don't offer any positive information, and if they happen to tell you that they practice a particular faith, be sure and tell them why that one is especially bad. They will respect you for that.
4) Be sure and tell them that when they give their life to Jesus, all their problems will go away. After all, they are in the mess they are in because they have chosen to be stubborn. Again, they will respect you for that.
5) Never expose the real you. Don't share your weaknesses or your failures. Rather, speak in spiritual language using phrases like--you just need to be plugged in and set on fire! This way, they will wonder at how spiritual you are and not think for a moment that you might be human.
~~~~~
This might be funny if it wasn't for the fact that in many cases it is the truth. From personal experience, these tactics were 100% ineffective on me. On the other hand, those that were the exact opposite had a big impact on my life. Even though I never let them know it, my walls began to crumble. Until the day when God broke through and my closest friend, Ruin, was slowly replaced with Jesus.
From that day forward I have purposed to be a genuine witness for Christ. Never perfect, but genuine. It's all God requires me to be.
If you are a Christian reading this, and you were offended, the point is well made and I pray it made you think and repent. Apologize to the one you have mislead or mistreated. They will respect you for it. (At least, that's what someone told me.) I am not saying we all do this on purpose, but after we have been a Christian awhile and our lives have changed, we forget that we have been forgiven of past sins and tend to think that we don't sin anymore, or at least not the "big" sins. However, we must remember that God hates pride more than anything else.
If you are not a Christian, especially for the reasons listed above, I ask your forgiveness on behalf of everyone who has made you feel like you are just a target-a soul to be won and not a person with real feelings. As you might have guessed by now, I can relate.
Being on both sides of this issue, I would hope my heart would be heard when I say this: Non-Christian, don't use a bad witness as an excuse to stay away from God. They will be accountable to God for their actions. Though the delivery of the message may be warped, the message, according to the Bible, is true. I would hope and pray that you would search it out for yourself.
P.S. Please forgive my sarcasm, old habits die-hard. ((Smiles.))
Taste and see that the Lord is good. You will never regret it.
© Teresa Ortiz
The Lakers Game Four and the Escape
So…..game four just ended. What game? Yup, that's the one-the Lakers didn't go so well tonight. Some of you might be feeling a bit sorry for me right about now. And yes, I quietly snuck out of the living room and found a safe place in the back room, in front of my computer.
Umm, what should I write? What story do I tell? Oh! I know, our dear friend, Laura Trahan, suggested that I write about my Speed Skating days sometime. No time like the present, I always say.
My sister and I got the fever for Roller Skating back in 19...something or another. The rink fast became our second home. (I can still hear the music playing in my head….Disco, disco duck, and then there was Donna Summers', Toot –toot, hey, beep-beep.)
Any-who, what was I saying? Oh. We lived and breathed skating. Now, I'm not one to brag, but I was pretty darn good. In fact, so good that when I showed the guards that I was ready for the next level, they changed the rules. Actually, after seeing me, they decided no one could ever do it better and didn't want the other skaters to be envious so they cancelled the event until further notice. To this day, I marvel at such a gesture.
Bad girls, talkin' ‘bout the bad girls…
I was so shocked when I learned that that song was about….ladies of the night! O' my, no wonder my father didn't like me singing that song when I was a kid, but that's another story.
Bear with me; I'm stalling… the temperature in the living room is beginning to drop, but I need a little bit longer in this back room.
Tic-tock, tick-tock, tic-tock.
Alright-y then. Back to the story.
The rink was especially packed that night; Friday nights were always the busiest so it made perfect sense to show the on-lookers and the guards (Especially Joe), how great I was.
"Hey Joe, watch me, I'm so ready"
"Terees, now's not the best time, the floor is packed."
"No, really, I'm ready"
"Fine, show me what-cha got"
With all the excitement and speed I was able muster, I weaved in and out of the slow people. As I came back around toward Joe, the total-babe floor-guard, I jumped up in the air and spinned around so that I landed in the backward position and gracefully continued weaving in and out of the slow people…At least that's how I imagined it would go.
Well, as my great fortune would have it, that's not what happened. The truth is, as I was coming out of my spin, my toe-stop leaped off my skate and those slow people got in my….okay fine, I tripped, is that what you wanted to hear?
