Intellectualizing God - Should We Do It?

 

There are times when it seems as though we are fighting a losing  battle with intellectualism, but we have the victory already. The victory is evident in our faith. We see changes according to our faith and miracles that the world can never explain intellectually.

Neural Connections In the Human Brain

God is not our brains. Our brains were given by God and are subject to decay, illness, and deterioration. God is spirit and exists in multi dimensions and levels without flaws or an end. God is omnipotent, everlasting, and exists beyond any human interpretation or understanding. God is not an energy force, an angel, or a human--He is that He is--the Father of all existence.

However, the world is arrogantly bent on diminishing the evidence of God's existence and minimizing life to what we can see, feel, hear, smell and taste while using the fragile, sinful, passing bodies and brains we inherited.

All the better to kill you, my dear. If the world can convince you that there is nothing beyond the natural, you lose hope, live destructively for today, lose faith, do whatever feels good to you without considering the consequences, and pass on a paganistic approach to tomorrow. Human reasoning is flawed at best and all the good a human does without God is like filthy rags.

Not all scientists relegate existence to chance, evolution, and human brain reasoning, however. These are the scientists whose evidences should become part of our understanding and knowledge. Some links below.

A view of the cloister garden and statue of Jesus from one of the walkways at Holy Spirit Monastery in Conyers, Georgia

5 Biblical tips to understanding beyond:

1. Get to know your Bible. Don't take someone's word above God's word, but allow the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth.

John 4:24 God is a Spirit (a spiritual Being) and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth (reality). John 4:23 A time will come, however, indeed it is already here, when the true (genuine) worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth (reality); for the Father is seeking just such people as these as His worshipers.

John 6:63 It is the Spirit Who gives life [He is the Life-giver]; the flesh conveys no benefit whatever [there is no profit in it]. The words (truths) that I have been speaking to you are spirit and life.

2. Check everything out with the word of God which has existed and prophesied accurately for thousands of years.

John 1:1 In the beginning [before all time] was the Word ( Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself.

1 John 1:1 [We are writing] about the Word of Life [ in] Him Who existed from the beginning, Whom we have heard, Whom we have seen with our [own] eyes, Whom we have gazed upon [for ourselves] and have touched with our [own] hands.

3. Choose the input you receive wisely. A world on the edge of ruin will create a fantasy regarding the reality of God's existence and life after our fragile bodies. However, God is clear in his word about the evidence of his existence and the life beyond our skin.

2 Peter 3:5 For they willfully overlook and forget this [fact], that the heavens [came into] existence long ago by the word of God, and the earth also which was formed out of water and by means of water,

4. Do not disregard the evidence of Jesus and witness of his resurrection, his glorified body, and ascension when you hear a partial and flawed report on heaven, hell, or the existence of God or spirit.

John 14:23 Jesus answered, If a person [really] loves Me, he will keep My word [obey My teaching]; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home (abode, special dwelling place) with him.

1 John 5:7 So there are three witnesses in heaven: the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit, and these three are One;

1 Corinthians 15:6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.

5. Submit to, expect, and experience God's guidance. Without submitting humbly to God you will never know the truth. The intellectual without wisdom and godly understanding is only reporting what they hear, see, feel and learn in the natural. God will not be and is not with them.

Micah 6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka.

Further your research:

• Reasons To Believe : Where Science & Faith Converge www.reasons.org/

• Discovery Series
• Answers to Tough Questions
• A Former Atheist Explains God

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Pola | July 7, 2012 at 12:24 pm | Tags: Bible, Christian Authors, Christianity, Existence of God, God the Father, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Pola Muzyka, Religion and Spirituality | Categories: Bible, Biblical Advice, Faith, Overcoming Lies, Paganism, Pola Muzyka, Religious Spirit, Stronghold | URL: http://wp.me/p21eyo-XR

Our God of Mercy

Why does it always seem to take so long for God to intervene and help when we are at our most pitiful? After all, isn't God a God of mercy? Doesn't He know our pain?

There are times when the last thing on our minds is whether or not we are showing mercy because we wonder why we aren't getting mercy ourselves from God. We, the offended, become the offender when lack of compassion and kindness spews forth from our mouths or actions. We feel justified. After all, we are offended. But, is this what we expect from God?

We expect mercy to be eternal, everlasting, and gracious when it comes from God. So, why should we be merciful? We are not God. Why then, should we show mercy? Because, like forgiveness, without mercy, we will never receive mercy.

