Jesus Is My Orientation

Posted by Wayne on April 19, 2013  |  No Comments

As Christians we should be acutely aware of our sinful condition and our need for Jesus Christ. By identifying ourselves by our by our temptations we begin to lose sight of the power in the victory that Jesus Christ won for all of us over temptation at the cross.

Sexual orientation is not a discussion in the Bible, but a psychological definition of sinful persuasions. In fact, sex was not ever intended to be an identity, but a gift of intimacy given to one man and one woman. Nowhere are we told that this group went about identifying as heterosexual and that group as homosexual and so on based upon their sexual desire. This has evolved over time under the influence of sin and our fallen nature.

Sexual sin however, is outlined. Homosexual behavior is one of those sins identified.  Clear instruction is provided about same-gendered sexual relations. It is an abomination to God.  We are not provided examples of those who simply have the desire, but don’t act on them. We are not given iconic figures of same-sex sexual unions ordained by God. The only examples of the sanctity of marriage are that between a man and a woman.

In an age where everyone is seeking acceptance, it would be crucial as God’s believers to have His approval if we are going enter a sexual relationship between two people and have His blessing. Without such an example we would be putting ourselves at grave risk in His judgment.

God created two perfect people and ONLY two perfect people. So any claim by anyone thereafter stating that “God made me this way,” would be inaccurate.  Once sin infiltrated, we were all then stained with a fallen nature.  Romans 5:8 says that while we are still sinners, God loves us. However He is not suggesting that we go on sinning.

It is important to note that throughout God’s Word there are only two orientations.  Either we are oriented to Jesus, or we are oriented to the world. If I am oriented to food, to sex or to things, I’m clearly going to miss out on Jesus and the orientation He freely offers me.

While you are reading, I am laying the groundwork so that we can conclude the danger that comes from in the world, instead of apart from the world. 

Here is a question I believe we can ask ourselves that may provide a great deal of clarity.  In coming to Jesus, surrendering to Him, abiding in Him and seeking His forgiveness, how would it benefit me to continue to identify in my past or according to my temptations or desires? Would such an identity have me focusing on self rather than on the victory that Jesus purchased for me?

Why would I confess my sin as a homosexual and accept the redemption that Jesus promises me, yet continue to identify in the sin He rescued me from?  In 2 Corinthians 5:17 I am told this: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Wow!  What power, beauty and strength there is in be created anew. I’m not bound to my old temptations and desires. I’ve been given the right to claim my freedom in Jesus. But I must keep choosing it from one moment to the next.   

Now I didn’t say that now I’m a heterosexual.  I’ve just laid the ground level at the foot of the cross. Regardless of the sin temptation, this is where we are all in need of a Savior and His blood to wash us and make us new in Him.

Jesus doesn’t promise marriage to any of us. He doesn’t provide for sex outside of marriage. He doesn’t tell me to seek someone to love the way I want to love and consummate that relationship with sex as I determine as a fitting expression of my love. And He doesn’t tell me to identify by my temptation to do what my fallen nature naturally inclines me to. IE: Orientation due to my sinful nature.

If we as Christians were to identify by our temptations, we would then have multiple segregations within the church.  The adulterating Christians could sit in this section and the homosexual Christians in that section, and the gluttonous Christians in this one and the murderous Christians in another.  Now some readers would take great offense by associating the sinful desires of one with that of another that seems far worse. However God’s Word makes it clear that all sin is repulsive to Him. And all the previous referenced are sin if acted upon.  If I’m tempted to overeat am I a “gluttonous Christian?”  If I feel I’m oriented by adultery, am I an “adulterous Christian?”  If I’m tempted to have sexual relations with children, am I a Christian pedophile?”  Now it doesn’t seem to wise here to identify by our temptations does it?

