Death does lead to a better state--sometimes

  

It is often stated upon an individual’s death, "They are in a better place." This however, is an errant, and refutable statement in many cases, as death does for many lead to hell for the rest of eternity.

It is so important that we do the utmost to encourage others and our loved ones to become saved, and live GOD glorifying lives, prior to death, so that they do receive the reward of eternal heavenly bliss.

Furthermore, we must endeavor to live lives previously described, so that we to attain said reward and thus can be reunited with our loved ones and friends who have gone on before us.

For the other option, is an eternal existence in hell--which is not, a better state of being, and lasts just as well for the rest of eternity.

The rest of eternity in hell--just the thought brings tears to my eyes. As I desire that not even for my worst enemy, and even less for my loved ones and friends.

Thus, let us who are enlightened, endeavor to do all we can to help others avoid such a fate.

First by the example, we set with the way we live our lives and by sharing the Gospel with all we can, whenever we can.

In the quiet times with GOD

In the quiet times with GOD, HE reveals HIMSELF, HIS will, and HIS ways.

In the quiet times with GOD, so much is revealed and comfort is attained.

In the quiet times with GOD, HE lights the darkness, and clarity, strength, and faith are derived.

In the quiet times with GOD, I am in HIS presence and blessed.

The Epitome of being, "CHRIST-LIKE"

     

     The epitome of being, "CHRIST-LIKE," is learning to temper, "grace" with "truth," and "truth," with "grace." For HE was full of both, (John 1:14), thus HE was perfectly balanced, and thus used, applied and lived in both simultaneously.

      It is when we lean to heavily either way, that we cheapen HIS GRACE, with accepting sin in the lives of ourselves and or others, and denying HIS TRUTH, or weakening HIS TRUTH by being to legalistic, again with ourselves and or others, and denying HIS GRACE to them and or ourselves.

     Never realizing we truly are negatively causing the denial of both, simultaneously. This is the opposite of sanctification, which cannot be proven nor attained with mere insincere deeds or words; it can only be proven and attained with sincere GOD GLORYFING WORKS. Which stem from the obedience and application of HIS WORD, and thus bear fruit and bring about the edification of the body of CHRIST: BOTH IN OTHERS, AND OURSELVES and as always for HIS glory.

The purging and refining periods of life

The purging and refining periods of life

     The purging and refining periods of our lives are always accompanied with sorrows, enlightening and painful growth.

     The length of these, "seasons" are dependent upon our depth of commitment and obedience—our faith.

     There are often setbacks, trip-ups, disappointing failures, but there are as well positive encouraging instances of success, the overcoming of temptation(s)--which lead to growth and disciplined obedience, which leads to GOD'S continued blessings in the present and future.

     Thus, we must not be so quick to seek deliverance from the trying moments, or trials and tribulations of life, but be quick to ask GOD, our Heavenly Father HIS purpose for them.  As they may truly be for our refining, ask HIM, for only HE truly knows the purpose.

If now were your time?

If now were your time?

     If now were your time, to leave this state of existence; transition; to go before GOD--are you ready? Would HE welcome you or deny you--real introspection is required to answer this question.

     Take this question not lightly, for the truth--not our opinion--is required. Seek HIM, ask HIM, and receive the truthful answer from HIM. I ask this not to place myself on some pedestal--I asked myself not long ago...and still am concerned some days--real talk.

     I ask this question as it is for all intent and purpose, a question we need to ask as often as necessary so that we truly, are walking the course HE has set for us--the straight and narrow path.

Honor Thy Father and Mother

Honor Thy Father and Mother

      The Bible tells us to Honor our parents--this can be a difficult task at times, but one that need be attained none-the-less.  The lack of respect and subsequent appreciation for the Elder and Wiser Citizens of our Society is one of the festering issues of sickness within our society.

     The knowledge to be shared, attained, and blessed upon us the younger generation, from a conversation with many of the elderly is passed upon by the young and foolish of today. The advice they seek to share and often do, is sadly not heeded nor retained.