As I came down for my landing, I didn't position my feet properly, and I fell backward. I fell so hard that I hit my head, and I laid on the floor while all those slow people got a good look at me. I twisted my wrist and I couldn't get up.
Hey, what happened to the music?
Suddenly a voice from heaven (or maybe it was the DJ), asked everyone to clear the floor and several of the floor guards came over to help me up. Joe, the total-babe floor-guard, picked me up and carried me off the floor. I don't know why, but my sister was so mad at me! Now that I think about it, everyone was. That was the last time anyone was able to skate backwards for--I don't remember how long!
I still think my sister was just jealous because I was carried off the floor by Joe, the total-babe floor-guard.
The good news is, eventually backward skating was back on, I learned how to position my feet correctly, and speed was our middle name..
The jig is up, the news is out, they finally found me...you renagade, you had it made...
As I think about all my ventures in choir, drama, dance and cheerleading--each with their own set of mishaps, I can't help but wonder if this little ball of talent will one day be rich and famous and it is God's way of keeping me humble.
Yeah, I'm sure that's it. I will take such pride in the fact that I will always remain a humble and grateful person. I'll even check in with my old friends on occasion.
Just so you know, I've even grown patient of slow people. I mean really, give me a break; I was only 10-years-old then.
Well guys, the house is peaceful and it is safe to re-enter the living room. Britt doesn't stay mad at her boys for long.
Thanks for passing the time with me.
Humbly yours,
Teresa
Umm, what should I write? What story do I tell? Oh! I know, our dear friend, Laura Trahan, suggested that I write about my Speed Skating days sometime. No time like the present, I always say.
My sister and I got the fever for Roller Skating back in 19...something or another. The rink fast became our second home. (I can still hear the music playing in my head….Disco, disco duck, and then there was Donna Summers', Toot –toot, hey, beep-beep.)
Any-who, what was I saying? Oh. We lived and breathed skating. Now, I'm not one to brag, but I was pretty darn good. In fact, so good that when I showed the guards that I was ready for the next level, they changed the rules. Actually, after seeing me, they decided no one could ever do it better and didn't want the other skaters to be envious so they cancelled the event until further notice. To this day, I marvel at such a gesture.
Bad girls, talkin' ‘bout the bad girls…
I was so shocked when I learned that that song was about….ladies of the night! O' my, no wonder my father didn't like me singing that song when I was a kid, but that's another story.
Bear with me; I'm stalling… the temperature in the living room is beginning to drop, but I need a little bit longer in this back room.
Tic-tock, tick-tock, tic-tock.
Alright-y then. Back to the story.
The rink was especially packed that night; Friday nights were always the busiest so it made perfect sense to show the on-lookers and the guards (Especially Joe), how great I was.
"Hey Joe, watch me, I'm so ready"
"Terees, now's not the best time, the floor is packed."
"No, really, I'm ready"
"Fine, show me what-cha got"
With all the excitement and speed I was able muster, I weaved in and out of the slow people. As I came back around toward Joe, the total-babe floor-guard, I jumped up in the air and spinned around so that I landed in the backward position and gracefully continued weaving in and out of the slow people…At least that's how I imagined it would go.
Well, as my great fortune would have it, that's not what happened. The truth is, as I was coming out of my spin, my toe-stop leaped off my skate and those slow people got in my….okay fine, I tripped, is that what you wanted to hear?
As I came down for my landing, I didn't position my feet properly, and I fell backward. I fell so hard that I hit my head, and I laid on the floor while all those slow people got a good look at me. I twisted my wrist and I couldn't get up.
Hey, what happened to the music?
Suddenly a voice from heaven (or maybe it was the DJ), asked everyone to clear the floor and several of the floor guards came over to help me up. Joe, the total-babe floor-guard, picked me up and carried me off the floor. I don't know why, but my sister was so mad at me! Now that I think about it, everyone was. That was the last time anyone was able to skate backwards for--I don't remember how long!
I still think my sister was just jealous because I was carried off the floor by Joe, the total-babe floor-guard.
The good news is, eventually backward skating was back on, I learned how to position my feet correctly, and speed was our middle name..
The jig is up, the news is out, they finally found me...you renagade, you had it made...
As I think about all my ventures in choir, drama, dance and cheerleading--each with their own set of mishaps, I can't help but wonder if this little ball of talent will one day be rich and famous and it is God's way of keeping me humble.