Today, many are seeking to distract from our need of God through terminology and seeking for loopholes in God’s Word. To me that is a significant sign of legalism. It is here that I would like to offer a word of caution.  Sin is sin regardless of what pretty little label we give it.  Same-sex attracted, gay, homosexual … they all equate the same thing if acted upon. The resulting behavior is sin. Some would like to say… “Now hold on!  If I have love and sex for just one person of the same sex, it’s not the same as if I were having sex with multiple partners.”  Are you sure? Is there a verse that you would like to share that shows God’s approval for a monogamous same-sex intimate relationship? Because in all my searching in God’s Word… It’s not there. It still equates sin.  It is also part of the many many kinds of sin that Jesus died for. There is no sanctity in a monogamous same-sex relationship if it is sinful in God’s eyes of which I have no doubt.  This is simply another ploy by the enemy to separate and segregate and self elevate. We are all still sinners in God’s eyes regardless of how we look at and consider one another.

What’s in it for me to continue to identify as a “gay Christian?”  Gay is not even in God’s Word.  So how about if I identify as a “homosexual Christian?” Or maybe a “same-sex attracted Christian?” What does this label provide me? What is it saying to those around me?  Do I have special rights? Do I get a disclaimer?  Am I handicapped?  Aren’t we all? Am I limiting God and His power to heal?

Let me continue to be clear by stating that I am in no way stating that repenting gays should claim a heterosexual identity. In fact let me be clear to state that I believe Jesus had no intention of any of us claiming a sexual identity, but strictly an identity “In Him!” Sex was never meant by God to be an identity. Simply a gift of intimacy. Not something that would dominate in such pronounced way in a relationship that He provided … that it would take over as an identity.

Orientation is determined by that in which we fix our focus. If I fix my focus on sex and desire for intimacy, I am going to be oriented by it whether straight or gay. But if I fix my focus on Jesus, instead of being oriented by sex or sexual desire or even companionship, I will be oriented to Jesus and seeking to do His will instead of my own. This is where the importance of abiding in Christ and surrendering to Him must be applied.  This is where we begin to recognize the importance of living by His truths, rather than by our feelings or by what we think is owed to us or a given right.  Sexual intimacy is a gift, not a right.

Now before you think that I am insensitive, let me be very clear that by not recognizing our sin temptations and doing as James 5:16 asks us to do by confessing our sins one to another and praying for the healing that is promised… whew… deep breath… we are long overdue in acknowledging the silent temptations and fear of judgment from others. We are all desperate for Jesus and should be able to express the temptations we face and struggle with without them taking over as an identity. This is where God’s family needs to come together and surround one another, lifting each other up for healing.

These contemplations should be considered by all, not just those who have had promiscuous relationships. I have been blatantly called out as “broken” and in need of a Savior because of a promiscuous past.  But according to the Word of God, I am not singled out. I am lumped in with “ALL” sinners who are in need of a Savior. God’s Word and His bloodshed are universal.

Science and psychology have taken far too much credit for explaining that which is not founded or grounded in God’s Word. Our only hope is in Jesus, not in man. Studies, observations… they should all point back to Jesus and the truth, hope, forgiveness, healing and redemption He offers all of us as sinners.  I suggest we drop the labels and recognize that we are all sinners in need of a Savior. Through the surrender of our thoughts, desires and temptations that are not in accordance with His Word, He gives all of us the right to claim an identity as a “New Creation” in Him.  Anything less than this simply weights me in bondage to this sin sick world. I want my rights to be in Jesus, not in a disclaimer that seems to somehow justify my sin sick condition leaving me in darkness.

Today so many of us are looking around to see what the majority thinks or are saying.  Consider that throughout the Word of God, the majority were never right.  We must look to Jesus … not to each other and what the current polls indicate. We need Jesus.  He promises us a way out of ANY cultivated or hereditary sinful condition.  Isn’t that incredible?  What amazing love, grace, hope, redemption and healing He offers every one of us!