     Even sadder are the facts they are not thanked for sharing it, nor are they sought for counsel into the future. The lessons to be learned vicariously and potential pitfalls avoided, are often experienced and thus become many a fools undoing--merely because time was not spent with the Older and Wiser people in their lives.

"Except the Lord build the house..."

‎"EXCEPT the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman walketh in vain."

(Psalm 127:1)

Men, if you are not being lead by GOD, your household--Wife, Family, Children--nor you, shall prosper. You may attain wealth, but the Joy and Peace needed to sustain Happiness-- will be missing.

Wives, support your Husbands, encourage them--pray with and for them. You too, must acknowledge and internalize the key to success--A HAPPY FAMILY--starts with following Jehovah-GOD'S Precepts and Statues.

Wives submit to your husband’s--Husbands discipline yourselves and give your Wives a GODLY Man that Leads, to submit to.

Face to Face communication--THE LOST ART

     In this day and age, of hustle and bustle, face-to-face communication is becoming a lost art, and invaluable commodity to the nurturing of our relationships.  I am by no means advocating for the banning of the use of texting, facebook, email, nor twitter, as they are viable means to not only communicate and interact, but also to share the GOSPEL of CHRIST. Technology is not the issue, how we are using/abusing it, and thus neglecting our relationships and each other, is. I am arguing that they should be the last resort, not the first or only one.

     I believe JESUS would not have preferred texting, email, facebook, or twitter, to face-to-face communication. They are in most instances to short/brief and too impersonal because they are very contrary to how HE, our Lord and Savior did things. HE walked, talked, and taught in the midst of the people. HE went to where they were, and or they came to HIM. HE did not resort to sending a message, via someone else or another means.  I am sure if HE were walking the earth today HE would utilize any and all means to share HIS GOSPEL, but face-to face would, I argue be HIS favorite and most used.

    Furthermore, HE was the message, and thus delivered the message, HIMSELF, to the people. Not only showing HE was willing to sacrifice HIS time and efforts, but also showing HE truly loved those HE spoke with and us. As that same message would be passed down to us, and as well HE does come to us even today, if we seek HIM. (Read, “The bench in the woods.”)    For there is no greater way to show someone you love them and that they mean something to you, than to spend time with them. If distance separates you, yeah call them, or better yet, shoot a quick text, “Thinking of you, call you later,” and actually call them. Furthermore, in this day and era of technology, we have Skype, Logitech, and other visual computer related programs and computers with cameras thus allowing video chatting, etc. Distance is no longer an excuse, for not spending time, in conversation with anyone, especially those you love.

          Maybe, I just suffer with a, “texting communication disorder,” and thus have a dislike for it. The messages are at times ambiguous, confusing, and I truly do not understand all the abbreviations and jargon. Nor do I want to take a class to become educated on it. I would rather utilize the Jesus method and talk with you. Demonstrating, not just saying, I love you.

     I am likewise unable without the face-to-face or verbal interaction, to read your facial expressions and body language, or sense/hear the emotion in and from your voice. As well, I love the faces of those that I love, and love to hear their voices. Thus, your visiting with me in the flesh and or if distance dictates, we are only able to video chat or speak via phone, shows me our relationship means just as much to you as it does to me, as again, we took time out of our day to spend it together.

    I mean there was a time that eating, breaking bread with one another was how every family, ate dinner.  I know I am not the only one who remembers those days! So if nothing every family spent time together at sometime during the day. All where listened to, concerns that arose during the day where addressed, and all were shown; you matter, we love you.

     Not so today, for today, we resort to a 2-minute call or an impersonal jargon filled abbreviated text message. Which for me, tells me, you don’t even care enough about me, to take the time to spell out the words, you, are trying to convey to me. Call me old fashion, old school, or a fool, but if it worked for JESUS, and it clearly did show HIS love for us all, I am convinced, it has to work for me and for us.

