Tag Archives: Christian

Disciples 20190-004

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Disciples       2019-004

What is a disciple?  A follower of Jesus Christ who decides it is more important to follow Him and that takes precedence over all other things.  Sounds strict, direct, committing, or very definitive.

A disciple tries to act like and look like the one they are following, namely, Jesus Christ.  Being a disciple means submitting oneself to Jesus and becoming part of the spiritual development process in learning to live all of your life in this submission to Him.  The key here is the word “submit”. Another word could be to surrender oneself to Him.

Being a disciple of Jesus requires us to also strive to make disciples of others, teaching them to observe all that Jesus taught to His original disciples of his time. Sort of like “sharing” the news…..

I have found it is NOT easy to be a disciple, but easier to call oneself a disciple of Jesus Christ. Just like it is normal for many to call themselves a Christian, but where they do not practice at being one.  

The journey to get closer to God has many pathways with stumbling blocks in the way, at times. If I go to church, that fact does NOT make me a disciple of Jesus. If I do community service work, that fact does not make me a disciple either. 

Once more; submitting to Jesus Christ and involving oneself in the spiritual development of learning to live the life in the submission to Jesus is the path to becoming a disciple.  Just stating that I am a Christian does not make me a disciple of Jesus either.

Living the life of a disciple and teaching others what Jesus said and proclaiming the Word of God as written in the Bible are the beginning actions of being a disciple. This is NOT a part time endeavor, but a full-time life choice that again, takes precedence over all other things in life.

This commitment does NOT mean becoming a religious hermit or monk of some sorts, doing things in a monastery or other place of worship. It does require our lives to be changed to one of acting and living the life of a disciple and spreading God’s word to all. The goal is to make disciples of others that you meet or know and have them become as you are now.

It means not being afraid to announce that God’s presence is nearby, God is alive and active, and aware of all of us and more importantly, Jesus Christ is our Savior in life.  

It is NOT easy, but Jesus Christ never promised easy to His disciples that traveled with Him or to those in the future that want to make the claim of being one.   

Peace,
Den Betts

bettsden@gmail.com    Email

thebettsden.com            Blog site

What is a PC 2019-003

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What is a PC     2019-003

Well, at first thought, it is a Personal Computer. I was asked very recently if I was a PC.  It took me a second to realize I was not being asked if I had a large disc drive or a lot of RAM memory. I had no idea what she meant by this question and though I knew her, it was not very well. I looked at here dumbly and asked her what she meant.

She stood more erect and stated, “You know, a Practicing Christian.” I took a step back and looked her in the eye and retorted, “What is a practicing Christian, in your mind and why ask me this question?” I got a look like I was drunk or something.

I guess it was the word practicing that got me and why I was confused.  I consider myself a Christian, but never put the “P- word” in front of the word Christian. Many people I know are of the Christian faith and vary their involvement in worshiping at various denominational churches.  I think that was what she meant and after asking, she said “Yes” in response.

I do NOT truly care how others do or do not follow their faith or not, as it is not for me to judge them in any way.   I do not want to be judged by others either for how I pray or attend any church. The how, what, where and why we do things is up to each of us in life.

I feel that to put people in a class or on a scale of 1 – 10, for how they believe, is not good or proper, and some people do that, which I think is incorrect or wrong.

I consider myself a disciple of Jesus Christ, though not a great one and still learning the ropes of being one and feel that I am still on a journey to be closer to God, but that is MY journey and not something I expect others to do. IT is personal and mine to own and not anything I expect others to follow as such.

I do have feelings of sadness for those that do not adhere to a religion of any sorts, and even do not believe in God in any way.  They, in my mind, are missing some of the best moments they could have, by being part of a group of likeminded people with the same thoughts.  But that is me….

A couple of years ago I experienced something that changed my life forever. I found God, or maybe He found me, and since then, I have enjoyed many wonderful moments with Him.  Maybe I am a Practicing Christian, in her eyes, but going to church on a regular basis, doing community services, spreading the Word of God found in Scripture, are something I would not give up for anything. If these and other practices make me one of those people, I can say, “Yes I am; I am a PC.”