When Standing For Right Seems Wrong

Posted by Wayne on March 28, 2013  |  No Comments

“But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,..” 1 Peter 3:14

 God’s Word to us tells us that times will come where good is called evil and evil good. His truth has always been and will remain forever. What changes…are feelings.  Our feelings are under attack from our first breath until our last.

 Depending on what we surround ourselves with, those feelings can be influenced by God or by the enemy of God. This is the enemy’s territory and God is seeking continually to bring us out of darkness.

 Infiltrating even places of Godly worship is the agenda of the enemy. Unsubstantiated claims are being made that seek to sever us from God and His laws of love. Many have the idea that if life is tough, then we accommodate ourselves to the world and try and change theology so that it is more in keeping with earth trends rather than heavenly declarations.

God’s perfect plan for man is being thrown out in order to please the desires of the flesh that are not in physiological agreement. (same-gendered relationships/marriage)  Some say… “It’s not hurting anyone, let it be.”  But isn’t anything that is not in agreement with God hurting and damaging us?  One compromise gives way to another and before we recognize it we are estranged from God and His will.

 Sympathy and pain are the most effective tools of manipulating God’s truth, weaving deceit into God’s Holy plan.  The gift of intimacy is now seen by many as a right. Instead of praying for and waiting for God to reveal His plan, we sometimes take it out of His hands and declare our decision to act based upon our self centered desires.

 I have made many mistakes in my life acting out on my desires and needs without surrendering them and seeking God’s guidance.  I have found there are consequences. It took many years…and I still get frequent reminders of how much I need Jesus and must abide in Him to truly have assurance, peace and fully experience His love.

The world is constantly redefining “love” and fashioning it according to our desires which are under continual attack from Satan.

 When I witness this constant redefinition, the question that returns time and again is … “Why do we need a redeemer?”  Pure love and its reflection will draw us to His cross and the reason He chose to come and die for our sins.  It will stimulate my need of God and my need to repent.  His law is perfect.  His law is love. His law protects us from the enemy when we abide Him. But when we step outside of His plan, He calls us. He will honor our decisions. He does not force us.

 Simply based upon a difference of opinion and thinking he knew better, Lucifer continued to isolate and alienate himself from God his creator. An ugliness grew and before long there was no longer honor and glory being shown for God, but a conceit, arrogance and love of self that would separate this beautiful being from God forever. How God’s heart must have ached.

 Today my prayer is that rather than debating our desires and rights, we would humbly come before our glorious King and Creator and surrender. Often what we cannot see in the struggle, we praise God for having endured in faith and trust in Him.

The Painful Road of Rejection

Posted by Wayne on March 26, 2013  |  No Comments

The life of Christ is placed before us as an example of a call to purity, relationship and honor.

 He endured ridicule, skepticism and even loneliness. It is important to recognize that He experienced temptation. Onlookers always sought proof of all He taught and stood for. Yet much of His life teachings and those who would become His disciples, plainly required a faith experience.

 Skeptics and onlookers jeered and ridiculed. In the midst of His ministry they went so far as to spit on him for His uncompromising beliefs and teachings. His life journey was a always a “feel good” experience.

 Humility, suffering and self-denial are part of the Christian experience. James 1: 2-4 says to count it all joy. However it is likely that much of the time we seem to experience despair, deep pain and discomfort. The deceit of the world is the promise of pleasure. Especially in American society. We are continually feeding self-satisfying comforts.

 The Word of God calls for the surrender of self.  Look around.  Everywhere you turn you see people demanding and protecting their rights. When we look to the cross there we see He who paid for the freedom from deceit.

 Our natural inclination is to satisfy our desires. There are many life circumstances as a result of sin that would have us insist that we have a right to certain permissions that don’t align with the teachings of God’s plan for us. Sin has left an ugly mark on this earth.

 Jesus showed love and compassion for those who hated Him.  Often life hurts.  We didn’t ask to be here. But He tells us we are chosen. He chose us because in each of us He has given us the spirit of truth and to live according to it if we choose.