      How often do we take the time to nurture our relationships? How often do we just visit and spend time in each other’s presence, just talking and growing, together--rather than, resorting to a 2-minute call or a most often short and or impersonal text message?  I would prefer a conversation as I am, very verbal, or even a letter as I am also a writer. These also require time and effort, which again shows love and concern through the words and actions.

     If you love or like them, or even just think you do, let them know. Remember, none of us are promised tomorrow, and thus texting should be used as a last resort when all other options are not feasible or possible. Furthermore, GOD'S way, the example JESUS set for us, is always the best way. HE desires to communicate with us through prayer directly and HIS word the bible, and for us to communicate in and through the most personal manner possible, with each other, i.e., face-to-face.

To my Brothers and Sisters in Christ

    

      I have noticed the readers of this blog have become of a diverse cultural, ethnic, and international background. I am humbled and seek to continue to glorify GOD in my efforts, and request of you, each and every one of you, from across the globe--Please--communicate with me about the postings. I desire to read, “YOUR”:  feedback, feelings, and opinions.

     Especially, if the written essays have helped you in your walk with the LORD--assisted and moved you to draw closer to HIM--as those communications inspire me to no-end. So again, I ask of you too sign-up to follow, receive email, and journey with me on twitter @shaun_d_hagler. This is not a jaunt, it is a --”JOURNEY” -- I desire to take with all of you, and we all together.

To Jehovah-GOD be the glory--SeekGODAlways--and be blessed.

"You reap what you sow,” is Biblical – while Karma is deceptive philosophy

“You reap what you sow,” is Biblical – while Karma is deceptive philosophy

  As Christians, we need to be ever cognizant of our word choice: vernacular, lexicon, or diction. Being Christian, to use the term “karma,’ is to give credit to a false non-existing spirit or god, who possesses no power, is deserving of no worship and, is for the individual comparable to perpetuating false doctrine, i.e. blasphemy.

     “We reap what we sow,” is biblical fact, and is in stark contrast to--“karma”- -a Buddhist ideology, that again, does not acknowledge, Jehovah-GOD as creator and Master of the universe; Jehovah-GOD is in control of all situations we experience in life. HE, Jehovah, is the Master Orchestrator of every circumstance, situation, and experience we have. As, it is all for HIS purpose, bringing about HIS desired conclusion, as Jehovah-GOD HIMSELF stated, “Declaring the end from the beginning…."

     Jehovah-GOD desires:

·        First and foremost for us to honor and glorify HIM with our lives

·         Too, bless us a result of our obedience and faith, so that we may be a blessing to others and so that most importantly, HE, again, may receive glorification from the testimonies shared. 

     James 3:2 states, “For in many things we offend all.  If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.” Being that none of us are--perfect-- the conclusion we draw-- the need for improvement in the monitoring of our spoken word--is justified, is it not?  Thus again, let us utilize vocabulary that glorifies the only, True and Living GOD, Jehovah--let us stop using the term “karma,” and replace it with, “We reap what we sow”--so that we may not only be righteous in all our conduct, but that we may acknowledge HIS Supreme rule and Governance over all.

Relevant Scriptures for reading and edification

 Psalm 83:18

Isaiah 46: 8-13 and 55: 6-13 (Please read these, the 46^th and 55^th chapters of Isaiah in full)

The 14^th Psalm versus 2 and the 139^th Psalm

You must first love GOD

You must first love GOD    

     You cannot truly love me, if you do not love God. You must first love GOD, then yourself, and then me more than yourself, in order to truly love me. Your words and actions will prove this. The words you speak for and of GOD, and deeds you do for GOD, will show me how you will treat me, as well prove your ability to truly commit and be devoted to me, since all these must, first be done for GOD, for yourself. You must first love GOD, before you can truly love me, this much I know.

You cannot have one without the other

     It is a sad state of existence when what you do best, is a well-known sin. 

·        You wake up knowing your life is a lie.

