What is Truth

Truth, you may have read the dictionary definition just like everyone else but have you really thought about what is true. If you ask someone to define truth you will get words like...something that is a fact, accepted to be right or correct, etc. While the answers you get mirror the dictionary definition most people do not use it when they receive information. What most tend to do is accept something as truth if it is close to what they already think or does not conflict with how they want to conduct their life. So when for instances subject of global warming is discussed as a fact most accept it as such even though it is just a theory(and not a very good one at that). If you think about it you could come up with many other examples. You see one of the problems with the definition is the "accepted to be right or correct" which would indicate that something is true just because the majority of people believe it to be so. Another problem is that today many theories are being passed off as facts which if you base your knowledge on, you will end up with wrong decisions. The issue comes down too is that truth will not change and it does not matter if it is accepted as right or correct. That which is true remains true whether or not it is accepted as such. In other words whether or not we believe or want something to be true does not change whether it is true or not.
So if something can be changed or is not right in all cases it is not true. Truth is unchanging and eternal or it is not truth. Again what is believed to be true or not does not affect whether it is true or not. The interesting thing is that just over two thousand years ago the Bible tells us that Jesus stated that he was truth and the only way to God. Now whether we choose to believe that he is truth does not change whether it is true or not. So the issue becomes what is the ramification for accepting what he said as truth and allowing that to control our lives compared to rejecting him as a liar and therefore he could not be the way to God. Or you could just reject that there is a God and and conduct your life based on what you believe to be true. The question remains that truth will remain true no matter what we accept as correct therefore the bottom line remains, what is the ramification for being wrong regarding truth. If it is true that you will live for eternity can you really afford to be wrong on whether Jesus is the truth. Better to think about it now rather than regret making a wrong choice for all eternity. The choice is yours and not making a decision is making a choice by default.

Unrest

If you are not keeping up with the news you should start doing so. The problems in Egypt, Jordon, added to Ireland, Greece, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Iran, Mexico, Columbia, Venezuela, France and Lebanon just to name a few will affect most of the world with oil prices leading the way before the more problematic issues hit. The unrest can not just be blamed on Islam, since some of the countries named have very minor Islamic presence in the nation. The problems run deep but the root cause is common to all including nations who currently are not exhibiting many symptoms. The unrest currently around the word is fast approaching a tipping point similar to the 1930s. Check your history for those who fail to learn from it are doomed to repeat it. Also suggest you read the Bible for a better understanding of what is occurring and direction needed to change the course. While there is still time Prepare!

Working too much?

How do you know that you are working too much. Do you spend 55+ hours per week, week after week after week at your job? When you finally get to be home are you doing office work? When you take time off are you checking in on your work, even on vacation? Do you stop by your job on Holidays? Does your work have your home phone number and personal cell number to call when you are off? Do you think about your job when you are not mentally engaged in something else? Do you find yourself tired when you get to be home even before you start any home chores? Are you too tired to make time to exercise? If you sit to watch TV do you find your eyes trying to close?
Do you have trouble finding time to post on your blog or read other blogs?
If your answers to the prior questions are yes, you are working too much. Will confess to having to answer yes also.
Therefore new goal needs to be how can some of the issues be addressed so the answers will be no. All need to remember that unless our job is full time ministry, we nee to free up some time that can be used to serve others and please God through that service. May you develop time not just for family but also for service.

Absence of Light

Ever think about what is darkness anyway. The Simple answer is that it is just an absence of light. Could you imagine a world with no sun to provide light. 24/7 any light would have to be carried with you so you could find your way. Lots of people do not mind dark places but few can take extended periods of total darkness without going somewhat crazy unless they are sleeping. Even night vision goggles require some light to magnify or they are useless. When there is little or no light for sustained periods it can be depressing and hard to function. Very few indeed would choose to live in such a world if they have a choice. Even one who is totally blind enjoys the sunshine though they can not see it. The blind learn to adapt and function well but if given the choice to see again, who would refuse the chance to see and remain blind. Darkness limits mobility and the ability to function. What would be thought of a person who would choose to remain blind rather than have sight. If a person was born without any sight having always been totally blind and lived with others who were also born blind how could you convince any of them that they should undergo surgery on their eyes so they could see. They would think you were a crazy one since you were one of the few odd ones who claimed to be able to see things that they thought did not exist. They would most likely laugh and ridicule you for such a strange concept as having sight.
Now you might say that this is just a crazy thought as people who were blind in a world of darkness would be quick to want change. Why you think they would jump at any chance to see what could not be seen while being blind. Now let us consider such a thought.
The Bible tells us that Jesus is the Light of the world and that those who do not believe in him live and walk in darkness. The Bible teaches us that without faith in Jesus we can not understand spiritual things and can not enter Heaven. Jesus said that people love darkness more than light because their deeds are evil. In other words people choose not to believe because they do not want to repent and be changed by God so they can see and understand spiritual things. Just like the person born blind living with others born blind has a problem believing they need eye surgery so all born in spiritual darkness have problem believing they need God to perform heart surgery so they can understand spiritual things.
Will you choose to remain in spiritual darkness or will you allow God to change you from the inside out so you will have spiritual light.
The choice is yours to choose light or to remain in darkness. May you choose well for an eternal life of light.

One week down

A week into 2011 already, time for self assessment as to what changes have been made to get a better outcome then what was experienced in 2010. If last year you tried to do things your way, how did that work out for you. If last year you tried to do things partially your way and partially with God, how did that work out. After considering these things what needs to be done different if you want different results. Think about the third option for 2011 of changing to seeking to do all things under the direction of God. There will first be the matter of repentance of sin and open acceptance of the son of God, Jesus the Christ as Lord of your life. But developing this personal relationship with God through Jesus will change not only your 2011 but your eternity.
Do you really want real change, if so the choice is yours as the price has been paid by Jesus but you must accept the payment as offered. At least read the book of John in the Bible before rejecting the payment. May you choose well.