Yeah, I'm sure that's it. I will take such pride in the fact that I will always remain a humble and grateful person. I'll even check in with my old friends on occasion.
Just so you know, I've even grown patient of slow people. I mean really, give me a break; I was only 10-years-old then.
Well guys, the house is peaceful and it is safe to re-enter the living room. Britt doesn't stay mad at her boys for long.
Thanks for passing the time with me.
Humbly yours,
Teresa
The Lord is There: Encouragement for the Soul (4)
Yahweh Shammah: A Hebrew title or name for God. It speaks of His Omni-Presence. He is everywhere, all the time. It speaks of a personal God, not some cosmic spirit in the sky. More importantly, He is not a spirit that dwells in rocks and trees, but in the presence of His people.
In the Old Testament we see God dwelling in a cloud by day and Pillar of fire by night. God was with the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. In the New Testament we see God dwelling in the hearts of those who put their faith and trust in Him by the Holy Spirit.
How does this knowledge affect us as individuals? Do we believe it? Is it possible to believe this is true for everyone else except me? I know many people who have a hard time believing God's promises are for them.
If this is you today, I pray that you will read the following passages and personalize them. Replace the word "you" with your name. Believe God and your soul will be encouraged.
The Lord is There
"Don't be afraid, I've redeemed you, I've called your name. You're mine. When you're in over your head, I'll be there with you. When you're in rough waters, you will not go down. When you're between a rock and a hard place, it won't be a dead end - because I am God, your personal God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I paid a huge price for you: all of Egypt, rich with Cush and Seba thrown in! That's how much I love you! I'd sell off the whole world to get you back, trade the creation just for you. (Isaiah 43:2-6 The Message.)
"In all their affliction He was afflicted, and the Angel of His Presence saved them: and He bore them and carried them all the days of old." (Isaiah 63:9 NKJV.)
"Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in hell, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me." ( Psalm 139:7-10 NKJV.)
"The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them. The LORD preserves all who love Him, but the wicked He will destroy. (Psalm145:18-20 NKJV.)
"Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.' So that we may boldly say, 'The LORD [Yahweh] is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?'". (Hebrews 13:5-6 NKJV.)
Believe these promises from Yahweh Shammah - He is the Lord that is there with you. He Loves you more than anything.
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your faithfulness.
Thank you that we can count on you to be
with us every step of life's way. You are a personal God,
Thank you for revealing your name to us.
Help us to remember that faith is not based
on a feeling, but on truth. Keep these
Scriptures close to our memory,
that we may believe them even when we do not feel them.
In the name of Jesus, Amen!
(C) Teresa Ortiz
In the Old Testament we see God dwelling in a cloud by day and Pillar of fire by night. God was with the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. In the New Testament we see God dwelling in the hearts of those who put their faith and trust in Him by the Holy Spirit.
How does this knowledge affect us as individuals? Do we believe it? Is it possible to believe this is true for everyone else except me? I know many people who have a hard time believing God's promises are for them.
If this is you today, I pray that you will read the following passages and personalize them. Replace the word "you" with your name. Believe God and your soul will be encouraged.
The Lord is There
"Don't be afraid, I've redeemed you, I've called your name. You're mine. When you're in over your head, I'll be there with you. When you're in rough waters, you will not go down. When you're between a rock and a hard place, it won't be a dead end - because I am God, your personal God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I paid a huge price for you: all of Egypt, rich with Cush and Seba thrown in! That's how much I love you! I'd sell off the whole world to get you back, trade the creation just for you. (Isaiah 43:2-6 The Message.)
"In all their affliction He was afflicted, and the Angel of His Presence saved them: and He bore them and carried them all the days of old." (Isaiah 63:9 NKJV.)
"Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in hell, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me." ( Psalm 139:7-10 NKJV.)
"The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them. The LORD preserves all who love Him, but the wicked He will destroy. (Psalm145:18-20 NKJV.)
"Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.' So that we may boldly say, 'The LORD [Yahweh] is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?'". (Hebrews 13:5-6 NKJV.)
Believe these promises from Yahweh Shammah - He is the Lord that is there with you. He Loves you more than anything.
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your faithfulness.
Thank you that we can count on you to be
with us every step of life's way. You are a personal God,
Thank you for revealing your name to us.