·         You are going to spend all day perpetuating the lie that is your life: i.e. (In Essence), what and whom you portray yourself as and who people believe you to be is not the real you, and sadly you know this.  

·        The people in your life will today, as they do every day, lie to you telling you what you want to hear rather than what you need to hear, and you sadly do the same for and to them.

     Willingly living in sin kills dreams, hope, and disallows Jehovah-GOD'S desired best for us.  Jehovah’s very best requires the balancing and accepting of, “GRACE and TRUTH,” along with the acknowledging you cannot have one without the other. John 1:14 reads: “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

     This passage, so often is intentionally, passed over and not meditated upon, for far too many people desire the, “grace,” yet refuse to accept, internalize, and live by, “truth.”  If we are truly to live GOD glorifying lives we must, I say must, realize and accept you cannot have one without the other--Jesus was the perfect balance of both--and thus HE being our LORD and SAVIOUR, whom we are to emulate--we too must--like HIM--be, and live balanced lives of both grace and truth.

The commitment to lifelong spiritual growth in Christ (part 4)

     The word surrender carries for many of us such a negative connotation as it elicits negative thoughts and feelings of failure and or inadequacy, and thus is not something we truly desire. Even from childhood, the memories of surrender, for me, whether it was a game of  Cowboys and Indians, Super friends or baseball, I never wanted to be the one nor amongst the group that gave in, conceded defeat, i.e. surrendered. For, it forces the acknowledgement that we could not get the job done, nor done alone.

      This is the case with surrendering to Christ, for we must accept, I cannot do it alone, and admit and concede, how much we truly need HIM. In our world that promotes, glamorizes, and in many cases, idolizes the self-made man or woman, the devil attempts to convince us, I can do anything on my own and I need no one. I will be the next great success story, with no assistance from anyone, not even GOD. This, truly is one of the worst lies the devil uses on us to bring about our demise.

   True surrender should bring about the acceptance of and elicit joy from the realization; my strength comes from GOD, GOD the Fathers word, Jesus GOD the sons sacrifice and GOD the Holy Spirit’s dwelling within us. Not from relying upon self: our efforts, nor from trusting our thoughts or feelings. Trusting in, relying upon, and obeying GOD, in all situations and circumstances, come what may, is the only way. Equally important is HIS promise HE will never forsake, mislead, nor stop loving us. HE will strengthen us to do all HE has called us to do and will never place upon us more than we can handle without HIM.

     Far too many of us have been conditioned to believe the myths of society; we have placed our self worth in our materialistic possessions, or our appearance, and not in who we are called to be in Christ. Our focus is on the next gratifying social activity or thing we can purchase at the mall. Not in service for GOD’S glory, nor daily reading of or application of the bible, and definitely not in prayer seeking GOD’S direction and will for our lives. For if the later alone was the case, many of us would not even be in the occupations we have as they are merely a means to an end; money to purchase that which we want and or pay bills to survive.

      When if we knew and believed the word of GOD, “But seek ye first the kingdom of GOD, and HIS righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.”(Matthew 6:33)  If we would only seek GOD, not only would we have a different mindset, subsequent approach to life and the meaning of our existence, walk in obedience filled with the Holy Spirit, we would be abundantly blessed. Not struggling from paycheck to paycheck, determining our self-worth by the barometer of someone else’s bank account statements and possessions, nor seeking approval from certain individuals that GOD does not want in our lives anyway.

      Sincere heartfelt confession at the time of surrender and commitment to living accordingly, indefinitely, are mandatory.  Yes being human, we shall stray, but we must repent and return to a life void of intentional sin. Full surrender and obedience to Christ our Lord and Savior, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit are the only way to lifelong spiritual growth in Christ.

The commitment to lifelong spiritual growth in Christ (part 3)

The commitment to lifelong spiritual growth in Christ (part 3)

      Before I go any further, this segment is not intending to slander, any one Church, Preacher, or Minister, but this segment shall point out issues of  concern that in general are experienced. I will be pointing out, what I have over the years experienced, witnessed, and or have been told by others Christians; Congregants, Ministers, and many as well who no longer attend church at all. 