2011 is here and 2010 has past

2011 begins a new year, 2010 is now history. A time for new resolutions for many. But for most it will be just another year with 2011 added to the date to replace 2010. Many will continue to just past time without a plan, direction, goal or purpose and come 12-31-11 will wonder how the year went by so fast. For many who made their 2010 new years resolution it is now a faded memory. So today while there is time let me suggest several things that can make a real difference in your life and impact those around you.
Commit to getting up earlier and reading at least 2 chapters a day in the Bible starting in Matthew. Spend time in prayer each day asking God for wisdom to understand and apply the truth from His word throughout the day, ask God to work in your life so that He will bless others through you. Make it your goal each day to be used by God to impact at least one person for His glory. Each day let your purpose be to please God and bring honor to Him through Christ Jesus.
Compare everything to the Word of God and remember that if it is what popular culture rather than what God says it is but darkness. Avoid taking personal offense when scripture is the bases for a position that is contrary to what you have been taught in the government run schools. Any thought or position we have that is not based on the Bible is about as useful as glass walls and roof on a house.
Remember it is not about you or me but about God who loved us so much He sent His son to die for our sins. His purpose for our life is for us to obey Him and be a channel of True Blessing to those we come into contact. Few will accept you or your biblical positions but you are not called to be popular but to be salt & light to those who walk in darkness. Remember darkness is an absence of Light and salt when applied is not always welcome. Don't look for an easy path but the straight one luminated by God Himself and 2011 will be your most Blessed year yet.
May God grant you wisdom and boldness as you seek His purpose for your life in 2011.

The First Christmas

1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

And so it was the first Christmas, let us never forget the reason for the season.
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL.

Gays in Military

The president of USA with great fanfare signed the repeal of "don't ask don't tell" military policy in effect for about 17 years. Our president(with the help of political progressives in the congress) has made it his mission to reduce the USA from being a super power in world affairs to just a regular class nation. History has shown that every national power that has allowed itself to fall into moral decay has collapsed into 2nd class status or worse. The USA has been on path of steady decline for almost 2 decades. Our military had been hanging on by a thread due to the social experimentation it has had to endure. That thread has now been openly cut and it will be interesting to see not only how long it takes to fall but how far.(We have a good example in looking at the military of Israel who went down this same path.) The legacy of this president will surpass all who have come before and all who follow. He has ruined our economy, destroyed the health care system, bankrupted the nation, destroyed the equal protection provisions of our laws, enslaved our people to a dependency on government programs and for good measure insured the demise of our military. The amazing thing is that he was able to accomplish all this in just 2 years. Now the real problem is that the majority of our elected officials were happy to assist in the national suicide and our people have become so self centered that all they really care about is doing their own thing and did not care until it affected their money. The day grows short and darkness has just about engulfed our land attacking any sources of real light left. If one listens close with discernment they can hear the currently faint sound of taps rolling across our land.
The only hope left is that something will occur to cause our nations people to repent and turn to God before there is no light to show the way. May those who have been changed from the inside out pray that our nation be given a 2nd chance if our people do repent and seek the face of God. Pray!

Only in the good old USA?

Over the past weeks I found it very interesting to hear the politicians and news media along with many average people talking about the extension of the "Bush" tax cuts. The primary focus was that the "rich people" should not be given money that the government needed to spend on it's budget items. Now needless to say the government has no money other than what it takes from the people and there is no giving "rich people" money it is simply not taking as much as they used to take before the cut in tax rates. The cut in income tax rates spurs economic growth since it encourages more people to risk their funds in starting new businesses or investing in established ones which allows businesses to expand and/or modernize so they can continue to operate thereby providing jobs. The other big item was the death tax, whereby the government gets to legally steal most of the inheritance of the deceased persons already taxed assets leaving a few crumbs for the family members. It was not the intent of the deceased to have the government steal and waste the inheritance but for their family to enjoy the benefit of the efforts made to be able to have assets to make life a little better for their loved ones.
It truly does look like commonsense and reason are in short supply in our nation but than again what should we expect when most of our people have been "educated" in government run school systems. The tax cuts were extended but for only two years so the politicians will try again to raise taxes and legally steal not only more of our peoples money but also their self respect. For you see how can anyone have true self respect when they have been made dependent on government programs for every aspect of their life. Well maybe not only in the USA, how does your country stack up?

Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow

Our today for a large part is a result of the decisions that were made yesterday. Just like the choices we make today will affect our tomorrows. If we do not like how things are going for us today then we need to learn from the decisions that have been made that have resulted in the things we do not like about today. In short if we have taken the paths of least resistance trying to get ahead without hard work and looking outside of ourselves for direction we limit what we will accomplish. If we choose to make excuses for our circumstances or blame others than we lock ourselves into tomorrows that will be no better than the today that we do not like.
To have a different tomorrow we need to change our actions today and make decisions that history has shown to work time and time again so there will be no need for excuses tomorrow. However it will take time as there are no quick fixes to overcome the bad decisions made in the past. We have to change direction while still hindered by prior poor choices. With time the ramifications of past decisions will fade. Be patient for in due time the new decisions will overcome the past and we will be on target for a changed tomorrow. A lot of good can be undone much quicker than a little slacking and poor choices.
Commit to take new direction with divine help and Godly counsel to overcome past choices in best time frame possible. Remember will not be easy and time length will be dependent on how far off the past decisions were. As long as there is breath there is hope. The start to a better tomorrow begins with a personal relationship with God through His son Jesus Christ today.