 Life is full of pain. He says cast all your care upon me.  Psalm 55:22 ”Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”

 Each day and in every moment we have been given the choice on how we will respond to our circumstances. As Painful and confusing as life’s challenges can be… He offers us His grace, His compassion, His empowerment, His wisdom and clarity.

 I invite you to make decisions in this life based upon the truth of the one who loved you enough to die and shed His blood for you.

 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

PASSION

Posted by Wayne on March 21, 2013  |  No Comments

Have you considered the many meanings? 

I’m often told about my passion. So I decided to explore this. Webster’s provides an array of meanings from emotion, love and devotion.

“Intense, driving, or overmastering feeling or conviction.”  “a strong liking or desire…”an object of desire or deep interest.”

“ardent affection, love.”

The word contains such the essence of life.  Passion… a drive or force.  This can result in some complications when it has been present in it’s multiple forms during our journey through life.  The meanings can get tangled and interwoven while whether we are moving forward or standing still.

Old passions and desires can surface even when we have chosen new pathways and driving life forces. Passion can materialize from both good and evil derivatives. Because of this, we must be cautious with our applications.

At times in my life I have been driven by desire. Desires that were not congruent with God’s plan for me.  At birth and experiencing instant rejection… desire for acceptance and a thirst for love developed. But they developed out of brokenness and the stain of a fallen nature. Such desires and strong emotion can make some pretty heavy indentations on a life.

For me… passion ignited from day one. Turning, twisting, anguish, discomfort and a thrive to survive. Demanding satisfaction! Demanding love!  Passions … They can stir out of a variety of a life scenarios. Certainly not all good.

Humility, submission and trust can reposition us for new desires, passions and even an entirely new belief structure. This is the beginning of the beauty of a faith relationship with Jesus. One that stems from any point in our life when we are willing to submit ourselves to Him for regeneration and reconciliation.

In this we are reborn into a life with Christ that stirs right passions and desires. Here I get to experience an “intense conviction” and “deep interest” that is in alignment with God’s perfect plan for His son. Under this conviction “I am chosen and appointed by Christ to bear His fruit.” John 15:16

What is often painful and confusing at this juncture is the resurgence of old passions and desires trying to regain control. I’m scarred by my past decisions. The fight against the flesh begins. I am only safe in abiding in Christ. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

And so I am faced with decision. Each and every day…every moment… I am faced with decision to choose Jesus over my flesh. This is where the Christian experience truly lives.

And so I want to say to you today…. That you matter!  You belong!  You are His! …and He is yours!  Surrender.  Let Him break your heart over and over again and find refuge and safety in Him.  Fall in love with Him and cling to the rock. He will never leave or forsake you. He purchased you with His blood. Cover yourself with the blood and live in accordance with His will instead of what your body cries out for.

”…fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2

A Question of Identity

Posted by Wayne on March 9, 2013  |  No Comments

For many who missed out of this in depth interview from September 2012;

Here is the link.

A Question of Identity

Pure Love Reflections

Posted by Wayne on March 6, 2013  |  No Comments

From birth we are constantly learning. Raised in a Christian home where we read God’s Word and going to Christian school, I learned what was right and wrong and we lived life accordingly.

 I didn’t know how to cultivate a relationship with God. I just followed the rules. Like everyone else, my feelings were also trying to dictate truth and my actions.

 I remember when I was twelve or thirteen; I read texts about homosexual behaviors. I was shocked that I was feeling desires for the same sex, but I hadn’t chosen these feelings. How could this be possible? Was God angry with me?  Was He going to disown me? What could I do?

 Years of church and church school would pass and these same-sex feelings would only deepen. The harassment, alienation and rejection due to my recognizable struggle would intensify.

 But I was only one in a sea of people struggling with different kinds of feelings. I wonder how many others felt lonely and insignificant in God’s family of believers. The focus everyone seemed to have was on “right doing,” not on reflecting a genuine reflection of God’s love.  Why was that? 