        Having had many share with me their frustration(s) with the ineffectiveness of their church in the area of teaching and edifying, I am convinced, many, if not most of us are not aware of what a spirit-filled life truly entails: 

·       Surrender to GOD and HIS will for our lives

·       Commitment to edification and the growth, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally that derives from it

·       Love and sacrifice for GOD and others

     I must admit, I have truly only come to fully surrender, learned what is fully required and thus strived to live such a life, some short time ago.  Even after many years of study and training, and a childhood, that spoke of it.  In large part, because, I had never been completely informed, taught, nor had it exemplified for me.  Complete surrender, requires daily biblical study and devotional type prayer, and since I was unaware of this, I was greatly missing the mark and thus not attaining a spirit-filled life myself. Therefore, by no means am I trying to imply that I am not, still spiritually maturing, learning, and seeking HIS direction and applying these discussed principals daily, forever more. Again, this is a lifelong process and commitment for us all.

     Due to years or even decades, (however long we have been attending church), the bombardment of false teachings and or dogmas, (human established, self-seeking philosophy passed off as the word of GOD  taught in most/many churches), has taken its toll on many of us. We have truly been lead astray from GOD’S desired method of conduct for us, HIS creation, created in HIS image.  Couple the apostasy with inadequate teaching we receive from Sunday school in most and or many churches, (if we even go), we are not aware, as to what living a life of surrender, which leads to a spirit filled life, is.

The commitment to lifelong spiritual growth in Christ (Part 2)

The commitment to lifelong spiritual growth in Christ (Part 2)

     One of the questions posed in segment one of this article was, “How often do you study and meditate upon the Bible and other Biblically based study materials?”  This is where we shall resume.  “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” (Psalm 1: 1-3)

     This is a well-known, often quoted portion of scripture, but how many of us actually apply it? How often, if at all do we study, and then meditate upon the word of GOD, day and night? If we are honest, many of us will have to admit, we merely carry our bible to church on Sunday, but due to a lack of study, cannot even find the verse mentioned for the sermon, before the Preacher begins their sermon. In addition, sadly, as well, will not open it again until the following Sunday. 7 days later, once a week, 52 times a year, is the total amount of time spent in the Bible and learning its critical to life teachings. In order for us to know how to live a spirit-filled life, by GODS standards, not the world’s, or ours, we must, study, internalize, and apply the bibles teachings to our lives daily.

      This commitment is not optional, if we are to attain lifelong spiritual growth. Yes, I am arguing for daily, biblical studying and or reading. We watch T.V., read a magazine or book on our lunch breaks, and read text messages, all, daily, why not the Bible?                   

     Because we lack reverence for GOD, and a lack of commitment to obedience, remember, “….meditate day and night.” The bible is the word of GOD, it is a blueprint of how, to live as HE commands us to do so, Holy as HE is, as we are created in HIS image. “GOD is a Spirit: and they that worship HIM must worship HIM in spirit and truth.” (KJV John 4:24) When a person never goes to the source, i.e. the Bible, the book of GOD for HIS people, how will they ever come to know the ways of GOD, learn to trust, obey, and surrender to HIM, and subsequently come to ever living a life committed to spiritual growth in Christ? I am reminded of the movie title, “Mission Impossible.” 

   We, must turn to GOD and HIS true word, and be responsibly accountable for our own attainment of GODLY knowledge, and applying it, daily. The Bible for tells in the end times that apostasy, false teachings, lies, would be the theme of the day, and we are clearly there. So fret not, but seek GOD and HIS word, and worship HIM in “spirit,” and in “truth.”  In this day and age of false doctrines, as we now have preachers stating things such as, all will go to heaven and there is no hell, we cannot rely upon someone else, to tell us how to view, interpret, nor live in accordance with GOD’S word. Now before I am misinterpreted, let me clarify, I am not saying rebel against your Pastor, I am saying “…judge the fruit.” If your Pastor, Deacon, Mother, Brother, whomever, are claiming things as truth, that contradict the word of GOD, after you have read it for yourself, you might want to seek advice and counsel elsewhere.

