The Truth, as I see it, or something like that

"He walked with me in peace and equity, And turned many away from iniquity."
--Malachi 2:6

I think the point of this scripture, to me, is found in the last line "turned many away from iniquity", which is found when we, as people who believe in God and, even, Jesus, walk in peace and equity with all man.  But, I ask you, how can you do this, when we "Christians", who claim to follow the teachings of Christ, march on the street or boycott businesses that treat human beings as less than because their lifestyle, choice, beliefs seem contrary to ours or our intrepretation of the Bible.  How is that reflecting the one we claim to serve and love and worship?  How is that turning one away from the presumed iniquity?  I am speaking primarily of the "homosexual agenda" but this could be any particular sin.

The scripture you rampant "Jesus freaks" (notice, in quotation) claim as proof of this is found in Romans 1ish:

"Likewise also men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due."

First of, that is one scripture among many.  Second of, in my recollection, that is the words of Paul, who yes, has some good things to say, but, and must I say this boldly, IS NOT JESUS!!!  So, if he is not Jesus, and Jesus is the main thing, then why put such stock on Paul when even he said, plainly, to follow Christ, not him.

And what is the message of Christ but love, peace, grace....and how does he reach people with those love, how does he convert, or change, or "save", but, my dear friends, in relationship.

So, without further ado, I have finally come to the conclusion that homosexuality in itself is not sin, but sin is what separates us from God.  For example, I have a very dear little lesbian friend (little because she is, hi! hi!) who I believe is more connected with Jesus because of her love for her fiance, her family, her friends, and understanding of herself in relation to God.  Well, actually, its my intuition when I talk to her, I just know that nothing separates her from God and isn't, even with her choice of sexuality.

But, then I know of several Christians who, based on my once again intuition who seem further away from God, based on the sin of judgment and hatred...controlling behaviors which is contrary to God, because remember its his will not ours.  But, I digress...

I think it is more of a sin if one tries to separate those who are brought together by God (for example, my darling love and I, a truth that was spoken to me several years ago "what God has brought together, let man not separate") and I speak of all relations.  It's not our responsiblity, people!

I strive to be a Christian that would make Gandhi desire to "drink the kool-aid", not really just a real authentic example of Christ in every way so that my man, Gandhi and those lie him would actually like me for the very truth that I act in the same way as Christ (isn't that the key here?)

Sin is what separates you from God--He is love, hatred is the opposite of love, so therefore hatred is the opposite of God, so as God is the redeemer of our hearts, then if we carry the burden of hate in our hearts (and I am speaking of my heart, truthfully), then we are not in the right place of God and we must confess---everyone of us, for hate towards others--

So, one scripture speaks against homosexuality, and once again, that is Paul, not Jesus.  It says "left the naturaly use' meaning male to female, yet if homosexuality is a sin and we are all "born in sin" naturally, then why is it not possible to be born gay? Hmm...food for thought! Then, homosexuality for some is natural---so then the natural use!! (Remember, we are all sinners!) And really, the worse kind of sexual immorality, adultery and even more so, child abuse (You burn in hell for that, folks, and me being a teacher/child care worker, hell will hath no fury like a teacher who discovers you have done that!)

The real reason for this rambling (sorry so long) is the true message of the Bible is the words of Christ, not Paul or anyone else, and all other voices should be drowned out by his (as should be in all our lives) and his message is:

"LOVE, GRACE, MERCY, and INCLUSION"

(We are all sinners, remember!!)

So, those that have that 'pure love', even the "gays", yes have more of a relationship and the spirit of God, Christ-likeness than Christians who forget the one who they are called by---the one who they are supposed to be like

Funny, gay means happy! Shouldn't we all be gay?  And the rainbow, the banner of diversity, isn't it also a promise of God's love and grace and mercy?

And, yeah, if the supposed individuals who we claim to be sinners, (remember one pointing finger outwards has three pointing back), isn't it God's job to change their hearts?  Why, then, do we use the Word of God as a weapon instead of a tool for our own salvation, our own recovery, then? Hmm...food for thought!

So, once again, I say plainly, it is not our responsibility to save, but God's, and in that it is not our duty to correct, but to trust that God has a purpose and a plan for all our stumblings, confusion...Remember, we are not all perfect and don't understand his purpose and plan?