 I’m sure it is pretty easy to determine today that we have been so judgmental. In fact it has become second nature for many of us … not recognizing the programming that was going on in us.  We looked at exteriors and most often failed to see the heart that was aching and suffering because the arms of Jesus seemed to be tied behind our backs.

 “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8   Wow!  If God can extend and show His love to us while we are sinning, why can’t we show this same tireless, non judgmental love to those who have not yet experienced intimacy with Him?

 How many times has book knowledge been our mainstay instead of a practical application of that knowledge?  How many times have we heard about who Jesus loved and ministered to from the church pulpit and yet never mirrored Jesus by ministering to those in pain in this world…including many sitting in the church pews next to us?

 It was because of the absence of experiential love that I left God and His family in the church for nearly forty years.  Ahh… but God NEVER gives up and through Him; through His divine intervention, He returned me unto Himself. And in that experience, all my past knowledge about right and wrong returned. But this time, I see that it isn’t God nailing me for what I do or don’t do.  He is demonstrating that AMAZING love to me that does not condemn, but invites me to delve into a relationship with Him that incomparable with anything in the world.  He keeps picking me up and carrying me when it all seems so tough and confusing because of those lying feelings we all encounter.

Because of this experience with Him, He is asking me to reflect this very same nonjudgmental love to those I encounter.  Share my experience, tell about what God has revealed to me, point to where I gained my experience, point to Jesus, but not assuming a ruler or judging position. Let the Holy Spirit work in the lives of the listeners and observers.  God can reach them just as He reached me.  It is not for me to mandate, simply reflect the source of such enduring and pure unadulterated love.

  “So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:17-19

 I am finding that I truly need to come to Jesus as a child who comes to his or her parent, with a child like faith and thirst for all that He teaches.  We are each so very loved and unique designs of His. Priceless in His sight.  Let’s be precious and priceless to each other. That’s where the healing can begin.

I Matter … You Matter

Posted by Wayne on March 2, 2013  |  No Comments

You are the pride in God’s eyes! You are His special one of a kind, unique creation. Never will there be another such as you! This is not a realization when you are groomed, dressed in your very best , smelling as fresh as the morning air. He looks past your exterior and sees your heart. The potential of who He can be in you. He doesn’t distance Himself and wait for you to recognize that you need to clean up your act! He comes close and tries to acquaint you with His soft, tender and compassionate love.  In humility… the pureness and joy of Him is realized.

Every day He walked this earth, Jesus walked among earth’s less than desirables seeking to make a difference in their lives. If they could catch just a glimpse or glimmer of how much He loved them, a huge difference could begin to take hold.  His gentle voice and loving touch changed lives that the enemy had so long claimed as his own.

Demon possessed, adulterers, handicapped, lepers, prostitutes, tax collectors, pharisees, all kinds of messed up people. He reached out to each one of  them with life changing love.  It was this very same love that exuded from His disciples who were sent forth to share His gospel.

Pretty much every day we think about what we can gain, what will satisfy and pleasure ourselves. From a simple desire to satisfy our thirst with something to drink… to obtaining an item of desire or a level of wealth.  We often look within instead of reaching out to make a difference in this sin forsaken world.

Then… once a week we head to the organized church to routinely follow our spiritual regiment. Sit in the same pew, go to the same Sabbath or Sunday School class, acknowledge the people we know, avoid others, and put on a plastic face for others. Right there under appropriately designed structures souls are aching for the touch of Jesus. Often we even claim to be reaching out to them by our mere pomp and circumstance before God. But in reality, souls are aching and suffering by the hands of “God’s family.”

Do we … as representatives of Jesus leave the impression that He hates us? Do we believe we are appropriately representing God’s anger toward a sinner? Do we check people for spots before they enter His “safe and save” haven?  What are we doing with the priceless talents God has given us?