Peace,

Den Betts

bettsden@gmail.com     Email

thebettsden.com             Blog Site

What and Who is FIRST 2018-54

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What/Who is First  2018-54

We, or most of us, have what is called “living rooms” in our homes! A fact!  I would say that many of us have “dens, kitchens, basement rooms” also. Some people hold dear or reserve the living room as a special place for visitors to sit and mingle with or socialize. It could then be called a “visiting room”, instead of a living room.

Some of us, could say our Lord God is good or an excellent choice for the visiting room in our home. This is where we could invite God to visit us on our terms, perhaps.  If we are any way religious, we could then go on Sunday and visit Him at the church, or visit him during devotional times there, but we do not live with Him on a regular basis, otherwise.

We do not hold God or Jesus Christ FIRST in our lives, but instead hold God just a little close, “in the vicinity”, maybe in the visiting room, but not FIRST.

Do we feel that we do not have time for God, other than, perhaps, the 1 to 2 hours spent on Sunday at church?  And, that is, if we do give Him time then, maybe we have a soccer game that is more important that day, instead? Do we then have a lack of commitment to placing God FIRST in our lives??

Therefore, God and Jesus are not that important for us and we prioritize other things that are more important in our lives, than Them.  Not untypical, somewhat of a fact for many of us.

Being a disciple of Jesus Christ, involves putting Him and God, again, FIRST in our lives. This is NOT easy, but is important. This was asked by Jesus for us to do so, many times as written in the Scriptures.

Throughout scripture, Jesus mentions “FIRST” and nothing less than FIRST is where He belongs in our lives. NOT EASY, because we, and I too, take two steps forward and one backward in our journey of life in getting closer to Jesus or God.

It is easy to call myself a Christian, but much harder to live the life as a disciple of Jesus Christ and to also warrant the title of being a Christian. Could we start taking three steps forward, instead of just two and challenge ourselves to take more and more to become a better disciple and Christian?

I would think so, and I would also think that God would like that to happen. Too many excuses, too many outside influences and things that pull us toward them and not toward Them.  In this modern world we live in things are different than what they were before. Before what!? Before HiDef- TV’s, IPads, PC’s, X-Boxes, Smart Phones, and all the rest of the electronic and Hi-Tech items that now control us in our everyday life. Perhaps they have become our gods to replace the one God of the Universe!????????

 

Peace,
Den Betts            Email:    Bettsden@gmail.com    Blog Site:  thebettsden.com

Hypocrisy Rules at Times 2018-40

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Hypocrisy Rules at Times  2018-40

How many “religious people” have used their faith beliefs as a way to criticize the actions of others?

When you look at what is said by them and compare it with what their faith truly states as a guide, sometimes they conflict. IT comes across as a total different thing and makes that person or group sound very hypocritical.

To me, it makes me wonder if that faith or religious group, in general, is really something to follow or use as a belief system. People or groups that say or even believe one thing and do another, discredit their faith.  Or, they believe in what they say and the faith does too, which is different, but maybe just as bad.

Doing so, turns some people off from that group, rightly so.  It makes an opposite feeling of “how to win friends and influence people” and instead a negative feeling about them occurs.

Being a Centrist (or calling myself one) I try to take a middle ground on what I say at times, and even what I believe in certain subjects.  This is not a good thing to do though.

Hypocrites upset me! They make me think or rethink what I have as an opinion about them. How can a Christian, religious person be so judgmental and unloving towards their fellow man and claim to be a follower of Jesus Christ who touted love for all?

Using Scripture of the Bible and drawing certain phrases from the Bible as weapons in a discussion is an example of hypocrisy; sort of…

I look at the New Testament of the Bible as a guide to the teachings of Jesus, and the Old Testament as stories of the Hebrew people to learn from ln the process. I try not to use any one passage or story to use AGAINST people or their actions, but to use the statement of Jesus as an overall way to make a point in a discussion. I believe there is a difference.

People should NOT throw rocks who themselves live in glass houses, is a great rule to follow. Unless you are perfect in your ways (and nobody is) we should NOT try to come across as better than others and passing judgement on them.

Yet, it is TOO easy to cross the line and come across as a hypocrite.  Too Bad; SAD!!

