“But I say to you, that every idle word, whatever men may speak, they shall give an account of it in Judgment Day. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:36-7
Societies, sororities, fraternities, fraternal orders, Masons, and some religious orders have one thing in common…oaths. This makes me nervous – especially if the oath taker declares to be a Christian.
In the US, fall is typically the time of initiation - start of a new school year and joining of various societies and orders. Commitments are made and oaths of “I shall…/ I shall not…” are uttered; songs of allegiances are learned and secret password, handshakes and rituals are passed on.
What does God say about this…these oaths, songs of allegiance and signs of secret society? Basically, He doesn’t like it.
Societies, sororities, fraternities, fraternal orders, Masons, and some religious orders have one thing in common…oaths. This makes me nervous – especially if the oath taker declares to be a Christian.
In the US, fall is typically the time of initiation - start of a new school year and joining of various societies and orders. Commitments are made and oaths of “I shall…/ I shall not…” are uttered; songs of allegiances are learned and secret password, handshakes and rituals are passed on.
What does God say about this…these oaths, songs of allegiance and signs of secret society? Basically, He doesn’t like it.
> God says not to take oaths – Matthew 5:34-37
> God says not to hide things but to conduct yourself in the light or He will expose it – Matthew 10:27, Mark 4:22, Luke 8:17, Luke 12:2-3, John 7:4
I have friends who have been sorority/fraternity members that tell me “Oh, it was just symbolic – it doesn’t really mean anything” – um, yes it does. See the verse above, it says “WHATEVER men may speak”…the words you stated, the songs you sang, stand for something – it isn’t just symbolic. Words have weight, they have meaning, and they have significance.
Words are everywhere – the ones that count are the ones we communicate. According to Matthew 12 we will be judged by them - all of them. What have you uttered in secret, in public, absentmindedly, conscious or unconsciously? God says that we are accountable for what we say.
As we come toward the end of the autumn season, the season of initiation, if you have joined, committed to, sworn to uphold a new position – review the words. You will be held to them. They aren’t symbolic, they aren’t “just words,” and they were taken note of by someone who has a longer memory than you do.
Updates:
Living – at my relative’s house until God puts me in different accommodation.
Car – I have a great mechanic…if anyone (in Bay Area, California) wants one they can trust give Lad Fowler a call – 650.969.5559
Samson – my aunt remarks that he is the ‘loudest’ cat she has ever met…he, um, ‘talks’ rather loudly trying to convince her, and everyone else, to let him outside
Work – The first two ventures of the season are finished and the consultants are on their way home. Rebs leaves Thursday for Indonesia; Kim, and the Johnsons, are off to India shortly after that.
Relationships – making new friends. I went to a birthday party over the weekend and met a girl who loves to swing dance – we are going on Saturday. I haven’t been since I moved down here! I am praying my ankle holds up!
Computer – better – thanks for praying - it hasn’t ‘sung’ or ‘chirped’ all week (the mouse was a bit zany, but hey, that is ‘normal’ now)!
Requests:
Housing – I am with my Aunt, Uncle, and cousin for the time being but, when the new rēp headquarters are determined, I need to a cat friendly space close to the office.
Holidays - I am staying in California for Thanksgiving and heading to Washington for Christmas – please pray for safe travel and good time with family and friends
Work – For LEMON Leadership bookings, safe travel for the teams going out and that I will be divinely inspired how to improve remote training next time around.
Relationships - deepening of present ones, start of new ones and that God will be present
Financing - Eventually my position will be salaried but at first I need to raise ~$3000 a month cover expenses. If you are interested in contributing, please see ‘Contribute’ at http://www.repurposing.biz/ on the left of the page, or visit http://www.denaandrews.blogspot.com/ and read the footer for additional info.
Blessings to you,
Dena
P.S. Beware you Northern California peoples – my ankle barometer says it is going to rain – so get out your umbrella!
> God says not to hide things but to conduct yourself in the light or He will expose it – Matthew 10:27, Mark 4:22, Luke 8:17, Luke 12:2-3, John 7:4
I have friends who have been sorority/fraternity members that tell me “Oh, it was just symbolic – it doesn’t really mean anything” – um, yes it does. See the verse above, it says “WHATEVER men may speak”…the words you stated, the songs you sang, stand for something – it isn’t just symbolic. Words have weight, they have meaning, and they have significance.
Words are everywhere – the ones that count are the ones we communicate. According to Matthew 12 we will be judged by them - all of them. What have you uttered in secret, in public, absentmindedly, conscious or unconsciously? God says that we are accountable for what we say.
As we come toward the end of the autumn season, the season of initiation, if you have joined, committed to, sworn to uphold a new position – review the words. You will be held to them. They aren’t symbolic, they aren’t “just words,” and they were taken note of by someone who has a longer memory than you do.
Updates:
Living – at my relative’s house until God puts me in different accommodation.
Car – I have a great mechanic…if anyone (in Bay Area, California) wants one they can trust give Lad Fowler a call – 650.969.5559
Samson – my aunt remarks that he is the ‘loudest’ cat she has ever met…he, um, ‘talks’ rather loudly trying to convince her, and everyone else, to let him outside
Work – The first two ventures of the season are finished and the consultants are on their way home. Rebs leaves Thursday for Indonesia; Kim, and the Johnsons, are off to India shortly after that.
Relationships – making new friends. I went to a birthday party over the weekend and met a girl who loves to swing dance – we are going on Saturday. I haven’t been since I moved down here! I am praying my ankle holds up!
Computer – better – thanks for praying - it hasn’t ‘sung’ or ‘chirped’ all week (the mouse was a bit zany, but hey, that is ‘normal’ now)!
Requests:
Housing – I am with my Aunt, Uncle, and cousin for the time being but, when the new rēp headquarters are determined, I need to a cat friendly space close to the office.
Holidays - I am staying in California for Thanksgiving and heading to Washington for Christmas – please pray for safe travel and good time with family and friends
Work – For LEMON Leadership bookings, safe travel for the teams going out and that I will be divinely inspired how to improve remote training next time around.
Relationships - deepening of present ones, start of new ones and that God will be present
Financing - Eventually my position will be salaried but at first I need to raise ~$3000 a month cover expenses. If you are interested in contributing, please see ‘Contribute’ at http://www.repurposing.biz/ on the left of the page, or visit http://www.denaandrews.blogspot.com/ and read the footer for additional info.
Blessings to you,
Dena
P.S. Beware you Northern California peoples – my ankle barometer says it is going to rain – so get out your umbrella!
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