bethanyrebecca's Blog

In its many forms the world can only offer us three things. Lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, and the pride of life (1John 2:16).



Paul encourages us to be crucified to the world and the world crucified to us. The cross in the way of Christ Jesus is the only place where this can happen.(Galatians 6:14).



When we persevere in this, we are overcoming the world's influence and power in our lives. (1John 5:4-5). We will master the world in our individual lives. BUT WE WILL FAIL ALONE. Jesus shows us the way to overcome the world and reign over the world WITH HIM! Fighting alone we will only strive. "But be of good cheer! These things I have spoken to you that IN ME you may have peace!...be of good cheer, I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD!" (my paraphrase John 16:33).

Our flesh is the enemy of God (Gal 5:17) But all so often we try to live our lives as an admixture of worldly flesh and spirit.



We cannot eat from the table of the Lord and the table of demons. We cannot drink from the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. (1 Cor 10:21). We are provoking the Jealous Lover of our souls.

We worship a Crucified God.

What do you do with that? Everything meant by God. With all that crucifixion means...together.

The Crucified God is a contradiction of everything that is man. Against everything that has ever been conceived or desired. It is a contradiction of everything sought to be assured of by the term God.

For in God crucified we find every tragedy that has ever happened. We find the love and compassion of God for man. We find the only place where man can love God.

How do you respond to a Crucified God? I look at my own response and I am immediately sickened and repulsed by my humanity. I despise my Self. Jesus, take this evil thing from my heart. I am less than nothing. You Jesus, are everything.

The Word of God speaks of the discipline of God in Hebrews 12. This discipline is much bigger than God spanking us we get turned sideways. That does happen by His mercy.

But look at the lives of King David, the prophets, Paul, and Jesus Himself. REBUKES, TRIALS, TRIBULATIONS....AND INTIMATE FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD! To do life through Jesus, we must imitate and apply this pattern. Learn obedience. JUDGE YOUR FLESH AND ENTER THE DISCIPLINE OF GOD.

Intimacy and knowledge of God doesnt maintain itself. God is a God of covenants. We MUST enter this dicipline voluntarily. Pray, fast, give, fellowship, be holy, DO JESUS TO OTHERS BEFORE GOD OUR FATHER!

God has His part and we have our part. We cant do His part and He will not do our part.
GOD IS CALLING. NOW ANSWER!!!!

In Matthew 25, five virgins are wise and 5 virgins are foolish. The differentiating factor between the two is the amount of oil for their lamps. Oil is fuel for light, typically we dont see the fuel, but we see the light. Oil is symbolic of the Holy Spirit and intimacy with Jesus.

Both groups were prepared and waiting for the Bridegroom. However, the Bridegroom was delayed, it became dark, the hour was late. The tendency is to fall asleep while waiting on God. The pressure of trials may even make it seem darker. If we become distracted by the world, it will become even darker still.

Suddenly, the Bridegroom arrives. The five wise virgins are prepared and would not share their oil with the other five. Selfish?? No, because you cannot export relational intimacy. YOU CANT GET A HISTORY IN GOD OVERNIGHT. So be prepared. Love oil just for the sake of oil. Love Jesus because He is the most awesome Person in the universe and who just happens to be madly in love with you.