Peace,

Den Betts                   bettsden@gmail.com    or follow at-  thebettsden.com   

Right – Wrong 2018-23

Posted in Contemplation by

So many groups that have different agendas and thinking!  We are not all right or wrong, just have different opinions of the way things should be in the world.  I think that communication with real empathy toward the other is a way of finding out our differences and, maybe with that, we can arrive at a compromise of thought………

 

Right – Wrong 2018-23

Who is wrong in this world, who is right?

Is it the Jew, the Gentile, the Black or White

Could it be the Muslim,  the Hindu or maybe Shitte,

The Redman, the Yellow or is the one with might?

We all have our differences, but do we have to fight,

With the energy spent to argue it’s all gone for spite.

Isn’t there someone, today, with wisdom like a guiding light,

To lead us to peace from the morn to the night?

So much discord, distain, and dilemma,

That takes away from the peace of the world,

Too many things that color the mind,

Casting shadows on daily mind time.

Den Betts              bettsden@gmail.com

MARTIN LUTHER Quotes 2018-16

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MARTIN LUTHER    2018-16     Posted 2-13-18

 

Martin Luther was a German monk, priest, composer, theologist, and professor of the 15th Century and was a seminal figure in the Protestant Reformation. The Lutheran religion of today is named after Martin Luther.   He made many statements and is quoted herein as just part of the thoughts that he had.

The below quotes are taken at random and are offered now:

 

To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.  
 

To gather with God’s people in united adoration of the Father is as necessary to the Christian life as prayer. 
 

Anyone who is to find Christ must first find the church. How could anyone know where Christ is and what faith is in him unless he knew where his believers are.
 

I cannot and will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand, I can do no other, so help me God. Amen. 
 

Pray, and let God worry.  

 

The fewer the words, the better the prayer. 

 

You are not only responsible for what you say, but also for what you do not say.

 

Martin Luther

God’s Gift 2018-07

Posted in Contemplation, Religious type by

How many of us get a second chance in life? How many of us, don’t realize it, when it happens? I would think many of us, but I am not going to include myself in asking this, since I did get a second chance and do appreciate what I received. I was born, I then had two experiences, one physical and the other involving my brain, and in a way, then, was born again, in my mind.

 

God’s Gift  2018-07

 

God’s gift to me was life,

The beginning followed by rebirth

The many past years of living,

Plus, a second chance on earth

From year one, till now, an experience,

Thought of, as one to succeed.

This period to reflect on past times

In ways of thought, words and deed.

For now, my life is renewed with joy

But this time with insight, from today

It’s hard to change to a new lifestyle

From the old archaic way

But with this chance He has given me

I’ll be a better me, than was

Time will tell if I succeed in this

But God’s gift to me is thus.

To start over, renew, and rejoice

To give, to share, and enjoy this life

To look at living as a thing to treasure

And live each day as one with pleasure.

 

Peace,

Den Betts                 bettsden@gmail.com

There MIGHT be a hidden message in the above. It could be about life in general or maybe, about living a Christian life, as a disciple of Jesus Christ.  I like to say, either way, but think both ways are/were great……

Complacency 2017-59

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                                                    Complacency 2017-59

The feeling of being smug or having an uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one’s achievements when accompanied by unawareness of deficiencies. There is goodness and badness in almost everything in life and being complacent is one of those. The word, complacent doesn’t tell all though.

We can be complacent in life and NOT be in a negative mode. We are so, as an example, when we feel complacent where the government does something that will affect us; or when a child accepts the parent’s decision on something that does affect them.

We as humans, become complacent by NOT doing something about an issue and just accept what is thrown our way. A moment of complacency is suddenly stopped when the cold reality of life jumps into our lives. If we are mostly successful in life, we could become complacent and then find that a failure in an action is a wakeup call.

Looking back at my life, I was becoming complacent in the subject of my belief in God. I was saying the Lord’s Prayer by rote, without thinking of the words, just mumbling them when prodded by whomever was in charge.  I would celebrate Christmas with no thought of what it really was all about for me.  I thought I was “doing good” by going to church; period. I did not realize that I was just going through the motions of being a Christian, and as they say, just talking the talk, but not walking the walk. I wonder who said that!?