“…Jesus … saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. “Follow me,” Jesus said to him, ²⁸ and Levi got up, left everything and followed him. Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:27-32

Often when speaking to congregations around the world, I stare out at the perplexed faces of God’s beloved. It is so difficult for us to mirror a love we have not yet experienced.  What He is trying to show us is that we all matter! We have inestimable value!  We are all precious in His sight!  And He wants us to see that value in one another.  We are each other’s neighbors for the kingdom.

The homosexual, the glutton, the pedophile, the arrogant, the murderer, the prideful Christian, the adulterer, the gossip, any one of us.

“…He gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6

After the years of absence from God, I am learning more about the intimacy with Jesus.  It’s a strange and perplexing lesson at times.  We have all been programmed with the natural stain of sin. We arrive seeking to satisfy ourselves.  Only He can teach us about reaching out and making a difference in this sin scarred world.  You can make a difference. Surrender!  Let Him use you as a tool for His glory!

You matter!  You make a difference!  I invite you to let Him make a difference through you.  You are here to fulfill a purpose that He has designed to make through you. 

“Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them.” John 14:23

Make difference by letting Him reflect His love through you and all that you do that will draw others to Him.    You will be blessed!!

Debridement of a Sinner

Posted by Wayne on February 21, 2013  |  No Comments

Spiritual peaks and valleys!  Have you noticed this in your walk with God.  You’re on this plateau holding God’s hand and walking.  You share the beauties you are experiencing. He tells you how He loves you and is so pleased with your commitment and you tell Him how thankful you are for His blood that has covered you and how He led you to the cross.  The journey is upright and blessed and then suddenly you feel the sting of a poison arrow shot by the enemy.

Not expecting it, you limp a bit dazed and confused.  Struggling, you feel disabled only to feel the impact of yet another poison arrow. By “feelings” you think you’re becoming more distanced from your Savior.  In fact if you’re not careful, you might even begin to think that your Savior is somehow responsible for your weakened state of mind.

In reality, what has just occurred is that the enemy has found a weak spot in your armor. You know… the shield and helmet you’ve been advised in Ephesians to keep in place at all times. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Perhaps a worldly distraction caught you off guard and before you knew it, your defenses had become weakened.” Ephesians 6:10-13  

In our clouded vision and disabled state we tend to forget this beautiful promise. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Sometimes our past comes back to taunt us.  I am frequently accused by the enemy that I’m not really a New Creation at all.  Because I experience temptation, the devil tries to tell me that there is no healing. But the fact of the matter is … my temptations are a reminder of how much I need Jesus. In order for Jesus to trust me for His kingdom, He must see me choose Him over and over again. There is no room for self in the kingdom. Jesus is asking that I live to glorify Him.  The world is asking that you accept yourself for who you are.  However it is the world that is trying to make sure that is shaping who you are … rather than God.

Faith is the absence of feeling.  A trust in fact. God’s Holy Word contains so many beautiful truths and principles. But they can only become a reality if we apply them by abiding in Christ and claiming that which we may not feel, but is truth.

In the absence of feeling, God is loudly declaring to each of us that it is decision time. ^“15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15

Wounds (sins), if not properly attended to, can get reinfected. The pain of eliminating infection can be very painful.  Sometimes debridement of wound requires the patient to be anesthetized.  And then care for the wound must be diligent and tended to with great care.

In a weakened state, often Jesus picks us up and carries us during the healing process. He puts wonderful caretakers in our path who reflect His love and share His promises and give us hope for regaining our strength in Him. His truth never changes. We do. We often fluctuate in our weakness while He is ever present trying grow us in Him.  He invites us to cling to Him.  Cling to the old rugged cross.  Soon you’ll be walking beside Him once more.

In your woundedness, claim His many beautiful promises for you.

John 11:25 “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies’”

1 Thessalonians 5:18 “… give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Psalms 55:22  “Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.”