       Taking responsible accountability for many of us proves to be a major problem. Far too many of us have decided to portray ourselves as, rather than in “truth,” commit ourselves to being, spirit-filled. We show up on Sunday, claim to feel the “Holy Ghost,” and have not been anywhere near him in Lord knows how long. Many of us adhere to the, “I do what I want to translation,” of a fictitious bible they have never even purchased let alone read, and attain their disobedience validating philosophy from their Carnal Christian Concordance, from the Devils bookstore down by the club, or the bar, or their illicit lovers coffee-table. Let us be honest and transparent, no one is looking; hold your hand up if this is you.

     I am not trying to condemn, I am asking us to get real, first with ourselves, so that we can be transparent with others, because GOD already knows the truth.  In large part, we cannot get real, and deal with the truth, because we have never studied, to be able to meditate upon and apply the truth, found only in GOD’S word the bible. “For the word of GOD is living and active. Sharper than and double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and morrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.  Nothing in all creation is hidden from GOD’S sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of HIM to whom we must give account.” (NIV Hebrews 4:12-13) Again, honesty and transparency, with others and ourselves, because as the prior scripture states, we are not even remotely able to neither lie to nor hide anything, from GOD. Only through the study, meditation upon, and application of GOD’S word, will we be able to accurately access where we are on the path of our spiritual walk; only by applying HIS standards shall we ever please HIM, our Lord and Savior.

     “For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:6)  The Bible is the written word of GOD, directly spoken to the writers, from HIM. Couple the verse just shared with the verses Psalm 1:1-3, and John 4:24 and it becomes very clear, we can never lead a spirit-filled life, without daily application of GOD’S word to our lives. In closing, I am not intending, to offend, truth is truth, and we can only serve GOD, as called to, by HIM, Holy and in spirit, not by our inferior, disobedient preferences. “Be not deceived; GOD is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” (Galatians 6: 7-8) The only way to know how, only comes from the loving message found within the passages of the greatest book ever penned by man, but inspired by GOD, HIS book for us, the Bible.

The commitment to lifelong spiritual growth in Christ (part 1)

The commitment to lifelong spiritual growth in Christ (part 1)

The commitment to lifelong spiritual growth in Christ is a never-ending process, which should not cease until our death. Maybe you, someone, or many, you know and care deeply for, have ceased to show, "fruit,” through works for the Lord. Be it yourself, your significant other, a friend, or co-worker, but the evidence of spiritual growth is nonexistent.

 In either instance, GOD has called you to commit to, and or offer, biblical correction through the love of Christ, to bring about spiritual growth, and glorify HIM. This is not always an easy task. Never forget however, GOD will always equip you, and send assistance when necessary, for all that HE has called you to do in HIS name, and for HIS glory, including this.

     The process, does however, start with us. For the most effective way to show someone how to do anything is for us, to first, do it ourselves. Thus, I must ask you to take a sincere personal inventory. Being honest and transparent, for only with honesty and transparency, shall we be able to attain true spiritual growth in Christ.

·        Have you fully, surrendered your life to GOD, and committed to living a spirit-filled life?

·        Is there sin in your life that GOD has communicated to you that is blocking you from a deeper relationship with HIM?

·        How often do you study and meditate upon the bible, and other biblically based study materials?

·        Are your prayers merely requests that you seek GOD to fulfill, or are your prayers a means of communication with GOD, so that HE may inform you of HIS will for your life?

These questions are to initiate the process, and or encourage you to commitment to spiritual growth, neither to cause nor to illicit guilt. For the love of GOD, desires us to acknowledge our calling to live HOLY, as HE is, and not be deterred by our past.

To be continued…..