I guess what I said in my blog, “Rite of Passage”, where I stated “The change from one aspect of life to another, can take a meaning in so many ways of life. For me, it is one, which I have been blessed or made more whole, but most definitely it changed me in many ways. Years now since it began, the Rite slowly evolved, adapted, tweaked, and became what it is today.  A journey of life everlasting. One that is mine to own, accept, attest to, take credit for, in its endeavors.”

We, are complacent if we allow ourselves to be. Sometimes we are so, without knowing, but most often, if we are aware of self, we can see ourselves in another light. I had someone ask me, “Why are you the way you are now?” I could have said, “Because I am no longer complacent in life”, but instead, looked him in the eye and told him, “Because God and I have found each other”, which maybe meant the first thing too.

Peace,

Den Betts                                            bettsden@gmail.com

A Challenge MOST Cannot Meet 2017-53

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A Challenge MOST cannot meet  2017-53

 

To those of us that are of the Christian faith I ask: What does God and/or Jesus Christ want or ask of us to do?

We claim to be Christians, but do we, as a whole, really follow the dictates of our faith – Christianity?

OR, do MOST of us, a large majority, just do what we feel is enough, but not the whole?

How much of us, does Jesus, Our God, want from us? If, you answer, as much as we can give, I doubt if that is the correct response!

I really believe that most of us cannot give to God what He wants. Some yes, MOST no!

What He wants is ALL that we have!  NOT a smidgen, not a little, NOT part, but ALL! I am NOT talking about just money, possessions, or the like, but instead, something that is more tangible and personal- OUR LIFE, with all of our actions, our thoughts and beliefs, our very BEING!!!

What He wants and gets are different things, but there is a plus side. He takes what He can get, meaning just as the way we are today.  Not perfect, all sinners, less than 100% in giving, complacent, waffling, mediocre, and just plain us, the way we are.

I think it would be hard to give ALL to God. Not very many of us could or can do so. BUT, I also believe, God understands this and as such, He loves us the way we are in life, even though we could do better in this respect.

God is a good God. I say He is even great, and I love God for this and always will do so.

Thanks be to God,

Peace,
Den Betts                                                            denbetts@gmail.com

Ashamed to be a Christian! 2017-32

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                                                                                          Ashamed to be a Christian? 2017-32        

WHAT!?   How can anyone be ashamed to be a Christian?

I am not talking about those that abhor the Christian faith or how some people that claim to be Christian that do things, say things, and promote things that are NOT in keeping with the teachings of Jesus Christ. 

Those that do so, as Christians, are INDIVIDUALS doing the things they feel are right in their minds, good or bad. They use the word Christian as a rallying cry to perhaps “prove” their point in some way, perhaps based on Scripture, where the Bible is then used as a weapon to make a point.

What I would like to suggest is this. Using the story of Paul as an example, I feel that Paul was an ambassador or apostle of Jesus.  He would travel and proclaim that Jesus was the Messiah and he DID travel far and wide to do so. He did it without worrying about being ashamed to spread the word.

Paul, then, was also a preacher, who was bringing the good news of a man, who was God’s Son, that promised salvation due to His dying on the cross.  Paul was not ashamed to do so, even though he spent about 25% of his ministry time in jail, due to his words about Jesus.

He was by default a teacher evangelist by bringing individuals to the point of committing themselves to Christ. It was his duty to teach them how to live a life of a Christian, to discipline them, and have them grow in their faith.  He did so without being ashamed for his actions.

I therefore make a claim that we, I, you, should NOT be ashamed to state your faith in Jesus Christ as a Christian and most importantly, LIVE a life that the teacher Jesus taught us, living the life of and how a Christian would do. And NOT BE ashamed to do so. Do NOT be ashamed to be a witness for Christ in the process. If we suffer for Him, be willing to embrace suffering with Him.

The old saying, shit or get off the pot is saying, make a decision! Stand up for what you claim to be. If you are a Christian, say you are one, show that you are not one by name, but one by the actions you do. If someone states they are doing something as a Christian, question them on their intent and remind them that Jesus taught certain things, and ask, are their actions per His teachings?

Christianity is not just about going to church. It is, again, living the word of Jesus. The one word that stands out to me is L O V E.  That word is one that Jesus taught more than anything.  We need more love in the world. Maybe WE can start loving our fellow man more, and that will make a change. 

Peace,  Den Betts