Unity in Diversity

1 How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!
2 It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down on the collar of his robe.
3 It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.
Psalms 133, (Today's New International Version)

This past weekend another independent church congregation came and worshipped with ours. The unity in the worship and the diversity represented was absolutely beautiful! Two pastors spoke, choirs combined, and the congregations embraced and welcomed one another. Songs and praises were loud as many shouted unto God and we could see the wonderful working of a God thing. Great unity in the faith and the joy of the Spirit in the house.
It will continue for at least another 3 weeks.

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14


A few quotes to consider; which are your favorite?
"United we stand, divided we fall."-- Aesop (620 -560 B.C.)

We have the ability to achieve, if we master the necessary goodwill, a common global society blessed with a shared culture of peace that is nourished by the ethnic, national and local diversities that enrich our lives.-- Mahnaz Afkhami

cultural differences should not separate us from each other, but rather cultural diversity brings a collective strength that can benefit all of humanity.-- Robert Alan

"Peace requires everyone to be in the circle – wholeness, inclusion." -- Isabel Allende




"We may have different religions, different languages, different colored skin, but we all belong to one human race." -- Kofi Annan

"There are no nations! There is only humanity. And if we don't come to understand that right soon, there will be no nations, because there will be no humanity." -- Isaac Asimov


It is thus tolerance that is the source of peace, and intolerance that is the source of disorder and squabbling. -- Pierre Bayle

We are of course a nation of differences. Those differences don’t make us weak. They’re the source of our strength.-- Jimmy Carter

"We live now in a global village and we are in one single family. It’s our responsibility to bring friendship and love from all different places around the world and to live together in peace." -- Jackie Chan

Let us have but one end in view, the welfare of humanity; and let us put aside all selfishness in consideration of language, nationality, or religion. -- John Comenius, 17th century philosopher

Internal peace is an essential first step to achieving peace in the world. How do you cultivate it? It's very simple. In the first place by realizing clearly that all mankind is one, that human beings in every country are members of one and the same family.- The Dalai Lama

The wise man belongs to all countries, for the home of a great soul is the whole world -- Democritus

"I know there is strength in the differences between us. I know there is comfort where we overlap.”-- Ani DiFranco

"Human diversity makes tolerance more than a virtue; it makes it a requirement for survival." ~ René Dubos

"My country is the world; my countrymen are mankind."-- William Lloyd Garrison

Peace is not unity in similarity but unity in diversity, in the comparison and conciliation of differences -- Mikhail Gorbachev

...to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. -Ephesians 4:12,13

From Him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building up itself in love by the proper working of each individual part.
Ephesian 4:16

TRUE RICHES

Yesterday as I was walking through the garage I began thinking of some things very pressing and stressing about my financial situation and I sent up a prayer for God to enable me and enrich me on every level in every dimension, including the financial one.

I was in one of our bedrooms just 5 minutes later and on the bed a page of a devotional that I had torn out for the previous day's reading to carry with me, now read on it's opposite side the title for the day..."TRUE RICHES!"

What a word and confirmation for me, but I wanted to share it with you. Here it is;

TRUE RICHES!
"Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [ including greed, avarice, lust and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you a have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax my hold on you). [ Assuredly not!]" (Hebrews 13:5 – AMP)

Today I will live in the now! I will live in the now because I am absolutely confident that God will never leave me, nor forsake me. If my father and mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up because He is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Even if I make my bed in Sheol (the unseen realm), He will come and find me!

Today I will be satisfied with solely seeking spiritual success, seeing myself safely and securely standing on the solid soil of soul salvation! In other words, as I seek the Kingdom first, everything that I need will be added to me, and I will prosper as my soul prospers! The most important thing is knowing that I am in Christ — for what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and then lose his own soul?

Today I will serve God, and not mammon (money), for no one can serve two masters – he will love the one, and hate the other. But part of refusing to serve mammon is acknowledging that I do not have to ask mammon's permission to do anything! I never have to say, "I can't do this — or go there — or buy that, because 'I can't afford it.'" Money doesn't dictate or define the parameters of my life. Instead, I will say, "If the Lord wills, I will do whatever — or go wherever — or buy whatever." And my God shall supply all of my need, according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus!

Today I will remember that I am bought with a price! I'm in! I'm connected! I have a covenant! I have a relationship! I am a son of the God Who owns the cattle of a thousand hills, an heir of the God Who gives me all things that pertain unto life and godliness, richly to enjoy ("He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" Romans 8:32), and a joint-heir with the Christ who willingly and voluntarily shed His own blood for me! No one can pluck me from God's hand!

Today I will feel like a million bucks!

Today I will have a prosperous mentality!

Today I will enjoy being in Christ, and today I will live in the now!

Father, help me to realize how rich I am today. In Jesus’ name, amen.

(taken from A Year In The Now, by Bishop Jim Swilley, - highlights in italics I stressed)

My son Zachary starts his new school next Monday and my wife Natasha is going to pre-planning sessions this week. There is a bit of confusion over some things there so if I could solicit your agreement that God would bring order and clarity over things there with Natasha's Latin and Spanish classes that would be great!..as well as favor...thanks.