Help us to remember that faith is not based
on a feeling, but on truth. Keep these
Scriptures close to our memory,
that we may believe them even when we do not feel them.
In the name of Jesus, Amen!
(C) Teresa Ortiz
Shalom: May God's Highest Favor Rest in You
Yahweh Shalom - "The Lord is Peace". Unfortunately, our English word peace does not adequately describe the full meaning of the Hebrew word Shalom.
On the surface, this might not have a great impact on how we view God's favor toward man. After all, it is probably safe to say that everyone knows the meaning of the word peace. (Unfortunately, putting it into practice is another story.)
I recently did a study on the word Shalom. I am blessed and I wanted to pass the blessing on to all who read.
Let us look at these two words a little bit closer.
PEACE= (Man's perspective) Absence of war, to be silent, to be calm in heart and mind.
Although the English word peace can be used to describe internal serenity, more often than not, it speaks to external circumstances. In fact, in the world of gangsters it has become a catch phrase. i.e. "Peace-out man", slang for "stay cool and out of trouble".
SHALOM= (God's perspective) A greeting to pronounce a personal blessing on another in its fullest capacity. i.e. "Hello and may God's favor rest in you and give you a prosperous, satisfied, healthy, perfect and harmonious day."
Okay, I must admit, when I say hello to someone, I do not consciously include all of these well wishes. Sure, I mean it when I say have a great day. It can be assumed I mean all of the things above, but the point is I am not usually making the effort to think these things through or taking the time to be specific when I say have a great day.
However, I do not want this to be a mere study of words, rather, I hope it opens the door for a second look at what this title is saying about the Creator God.
Yahweh Shalom is God's very name, a title that describes one of His many attributes. It points out that God is not merely one who gives peace, but that He IS peace. He is the sole source of true and lasting peace that is rooted in the internal man. This internal peace, when experienced in its fullness, is the only thing that will bring external peace.
Still, this is only part of why I am excited about Shalom. To be honest, the real reason is my need to feel loved, cared for, and accepted-unconditionally-warts and all. In short, I am human.
Even deeper still, is the fact that God feels this way about you and me! This is the best part because even though others may wish us the absolute best, they have no power to do anything about it--at least not to the greatest degree. By this, I mean we are human and we will fall short and disappoint each other at times.
BUT GOD! (My two favorite words in the entire bible,) He is not like man and cannot lie, nor will He ever go back on His promises. (Titus 1:2)
While studying Shalom, I looked up a few passages of Scripture, they took on a new meaning and I applied them to my life in a bigger way. Following is just one of the many.
"These things I [Jesus] have spoken to you while being present with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things I have said to you. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:25-27
I pray you have been encouraged. Take some time to dig a little deeper. I am including a few Scripture references, look them up, and see just what God desires for us and from us.
Psalm 122:6-8, Isaiah 26:3, Galatians 5:22, Psalm 34:14 – I am making it a point to remember that the Biblical word (Hebrew in the Old Testament) is always Shalom. I will never take the word peace for granted again.
So to all my friends and readers, I say to you, Shalom!!!
© Teresa Ortiz
On the surface, this might not have a great impact on how we view God's favor toward man. After all, it is probably safe to say that everyone knows the meaning of the word peace. (Unfortunately, putting it into practice is another story.)
I recently did a study on the word Shalom. I am blessed and I wanted to pass the blessing on to all who read.
Let us look at these two words a little bit closer.
PEACE= (Man's perspective) Absence of war, to be silent, to be calm in heart and mind.
Although the English word peace can be used to describe internal serenity, more often than not, it speaks to external circumstances. In fact, in the world of gangsters it has become a catch phrase. i.e. "Peace-out man", slang for "stay cool and out of trouble".
SHALOM= (God's perspective) A greeting to pronounce a personal blessing on another in its fullest capacity. i.e. "Hello and may God's favor rest in you and give you a prosperous, satisfied, healthy, perfect and harmonious day."
Okay, I must admit, when I say hello to someone, I do not consciously include all of these well wishes. Sure, I mean it when I say have a great day. It can be assumed I mean all of the things above, but the point is I am not usually making the effort to think these things through or taking the time to be specific when I say have a great day.
However, I do not want this to be a mere study of words, rather, I hope it opens the door for a second look at what this title is saying about the Creator God.