All this is not to call out or condemn (for both sides of the equation, so if I offended any, well, there is the chance that I offended both which seems more fair and balanced (hi! hi!) but to openly confess my own 'backslidings'

Yes, I confess and openly admit: I am a Christian, fallible, judgmental, hypocrital, but I strive every day to extend the love and grace and actually walk HIS TALK, not mine!

Secondly, I am or seem to be of sorts, bipolar (which in the eyes of some is not real, but sin)

Thirdly, here goes nothing:

I openly admit and confess that I am....bisexual....and proud....

He who has ears to hear, let him hear....

*Disclaimer: the way I see it, love is love.  We are not in love with the physicality or the body, but the soul.  In this lifetime, that can take either gender.  So, yes, I find women attractive, have thought about being with them, and even had strong feelings, perhaps love, for at least one, but, in all honesty, I prefer the male member....in short, I prefer my husband.

Day Seventeen: God The Healer: The Mystery Solved

                                                             Day Seventeen

                "in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will" Ephesians 1:8b


So, as we learned yesterday that he lavishes his unending grace upon us, he also offers us his eternal and ethereal wisdom and insight to now fully understand the mystery of all the ages; the mystery found in Christ Jesus.
You all know the story, of Adam and Eve, the apple, the serpent, the banishment.  But, what I want to implore to you is the mystery that God foreknew of that fall of man before time began, and planned that his precious son would die for us, would sacrifice his own life on our behalf, to have communion and eternal relationship with the Father.

So, this Christmas, remember the babyhood was only the start of Christ's humility, giving us his position and authority as God, to become a man and suffer what we have suffered.  And truly, as you suffer, know that every possible affliction, suffering, and pain you are experiencing, have experienced, or have yet to experience, he has willingly put himself through, yet without sin.  He knows heartbreak, betrayal, remorse, even physical wounds he comprehends.

So, as you open presents and enjoy time with family and loved ones, remember his suffering on your behalf, and know that he did that so that you would not be alone.  Know that he is never far away, just a prayer and a breath away, to reach you with his loving and comforting arms.  Be comforted in his understanding of your pain and rest in him.

"But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed.  Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.  And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.  For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.  2 Corinthians 3:16-18

Day Six: God The Healer: He Chose You

                                                             Day Six

                       "even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world"
                                                                          Ephesians 1:4


Well, yesterday, we talked about praising God and blessing God in our storm and I would encourage us to continue to do that.  Actually, to make that a daily thing, no matter what the mood, to praise God and bless God for who he is in our lives, for what he has done, will do, is doing, or for just the greatness of who he is.  And then, remember, we get blessed,  not because we deserve it, but because He loves us and was going to bless us anyway.

Well, today, I want to show you one way he blesses us with spiritual blessings, in that, He chose you.  Yes, no matter what anyone has told you, what religiousity you have fallen into, God loves you and knew you before the creation of the earth, and before the fall of man, He chose you to become his child.  He knew that Jesus would have to pay for your sins, and even knew that you would turn your back on him, but He chose you before the creation of the universe.

Why? Because He loves you and desires to have a real and lasting relationship with him.  And for that, you can praise him, for that you can rejoice.  In that, knowing how much he loves you, I pray you can find healing today.

Be blessed in the knowledge of his love and care for you, that spans before time or creation began, and remember to praise him from the depths of your heart.

In your journal, write what it means to you to know that you were chosen to be God's son or daughter, prince or princess, before the dawn of creation, despite your sin.  Then, spend sometime just sitting before the Lord and think about how much he loves you, let that wash over you and carry you through the day.

"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."  Col. 3:2

God The Healer: Day Four: True Peace

Day Four

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 1:2

One cannot have true peace without experiencing God's grace first. Otherwise said, without receiving the grace of God through faith, we cannot receive the peace from God.

When I first became a believer, I knew in my mind about God’s grace but not in my heart. And having the influence of drug-addicted boyfriend, I was secretly believing that I could sin because of God’s grace abounded; a license to sin. I never truly understood the power of His free gift of undeserved favor and the inward change it brought about. It wasn’t until I fell over and over into temptation that I began to understand God’s grace and mercy. At every heartbreak, returning brought a confession of sin and a deeper understanding of God’s grace. And with all the turmoil the distance from God cost caused by my sin, receiving God’s grace brought true peace.

As Paul writes, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Take a moment to reflect on how God’s peace has impacted your life and then write about those experiences here.

“The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”