May you see God's enabling and richness in your life today.-Love, Karl

Be Made One!

I wanted to touch a little bit on ONENESS, especially when Jesus spoke of us in His prayer to the Father, about us all being made one.
(update: Mon. Aug. 24...You have got to read the full comment that Dan Storie wrote on this here...it really says a lot of what has been on my heart about the subject and is excellent reading...you WILL be blessed!)

I feel like prefacing this, though, with this verse from John 10:16 which says:
But I have other sheep that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will listen to My voice. Then there will be ONE FLOCK, ONE SHEPHERD.

You and I as believers come in on verse 20 of John chapter 17:

v20-I pray not only for these, but also for THOSE who believe in Me through their message.

v21-May they all be ONE, as You, Father, are in Me and I am in You. May they also be ONE in Us, so the world may believe You sent Me.

v22-I have given them the glory You have given Me. May they be ONE as WE are one.

v23-I am in them and You are in Me. May they be made COMPLETELY ONE, so the world may know You have sent Me and have loved them as You have loved Me.

This is just part of the prayer but I wanted to focus on this awesome oneness.

I truly believe that if we as believers in Christ would embrace those things that unite us, a lot more of the world will believe, just as He mentioned above, that the Father sent Him. Jesus equates this being made one with "so the world may believe You sent Me."...and mentions it twice within four verses, AND in just three verses he says "be made one" FOUR times!

Verse 22 says "I HAVE GIVEN THEM THE GLORY YOU HAVE GIVEN ME"...wow!...the GLORY? That's what I read.
The more we work and operate and love TOGETHER, THEN the world will see more of His glory that is in us as a body, as ONE, and believe that the Father sent Jesus.

His desire, will, and intention is that ALL THE WORLD might have a change of heart and mind(repentance), and believe that Jesus is the One sent by the Father.

I'm trying to get my head around some of this because it is so deep, profound and wonderful.
I mean, "being one AS GOD IS ONE"(v22)
or
"You have loved them AS YOU HAVE LOVED ME"(v23)

Wow, Father, You love us as You love Your Son?...hear the thanks and praise from our hearts when we can't find the words.

Jesus Messiah. It's dark for a few seconds but it will begin. Enjoy worshiping!

Declared Righteous!

He BECAME(was made) sin who knew no sin that we might BECOME(be made) His righteousness.

...but believes on Him who declares RIGHTEOUS the UNGODLY, his faith is credited for RIGHTEOUSNESS. Romans 4:5

...so then, as through one trespass there is condemnation for everyone, SO ALSO through ONE RIGHTEOUS ACT there is life-giving justification for EVERYONE!.-Romans 5:18

A lot of talk this week that I've heard has focused on "it is well".
I found this nice video with a little history on the author/song of this well known hymn.


Last week's message at worship was "it is well, I am strong, It is finished!"

...and so I say, because the Spirit of God Who dwells in you is strong...you are strong...you are well.

No condemnation!

It's always good to read things in context, which I suggest you do, but I pulled a few things here out of Isaiah that really spoke to me today, for it seems to me, to speak to all of us as spiritual Israel, the church. You can agree or disagree, just puttin' it out there.

...My righteous servant will justify many and He will carry their iniquities. Therefore I will give Him the many...He bore the sin of many and interceded for the rebels. (taken from Isaiah 53:11,12)-this reminds me of when Jesus said, "pray for your enemies."...He didn't condemn them, not even on the cross, He cried to the Father, "forgive them."

The Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer;...the Lord has called you...and will take you back with great compassion, with everlasting love. (from Isaiah 53:5-8)

...so I have sworn that I WILL NOT BE ANGRY WITH YOU OR REBUKE YOU.
Though the mountains move and the hills shake, My love will not be removed from you and MY COVENANT OF PEACE will not be shaken," says your compassionate Lord. -from Isaiah 54:9,10

...you will be established on a foundation of righteousness...their righteousness is from Me. Isaiah 54:14,17
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Your Father's love is a firmer foundation than mountains and hills....nothing can separate you from His love that is in Christ Jesus. Jesus doesn't condemn you. You may condemn yourself or others may judge and condemn you like the woman caught in adultery, but He said, "where are your accusers?"...and back in Isaiah, you will refute any accusation raised against you in court, this is the heritage of the Lord's servants-Isaiah 54:17

I heard a song today also that sang something like this..."so I'm working 9-5 trying to earn my own salvation, but there's no condemnation for me now"..."child, you're forgiven and loved."

Right after this song I flipped open a devotional to read, uh, while eating my burrito, and the first thing my eyes hit was this statement..."Today I will overcome condemnation by the words of my mouth!"

So...proclaim peace, bring news of good things, proclaim salvation, say to all, "Your God reigns!"

...lift up your voice, shout for joy together, burst into song! For the Lord has redeemed us and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God.

The Body

What does the body of Christ mean to you?




