Be Holy!

Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:
But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. - 1 Peter 1:13-16

Far too many Christians nowadays use God's grace as an excuse to keep on sinning, and to continue in 'former lusts'. Oh, it's okay, I sinned, I'm only human, God forgives.

This is a dangerous strand of thought.

While it's true that God is gracious, merciful and forgiving, He only forgives when we truly repent!

True repentance is not just mouthing "God forgive me" and then going about our own ways; true repentance calls for us to rend our hearts because of the realization of our own sinful ways, to admit to God that we cannot deal with our sins alone, to cry out to Him for His help, to actively nail our sins to the cross.

So if you think that you can just ask God to forgive you and then not make an effort to live right, think again.

Our God is loving, and He loves us. He is also infinitely holy. Because of His infinite holiness, He cannot tolerate an iota of sin in us. We can say "God will understand", tell a 'white' lie and think it's okay. But even though God understands why we tell a 'white' lie, that doesn't mean He approves!

Funny!

I post some of my works at this writing website, which allows readers to comment on them.

Now, I have no complaints about people criticizing my stuff because if I do, I shouldn't post them up in the first place. I'm perfectly okay with people who are worth their salt suggesting improvements.

Brickbats are well and fine, but the one thing I cannot abide is criticism by people who cannot even spell properly in the first place!

I've had some good criticisms by people who knew their stuff and they actually helped me improve my writing. But to have someone tell me that I should add

"and erase the scars of youth

take away the pain of him/her (depending on who this is written to)

to replinish (sic) my love for you"

is just too much. It doesn't even improve the poem - it just stinks it up! "Replinish"?! What the heck? Erase what scars? Take away what pain? It's just so random and out of context, and this is supposed to improve the poem? I don't think so!

Don't comment unless you know what you're talking about. Better to keep silent and be assumed a fool than speak and confirm all suspicions.

if only you'd let me

I would kiss away

the teardrops from your lashes

as if

by drinking your tears

I could swallow all your sorrows

and watch

the rainbow of your smile

decorate my world again

A Warning From God

If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless - James 1:26

Being naturally sarcastic and having a mean streak, I'm not the nicest person around. I am nice to those who are nice to me, and sometimes to those who aren't very nice to me, but step on my metaphorical tail and I'd make sure you got as good as you gave - and worse.

Like, I was pretty pissed off at the anonymous person who misunderstood my post, so I wrote a scathing reply. And I lost my temper big time when I found that my car had been broken into, which manifested very very verbally.

Not a good thing, I know.

After I became a Christian, God began slowly to work in me. The results were quite apparent - I stopped cursing. However, I discovered through the car incident that the root is not yet totally obliterated. But I'm working on it.

Anyway, my point is - I have a very 'acidic' tongue and pen. I can speak and write very caustically. Although God reminds me that I should have gentle speech - and I know it, deep down - I cannot resist the temptation sometimes.

So two nights ago, I was doing my quiet time and BANG! - James 1:26. I consider myself 'religious' in the sense that I love GOD very much and am proud to be called a Christian.

Yet, I don't keep a tight rein on my tongue. And this means that my religion is worthless, and I deceive myself in thinking that I love God!

That actually, I am a very bad testimony because I cannot - and do not try to? - control my speech.

It came like a stunning blow, and the realization was timely. I have to temper my speech and writings with grace and gentleness.

God help me!

Christians - By Maya Angelou

When I say... "I am a Christian"

I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'."

I'm whispering "I was lost,

Now I'm found and forgiven."

When I say... "I am a Christian"

I don't speak of this with pride.

I'm confessing that I stumble

And need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... "I am a Christian"

I'm not trying to be strong.

I'm professing that I'm weak

And need His strength to carry on.

When I say... "I am a Christian"

I'm not bragging of success.

I'm admitting I have failed

And need God to clean my mess.

When I say... "I am a Christian"

I'm not claiming to be perfect,

My flaws are far too visible

But, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... "I am a Christian"

I still feel the sting of pain.

I have my share of heartaches

So I call upon His name.

When I say... "I am a Christian"

I'm not holier-than-thou,

I'm just a simple sinner

Who received God's good grace, somehow!