2 Peter 2:9 the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment.”

John 15:18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.”

Psalm 27:1 “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”

Rewiring Same-Gendered Relationships

Posted by Wayne on February 17, 2013  |  No Comments

Everywhere homosexuality is mentioned in God’s Word, it is in a negative connotation.  Well.. everywhere except one.  1 Corinthians 6:9-11 says; “and such WERE some of you.” God is showing all who witness earth’s struggle with sin, how there will be a people who will honor and obey Him. A people who will actively decide to do God’s will instead of following deceptions that satan has laid out for us.  Feelings are powerful.

“Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.”  Proverbs 28:26

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” Jeremiah 17:9

Without our complete reliance upon God, His Word and the power of the Holy Spirit, we are forever lost. How many of us walk with God? How many just check in once in a while?  How many of us rely upon our feelings as a barometer of what we determine acceptable? Many profess self truths today which are not based on God’s Word.  They speak loudly seeking to influence those around them to partake of theories which have no grounding in God’s Word.

This is how it was when Lucifer’s fall began in Heaven. While His words, feelings and actions did not have the blessing of God, he was able to infect a third of the angels cast out with him.  This clearly demonstrates how effective His deceptive thinking is.  As a result of his fall, he and his angels now seek to convince us that our feelings equal truth.  This equates to the lifting up of self and not lifting up God and dying to self moment by moment.

Thousands of years have played out.  God’s Word has given us examples of how dangerous it is to let self rule. Not just in homosexual behavior, but with any sin temptation that we allow (choose) to let overcome us.  Temptation as shown throughout the Word of God is not sin.  But acting on temptation is giving in to the lies and deceptions of the evil one.

We have witnessed trends.  We have seen great peril throughout the Word of God as examples of what we can expect in honoring self, instead of God.  He has given us light and truth that point to Him. Promises of healing, peace and joy in Jesus are a result of trusting Him, not self. Faith and trusting are superior to “feelings.”

God has allowed many to explore their internal fleshly desires.  When there is an intent desire to seek Him, He does not hold back, but provides His divine and inspired guidance and the promise of the Holy Spirit to reveal truth to us.  Dying to the flesh and the intents and desires of self is often a painful process. But He promises to restore us.  Joel 2: 24-26 promises that He will give back to us what the locusts have eaten. He allows us to go down some very dark paths only to discover His truth is after all sovereign.

After living for nearly forty years as one who sought love and acceptance from the male gender, God is today restoring to me His perfect plan for same-gendered relationships.

2 Samuel 1:26  “I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women.”

It has been the enemy who has substituted sex for love. Not just through homosexuality, but in any relationship where flesh has risen over the pure love of Jesus which transforms the heart.

Each gender is apt to understand its own nuances better than that of the opposite gender. But this is not an automatic president for an expression of sex.  The story of David and Jonathan comes with great depth. Such protection and love extended beyond an act of sexual intimacy.  The love described in God’s Word does not point to sexual intimacy but to a head and heart love that extended beyond their love for their wives. While they would likely die for their wives under a set of circumstances, they would also die for one another because of how well they understood and loved each other.  This is not sex based, but heart based.  Jesus is pure love. His intimacy with us is not sexual.  It’s far beyond the expression of sex based on knowledge, relationship and understanding. Sex is not a component of this love.

It is this love that God wants us to purely reflect to others as His sons and daughters.  This is the love that church bodies need to embrace today. There is healing in “heart” love. This love points each other to Jesus. This love transcends beyond sexual expression.

God’s Word provides us balance in the many truths it contains. It serves as our guide. It helps us develop trust through its author. Love is the theme of His Word.   John 13: 34-35  ³⁴ “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. ³⁵ By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”  Clearly God is commissioning us to lift each other up. He is instructing us to know one another and to walk together on this journey here on  earth. He is asking us to reflect Him and share Him as we encounter all of life’s experiences.