"If We Are The Body"

It's crowded in worship today
As she slips in
Trying to fade into the faces
The girls' teasing laughter is carrying farther than they know
Farther than they know

CHORUS
But if we are the Body
Why aren't His arms reaching
Why aren't His hands healing
Why aren't His words teaching
And if we are the Body
Why aren't His feet going
Why is His love not showing them there is a way
There is a way

A traveler is far away from home
He sheds his coat
And quietly sinks into the back row
The weight of their judgmental glances tells him that his chances
Are better out on the road

CHORUS But if we are the Body
Why aren't His arms reaching
Why aren't His hands healing
Why aren't His words teaching
And if we are the Body
Why aren't His feet going
Why is His love not showing them there is a way

Jesus paid much too high a price
For us to pick and choose who should come
And we are the Body of Christ

Chorus (2x) If we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching
Why aren't His hands healing
Why aren't His words teaching
And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going
Why is His love not showing them there is a way
Jesus is the way
(lyrics/song by Casting Crowns)
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Christ in us means LOVE dwells in us, and LOVE is a MANY-splendored thing.
Every member in the body shares blood and water to nourish each other, and we are connected through the blood and living water of Jesus to strengthen and do the same.

ALL TOGETHER NOW

I wrote the following just before getting confirmation and the words above that say ALL TOGETHER NOW;

We are one
I need you, you need me
The body together for Christ to be seen
Deep calls to deep,
A connection inside you and me
Where we are weak, we can each be made strong
Here in this body is where we belong.
(Karl Cobos, August 10, 2009)

Right after I wrote this I went to the mailbox and as I flipped open my son's Highlight magazine the words "ALL TOGETHER NOW" were written, big and bold!
The article mentioned "synchrony... united, rhythmic timing.

"It reminded me of the synchrony of the heartbeat I've heard of when a lot of people join hands for a time.
In regards to THE BODY, in order for me to just move to the counter and pick up an apple, all these messages are being sent out at the same time to MOVE me there...my legs, full arm movements , leaning, and grasping the apple....now think of the movement of the body of Christ(us) to accomplish something...the messages of the Spirit that flow to get us all there.

How can the hand say to the foot, "I don't need you!"

Your thoughts?
PS. don't forget to write Dan an encouraging message here or on the last post.
His family have just arrived for new missionary work in TAIWAN guys. Thanks.

Be Lifted Up!

Let the Lord lift you up and carry you.
He is your strength.

A great worship song with powerful lyrics called "You Are My Strength" is on the new playlist that I've added to the left.

In the fullness of Your grace, by the power of Your name,
You lift me up...You lift me up.

...He gives strength to the weary and strengthens the powerless (Isaiah 40:29)
...those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength (Isaiah 40:31)

Kingdom of Heaven at Hand!

Hey everybody, I pulled this from another blog because it had to do with the kingdom of/from the heavens, and I heard this message at church. There's a lot more to it with good comments too...I do recommend going to http://www.bloginthenow.blogspot.com/ to read more. I'm not saying I agree with all the comments but there is a lot of good thought there and I think you will be blessed. Here is some of that from Bishop Jim Swilley.
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...Yesterday was a good day at CITN...I gave kind of an unusual word, connecting the Matthew 10 account of Jesus giving His disiples the power to heal diseases and expel rebel spirits with the John 20 account of His giving them the power to forgive sins......

Such an important truth: The Kingdom is "at hand"...it's handy...it's accessible...it is found in the thing to which you put your hand...ex: Moses, what do you have in your hand?"...I used the New King James version yesterday...here's the same passage from Matthew In The Now...

1. And in direct answer to the prayer for harvest hands, Jesus summoned to Himself His twelve disciples, and gave them power and authority over rebel spirits, to evict and expel them, and to cure all manner of disease, weakness and infirmity.

2. Now these are the names of the original twelve apostles: first, Simon, who is called Peter or “Rock”, and Andrew, his brother; James, the son of Zebedee, and John, his brother;

3. Philip and Bartholomew (A.K.A. Nathaniel); Thomas and Matthew, known as “The Tax Man”; James, son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus (A.K.A. Judas…not Judas Iscariot);

4. Simon, the Canaanite, who was a Zealot, and perhaps Jesus’ most controversial pick because of his radical political connections and agenda, and Judas (Iscariot), who eventually betrayed Him, even though he had been given the same anointing and authority that the other eleven had received.

5. Jesus sent out this very diverse and eclectic group, charging them with these words: “This Gospel is ultimately for the entire world…that’s the big picture…but it has to begin somewhere. So, for the time being, go nowhere among the Gentiles, and do not go into any town of the Samaritans;

6. Go, instead, to the lost, confused people right here in the house of Israel...the people who speak your language and have your world-view.

7. And tell them, plainly, that the kingdom of/from the heavens is here! Say to them, “The kingdom is ‘at hand’, or as close to you as is the hand at the end of your arm!”
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Hope you enjoyed a bit of that...

So...what is in your hand?...what is readily available to you that you know how to do really well?
The kingdom is there...you have Kingdom hands, and people can be made well through you.