James 2:13 For to him who has shown no mercy the judgment [will be] merciless, but mercy [full of glad confidence] exults victoriously over judgment.

Every action we take and every reaction we have will dictate the results we receive now and in the coming judgment. Here on earth, we face many personal trials and tribulations as we move forward in our attempts to navigate the roads of life. Every day we potentially face a  threat in one way or another or worse, we threaten in one way or another. For some, threats are a way to results. For others, understanding, compassion, and mercy is the key.

Who’s right and who’s wrong may not be in question when we face the ultimate last days or moments of our lives. At that time we will probably only be seeking mercy. The Word of God [Bible] assures us that when we show mercy we will receive mercy and blessings. If we could gauge our temperament by the Word of God, mercy would exude from us every day of our lives.

5 Biblical tips on showing mercy: 1. Show forgiveness quickly. Mercy is forgiving. Forgiveness can turn a volatile miscommunication into spiritual growth.

The good Samaritan was a biblical example of mercy.

Colossians 3:12-13 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, ¹³  bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

James 2:12 So speak and so act as [people should] who are to be judged under the law of liberty [the moral instruction given by Christ, especially about love].

2. Attempt to understand before you judge. Judging quickly lacks mercy. It is for God to judge. Not us.

Romans 1:32 Although they know God’s judgment that those who do such things deserve to die, they not only do these things but also approve of others who do them.

Romans 2:6-8 He will pay all people back for what they have done. ⁷He will give everlasting life to those who search for glory, honor, and immortality by persisting in doing what is good. But he will bring ⁸anger and fury on those who, in selfish pride, refuse to believe the truth and who follow what is wrong.

3. Acknowledge God in everything you do. Sinful humanity ignores God. If you refuse God or God’s guidance through his word and commandments, you may think you’re doing well, but your end is eternal death.

Proverbs 14:22 Don’t those who stray plan what is evil, while those who are merciful and faithful plan what is good?

Psalm 145:8 The Lord is merciful, compassionate, patient, and always ready to forgive.

4. Practice mercy to others in place of cruelty. When you show mercy to others, you are fulfilling God’s will in your life. God will replay. When you practice giving mercy, mercy is easier to give each time.

Matthew 5:7 Blessed are those who show mercy. They will be treated mercifully.

Proverbs 11:17 A merciful person helps himself, but a cruel person hurts himself.

Romans 12:19-21 Don’t take revenge, dear friends. Instead, let God’s anger take care of it. After all, Scripture says, “I alone have the right to take revenge. I will pay back, says the Lord.” ²⁰But, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink. If you do this, you will make him feel guilty and ashamed.” ²¹Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil with good.

5. Let others know about the mercy of God. In this way, you share the good news of salvation.

Mark 5:19 But Jesus would not allow it. Instead, he told the man, “Go home to your family, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been to you.”

Luke 1:78 A new day will dawn on us from above because our God is loving and merciful.

Hebrews 2:17-18  Therefore, he had to become like his brothers and sisters so that he could be merciful. He became like them so that he could serve as a faithful chief priest in God’s presence and make peace with God for their sins. ¹⁸Because Jesus experienced temptation when he suffered, he is able to help others when they are tempted.

Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka.

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What Direction Should I Follow?

Like a somersault, a flip-flopper turns direction and tumbles over in beliefs, and actions. Too many direction changes can shock and surprise others and as a result, a flip-flopper is hard to believe or trust. The dictionary describes flip-flopping as a sudden or unexpected reversal, as of direction, belief, attitude, or policy. But what does the Bible say?

Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka.

Change direction

What’s wrong with changing direction? Can that become a stronghold? We’re all subject to changing our opinions or attitudes when we become more informed or mature in any area, right? Yes and no. That statement is not flip-flopping. It’s a fact. There are a lot of decisions to make and paths to take. However, there are some things that cannot be changed in order to be credible. That’s where a flip-flopper fails.

If a stronghold sets in, other strongholds may be attached such as indecision, insecurity, gullibility, low self-esteem, intimidation or any number of other strongholds depending on whether or not we can stay focused and move in the right direction. Too many direction changes are made by those easily addicted to outside influences.

So, what does the word of God say about changing direction and how can we avoid taking the wrong paths? Are we doomed to leave an opening for flip-flopping, and be on the defensive throughout all our years?

5 Biblical tips to overcoming flip-flopping:
1. Exercise foresight. Once you decide after careful consideration, don’t be tempted to change and turn back.