Our flesh will cry out. The lies of the enemy will seek to invade. Temptations will come. We have been given the power of choice. Seek ye first the kingdom of God. Live according to His Word and He will reward you. We are held responsible for the pure representation of the love of Jesus as we apply it to each other.

While sex is very much a part of our physical being, God has asked us to keep it within the confines of holiness.  His Word confirms His plans for us.

Let’s walk together and share our burdens within the plan of God.  He has showed a physical intimacy between same-gendered people that includes holding one another and even greeting one another with a “holy” kiss. But we must not translate our flesh into that which has not been ordained by God.  His purity and the depth of His love must be perfectly reflected.

After all… sex is not what we are taking to heaven with us, but a sharing of the pure love for one another that He instills in our hearts. This will be love eternal!

The Gospel? …or a comfortable substitute

Posted by Wayne on January 16, 2013  |  No Comments

Often when something makes us uncomfortable, we look for a way to make an adaptation or adjustment that will support how we feel so that no change is necessary.  Do you think this is how we should respond to God’s teachings and directions to us?  Hundreds of thousands today are looking to rewrite the Word of God so that it will better serve themselves.

Paul says -   “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.” Galatians 1:6-7

How much easier would it be to float through life with our own blueprint instead of the one God gave us?  Does that sound familiar? It should… It is exactly what Lucifer proposed. He became full of himself with pride and arrogance and self confidence… seeing no need of a Savior or King.  He had plans that made much more sense.  Because of this He was cast out of heaven and today he is trying to convince you and I that our way is better than the perfect plan that God laid before us.  Do you see the danger in this?  More and more people are willing to adopt this theory and believe that God is approving of their decision to addapt their life in whatever way they see fit.

The deception is overwhelming.  Those introducing the deception are baffled by those not willing to enter deception along with them. They want you to be drawn to a “different gospel” through sympathy, anger, outrage and any other sense that satan would have you deceived by.

This is the simple and same tactic used to deceive  Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Six thousand years later, people are still responding with their senses rather than submitting their hearts and minds to Jesus and seeking His truth and guidance. By not adapting to what seems easier and kinder, they would have you think that you are not representing the pure love of Jesus Christ.

When you have children and you want them to learn how to live, you give them a set of guidelines right? Often children test us and live outside those guidelines.  You don’t stop loving them, but you sometimes discipline them or allow them to suffer consequences so that they will value the original plan set forth.  This is no different than what Jesus has been trying to teach us.  Why are we so resistant?

“As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.” 2 Samuel 22:31 Over and over we are shown in God’s Word how His truth was declared and disobeyed. There were some grave consequences. But there were also many places of the demonstration of God’s grace and the humbling of those who would come to Him, repent and believe in Him. They experienced His love and lives were changed.

His Word gives no permission or license to live in homosexual relationships. But the world continues to normalize and condone what God’s Word has declared as an abomination. I don’t have the authority to rewrite the Word of God.  But I have been given the power of choice.  I have been given the ability to come to His Word and reason with what is true and what is not. I have been given His promise and His demonstration of  love. 

In humbly coming before Him in what I do not understand, He promises to give me strength to live in His truth. He promises to change my heart. He showers me with His blessings and His love for choosing to live according to what He has made perfect rather than allowing my beliefs and actions to be managed by what is imperfect.   So simple…. yet so many refuse to allow His truth to prevail.

By setting ourselves up to be master of the universe instead of crowning  Jesus in our lives, we will suffer eternal consequences. The Father who shed His blood for us will have no choice but to let the deception we have adopted destroy us. His heart breaks and He weeps for those who refuse to surrender. But ultimately they have decided who their master is.

Come to Jesus. Surrender your soul. Live in harmony with Him and let Him change you. He will not force Himself on you. He seeks your humility. To be able to lay it all down before Him and ask Him to change your life and let it be a life that adores Him and is being prepared for an eternity of life with the life-giver.

“I surrender all.”