Yahweh Shalom is God's very name, a title that describes one of His many attributes. It points out that God is not merely one who gives peace, but that He IS peace. He is the sole source of true and lasting peace that is rooted in the internal man. This internal peace, when experienced in its fullness, is the only thing that will bring external peace.
Still, this is only part of why I am excited about Shalom. To be honest, the real reason is my need to feel loved, cared for, and accepted-unconditionally-warts and all. In short, I am human.
Even deeper still, is the fact that God feels this way about you and me! This is the best part because even though others may wish us the absolute best, they have no power to do anything about it--at least not to the greatest degree. By this, I mean we are human and we will fall short and disappoint each other at times.
BUT GOD! (My two favorite words in the entire bible,) He is not like man and cannot lie, nor will He ever go back on His promises. (Titus 1:2)
While studying Shalom, I looked up a few passages of Scripture, they took on a new meaning and I applied them to my life in a bigger way. Following is just one of the many.
"These things I [Jesus] have spoken to you while being present with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things I have said to you. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:25-27
I pray you have been encouraged. Take some time to dig a little deeper. I am including a few Scripture references, look them up, and see just what God desires for us and from us.
Psalm 122:6-8, Isaiah 26:3, Galatians 5:22, Psalm 34:14 – I am making it a point to remember that the Biblical word (Hebrew in the Old Testament) is always Shalom. I will never take the word peace for granted again.
So to all my friends and readers, I say to you, Shalom!!!
© Teresa Ortiz
Changing Seasons
We are in the process of moving…funny, I don't remember having this much junk when we moved in 10 years ago.
It's amazing all the emotions that come with moving, there is the excitement of the new things to come and then there are the tearful moments that come upon you before you even realize tears are streaming down your face.
Take today for instance. I was thrilled with the amount of junk I managed to stuff into one 33-lb heavy-duty Glad trash bag--that is until I tried to carry it outside. Anyway, I was singing a song while I climbed onto the kitchen counter top to clean the top of the cabinets... how in the world did all this dust get here? When I finished that task, or should I say, when I didn't feel like doing that anymore, I jumped down and went to the book shelf. I loaded half the books and then moved on to doing laundry.
You must be thinking; what a scatterbrain, why not do one room at a time? Well, here in lies my issue. At first, I am happy and then the realty of what I am really doing kicks in. Trying to avoid the inevitable, I move on to the next task, hoping for a different outcome.
No such luck.
Therefore, I decided to take a break. As I wandered toward my bedroom through the maze of boxes, I came across a special book entitled: "Ten Reasons why you are the best Parents in the World!"
This is a book that our children wrote and gave to us for Christmas 2000. Naturally, I had to read it. Here it is--exactly as written. You will need to use your imagination to see the drawings that accompany each reason.
# 1 – You always help us when we are sick!
Do you need anything? No thank you dad & mom.
# 2 – You always do what you tell us yore going to do.
Pictures of smiley faces and what appears to be a dog.
# 3 – You always say sorry when we get in to a argument.
# 4 – You are always there for us!
Do you want me to pick you up from school today? Yes please!
# 5 – You always take care of us!
We heart you!
# 6 – You always help us with our school work!
Do you need help? Sure! (No smiley faces in this drawing)
# 7 – You are always nice to us.
More smiley faces
# 8 – You always forgive us when we have done something wrong!
That's ok, don't do it again alright! Sorry mom.
# 9 – You always forgive us wen we get in a konflik.
Mean and crazed out faces with red eyes and snarled teeth.
#10 – You always make time for us!
Sure, but after I'm done here! Do you want to play a board game?
"It would take all the papper in the world to list all the reasons why you are the best parents in the world but we dont have that mutch papper so i guess we will just show you ok!"
Ah! When did the tears start flowing?
Please don't think I shared this amazing book with you to pat ourselves on the back. After all, the title of this story is Changing Seasons…
The tears bring joy and sadness. Joy, because this book represents a time when our children were young and naive. When they trusted us for all the answers and thought we were the smartest people on Earth. Sadness, because my soon to be 18 year old son, has suddenly realized he knows everything there is to know about life.
Just a few weeks back, we had a "konflik" about the house rules. Can you believe how stupid we are because we won't let him and his girlfriend hang out in his room with the door closed? What nerve!