Hebrews 12:15 Exercise foresight and be on the watch to look [after one another], to see that no one falls back from and fails to secure God’s grace (His unmerited favor and spiritual blessing), in order that no root of resentment (rancor, bitterness, or hatred) shoots forth and causes trouble and bitter torment, and the many become contaminated and defiled by it—

2. Before making a decision on anything, consult with God’s word and his will.

Psalm 119:113 I hate the double-minded, but I love your law.

Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

3. Add wisdom to any change you make without changing your path once you have received Christ and know that you are traveling in the right direction.

Ecclesiastes 8:1 Who is like the wise? Who knows the explanation of things? A person’s wisdom brightens their face and changes its hard appearance.

Psalm 17:5 My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not stumbled.

4. Always stay close to the vine (God and His Word–Jesus Christ). You’re in the right place at the right time, with the right decision, if what you’re doing, or planning to do, lines up with the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.

1 John 4:1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Proverbs 4:20-22 My son, pay attention to my words. Open your ears to what I say.²¹ Do not lose sight of these things. Keep them deep within your heart²² because they are life to those who find them and they heal the whole body.

5. Before you choose anything more, choose to believe in Christ. There is no room for turning back or flip-flopping our decisions once we made that vital decision.

Revelation 2:5 Remember how far you have fallen. Return to me and change the way you think and act, and do what you did at first. I will come to you and take your lamp stand from its place if you don’t change.

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me.

Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka.

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Free to Be a Joyful Servant

Although joyful and servant seem to be an oxymoron when put together, the ideal life on earth according to Jesus Christ is of servitude. Imagine a world where we all are helping each other, where we actually enjoy serving, and where being responsible for ourselves and others, is normal. That’s a world where selfishness does not exist, love and giving take priority, no one is left out, everyone does their part, respect prevails, and peace and harmony always permeate the atmosphere.

Philippians 2:5-7 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, ⁶ who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, ⁷ but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.

The joy of giving of ourselves in servitude to God and others brings heaven to the natural world. God is not surprised by our actions whether in giving, loving, sharing, and helping or in taking, hoarding, hating, or walking away from the needs of others. When we reach out in love we fulfill the command of Christ to love, our lives take on new meaning, and we walk joyfully.

Dorfkrippe von Baumkirchen Nativity

The only problems we might encounter in a world where servitude is a priority in life would come if God were not considered. In that case, our servitude would be distorted at best and subject to our control according to our own thinking, desires, needs, and opinions. Servitude without God is manipulative at best.

The unfolding sky (Photo credit: badjonni)

Isaiah 64:6 For we are all become as one that is unclean, and all our righteousness is as a polluted garment: and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.

5 Biblical tips to the joy of serving:
1. Pray. Prayer is the most important service we can give our fellow man. If we pray for the needs of others and pray for God to open our hearts to know and give what is truly needed, the Holy Spirit will guide us.

1 Samuel 12:23 Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 pray without ceasing,

2. Ask. Reach out to your neighbor and ask if there’s anything you can do to help them.

1 Corinthians 10:24 Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.

Romans 13:10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

3. Be receptive and grateful. When others serve us they receive a blessing from God in return.

Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

4. Love your family. God has given us a family for a good reason and a service of love toward your family, whether wife, husband, brother, sister, mother, father or family in Christ is expected and desirable.

1 Timothy 5:8 But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Proverbs 11:29 Whoever troubles his own household will inherit the wind, and the fool will be a servant to the wise of heart.

1 Peter 2:17 Honor everyone. Love the family of believers. Have a respectful fear of God. Honor the emperor.

Romans 12:10 Love each other like the members of your family. Be the best at showing honor to each other.

5. Bless your enemies. As difficult as it may seem, another way of serving God is to forgive and love even our enemies.

Luke 6:27 “But I tell everyone who is listening: Love your enemies. Be kind to those who hate you.
Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka.

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Conquering a Double-Minded Stronghold

Like a somersault, a flip-flopper turns direction and tumbles over in beliefs, and actions. This double-mindedness can shock and surprise others and as a result, a person who changes directives is hard to believe or trust. The dictionary describes flip-flopping or double-mindedness as a sudden or unexpected reversal, as of direction, belief, attitude, or policy. It comes from the Greek word, dipsuchos, meaning “a person with two minds or souls.” But what does the Bible say?

Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka.

Changing direction

What’s wrong with changing direction? How can that become a stronghold? We’re all subject to changing our opinions or attitudes when we become more informed or mature in any area, right?

