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Simplici-Tea & Crumpets Late Summer 2010 For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness. Psalm 107:9
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Wonderful recipes for this time of year: How about easy? Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Chips
(Perhaps you missed 1, or 2) Clari-Tea New! Þ
For Thought Provoking Essays ~ go to Contemplations
The Tranquil Home:
Crumpets: How are you keeping your home? Hospitali-Tea: Many new Recipes Posted!
You will find many articles on this website for women, but if you would like to receive SimpliciTea&Crumpets in your mailbox each month, please let me know. It is a complimentary newsletter being sent by subscription only. Either use they hyperlink above or write to me: Cindyann@Encouragements.us
See pictures from the winter of 2009/2010!
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Piping hot sweet corn! It is that time of year! Serve with fresh sliced tomatoes and a tall glass of iced tea!
CLARI-Tea I think you will agree with me, a tall, cold glass of iced-tea holds little appeal if it is cloudy; the same for lack of clarity with the word "legalism". Is the cry for Christian liberty valid or is just an excuse to sin?
Words have meanings and it is important to use them correctly. Sometimes misusing certain words can be very intentional and biting. Most Christians know the meaning of the word “legalism” when used in reference to Christianity, but yet continue in misusing it and I surmise that the careless use of the word “legalism” is in defense of unholy living. Simplici-tea is my passion. We make life harder than it has to be. Simply stated, legalism is making nothing of grace, believing that we must do this or avoid that in order to be saved. Instead, one who values the liberty bought by perfect grace, is so moved by this truth that they will endeavor to live a life of holiness – by that very imparted grace – only to be wrongly labeled a "legalist". Let me clarify: While I suspect at some time I have been called a legalist, I am not specifically aware of it, but I have heard this word tossed about carelessly and incorrectly as an insult to people who have endeavored to live in a way that is most pleasing to God. He did give us His best. The blood of the spotless Lamb of God paid for my sins, and yours. Selah! (Think about it!) How do we show our gratitude? Will “any old thing” do in return for Him? Passionately, I think not! In my blood-bought Christian liberty I make choices everyday, but I make them by the leading of the Holy Spirit of God. To my shame, I do not remember to consult Him each time I make a decision but this does not mean that He is not in them. Reading my Bible, meditating upon Scripture and talking things over with the LORD are woven into the fiber of my being so I possess an intimacy that allows me to choose well and with confidence. My life is not perfect, nor does it resemble shipwreck; this is grace once again. I do not deserve the good life and joy I have, yet it is mine. Grace! Every person “just knows” certain things; however what they deeply know may not be truth, in fact. Genuine truth is found when the foundation of your life is the simplicity that is in Christ, (2 Corinthians 11:3) and not in the simplicity (common sense, they call it) that is found in the world. The Apostle Paul was saved from a wretched and sinful life to liberty in Christ, but he never cheapened the liberty but viewed it as a sacred thing. Many of his writings reflect his deep understanding and appreciation for liberty. Within a span of just a few verses, let me share several of them: * Romans 3:20, 21 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; * Romans 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. * Romans 3:31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. A Christian who screams for their liberty today is rarely screaming for the freedom to love God more deeply. Sadly, many Christians embrace Christian liberty in order to live their lives as they desire, having their life mingled with the world as possible yet still desiring to be perceived as a Christian. Under the banner of Christian liberty, they dress like the lost world, they play their music created by people who deny their God; they go see the world’s movies in theatres. Yes! We have liberty! We can do this. Yes! We do! Liberty to live like the world and liberty to live a holy life. Liberty suggests choice; live like the world or live with restraint. You cannot choose both! Think of both choices as seeds; each will bring a harvest. I grew up in a home with rules and boundaries; at some point I recognized that they were a protection to me and I had to follow them whether I understood them or not. That was the law; breaking the law had consequences. At some point I became an adult. Finally, free at last. It was not long until I learned in practical ways that restraint brings great blessing. When I married and had children we set laws up in our own home. Did that make us legalists? I think it showed love and care for our daughters who are now committed with their lives to serve God. They have embraced the simplicity in which we have lived and they are cause for great rejoicing to our lives. The LORD Jesus Christ did not come to banish the law, but to fulfill it. The law is not so much to us, but it is for us. It is for our protection and while it may not be specific in what we should and should not do in the 21st century, the leading in unmistakable. We have freedom to choose, but we should desire to choose what is best. A quiet and peaceable life is the fruit and allows great liberty to love the LORD who gave us His Word for a good life, not so that He could ruin it. That is sweet fruit! This is Christianity. In closing, let me clarify once again. The choices people make are just that – their choices and not my business. I rarely take note because I am so busy keeping myself in line; what I have not missed are the vocals calling for liberty from legalism. Nearly an oxy-moron, as is Christian Rock. In an upcoming article I will address a seemingly contrary view. Those folks were rebuked often too, but my favorite verse pictures a cup, perhaps a tea cup.
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