CLEAN RAG

Rag is filth. Rag is dirt. Wheather washed or left in its state, the nature of a rag is never pure, never clean. Yet when a rag being used to clean dirt looks inappropriately filthy, we tend to wash it. We wash it clean yet call it a rag and use it as such.
The Bible states an interesting description of rag as compared to our righteous acts. “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags…” (Isaiah 64:6) I never understood this scripture till now. Let’s just say, I thought I did. Understanding is such a relief.

In growing up, circumstances and opinions around me pointed out to the thought that, the dominant and only absence of righteousness is sexual immorality, and the moment you find yourself a victim, you’re undeserving of even being righteous which is, as filthy rag… So what then are you if worse than the filthy rag? The filth itself??

Many as often, we tend to inteprete God’s Word by our thoughts and intellect. Interpretation of the Word of God is of the spirit and not of the intellect/mind (soul). It takes more than just the first thought or impression of what is read or heard. It takes an external force (ie. The Holy Spirit) who dwells in your spirit and works through your spirit. It’s utterly and completely SPIRITUAL. That is why the the older generation would tell us that, Bible isn’t a story book but we HAVE TO meditate on it ALWAYS in order to prosper… including gaining insight to the Word of God (Psalm 1).

So question here is, who qualifies to be righteous?

“Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin. But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus”, Romans 3:20-24

“I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”, Galatians 2:21

“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace…”, Ephesians 6:14-15

We are acknowledged to put on the whole armour of God, and not only to focus on one part. What if you’re attacked where we’re left loose? Undeniably the breastplate protects the chest area… The heart, where the seat of emotions, self worth n esteem, and trust is. God’s righteousness is the breastplate that protects our hearts and when the heart fails…

Note this: “for we wrestle not against flesh and blood…” (Ephesians 6:12). Wrestling isn’t boxing. There’s a limitation to boxing unlike wrestling. In boxing, the judges determine who won as in the best fighter, but in wrestling, the last man standing is the winner and it doesn’t need a panel of judges to determine that. Everyone sees it. Everyone knows it. And yes, God desires and designed us as winners and we need to stand firm by putting on the whole armour.

Sexual immorality is not the only sin. There’s murder, coverteousness, idolatry, disobedience, lies… Oh yes! LIES. If I be juge of the greatest sin, it be lies. Tell me, who is the father of all lies? And tell me again, doesn’t all these other sins start with little lies or accompanied with them?

Who are you to judge if I’m righteous or not? I agree, my righteousness is unpleasing in the sight of God. But I admit and believe that when I got born again, he gave me His righteousness. So it’s no more MY righteousness but HIS righteousness revealed in me through Jesus Christ.

It’s hard time you see this from a brighter perspective. Your righteousness will always be as filthy rag before God. Choose this day, YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS as judged with man’s standards or GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS?

Rag is filth. Rag is dirt. If washed clean, it would be used as rag again and the process will repeat itself… Still it would be called RAG.

MY 1ST COMMAND… …NO OTHER GODS!!

“I am the Lord your God… You shall have no other gods before or besides me”, Exodus 20:3 Amp

It’s easier said practicing what you preach than practicing what you preach. This confirms our human make up; imperfection.
Unlike suggestions, commandments are strict with no ‘but’ or consideration of any sort. When a mother commands her little  child to come, he doesn’t ask why. Commandments attract Obedience; commandments precede obedience. Commandments are not made to be considered; commandments demand actions. It’s either you obey or disobey. And be warned: disobedience to God’s law leads to witchcraft and is evil in itself (you don’t need to fly to qualify to be a witch) thus whatever is evil is that which is against the Word of God and his laws.

Why is this the first commandment? Often what we put first is what’s foremost and most important. Gods are not only idols. Anything you give reverence, importance and priority to is a god. Your job, school, family, friends, money, social network, games etc. The gods do exist, acknowledge them. It’s the first step to obeying God’s Laws. But as to if they are put before or besides God is where the conflict is.

“you shall have no other gods before or besides me”…
You shall not wake up and read text messages and check notifications before your normal routine of morning devotion… (“other gods before me”)
You shall not discuss and write each other notes whiles the preacher is delivering a sermon… (“other gods besides me”)
You shall not spend some of your earnings before giving me MY share on Sunday… (“other gods before me”)
You shall not worry about your present state whiles waiting on me…(“other gods besides me”)

Listen, God isn’t the son of man that he should change his mind, neither a man that he should lie. He has lifted His Word above his name. If his Word says YOU SHALL NOT yet his name is Lord and Father who is forgiving and loving, know that he truly has lifted his word above his name. You don’t need to understand God. Why would you want to understand an infinite being? He gives you breath and takes care of you so do what you have to to get that cycle running. Just obey his word. His Word is what you live for. It’s what you believe. It’s the path you chose to walk on, so just do it.

Just like the Olympics, there are rules to every game. Whoever ever wins is acknowledged the winner. But he who gets the medal did not flaut any rule. I believe for the Christian, the only medal is that of Gold… It’s either that or you joined the game, trained all those years for nothing. Win or lose? Someone has to win for another to lose. Choose your path and obey the rules.

Did you ever see for yourself those miracles Jesus performed and the marvelous things his disciples did? What if they were not all that true? What if our forefathers just wanted to give us something to believe in and to live for? Yet you chose to believe it. You chose to believe in the works that seem foolish to all men and breaks all natural laws.

You chose Jesus. You chose God. Now, here’s his command, it came with the package of salvation. Take it, and work out your OWN salvation. On that day, you will account for yourself; not with your friend, nor your brother, nor your wife or husband. Yourself!

MY PRETENCE

I’m sorry
If you thought I was happy
I’m sorry
I thought that could make you happy

You didn’t make me unhappy
No
You only gave me a cause to be unhappy
Yes
I trusted myself to tell you I was weak
Then
You call me filth

If that qualifies my filth
What then qualifies my stain

I’m not blind
My filth is mine
I don’t need a reminder
I need a cleanser

You think I feel good in dirt
Pigs don’t write these

So I hide myself in the dark
Knowing you’ll notice when I’m out
Reminding me of how filthy I am
But no
Not anymore

I don’t care what you say anymore
I don’t care how you see me and more
You’re just that mirror
So go ahead
Tell me what I already know

I cannot be bothered anymore
For mercy and grace is for all
Maybe you’re that pure
Well, I’m not
I admit I’m not

Grace found me in the dark
Mercy cleansed me and there’s still enough
No more pretence
Now a cause to be happy
He gives me a cause to be happy