There are a lot of decisions to make and paths to take. However, there are some things that cannot be changed in order to be credible. That’s where a double-minded person fails.

If a stronghold sets in, other strongholds may be attached such as indecision, insecurity, gullibility, low self-esteem, intimidation or any number of other strongholds depending on the original cause of the flip-flopping. They say, "A person who doesn't stand for something, falls for anything."

So, what does the word of God say about flip-flopping and how can we avoid this stronghold in our own lives? Are we doomed to leave an opening for indecision and be on the defensive throughout all our years?

Confused ???

5 Biblical tips to overcoming flip-flopping:

1. Exercise foresight. Once you make a decision after careful consideration, don’t be tempted to change and turn back too quickly.

Hebrews 12:15 Exercise foresight and be on the watch to look [after one another], to see that no one falls back from and fails to secure God’s grace (His unmerited favor and spiritual blessing), in order that no root of resentment (rancor, bitterness, or hatred) shoots forth and causes trouble and bitter torment, and the many become contaminated and defiled by it—

2. Before making a decision on anything, consult with God’s word and his will. Keeping focused on the word of God will guide us throughout our life and since God never changes, if we follow His Word we will be able to make the right decisions in any type of situation.

Psalm 119:113 I hate the double-minded, but I love your law.

Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

3. Add wisdom to any change you make without changing your path once you have received Christ and know that you have the right direction.

Ecclesiastes 8:1 Who is like the wise? Who knows the explanation of things? A person’s wisdom brightens their face and changes its hard appearance.

Psalm 17:5 My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not stumbled.

4. Always stay close to the vine (God and His Word–Jesus Christ). You’re in the right place at the right time with the right decision if what you’re doing or planning to do, lines up with the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.

1 John 4:1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Proverbs 4:20-22 My son, pay attention to my words. Open your ears to what I say.²¹ Do not lose sight of these things. Keep them deep within your heart²² because they are life to those who find them and they heal the whole body.

5. Before you choose anything more, choose to believe in Christ. There is no room for turning back or changing our decisions once we make that vital decision.

Revelation 2:5 Remember how far you have fallen. Return to me and change the way you think and act, and do what you did at first. I will come to you and take your lamp stand from its place if you don’t change.

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me.

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Conquering the Stronghold of Backsliding

The greatest enemy of our faith is the enemy that draws us back into sin. Listening to or participating in, anything that sets itself up against the word of God invites this enemy into our lives. The enemy is backsliding. --Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka.

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Temptation to Sin

This editorial is meant to be a stepping stone to uncovering the demonic strongholds that may keep us captive and prevent us from receiving God’s best. Explore the website to see how strongholds may be trying to surround you and strip your life of God’s blessings.

Backsliding invites us to relapse into bad habits, sinful behavior, or undesirable activities. Like every other demonic stronghold it can separate us from God.

It is a thief with the power to kill, steal, and destroy and when it comes back, it brings many other demonic strongholds along with it. Some of these strongholds are familiar from our past, but some of them are new and alluring.

The only way to avoid this stronghold is to avoid the near occasion of sin. That is, when the danger is certain and probable because of what we know from our past, we must resist it at all costs. Why?

Hebrews 10:26-29 For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, MORE

What can we do to avoid this stronghold?

 5 Biblical tips on overcoming backsliding.

1. The first and most important step to take is to stop turning back and turn again permanently to the one who first loved you.

1 John 4:19 We love Him, because He first loved us.

2. Do not allow freedom of choice to blind you. The choice is between life and death.

1 Corinthians 8:9 Only be careful that this power of choice (this permission and liberty to do as you please) which is yours, does not [somehow] become a hindrance (cause of stumbling) to the weak or overscrupulous [giving them an impulse to sin].

3. Don’t allow anyone or anything [temptation] to steal [your light] from you. Resist the temptation to give it over. Darkness can be a lonely, miserable place.

Revelation 2:5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.

4. Remember that living a sinful life is much more painful the second time around and can lead to permanent death.

2 Peter 2:21 For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them.

5. Shake off the temptation quickly and decisively. You have control over sin, don’t allow sin to master you any longer.

Romans 6:16 Don’t you know that if you offer to be someone’s slave, you must obey that master? Either your master is sin, or your master is obedience. Letting sin be your master leads to death. Letting obedience be your master leads to God’s approval.

Revelation 3:2 Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God.

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