Knowing v.s. Understanding

Knowing versus understanding is a constant battle that many people in general deal with.

For example, it’s easy to say that you know the commandments in the bible, but it’s another to say that you understand the commandments. Understanding denotes that you recognize it, solve it (if necessary), recreate it and recognize why it’s necessary.

It sounds more complicated than it is, however it’s a process that we go through everyday; it’s how we function in the world. How did you learn what 2 + 2 equals if you weren’t capable of this process? Some may argue and say “What about those who are dyslexic?”, that’s a spirit that is preventing the person from understanding and retaining…but I digress…

There are many things that occur in this world that we can’t understand right now, but it doesn’t mean that there is anything wrong with you it just means you need to pray about it and ask for the wisdom to understand a situation or topic.

Everyone wants to know the meaning of life not realizing that we have to understand how to live their lives and what are the results, and what relationship you have if any with the Lord.

In short “knowing” comes before the wisdom that leads to understanding. When you understand a scripture you can apply it to your life and believe it.

Smart Fasting

Matthew 6:16-18  "Moreover when ye fast, be not as the hypocrites, 
                     of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear 
                     unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, 
                     when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; that thou appear 
                     not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret ..."

Many Christians don’t fast or have ever experienced fasting. Fasting is a powerful tool; however some people take it to extremes. If you haven’t fasted before or haven’t fasted in a while, don’t think you can do a 7-day fast-I say this to those who haven’t been told by the Holy Spirit to do so.

Another point is that everyone has their own idea of what fasting entails: some say fasting means to give up something that they like to do or eat, some say to give up eating a meal or two, others say it means not eating anything all day or the more extreme which is not to eat anything, drink only water, no television, computer and phones. Everyone is different, not everyone has to shut themselves away from everything in order to have breakthrough, but something still has to give.

You have to give up something in order for it to be considered a fast. Fasting is something that takes practice, you can’t do the fast that everyone else in the congregation does, especially if you have any illness, such as diabetes or something temporary like the flu. You still have to be smart and listen to your body if you are feeling ill, you will feel hungry, but drinking juice helps fill that immediate void of substance.

Pray about it before you enter a fast and if you are doing a corporate fast make sure you are all on the same page as far as the type of fast and the purpose.

                                                                                                                                            

Say What?!

Eves dropping is a natural habit as humans, of course we listen in on people’s gossip about infidelity and special occasions, however that has seemed to have shifted.

Today while waiting for my mother at the hair salon I overheard a stylist talking to her client about private schools for their children. They had brought up the concern that they didn’t want to place their children in private school because they weren’t Christian and they didn’t want their children to learn about Christianity-this wasn’t because they were Muslim or Buddhist, these were “All American” Caucasian females.

It’s amazing how the concern of these young moms were the fact that they didn’t want their children to learn about God and Jesus, rather than the concern of the quality of education, safety and if the children wanted to go.

What does this say about the people of the world? This isn’t the only time I’ve heard about those who have gone to Catholic school, private school, and have said that they couldn’t wait to go the opposite way.

Understandably, Catholicism, although a part of Christianity, has many regimens and manmade facets that are not biblical which thus leads people to rebel and never get the chance to know the love and mercy of God, only the laws and routine. Because of this Christian schools and teachings don’t get embraced by those in the world.