Our son laid out his plan for the next year; save as much money as he can, move out with a couple of guys, and live his own life. "Not that I don't love you", he assures us. "Oh, and don't worry, I will finish high school."
In all honesty, it's not his failure that concerns me, it's his success. He is a very responsible young man and in many ways wise beyond his years. He works hard, pays his own bills, and stays out of trouble. He has been doing his own laundry since he was 11-years old and he knows how to cook-not even close to a Mama's boy.
My fear is that he won't remember to visit me or call me.
Daughters are different--no matter how far they move, they always stay in touch.
This move is proving to be harder than expected. It represents a season of change for each one of us. One thing I can be proud of and that is we are a close family and God has blessed us beyond measure. For this, I will choose to let these tears represent joy and excitement for the season that lies ahead.
© Teresa Ortiz
It's amazing all the emotions that come with moving, there is the excitement of the new things to come and then there are the tearful moments that come upon you before you even realize tears are streaming down your face.
Take today for instance. I was thrilled with the amount of junk I managed to stuff into one 33-lb heavy-duty Glad trash bag--that is until I tried to carry it outside. Anyway, I was singing a song while I climbed onto the kitchen counter top to clean the top of the cabinets... how in the world did all this dust get here? When I finished that task, or should I say, when I didn't feel like doing that anymore, I jumped down and went to the book shelf. I loaded half the books and then moved on to doing laundry.
You must be thinking; what a scatterbrain, why not do one room at a time? Well, here in lies my issue. At first, I am happy and then the realty of what I am really doing kicks in. Trying to avoid the inevitable, I move on to the next task, hoping for a different outcome.
No such luck.
Therefore, I decided to take a break. As I wandered toward my bedroom through the maze of boxes, I came across a special book entitled: "Ten Reasons why you are the best Parents in the World!"
This is a book that our children wrote and gave to us for Christmas 2000. Naturally, I had to read it. Here it is--exactly as written. You will need to use your imagination to see the drawings that accompany each reason.
# 1 – You always help us when we are sick!
Do you need anything? No thank you dad & mom.
# 2 – You always do what you tell us yore going to do.
Pictures of smiley faces and what appears to be a dog.
# 3 – You always say sorry when we get in to a argument.
# 4 – You are always there for us!
Do you want me to pick you up from school today? Yes please!
# 5 – You always take care of us!
We heart you!
# 6 – You always help us with our school work!
Do you need help? Sure! (No smiley faces in this drawing)
# 7 – You are always nice to us.
More smiley faces
# 8 – You always forgive us when we have done something wrong!
That's ok, don't do it again alright! Sorry mom.
# 9 – You always forgive us wen we get in a konflik.
Mean and crazed out faces with red eyes and snarled teeth.
#10 – You always make time for us!
Sure, but after I'm done here! Do you want to play a board game?
"It would take all the papper in the world to list all the reasons why you are the best parents in the world but we dont have that mutch papper so i guess we will just show you ok!"
Ah! When did the tears start flowing?
Please don't think I shared this amazing book with you to pat ourselves on the back. After all, the title of this story is Changing Seasons…
The tears bring joy and sadness. Joy, because this book represents a time when our children were young and naive. When they trusted us for all the answers and thought we were the smartest people on Earth. Sadness, because my soon to be 18 year old son, has suddenly realized he knows everything there is to know about life.
Just a few weeks back, we had a "konflik" about the house rules. Can you believe how stupid we are because we won't let him and his girlfriend hang out in his room with the door closed? What nerve!
Our son laid out his plan for the next year; save as much money as he can, move out with a couple of guys, and live his own life. "Not that I don't love you", he assures us. "Oh, and don't worry, I will finish high school."
In all honesty, it's not his failure that concerns me, it's his success. He is a very responsible young man and in many ways wise beyond his years. He works hard, pays his own bills, and stays out of trouble. He has been doing his own laundry since he was 11-years old and he knows how to cook-not even close to a Mama's boy.
My fear is that he won't remember to visit me or call me.
Daughters are different--no matter how far they move, they always stay in touch.
This move is proving to be harder than expected. It represents a season of change for each one of us. One thing I can be proud of and that is we are a close family and God has blessed us beyond measure. For this, I will choose to let these tears represent joy and excitement for the season that lies ahead.
© Teresa Ortiz
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